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Article #3: 5 scuba diving destinations

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You've thought about taking a dive scuba packages, instruction, and rentals.
vacation, but you're having a hard time
picking a destination. It isn't easy, Visit Cozumel
with all the wonderful scuba spots in the Cozumel is in Mexico so be sure to bring
world. To make your decision a little proof of citizenship, such as a birth
easier, consider one of these five prime certificate or passport. You will also
locations. need a valid photo ID and A Temporary
Cozumel Tourist Card.
In many circles, Cozumel is considered Fiji
the best place to dive in the Caribbean. Taveuni is probably the most preferred
A claim that's hard to dispute. Nearly island for diving in Fiji, but there is
all the diving is drift diving because no shortage of dive spots.
the Gulf Stream sweeps around the island Fiji is nicknamed "Soft Coral Capital of
from south to north. The best spot is on the World" because of the famous soft
the outer reef off the southwest tip of coral that thrives in the region.
the island, known as Palancar Reef. Naturally, the coral grows in strong
You'll discover all kinds of stuff here: current areas, so you should be
arches, tunnels, sea fans, corals, thoroughly comfortable diving in those
lobsters, parrot fish, and much more. conditions. The Great White Wall is a
Since Cozumel is such a popular dive thrilling attraction. Not only will you
destination, it isn't difficult to find discover soft corals here; you'll also
travel package deals. see tropical fish such as butterfly fish,
Cozumel is Mexico's largest Caribbean parrot fish, and unicorn fish.
island, located off the northeast tip of Great Barrier Reef
the Yucatan Peninsula. Its culture is the The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the
legacy of the Mayan Indians. Legend says greatest living thing in the world. All
the island was the home of Ixchel, Maya together, it is about the same length as
moon goddess and deity of childbirth and the West Coast of the U.S. It is so big
fertility. You can visit Mayan ruins on that it can be seen from space. The reef
the island. is most accessible from northern
Cozumel's rich history doesn't end there. Australia, where the GBR is closer to the
In 1518, Juan de Grijalv discovered the shore. Many of the towns thrive on the
island en route to Cuba and it became a tourist industry that the reef brings, so
sanctuary for pirates. In the mid 1800s, all your diving needs won't suffer. You
mainlanders began to resettle the island, can either book a live aboard or take a
which became popular for its supply of day boat out from your hotel. The GBR is
zagote tree. The tree provided chicle for ideal for all divers, from novice to
the American chewing gum industry. In advance.
1961, Jacques Cousteau introduced the Galapagos Islands
island to the world. These islands are located 600 miles west
Diving Cozumel of Ecuador right on the equator. Ninety
Cozumel is famous for its reef diving, seven percent of the islands are national
which makes up the second largest barrier park areas. In the midst of three ocean
reef in the world, the Belizean Reef. currents, the waters are unpredictable,
In 1996, the Mexican government but support plenty of action. Thousands
designated a 25-mile tract of reef as a of species thrive under water, including
national marine park. Rules and hammerhead sharks, rays, angelfish, bat
regulations were established to protect fish, crabs, etc. The Galapagos are
the abundance of tropical marine life and rugged islands and lack the reefs and
plants. There are also caves and a wreck lagoons of other tropical destinations.
for those who get bored with the reefs. It's not ideal for beginners.
The dive sites fall into three basic Sting Ray City
categories: shallow near shore coral Just off from Grand Cayman, Sting Ray
gardens (such as Paradise Reef South for City offers a diver to get up close and
novices), vertical walls with dramatic personal with rays. The sandy bottom and
drop-offs (such as Santa Rosa Wall for clear waters attract a large population
intermediates and Maracaibo Deep for of rays. The rays are pretty much used to
advanced), and coral pinnacles with divers hanging around, but you should
labyrinths of eaves and tunnels (such as still consider them a wild animal. They
Palancar Horseshoe for intermediates). don't like to be harassed and they have
Cozumel thrives on the tourist industry venomous barbs on their tails that they
and there are many resorts to choose won't hesitate to use to defend
from. Many of the resorts run their own themselves.
dive operations. The dive operators offer






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