Your ultimate scuba diving tips


5 scuba diving destinations

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



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