Apr/110
Scuba Diving Reefs In Mexico
If you are searching for a warm, hospitable country with a bit of a difference, you could do worse that add Mexico to your short list. If you are asking yourself what there is to do in Mexico, well, there is lots of history, appetizing food, culture and beautiful, beautiful, deep-blue seas. If you are searching for a bit of adventure in your holiday, scuba diving in Mexico could be it.
If you are not already a scuba diver, that is not a difficulty, because you can learn from scratch at lots of the diving schools and diving clubs in Mexico.
However, if you want to get the most out of a diving holiday abroad, you could attempt to learn the basics before you climb on the jet.
You see, you can learn everything in Mexico, but not a lot of clubs would take you out into the sea, until it is safe for you to do go; until you were proficient. This may take longer than your two weeks holiday. So if you could get the basics out of the way before you went, you would enjoy sea diving more.
There are loads of diving features in Mexican waters that can be experienced by scuba divers, even novices, but one of the immense thrills that a great deal of novices crave is swimming with dolphins and turtles and this you can do in Mexican coastal waters.
However, besides these larger sea animals, there are thousands of varieties of fish: some small and some very large. There are also reefs, plants and wrecks.
One of the easiest methods of finding a reliable diving club, is to book the diving at the time you book your holiday or through the hotel while you get there.
You could also book via the Net before you set off and check on a club's reputation by keying into a search engine: "problems with ...." or "disputes with ...", where '...' is the name of the club.
If you are already vacationing in Mexico and you want to have a try, why not ask about a local club with a good reputation for being safe divers at the neighbourhood yacht club or marina?
People who spend a great deal of time on the water and who own boats locally are sure to know someone who will take you on. They might even take you out themselves.
No matter where you go on the shoreline in Mexico, you will find scuba diving clubs and teachers, so do not let that put you off. If you do not have your own diving gear, do not worry - very few beginners have a full kit.
Most people rent in the start until they are certain that they are hooked on the sport, because a full set of diving gear is not cheap, although you could get your first wet suit second hand.
Look in diving clubs and on eBay for second hand diving equipment, you will definitely save a bundle of money until you are certain that scuba diving is for you.
Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on a lot of topics, but is currently occupied with Body Glove cellsuits. If you would like to know more about Body Glove Wetsuit Sale, please go over to our website for some impressive bargains.
Nov/100
Great Holidays for Diving and Snorkelling
Is diving beneath the waves something you've always dreamed of? Well these holidays are becoming more and ore available to those who do not want to spend a fortune to do it. These types of holiday have become more and more popular of the past decade, with long distance flights shorter and cheaper than ever before, making it possible to visit the rarest of marine life.
Whether you want to snorkel or or dive there are packages and resorts to suit all levels of experience. Australia's Great Barrier reef is famous for it's sheer diversity of aquatic life with over 1,500 specials of tropical fish. It's one of the worlds top scuba diving locations, it is even visible from space, from the north Lizard island down to Great Palm island in the south and covers over 2,000 Km. The premier time to go is between August and December due to the best diving weather and breeding seasons, however it can make a fabulous holiday all year round. Live abroad holidays are an attractive offer in between July to November, where you stay on a fully stocked chartered dive boat to move around in comfort.
Egypt has now become known as a diver's paradise as not only are the crystal clear Red Sea waters primed for diving but the main resorts provide training for divers of all levels by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified teachers through the many private companies, diving schools/colleges and dive centres within, or affiliated to, the larger hotels. With inexpensive open water diving permits attainable for beginners, you can take a course and progress your levels of scuba proficiency within no time. Sharm El Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula is known as one of its top sites with the main options off of Na'ama Bay, Sharm El Maya and Ras Um Sid Cliff. Hurghada specialises in both diving the deep-sea marine biodiversity on offer and snorkelling the shallow water reefs around the bays and there are daily trips to world-renowned main dive sites including offshore atolls such as the famous Giftun Island.
For more experienced divers, there is what has been named as the "Garden of Eden" in Indonesia; so called as is has the most diverse range of marine life in it's reef. In the middle of the "Coral Triangle" from Australia to the Phillipines, over to to Borneo and then to the South Pacific.The Banda islands such as Konode, Raja, Ampa and Sulawesi and it is best to visit from April to December. You will se everything from sunk WWII boats, through to the hyper modern.
Diving off of South East Asia can be easily achieved from a liveaboard out of Phuket in Thailand during the peak season of October to May. This is probably one of the best ways to access another renowned destination, with the West coast jewel of the Similan Islands. A protected National Park, this archipelago of 9 small islands offers a rich diversity and high colour among its many sea fans, granite boulders and corals at Christmas Point and Elephant Head Rock. Liveaboards are also the only way to really see the celebrated Galapagos Islands as many of the best dive sites from these volcanic islands are unreachable from land like the Wolf and Darwin islands and Gordon's Rock. There are two seasons upon which to visit with the wet season from January to June and the dry from July to December. A holiday here is a must for anybody passionate about scuba diving as the oceans surrounding these protected islands are densely populated and thriving with a raft of aquatic organisms, such as its submerged flora and rare tropical marine life.
Whether its deep-sea discoveries in the Maldives, blue holes in Belize or underwater explorations of the Azores; divingis now a popular add-on to any holiday. Pre-book your aquatic adventure and get ready for one of the most rewarding educational experiences of a lifetime.
Mar/100
Bodrum Holidays, Where To Go?
Archaeological evidence in the site where the very attractive Castle of St Peter now stands allows us to officially date building in Bodrum back to 1100 BC, giving it the status of a truly ancient town. Since those days of antiquity Bodrum has developed both culturally and in size, its history dotted with many fascinating gems such as how it flourished during the time of the Ottoman Empire under the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. The waterfront is exceptional, with striking views of the medieval castle, and numerous wooden sailing boats gulets at anchor. Evenings are particularly special, with the Castle of St Peter illuminated, and frenetic activity on the quayside with guests dining on the gulets and stores being delivered. While over in the city centre, you'll find the Tomb of King Mausolus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, along with Bodrum Castle, a fine example of architecture from the period of the Crusades.
Within the Castle of St Peter you will also find the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The Knights of the Crusades started constructions of the Castle around the 1400s using material from the tomb of King Mausolus and taking more than 100 years to finish. No visit to Bodrum would be complete with visiting the Castle and the award winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Caria was ruled over by King Mausolus between 377 to 353 BC on behalf of the Persians although in practical terms it was largely independent. On his death in 353 BC, his Queen, Artemisia II of Caria, who also happened to be his sister, was devastated and tasked Greek architects Satyros and Pythis along four sculptors Bryaxis, Scopas, Leochares and Timotheus to build a tomb, for him that would also be a monument. The is became of the Seven Wonders of the World and lead to the adoption of the word Mausoleum.
Bodrum amphitheatre is a combination of architecture from Mausolus's time, as well as Roman modifications that were added and is an important structure of a bygone era which is cut into the rocky hillside overlooking Bodrum. It was built during the Carian reign in the Hellenistic age (330 - 30BC) with seating for approximately 13,000. Like all ancient theatres, it is made up of three main parts: the Skene (stage), the Orchestra (half-oval part) and the Cavea audience seating. This theatre is one of the oldest in Asia Minor and dates back to the time of Mausolus. Some of the seats are inscribed with names probably those who had helped to pay for the theatre - just like today! The theatre lies on the Bodrum to Gumbet road and is used for concerts and shows during the high season. It is well preserved and definitely worth a visit.
Another of the great Seven Wonders of the World was the Temple of Artemis which was to found in the city of Ephesus which was one of the great cities of the Greeks. Today, Ephesus is one of the major tourist attractions not only in the region but in the whole of Turkey. With several biblical figures, including St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary associated with Ephesus it is also a sacred place for many Christians.
Along the coast and heading west from Bodrum you will find Turgutreis. Quietly away from the hustle and bustle of Bodrum but close enough if you just fancy a day or night out. You'll still find that village atmosphere but now it also has the extremely smart marina with its beautiful shopping centre. Between Bodrum and Turgutreis is some excellent shopping with excellent furniture, electrical and hardware shops plus the exquisite Oasis shopping mall.
Bitez has something to offer almost everyone. It is a charming picturesque resort where holidaymakers can either relax on the beach or try out energetic water sports. Bitez lies on a bay, a few kilometres west from Bodrum, attracting an older, more upmarket crowd. The gently-sloping coarse-sand beach has wooden piers for swimming and is lined with whitewashed hotels and resort villas, whilst also playing host to a popular windsurfing and sailing school - its sheltered cove and shallow water are perfect for beginners. Bitez is known as the windsurfing capital of Turkey, which means there is very often a cooling breeze to counter the very hot temperatures experienced during July and August.
To find the ideal place to stay for your Bodrum Holidays then you need look no further than our beautiful apartment. Turkey Holidays overlooking the stunning Lake Tuzla.
Oct/090
Add a Touch of Fun With a Disposable Waterproof Camera
Many people who are off on a vacation are now opting to purchase a disposable waterproof camera. There is an abundance of models and brands to opt for and they are different in terms of color, shape and design. Specifically they can take a lot of hard knocks and are able to undergo the most brutal of treatments throughout the trip.
In direct contrast to many regular digital cameras, a disposable waterproof camera is a wonderful option for the kids. They may appear to be rather awkward and bulky but many models are actually very light. Indeed, many companies design these products with children in mind and so they are often wonderfully easy to operate. The function buttons are generally oversized which helps small fingers take a steady photograph. The material is usually made so that it will not slip out of wet hands and gripping the camera is effortless.
Another great feature of the disposable waterproof camera is that it is possible to capture brilliant photographs on land as well as in the sea. Other types of waterproof camera can find this a difficult challenge and the quality of landscapes out of the water can be quite poor. No matter where you take a picture with the disposable camera, you will have a great picture every time.
Disposable waterproof cameras are easy to get a hold of; you can search online and find many sellers who have these types of cameras. Quite often you will receive money off for ordering online or for buying in bulk. His could be a sensible option if you decide that everyone on the trip should have their own camera so that they have their own memories to take home with them. Shipping and delivery costs may not apply and you can expect the package to be at your door within a few days.
It is also possible to purchase a disposable waterproof camera or a waterproof camera in local stores and large shopping malls. Many railway stations, bus depots and airports also have stockists of these popular products.
After your trip, you need to remove the film and send it off to be processed; the rest of the camera can just be placed in the trash. There is no need to fiddle with complicated wires and buttons to retrieve pictures or obligation to clean the equipment, as you have to do with many a waterproof camera.
Purchasing a disposable waterproof camera is a great way f saving both time and some of your hard earned cash. This may explain why it is a fashionable choice with many people going off on a relaxing trip. It takes the hassle out of getting stressed about higher priced equipment being damaged, lost or broken along the way.
That small amount of cash that you have to pay out is well worth it when you see the ease of use and the stunning photos you get with a disposable waterproof camera. It is essentially just like having a regular waterproof camera, only cheaper!
Sep/090
Beautiful Belize
If you ever do research on Belize City, you will find that a lot of people call it the most dangerous city in Central America. Tourists tend to avoid it like the plague and if they must stop in there they quickly book at trip out to the Cayes.
If you take the time to actually walk around the town and explore it a little, you will find that it is a fun place to be with friendly and welcoming people. Travel books advise people to skip Belize City if you can, but after all it is the countries largest urban hub, and by avoiding it you will miss a large part of what Belize is all about.
Cruise ships stop here regularly and whisk tourists off to Tikal in Guatemala, or to Amgergris Caye off of the coast. The port is well developed and you can spend time walking around the shops in the comfortable terminal. However, walking around the city is where you get the true Caribbean flare.
Explore the architecture from stilt houses to Colonial buildings left over from the English settlement of the 1500's. Make sure to stop for some food while out and about. Belize city offers local fare, seafood and international cuisine. Culture, food and even language is varied in this small Caribbean nation. People speak the official language of English, but are also fluent in Creole, Spanish and even Mayan and German.
After soaking up the culture and cuisine in the country's largest city, catch a water taxi to head out to Caye Caulker. For $10, you will be transported to paradise. Far less crowded than its overdeveloped neighbor Ambergris Caye, this little island is a gem of a destination.
The laid-back vibe of the island has an air of Jamaica, and reggae booms from bars and restaurants. Walk along the dirt roads to look for a beach front hotel and you can spend as little as $20 for a room. Only golf carts drive on the island, so you won't have to worry about exhaust pollution or noise. The resident's work hard to preserve their culture and large-scale development is not in its future.
While there, you have to take in the sites and the number one excursion is to hire a guide and boat to take you out to Shark Ray Alley. Located 1 mile from shore is the Belize Barrier Reef. A protected marine preserve for since 1996, it has a healthy stock of marine life and coral. The highlight of the trip however is having the chance to swim with a group of nurse sharks and manta rays that inhabit the reef.
For experienced divers, The Blue Hole is not to be missed. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau, dive 150 feet into this collapsed cave as sharks circle above the hanging stalactites. If you are not already a diver, take an open water diving course.
Diving isn't for everyone and you may just want to see the sights. Walk down Caye Caulkers main drag and you will find your choice of tour companies waiting to take you out to see the islands. Hire a sail boat to take you around and explore the surrounding area.
Caye Caulker may not be overly developed, but you can still enjoy great food ranging from Seafood, to pasta and barbecue. The nightlife isn't wild, but you can find a nice bar to enjoy a drink or two, look out over the water while swinging on a hammock or listen to some live music well into the evening.
To name everything that there is to do in Belize would take a book. Explore its jungles by foot, enjoy an inland kayaking trip and explore Central America's largest Cave system. If you are a history buff visit one of the many Mayan ruins and for animal lovers, you can stop by the jaguar sanctuary. Beach life can even be found on the mainland and Placencia boasts the best beaches in the country.
It won't take long until development catches hold in Belize and it turns into another Cancun. Unfortunately, that is the way of the world. So don't wait, visit Belize today and get to know the people of this laid back country filled with beautiful scenery and breathtaking views.