Paul McIndoe asked:



Egypt has plenty going for it when it comes to holidays. As one of the greatest civilisations the world has ever seen, the ancient Egyptians left their legacy in the form of the massive pyramids which continue to baffle historians and amaze visitors to this day.

But there’s more to Egypt than mummies; one of the biggest draws to this African country in recent years is its incredible Red Sea coral reefs, which make it one of the best scuba-diving sites in the world and the closest tropical reefs to Europe.

Contrary to its name, the Red sea is in fact a deep blue colour and is extremely rich in sea life. It’s the conditions which make the Red sea such a haven for divers; the water temperatures average 22C in summer making it ideal for diving, the visibility is very good and there is little wave action. And there’s also plenty to see too with over 1000 species of invertebrates, over 1000 species of fish and around 200 types of coral, which in places stretch out to sea forming an elaborate system of underwater caves, gardens, lagoons and plateaus.

Egypt offers hundreds of superb diving sites and Sharm el Sheikh is one of the best known areas to see incredible aqua life. Take a visit to Jackfish Alley, an ideal spot for an afternoon dive of exploring submarine caves and observing the massive schools of glassfish, which sweep back and forth with the currents; while it’s also possible to see titan triggerfish, manta rays, sting rays and white tips. Or how about the famous Eel Garden, a sandy submarine beach that is home to an impressive colony of garden eels which emerge from their holes and sway with the current as they search for plankton.

Backed by desert sands and sun bleached mountains, Sharm el Sheikh enjoys miles of exquisite soft white sands, with a fantastic range of quality accommodation from all-inclusive luxury resorts to bed and breakfast hotels. There is also plenty to keep visitors occupied after dark with dozens of shops, clubs, bars and discos along with traditional ’sheesha’ cafes and food markets.

Egypt’s blend of ancient history, rich culture, world class diving and fantastic beaches means that more and more Brits are making the journey out to this African gem, and with plenty of tour operators offering cheap holidays in Sharm el Sheikh, it’s likely to remain one of Egypt’s most popular holiday destinations for some time to come.

beachbum32 asked:

Borat swimsuit scuba diver. Scaring the kids off the island!

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LTHDan asked:

Our children and grandchildren went scuba diving in Hawaii last summer..

James Penn asked:


The Caribbean islands are the best place for people who enjoy water sports. Whether your own preference is on the water or below it, Caribbean water sports have something to offer you including swimming, waterskiing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and so on.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is probably the most popular of Caribbean watersports because swimmers of all ages can enjoy it. Going snorkeling means getting personal with the wonderful and colorful marine life found in the Caribbean. Due to the immense popularity of this activity, there are many well-marked snorkeling trails across many islands in the Caribbean. Most of the better resorts and hotels in offer snorkeling equipment as well as instruction.
Board watersports
Windsurfing, surfing, and kiteboarding are all forms of board sports. These Caribbean watersports enjoy a lot of popularity because the trade winds in the Caribbean provide unlimited opportunities for them. Kiteboarding is actually the same as windsurfing except that it uses a relatively smaller board. As to surfing, if you are not going to Hawaii then you had better go to the Caribbean. The water is warm, the surf is good, the bays are sheltered and there is always one trade wind or another making waves, what more could you possibly demand? Due to the combination of ideal conditions, the Caribbean attracts surfers from the world over. Instruction and equipment is available through most hotels or through vendors along the beaches.
Parasailing
If you are not the type for on-water or below-water sports then you have this third option among Caribbean watersports. Facilities for training and equipment are available through your hotel or through vendors along the beach. Going parasailing means getting a unique view of the Caribbean with the whole vista of white beaches, clear waters, blue skies, and the wildlife spread below you as you soar on the wind.
Waterskiing
Waterskiing or jetskiing has become quite popular recently. Jetskiing is especially very convenient with many people renting jetskis for a single rider experience or wave runners that can take on 2-4 riders at one time. As usual, your hotel or the beach front can offer you the vendors for this Caribbean watersport.
Canoeing and Kayaking
There are several guided tours for people who prefer the calm and tranquility of canoeing or kayaking to the other motorized means of traveling on water. The Caribbean is liberally supplied with mangroves and lagoons.
Sailing
Spend a day on a powerboat, catamaran, sailboat, or trimraran and enjoy sailing in the Caribbean. You can opt between bare boat and crewed boats and there are even special charters for people who are interested in learning how to sail.
Scuba Diving
If you wish to go a step beyond snorkeling then go scuba diving and you will see yet another unique perspective of the Caribbean. There are several popular diving spots in the Cayman Islands and Curacao. Go swimming with tamed stingrays in Stingray City. Do not forget the Buck Island Reef National Monument that has 250 species of fish.

Terry W asked:


I want to be able to ride my horse under water for an art project. Also, how long can a horse hold its breath for?

Groshan Fabiola asked:


“Honey, where are we going for vacation this year?”

“Let’s do something really fun this long weekend.”

“Where can we see new things and meet new people without spending all our vacation in the car?”

“How can we get the greatest enjoyment for our time and money?”

“How can we entertain out-of-town guests”?

Imagine a destination for a day trip or and extended vacation where you can take advantage of the best that is offered by land and sea. Imagine a place where you can go for a relaxing, romantic, fun, exciting, adventuresome respite. On this trip you don’t need to find your passport, or to exchange money, you can pack light and enjoy clean environs, friendly people, world class food and shopping, gorgeous beaches, and exquisite sunsets. Where can you find all this? San Diego. Look no further than the internet and SeaStar Adventures.com to plan the best vacation ever.

SeaStar Adventures has an underwater scuba or snorkeling adventure suited to your skill level. For the more novice folks, try snorkeling off the La Jolla coastline using gear provided by Sea Star. After a lesson and tour, you are ready to experience the wonders of ocean and view the diversity of marine life. Be prepared to see algae reefs, kelp forests, the L Jolla Caves and chance upon a sea lion sighting. Time is available afterwards to share lunch with guides while enjoying the view of the ocean and to ask questions about what you saw. This is the perfect way to spend time with your family and friends who may have limited dive experience.

For the more experienced, SeaStar offers scuba dives. Depending on your certificate level, skill level, and conditions at the time, you can take guided tours from a variety of sites with highly qualified, experienced and professional divers. Choose from shore dives or boat dives. Amazing sights can be discovered on a night dive or “fly” through the ocean on a DPV “scooter” dive. Take the opportunity of a lifetime and go on a photography or videography focused dive. Guides know the best places to capture memories of a lifetime. Be prepared for an awesome and unforgettable experience whether this is your first time or your fiftieth.

Remember, snorkeling or scuba diving in the San Diego area is the single best way to relax and enjoy your leisure time.

For Scuba Diving in San Diego, SeaStar Adventures combine fun and education while providing snorkeling and scuba dives designed for this unique environment. Share the excitement of ocean discovery while Snorkeling in San Diego with your family.

KONAtown asked:


im starting the first class tomorrow and when my aunt got certified 20 years ago they would make her swim tons of laps and dive down to the bottom of the pool to put the equipment on and like rip it off her and i’m wondering if they still do that stuff

MarleysGhost42 asked:

Scuba diver nets fish.

Cerberus asked:


Hey I just turned 25 and I’m going on a cruise to the Bahamas and would really like to go scuba diving.

I’ve been swimming before both with and without ear plugs (I know bad me), but when scuba diving you are not allowed to wear ear plugs since the pressure has to equalize.

So I was wondering what might would or could happen if I went anyway without putting plugs in.

Thanks for the info and I would really appreciate it if you could put a reference link with your answer if possible since its a health question.

thanks again,
Cerberus

John Anton asked:


A recent article in the Wall Street Journal named Roatan the Caribbean’s next “it” spot – an underdeveloped island that is poised to become a major tourist destination.

These days there is a definite buzz about this peaceful island lying just 30 miles off the coast of Honduras. No wonder: Roatan features lush tropical forests, warm turquoise water, and sugar white beaches without the crowds.

Continental Airlines now flies directly to the islands from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston, Texas. Delta flies directly from Atlanta, Georgia. Major cruise lines are stopping by more frequently, and both Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean are expanding their ship terminals to bring more passengers. Celebrities including Michael Douglas and Richard Gere have been spotted on the island in recent months.

Roatan has long been famous among scuba diving aficionados. The island sits atop the world’s second-largest barrier reef system and features some of the best diving in the Western Hemisphere. Scuba diving is still the main attraction drawing visitors to the island.

But Roatan offers much more than diving and makes a great family vacation destination.

Whether visiting with your family, making a stop-over on a cruise ship, or taking a break from diving, here are five Roatan adventures you can enjoy.

1) Zip Through the Rain Forest. Roatan features lush tropical forests where wild parrots and monkeys roam freely. A canopy tour is a great way to get close to nature while having some exhilarating fun. Guests climb to a tree-top platform, and then move among the trees by gliding on zip lines or walking over swinging bridges. It’s a thrilling ride.

Roatan has several canopy tours from which you can chose. Palmetto Bay features a 20 platform tour that includes a climbing wall and swinging bridges. The West Bay also features a 16 platform tour including two bridges. Please keep in mind that canopy tours require children to be at least four feet tall.

2) Swim with the Dolphins. The Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences on the island’s north shore features several dolphin encounter programs that are open to the public.

One of the most popular tours on the island is their dolphin swim. Guests are taken to Bailey’s Key, a white-sand island frequented by schools of dolphin. During an initial 20-minute beach encounter, trainers coax the dolphin to join your group, giving you a chance to pet them.

Guests can then snorkel and swim freely with the dolphins in 20 feet of water. Guests are accompanied by a dolphin behaviorist and videographer and photographer to capture the memories. The dolphin swim requires children to be at least 13 years old.

Divers can also chose the institute’s Dolphin Dive program, which lets you interact with dolphins off a reef wall in 60 feet of water. This dive lasts approximately 45 minutes. Participants in the Dolphin Dive must be certified scuba divers.

Not enough for you? The institute also offers a Trainer for a Day program, which gives you the chance go behind the scenes and work with the staff as they feed and care for the dolphins. Participants will learn dolphin training techniques during a hands-on session with the dolphins.

3) See Coral While Staying Dry. Even if you are not a diver, you can get a glimpse of Roatan’s gorgeous reef formations with a ride on the Coral Reef Explorer. This glass-bottomed boat seats 25 persons below the water line in air conditioned comfort. Passengers look through windows at multi-colored coral, tropical fish and graceful Spotted Eagle Rays.

The Coral Reef Explorer departs daily from West Bay Beach and you can expect the tour to last approximately 50 minutes.

4) Horseback Tours. What could be more romantic than a horseback ride along Roatan’s pristine white beaches? Guided horseback tours start in West End, passing through some of Roatan’s best scenery before ending at the West Bay, where you can take a quick swim.

Tours last approximately 90 minutes and are suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders.

5) Pet an Iguana. Perhaps the most unusual attraction on Roatan is Sherman Arch’s Iguana Farm. This private preserve is real treasure and a real treat for kids.

Over 2,700 of the big, spiny lizards roam freely on its grounds, which are located just east of French Harbor. The iguanas are tame, having been raised in cages until old enough to fend for themselves. Come during the early afternoon feeding for the best chance to hold and pet an iguana.

More to See and Do

TropicalRez, a Roatan central booking agency, can assist you in booking Roatan hotels and tours.

The Honduran Ministry of Tourism web site features a good overview of Roatan and the other Honduras Bay Islands.