SiteMap What When & Where to dive! diving, dive, scuba, marine, biology, sharks, shark
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| | Scuba diving vacations Hawaii Maui Caribbean Fiji Florida Bahamas dive travel new scuba diving equipment dive gear scuba diving magazines liveaboards & lessons |
» Undercurrent http://www.undercurrent.org/
| | The consumer report diving. |
» Top Scuba Sites http://www.topscubasites.com/visit.php?site=284
| | Vote Divestart dive websites resource! |
| | Extensive resource links photos forums too much mention. |
| | Listing Dive Sites Worldwide Feature articles dive operators scuba news diving jobs books dive destinations photo forum much |
| | Our award winning group underwater photographers present website a vehicle promotion wildlife photography We also offer sale Fine Art Wildlife Photography prints general public Sharks Dolphins Fish Turtles Birds just a sample we in our library nature photography subjects. |
| | With links divecenters links extensive local diving information. |
» Dogsbreath Divers http://www.dogsbreathdivers.com/
| | An extensive directory dive locations Straightforward complete fast. |
» Divewise http://www.divewise.com
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Divewise scuba diving resource - Divecentre listings - Jobs |
» Dive Global http://www.diveglobal.com
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Useful resource dive travels trip planning Dive Global offers diving destinations operators resorts liveaboards photographic dive gear well exquisite underwater photography film |
| | Marinelife: | | | Underwater surface creatures ranging Plankton whale sharks We only listed sea creatures generally considered special (yes we biased) encounter Our definition does include general reef-fish Think Manta Rays instead Clown fish Hammerhead sharks instead Trevallis etc We also try list special biological marine events Coral spawning |
| | Divecenter: | | | We use term dive center indicate a dive operator organizes dive trips and/or hires out gear and/or provides dive courses main thing can help get access a dive site get stuff together go diving also includes Live-a-board operators. |
| | Divesite: | | | The term divesite indicate a spot where actually submerge underwater dive usually accessed boat directly shore possible Divesites usually named marinelife can seen underwater spot shape bottom composition/formation reef etc Think names Shark rock Manta reef Coral garden etc. |
| | Divebase: | | | The term divebase indicate a location where diving activities coordinated started place where actually submerge underwater divebase place where usually dive operator located filling station where stay Typical names divebases names town/village. |
| | About initiative Mark & Geerten | | |  Divestart.com an initiative two enthusiastic Dutch dive amateurs Driven our passion marine animals disappointed in ability know where go see we setup Divestart.com website result a spreadsheet got out hand We collecting information Marinelife in different parts world thought information should benefit others well We had knowledge Internet programming skills time most important a lot passion diving looking result mixture
We hope other dive enthusiasts yourself benefit provided information quality quantity information provided site we also depend we request professional amateur divers help us building unique free tool providing new dive spot information reviews way in time we build a tool allow divers worldwide enjoy underwater experiences much possible. |
| | Add a review | | | All registered users can add reviews information site referenced actual user experiences we highly appreciate any user review based actual experience specific possible situation describe period circumstances under there. |
| | Add marinelife / a divesite / a divecenter. | | | Make sure logged in can only added a divebase Go respective divebase click relevant link in submenu conservative in estimates regarding probability encountering a marinelife species. |
| | Add a divebase | | | Make sure logged in browser needs accept cookies otherwise won't work says welcome guest in top right hand corner logging in something went wrong note password case sensitive can add a divebase going respective country region a country There can click add divebase submenu provide any information realistically possible might tempting exaggerate details benefit anyone in long term people visiting area based information nor dive operators there since able live up expectation. |
| | I want stay logged in when I return site. | | | That possible check remember me in checkbox place a cookie computer so remembered next time come back. |
| | I want my own password. | | | That possible When go account in menu you've logged in can click change info Here (at bottom page) can change password. |
| Link: Marinelife | During four dives in early July 2005 I saw species fish invertebrates: Turkish Wrasse Cow Bream White Bream 2-banded Bream Striped Mullet Bluefin Damselfsih Atlantic Damselfish Parrotfish Brown Lizardfish Wide-eyed Flounder Brown Puffer Dusky Grouper Cuttlefish Madeira Scorpionfish Red Blenny Sardine Black Moray Eel Common Octopus Arrow Crab Cotton Spinner Fireworm Spiny Starfish |
| Link: Divebase | A great place visit/vacation/live Koh Tao grown drastically still retains much charm beach hotel gorgeous water might a bit cleaner down road Diving fantastic incredibly cheap I did my divemaster course there got in over 80 dives in 2 months $500 Chumphon pinnacle incredible take a few dive operations saturate area website fails mention numerous species can here should mentioned Whale sharks don't come nearly often anymore actually absent times in April sites definitely reef sharks leopard sharks turtles hard come |
| Link: Divebase | I've very fond memories Gili Trawangan because beauty how easy was spend a few hours in water every day I learnt how free-dive there down 10-15 metres an important skill because we'd see 30-40 large turtles time said there extensive coral destruction in areas due dynamite fishing rumours people turtles brought in maintain tourist interest Regardless islands provide a wonderful diversion a week two. |
| Link: Divebase | One most incredible dives my life
Was there 7 days in mid-May only 1 day did we see Hammerheads Most dives includes small groups 5 - 10 sharks bigger groups staying out in blue clear see 2 occassions we able dive inside groups 40++ hammerheads course we saw turtles bumphead parrotfish grey reef sharks whitetips triggerfish etc
In Asia one top 2 dive destinations me PNG being other. |
| Link: Divebase | Pulau Hantu a place get certifications practice u/w navigation nothing else viz 2 - 3m a very good day Bad days can't see outstretched hand
Better go a little out: Tioman Aur etc get better diving in. |
| Link: Divecenter | I recently got back a week diving in El Gouna dived other parts red sea was a pleasent surprise in a quite clean resort divecentre was professionaly run organised well friendly relaxed helpful together a great holiday fantastic dives even an encounter wild dolphins. |
| Link: Divecenter | Excellent service great value buck Our instructor Sean was knowledgeable informative our training dives done a big roomy & well liad out aluminum dive boat heated cabin was perfect cold water diving Our rented dry suits a PADI dry suit course fit well instruction we received was EXCELLENT |
| Link: Divecenter | I was in Sodwana stayed Triton Divers in bush camp diving was spectacular mostly because swells throwing divers 4 meters in every direction good bouyancy control a downside swell was there wasn't much fish around visability was limited I still can recommend experience everybody I did learn swell was usually much so depending way look I was (un-)lucky Much review Coral divers Triton very friendly overly involved diving exception Peter owner whom I spend quite a few hours in bar 10PM when everybody else went bed atmosphere in camp very relaxed only self catering a stocked bar simply write down whatever you're drinking pay when leave Meals mostly consist braai camp a nice fire place stoke up a big fire take one grill meshes scoop out coals big fire presto Diners a very cosy occasion way
I went a divecenter www.ugi.co.za arranged me came recommended a good friend in cost was 2000 rand 6 dives 4 nights including meals transportation Johannesburg (a 7 hour drive!) price was based our group 8 persons. |
| Link: Divebase | South Africa other things known wild coast cold water Great White sharks really a place go diving might say coastline South Africa offers a wide variety marine environments northern parts east coast contain southernmost coral reefs in world here just below Mozambique border where St Lucia Marine Reserve located driving bustling little town Mbazwana (last chance get cash an ATM need some) heart Greater St Lucia Wetlands Area (a World Heritage Site!) passing few buildings represent small community Sodwana Bay we arrived gates Sodwana Bay National park part reserve stretches 1 mile inland 5 miles offshore home world renowned 2 5 7 9 mile reefs It's also home Coral Divers one two only dive operators a concession operate marine park We really sure know expect so when we arrived we surprised scale operation Coral Divers offers facilities go diving also offers four types accommodation ranging tents stilted huts en-suite bathrooms (open air nice touch Especially Vervet monkeys seem easy access toilet bag!) expect a small divecenter a few bungalows hindsight we probably did then walking up here can a bit unsettling Coral Divers can cater up 170 guests even divers in high season when people staying elsewhere want go diving effect operation in sense can seem a bit impersonal first due fact everything needs very well organized highly efficient sure runs smooth so guests So there procedures get acquainted when arrive transport beach rental equipment house rules planning/booking dives Especially last part important quickly get familiar because dive boats filled a first-come-first-serve basis worries because there good information in print available divesites different reefs can read when arrive Furthermore daily booking session 19.00 pm dive masters there help choice based experience wishes know beforehand where want go can preliminary bookings day avoid rush 7 pm
When hiring gear responsible things hire keep stuff in cabin stay way diving equipment every dive beach a short driving distance resort Coral Divers provide a shuttle service beach So morning load gear shuttle should least 45 minutes prior dives go beach In case early dives one can get a small breakfast nice breakfast buffet In first second dive can come back a bigger breakfast depending surface interval buffet open people a catered package When arriving beach welcomed locals willing help up gear carry stuff sum 10 rand per dive per person very convenient beach assistants well trained Coral Divers handle setup gear so one needn't worry a thing I myself prefer kit-up up myself my girlfriend was very happy Coral Divers a fixed shade setup beach where launches initiated It's also here can clearly see operation in business a long time plenty experience diving area beach a busy place boats launching arriving tractors running gear around pushing boats in water pulling out Cylinders constantly transported back forth compressors In peak season summertime sometimes up 30 launches (!) in morning Due surf boats (un-)loaded beach tractors push surf before take off sure get stuck themselves when a sudden swell comes up so boat pushed hand last bit until engines can started Due strong surf use life jackets first couple hundred meters obligatory launches surf bumpy spectacular an official skipper license required allowed run boats in area since without danger Once past surf life jackets taken off pedal goes metal speed way reefs Rubberducks 2x60 horsepower engines very fast even going farthest 9 mile reef should takes longer 30 minutes (weather depending) When lucky might encounter dolphins way farthest reefs playful get a chance snorkel We encountered dolphins unfortunately hunting very in sticking around diving simply said superb There a very good chance seeing big stuff even so lucky see sharks dolphins mantas whale sharks diving very very nice Our skipper went back try get dolphins follow him our divesite came across a 3.5 meter basking Tiger shark surface corals in excellent condition very colorful I've also Ningaloo reef Mergui Archipelago Maldives I can say reefs definitively nice places corals in much better condition instance ones I've seen in Thailand (both sides) There a lot fish around well lots turtles blue spotted stingrays lots different moray eels (big honeycomb morays) huge honeycomb whip rays octopi works another thing: water warm 26/28 degrees Celsius worst visibility we had was good according my standards although our DM's considered 15 meters poor viz place Good enough me Fortunately 20 meters exception
Most deep divesites 15 25 meters so plenty bottom time second dive (depending planning) usually done less deep two mile reef so every dive we did maxed out 50 minutes Due average depth divesites here (approx 12 meters) time day second dive (just before noon) colors divesites well lit up sun standing straight above Around time water usually a bit choppier so people easily suffer seasickness should take preventive medication want share breakfast nemo ride back always nice spectacular When arriving back launch point (Jesser Point) skipper try get boat far up beach possible so when swell right throttles opened up boat speeds full force ahead run aground far possible up sand (This allows easier unloading especially don't hold well enough!) around one o'clock pm you're usually done diving can stay beach go take a dip in resort pool There a TV room there magazines read underwater-videographers latest footage display computer activities counter way get see nice stuff others encountering dives There Internet available although it's often connecting quite expensive hey Africa so expect broadband There activities can arranged here although time when we tried go Lake Sibaya when car was finally fixed we couldn't get a driver take us there (it requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle so one can go yourself) was one few points critique we had should easier go see area game-country there plenty game reserves only hours driving away Hippos crocodiles in Lake Sibaya St Lucia (1-2 hours) Elephants Rhinos Zebras Giraffes Lions buffalo's in Hluhluwe National reserve only a 1,5 hours drive away Fortunately Coral Divers in process setting up own game lodge called Makhasa there running in around 6 months so soon should able nice excursions Coral Divers break away resort night time a nice buffet dinner one can a drink well stocked bar food decent expect haute-cuisine hearty dishes a self catering package there stoves personal fridges facilitate culinary experiments Everyone usually hits sack around 10 pm people kindly requested quiet in consideration fellow quests Bring earplugs just in case because when resort full (high season weekends) people might forget apart luxury cabins huts quite close other very sound proof brings me next bit advice: possible try plan stay week avoid crowds weekend resort was so much nice quiet especially beach was stuffed four-wheel drive pickups Africaners enjoy coming over Jo'burg weekend DM's instructors relatively young (or am I old being 36?) fun hang out quite knowledgeable reefs marinelife diving-staff Coral Divers own accommodation resort so usually nearby any questions huts in a separate area behind restaurant so daytime night often retreat huts hardly see walking around anymore might nice hang around in guest areas a bit so can get know a bit better Especially people travel in groups might appreciate company a drink bite
We've done three days diving we had a wonderful time It's definitely a reason travel South Africa a diver in SA Sodwana Bay a I can highly recommend Coral Divers stay diving very professional good equipment run a smooth opration Booking in advance a good idea since well known SA also cater a number dive operators over SA so often groups coming in weekends
My score Coral Divers 4.5 out 5 equals very good Good friendly staff good equipment accommodation good food a relaxed atmosphere Why a 5 ("excellent") well can a bit impersonal due size operation lack afternoon activities (still) something should change considering fact in a remote area third we liked staff a bit involved quests diving
My score diving a definite 5 out 5
Geerten van Hooff (admin Divestart.com) |
| Link: Marinelife | The Similans a real paradise love 'SMALL THINGS'
Look next animals when out there
* black rayed goby * 20-30 m sand 'ANITA'S REEF' - Similan islands
* purple fire goby * around 30m 'EAST EDEN' similans 30-40m sand KOH BON 'THE RIDGE'
* Ornate ghost pipefish * can abundant 'RICHELIEU ROCK' Look closely soft corals near whip corals
* Tigertail seahorse * (Hippocampus Comes) resident southwest side 'RICHELIEU ROCK' 25/30 m depth
* Tomato clownfish * abundant 'RICHELIEU ROCK'
* HYPSELODORIS ZEBRINA * a nudibranch I filmed 'BOONSUNG WRECK' near Taplamu ( world premiere - never filmed before ) * seagrass ghostpipefish * occasion also now again 'TURTLE ROCK' - Similan islands
DANNY VAN BELLE WINNER 'GOLDEN FIN' WORLD FESTIVAL UNDERWATER IMAGES ANTIBES - FRANCE 2004
WINNER INTERNATIONAL AWARDS UNDERWATER FILMFESTIVALS WORLDWIDE
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| | Alghero one best diving area Mediterranean sea Incredible marine life in cave enviroment precious Red Coral live there only - 4 mt then lobsters morey heels groupers best habitat live in In astonishing limestone cliffs presence hundreds incredible cave over under surface offer a variety adventures discoveries. |
| | Aliwal Shoal located off coast Umkomaas 40 minutes South Durban Selected one top ten dives sites world Diver Magazine Shoal offers almost anything a diver can wish shoal lying 3 – 5 kms off shore inner edge Mozambiquan current warm waters often provide excellent visibility shoal approximately 5kms in length runs in a north south direction diving done semi rigid boats launched river mouth surf a twenty-minute ride reef In summer every chance seeing Tiger sharks Hammerheads Should tire sharks can always dive any wrecks go hunting huge (and I mean huge) Brindle Bass Other species (depending season) include Manta Devil other rays schools pelagic fish whales dolphins |
| | This area near a designated marine reserve apparantly one top 3 dive sites in Spain. |
| | Niue reputedly largest upraised coral atoll in world island's isolation coral makeup create an exciting rugged coastline reef provide intimate swimming coves crystal clear visibility superb diving land mass Niue 259 square kilometres a population 2,000 scattered throughout thirteen villages dotted around saucer shaped island Located in triangle Tonga Samoa Cook Islands Niue 2,400 kilometres north-east New Zealand eastern side International Dateline Diving snorkling a unique exciting experience Niue a dive destination Niue sits atop an undersea mountain pristine clear water hundreds meters deep just a stone's throw shore. |
| | Alor Island Eastern Indonesia recognised one Asia's top ten dive destinations heralded one best in world fortunate dived there; massive schools Reef Fish inhabit Pristine Coral Reefs spectacular walls vast coral gardens host an abundance forms marine life spots very strong currents. |
| | The largest overnight tourist diver destination in country Located in north country island largest in country San Pedro Town there operators take divers out mesoamerican barrier reef system. |
| | In South West Madagascar Anakao village 40 km south Tulear 2 hours motor boat; there beautiful beaches high white sand dunes Since pist very bumpy best way reach village going there sea Off coast Nosy Ve island can ask local Vezo fishermen take there wooden pirogues. |
| | Known a haven macro-photograpers Anilao known nudibranchs fusiliers moray eels other colorful even rare marine life Hundreds different species hard soft corals can also rich marine biodiversity Anilao located northern tip world's most important marine ecoregion declared WWF. |
| | This second largest island 3 hours boat 15 minutes air Mahe Praslin a lot slower a lot less rushed (if could ever call Mahe rushed ); Praslin a trip back in time When first visited General Gordon (of Khartoum fame) over 100 years ago he believed he had original Garden Eden particularly seeing female pelvis shaped double nut coco-de-mer instantly conjured Eve in his mind
Praslin universal blueprint perfect tropical island In limited area richness variety plant animal life astounding Fantastically shaped huge granite boulders dot island Coral reefs teeming over 900 species fish living coral jewel toned shells paint a living seascape
Most interior virgin forest exquisitely beautiful Vallee de Mai declared a World Heritage Site UNESCO in 1984 only place where coco-de-mer palm in world nut curious female pelvis-shaped fruit successively believed fruit tree knowledge a powerful aphrodisiac object a dying emperor's quest (Rudolf II Hapsburg offered 2 gold florins a single nut towards end his life). |
| | Anse Marcel a home over 200 sail motor yachts Two restaurants open 7 days a week along a wide variety shops (souvenirs grocery jewellers tobacconist hair salon .) complex serves Le Privilège Le Méridien hotels situated directly beach a very nice small Time-share Resort : les Cottages de Lonvilliers surrounding hills overlook Anse Marcel hotel Le Marquis Le Privilège Resort Spa offer tennis courts a gymnasium a balneo therapy centre a poolside restaurant Lots shallow reef 45 70 ft 50 dive spots including a dozen wreck dives. |
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