Resident of Krabi - Yellow Tiger-tail Seahorse
KrabiDivers asked:
Ringing in good tidings for the new year, a newly immigrated resident to Krabi was spotted by one of our KrabiDivers.com instructors on New Year’s Day. At 4-cm long, he appears pregnant. Yes, “he” was pregnant as the male in this species are the ones to get pregnant and productive!
Ringing in good tidings for the new year, a newly immigrated resident to Krabi was spotted by one of our KrabiDivers.com instructors on New Year’s Day. At 4-cm long, he appears pregnant. Yes, “he” was pregnant as the male in this species are the ones to get pregnant and productive!
Krabi, south of Thailand, is the gateway to the famous Andaman Sea where scuba divers and snorkellors from all over the world convene as winter approaches in the western world. Famous for its incredible waters, great visibility and huge variety of dive terrain, Krabi is a must-stop for all nature and water lovers on vacation in Asia. KrabiDivers.com operates the premier scuba-diving and eco-tourism center in the heart of Aonang, the sea-side town of Krabi. Here, you can launch off to the amazing Similans, Richelieu Rock, Phi Phi islands, Phuket and Lanta. And lets not forget the relatively unexplored local Krabi waters where the caves and caverns provide a great underwater adventure. And here is where we found our Tiger-Tailed Seahorse on New Year’s Day!
Seahorses are amazing creatures. The seahorse is one of four families in the syngnathiform family which also includes pipefish, flag-tail pipefish and seadragons. They swim in an upright position with their tails down and their heads up using their dorsal to move forward and pectoral fins for steering control. Also unique for their prehensile tail (able to twist & grasp),tube-like mouth (with no teeth), and small gill openings. Seahorses (like chameleons) can even move their two eyes independently of each other. Ranging in size from the tiny 10mm to 35cm, the largest is the Pacific Seahorse. Seahorses eat small crustaceans which they catch by staying still and lying in wait till their prey comes near, and they snap them up. Then their tube-like mouth creates a vacuum that sucks the prey in and they swallow their food whole.
Sea horses are unusual in a couple of ways. One is that they are monogamous and have long courtship periods when mating. Monogamy is unusual in all animals but particularly among fish. The longer a couple of seahorses stick together, the better they are at producing babies. It is the males of seahorses that carry their eggs in a pouch on his belly, after the eggs have been deposited there by the female. The eggs are fertilised in the pouch and incubated between 10 days to 4 weeks before they hatch. At hatching, the male gives birth to fully developed but tiny little seahorses. The natural lifespan of seahorses is not known, but believed to be from one year for small species to five years for the larger species. Highly elusive and difficult to spot in moving water, finding a seahorse is every diver’s dream come true.
So, you can imagine our absolute euphoria when we spotted the little yellow Tiger-Tail. Being creatures of habit, once settled into a location, they tend not to move too much. Hence, we can find it again and would love to show it to you.
Come dive with KrabiDivers.com and let us take you out to the amazing underwater world of Krabi, Phi Phi, Phuket and Lanta. Or join one of our liveaboards for the Similans Islands. We run fun dive trips daily. Our group of international instructors are available to conduct all scuba-diving courses in English, Italia, Spanish, German, French, Japanese and Chinese. Centrally located at the Sea of Love Plaza (opposite McDonalds) in heart of Aonang, Krabi in Thailand, come visit us if you are planning a trip to Krabi. Or email us for more information info@krabidivers.com. Also check out our website www.krabidivers.com where you will find lots more in store about our adventures.
Do you need to be certified in scuba diving in order to go diving?
Just Me asked:
My husband and I are interested in scuba diving when we take a trip to Florida. Although we are both good swimmers and frequently snorkel, we have never tried scuba diving. We have looked in to taking classes and they are very pricey. To get certified in our city, it will cost us $500 and that does not include equipment. I think it is a little pricey especially since we might shell out all the money and not enjoy it as much as snorkeling. I see scuba diving excursions in Florida all the time, do you have to be certified to go on a beginner dive? Can we take a dive excursion that offers not certification but a quick beginner lesson before going out? My husbands ready to sign up for the certification classes but I’d prefer to try it out first. Any advice appreciated
My husband and I are interested in scuba diving when we take a trip to Florida. Although we are both good swimmers and frequently snorkel, we have never tried scuba diving. We have looked in to taking classes and they are very pricey. To get certified in our city, it will cost us $500 and that does not include equipment. I think it is a little pricey especially since we might shell out all the money and not enjoy it as much as snorkeling. I see scuba diving excursions in Florida all the time, do you have to be certified to go on a beginner dive? Can we take a dive excursion that offers not certification but a quick beginner lesson before going out? My husbands ready to sign up for the certification classes but I’d prefer to try it out first. Any advice appreciated
Scuba Diving?
motisbetter asked:
I was recently in Florida and I went snorkeling. The boat that I was on had about 5 people out of the 20 scuba diving. While snorkeling, I could hold my breath long enough to get down until the pressure got to me. It was beautiful. I live in New York and I am very interested in scuba diving. Can I have some information on Scuba Diving (certifications, equipment, places to go, etc.) please?
I was recently in Florida and I went snorkeling. The boat that I was on had about 5 people out of the 20 scuba diving. While snorkeling, I could hold my breath long enough to get down until the pressure got to me. It was beautiful. I live in New York and I am very interested in scuba diving. Can I have some information on Scuba Diving (certifications, equipment, places to go, etc.) please?
Putting Together An Amazing Scuba Diving Vacation Package
Michelle Bery asked:
Today, in the age of the Internet, savvy travelers can quickly and efficiently package vacations that include the options that matter most to them. For scuba diving enthusiasts, putting together a scuba diving vacation package - that bundles all the features you most look for in a vacation - is as close as your home computer.
Today, in the age of the Internet, savvy travelers can quickly and efficiently package vacations that include the options that matter most to them. For scuba diving enthusiasts, putting together a scuba diving vacation package - that bundles all the features you most look for in a vacation - is as close as your home computer.
There are several options when it comes to planning a scuba diving vacation package. First and foremost, an all-inclusive option allows you to find those resorts that will include accommodations, meals, scuba time, and equipment rental in one convenient price. The ability to add options can mean the addition of plane fare, off-property excursions, and even scuba lessons if needed.
Even if you can’t locate an appropriate all-inclusive property - or choose not to go that route - you can still combine all the things you want to do into one scuba diving vacation package. Start with a location that appeals to you as a scuba diving destination; think outside the box and creatively explore different areas. Book accommodations based on your journey of choice and available scuba time, equipment rental, and lesson offerings. Your scuba diving vacation packaging should be a reflection of your personality. If you’re someone who enjoys getting to know a particular area, then an entire week in one location may be most enjoyable for you. If you prefer to hop around, several days in a couple of different spots may make more sense.
Most importantly, be sure to research any companies that offer scuba to ensure their safety record and proper certifications. Some Internet research should yield the information you need to make a good decision.
Finally, be sure to do some comparison shopping with regard to prices of a scuba diving vacation package. You may find quite a bit of difference between months of travel and package inclusions. Many Internet travel sites can do comparison pricing. Or you may want to ask other scuba divers about their travel experiences and what made their scuba diving vacation package so successful.
Underwater Camera Case for Canon Powershot S2 IS?
Nita W asked:
I am looking for an underwater case for my Powershot S2 IS digital camera, and was wondering if anyone has used generic bag type cases before and how they compare to the ones made specifically for one model of camera (as the one made for my model costs $750, which is more than I paid for the camera in the first place!)
Any tips on getting good water pictures? Any answers will be greatly appreciated.
I am looking for an underwater case for my Powershot S2 IS digital camera, and was wondering if anyone has used generic bag type cases before and how they compare to the ones made specifically for one model of camera (as the one made for my model costs $750, which is more than I paid for the camera in the first place!)
Any tips on getting good water pictures? Any answers will be greatly appreciated.
Scuba Diving in North Sulawesi - the Natural Wonders of Bunaken and Lembeh Strait
Scubaworld asked:
Full of natural wonders, and offering an almost unparalleled levels of marine biodiversity, North Sulawesi has become one of the worlds premier destinations for ecotourism and adventure travel in recent years. Today, large numbers of scuba divers travel to this distant part of Indonesia, to sample some of the finest dive sites to be found anywhere throughout South East Asia.
The diving in North Sulwesi is focused in two main areas, the Bunaken National Marine Park and the famous muck diving capital of Lembeh Strait. There are other destinations where good diving is on offer in North Sulwesi, including the dive sites in Sangihe Island and Pulau Bangka, however it is the dive sites in Bunaken and Lembeh which draw large numbers of scuba divers here year after year.
The Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991, and the deep waters of the park offer one of the greatest levels of marine biodiversity to be found anywhere in the world. A home to over 70% of all fish species found throughout the Indo-western pacific region, the waters of Bunaken are home to an incredible array of coral and marine life.
The scuba diving in Bunaken is predominantly characterised by the awesome vertical walls which almost surround the island. Along these walls, an array of cracks, caves and crevices are home to a wide range of fish life during the day as well as the night. Dive sites including Fukui Point and Black Rock provide divers with access to stunning corals as well as stunning array of smaller marine life.
Lembeh Strait is widely acknowledged as being the ‘muck diving’ capital of the world, and offers what can only be described as a truly unique experience in diving. The diving itself is shaped by the black sandy bottom of the ocean in the region, which is home to a wide selection of critters and smaller marine life. It is for this reason that underwater photographers often choose to make the longer journey out to Lembeh Strait, to sample some of the finest opportunities for underwater macro photography to be found anywhere in South East Asia. Octopus, flying gunnards, frogfish and dwarf lionfish can all be found throughout the numerous dive sites in the Lembeh Strait.
Diving is possible in North Sulwesi throughout the year, although the best conditions are to be found from late March through to November. From January through to March, heavy rains and strong winds can be found throughout the region, leaving the conditions unfavourable for scuba diving.
Without doubt, the diving in North Sulawesi is of the highest standard, and the region fully justifies its claim to be one of South East Asia’s leading scuba diving destinations. The superb dive sites of Bunaken and Lembeh undoubtedly ensure the longer journey time to reach here is worthwhile, and leave you only thinking of when you can return!
Full of natural wonders, and offering an almost unparalleled levels of marine biodiversity, North Sulawesi has become one of the worlds premier destinations for ecotourism and adventure travel in recent years. Today, large numbers of scuba divers travel to this distant part of Indonesia, to sample some of the finest dive sites to be found anywhere throughout South East Asia.
The diving in North Sulwesi is focused in two main areas, the Bunaken National Marine Park and the famous muck diving capital of Lembeh Strait. There are other destinations where good diving is on offer in North Sulwesi, including the dive sites in Sangihe Island and Pulau Bangka, however it is the dive sites in Bunaken and Lembeh which draw large numbers of scuba divers here year after year.
The Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991, and the deep waters of the park offer one of the greatest levels of marine biodiversity to be found anywhere in the world. A home to over 70% of all fish species found throughout the Indo-western pacific region, the waters of Bunaken are home to an incredible array of coral and marine life.
The scuba diving in Bunaken is predominantly characterised by the awesome vertical walls which almost surround the island. Along these walls, an array of cracks, caves and crevices are home to a wide range of fish life during the day as well as the night. Dive sites including Fukui Point and Black Rock provide divers with access to stunning corals as well as stunning array of smaller marine life.
Lembeh Strait is widely acknowledged as being the ‘muck diving’ capital of the world, and offers what can only be described as a truly unique experience in diving. The diving itself is shaped by the black sandy bottom of the ocean in the region, which is home to a wide selection of critters and smaller marine life. It is for this reason that underwater photographers often choose to make the longer journey out to Lembeh Strait, to sample some of the finest opportunities for underwater macro photography to be found anywhere in South East Asia. Octopus, flying gunnards, frogfish and dwarf lionfish can all be found throughout the numerous dive sites in the Lembeh Strait.
Diving is possible in North Sulwesi throughout the year, although the best conditions are to be found from late March through to November. From January through to March, heavy rains and strong winds can be found throughout the region, leaving the conditions unfavourable for scuba diving.
Without doubt, the diving in North Sulawesi is of the highest standard, and the region fully justifies its claim to be one of South East Asia’s leading scuba diving destinations. The superb dive sites of Bunaken and Lembeh undoubtedly ensure the longer journey time to reach here is worthwhile, and leave you only thinking of when you can return!
