Anna Stenning asked:


A trip to the Caribbean resorts is always an exciting adventure for any holidaymaker. There is nothing more appealing than lazing under the blazing hot sun, on the warm white sand and watching the ocean wave back fourth. This for me is the most relaxing point of my time, whereby all my troubles simply drift away and all I have to worry about is topping up on my sun lotion avoiding a nasty burn.

However, some people prefer not to just lie around in the sun; some people enjoy exploring the area, sampling cultural cuisines and sightseeing. This is certainly not the only activity you can participate in on the Caribbean resorts. There are opportunities to take part in thrill seeking water sports to make your trip interesting.

For those who have never experienced this type of activity will need to seek out good quality instructors who are accredited to teach. These sports include scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing, sailing, snorkelling and of course swimming in the breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean Sea. Each exercise are very different from each other, but if you have never experienced this then it is probably good to talk to someone first, especially if you are looking to scuba dive.

A good way to find out what the experience is like would be to read up on each sport and research what other people had felt from taking part in water sports. Scuba diving is not for people afraid of swimming under water. This is a sport that requires teaching and guidance, which are available at an affordable rate. Some of the most popular spots on the Caribbean resorts are the Cayman Islands, Curacao and the Virgin Islands.

Divers can also experience Stingray City, off the Cayman Islands, whereby people are swimming alongside dozens of tame stingrays. However, for those searching for a bit of excitement and ‘hanging ten’ can also enjoy surfing the waves, windsurfing or kite boarding. These are all popular in the Caribbean and boards are always available for hire. Kite boarding is a relatively new sport that has developed a large number of avid participators.

Snorkelling is another sport that can be enjoyed by every one of all ages and has been a popular activity for many years. This is a great way to get closer to the underwater life, coming face to face with exotic fishes and witness the colourful sponges and corals. There are also instruction offered from most hotels, with the added bonus of containing equipments needed for the diving.

Along with the fantastic swimming opportunities, one can also be involved with water skiing, which for some is the most exciting part of water sports. Individuals can also hire out jet skis for the independent experience of riding the waves. Operators tend to be readily available nearby the beaches and at hotels.

In conclusion, when considering a holiday in the Caribbean, perhaps the above sports may tickle your fancy for a different kind of adventure. Holidays are about relaxing, but also about experiencing something new and building upon good memories.

Robert Barner asked:


Taveuni Palms, Fiji

Whether you are on your honeymoon, celebrating a 50th anniversary or just looking for a resort that is romantic. This is the place to travel,relax and enjoy.

The Taveuni Palms in Fiji is an intimate retreat offering two private guest houses, a secluded sandy beach, and even a freshwater swimming pool. The island has many spectacular things to offer, such as scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and many other vacation activities.

The Taveuni Island has always been known for its unique and colorful sea life, tropical fish, and amazing varieties of soft and hard coral. The Rainbow Reef, Great White Wall, Purple Wall, and Zoo dive sites are all within easy reach of the Taveuni resort.

The Great White Wall reef offers a tunnel with two exits, one at 33 feet and another at 88 feet. When you swim through it, you’ll notice a white glow that is given off by the soft corals that seem to surround you.

You’ll also find two dive centers that are minutes from Taveuni Palms, which offer you dive equipment and certified diving instructors. From beginners to expert divers, you can have a lot of fun scuba diving on your beach vacation.

Rooms and suites The two seperate beachfront villas at Taveuni Palms in Fiji come with their own staff to help make your vacation a bit more relaxing. The staff will make your dreams come true, as they offer full room support.

Each seperate villa offers a pool, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a very unique indoor/outdoor bathroom. The outdoor deck is equipped with chairs so that you can spend time outside as well, taking in the surrounding views of the ocean. The spectacular sunsets will turn into tropical nights - with stunning starlit skies.

Your personal maid at the villa will provide you with daily cleaning service, laundry service, fresh flowers, and evening turn down. The maids here are very professional, making your stay at the Taveuni Palms in Fiji one you’ll remember for years to come.

The resort will also provide you with your own private chef, kitchen, and bar staff who will provide your daily meals, which are included in the cost of your stay. This way, you don’t have to eat out - your food will be prepared for you at the resort.

Traveling and Getting to Taveuni. To get to Taveuni Palms, fly to Nadi International airport in Fiji. From there, catch a connecting flight to Taveuni Island where the Taveuni Palms staff will meet you at the airport, five minutes from the hotel.

Of course, wherever you travel, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before embarking on any vacation. Unfortunately, without insurance, you have little recourse if you have to suddenly cancel your trip due to illness or other unforeseeable circumstances. Realize that resorts like this will expect to be paid no matter what. However, with travel insurance, you can recoup some or all of your costs if travel and vacation plans change. Travel insurance is very affordably priced, so please check out your options.

Ryan Burden asked:


Planning your Caribbean honeymoon shouldn’t be as complex as planning your wedding… Right! But with so many enticing options, where do you start? Well, start here of course and let me help you discover the best of the best honeymoon destinations.

Certainly you’re looking for a romantic adventure where you’ll experience many “first time” events together and every couple wants something a little different. I had a fabulous Caribbean honeymoon and have taken some great trips in my lifetime. Check out these top picks and what makes them special. One of them is perfect for that memorable trip you’ve been dreaming of!

Barbados

This island is absolutely gorgeous and you will definitely leave feeling spoiled. Stay at the secluded 110-year-old Crane Hotel for nostalgic romance or at the Peach & Quiet for a budget honeymoon. It’s the adventurous couples dream with clear blue waters for scuba divers, windsurfers, and sightseeing from the air in a helicopter or underwater in a mini-sub. You’ll find decent beaches here, but not the best of the bunch.

Turks & Caicos

If you like small secluded luxury hotels with world-class spas and great restaurants, then you’ll love it here on any of the eight inhabited islands. The uncrowded beaches are absolutely fabulous. You may even end up sunbathing next to a movie star as many vacation in the Turks & Caicos. Go horseback riding, sail to one of the many deserted islands and play “Lost” for the day, see flocks of flamingos or thousands of iguanas on Little Water Cay. The scuba diving and snorkeling are phenomenal as is the deep-sea fishing and bone fishing. Kite-boarding, windsurfing and other water sports are also popular. A definite favorite for a perfect beach honeymoon vacation!

St. Lucia

This island is straight out of a fairytale with lush tropical scenery and twin mountain peaks covered in rain forest serenity. The locals are very friendly and seeing the St. Lucia Soufriere volcano from the inside will leave you in awe. Taking a day to tour the island on horseback is one of the major reasons this is in the top ten places to take a Caribbean honeymoon. Also, many hotels really cater to honeymooners with all-inclusive packages. Go in May and you’ll catch the Jazz Festival, which is way fun!

Dominican Republic

A great choice for a budget honeymoon that still had beautiful beaches and lots to offer. Taking a catamaran ride to the enchanting Saona Island is just one of the ways to enjoy this romantic getaway. Add a visit to the 600-acre Ecological Park enjoying a dozen blue lagoons is nothing short then a romantic getaway in heaven.

Martinique

A great romantic get-a-way, yet for some reason it’s still underrated compared to the rest here. Inhale the French culture along with the tantalizing scents of the beautiful flowers that consume the entire island. Take a canopy tour and go hiking in the rain forest canyons before getting a taste of superb Creole cuisine, going shopping and sampling the fairly lively nightlife.

Anguilla

When people choose a Caribbean honeymoon this island is over-looked more times than not. I have no idea why because it’s built for couples to enjoy. You won’t find much commercialization here, the nightlife is pretty low-key and water sports are not a big draw. But you’ll have dozens of fantastic beaches to explore and the fine dining is possibly the best in all the Caribbean.

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

You have several islands to choose from with many hotel options for a secluded romantic retreat. Ride a yacht to the famous Baths of Virgin Gorda or find a hidden beach for you and your loved to enjoy all alone. The beach bars on Jost Van Dyke are a fun hangout popular with sailors.

US Virgin Islands (USVI)

All beautiful areas here, the fact that they’re all considered part of the United States makes things more convenient. St. John has the best beaches and diving while St. Thomas is known for excellent dining and shopping. Of course, St. Croix is cheaper and also has casinos, so you pick or hop around. The variety of USVI makes it one of the best honeymoon destinations.

Jamaica

I absolutely love Ocho Rios. The Dunn’s River Falls has got to be the coolest adventure climb on any island. Climb the waterfall and jump back down into the water… amazing! Horseback riding on the beach, a little reggae music and rum at sunset and you’ve got yourself a nice romantic getaway plus it’s great for a budget honeymoon.

Cayman Islands

Saving this for last simply because if you want to take a romantic Caribbean honeymoon and still feel like your back home this is the closest thing you’ll come across. With many American themes you won’t feel too far away, but taking in some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean will be breathtaking. Also, if you are into shopping and eating well, then the Caymans have got to be a top pick for you Caribbean honeymoon.

Now that you’ve got some good ideas, you just have to decide which is the best honeymoon destination for you. Hopefully this list has got you excited and also helped narrow down your choices too. Good luck and have fun. Whichever one you decide on, I hope you two have a wonderful wedding and a romantic honeymoon!

Phoenix Delray asked:


If you are looking for a vacation where you find yourself scuba diving and snorkeling, you owe it to yourself to check out Australias Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is where you can enjoy the immense beauty, color and richness of a truly natural underwater wonder. Do not forget The Wet Tropics Rainforest is just a short distance away from from any of the towns in the tropical Far North of Australia. You are sure to enjoy the salt spray while lounging on a tropical beach and take in the picturesque tablelands plateau.

The Great Barrier Reef is fun for all ages and group sizes. Sample luxurious resorts or stay in a more adventurous setting such as tent accommodations. Whatever you are looking for on your Australia vacation, A helicopter or seaplane ride is a once in a lifetime experience as you can get a birds eye view of the reef as well as marine life.

Thirty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises have been recorded as well as six species of sea turtles come to the reef to breed. Bring your family or friends to check out Humpback whale season which last from June until September. Sea Turtles lay their eggs on the beach and their young can be spotted from November through May. In the Southern Hemisphere, November is the equivalent of May in the Northern Hemisphere so prepare appropriately for summer weather. Salt water crocodiles live in and around the mangrove and salt marshes and approximately over 120 shark, stingray, skates or chimera species live on the reef.

If you have the budget you can actually stay on the Reef at either Lizard or Hayman Island. Lizard Island is a luxury tropical resort with two dozen secluded beaches along with a comprehensive Pavilion Day Spa. Hotel staff can even prepare a picnic basked, arrange for snorkeling equipment, and even arrange for you to take a trip in a glass bottom boat perfect for viewing the reef and the sea creatures below. Spend the whole day but bring an underwater camera so that you can share your experience with those less fortunate souls back at home as well as save memories for years to come.

In order to arrive at your resort destination, you will need to coordinate with your resort which airport or helicopter service is most appropriate. Also keep in mind that you may not be allowed to bring very much along with you. 15 kilograms is a good estimate as to how much luggage you may bring. Because of the remoteness of some of your travel, be prepared to bring only what you are willing to carry.

Tom Bentley asked:


As the world has changed, travelers’ interests have changed with it. For a significant swath of vacationers, the old model of going to an established resort area, gobbling expensive meals and taking some hurried snapshots for a soon-forgotten album is long gone. Many travelers are now looking for—and finding—something different, something more authentic or participatory. For these travelers, vacationing can present educational immersion in a world unto its own, exciting physical challenges to overcome, or cultural explorations that open the mind to new ways of thinking.

The Los Cabos area is renowned both for the lively “party-town” aspect of Cabo San Lucas and for its laid-back, desert-meets-the-sea appeal. Any traveler can find its fabulous resorts and its luxury villas, and can spend the finest of times lounging around beautiful pools. But Los Cabos also has much to offer the new breed of travel pilgrim.

Los Cabos is a diverse region of intriguing eco-systems and unique terrain. Dubbed “the aquarium of the world” by Jacques Cousteau, the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez at Baja’s tip boasts an extraordinary profusion of marine life, both big and small. Cabo Pulmo, located on the East Cape, is a protected National Marine Park that boasts one of the largest and most diverse coral reefs in North America. There are also several biosphere reserves, where diverse ecosystems offer habitat to species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.  These rugged desert canyons, arroyos and cactus-laden hills are fed by mountain streams and often open up to spectacular views of sparkling seas.

Discerning eco-tourists can choose from a wide array of Los Cabos offerings, from whale and bird-watching excursions to turtle hatchings, kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling and scuba diving, dolphin encounters, mountain climbing and more. Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations is pleased to offer a variety of organized tours and excursions that take enthusiasts far from the common tourist package, and into the soul of the Baja experience.

Take, for instance, our tours offered through the Carisuva (which means “in touch with nature”) Foundation, an ecological project that seeks to preserve Baja California’s Ecological environment through education of visitors and local children. The Rhino Safari tour lets you drive Yamaha Rhinos (essentially small, low-horsepower jeeps) on rugged off-track paths and canyon trails to a spectacular Pacific vista, with stops along the way to discuss desert flora and fauna. Carisuva also has exhilarating Pacific Beach horseback rides.

For those wanting to be in the water rather than looking at it, you might consider Manta Scuba diving or a live-aboard dive trip on the Solmar V. These organizations will transport you to select spots such as Cabo Pulmo or on a nine-day trip to the Socorro Islands, where you’re likely to encounter dazzlingly colorful fish, giant manta rays, sharks, sea lions, turtles and spectacular underwater canyons. Extended multi-day trips include all meals, and can also include a variety of optional equipment. Those who might want a bit more luxury in their boating experiences should consider a week-long private yachting venture into the Sea of Cortez aboard a lavish vessel like the Panache.

Looking for something with a little more zip? What about whipping through the air on a zip line over an enchanting canyon, courtesy of Cabo Adventures? This exciting activity is conducted by experienced guides that are absolutely dedicated to the protection and preservation of this protected biosphere. The picturesque desert mountain canyon, deep stream-fed pools and waterfalls are sure to satisfy adventure seekers and eco-tourists alike.  

For visitors who want to practice true “voluntourism,” you could consider participating in one of the local resort’s protected sea turtle programs. Resort guests can watch adult turtles laying their eggs, observe the hatched turtles in their holding corral, handle the baby turtles in a supervised setting and personally release them into the sparkling Sea of Cortez.

Some people might gravitate to far-flung lands like the exotic Galapagos or frozen Antarctica for their ventures; some people might even crave an unusual jungle outing like gorilla tracking in far-off Rwanda. But some will wisely choose Los Cabos, where they’ll find a bright world of intrigue and excitement, where a vacation doesn’t merely have to be a vacation, but can be a lifetime experience. Let one our Los Cabos vacation experts make your next vision a reality.

David Cowley asked:


American Lobsters
Lobster hunting is becoming a favorite pastimes for many divers.  These tasty crustaceans, also known as bugs to divers, are delicious.  But in order to capture a lobster you must first find them.  Lobsters need places to hide from other predators so prefer corral reefs, rocky area, old shipwrecks and man made areas where there are plenty of holes to hide in.
Lobsters are nocturnal feeders and they rarely venture far from their hole during the daylight hours.  You will find them sitting on there front porch of there chosen home with just there antennea sticking and there back end inside the hole.  Then threatened they will simply scoot back into there homes and then push down with there legs and brace there backs against the surface of the hole.  This defensive action, also known as locking-up, makes it very difficult to pry the little buggers out.
Blue Lobsters
While I have heard of people snorkeling or free diving during the day, most lobster hunting is done at night with scuba tanks.  Hunting for these elusive crustaceans in their natural environment has become a sport and after you have a little experience under your belt you may want to enter some of the contests available to the hunters.  Prizes are given for the first lobster found, the largest one, the most found and anything else the promoter of the event can think of.
The first thing the new treasure hunter will need to accomplish is to become scuba certified.  Follow the PADI rules set down for scuba divers and please use common sense.  The PADI rules state that you always surface with 500 psi of air left in your tanks.  It does NOT say surface with 500 psi of air left in your tanks unless you are lobster hunting.
Spinney Lobsters
The most common PADI rule violated is to always dive with a buddy.  You may start with a buddy in the water but when both of you are chasing after a fast moving lobster you will become quickly separated and very rarely will two divers make the effort needed to find each other again.
Gloves.
Next you will need a pair of good quality gloves.  The claws of the lobsters are a great defense and if the bug should get a hold of you with them they can cut right through the cheep gloves and can give you a nasty cut.  It has been said that the larger lobsters can crush a coke bottle with his claws and they bite as well.  Not all lobsters have claws, such as the spinney lobster, but they make up for them with the spines on the underside of the tail, hence the name.  Another hazard of night hunting is digging broken sea urchin spines out of your hands when you do not have a pair of good quality of gloves.
Yellow Lobsters
Underwater Light.
The more powerful the better.  The wider the beam of light the easer to spot the bugs wandering around.  Do not shine the light directly at the lobster until you are ready to make your final darting run at him.  The light will blind him for a second or so just like a dear in automobile headlights.  When he freezes you may just have enough extra time to make the capture.
The capture.
If the lobster is out in the open, do not try to grab them, just pin them to the bottom of ocean floor with your hand.  Watch out for sea urchins, this is why most night divers will be digging sea urchin spines out of there hands after the dive is over.
If you discover a lobster sitting oh his home porch grab him by his head just below the antennae.  If you grab him by the antennae they will just break off.  Once the capture has been made point his tail at your capture bag and just let go.  He will swim tail first right into the bag.
If you have missed your first grasp at him all is not lost.  He will wedge himself into his crevice with the locking up maneuver.  Grab him by the head and give him a good shake.  If you are able to throw off his equilibrium he slide right out.
Size Limit
All divers are required to have a lobster gage with them at all times.  It is used to determine if your catch is of legal size limit.  If you do not have a gage with you the Coast Guard will give you a heavy fine.
Happy Treasure Hunting.

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.

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!

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.

Marty Davis asked:


Whether you fancy white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking or hiking, these are just some of the adventure holidays on offer in France, and with so many different activities on offer your holiday can range from the extreme sports to the more sedate, through to adult only adventures, what ever you decide this sort of holiday is never going to be boring, plus all the family can be involved together, which can also make for a great learning experience.

Complete package holidays are a good way of getting the holiday you want without the hassle and these can be catered specifically for your needs, yet you can also choose to book specific activities for a day here and there whilst on your holiday. And when booking your adventure holiday, you would normally be in a reasonably small, informal group of around three to five families, or a social group of around 15 to 30, which would be headed by a trained tour leader and representative. You will also find that this can be a great way to meet other like minded families and individuals, whilst enjoying yourselves and, of course, testing yourselves to the limits along the way.

There are some people that would think of white water rafting or sky diving as extreme adventure sport, whilst others would think of cycling to one place, then going on horse back to another as a great adventure. But the truth is, there is an adventure holiday available to suit all tastes and some are more strenuous than others, so please do always check the itinerary thoroughly and make sure it is going to be suitable everyone.

You can also choose from activities such as canoeing and rafting in the Ardeche, canyoning, tubing and mountaineering in the Alps, horse riding in Brittany, paragliding and climbing in the Pyrenees, or why not go to Chamonix which is a real mountain town, full of history and is popular for skiing holidays, but also provides amazing summer mountaineering and with the diverse terrain it is mostly suited to the experienced for some of the worlds best winter riding.

Why not visit the Gorge d’Ardeche is also known as the Grand Canyon of Europe and as the river winds its way past steep canyon walls and towering cliffs, this creates the ideal location for canoeing, climbing and walking both for the experienced and the novice alike.

The Alps Maritime is like discovering the true France and even though the Roya Valley is only around one hours drive from the Riviera, it is still very unspoilt, and the valley itself is renowned for its many canyons and with the fast flowing river and mountain scenery, this could be the perfect location for an exhilarating family adventure holiday with lots of different activities to choose from, so you could never become bored, just possibly exhausted!

Also, France has lots of lakes and miles of coastal water suitable for water skiing and other water sports, although the areas in the South of France are far warmer, which gives it an added advantage.

Also this country has some of the finest terrain for mountain biking, which is probably why France has been able to produce some the best mountain bikers in the World, but there are also lots of other adventures that might take your fancy, which could include pony trekking, kayaking, scuba diving, wind surfing, hiking, rope courses, caving, abseiling, thrilling jumps into pools, quad biking and much, much more.

Just make sure that whatever type of adventure holiday you are looking for, you think of everyone that is in your party, as some activities are not available for children under certain ages, so you do need to consider what will be appropriate, after all if you like cycling but have a heart condition, then mountain biking is not going to be beneficial!

There are some trips that will cater for the experienced, such as rafting down rapids or ice climbing for the experienced rock climber, whereas a novice or for instance someone that has never even been in a canoe or on a horse before, would need to look at having some tuition incorporated within their holiday before they could attempt some of the activities on offer.

Also, do confirm the equipment, if any, that you will need to take with you along with any specific clothing requirements, such as hiking boots or your own life jacket, just as we had to get a life jacket for our daughter due to her age, as there were not any available in very small sizes and the last thing you want is to get to your destination and realise you cannot participate in the activities you were so looking forward to.

So for anyone who is interested in outdoor adventure travel then this type of holiday can really show you the real France by taking you off the normal beaten track and into the heart of this remarkable country.

Derek Both asked:


Shopping is not the first activity to come to mind when you come to the Maldives, but it can be one of the most fun. Even if you didn’t plan on buying any souvenirs to take home for your friends, or even for yourself, you will find yourself drawn to the colourful local shops and all they have to offer. As beautiful and breathtaking as the beaches of the Maldives are, the souvenir items in the many shops definitely live up to the standard.

The most popular item from the souvenir shops and the bustling local markets are the hand carved masks and statues from traditional Maldivian culture. Another pride of the Maldives is their lacquered boxes, which are also handmade. You will also find beautiful reed mats, which are woven into eye-catching and colourful patterns and available in different sizes.

The Maldives is perhaps one of the best places to buy exquisitely gorgeous pearls at surprisingly low prices. Other gems are available as well, but make sure not to fall for fake jewellery, which can be found in smaller stores. The gem stores that are almost a standard in most resorts are the most reliable stores to find authentic gems and pearls, as well as precious and semi-precious stones, which come straight from Sri Lanka. All resorts also have stores for your personal needs, as well as casual outfits you can wear around the resort and even disposable underwater cameras.

If you are looking for top brands like Gucci and Prada, you won’t see these in any local shop in the Maldives, but you can find them, and an array of electronic gadgets, perfumes, cosmetics and other toiletries, in the duty-free shop at the Male International Airport. There are souvenir shops here as well, but you’ll find better bargains in the shops near the resorts. There is also fine dining at the airport, and, alternately, a grocery for snacks to take with you on your flight home.

The local currency in the Maldives is the Rufiyaa. One British pound is equivalent to 25.5 Maldivian rufiyaas while one US dollar converts to 12.8 rufiyaas. In local currency, one rufiyaa is equal to 100 laari, although you probably won’t need this information as you actually won’t need to convert your cash to local money while on vacation in the Maldives.

Local shops actually prefer accepting US dollars to rufiyaas, although they do accept the local money as well. US dollars are accepted in many establishments and it is actually advisable for you to bring US dollars to the Maldives instead of converting your dollars to the local currency. Exchange other currencies, including Euros and UK pounds, to US dollars before arriving at the Maldives.

Not all shops accept credit cards, so it is best to ask first before making any purchases. Usually, the more progressive stores accept Visa and MasterCard. American Express and Diners Cards are not popular in the Maldives, so leave those at home. Leave at home also your debit and ATM cards.