Elizabeth Hartley asked:


If you are planning a scuba diving holiday to Tenerife, when you venture under the waves you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. The impressive underwater rock formations rich in both plant and animal life make the island of Tenerife an ideal and increasingly popular scuba diving destination. Due to the volcanic history of the Canary Islands, the depth of the water around the shoreline allows divers the opportunity to explore the ocean and it’s marine life with or without the need for a boat trip, making it ideal for beginners as well as the more experienced.

When scuba diving in Tenerife you can expect to see an abundance of sea dwellers including stingrays, morays, trumpet fish, octopus and turtles, as well as caves inhabited by parrotfish, barracudas and giant anemones. If exploring wrecks is your passion the Condesita shipwreck can be found at Stingray City. This dive site is reached by a short boat trip where you will meet trumpet fish and moray eels who have made the cabin and engine room their home.

For something a little different you may wish to take a look at ‘the high mac’ digger in Sueno Azul or should you fancy hand feeding large stingrays, eagle rays and angel sharks then Los Gigantes is just the place for a leisurely dive beneath the town’s towering cliffs.

With year round temperatures of between 20 degrees in winter and 30 degrees in summer, Tenerife provides an ideal climate for scuba divers and an excellent choice as a winter diving destination. There are a wide range of dive schools with experienced instructors across the island and a state of the art decompression chamber located in the University hospital in case of emergencies.

The largest of the Canary Islands with temperatures ranging between 18 - 30 degrees, the wonderful Tenerife weather provides the ideal climate for holidaymakers or for people thinking of living or working in the sun.

If you would like to reprint this article you may do so provided the text remains unchanged and you include the “Author Bio” statement below:

J Allen asked:


It was only by chance I discovered this optimum solution for solving the problem of always having to worry about keeping my digital camera protected from both the elements, and too much knocking around.

I’d been wanting a replacement for my dive camera and in the process of researching alternatives, came across this new generation of underwater cameras that work equally well out of the water. Even better is that they’re still compact and lightweight enough to make sense as a replacement for my land use only digital camera.

So what’s the point? Simply that I’ve gotten fed up with digital cameras that can’t take a little sand or water. When do we generally take the most pictures? How about while on excursions to new places or while vacationing or on holiday. Where do we often do these things? Beaches, snow-capped mountains, rivers, hiking trails - the list goes on.

The majority of our photographs are taken in environments where there’s a better than average chance that our camera will get wet, muddy, or banged about. Instead of worrying about splashes or a little rain, and dropping it in everything from sand to snow, wouldn’t it be handy if these technological marvels were just a bit hardier?

Well a handful of dive camera manufacturers have apparently gotten the message because they’ve produced some rugged multi-purpose digital waterproof cameras. Better still is unlike their predecessors, they can be had at a much more reasonable price.

By predecessors, I mean those super-expensive, special-purpose underwater cameras with special housings that scuba divers and underwater photographers used. They are bulky and awkward to handle out of water and while one could remove the camera itself from the housing, that sort of defeats the purpose, as we’re back to the original problem of having to take extra care with protecting the camera.

But these latest generation dive cameras are integrated units where the camera is made into a waterproof case comprised of impact resistant composite materials and armored with rubber at all the key places. Dropping them from several feet up leaves them unfazed.

They are lightweight (about a pound) and compact (less than 4 inches x 5 inches), and despite their small size, offer superb picture quality with ultra sharp, high-resolution images, even in low-light conditions such as those typically found underwater. Prices are comparable to a higher-end land use digital camera.

Of particular use are the settings that can be changed depending on whether you’re shooting above or under the water. In “undersea” mode the various settings improve colors underwater by automatically adjusting shutter speeds and aperture settings. For “land” use they work like other land cameras allowing the user to adjust to conditions encountered above water. Other features include face detection and image stabilization.

Bottom line is eliminating the need for more than one camera. The same one that’s perfect for scuba diving, now does double duty for hiking, mountain climbing, ocean kayaking, going to the beach, being out on the boat, and pretty much any other activity one might think of.

Even if you aren’t a diver there are models made for snorkeling, and even though waterproof down to just about 10 feet or so, are less expensive. This is especially good news if your primary concern is finding a more rugged digital camera that won’t give out after being splashed at the lake or left in the rain.

Ian Scott asked:


Don’t leave the dock without it
When you pack your gear bag, your checklist probably includes the usual gear and emergency equipment, mask, fins, regulator and one of those kits with a few extra o-rings, neoprene patches and regulator mouthpieces. Here are a few extra things that you can throw into your gear bag that will make your dive more comfortable, confident, and safe.
Citrus beverages
When I surface, the first thing I want to do is get the taste of ocean out of my mouth. As much as I appreciate the smell of the sea and the salty air, I’m not so enthusiastic about having it on my tongue. Water is refreshing, but I find that I can drink a few liters of bottled water and still taste the remnants of the sea in my mouth.
After experimenting with dozens of beverage candidates, I find that Five Alive is hands-down the best cure for oceanmouth. Other citrus juices are good, but none are quite as effective as Five Alive. The better ones were those that contain acidic juices like pineapple and grapefruit.
The juice serves another purpose: rehydration. It seems counterintuitive that spending an hour submerged in water can cause dehydration, but it’s true. The air in your tanks is very dry - necessarily so, since moisture in a tank will rust it from the inside. Just breathing in that dry air for an hour will silently dehydrate you. Drink something when you get back to the boat and you can avoid the symptoms of dehydration such as headache, nausea and dizziness.
Long-sleeved rashgard or cotton shirt
Did you know that the chemicals in sunscreen are poisonous to reef-dwelling marine life? You need to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, but you don’t want to slather on the SPF lotion before your dive. Cover up the old fashioned way with a cotton shirt or a long-sleeved rashguard.
Laminated Dive Table Chart
Are you dependent on your computer? Go back and review your certification training and learn how to calculate your residual nitrogen using tables. Computers are great tools, but it behooves every diver to remember how to manage their nitrogen levels without gadgetry.
A “dry bag”
A dry bag needn’t be anything fancy - inexpensive bags with resealable flaps are available at most camping or marine supply stores. They don’t need to be watertight to 100 ft - since you leave them on the boat in your gear bag. My favorite is a bright yellow, rubber bag with a top that folds over three times and tucks into itself for an easy watertight seal. Many divers on a budget will use a variety of disposable resealable freezer bags.
In my dry bag, I keep:
Tissues - a necessity. After purging my mask a few times, my sinuses get rebellious.
Cotton Swabs - some gentle attention to get the water out of my ears.
A photocopy of my identification & passport - just in case
Band-aids - because I stub my toes on boats
Everything that was in my pockets - Before donning my wetsuit, my dry bag (by virtue of its sealability) is a good place to keep a cell phone, camera, wallet, jewelery, car keys, etc.
Tell someone where you are going and who you’re with.
Make this a habit, so you don’t need to be concerned when an emergency arises.
First, make sure the dive operator knows who you are, where you are staying, and who to contact in case of an emergency. If you are injured during a dive, the dive operators might whisk you directly to the nearest hospital, medical clinic or decompression chamber. If the medical staff can’t determine your identity, it can complicate your medical attention.
Second, tell someone who isn’t diving with you where you are going. That could be others in your party, the hotel concierge, or a phone call to a relative back home. Tell them the name of the dive shop, your destination, the departure time and estimated return time for your dive excursion. If you know it, include the names of the boat, its captain, and divemaster. If you are traveling alone or diving in a group, write the information down and leave it with the hotel office. If your hotel is near a popular diving spot, they will be used to that sort of thing.

Dianne Rein asked:


Scuba diving vacations are a great escape from the everyday world. However, there are lots of options to choose from and they can get very expensive.

You can book each portion of the trip separately, you can purchase a vacation package, you can stay on a liveaboard, stay at an all inclusive or any variation of these options.

However, there are ways to reduce the cost of that long-awaited vacation. In this article we are going to explore a stay at an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean that includes scuba diving.

They can be a great money saver but there are some pros and cons to consider with this option.

Pros

* Don’t have to worry about money while you are there

* Usually cheaper than purchasing everything separately

* Stress free: No decisions to make about where to go for drinks, dinner or diving

* Usually a party atmosphere (can be a con too)

* Security

* Activities and entertainment are included (sometimes diving is included also)

Cons

* Usually big resorts; grounds and dive boats can be crowded (ever have to go out at 6 am to reserve a lounge on the beach?)

* No incentive to leave the resort and experience the local culture

* Have unexpected expense of going out if you don’t like the food and/or drink

* Service is sometimes lacking since tips are already included (we always tip anyway, even if the policy is supposedly not to

* Not all islands have all inclusives, so island choice is limited

You just have to decide what is most important for you. For instance, if you like smaller resorts and small dive groups, than an all inclusive resort may not be for you.

Most all inclusives include non-motorized water sports in the package. However, while most resorts offer scuba diving, you usually have to pay extra for it. If the resort does offer scuba diving in the price, you can save a significant amount of money.

If you pay for your diving at the resort, my experience has been that prices are pretty much market prices. If you do multiple dives you can usually get a discount, but that is typically the case for non-resort dive shops too.

If there are a few divers, you can usually negotiate a better price. Many places we have been allow you to purchase a dive package (say 15 dives) and split the dives among the different divers. It has always worked out well and we saved a fair amount of money.

Popular All Inclusive Destinations

Probably the most popular places (or at least those with the most resort choices) for an all inclusive Caribbean scuba diving vacation are the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, including the ever popular Cozumel. In my opinion, Cozumel is the hands down winner as far as diving.

High End/Low End

There is an all inclusive resort to fit every budget. You just have to decide what you want. What’s more important to you? Would you rather have gourmet food and premium drinks or would you be happy with lower end offerings and more money in your wallet? The answer can be different for each trip.

No matter where you go and which level of service you choose, it is hard not to have a good time. So pick a place, pack your scuba gear and get going!

Scubaworld asked:


Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the ‘island’ host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.

Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

Dianne Rein asked:


So you are thinking about getting your scuba diving certification but aren’t sure what it entails? We’ll go through the details here.

Scuba diving is a wonderful sport and you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. There’s nothing like floating effortlessly underwater and seeing all the beautiful fish, coral, wrecks, etc. Certification will open up a whole new world for you.

First, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is scuba diving certification?

In order to go scuba diving with any reputable dive shop, you must have a certification card (more commonly known as a c-card). You obtain this card by taking and passing a dive certification course. Once you pass this course, you receive your c-card and you are good to go.

The two main certification agencies are PADI and NAUI. Other agencies, such as YMCA and SSI, also offer scuba diving certification but NAUI and PADI are the most widely recognized.

The dive shop (or other entity) that you take your training from will be affiliated with one of these agencies. That is who you will receive your card from.

The most common scuba diving certification for recreational divers is the open water diver. Once you finish this course and pass the tests and dives, you receive your c-card. Once you receive your card, you are certified for life. There is no other mandatory training. There is other optional training you can do, but nothing more is required before you can start diving.

What are the requirements for taking a certification course?

As far as age goes, for PADI you must be 10 or older to take the course. Students younger than 15 will receive the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification. It can then be upgraded to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. For Naui, you must be 12 or older to take the course.

Basically you should be in good physical shape and be comfortable in the water. A clearance from your doctor would be a good idea if you have any doubts.

During the course you will have to be able to swim 200 yards. However, you can use any stroke and there is no time limit on how long it takes. You also have to tread water or float for 10 minutes. Again, you can use any methods you want.

The course itself can be broken into 4 major segments:

1. Book work

2. Exams

3. Pool training

4. Open water dives

The amount of time it takes to get our scuba diving certification depends on what avenue you take. There are intensive weekend courses where you can do all your book work and pool work in one weekend. This option usually involves advance reading. I think this could be a bit overwhelming if you have no prior experience but many people opt for this route.

At the opposite end are the options where you meet over the course of several weeks to do your book and pool work. This is the option I chose. The class met once a week for 6 weeks. The first part of the night involved the classroom (about 1 1/4 hours) followed by pool work (about 1 1/2 hours).

A recent introduction are the on-line certification courses which allows you to do the book portion of your scuba diving certification from anywhere.

You get a referral to do your open water dives after you successfully complete the book and pool work. Your open water dives are usually done in a lake, quarry or ocean. You typically do these dives over the course of 2 days. Certification usually requires 4 or 5 successful open water dives. You also have to do your open water dives within a certain amount of time of receiving your referral.

During your open water dives, you will perform the skills you learned in class for the instructor. This involves such skills as clearing your mask, buddy breathing, etc. Once you successfully pass the open water dives, you will receive your c-card.

As far as the cost of certification, prices for the course and pool work portion can range anywhere from around $150 to several hundred. I think $200-$250 is probably about average. If you take book portion online through PADI, the course currently costs $120 (you still have to pay for your in water training and open water dive portions).

Adding in the cost of your open water dives, the total cost of dive certification will probably be about $350-$450.

Hopefully I have answered most of your questions about getting certified. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!

Michelle Bery asked:


There’s nothing quite as mysterious as that which is contained underwater. Since the beginning of time, man has attempted to explore the deep of the sea; to investigate the secrets it holds. The modern equivalent of this exploration is scuba diving - a one-man voyage that can yield enormous adventure. But before you can dive, you must crawl, so to speak.

Deciding whether scuba diving is right for you depends solely on your personality. If you’re someone who enjoys swimming, exploring, and adventurous activities, then chances are you will thoroughly enjoy scuba diving. However, in order to complete the training and scuba dive safely and successfully you must also be in good physical health.

If you have an interest in scuba diving you can get your feet wet through scuba instruction. In order to participate in scuba diving in open water, you must be trained and certified in scuba. You can find a host of training facilities in towns and cities throughout the world - regardless of whether or not you live near the ocean. Scuba diving instruction is given in indoor pools because of the controlled environment. But before water work even begins, students are given extensive classroom instruction to familiarize them with the essentials of scuba diving.

Once in the pool, the instructor will put the classroom instruction into practice, allowing students to practice techniques associated with scuba diving. Scuba diving instruction can take place over many weeks; it is imperative that students receive thorough training in order to ensure their safety. The culmination of training will be your certification in scuba diving. And you’re on your way.

Reputable instructors can certainly point you in the direction of finding scuba gear that will be essential for your dives. Equipment necessary for scuba diving includes a wetsuit, flippers, eye and face mask, and oxygen tank and accessories. You also have the ability to rent equipment prior to any dives; just be sure that you are taken out by scuba professionals who are reputable and experienced.

Scuba diving can be an unbelievable experience that will forever transform you. Take the steps necessary to ensure your safety and the rest is pure enjoyment.

Peter Hansson asked:


If you are planning to try your hand at scuba diving, then you must have had a lot of realizations. One is that scuba diving is not as easy as it seems. Considered formally as a sport, scuba diving is not like other sports because it requires not just strengthening of a particular body area but rather overall wellness and fitness. Another disappointing and probably alarming realization you might have had is that the price with which scuba diving comes translates to a lot. This means that, in order to play the game, you might have to shell out a lot of money. This is exactly why scuba diving is deemed as a recreational sport by some - only a few people can afford to scuba dive as much as they can because it involves a lot of money. So if you are planning to be one of those people, then it might be time for you to find places where you can buy used scuba gear.

Why should I buy used scuba gear?

Taking from the word itself, used scuba gear is scuba gear that has been used for a certain period of time. You may sneer at the idea of buying used scuba gear. This is not surprising since the thought of buying something that has been used by other people may seem inconceivable and even foolish. However, the price by which scuba diving equipment comes for can be very taxing, and it may be very illogical for you to get a brand new set of each tool and gadget needed in your scuba equipment. Rather than going for this kind of illogical move, the only alternative available for you is to buy used scuba gear. In the end, you save a lot of money without necessarily compromising the quality. You ought to remember that, sometimes, you have to compromise your values in order to attain what will be, in the end, best for you.

Also, you should look into buying used scuba gear if you don’t think you are going to use it successively. If you are planning to buy scuba gear just because you will need one whenever you take a vacation - which is something that only happens every once in a while - then, you better go and buy used scuba gear.

What components should I look for in buying used scuba gear?

Admittedly, it is not ideal for you to buy an overall used scuba gear. For example, if you are going to buy an overall used scuba gear that includes a used scuba suit, then you might have a problem with that. A used scuba suit implies that the suit has not only been worn from head to toe by the original possessor, but it has also been stretched to its limits. You cannot expect the medium size of a brand new scuba suit to be the same size of a medium-sized used scuba suit. This is because the fabric has been stretched, and many damages have been done to it. Therefore, you should look into the matter of buying used scuba gear very carefully. For all you know, you may be buying all the wrong components in a used scuba gear.

But there are also excellent choices for a used scuba gear. For example, buying a used underwater compass might be ideal, inasmuch as an underwater compass is something that does not easily break. Also, buying a brand new compass is very expensive. In the end, the expense by which a brand new compass comes is not worth it. You might get the same quality with a used scuba compass, if you look hard enough.

JB Mills asked:


There are people who are closer to the mountains and then there are people who feel closer to the ocean or the sea. For those who love the mountains there is rock climbing and for those who love the oceans, there is scuba diving. Most of the beach towns in the world have scuba diving on their menu and offer some of the most exotic views of the ocean world. If you are traveling to Australia, you will get to see the almost stunning eco system under the ocean, which is more famous as the Great Barrier Reef. It supports thousands of marine life and scuba diving is the only way to reach there. Scuba diving allows you to see a completely different world separate from the one you live in.

Just because there is an ocean doesn’t mean that scuba diving is easy. You need to gather as much information possible on scuba diving and regarding the hot spots. You also need to know swimming. And remember, for starters a shark infested colony would be the worst place to scuba dive. Scuba diving will open your eyes to a world that you can only dream of. You can get to see thousands of varieties of fishes, planktons, corals and many others. Some of the best diving sites are in the Bahamas, Australia, Florida, and Mexico, although you can find your own new scuba diving site almost anywhere in the world except Antarctica. There you will end up freezing!

Without proper knowledge and training, diving can be a very dangerous sport. Therefore all commercial diving companies require certification that their customers have completed at least some sort of basic diving course. These courses are available in most of the same areas (and even from the same companies) that offer the actual scuba diving trips. As a trainee, you will head out with professional divers who will take you on multiple training dives. This way, you will become familiar with equipment and techniques, and eventually earn a certificate that will allow you to go on for the more serious dives.

Once you have a diving certificate, the opportunities will be endless. If you want to focus on a particular area, such as ocean life, you can pick a particular spot which is rich in marine life. In some of the scuba diving ventures, you can even swim along with dolphins or other fishes and or get surrounded by schools of fishes. This can be quite exciting and adventurous and probably be the best way to spend your vacation. Alternatively, if you are more interested in exploring, you can go scuba dive around reefs or caves that will provide amazing and unspoiled underwater landscapes for you to enjoy.

There are several risks associated with scuba diving, but with proper training and with good equipment you are not likely to encounter them. You need to pay close attention to water pressure during the descent and ascent. You have to time the changes in pressure accordingly in order to avoid injuries. Injuries can include damage to the ears and sinuses. Other problems include hypothermia, which happens in freezing waters as well as problems with pressurized gas. If you take a diving course, you will learn how to handle these issues, as well as how you can prevent them from affecting your dive.

Scuba diving is an immense opportunity and should be enjoyed by everyone at some point in their life. However, it is not something that you can simply go out to the ocean and do. It takes time and preparation to understand the working of the equipment and the basic diving knowledge to keep you safe. Ultimately it is worth the effort, and allows for an ocean experience that you will never forget.

Dianne Rein asked:


A scuba diving computer can be a divers best friend. It will allow you to stay down longer than if you were diving off of tables. There are many types and/or styles of dive computers you can choose from. Which one is best is really personal preference and is suited to the way you dive. The following are some of the choices you will have when purchasing your dive computer.

Console Dive Computer

A console dive computer is attached to the rest of the equipment via a hose. The console dive computers typically come with a pressure gauge. The readouts are typically larger than on a wrist dive computer so they can also be easier on the eyes.

There are also options for a scuba dive computer to be mounted on your hose (this is the type we currently use) or clip onto your BC. Choose whichever is more comfortable for you and fits into your price range.

Wrist Dive Computer

The wrist dive computer is very popular. These types of computers look like large watches and are worn on the wrist. They will tell you all you need to know at a glance. Some wrist dive computers are also able to be mounted in a console.

Sometimes the faces may be a bit small for all the information the computer can display, so make sure you will be able to read it underwater.

Unless they are air integrated and wireless (see below) wrist dive computers usually do not come with a pressure gauge. One small disadvantage here is that these can be pretty easy to misplace/lose.

Air Integrated Dive Computer

Air integrated dive computers are becoming more commonplace. An air integrated computer measures the tank pressure and then calculates how much more time you have left at the current rate of air consumpetion. The air integrated dive computer will tell you how much time you can spend at any exertion level.

An air integrated computer replaces the need for a submersible pressure gauge (SPG). One downside of an air integrated computer is that if it fails, you lose information on how much air you have left in your tank. Dive over.

Nitrox Dive Computer

With nitrox diving becoming more and more common, so are computers that are nitrox compatible. Even if you aren’t diving with nitrox now, if you are even thinking of diving with nitrox in the future, it is probably worth it to purchase a nitrox dive computer. This will save you the expense of buying a whole new computer in the future. However, if don’t think you will ever dive with nitrox, then there is no reason to pay for this feature. A standard air computer is probably $100+ less than its nitrox counterpart.

Hoseless Dive Computer

The hoseless dive computer consists of the receiver (typically worn on the wrist or mounted on the BC) and a transmitor. The transmitor attaches to the high pressure port of the regulator first stage and then sends your air information, wirelessly, to the receiver. The receiver looks the same as normal dive computers.

This setup cuts down on the number of hoses you need. There are now even hoseless dive computers that can accept signal from multiple transmitors - so you can even keep an eye on your buddies air consumption. Of course, this capability is really for the more advanced technical divers who may use different tanks on one dive. And, of course, we are talking some pretty high price tags here.

So just think about how you dive and what capabilities you need. The right dive computer for one person can be completely wrong for another person. Choose one that you are comfortable with and one that is right for you wallet.