JUNE 2011
DIVE LOCALLY
WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
Fort Lauderdale
Discover Florida’s Eastern Dive Coast
The Blue Grotto Spring Into Great Diving
Galapagos Islands
The Coolest Spot in the Ocean
Volume 1 Issue 3 $1.95 US/$2.25 Canada
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JUNE 2011
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Ken Scarbrough of Ultimate Dive Travel, Ltd loves the Galapagos Islands. It is a destination that boasts unbelievable marine life with the opportunity to see creatures on every diver’s wish list such as manta rays, whale sharks, frogfish, octopus, sea lions, nudibranchs in all shapes and sizes, pygmy seahorses and this incredible Hammerhead shark shot recently by Scarbrough himself. He believes the Galapagos should be on every diver’s ‘bucket list’ since it encompasses everything divers long to experience. Exhilarating current diving, surreal macro life and thrilling big animal encounters are only the beginning. www. ultimatedivetravel.com
Southeast Dive News
The complete resource for diving in the Southeast.
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Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Rick Stratton/Kathy Stratton rick@divenewsmag.com Art Director Brian Merculief graphics@divenewsmag.com Production Manager IJ James editor@divenewsmag.com Expo Coordinator Selene Peterson expo@divenewsmag.com Staff Writer Jamie Farris Graphic Designers Jack Bayliss, TJ Pierzchala Accounts Manager Tove Chatham Advertising Sales Manager Keath Allen (360) 240-1874 x105 keath@divenewsmag.com Circulation/subscriptions 360-240-1874
Dive News Magazine is committed to promoting the sport of scuba diving in the Northeast and Midwest. We will present a practical, unbiased point of view regarding all aspects of the sport of scuba diving. The Dive News Magazine believes in honesty and integrity in business and will support all efforts related to this. We encourage readers to participate in determining the content of this publication by giving us their opinions on the types of articles they would like to see. We invite letters to the editor, manuscripts and photographs related to diving or diving-related business. Send us your stories and photos! IMPORTANT NOTICE The Dive News Magazine reserves the right to refuse service to anyone it chooses. The contents of Northeast and Midwest Dive News are opinions of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or any of its staff. The publishers and contributors assume no responsibility for any mishap claimed to be a result of use of this material. Diving is an adventure sport and contains inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or improper diving techniques may result in serious injury or death. Readers are advised to use their own best judgment in each individual situation. MOVING? In order to continue receiving your magazine uninterrupted, please notify Northeast Dive News when you change your mailing address. To ensure uninterrupted service, please contact us six to eight weeks before the change of address occurs. You can call us at 360-240-1874 PST or email us at nediver@nedivenews.com or mail at: Bedrock Publications P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277
IN THIS EDITION
Monthly Columns Publisher’s Note.................................4 Incoming Mail.....................................5 Southeast Hot News..........................6
Southeast Activities............................ 7 Tropical Dive Directory................22-23 Local Dive Directory......................... 23
LOCAL DIVE DESTINATION
10 Fort Lauderdale –
Discover Florida’s Eastern Dive Coast
Come fly the fluid sky. This 40-mile strip of aquatic paradise is the drift diving capitol of the world because of the Gulf Stream. As you descend to the already visible reef, you’ll notice a little current. This is your ride. Now you can see miles of reef and when it’s time to ascend, the boat will come over and pick up your team. By Mike Hughes with contributions from Skip Commagere
SOUTHeast DISCOVERIES
14 The Blue Grotto –
Spring Into Great Diving
Blue Grotto has been called an almost spiritual experience for most divers. Crystal blue pure waters with vis up to 200 ft. and a comfortable dive environment year-round bring divers from everywhere. Find out why Ed Paradiso, owner of Blue Grotto, says diving in a clear Florida spring renews his spirit! By Rick Stratton
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS
18 Galapagos Islands –
The Coolest Spot in the Ocean
Discover life, above and below the water, at its purest. Sometimes called nature’s hide-away, find out what lurks below the water. Up your chances for a glimpse at something huge with an incredible number of sharks and mantas dotting the waters of Galapagos. Santa Cruz, Isabela, Espanola, Florena, and San Cristobal Island all boast unique dives. Find out what each has to offer! By Jamie Farris with Rick Stratton
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Do you have an opinion? Contact us: editor@divenewsmag.com
Join us on our Mission to Support the Local Dive Community—Share Your Stories and Secret Dive Spots Welcome to the June edition of Southeast Dive News. Once again we offer you, our loyal readers, a bevy of information on the local dive community as well as the diving world at-large. We are excited about this new edition to our world-wide dive family and are pleased to report it is being well received. After the first edition was published we were inundated with e-mails, phone calls and letters from readers all over the southeast praising our efforts. So here we go again. In this month’s edition, we are heading to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with writer Mike Hughes, sort of an afterspring-break visit to see what is in the water for divers. While we are down there we are also going to showcase the Photo stock.xchng Blue Grotto. Join us as we swim you through some of the most fascinating spring water caves. Finally, travel with us to the “cradle of life”, the Galapagos Islands where the Whale sharks and dolphins play. We will show you the perfect dive destination for underwater photographers. Now, for a personal invitation, we would like to invite you, our
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readers, to join us on our mission to inform the local dive community. This magazine is your own personal connection to each other, the dive community and the world. We welcome your stories, your announcements, and your contributions to the dive community. Allow us to help you bridge the waters of diving with the information you want to share. We love personal stories. And I know you want to keep all those dive spots a secret but why not share them so the rest of us can see what you have discovered? So send us your announcements, stories, photos and don’t forget those secret dive destinations, and we will help you share them with the rest of the dive community. Come on; show us what you’ve got!
Dive into Us! Rick Stratton
facebook.com/Rick.Stratton1 rick@divenewsmag.com
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Rick
MONTHLY ARTICLES
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Rick,
I wanted to let you know we went on vacation back in March and have some pictures we took while diving at Molasses Reef and snorkeling at Grecian Rocks at John Pennycamp State park in Key Largo. There are a couple pictures our 7 year-old son took I think are quite awesome and the stories of when we were snorkeling were quite hilarious. Our 7 year-old is like a little “Evanrood” because every time he would see something you could hear him yell through his snorkel and he was literally towing me around! Let me know if you are interested in seeing the pictures and hearing about our adventures!! Karen Hawk and the Hawk boys!
Dear Karen,
We would love to not only see your photos and hear your stories but we would also love to share them with our readers. This is what our magazine is all about, diving. The adventure, the excitement, all of it. We see stories from our readers all the time depicting what it is to be a diver and these stories feed the excitement of our diving youth. What better way to do that as well as encourage us “old guys” to rediscover the sport than your 7 year-old son. Please share with us and we will share with our readers. Thank you so very much for thinking of us.
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HOT NEWS Get your business noticed by sending us your NEWS/EVENTS: editor@divenewsmag.com Biscayne National Park Offers Ranger-Guided Maritime Heritage Trail Snorkeling
On Saturday, May 7, the Biscayne National Park Maritime Heritage Trail guided snorkel adventure began. The 3-hour tour is scheduled for every Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The guided tour includes a boat ride with a ranger as well as all necessary equipment (mask, fins, snorkel, and snorkel vest) and instruction. All trips depart from the park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center, 9 miles east of Homestead, Florida and are subject to cancellation due to weather, marine conditions and/or passenger minimums. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more info visit www.biscayneunderwater.com.
Eastern Carolina Artificial Reef Association Economic Impact Study Announced
The Eastern Carolina Artificial Reef Association is excited to announce they have partnered with the Department of Economic Development at East Carolina University to conduct an economic impact study determining the impact the addition of “Big Ship” Artificial Reefs would have on NC. They need help to get the survey out to as many people as possible. A minimum of 7000 people are needed to complete the survey before the data can be processed. Please pass along the information to everyone you know who likes to dive and fish! To complete the survey please visit www.CarolinaReef.org.
Local Shops Playing Musical Chairs
Scuba Extreme has moved to 1241 Blanding Blvd., Unit 27 in Orange Park, FL. They moved so they could expand the store. For directions and more info visit www.scubaextremellc.com. Lowcountry Scuba has moved to 4 Seafood Drive in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. For more info visit www.lowcountryscuba.com.
Adventure Scuba Company Open House a Success
Henry from Adventure Scuba Company in Chantilly, VA just had an open house April 30 and it was a HUGE success with a catered lunch as well as a theme - Cayman Islands. Ruth Lowther, from Aggressor, gave a presentation about the Cayman Aggressor, a live-a-board dive boat service that caters to the Cayman Islands. Adventure Scuba reports “tons” of people showed up to help them celebrate and they also ran a silent auction for trips and donated the proceeds to SUDS. Their next open house will be December 3 and they are hoping, once again, it will be a success. For more info visit www.scubava.com.
Underwater Music Festival to Entice Divers and Mermaids in July
The marine life inhabiting the Florida Keys’ living coral reef is widely acclaimed for its diversity, but it usually doesn’t include an underwater orchestra or costumed mermaids, except, that is, during the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. This unique event, which draws several hundred divers and snorkelers to enjoy the sound of music in the Keys’ ocean realm, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9. The underwater concert takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, approximately six miles south of Big Pine Key. Everyone is invited to attend. For more info visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com.
REEF and Florida Keys Sanctuary to Host Second Annual Lionfish Derby
Divers will return to Florida Keys waters next month on a mission: net thousands of dollars in cash and prizes while protecting the environment from invasive lionfish. REEF and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are hosting the second annual lionfish derby series starting May 14, in Long Key, FL. In 2010, the inaugural series of lionfish derbies removed 664 of the Pacific invaders from sanctuary waters. Researchers will collect samples from lionfish caught at the derbies to learn more about lionfish genetics, growth, and impacts to native marine life. Each tournament also includes a detailed awareness and training briefing and lionfish tasting. In addition to the derby May 14, two other events will be held later this year – August 20 at Coconuts Restaurant in Key Largo and November 5 at Hurricane Hole Marina in Key West. To find out more about the derby series, visit the derby Web page www.reef.org/lionfish/derbies.
Flower Garden Banks Utilizes Facebook to share their Ocean Discovery Day
Flower Garden Banks is using Facebook to report Ocean Discovery Day was a great success. Mural painting, touring, face painting, fish picking, plankton making, and more kept approximately 1,000 visitors busy at the NOAA Galveston Lab March 26. Over 160 people contributed to the mural painting at the sanctuary offices. Visit their online photo album to see the end results. For more info visit www.flowergarden.noaa.gov.
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CLUB MEETINGS & EVENTS
June 1: Nautical Nudists Dive & Boating Club meeting, 7 p.m., check web site for location, Land ‘O Lakes, FL. www. nauticalnudist.com June 1: South Florida Divers meeting, 7:30 p.m., Lauderdale Isles Yacht Club, Hollywood, FL. www.sfdi.com June 2: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org June 2: Jupiter Drift Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Jupiter Fire Station Community Room, Jupiter, FL. www.jupiterdriftdivers.com June 2: Sarasota Scuba Club meeting, ream is located right behind the dive 7:30 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Hall, alk straight through to the dock. The Wet Sarasota, FL. www.sarasotascubaclub.org June 2: The Kansas with City GPS, Frogman certified and is equipped Club, 7 p.m., Skin-N-Scuba Dive Shop gle SideEducation Band radio, and Radar. Enjoy Room, Independence, MO. www. wers and a heated cabin. You’ll love kcfrogman.com June 2: Under Sea Adventurers Dive Club meeting, 7 p.m., Best Western Hotel, Deerfield Beach, FL. www.usadiveclub.com area June 4: Atlanta ats in this do not Underwater do. Like 3Explorers tank Picnic, 1-6 p.m., webdives, site for location, as 35-40 miles out.Check Night deep Atlanta, GA. www.diveaue.org dives are our TheClub really June specialties. 7: Fanta-Seas Dive meeting, 7-9 p.m., Fanta-Seas 1400 Eatonton or better know as theDivers, USS Oriskany. Rd., Ste. 750, Madison, GA. www.fantants provided. seadivers.com June 7: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/
Do you want your event listed here? Contact us: editor@divenewsmag.com
June 15: Central Florida Pleasure Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Denny’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL. www.cfpdivers.com June 16: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org June 16: KSC Barracuda Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Merritt Island Library, Kennedy Space Center, FL. www. kscbarracudas.org June 19: Scuba Ranger Wipe Out Practice. 3:30 p.m., Houston ScubaAcademy, Houston, TX. houstonscubaacademy.com June 20: Sea Turtle Dive Club meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jasper Dive Center, Jasper, GA. www.seaturtlediveclub.com June 21: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ June 24-26: Wreck Racing League. Fort Myers, FL, www.wreckracingleague.com July 2: Atlanta Underwater Explorers, 3p.m., East Atlanta Library Branch, Atlanta, GA. www.diveaue.org July 5: Fanta-Seas Dive Club meeting, 7-9 p.m., Fanta-Seas Divers, 1400 Eatonton Rd., Ste. 750, Madison, GA. www.fantaseadivers.com July 7: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org July 7: Jupiter Drift Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Jupiter Fire Station Community Room,
Jupiter, FL. www.jupiterdriftdivers.com July 12: Atlanta Reef Dwellers Scuba Club, 7 p.m., Hudson Grill, Brookhaven, Atlanta, GA. www.atlantareefdwellers.org July 18: Sea Turtle Dive Club meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jasper Dive Center, Jasper, GA. www.seaturtlediveclub.com July 19: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ July 20: Central Florida Pleasure Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Denny’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL. www.cfpdivers.com July 21: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org
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USS Vandenberg
SOUTHEAST
The Vandenberg Artificial Reef Celebrates 2 Years of Connecting to the Environment
USS Vandenberg before sinking. Photo by www.reefmakers.com.
I
t took over 13 years, thousands of manhours and a lot of lobbying to sink the USS Vandenberg, the largest artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Once it sank, the ship settled upright on her keel in 1 minute 44 seconds, exactly as predicted by the many model tests performed in the sink plan, and marine life began colonizing it immediately. The ship is now home to pelagic and reef fish, as well as many new-to-the-area species of marine plants and animals. No one could be happier with its success than Joe Weatherby, the designated ship wrecker for Reefmakers, the company who led the sinking. Weatherby is one of the founders of the artificial reef building company, along with CEO and Project Manager Jeff Dey. As the two year anniversary of the sinking of the Vandenberg approaches, Weatherby is seeing both environmental and economic success in his project and feeling very pleased. “The ship has been down two years now and it has proven to be one of the biggest successes in artificial reef arena,” 8
says Weatherby. “The environmental and the economic success are incredible; we are proud of it. The studies that have been done by toxicologists will be released soon and I can tell you the numbers are breath-taking.” Weatherby says although the project wasn’t initially supported by a lot of people now that it’s a success it is being embraced. “As far as economic development it doesn’t walk and talk like a parking garage or some other economic asset, yet now that it has been down for a bit and drawn divers many people who were naysayers in the beginning are changing their minds,” Weatherby says. “The return on this project is far better than anyone ever thought it would be. The environmental impact, the life growing on the ship, has also been wonderful and better than expected. Everyone is very excited.” There are a number of studies being done to see what the effects are and these studies are returning the kinds of numbers that are really impressing people within both the dive community as well as the Florida community. In terms of environmental
Dive Locally - Where It Really Matters
there are almost 200 species of fish that weren’t in the area before and the wreck is overgrown with new organisms. “The project is benefiting the dive community as predicted,” Weatherby says. “However it is also benefiting the fishing community, the hospitality community and the retail community in the Keys area. The Vandenberg will bring in an estimated $6.5 – $8 million dollars a year in direct revenue for life.” Weatherby adds the ship has done incredible work in terms of the free press it has brought to the area. “I stopped counting at $40 million in free press not including the 12 television shows that have been done or are being done on the ship,” Weatherby said. “All of the magazines who have done stories and so on, it is all free press for the area and for the sport of diving. We worked very hard to complete this project and the return keeps coming and coming.” Weatherby says he has talked to some of the local businesses and another off-shoot of the ship sinking is the fact more divers are coming to the area. “We see divers from all
REGIONAL NEWS
USS VANDENBERG
Diving the Vandenburg. Photo by Don Kincaid.
over the world now,” Weatherby says. “The wreckage has increased the economic base by 10 percent in the Keys.” And the work continues, Weatherby and Reefmakers are in the process of working with the local dive industry and the City of Key West to re-secure the big iconic dishes back to the deck. “They had originally been removed but we are reattaching them, because it looks really cool and it adds to the dive experience,” Weatherby says. “Those are currently being worked on right now.” Veterans from the Vandenberg will have a celebration May 27. They are coming down to celebrate the ship and the anniversary of the sinking. “This is a good example of how the Vandenberg is bringing people in who wouldn’t otherwise be here in the area,” Weatherby says. “It has been a good feeling to work on this project and we are grateful for the help we have received to make this project a success. Now we get to see the environmental and economic returns for many years to come.” For more info on the Vandenberg visit Reefmakers.com or ussvandenberg.com. ■
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9
FORT LAUDERDALE SOUTHEAST DESTINATION
Fort Lauderdale Discover Florida’s Eastern Dive Coast
The best wreck diving in Florida! Photo by Sea Experience.
By Mike Hughes Travel Editor, Dive News Network
S
ome of the best diving available in the U.S. is located in an area between North Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. The calm, clear and warm ocean cover a plethora of sunken ships and reef filled with life and color. If you live in the Southeastern states, this area is just a day’s drive away to an exotic dive vacation. If you live out of the area and still want a taste of this incredible backyard tryst, fly and arrive at West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale airports; Miami International is a bit more work. However you can, get here so you can visit the Dive Coast. In the Ft. Lauderdale area you can literally dive on a different wreck every day for over a month and still have some left. All of the dives are just about a mile offshore. Dive boats depart Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach inlets every day and most of the boats are doing 2 tank dives and include a reef and a wreck. Three tank and night dives are also available several times a week. You can dive for free in the Ft. Lauderdale area on some of the best walk-in dives I’ve ever seen. Datura Avenue Beach has an estimated 300 species of fish and critters to photograph and/or play with on a regular basis. The Blue Heron Bridge is touted as the best muck dive in the U.S. and offers an incredible opportunity to see stuff you’ve never seen on most other dives. In just one dive, you can photograph sea horses, baby octopus, Frog fish, Star Gazers, Jaw fish, Garden eels, and Pillow starfish. In fact, these places are so popular you can “Google” them. Now, for some really exciting stuff, come fly the fluid sky. This 40-mile strip of aquatic paradise is the drift diving capitol of the world. The Gulf Stream is very close to the famous area and it’s what keeps South Florida water warm and blue. You’ll almost always find a gentle current flowing parallel to the reef; a 10
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SOUTHEAST DESTINATION FORT
LAUDERDALE
direct effect of the jet stream currents. Step off the platform with your buddy and a float/flag and as you descend to the already visible reef, you’ll notice the famous current…this is your ride. Now miles of reef are opened up to you. When it’s time to ascend, the boat comes over and picks up your team. No work, no hassle, just a ride on the ocean’s highways. It is the best gas mileage you’ve ever had, incredible life sightings, amazing clarity, beautiful color, a little too much sun and new friends are just a few of the memories you will collect. There’s stuff to do topside too. Ft Lauderdale is, by far, the most famous community in the area. The Lauderdale life is full of action, music, fine dining, swanky hotels, tours, cruise ships, shopping and traffic. The beach is beautiful with lots of exotic human decorations. The best wreck dives, specifically in the Ft. Lauderdale area, are Tenneco Towers, Mercedes I, and Wreck Trek which are a group of wrecks that can an! c u be done on one drift dive. Visitors can contact many o y e if Catch m Experience. dive industry experts including Sea Experience or by Sea Force-E for dives in Fort Lauderdale. Capt. Bill Photo Cole of Sea Experience has been in the business for over 30 years and was a partner in the original Pro Dive. He is just one of many dive businesses in the area. Pompano Beach is only a couple of miles north of Fort Lauderdale but, as far as the dive experience, it is a world apart. Topside it has a sleepy, almost boring atmosphere compared to Fort Lauderdale’s hustle. This is where most of the Lauderdale locals dive. Pompano has a small inlet without all the huge commercial traffic and, according to the experts, the water is
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FORT LAUDERDALE SOUTHEAST DESTINATION cleaner and usually has better visibility. Hotels are more on the value side of the equation which makes this a good base for divers looking to dive in the area. Favorite dives here are Hillsboro Ledges, Honey Combs, the two-for-one wreck combo of United Caribbean and Sea Emperor, as well as a great snorkel/scuba combo dive of the SS Copenhagen and reef. The reef starts at just 9 ft. and drops to the wreck at about 30 ft. In the Pompano area, Force-E or the South Florida Diving Headquarters can offer more information about these sites as well as others. Both operations, Force-E and SFDH, have been staples in South Florida Diving for decades. Boca Raton is a classy community located right in the middle of the Florida Dive Coast. Mizner Center is the hub of Boca’s entertainment and dining scene. There are some very high value hotels available in the summer. In the winter, bring money because the nightlife is hopping and the hotels offer a lot of dive deals. The best dives here are Hydro Atlantic Wreck which was voted as one of the top 10 natural wrecks in the U.S., Skip’s Reef, named after the founder of Force-E Centers and the Boca Trench. Delray Beach has no inlet so diving here is from Boca Raton and Boynton Beach but it is one of the coolest beach towns in Florida. There are lots of places to stay but it tends to be on the high side due to the town’s popularity. Atlantic Ave., which you will find running west from the beach, is the hub of activity with shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The best dives are Delray Ledges, Delray Snapper Hole and the wreck of the Caster.
The Underwater Archaelogical Preserve. Photo by Sea Experience.
Boynton Beach has perhaps the most challenging inlet to navigate but it is home to some incredible reef diving. The town is on the sleepy side and the hotels are mostly basic and inexpensive but the diving is well worth the visit. Boynton is right between
Squirrel Fish, Boynton Beach. Photo by www.wetpleasuresfla.com.
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Boca Raton and West Palm Beach and the dive operators in the area are Starfish Enterprise and Loggerhead Dive Charters. Finally, Riviera and North Palm Beach are the gateway to all the diving in West Palm and Palm Beach. Beach hotels are
our Ask y p for Sho Dive nalox the A O EIIC
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SOUTHEAST DESTINATION
FORT LAUDERDALE
Swimming with the dolphins. Photo by Sea Experience.
the best value in this area and I would suggest you plan to stay in Singer Island, it is comfortable and affordable. West Palm Diving has its home here and has been world famous for decades. This is where you will see more turtles and large pelagic species than anything else. The famous Blue Heron Bridge is in this area and can be dove for free at any high tide. Downtown West Palm Beach is a hoot and a famous party area. City Place and Clematis Street is where, it’s rumored, all the action is day or night. Southeast Florida should be on your bucket list if it isn’t already because if it’s worth diving, it’s worth diving right and this area has 40 miles of exactly the “right” kind of diving. ■
Where to go for information in Fort Lauderdale www.Force-E.com www.diveFortLauderdale.com www.idivestarfish.com www.southfloridadiving.com Are you looking for a career in scuba diving? Look no further than
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We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
13
BLUE GROTTO
SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
The Blue Grotto Spring Into Great Diving
Discover the rich beauty and thrilling experience of diving the largest clear water cavern in Florida. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 am - 6 pm
By Rick Stratton Publisher, Dive News Network
S
pring diving is like visiting another planet. You get the chance to see a part of the earth only a very small percentage of the general population get to visit. You have to have a soul for adventure, but trust me when I tell you it is all worth it once you submerge yourself in a place like Florida’s Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto is located in Williston, Florida just south of Gainesville in the middle of the state and is actually a spring with an average flow of 3,000,000 gallons of pure water per day. It is the largest clear water cavern in the state and it is one of the most sought after cavern diving destinations in the United States. The Blue Grotto can be a dive experience for all levels of certified divers. The viz is up to 200 ft. and the environment is like none you have ever experienced. The water is a constant 72 degrees year round. Blue Grotto owner Ed Paradiso says the Grotto is an almost spiritual experience for most divers who come to enjoy the crystal blue pure waters. He understands the connection because 23 years ago when he bought the Blue Grotto he felt it. “There is something about diving in a clear Florida spring that renews the spirit,” Paradiso says.
Exploring the Blue Grotto. Photo courtesy Blue Grotto. 14
Dive Locally - Where It Really Matters
Fully Equipped Dive Shop Full Service Air Station Bathhouses w/showers BBQ/ Picnic Pavilions
3852 NE 172nd Ct. Williston, FL 32696
352-528-5770
www. divebluegrotto.com
SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
Blue Grotto topside. Photo courtesy Blue Grotto.
Galapagos Diving Sept. 3-10
Your one stop shopping for international scuba travel
1-800-737-3483
www.ultimatedivetravel.com udive@ultimatedivetravel.com This is an Ultimate Dive Travel group sponsored trip on the new Buddy Wolf liveaboard. Starting September 2011 our two new boats will go out every Saturday to Saturday. Free Nitrox.
We support our local dive shopS - without them we will not have a dive industry.
15
BLUE GROTTO
SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
Entrance to the Blue Grotto. Photo courtesy Blue Grotto.
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“Divers say it is a mystical experience and I understand. Years ago I used to live in the New England area and I remember during the winter cutting a new hole in the ice every couple of weeks just to be able to dive, now I wonder how I did it.” Paradiso says he bought the Blue Grotto all those years ago for one very specific reason, it was his favorite dive site. “I came down and dove the site and loved it,” Paradiso says. “Even today I still get just as much out of it. I get to make a special connection with my customers and I have gotten the opportunity over the years to dive with some unique and interesting people. I couldn’t have done that anywhere else.” Paradiso says the Blue Grotto sees approximately ten thousand divers a year. “It is an indescribable experience,” Paradiso says. “A diver really does have to come down and experience it for themselves before they understand how special it is.” Once inside the cavern, divers can descend in what is pretty much an open water area. There are a variety of fish and they are fairly used to divers. Along the walls divers will discover fossils in the limestone taking you back to times when the Florida peninsula was totally underwater. One of the more famous aspects of the Blue Grotto is the “Bell” which is located approximately 30 ft down. The air bell,
We are also introducing the new embroidered line of caps, fleece jackets, shirts and hoodies of these timeless designs.
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SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
Blue Grotto cavern map. Photo courtesy Blue Grotto.
located on the ceiling, is supplied with compressed air from the surface. It is an interesting experience to be able to dive and then come up, still underwater, in the bell and have a full conversation with your dive buddy. Many divers come to the Blue Grotto just to experience the bell. At approximately 35 ft. there are powerful underwater lights installed, a one million candlepower lighting permanent system. Attached to the limestone, this system lights up the top part of the cavern giving divers a
unique look at the Grotto. But wait, there is more. Divers can descend approximately 50 ft. to Peace Rock. A limestone rock, Peace Rock was marked years ago with the 1960’s peace symbol and divers love to make the stop a photo op. Just beyond Peace Rock is where the guide line descends around a crescent shaped rock to 100 ft. This is what divers crave, a trip to the bottom. It is like you are in the dark womb of the earth. After a short trip to 100 ft. divers ascend once again and get another look at the Grotto
from the bottom up. Many divers have been quoted as saying that as their bubbles run along the limestone upward it is almost like watching an upside down waterfall. The Blue Grotto is often used as a training area. There are three manmade platforms that serve as training areas for open water students and instructors. There is a system of guideline ropes to lead divers along the cavern for safety which adds to the training aspects. A yellow demarcation at 50 ft. cautions newer divers not to continue further into the cavern, only experienced divers will continue on; the lower portions of the grotto require the specialized experience of cavern diving. The Blue Grotto is not open to general swimming and free diving for safety reasons. The Blue Grotto is a great place to do a family picnic or day trip. There is a large area for picnics and outdoor sports. There are showers and changing areas. A full service dive shop on site provides rental equipment as well as whatever else you need to dive the Grotto. “We see people from all walks of life, all levels of experience as divers,” says Paradiso. “It is a magical place and a part of Florida that not a lot people see. We invite everyone to come and experience the Blue Grotto, trust me, you will not be disappointed.” For more info on the Blue Grotto visit www.divebluegrotto.com. ■
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Call or stop by a SCUBA Network®near you!
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17
s o g a p a l Ga s d n Isla GALAPAGOS
TROPICAL DESTINATION
t o p S t s e l o The Co n a e c O e h in t By Rick Stratton
T
Hammerhead on the move. Photo by Ken Scarbrough.
nap! Pho Time for a
18
ugh.
carbro to by Ken S
We support the southeast dive community
he Galápagos Islands are often on everyone’s Bucket List. Charles Darwin hung out here and figured out his theory of creation. Life in the Galápagos inspired him as it does many visitors today. There are millions of species of marine life flowing through the waters in this far out-of-the-way destination; it is, after all, called the “cradle of life”. Divers travel to the Galápagos Islands, an archipelago that finds its home across the equator in the Pacific Ocean, to discover life at its purest. Nature’s hide-away, the Galápagos are 525 miles west of Ecuador and part of an Ecuadorian province. A national park as well as a protected biological marine reserve, the area has as many as 23,000 residents who speak Spanish. The islands were discovered by Ambrose Cowley in 1684 and consist of a group of 15 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and various other outcroppings that are volcanic. Scientists believe being volcanic is what makes them such a rich environment. There are many popular dive sites in the area with the most popular being Darwin and Wolf Islands. The area around these two dive sites have an abundance of marine life and make for a virtual playground for those with air tanks on their backs. By boat is the only way to reach these two remote northern islands. “Diving in the Galápagos Islands is an amazing dive,” says Ken Scarbough of Ultimate Dive Travel of Illinois. He has been to the Galápagos many times and has logged in over 400 dives. “There are an incredible number of sharks and mantas to see and divers are more likely to see something here they won’t see anywhere else in the world. We do the general 7 nights on a live-a-board for divers and when we bring them back in
TROPICAL DESTINATION
Galapagos
GALAPAGOS
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Listed prices are valid during certain periods in 2011. Certain restrictions may aply. Contact us for more info.
19
GALAPAGOS
TROPICAL DESTINATION
The Sea Turtles are always popular! Photo by Ken Scarbrough.
they can’t stop talking about what they have experienced. It is fun to see how in awe they are. To be honest, I feel the same way when I am out there; I understand completely.” The Galápagos are unique and offer a diver many experiences but it is these two islands most divers come for. Darwin & Wolf show divers a world few get to see. There are large pelagic in every direction – you feel like you are literally a part of the life out here. There are four main islands that are the destination home for visitors. The islands offer the comforts divers seek as well as serve as a home base for the local dive industry.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Island is 381 sq. miles and has the largest population in the area. The town of Puerto Ayora is a popular destination. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the headquarters of the Galápagos National Park Service are on Santa Cruz and its reputation as a destination for topside visitors is also well known. Santa Cruz has the famous lava tunnels people come from all over the world to see and the large tortoise populations are the stuff of legend. Black Turtle Cove is a popular site. Sea turtles, rays and small sharks mate in the area so chances of seeing this type of wildlife is strong here. Cerro Dragón, is located on Santa Cruz as well and is popular for its flamingo lagoon.
Isabela Island
Isabela Island is 1,792 sq. miles and is the largest island in general. The island’s seahorse shape is the result of the merging 20
of six large volcanoes and gives it an interesting topography. Puerto Villamil, a rather largely populated town, is located at the southeastern tip of the island.
Española Island
Española Island is 23 sq. miles. This is the oldest island in the area and is one of the divers’ favorites. There are an incredible number of marine life pockets in the area. Española’s Gardner Bay is popular for swimming and snorkeling. One of the newer attractions on this island is the swim-withthe-sharks attraction.
Floreana Island
Floreana Island is home to the famous green sea turtles. From December to May visitors get the rare opportunity to see these incredible animals. The “Devil’s Crown”, an underwater volcanic cone in the area is a huge draw for divers. The coral formations are world renowned for the life that hangs out here. The sheer numbers of different types of corals make them impossible to count but amazing for underwater photography.
San Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal Island is 215 sq. miles and has both ocean and lake diving. Laguna El Junco is the largest freshwater lake in the archipelago. The capital of the Galápagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno resides here on the southern tip of the island and offers visitors topside attractions as well as an active nightlife. The currents surrounding the islands are as diverse, and sometimes as wild, as the sea life. Although people tend to say the best way to dive the Galápagos is on a live-a-
board there are some great land-based diving too. Land-based stays can offer more land excursions, wildlife viewing, and alternative multi-sport activities so we suggest different packages for different people. Groups and families with both divers and non-divers can find what they are looking for here; all they have to do is look. Another business taking diving in the Galápagos to a whole new level is Red Mangrove Galápagos and Ecuador Lodges. They emphasize diver training and landbased multi-island accommodations in order to enhance the novice-to-expert scuba diving experience. “Galápagos has always been known as a place with amazing – but challenging – deep water dives, traditionally available only to those with a lot of experience and usually accommodated by one of the many live-aboard dive vessels plying Galápagos waters,” said Caleb Hayes, Red Mangrove Galápagos and Ecuador Lodges Dive Manager and professional PADI Instructor. “But now, with the development of high quality, land-based and instructional dive programs this has all changed. At Red Mangrove Lodges we have access to dive sites off multiple islands that offer ideal conditions for all skill levels.” This is just one more asset the Galápagos Islands have for divers from all over the world. The water temps in the Galápagos Islands range vastly in the seasons but it has never stopped visitors. From January through June, the summer in the Galápagos Islands, the sky is clear, the waters are warmer and calmer and the viz is amazing. The Galápagos sharks, Hammerhead sharks, Oceanic mantas, all other manner of
we support the southeast dive community
TROPICAL DESTINATION rays, dolphins and schooling jacks populate the area. During the winter months, July through November, the famous Whale sharks are in residence. The Whale sharks are the main reason a lot of divers come at that time. Divers from the Northeastern part of the United States who are looking for a warmer dive often head to the Galápagos Islands. Most feel this is one of the most exciting destinations in the world. It is protected and the life is abundant making it easy for divers to experience vast marine life. So if the Galápagos aren’t on your travel list this year, you may just want to rearrange your list so it is….the trip will be worth it. ■
Going Diving ? Go Here First !
www.FloridaManateeTours.com www.DiveOrlando.com www.DiveDaytona.com www.DiveStPete.com www.DivingTampa.com www.DivingClearwater.com www.DiveFloridaKeys.com
GALAPAGOS
Peter A. Hughes and the Magic Carpet
The M/V Galápagos Sky is your magic carpet to this wonderland called the Galápagos and with one of the Galápagos’ most experienced crews aboard. Looking after your every need, our crews use tried and tested safety procedures; you can rest assured the M/V Galápagos Sky and her crew will provide a vacation experience like never before. Peter A Hughes is possibly one of the most highly regarded individuals in the recreational dive industry. He has devoted his life to making diving easier and more accessible, at the urging of his wife of 35 years, Alice, to everyone since 1968. Hughes never certified as an Open Water Diver but instead earned his by special dispensation living in Tobago. His YMAC Scuba Instructor Certification was earned in October of 1969 with the number 000 00 0003 because he didn’t have a Social Security number; the number used by the Y in those days. Hughes also received, by way of normal channels, his PADI OWSI Certification in January 1976 with the number 6423 and he was selected for the SSI coveted Platinum Pro Card in January 2003 when the program of recognition for contributions to recreational diving was introduced by Bob Clark. Hughes first involved himself in the live-aboard dive boat business in 1986 and since has changed (again at the urging of Alice) the way of the live-aboard dive boat forever. Hughes, who has always referred to his clients as “my guests”, believes the best interests of his “guests” and employees come before profits. He enjoys a stellar reputation in the recreational dive industry and is known for his integrity and enthusiasm within the business he so dearly loves. Hughes’ main focus today is to ensure that DivEncounters, Inc. and the M/V Galápagos Sky meet, and even beat, his guests’ every expectation.
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May 2011 Southeast Dive News Galapagos Aggressor.indd 1
1-800-348-2628
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Local divers don’t just dive locally - they dive globally!
Northeast & Midwest Dive News JANUARY 2011
www.mwdivenews.com
4/28/11 1:44 PM
21 21
DIVE DIRECTORY Sherwood Magnum Regulator
A compact, precision-crafted dive light, the Sherwood Magnum is the regulator of choice for many professional and recreational divers. Two primary-flow ports boost outlet pressure to the second stage for easier breathing making this regulator a favorite. It also has a balanced piston design providing easy breathing as tank pressure decreases. For more info visit www.sherwoodscuba.com
Frog Spit
ALABAMA Adventure Sport, Inc.
Auburn
(334) 887-8005
Store
Southern Skin Divers Supply
Birmingham
(205) 595-3052
Store
Down Under Dive Shop
Gulf Shores
(251) 968-3483
Store
Orange Beach
(251) 747-6563
Charter
Pelham
(205) 663-7428
Store/Charter
Boca Raton
(561) 368-0555
Store
Clearwater
(727) 798-1269
Charter
(352) 795-7033
Charter
Deerfield Beach
(954) 422-9982
Store
Delray Beach
(561) 278-7020
Store
Dunedin
(727) 733-1919
Store
Fort Lauderdale
(800) 752-6386
Store
Gary's Gulf Divers Dive Alabama
FLORIDA Force-E Scuba Tanks-A-Lot Dive Charters
Crystal River Water Sports Crystal River Scuba Network The Scuba Center
Look out amphibious mask users, there’s a new awesome and fascinating defogger in town and it goes by the sensuous and sophisticated name of “Frog Spit”. This formidable fog free focus formula is not really extracted from friendly fearless frogs; it really is a secret concentrated formula that once applied to your mask can last up to 3-4 dives. Developed for cold waters, it is used to provide long lasting lens protection whether diving at the North Pole, tropical waters, or where no frog has ever gone before. Place a small amount on mask, rub vigorously, rinse, and go diving. This is an easy To get the Tag Reader to use fast track mask visit http://gettag.mobi defogger. For more info visit on your mobile phone www.frogspit.com. browser.
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY BaHaMaS Juliet Sailing & Diving 866.558.5438 www.sailjuliet.com
BEliZE
Calypso Beach Retreat 303.264.8333 www.calypsobeachretreat.com Hugh Parkeys 888.223.5403 www.belizediving.com Sun Breeze Hotel 1.800.688.0191 www.sunbreeze.net
BonairE
Buddy Dive Resort 599.717.5080.518 www.buddydive.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Divi Resorts 954.545.0269 www.diviresorts.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com The Dive Outfitters 780.483.0044 www.thediveoutfitters.ca
BritiSH Virgin iSland NV Yacht Charters 443.829.8576 www.nvcharters.com
22 22
SOUTHEAST
GEAR BOX
Ocean Sports of North Pinellas Divers Discount
Fort Lauderdale
(800) 654-2073
Store
Scuba Network
Lauderdale Diver
Fort Lauderdale
(954) 491-7793
Store
Sea Experience
Fort Lauderdale
(954) 770-3483
Store/Charter
Captain Pete's Diving Outfitters
Fort Myers
(239) 337-9564
Store/Charter
Dr Dive
Gulf Breeze
(617) 943 5553
Charter
Atlantic Scuba, Inc.
Holly Hill
(386) 253-7558
Store Charter
Blue Iguana Charters
Key Largo
(561) 797-2540
Captain Slate's Atlantis Dive Center
Key Largo
www. captainslate.com
Store
Horizon Divers
Key Largo
(800) 984-3483
Charter
Captain's Corner Dive Center Southpoint Divers Cave Excursions
Key West
(305) 296-8865
Store
Key West
(800) 891-3483
Charter
Live Oak
(386) 776-2299
Charter
An alphabetical listing of participating dive shops, charters, live aboards and resorts in tropical locations around the world.
CaYMan iSlandS Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Divetech@Cobal Coast Dive Resort 888.946.5656 divetech.com cobaltcoast.com Southern Cross Club 800.899.2582 www.southerncrossclub.com Sunset House 800.854.4767 www.sunsethouse.com
CoSta riCa Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com
CoZUMEl Albatros Charters 888.333.4643 www.cozumel-fishing.com BlueBubbleScuba 987.872.4240 www.bluebubble.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com Scuba Du 310.684.5556 www.scubadu.com
www.nedivenews.com
CoZUMEl (Cont.) Sea Robin 951.824.9073 www.searobincozumel.com
CUraCao
Ocean Encounters 800.932.6237 www.oceanencounters.com
fiJi
Beqa Lagoon Resort 800.542.3454 www.beqalagoonresort.com Dancer Fleet 305.669.9391 www.dancerfleet.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat 679.992.4001 dolphinbaydivers.com Koro Sun 970.209.4265 www.korosunresort.com Lalati 877.750.0233 www.lalatifiji.com Qamea Resort & Spa 649.360.0217 www.qamea.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com Wananavu 679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com
Northeast Dive News JANUARY 2008
We support our local dive shop - without them we will not have a dive industry.
Dive Outpost
Live Oak
(386) 776-1449
Charter
Abyss Dive Center
Marathon
(800) 457-0134
Store/Charter
Scubadventures
Naples
(239) 434-7477
Charter
Ocala Dive Center
Ocala
(352) 732-9779
Store
Orange Park
(904) 269-8021
Store
Scuba Extreme Adv.Sports & Travel The Dive Station
SOUTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
DIVE DIRECTORY TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY Coral Reef Dive Shop Underwater Treasures, Inc.
(407) 843-3483
Store
Panama City Beach
(850) 230-8006
Store/Charter
Dive Pros
Pensecola
(866) 348-3776
Store
Store/Charter
(318) 324-0204
Store
(410) 381-1994
Store/Charter
(228) 392-7830
Store/Charter
Columbia MISSISSIPPI d'Iberville
NORTH CAROLINA Black Jack Tech Diving Atlantis Charters
Scuba Shack/Wet Dreams Charters
Pensecola
(850) 433-4319
Store/Charter
Force-E Scuba
Pompano Beach
(954) 943-3483
Charter
Discovery Diving Co.
Scuba Network
Pompano Beach
(954) 785-0399
Store
Cape Fear Dive Center
Force-E Scuba
(985) 641-9888
MARYLAND Columbia Scuba, Inc. The Dive Shop Llc
Orlando
Dive Locker
Slidell West Monroe
Seahorse Charters
Aberdeen
(910) 426-3483
Store
Atlantic Beach
www.atlantischarters.net
6pack Charter
Beaufort
(252) 728-2265
Store/Charter
Carolina Beach
(910) 458-7390
Store/Charter
Ernul
(252) 617-2641
Charter
Riviera Beach
(561) 845-2333
Charter
Conch Republic Divers
Tavernier
(800) 274-3483
Store/Charter
Dive Hatteras
Frisco
(703) 818-1850
Charter
Narcosis Scuba Center
Tarpon Springs
(727) 934-6474
Store/Charter
Outer Banks Diving
Hatteras
(252) 986-1056
Charter
Megalodon Charters
Venice
(941) 483-3483
Charter
Diver Style Scuba
Monroe
(704) 289-2089
Store
Williston
(352) 528-5770
Store/Diving
Morehead City
(252) 726-9432
Store/Charter
New Bern
(252) 638-3432
Store
Wanchese
(252) 491-8475
Store/Charter
Winterville
(252) 439-4390
Store/Charter
Blue Grotto
Olympus Dive Center Divin' Dawgs
GEORGIA Gainesville
(770) 503-0040
Store
Ghost Fleet Dive Charters
Lawrenceville
(678) 407-2442
Store
Rum Runner Dive Shop
Marietta
(770) 973-7909
Store
Wet Scuba & Travel
Stockbridge
(770) 389-9949
Store
Underwater Adventures
Baton Rouge
(225) 927-3483
Store/Charter
The Dive Shop on McEver Dive Dive Dive, Inc. The Dive Shop
SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston Scuba
LOUISIANA Mike's Dive Center
Lake Charles
(337) 430-0073
True Blue Watersports
Lake Charles
(337) 310-1681
Store
Scuba Ventures
Shreveport
(318) 222-3483
Charter
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY galaPagoS
Divencounters Alliance 877.323.DIVE www.divencounters.com Red Mangrove 00593.2.3823801/3823941 www.redmangrove.com
HondUraS Utila Tours 800.668.8452 337.893.0013 www.utila.com
indonESia Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com Kungkungan Bay Resort & Spa 530.347.2300 www.divekbr.com Lembeh Hills Resort www.LembehHills.com 62.812.441.18.000 Pindito Liveaboard 831.818.8594 www.pindito.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com Tasik Ria Resort Spa & Diving 62.431 -.824.445 www.tasikria.com Worldwide Dive and Sail 866.258.6398 www.worldwidediveandsail.com
Northeast Dive News JANUARY 2008
Store
Charleston
(843) 763-3483
Store/Charter
Low Country Scuba
Mount Pleasant
(843) 884-1500
Store/Charter
Coastal Scuba
N. Myrtle Beach
(800) 249-9388
Charter
Off The Wall Charters, Inc.
Salem
(864) 944-9255
Charter
Adventure Scuba Company
Chantilly
(703) 263-0427
Store
VIRGINIA
To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call 360.240.1874 or email us at keath@divenewsmag.com
MExiCo Abyss Dive Center 52.984.873.2164 www.abyssdivecenter.com Aquanauts Dive Adv. 998.206.9365 www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com
PHiliPPinES
Atlantis Dive Resort 775.588.0500 www.atlantishotel.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com
rEd SEa - EgYPt Fly & Sea Dive Adventures 888.995.DIVE(3483) www.redseadiving.ca Learning Through Travel 516.781.5556 www.learningthroughtravel.com
roatan
SEa of CortEZ/SoCorro iSlandS Rocio Del Mar 602.558.9580 www.rociodelmarliveaboard.com
St. Croix (U.S. Virgin iSlandS) BVI Scuba 284.540.2222 www.bviscubaco.com Cane Bay Dive Shop 340.773.9913 www.canebayscuba.com Jost Van Dyke 800.778.8066 www.jostvandyke.com
St. kittS Dive St. Kitts 869.564.8914 www.divestkitts.com
tUrkS & CaiCoS Oasis Divers 649.946.1128 www.oasisdivers.com Dive Provo 649.946.5040 www.diveprovo.com
CoCo View Resort Roatan 800.282.8932 www.roatan.com
To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call (360) 240-1874 or email us at keath@divenewsmag.com
www.nedivenews.com
Want to support local diving in your part of the globe? email keath@divenewsmag.com!
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Northeast Dive News JANUARY 2008