Scuba Guide & Locations
Introduction
Contents
This guide book aims to give a brief introduction into the different types of scuba diving. As well as listing a sample of popular dive sites (locations) for each type of dive. The guide book can be used in conjunction with the scuba guide map which has the dive sites plotted onto it. You can also use this guide to keep a record of your own dives and use the stickers provided to plot them on the map.
01 Introduction
Cave Diving
03
Ice Diving
07
Drift Diving
11
Deep Diving
15
Wreck Diving
19
Reefs
23
Wall Diving
27
Dolphins
31
Sea Turtles
35
Sharks
41
Contents 02
Cave diving is a type of technical diving in which specialized scuba equipment is used to enable the exploration of natural or artificial caves which are at least partially filled with water. In the UK it is an extension of the more common sport of caving, and in the US an extension of the more common sport of scuba diving. It is much more rarely practiced due to the skills and equipment required, and because of the high potential risks.
Cave Diving
Despite these risks, water-filled caves attract scuba divers, cavers, and speleologists due to their often unexplored nature, and present divers with a technical diving challenge. Caves often have a wide range of unique physical features, such as stalactites and stalagmites, and can contain unique flora and fauna not found elsewhere.
Cave diving is one of the most challenging and potentially dangerous kinds of diving or caving and presents many hazards. Cave diving is a form of penetration diving, meaning that in an emergency a diver cannot swim vertically to the surface due to the cave’s ceilings, and so must swim horizontally or diagonally to escape. The underwater navigation through the cave system may be difficult and exit routes may be at considerable distance, requiring the diver to have sufficient breathing gas to make the
journey. The dive may also be deep, resulting in potential deep diving risks. Visibility can vary from nearly unlimited to low, or non-existent, and can go from one extreme to the other in a single dive. While a less-intensive kind of diving called cavern diving does not take divers beyond the reach of natural light, true cave diving can involve penetrations of many thousands of feet, well beyond the reach of sunlight. The level of darkness experienced creates an environment impossible to see in without an artificial form of light. Caves often contain sand, mud, clay, silt, or other sediment that can further reduce underwater visibility in seconds when stirred up. Caves can carry strong water currents. Most caves emerge on the surface as either springs or siphons. Springs have out flowing currents, where water is coming up out of the Earth and flowing out across the land’s surface. Siphons have in-flowing currents where, for example, an above-ground river is going underground. Some caves are complex and have some tunnels with out-flowing currents, and other tunnels with in-flowing currents. If currents are not properly managed, they can cause serious problems for the diver.Cave diving is perceived as one of the more dangerous sports in the world. This perception is arguable because the vast majority of divers who have lost their lives in caves have either not undergone specialized training or have had inadequate equipment for the environment. Cave divers have suggested that cave diving is in fact statistically much safer than recreational diving due to the much larger barriers imposed by experience, training, and equipment cost.
03 Cave Diving
Cave Diving 04
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. Boesmansgat, North Cape, South Africa
J.6
17.
02. Badgat, South Africa
I.6
18.
03. Cathedral Cave, Gozo, Malta
I.3
19.
04. Alex’s Cave, West coast of Comino, Malta
I.3
20.
05. Comino Caves (Santa Maria Caves), Comino, Malta
I.3
21.
06. Ghar Lapsi Cave, Near Qrendi, Malta
I.3
22.
07. The Caves, Ammousa Bay, Lefkas, Greece
I.3
23.
08. Chac Mool, Yucatan, Mexico
E.4
09. La Cueva de los Pesces, Playa Larga, Cuba
E.4
10. Dave’s Caves, Rarotonga, The Cook Islands
B.5
11. Dolphin Cave, Medas Islands, L’Estartit, Costa Brava, Spain
I.3
12. Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, New South Wales, Australia
P.6
13. Grotto de la Troisieme, Ile de Pines, New Caledonia
Q.5
14. Madonna Cave, Cap de Llamp, Near Santa Ponsa, Mallorca
I.3
15. Las Rocas, L’Escala, Costa Brava, Spain
I.3
16. The Sea Cave, Near Paliea Point, East Oahu
B.4
Look for this pictogram on the map 05 Cave Diving
Cave Diving 06
Ice Diving
Abysmal depths, sub-zero temperatures, frozen lakes, icebergs... for many, reason enough to stay indoors with a good book and a hot cup of cocoa. For others, a reason to don their wet suits and gloves and to jump right into it – the colder, the better. Welcome to the cool world of ice diving! Ice diving is considered an advanced type of diving – some would say extreme – because it means diving in a closed environment
with only one entry or exit point. This kind of diving without a direct, vertical ascent or access to the surface is called penetration diving, which also includes cave and wreck diving. Needless to say, this makes ice diving more dangerous than recreational diving and requires special training. Ice divers need to know about different types of ice and how it forms; they need to be able to recognize and avoid unsafe ice conditions, and they need to know how to prepare a dive site and what special equipment they will require. Some ice divers wear a dry suit under their diving gear, but some prefer just a thicker wet suit. A hood and gloves are essential and some ice divers also wear a face mask to avoid
any direct contact of the skin with the water that is usually 4 degrees Celsius or colder. Each ice diver also wears a special harness so that one end of a rope can be secured to the diver and the other end to the surface. Ice diving is a team sport that requires support under the ice but also a safety diver will also be standing-by on the surface. Anyone toying with the idea of trying out ice diving should also know that each ice diver learns about what to do if the weight belt falls offs that’s keeping him or her under the ice. What would you do if you started ascending towards the ceiling of ice above, fast and beyond your control? Not panicking might be a good idea; that, and trying to impact the underside of the ice so that it breaks and allows for an exit point. In really cold climates, ice divers will also have to deal with frozen air supply systems – in which case hopefully a back-up system is available! Losing contact with the line can also be a problem that divers have to deal with.
07 Ice Diving
How many people ice dive is hard to say, especially because it requires a team effort, but it is a sport that enjoys growing popularity, judging by the number of blogs and websites dedicated to the topic. But apart from fun, ice diving is also undertaken to collect data for scientific research. According to the Scientific Diving Program website, 30 scientists dive each year as part of the US Antarctic Program and more than 4,800 scientific ice dives were logged between 2000 and 2005 alone. Fact is, once the initial temperature shock and claustrophobia subsides, it is an experience unlike many others. And it has fascinated enthusiasts since the days when the sport was even more adventurous due to specialized equipment that was then still in its infant stages. Since those pioneering days, when even scuba diving was a real adventure, ice diving has come a long way. Professional courses and training excursions are available for all divers, so what are you waiting for?
Ice Diving 08
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. Arviat, Nunavut, Canada
D.2
15.
02. Kangiqsualujjuaq (George River), Nunavik, Canada
E.3
16.
03. North Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada
E.1
17.
04. Admiralty Inlet, Nunavut, Canada
E.1
18.
05. Igloolik, Baffin Region, Nunavut, Canada
E.1
19.
06. Qikiqtarjuaq, Baffin Region, Nunavut, Canada
E.1
07. Tignes le lac, France
I.2
08. Kaffeklubben Island, Greenland
G.1
09. The White Sea, Russia
J.2
10. Republic of Karelia, Russia
J.2
Use this space to keep record of your own dives. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Look for this pictogram on the map 09 Ice Diving
Ice Diving 10
Drift diving is a popular form of diving which is defined not by equipment or technique, but by location and water currents. In most open water diving situations the scuba diver propels himself by swimming and kicking the fins. In drift diving the diver descends into water with a known current and after obtaining neutral buoyancy lets the current carry him along. Drift diving is arguably the most relaxing and pleasant diving experience there is. Because the diver is not exerting himself by swimming, he uses less air and thus can stay submerged longer on a single tank. Many popular drift diving reefs have currents which run parallel to the reef; once submerged the diver relaxes and watches the scenery float by; using only minimal effort to stay neutral and navigate around formations.
Drift Diving
11 Drift Diving
The whole point of drift diving is to “go with the flow” and not to swim against the current. The movement is often so gentle that divers
don’t realize how powerful the current is; but they may soon realize its force when trying to swim against it! With a group of divers swimming into the current differences in swimming strength and fitness quickly become apparent since some divers swim easily upstream while others struggle to keep up. Going with the current a large group of divers can stay together very easily. Regardless of fitness level or swimming strength swimming against a strong current will use more air and the exertion of fighting the current abbreviates the diving experience.
follow you. Once you begin drifting you will be carried quickly away from your drop-off point - often much more quickly than you realize or expect. It is very important for the boat captain to know which way the current is flowing and follow you from above. In calmer water (especially with larger groups of divers) the boat captain can see your bubbles and follow them. It is a very good idea for one (or more) of your group to have a signal flag or inflatable marker tube, on a reel, that you can send up when you begin to ascend - the boat will see it and approach to pick you up.
Drift diving is almost always done from a boat drop-off. Do not anchor a boat and jump in - you must have someone on board to
Drift Diving 12
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. Boracay, Manila
N.4
16.
02. Micronesia, Palau
P.4
17.
03. Lake St Clair, Huron
E.2
18.
04. Lake Worth Inlet. South Florida
E.3
19.
05. Boynoton Ledge, South Florida
E.3
20.
06. Menai Straits, Wales
H.2
21.
07. Hithadhoo, Maldives
L.4
22.
08. Al Bahr, Egypt
J.3
09. Honolulu, Hawaii
A.4
10. Pulau Aur, Malaysia
M.4
11. Portland, England
H.2
12. Saltstraumen, Norway
I.1
13. Mikimoto-jima, Japan
P.3
14. Hurghada, Egypt
J.3
15. Roatan, Honduras
E.4
Look for this pictogram on the map 13 Drift Diving
Drift Diving 14
either carrying an additional small cylinder of air called a pony bottle or having a drop tank available. A drop tank is an additional cylinder with an attached regulator that is hung from a rope off the dive boat. It is normally hung at 15 feet, so that it is easily accessible during safety stops.
Deep Diving New divers will usually feel a mixture of excitement and fear at the thought of doing a deep dive. Deep diving can certainly be exciting and it’s definitely healthy to maintain a certain level of caution as well. Different divers have different ideas about when a dive is considered a deep dive. To put it in perspective, an Open Water Diver is certified to dive to 60 feet and an Advanced Open Water diver is certified to dive to 100 feet. As part of the Advanced Open Water course a student will complete a Deep Dive to 100 feet, so for an Advanced Open Water Diver any depth greater than 60 feet could be called deep. The limit of recreational diving is considered to be 140 feet and this is the depth that a diver trained in deep diving is certified to descend to. Usually, a deep dive is considered to be between 100 and 140 feet.
15 Deep Diving
The main reason to dive deep is to see things that you can’t see at shallower depths. It’s quite common for well preserved wrecks to be found in deeper water, as the greater depth means less exposure to surface surge. You will also find that different marine life exists at different depths. On tropical reefs it’s common to find healthier coral at greater depths due to less exposure to the sun and to divers. Many fish and other marine creatures also prefer greater depths. A disadvantage of diving deeper is less visibility and color due to less sunlight. Many divers will carry a dive light to bring the color back to coral and it is necessary to use strobe lighting for photography at any depth greater than 15 feet and particularly on deep dives. Like most types of recreational diving, deep diving is very safe as long as the proper precautions are taken. The main concerns in deep diving are increased
chances of decompression sickness, rapid air consumption, and nitrogen narcosis. Due to increased pressure at greater depths the chances of decompression sickness are increased. This can be countered by properly planning the dive using dive tables or a dive computer and ensuring that you ascend slowly and complete all necessary safety or decompression stops. Some divers believe performing deep stops in addition to a normal 3 minute safety stop will decrease their chances of suffering from sickness. The dive medicine community is undecided about the benefit of such stops, although they are not thought to cause any harm. Due to more rapid air consumption at greater depths it is important to closely monitor air gauges ad to allow a greater air reserve at the end of the dive. It is also recommended to make use of a redundant air source in case you become low on air. This means
The third concern when deep diving is nitrogen narcosis. The air we breathe is constituted of 79 nitrogen, an inert gas that has no effect on our bodies under normal surface pressure. However, as we descend into the water the increased pressure increases the partial pressure of the nitrogen, which means that it has the same effect as breathing greater concentrations of nitrogen. This increased nitrogen affects the synapses in our brain and brings on a feeling very similar to drunkenness. Nitrogen narcosis becomes noticeable to different people at different depths, but begins to affect most people at around 50 feet . The first effects are normally tingling of the fingers, followed by slow thinking, dizziness, disorientation, and impaired decision making. Most people report feeling the effects of nitrogen narcosis at depths greater than 100 feet. The deeper you go the greater the effects. Nitrogen narcosis poses no long term health risks and all symptoms are relieved as soon as the diver ascends. It is recommended that dive buddies monitor each other for symptoms of nitrogen narcosis and ascend to avoid severe narcosis.
Deep Diving 16
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. Cebu, Philippines
N.4
15.
02. Bali, Indonesia
N.5
16.
I.3
17.
Q.5
18.
05. Coast of Delimara, Malta
I.3
19.
06. Fethiye, Turkey
J.3
07. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
B.5
08. Aruba, Caribbean
E.3
09. Eastbourne, England
I.2
10. Bermuda
F.3
03. Cirkewwa, Malta 04. Malolo Island, Mamanuca, Fiji
11. Similan Islands, Thailand
M.4
Use this space to keep record of your own dives. 12. 13. 14.
Look for this pictogram on the map 17 Deep Diving
Deep Diving 18
Wreck Diving Wreck diving is a type of recreational diving where shipwrecks are explored. Although most wreck dive sites are at shipwrecks, there is an increasing trend to scuttle retired ships to create artificial reef sites. Wreck diving can also pertain to diving to crashed aircraft A shipwreck is attractive to divers for several reasons; • it is an artificial reef, which creates a habitat for many types of marine life. • it is often is a large structure with many interesting parts and machinery, which is not normally closely observable on working, floating vessels • it often has an exciting or tragic history • it presents new skill challenges for scuba divers • it is part of the underwater cultural heritage and may be an important archaeological resource and aviation archaeology • it provides a first-hand insight into context for the loss, such as causal connections, geographical associations, trade patterns and many other areas, providing a microcosm of our maritime heritage and maritime history. Wreck diving can be separated into three categories:
Each succeeding level involves greater risk, and therefore will normally require greater levels of training, experience and equipment. Non-penetration wreck diving is the least hazardous form of wreck diving, although divers still need to be aware of the entanglement risks presented by fishing nets and fishing lines which may be snagged to the wreck (wrecks are often popular fishing sites), and the underlying terrain may present greater risk of sharp edges. Penetration within the light zone presents greater hazards due to overhead and greater proximity of the wreck’s structure, but because of the proximity of a visible exit point, and some amount of external light, those hazards are more manageable. However, there is clearly a much greater risk of entanglement and siltout inside of the structure, as well as the requirement to move laterally to a defined exit point before one can surface in the event of an emergency. Full penetration involves the greatest level of risks, including the risk of getting lost within the structure, the risk of complete darkness in the event of multiple light failures, and the inability to escape unassisted in the event of a disruption to air supply..
• Non-penetration diving • Limited penetration diving, within the “light zone” • Full penetration diving, beyond the “light zone”
19 Wreck Diving
Wreck Diving 20
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. River Clyde, Southwest Scotland
H.2
17.
02. Bikini Atoll, Marshall Isles
Q.4
18.
03. Donegal, Ireland
H.2
19.
04. Near Ettea, Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia
P.4
20.
05. Scapa Flow, Scotland
H.2
21.
06. City of Westminster, England
H.2
22.
07. Coron, Palawan, Philippines
N.4
23.
08. Samaesan / Sattahip area, Thailand
M.4
09. Al Fujairah, the United Arab Emirates
K.3
10. Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
F.4
11. Grand Cayman, Caribbean
F.4
12. Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
P.5
13. British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
F.4
14. Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen, TĂas, Spain
H.3
15. The Red Sea, Egypt
J.3
16. Puglia, Italy
I.3
Look for this pictogram on the map 21 Wreck Diving
Wreck Diving 22
Reefs There are two main types of coral: hard coral, the major reef-building species; and soft coral, such as sea whips and sea fans. Like the tropical rainforests, coral reefs are normally found in the tropical and semitropical areas of the world where water temperatures range between 16 and 30 degrees Celsius (61 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). However, there are some coral in the North Atlantic termed cold water coral, but they are a fraction of the coral throughout the ocean.
which are living within the coral. The type of algae that lives within the coral are called zooxanthellae. The small animals that make up coral are called polyps. Most coral are colonial; that is, coral are made up of many individual polyps connected by living tissue. Each polyp has a cuplike shape with a ring of tentacles around a central opening. The tentacles are tipped with stinging cells used for defense and to capture zooplankton (small animal life) for food. The tiny polyps are the actual living coral tissue. The limestone forms an exoskeleton, which is similar to our skeleton
or a snail’s shell. The coral reefs grow from this limestone. Only the uppermost layer of a coral reef contains living polyps. As new layers of the coral reef are built, the polyps with their algae depart from the lower layers, leaving behind another layer of the reef structure. Not all coral produce reefs. Fairly recently, scientists realized that reefs have many benefits. Because of this, many countries began to better manage their coastal areas in order to protect and restore reefs. In recent years some deterioration of known coral reefs has been noted. Some experts suggest that 10 percent of Earth’s
coral reefs have already been destroyed and that another 60 percent are in danger. Some causes of the destruction are obvious; fishermen who dynamite and inject cyanide poison into reefs, for example. Other causes, however, are uncertain. Some result from human activity, some are natural, and some have uncertain sources. We know that coral reefs provide a food source and a living for many people, especially in developing nations, such as the Philippines and the Dominican Republic. Anti-cancer drugs and painkillers have been developed from coral reef products.
Although coral reefs have been around for millions of years, the reefs we see today resulted from production that occurred over the past 5,000 to 10,000 years. The actual coral make up only a small part of the life found on the reefs, but the reefs provide habitat for numerous other species. Tropical waters that are warm, clear, low in nutrients (like phosphorous and nitrogen), and have a stable temperature and salinity (salt content), are ideal for reef development. Coral reefs are classified into three types: barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and atolls. Barrier reefs occur offshore separated by water from the mainland. Fringing reefs are continuous with the land mass, and atolls are islands made of coral surrounding a central lagoon. For a long time coral were a mystery. They were called a plantanimal, animal plant, and rock plant. We now know that coral are a complex mix of animal and plant life with microscopic forms of plants called algae
23 Reefs
Reefs 24
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. The Red Sea, Egypt
J.4
17.
02. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
P.5
18.
03. Namena Marine Reserve, Fiji
Q.5
19.
04. Barrier Reef, Belize
E.4
20.
05. Maria la Gord, Cuba
E.3
21.
06. Ahrax Point, Marfa Ridge, Malta
I.3
22.
07. Santa Ponsa, Mallorca
I.3
23.
08. Rainbow Reef, Taveuni, Fiji
Q.5
09. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
M.4
10. Nab Reef, Mauritius
K.5
11. Arrecife Chopas, Mexico
D.4
12. Alice Reef, Malaysia
N.4
13. Kauai Island, Hawaii
A.4
14. Northern Mindanao, Philippines
N.4
15. Idims Reef, Palau
N.4
16. Northern Mariana Islands
P.4
Look for this pictogram on the map 25 Reefs
Reefs 26
Wall Diving Wall diving can be a very exciting activity for divers who already count with an important amount of expertise and who wish to go through new challenges. This kind of diving allows them to enjoy sea life in a new perspective and while practicing a different diving style.
Sometimes, at some wall diving areas, the walls start at a shallow point where it already shows interesting sea elements such as corals or beautiful plants. This way, this type of diving can be very enjoyable from the moment the diver enters the water as well as during each stage of the submersion.
Most divers find very exciting the way in which, by practicing this sport, they can experience different sea life styles and habitats while they submerge following the wall. It can be a fascinating activity which involves the diver’s skills as well as it shows him the sea world from a new perspective. Although it takes a diver to have experience and it might be very challenging, it is highly enjoyable and most divers who have already practiced most of the other kinds of diving find wall diving a very exciting new experience.
Wall diving is also very exciting due to the fact that the diver has the wall as a supporting surface at the same time than he does not have anything under his feet. Wall diving allows divers to feel the fun of being suspended in the ocean, without any bottom below them but being able to be easily floating while holding from the wall.
In order to be able to enjoy every different stage of the activity, it is usually advised to descend slowly and calmly while paying attention to the environment. This way, a
27 Wall Diving
diver can discover as many fish, plants and sea elements as possible while practicing a relaxing diving.
Some wall diving places would allow you to see a very wide variety of different fish and sea elements. Near the surface, you could enjoy basket sponges or soft corals, and then, as you descend, you could have sea whips added to such view. If you kept descending, you could also see fish such as eagle rays or even black tip sharks depending on location.
Wall Diving 26
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
E.4
17.
02. Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman
E.4
18.
03. Bonaire, Rincon, Netherlands Antilles
E.4
19.
04. Green Outhouse Wall, Roatan, Honduras
E.4
20.
05. Lighthouse Reef, Belize
E.4
21.
06. Northern Ireland, UK
H.2
22.
07. Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Q.5
23.
08. Kabelvaag, Norway
I.2
09. Lefkas, Greece
I.3
10. Taveuni, Fiji
Q.5
11. Puerto del Carmen, Tias, Spain
H.3
12. Christmas Island, Australia
P.6
13. Jumeluk Bay, Bali, Indonesia
N.5
14. Calangaman Island, Cebu, Philippines
N.4
15. Zanzibar, Tanzania
J.5
16. Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines
N.4
Look for this pictogram on the map 29 Wall Diving
Wall Diving 30
Dolphins Dolphins have been interacting with humans for as long as we have known of their existence. When diving with dolphins the first interaction is usually having a dolphin rest in front of each diver. This allows divers to touch and stroke the dolphins. The second interaction involves a dolphin kiss. Divers are instructed to take their regulators out of their mouths upon a signal given by the trainers. The trainers then point towards each diver. The dolphins would approach each diver and
‘kiss’ each one in the mouth with their snout. A third type of interaction is like a human spinning top. One at a time, the divers are asked to adjust their buoyancy and stay up about five feet off the bottom with arms fully outstretched. The dolphins then push each diver by the hand with their snouts spinning them around in circles. It is the anatomy of the Bottlenose Dolphin that gives it the name, as well as it’s distinguishing features. While many dolphins will have larger noses, the Bottlenose Dolphin is set apart because of it’s smaller beak. This is because of the way that it feeds as well
as it’s adaptation into the ocean. In order to compensate for this, Bottlenose Dolphins have developed a different type of vertebrae than others. This is one that is not attached together along the back. This allows for the dolphins to be flexible in their movements and to twist, turn and flip in more than one way. The Spinner Dolphin is one of the smallest of all species out there. It features a colouring that is dark grey but with patches of white on the belly. They have fins that are much longer than other species of dolphins. They only weigh about 200 pounds when they are fully mature.
The body design of this particular dolphin is really quite interesting. They are well known for their ability to spin around very rapidly. They have a very long snout which is a distinguishing feature of these dolphins. They have anywhere from 45 to 65 teeth in their mouth which are very sharp. However, they don’t use them to chew their food but to grab it. There is no mistaking the striped dolphin for any other type of species out there. They have a unique look to them that is very interesting. They feature long strips of dark blue on their lighter colored blue bodies. There are plenty of different colors too including shades of gray and brown. These are absolutely gorgeous dolphins that people love to look at. They also have stripes of either pink or white on their belly. The males and females are fairly the same size at about 8 ½ feet in length. They average a weight of 350 pounds as well. The size of them though often depends on where they live. For example those that live in the Atlantic Ocean are heavier than those living in the Pacific Ocean. The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very long, with a size of about 7 ½ feet when fully mature. They can weigh from 240 to 360 with the males being much larger than the females. They develop unique spots all over their bodies as they get older. Young ones don’t have any spots and those that are mature may only have a handful. It is for this reason that the Atlantic spotted dolphin is often misidentified.
31 Dolphins
Dolphins 32
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. Honokohau Marina, Kailua, Hawaii
B.4
17.
02. Marsa Alam, Egypt
J.3
18.
03. Long Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
E.4
19.
04. Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
E.3
20.
05. Great Abaco, Bahamas
E.3
21.
06. KwaDukuza, South Africa
J.6
22.
07. Zinkwazi Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
J.6
23.
08. Rottnest Island, Western Australia, Australia
N.6
09. The Red Sea, Egypt
J.3
10. Majorca, Spain
I.3
11. Perth, Australia
N.6
12. Cancun, Mexico
E.3
13. Eilat, Israel
J.3
14. Hurghada, Egypt
J.3
15. Kono, Hawaii
E.3
16. Roatan, Honduras
E.4
Look for this pictogram on the map 33 Dolphins
Dolphins 34
Sea Turtles Turtles are among the best loved of seadwelling creatures. This is due both to their graceful movement, cute appearance and personality as well as their declining numbers and their need for human protection. In some diving locations you may encounter two or more different types of turtle so it pays to know a little bit about how they differ from one another. Next time you are cruising along and spot the elegant swimming movements of one of these majestic creatures, a little bit of knowledge will make the encounter all the more special and memorable. Size differs with species, Olive Ridleys being the smallest at around 60 cms in length and
35 Sea Turtles
weighing around 45 kgs when fully mature. Leatherbacks on the other hand can grow to as much as 1.9 metres in length and have been known to weigh in at a whopping 916 kg! Marine turtles are instantly recognisable by their large, streamlined shell and (unlike their land-based cousins) by their non-retractable head and limbs. Front flippers are used primarily for propulsion through the water while hind flippers act as stabilising rudders. Depending on species, colouration may be olive-green, yellow, greenish-brown, or black. Interestingly Green Turtles are so-called because of the colour of their body fat rather than their external appearance.So how do you tell them apart? Well there are numerous differences between the species but as an
introduction let’s just look at one way you can identify which is which. A Green Turtle is easily distinguished from others because it has a single pair of pre-frontal scales (scales in front of the eyes), rather than 2 pairs as the other family members have. Olive Ridleys are olive in colour and look out for the 2 pairs of pre-frontal scales and the standard mouth shape. A Hawksbill has a narrow head with jaws meeting at an acute angle and with its upper jaw protruding out and curving slightly down much like the bill of a hawk, funnily enough.
cartilage running the length of its shell. The vegetarian diet of the Green Turtle consists mostly of algae and sea grass. Olive Ridleys use their powerful jaws to crunch through the exoskeletons of crabs and molluscs. Softbodied animals such as jellyfish, squids and tunicates are also eaten by Olive Ridleys as well as by Hawksbills and Leatherbacks. Due to features such as powerful jaws for crushing or scissor-like jaws for cutting soft flesh, you would be well advised not to poke around near the mouths of any turtle, at least, not if you value your fingers!
The Leatherback should be reasonably easy to spot due either to its sheer size or by the prominent longitudinal ridges of
Sea Turtles 36
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. The Similans Islands, Thailand
M.4
17.
02. Hin Muang, Thailand
M.4
18.
03. Sipadan, Borneo, Malaysia
N.4
19.
04. Layang Layang, Borneo, Malaysia
N.4
20.
05. Cocos Island, Costa Rica
E.4
21.
06. Galapagos Islands, Galapagos, Ecuador
E.5
22.
07. Cairns, Australia
P.5
23.
08. Ribbon Reefs, Australia
P.5
09. Kadavu, Fiji
Q.5
10. Koro Sea, Fiji
A.5
11. Banda Islands, Indonesia
N.5
12. Komodo, Indonesia
N.5
13. Irian Jaya, Indonesia
P.5
14. South Male Atoll, Maldives
L.4
15. North Male Atoll, Maldives
L.4
16. Sinai Peninsula, The Red Sea
J.3
Look for this pictogram on the map 37 Sea Turtles
Sea Turtles 38
Shark Diving If you have been scuba diving before chances are that you’ve been scuba diving with sharks all along. The truth is you’ll be lucky if you get to see a shark underwater. They are a rare privilege to observe. In fact, did you know that you’re statistically more likely to be struck by lightning than bit by a shark? If it turns out you’re lucky enough to have a close encounter of the sharky kind, here are a few tips to make the experience more pleasurable for both you and the shark. Go with experts. Dive operators in many areas offer organized shark dives and, while a guided experience can’t guarantee absolute safety, much shark behavior is predictable if you know what to look for. Go with those who know the locals if you want an introduction. Whether on a guided shark dive or just
39 Sharks
looking for a chance encounter, you should learn what type of sharks might be in the area and find out how they’re likely to behave. Dive with a group in the daytime. Scuba divers on their own and in low visibility are more at risk in waters where sharks are likely to be. Enter the water quietly and descend quickly. Sharks’ favorite foods tend to congregate on the surface and in midwater – think seals, sea lions and dead or injured fish. Don’t dilly-dally once you’re in the water and head to the bottom with minimal movement. It may go without saying, but you don’t want to spearfish in the company of sharks. If a shark approaches you when you’re carrying your catch, let it go and stay very still until you can swim slowly away. Notice the
behavior of your underwater neighbors. Fish often swim erratically when sharks are near. Sharks often swim just beyond steep inclines, so look out into big water as you descend to catch a glimpse. Often the first divers into the water are the only ones who get to see a shark as it swims away from the unwelcome intrusion of a dive boat and the divers. Many shark species are timid. If you’re trying to get a glimpse Keep your hands still and by your side at all times. Don’t look like a fishing lure. Avoid wearing shiny sparkly jewelry underwater because this can catch the attention of a variety of curious fish, sharks included. While rubber-clad scuba divers with bubbles coming out of their heads are not the shark’s usual choice of cuisine, even accidental contact with one can cause injury.
Should you sustain any sort of underwater injury, immediately end your scuba dive, exit the water as quickly as possible and seek medical attention, no matter how seemingly small the injury may be. Stay alert and limit multitasking so you can focus entirely on your surroundings. Plan your dive and dive your plan - paying attention to currents, depth and air consumption. Don’t dive too deep or come up too fast – in other words, use safe diving practices at all times. Then, if you’re lucky enough to see a shark, you can enjoy the moment free from worry.
Sharks 40
Locations
Grid Reference
Use this space to keep record of your own dives.
01. Guadalupe Island, Mexico
C.3
17.
02. San Diego, California
C.3
18.
03. Grand Bahama, Bahamas
E.3
19.
04. Neptune islands of southern Australia
P.6
20.
05. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
P.5
21.
06. Farallon Islands, San Francisco, CA, United States
C.3
22.
07. Protea Banks, South Africa
J.6
23.
08. Dyer Island, Overberg DC, Western Cape, South Africa
I.6
09. Cocos Island, Costa Rica
E.4
10. Galapagos Islands, Galapagos, Ecuador
E.5
11. Osprey Reef, Australia
P.5
12. Myeik Archipelago, Burma
M.4
13. Swallow Reef, Malaysia
N.4
14. The Red Sea, Egypt
J.4
15. Ari Atoll, Maldives
L.4
16. Komodo, Indonesia
N.5
Look for this pictogram on the map 41 Sharks
Sharks 42
Scuba Guide & Locations