Thursday, November 17, 2011

How to Enjoy Riviera Maya, Mexico

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
If you like tropical places you will love Riviera Maya. It's located at the Caribbean coastline of Mexico, just a few miles from Cancun. There are many activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, cenotes, swimming with dolphins, horse riding and guided tours to the jungle, archeological zones as Tulum or Chichen Itza. It's a safe place where you can find sports, adventure, relax, romance, nature and tons of fun.

Steps

Consider the many places that are part of Riviera Maya. Some of them are: Akumal, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Coba, Contoy Island, Holbox, Puerto Morelos, Sian Ka'an, Cozumel. You arrive at first at Cancún International Airport, approximately 31 miles north of Playa del Carmen. Riviera Maya has a lot of all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels as well.
Choose a hotel. Some hotels are better for couples, without loud music and parties at night, just the beautiful ocean sound at night.
Plan to visit Rio Secreto.[1] You can take a guided tour into an underground river with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It's completely safe, you put on a wet suit and hard hat to explore the cave system. You might be underground for about an hour and a half.
Swim with dolphins at Delphinus: Besides the dolphin swim experience you also learn a lot about these animals. The best part is when dolphins glide you through the water, and the part of the program where you can freely swim with dolphins and pet them.
Xcaret: This eco park (pronounced esh-carette) is near Playa del Carmen (about 30 minutes).[2] You can find some archeological sites, a Mayan village, regional wildlife breeding farms, butterfly pavilion and jaguars and other animals. There are also inlet with clear waters for snorkeling. But one of the attractions is the underground river (don't worry if you're claustrophobic, it's a big space); but you can also try the open river. The ticket price to the park is a little expensive (but worth it). You can eat at the different restaurants around the park; in the evening starts "Xcaret Mexico Espectacular" a Mexican night show, involving Mexico's history, culture and traditional dancings.

Tips

Many of the activities at Riviera Maya are related with nature or archeology, but you can also enjoy nightlife, bars, beach parties and other activities.
Buy online, you can save some money.
Check the weather before you travel.
Look out for quality programs, don't go for the cheap options.
Take a lot of photos!
Give tips at restaurants, or ask if tips included on the price.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Enjoy Riviera Maya, Mexico. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Akumal, Mexico - A Hidden Gem

For those of you looking for a great getaway, somewhere very few have heard of, look no further than Akumal, Mexico. Situated about an hour and a half or so south of Cancun, Mexico, you will find the small town of Akumal...and the most beautiful bays on the Riviera Maya!

With the tips of fellow Mexico beach lovers from LocoGringo.com, we found all kinds of ways to travel to Akumal economically. First of all, flying out of a smaller airport actually saved us quite a bit. Then, we were able to find a great deal on a condo to rent for an entire week which ended up being only about $350 per couple! We also found a grocery service that allows you to submit your grocery list and they have your room stocked before you arrive. You pay a premium of about 20%, but it is worth the money since you avoid the time of getting groceries locally and taking time away from your vacation. We did not do this and regretted it since we had to drive to Sam's Club in Playa Del Carmen, only to find cheese that would not melt after 5 minutes in the microwave!!! You can also hire someone to fix your meals for you while you are there. For those of you who have someone take care of your condo for you (clean up, fresh bottled water daily, meals, etc.) I would recommend a daily tip along with some small tokens/gifts that you take with you on your trip to give to them as this can go a long way.

We also found a great rental car agency just off of the Cancun airport that was inexpensive AND allows you to avoid the high airport taxes that rental agencies charge at the airport. You have to be careful when driving in Mexico as you need to be sure you understand the money exchange when buying gas, and also be sure to see that the pump is set at ZERO when you start pumping. In Mexico, attendants will pump your gas for you, so just be sure to stand there with them and make sure everything is OK.

There is plenty to do near Akumal as you have the ruins of Tulum nearby, Hidden World Cenotes, Xel-Ha, and you can always grab a ferry to Cozumel! If you are up for a day trip, I highly recommend Chichen Itza. It is amazing to visit and the guides are first rate. Be careful of the drive, however, as the roads are "pot hole city" for most of the trip. If you are up for a casual day, the 2 bays that Akumal has are gorgeous for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or just lounging. The name "Akumal" actually means "place of turtles" in Mayan, and it doesn't disappoint. There is a swing bar on the edge of the bay that is great to hang out and makes great drinks. Do not worry about the description, there are actually rope swing seats at the bar for lounging.(LOL)

All in all the trip was outstanding! I believe each couple enjoyed the full week for just over $1,000...for everything! If you can find the time to get away, this is a great "hidden gem" to sneak off to and enjoy a nice relaxing vacation.

Friday, November 11, 2011

How to Become a PADI Certified Scuba Diver

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) Diving is a fun, exciting, and relaxing sport. It can be quite dangerous, however, if you do not have the proper training before diving. This guide will help you learn to dive quickly and safely.

Steps

Consult your physician to make sure you're healthy enough to take a SCUBA course.
Find a facility near you that offers PADI-approved diving courses. (Refer to the PADI website in the external links section of this article to find the closest dive course.)
Contact the facility to find out which personal equipment you will need to own. Most dive courses provide most of the basic equipment but require you to own your own mask, snorkel, *Swim Fins, boots, gloves, and hood. You will also need to purchase your course materials (usually a book and video) and your first dive log book. (The course materials and log book together will usually cost under $35.)
Purchase the required personal equipment. Most facilities that offer SCUBA courses are also dive shops. Be sure to save your receipts when purchasing your equipment, since many facilities will give you a discount on either the course or on future equipment rentals and air refilling services if you bought your equipment at their shop. The basic personal equipment needed for the course can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, or even more if you buy the fanciest gear.
Register for an open water diving course. The cost of the course varies from region to region, and may even vary greatly within one area. For example, in Massachusetts you can pay anywhere from $125 to $500 for a PADI open water diving course.
Usually a PADI open water diving course will include classroom sessions, swimming pool sessions (during which you'll learn to use your equipment in a swimming pool), and open water sessions. Some courses may do all of the water sessions in open water.
When you've completed the course to your instructor's satisfaction, you will receive your PADI certification card. Keep this card safe, since most dive shops will ask to see your certification card before refilling your air tanks or allowing you to rent equipment.

Tips

If you normally wear glasses, you may need to either wear contacts under your dive mask or purchase a prescription mask. Prescription masks are much more expensive than regular dive masks, but will be more comfortable (and safer) than diving while wearing contacts.
If you aren't sure whether a full SCUBA certification course is right for you, ask the training facility about a "Discover SCUBA" course, which is much shorter and less expensive, but will give you an idea about whether you wish to continue.

Warnings

Always follow your trainer's instructions to the letter. Diving accidents can result in serious injury or death, and most diving accidents are the result of carelessness.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

http://www.padi.com

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Become a PADI Certified Scuba Diver. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Defog a Diving Mask

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

It's bound to happen sooner or later: mask fog. Fog is an annoyance and source of frustration for a great many new divers - especially so with new equipment. Here's how to prepare a mask for diving and eliminate fog forever!

Steps

Wash your mask in warm soapy water to remove the manufacturer's preservative lubricant. Masks today are made with silicon skirts. Silicon can change color and lose flexibility over time from exposure to the elements. Manufacturers coat the masks with a lubricant to protect this from happening while on the display racks at retail stores. It is this lubricant that is the culprit behind fog in new masks.
Scour the inside of the lens with a mild abrasive cleaner. [Glass lenses only! Some masks have plastic lenses that will be scratched with this technique.] Soapy water will cut the grease for the most part, but the lens must be thoroughly cleaned in order to prevent fogging. Toothpaste is the best thing to use for cleaning the inside of the lens. Toothpaste needs to be NON GEL type the gel pastes do not contain enough abrasives. Household cleaners can work, but care must be taken to be sure that the mask is completely rinsed before use because household cleaners can irritate or injure unwary divers if allowed to remain in the mask. With circular motion and a little bit of pressure, thoroughly scour the inner surface of the lens with about a dime-sized drop of toothpaste for several minutes. Rinse and repeat 2-3 times.
Clean the inside surface and rinse before entering the water on the day of diving. If the mask is removed for any reason, either spit (some say beware of this as there are a lot of nasties in saliva that you don't want in your eyes) on the lenses or add commercial defogging drops to keep them clean.

Video

Tips

Don't allow your mask to dry out between dives on days of multiple dives. Drying them out leaves deposits of grit and minerals that allow fog to form more easily.
If you have followed these steps and still have trouble with mask fog, ask an instructor or dive master for tips on how they keep their masks from fogging up. An alternative is to burn the lubricant on the lens away with a common lighter (only glass lenses). Move the flame a bit, so the silicon edges around don't get damaged. Ask someone that did this before, like the shop owner where you are going to buy the mask (let them do it first and then pay). If some soot forms, don't worry. You can wash that away easily.
If your mask fogs underwater, flood and clear it just like you learned in your open water course. Consider that flooding the mask probably makes it steam up easier too. So, you might have to repeat it after you did it once.If it's steaming up every minute, leave just a bit of water in and once in a while look downward while moving your head from side to side. The water under your nose might not be the most comfortable thing, but it's either that or aborting the dive.
A common and cheap technique for keeping a mask clear that is used more regularly is to spit into it and rub the spit in all directions on the inside of the lenses (up and down, left to right). With the spit only give the mask a quick rinse (in and out once), give it a little swing with the hand to remove the drops and put the mask on. It will stay fog-free while you're diving. Best of all, you don't have to buy a commercial mask defogger or you might not have that at hand.
A lot of instructors would now disagree with the above. Human saliva contains over 500 types of bacteria. Over time masks that are spit in tend to grow a black mold around the lens. Commercial defoggers are far from expensive (usually $5-6 a bottle that lasts years on average) and tend to last longer during a dive. Apply a small drop to the lens and smear it around the lens - then rinse off. Voila! A fog free lens without feeling like you're wearing a science experiment!
A mild shampoo (baby shampoo to be precise) is an excellent defogger. Put 1 to 2 drops on the lens and smear it lightly and evenly over the surface, paying attention to the seals. Rinse thoroughly just before you enter the water, if not you might make bubbles on the inside of your mask instead. Works every time! You can also buy a small travel sized spray bottle and put in a few drops of baby shampoo and fill with filtered water. Rub it around and gently rinse with water, gently enough to leave a slight film on the inside of the lens.
If your mask fogs often during your dive it is usually because you are breathing out a little through you nose. Your body temperature is 98.6 and the water temperature is usually much lower than that. This air coming from your lungs being warmer creates condensation after only a few small breaths. Kind of like your car window when the air is warmer on the inside than on the outside.

Warnings

If household cleaners are used to scour the lenses initially, it is extremely important that the mask be thoroughly rinsed before diving. Household cleaners can irritate the eyes and skin and in extreme cases, may cause loss of sight. You're better off using toothpaste.
Avoid using mint-flavored toothpaste; this will irritate your eyes as well.
Only scour the lenses once. After you've removed the manufacturing goop, it is unlikely that you'll get more on the lenses.
Use only light pressure. You don't want to scratch the lenses.
Beware of using spit - there are a lot of bugs in saliva that you don't want in your eyes.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Defog a Diving Mask. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Protect Coral Reefs when Snorkeling

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Coral reefs are predicted to become extinct within the next century. The coral and marine life on these underwater reefs are exotic and beautiful. If you have never been snorkeling before, it is high time you try it! But be sure to keep these coral-friendly snorkeling tips in mind to help protect this fragile ecosystem.

Steps

Do not touch, walk or stand on coral. Even slightly touching or dragging your snorkeling gear over coral can kill an entire colony.
Do not remove anything living or dead from coral reefs, except recent trash.
Do not feed fish or other marine organisms. Fish can become dependent on food being given to them instead of naturally foraging for food.
Be aware of where you enter and exit when snorkeling to avoid stepping on coral.
Try to step on sand and gravel around the coral without disturbing it.
Keep your fins from kicking up sand and harming coral. Stirred up sand can block sunlight from getting to the zooxanthellae- the algae living in corals that provides nutrients for the coral through photosynthesis.
Swim slowly and horizontally. This way you will be able to avoid touching coral by accident and getting stung by marine organisms.
Swim with your feet, not your hands. Consider wearing a flotation device if you are a new swimmer or are likely to get tired of swimming.
When on a snorkeling excursion, make sure the boat uses established moorings- anchors and chains can kill corals. Also make sure all garbage is stowed away on board.

Tips

Practice snorkeling as much as you can before entering the water, that way you will avoid accidentally touching the coral or getting yourself injured.
It is good idea to invest in rash guards or wet suits if you are snorkeling with stinging marine organisms.
Educate yourself as much as you can about coral reefs to have a solid understanding of the environment before entering it.

Warnings

Be mindful of stepping on sea urchins, sharp coral or accidentally touching stinging marine organisms.
It is good to be aware of tides and wave action so you don't have an accident while looking down when you are snorkeling.

Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Protect Coral Reefs when Snorkeling. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Snorkel

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

One of the main reasons why people choose to snorkel, is that it can be so relaxing. Just floating and being immersed within the underwater scenery is enough to escape the hurdles we encountered in every day life.

Steps

Gain experience using the snorkel. Begin by laying flat on your stomach, just floating and placing your face in the water at about a 45 degree angle. Bite gently on the mouthpiece, allowing your lips to seal around it and hold the snorkel in place. Test the snorkel by taking regular slow breaths through the tube. Breath slowly, deeply and cautiously through your snorkel. No need to panic you can always lift your head above water if you want. Just relax and become aware of your breaths. The sound of your breathing through the snorkel barrel should become quite noticeable.
Snorkel Clearing technique. While holding your breath, place your head below the water so that your snorkel is immersed below the surface. You should feel that water is entering the snorkel barrel. Next surface your head without lifting it out of the water and quickly exhale forcefully and sharply into the snorkel. This blast method of snorkel clearing will remove nearly all the water from your snorkel. Any small amount of water left can be removed by a second forceful blast. Keep in mind that water can also enter the snorkel even if you don't immerse you head underwater. Sometimes either due to surf conditions or excessive splashing, some water may enter. So one thing to keep in mind is to breath cautiously. By repeating the blast method you should clear any water that enters into the snorkel.
Master airway control. Sometimes, although you may have some water left in the snorkel, if you inhale slowly and use airway control, you can breath the air past the water until you have enough air for another blast.
Fin technique.The idea is to keep your fin stroke movements smooth, slow and relaxed. Keep your arms at your sides in order to reduce drag, slow your kick and lengthen the stroke. Your legs should be extended so that the fins are pointed behind you. With your knees slightly bend, kick slowly and powerfully from the hip to make use of your thigh muscles. Avoid kicking with your knees, as this will only waste your energy. The right snorkeling technique is for the power portion of the stroke to be downwards. Kick farther down and less upwards whilst arching your back upward to force your legs downward.

Tips

Swim at a steady comfortable pace to conserve your energy
Streamline yourself as much as possible. Keep your arms at your side
Breathing cautiously through your snorkel, to avoid choking on water that may enter.
Keep your fins below the surface when kicking.
Kick slowly and powerfully from the hip. Avoid kicking with your knees.
Use the downward kick stroke more than upward.

Things You'll Need

1 mask
1 snorkel
1 pair fins

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

http://www.scuba-snorkeling-adventures.com/how-to-snorkel.html - Original source, shared with permission.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Snorkel. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Decide Which Caribbean Island to Vacation In

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

All the islands in the Caribbean are blessed with white sand beaches and sunny days yet each one of them offers a distinct and unique holiday experience. Vacationing in the Caribbean is an easy decision to make but the trick lies in selecting the right island that suits the visitor’s tastes and needs. Here is a concise list of the unique characteristics of some Caribbean islands in order to make the right decision for the perfect holiday.

Steps

Select a place with the understanding that all the islands are ideal. All the islands in the Caribbean are blessed with white sand beaches and sunny days yet each one of them offers a distinct and unique holiday experience. Vacationing in the Caribbean is an easy decision to make but the trick lies in selecting the right island that suits the visitor’s tastes and needs. Here is a concise list of the unique characteristics of some Caribbean islands in order to make the right decision for the perfect holiday.
Sample Nevis. A quiet and peaceful destination, the secluded island of Nevis is ideal for the urban traveler seeking a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many plantations and resorts are tucked away on this beautiful island which has a rich history as well.
Holiday by the beach. All the Caribbean islands have excellent beaches but Aruba’s beaches are ranked as the most clean and attractive. In addition, the soft surf and water sports also highlight its popularity.
Enjoy partying. A rocking nightlife awaits visitors at St. Lucia and Jamaica. As the Jamaican sun sets, an all-night party filled with rum and reggae music takes over the island. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are good bets as well.
Relax. Spa lovers will enjoy the Turks & Caicos is full of luxury resorts and world-class spas. This spa destination offers many signature treatments which can be enjoyed amidst its white sand beaches.
Have a gamble. Puerto Rico is the Mecca for gambling in the Caribbean and is reminiscent of Las Vegas. The credit for the most number of casinos in the Caribbean however goes to the Dominican Republic.
Enjoy water adventures. Among the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean is the island of Turks and Caicos.
Have a game of golf. The golfing experience on the world-class golf courses of Barbados and Jamaica are unparalleled in the Caribbean.
Try sailing. The calm waters of the British Virgin Islands are perfect for sailing, snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
Eat well. St. Martin has an unmistakable French and Dutch connection with a Caribbean twist which can be experienced through its numerous restaurants. It is also known as the ‘Dining capital of the Caribbean’.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Decide Which Caribbean Island to Vacation In. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Prepare for Your First SCUBA Dive

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

You've got your Scuba certification, you've got your Scuba gear, and now you're itching to go on your first Scuba dive. And sure, the certification process reviewed all the basics, but there are still other practicalities that an informed diver should know. This article will outline the methods and precautions observed by safe divers around the world...

Steps

Select a suitable location. Many variables factor into where you may want to hold a dive, such as:
- Attraction - There are many sights under the water including coral reefs, shipwrecks, caves, and any assortment of plants and animals. Coral reefs are found mainly in tropical climates. Shipwrecks and caves can be found almost anywhere.
- Visibility - Under the water, visibility can vary from as little as 2ft. to over 100ft. This depends mainly on sea conditions, but can be affected by weather as well. In the Northern Pacific and Northern Atlantic, you will find visibility to be very limited, while in tropical climates, you can see the sun from over 100ft down!
- Depth - Recreational divers should not dive below 130ft without advanced training and equipment. The deeper you dive, the higher the risks for injury. As you go deeper, less light can penetrate the water and the ocean becomes darker. Also, the deeper you go, your risk increases of getting Decompression Illness. These conditions may be very stressful for a beginning diver. It's recommended that you dive no deeper than 60ft until you become more comfortable with scuba diving situations. Additionally, due to the compression of air at depth, you use a greater percentage of air with each breath, thus reducing your total dive time.
- Temperature - Scuba divers often wear wetsuits to protect themselves from the cold. In most parts of the ocean, there is a temperature gap where in a change of depth of 1 foot, there may exist a 10 degree decrease in temperature, this is called a Thermocline. In some circumstances, in tropical climates you will need only a bathing suit.
- Water Conditions - Surf and current are the basic sea conditions you need to know. Currents can be very strong in some areas and can carry a diver away. Even many popular dive sites have very strong current areas suitable only for experienced divers. Be sure you know how strong and in which direction the current is flowing. The current can also be part of the experience; a "drift dive" is a dive that is designed to have you be carried by the current. A boat must be present and the skipper will follow you on the surface by watching for surfacing bubbles. Surf can affect the boat and how safe it is getting in and out of the water.
- Wildlife - Observing the local wildlife can be the most rewarding experience of an underwater dive, but it can also be quite dangerous. Every geographical location on Earth has its own unique species. You should know the basic fish and plant life you are likely to encounter and if there are any precautions for dealing with any. Just about all of them are harmless and are more scared of you than you are of them.
Do your homework. Thorough research is needed to select the best location for you. While objective research such as charts and diagrams can be helpful, there is no substitute for professional advice and experience. Any location with good diving has one or more dive shops. These local professionals know the sites and dangers better than anyone. Always seek local advice including information about currents, tides, visibility, depths and hazards. Before you go, you should know the local weather. Some important questions to know are "Does it storm regularly?" or "How fast do storms arise in this location?" On your first dives it is better to go with a dive operator. They have dove the area hundreds of times and will know which sites are best for beginners. Make sure the dive master knows it is your first dive. That way he can keep an eye on you and offer any help if you need it. Before the dive, the dive master will (or should) tell you where you are entering in relation to the site, where you will be going, how long you will be under, what the max depth will be, what signals you will use, what to do if you need to leave the dive early, what sites you will see and how long a safety stop you will do (it should be at least 3 minutes). So listen up and ask any questions now.
Prepare suitable gear. Selecting and ensuring the proper operation of scuba gear for the water conditions is critical to the success and safety of a dive:
- The wetsuit - The thickness of wetsuit you use should depend on the temperature of the water. Selections may include 3mm, 5mm, or 7mm thicknesses. The colder the water, the thicker the material on your wetsuit should be. The same is true for the hoodie, gloves and booties. The wetsuit not only provides cold-water protection, but also protection from stings and abrasions from underwater animals or other inanimate objects. Be sure to select a neoprene suit that fits you well and provides ample flexibility, as an improper fit can cause comfort and mobility issues.
  - Fins, or swimfins - Purchase fins with wide channels, as scuba divers require these to overcome water resistance with more equipment, and to generally travel more efficiently. The most commonly used fins contain a strap that fits snugly above the heel, although in some warm water conditions, a shoe enclosure type fin will be ample. The difference between a full-foot and open heel fin can be drastic-- so be prepared with whatever you choose.
- Buoyancy compensator device(BCD) - This equipment allows the diver to achieve neutral buoyancy underwater as well as provides assistance in ascending or descending. Ensure proper operation of the BC before any dive, as this is a primary piece of safety equipment.
- Weight belt - These will counteract the overall buoyancy of the diving equipment. Select a weight belt based on the buoyancy of both the equipment and yourself, which should be determined before attempting a dive. Ensure that the weights on the belt are secure and that the releases on the nylon belt are not jammed. Some newer BCDs have integrated weight systems. Always remember when you are wearing weight, whether a belt or integrated into a BC, that you need a one hand release-- almost always a right hand release. Before every dive, make sure you can release the belt easily with your right hand.
- Scuba tanks, or diving cylinders - Select a tank tailored to your dive plan. For shorter dives in warm water with good visibility, generally only one aluminum tank filled to 80 cubic feet of air will be suitable. Some divers prefer steel tanks as the buoyancy between a full and empty tank varies less than an aluminum tank, but the weight is greater. Specialized dives may require two tanks, high-PSI tanks, or Nitrox; but these are more geared toward advanced divers.
- Regulator - These are designed to let the air out of the tanks in a controlled manner. Make sure yours has been serviced properly. Remember-- regulators are designed, if they fail, to fail open, causing a lot of air to come out. You can breath that-- you will not just be cut off. If this does occur surface as soon as safely possible.
- Mask and snorkel - Be sure to use a mask that has been tempered for pressure and contains a nose enclosure. Ensure that the mask fits properly and is watertight to your face. A purge valve on the snorkel is a welcome feature.
- Knife or shears - Although optional, you should carry a knife or pair of shears in case of snags in fishing nets while underwater. Knives can be handy for other uses, such as prying rocks, while shears are more efficient for cutting fishing line.
Perform a final check. Once you have prepared all of your equipment, you must now prepare yourself. Ensuring proper hydration is a key step to diving safety, as dehydration can be detrimental to your underwater health. Also, maintain a positive attitude and a clear mind in case problems occur while diving. Most of all, do not panic if something goes wrong!
Determine how you will enter the water. There are generally two ways of entering the water for a dive: from a boat (giant stride or roll into the water) or simply by walking in from the beach. If you are walking in from the beach, ensure that you know the local sandbars and/or any coral or rock formations near your location. If you are entering from a boat, you can roll in backwards from the side, or jump in off of the rear of the boat. Remember to be careful when lowering the anchor because you do not want to damage coral or have it get tangled in a shipwreck.

Tips

Always be sure to fly the red and white striped diver's flag or the international blue and white Alpha flag while diving. Take it down when everybody is out of the water.
You should know basic first aid.
Have a physical done before you plan on scuba diving and make sure your health is good for diving. The better your health and physical condition, the easier diving will be for you.
Always have a dive plan and follow it.
Always dive with a competent buddy.
Always have an emergency plan-- what happens if one person is missing? Where is O2? Where is the nearest hospital? Who are emergency contacts?

Warnings

Your certification card only permits you to dive in areas similar to your checkouts. Before you dive unfamiliar places talk to a local diver. They will be happy to tell you about local rules, conditions, and give their advice.
Despite the fun and excitement of scuba, this sport can be hazardous without proper training and knowledge of open-water. It is important to note that before attempting any sort of open-water dive, you should be properly certified and should not attempt a dive without instruction.
Some species should still be avoided, such as sea snakes, which have a very deadly venom. Plants can also be dangerous, as they can cut through wetsuit material very easily. Bleeding in the ocean may attract other organisms which live in the plants and coral, such as eels and other predators.
Never enter the water near a jetty or pier.
Find a buddy. Never dive alone!
When coming up, make sure you do a 3 minute safety stop at 15 feet. You should never ascend faster then 30 feet a minute. The speed small bubbles rise to the surface is a good way to judge a safe speed.
Following a dive, do not fly for at least 24 hours, even in a pressurized airplane. Failure to follow this could result in decompression sickness or what many know as "the bends." This time frame is not 100% accurate, but only a ballpark number to adhere to, and can vary based on the residual nitrogen in your blood. The best method is to advocate a "better safe than sorry" attitude.
Never hold your breath when scuba diving; breathe normally to avoid hyperventilation or lightheadedness. Holding one's breath, while ascending, can result in lung over expansion that can result in serious injury or death.
Never disregard pain or discomfort. If you are feeling unhealthy, do not dive, or abort any dive if you have excessive discomfort.
If you are diving in shark-infested waters and sustain a wound which bleeds, leave the water and bandage it as soon as possible, and seek medical assistance depending on the severity.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuba_diving
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocline
Hidden Dangers
About decompression sickness
DAN - Divers Alert Network All aspects of scuba diving safety and scuba diving medicine
Scuba Schools International
British Sub Aqua Club

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Prepare for Your First SCUBA Dive. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Travel Light with Scuba Gear

How to Travel Light With Scuba Gear

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

With lightweight scuba equipment for sure you have to make some compromises on what you normally prefer. You might consider it though, to avoid paying for luggage overweight on top of your plane ticket. Besides that, you travel more comfortable. Lets go through the different pieces of equipment to see where and how we can reduce weight.

Steps

"Tank and weights". For sure they make up the biggest weight, but you definitely don’t take them on the plane. Most diving centers offer this included in the price of the organized dives. If you go diving on your own, you rent it. You can consider also renting the other equipment, just taking a mask and snorkel. There can be a big difference though in the quality of the rental equipment between one diving center and another. Inform yourself in advance. Most divers prefer their own stuff.
Mask and snorkel. If you don’t go snorkeling, you can even leave the snorkel home; though know that it is recommended equipment. There are also soft foldable snorkels that even fit in the pocket of the jacket. Take a low-volume mask that fits in the foot pocket of you fins. It protects the mask without having to bring a box and you don’t lose it on the boat. Replace the silicon strap with a neoprene Velcro adjustable strap, which is lighter and more comfortable.
Fins. Use full foot fins without booties if you go mostly boat diving in warm water. If you need foot protection, take neoprene socks but still with full foot fins, of course now a few sizes bigger. Carbon fins are an option, but most of them are the long type that free divers use. If you can’t do without your open heel fins, don’t use the metal spring straps. Normally those are preferable, but the conventional ones are lighter. Just don’t pull them too tight.
Regulator. Plastic rules, although small light weighted metal second stages do exist. The first stage is always metal. Inform what valve system they use where you go diving, DIN or yoke. It avoids having to bring an adapter. The pressure gauge can be plastic. Use the modern braided hoses. They are half the weight of the normal type and more flexible.
BCD. Take the simplest jacket you can get, not with the integrated weight system. The back plate has to be small. Again, plastic D-rings and buckles instead of metal. Take also the buckle of the weight belt in plastic.
Suit. This depends on the water temperature. If below 18°C, consider a lightweight trilaminate drysuit. Take under-protection that you can also use as “normal” clothing.Consider that you can use a full wetsuit about 2 mm thinner if you use a sleeveless 3 mm vest with hood under it.
Dive computer. Integrated with your wrist watch. Make sure the batteries are not running empty before you leave. Sometimes it can be expensive or impossible to change them on your destination.
Bag. For sure no hard case, but the trolley type is handy.
Logbook. Some models are bigger than a day-to-day office agenda. Just take your license and a few empty logbook sheets.

Tips

Be clever. Tell your travel agent in advance you are a diver and that you need a bigger luggage allowance. They are more likely to accept, before you pay. If they don't, ask the price for overweight. The moment you step up to the check-in desk on the airport, is too late.

Warnings

Don't leave the safety sausage home if you go drift diving. There is a cheap orally inflatable model of two meters long, that is light and doesn't take up much space in the pocket of your jacket. This model is not intended for safe surfacing, but for being spotted easier by the boat crew to pick you up. It can safe your life.
Scuba diving is a safe sport, but only after adequate training, using the right equipment and following the rules you learned, all related to the conditions you dive in. The vast majority of accidents happen for not respecting these basics.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

DearDiveBuddy.com - Original source of article, shared by author.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Travel Light With Scuba Gear. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

The Basics of Snorkeling

How to Snorkel in the Caribbean

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

This article will teach you how to snorkel under water and really see fish when others fail.

Steps

Find a good snorkeling spot. You can usually get good information from your hotel or from locals.
Put your snorkeling mask on. If it is your first time using it, you will want to clean it with toothpaste to remove the inner film and help prevent fogging. After that, some Sea Drops or a little bit of spit will do the job. Putting on the mask properly is going to mean the difference between having a good time or being miserable. Does your mask fit and is it water-tight? Put it on your face, bend forward and inhale sharply. Your mask should stay on until you exhale. Now put the strap high on the back of your head. Don't make it too tight or when you're done you'll have a ring around your face that will last for hours. Make sure there is no hair hanging down into the seal, as this will cause leakage. Okay, you've done well.
Put your snorkel in your mouth and blow through it to make sure it's clear. There are a lot of different styles out there from the $2 sticks to the $40 dry snorkels. Look for one that is comfortable for you. Bite down on the mouthpiece and close your lips. Practice breathing through the snorkel before you get in the water.
Put your flippers on tightly. Do you really need flippers? Only if you are snorkeling over a large area or in a heavy wave area. Please be careful with them, lots of coral damage is done with flippers.
Practice with those flippers. Kicking properly will mean seeing a huge number of fish everyone else will miss. Legs together, ankles together, now GENTLY, toes up, toes down- you want to be barely moving in the water. No big kicks, no splashes, no huge arm movements, just slow and easy. Fish will appear where there were none a few seconds before.
Protect yourself from the sun. Wearing a bathing suit is an obvious beginning, but you might want to be a little more covered than that. A shirt will keep your back from being sunburned and also protect you from some jellyfish. Board shorts will keep the back of your legs from being sunburned. Apply a water-resistant sun block and thoroughly cover exposed skin. Note that you can get sunburned through a shirt, so be sure to use sunscreen on your torso even if you are wearing one.
Find a safe spot to snorkel. Look for signs of coral and rocks in the water; that's where the fish will be. Take the time to scan the area. Boats, water toys, wind conditions? Pay some attention to the surroundings above the water before you get too engrossed with everything under the water.
Take a breather when you need it. Time will pass quickly and you will get tired. Forty-five minutes is a long time to be in the water. Plan on some beach or boat breaks to keep from getting over tired.
Use a camera if you have one, but don't get so involved taking pictures for "later" that you miss enjoying the "now." If you do use a camera, photograph fish from a distance. Close range usually ends up blurred. Also, focus on the reef some, too,

Video

While this video does not provide any instructions, it does show underwater scenes taken while snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Tips

Make sure your equipment is clean.
To get used to breathing through the snorkel,find a rock or something to stand on and just put your face into the water,open your eyes and starting breathe slowly,like you would at the doctors!
Always wash your equipment off after use.
If you're over a reef, don't touch the coral if you can avoid it. It may kill it.
If you get water in your snorkel, blow out hard to clear it.

Warnings

Always snorkel with a buddy.
Watch out for jellyfish and fire coral.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Snorkel in the Caribbean. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

To Dive or Not To Dive

So many people make plans to go snorkeling when they travel to vacation hot spots, but so few know enough about scuba diving to determine whether or not they would enjoy it over snorkeling.

While snorkeling is a lot of fun, and much easier to do than scuba diving, it limits what lies beneath...an entirely new world! You do not have to dive too deep where safety concerns can limit the scope of your dive. Just diving 30-50 feet deep allows you to see beautiful scenery, sea creatures, and enjoy the sport for a much longer period of time. The deeper you dive, the less time you can stay underwater.

I would strongly recommend to anyone interested in diving NOT to take the 2-3 hour certification course offered at so many resorts. This, in my opinion, is a license to put yourself in harm's way. There is so little actually taught in these courses that you had better have someone with you, or a buddy, that has some actual diving experience so that in the event something goes wrong you should be safe.

Most people's fears surround the issue of actually having to breathe underwater. With today's equipment and advanced technologies, it is easier than ever to scuba dive. The most important thing to remember is to simply breathe normally. This, coupled with a dive computer, allows you to enjoy the dive while the equipment takes care of everything else.(as long as you have learned the basics of what to do and what not to do)

It is definitely worth the time and money to become properly certified as scuba diving is a wonderful experience and is one everyone should try at least once in their lifetime!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Steps

Tips

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Friday, November 11, 2011

Steps

Tips

Warnings

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Steps

Video

Tips

Warnings

Related wikiHows

Steps

Tips

Warnings

Sources and Citations

Steps

Tips

Things You'll Need

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Steps

Related wikiHows

Steps

Tips

Warnings

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Steps

Tips

Warnings

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Steps

Video

Tips

Warnings

Related wikiHows

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Subscribe To Top Snorkel Spots