Click on images to enlarge

Experienced divers have opportunity to conduct night and drift diving, also steep walls, caves and cliffs are there to amaze you. Wreck diving is not a problem here, all you have to do is to choose which sunken vessel you’re planning to see. But the most exciting is to discover something new, for group of divers countless number of yet unexplored reefs are waiting for their time.

Swimming underwater in the Maldives can be everywhere – both in the lagoon at your resort, and at the furthest from Malé atoll. In many resorts there are special schools for divers.

Almost all islands have reefs located nearby, to which you can swim straight from the beach. Best of the reefs is located in the resort of Ellaidhoo, a bit worse – on resort Bandos, Wade, Embudo Village, Giraavaru, Helengeli, Baros, Baros Ra and Twin Island (Maafushivaru). But of course here are not all reefs worthy of attention. In general most resorts are surrounded by small reefs and if you want to reach a reef straight from the beach resort, make sure that reef is available nearby. Those who want to enjoy not only the coastal waters, dhoni will you to an underwater safari.

Ari Atoll – Ellaidhoo

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru > Aerial view

If you’re new and healthy, you can take a short course at your local resort (there are 3 types of diving courses: for beginners, special, high complexity).

Those who already can be called Scuba Divers need to take with them the certificate and diving log. If you have not engaged in diving for a while, you will be asked to make a test dive, so the instructor can observe how you feel in the water. These precautions are made because of lack of sophisticated medical equipment in Maldives, and such small inconvenience may be brought to you.

Maldives reefs

Maldives – dual band atolls over 90 thousand square km – part of a volcanic ridge stretching from Laccadives Islands to Chagos. The largest atoll in the world – Huvadu is Among 26 atolls of the Maldives.

Laccadives Islands

The atoll consists of numerous small islands surrounding a large lagoon. Lagoon depth is from 40 to 90 m bristling with reefs, corals and Tilly – reef deep bedding, lying on the sandy bottom. Calm waters in the lagoon create favorable conditions for the formation of branching and reef-building corals with about 900 species of tropical fish. If you want to get acquainted with the fish to be found here, buy a book of local marine biologist RK Anderson.

In the Maldives, there are many faros – concentric reefs inside the atoll. Faro is not a true atoll, but instead forms part of the rim of a barrier reef or a larger atoll. Faro is located near the outer sides of the atolls, longer, and some are broken, like a horseshoe, but they rise from the bottom of the atoll, and it seems they are forming a lagoon within the lagoon. The depth of this lagoon is usually up to 6 m, and only sometimes reaching 40 m.

Each island is surrounded by the so-called local reef, due to which in almost all resorts tourists have excellent opportunities for scuba diving. Visibility in the lagoons is usually good.

Ocean on the outside of atolls reaches 1-3 km in depth. There are several vertical reef walls In the Maldives, and though many slopes are gentle, in some places very steep cliffs exist. Outside of atolls water is very clean, and marine life is extremely diverse and full with colors. Some reefs on the western side of the atoll of Male and South Male are inhabited with starfishes, and unfortunately they are causing significant damage to corals.

Best time for diving in Maldives

The best time for scuba diving is from January to April, when the sea is calm, the sun is shining, the weather conditions are great and the visibility in the water can reach 30 meters. It’s possible to meet whales in the strait at the southern tip of Ari Atoll from late August to October. But if you want to see giant rays and whale sharks, the best to visit Malé and South Male is from August to November and from February to April for Ari atoll, as waters are rich with plankton during this period.

Diving is possible throughout the year, but rain, wind and waves are most common during the season of the southwest monsoon (June-August). During this period, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to get to some interesting places for diving. In a bad season the visibility in the water sometimes falls to 10 m. It is said that the weather in Maldives has a two-week cycle, but there is no clear pattern of change. North-easterly winds in December and January made it difficult to get to the best dive sites on outer and eastern sides of the atoll, but diving can be conducted in lagoons and streams.

Visibility in the water often exceeds 30 m, the temperature of the water is suitable – 27-30C, which allows you to swim with light and comfortable suit.

Maldives rules for divers

In order to make diving safer Maldivian Government has developed a number of rules. Immersions after which ascending requires decompression is prohibited, and diving below 30 m is not allowed. Also it’s a must to have buoyancy compensators (BCs).

Instructors arrange a test dive and if they see that the person feels confident in the water, they allow him to dive alone without joining the group of divers. Some resorts require that diver should not be submerged more than one hour if dive has been conducted from a dive boat or the pressure is at least 50 atmospheres in the BC. Theses rule varies depending on the type of diving and skills of the diver.

Recently shark feeding has ceased to be popular and not conducted regularly. Consult with the instructor about the possibility of meeting with predators. Read also … Protect Sharks

Diving resorts

Dive centers have possibility to arrange diving from a boat in the morning and afternoon , if dive site is located less than an hour away.

Night diving is usually arranged at the request of holidaymakers in most resorts. At the resort with the nearby reefs, where diving is possible directly from the shore, the number of dives is not limited. At Bandos and Ellaidhoo diving can be done all day round. The immersion is carried out with dhoni, large enough to accommodate themselves – divers and their equipment. On boats there is a canopy that protects from direct sunlight. At dhoni usually placed from 4 to 20 divers. Tours are conducted regularly on a daily basis to distant places, which include two dives from a boat included either a lunch (dry rations) or a barbecue on an uninhabited island. Sometimes tours include a visit to another resort.

Packages for scuba diving.

If you are going to dive for several days it is best to purchase a package of services. Prices are moderate and several options are offered. One of them includes two boat dives and unlimited shore dives. This option is more suitable for those who rest in the resort, which has a reef nearby and is planning to make more than two dives per day. The fee for the boat is usually charged separately but many resorts will make discounts if package is ordered. The price for scuba diving is included in the price at Club Med resorts and Club Vacances. On average a package that includes one dive worth $35, 6 dives – $180, 10dives – $250, and six days of unlimited diving – $250-300 dollars. The price for boat an average is $9 per person for per trip and $15 for two. These prices include the cost of rent only for cylinders with air and cargo, all the rest of the equipment can be rented in the resort shop. Average prices for rental equipment are $10 per day for the full set and $2 per day and above for each item.

Test dive.

If you have never dived before, you should conduct a test dive or take appropriate courses. Test dive consists of a short briefing and demonstration, followed by swimming in the lagoon or reef on the island. The introductory part is very short and usually takes about half of the day and helps you to decide whether you want to continue with diving or not. At most resorts you can make a test dive, a cost of which is about $32, this price equipment is included. If you decide to attend courses to get a certificate, then in some resorts the price of the test dive will be included in the cost of training.

Diving Courses at the resorts

Dive courses are not available on all resorts. Theoretical trainings are combined with practical diving and include three to six dives accompanied by an instructor. The first three are usually held in the lagoon and in the nearby reef of the island, and then by boat. Prices range from $150 for a three-day course with three dives to $300 for a six-day course with six dives.

Some schools give out their cards and submarine dive logs, but they are only valid for that resort and will be ignored by many other dive sites. Diving courses at the resorts are focused to introduce you with scuba diving, and if you enjoy this sport, you can move to the next step and get a certificate (C-card).

Certificate. The main certification agencies in the Maldives are PADI, NAUI and CMAS. You can get other certificates too, but not everywhere. Teaching courses are conducted in all major European languages. Before the start of training course, you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire. Price for standard certification is $430 (included equipment rental), and $320 for increased complexity, the last includes training courses for night diving, orienteering and navigation. But always make sure if boat fee is included in the price.

Scuba Safaris

One and two week underwater safaris are designed for those who do not want to be tied with resort. They usually start in Male and include a visit to one of the atolls. Baa or Ari, a week-long trips or both atolls in two weeks (in some cases, these atolls are replaced by the South Male and Felida). During peak season, from January to April, all places are occupied so it’s best to book a boat in advance.

Boats for safaris are fully equipped yacht-dhoni length of 12-20 meters and with width of 4-6 m. They can take on from 2 to 14 passengers. Each is accompanied by a dhoni boat: it gets divers to the dive site and carries all equipment.

Usually two dives per day are being performed, and in during intervals tourists visit the fishing villages. You can order a larger number of dives. Scuba Safaris cost 70-90 dollars per day per person (full board), or U.S. $300-500 for 12 dives. These prices also include the price for diving boat, air tanks, weights and instructor.

Drift Diving

Strong currents represent an excellent opportunity for drift diving in the straits and channels of atolls and between them. Going down the reef you can see doorsteps of sea pike swimming against the tide. A quick glance at the reef during the drift will show you how fast is the flow. Be careful with the stingrays, which are looking for food among currents. Look down at the coral trees, crowned with stars, and wave to fishes floating beneath you. When your journey comes to the end, ascent to surface and give a signal to dhoni, it would be in the same direction and they will pick you up. Read also … Drift Diving

Night diving

Night diving is a worthwhile experience: you have an opportunity to see new and more diverse marine life. Photographing fishes at night is simpler, since they can be approached closer than in the daytime. Please also read Night Diving Guide

During the sunset reef is changing, as you may already know fishes change their color. Wrasses bury themselves in sand, fish-butterflies darken and settle in corals, small fish are hiding in crevices and burrows, and the parrot-fish surround themselves with protective mucus. When the day’s fish finish preparations for the night and go to the asylum, night inhabitants appear. Point the flashlight beam on the reef and you’ll see the darted dark-red soldier-fish. In soft coral bushes usually are found small crabs that hide among the corals and sponges.

To see the amazing firefly-fish, find a place near the cave or some other niche, turn off the lights and wait. A few minutes later draped green lights: first one, two, few, and then – a whole sea.

Underwater dangers

It is easy to forget about dangers hiding behind the enchanting beauty of the underwater world, so be always cautious. Always listen to your instructor, he knows local underwater world much better than you. In some areas with very strong currents it’s so easy to lose the diving group. If you are being taken by strong flows, try to swim sideways, and not against it to reach calm waters. Some resorts provide buoys (long tubes filled with air, which are connected to the vest of divers), visible from the boat when ascending. In many shops for divers these cheap means of security are being offered, so they should be stocked up in advance.

If you happen to see a sea urchin or starfish, avoid touching them. These animal contain poison in needles, which is not dangerous to your life, however it may cause you great inconvenience. You’ll not be able to remove the needles from your body, and it will be done by your body automatically. Please also read , dangerous animals of the Red Sea

You may encounter a scorpion fish or stonefish. Do not touch them, and they will not touch you. You may meet a lionfish too, in this case stay away from its sharp fins, because they are poisonous. If you still get stung, treat the wound and surrounding tissue with very hot water, as hot as you can bear. The heat will neutralize the poison, but you still need to consult with doctor.

Suit for diving is optional as the waters are warm, but it can protect you from scratches from corals and bites from undetected water creatures. Spray “Stingose” available from local stores will neutralize the bite. You can use vinegar and wet tea bags, but they are less effective.

The combination of sea and sun increases the risk of burns. Before and after immersion using a good barrier cream is advisable. Also do not forget to wear a hat and sunglasses.

One last thing: bring your instrument for measuring the depth of immersion – the water is very transparent, so you cannot calculate and exceed the planned limit of depth.

Instructors at the dhoni usually have oxygen supply for emergency cases. In the centers of diving oxygen supply is sufficient to bring the victim in decompression chamber

Fig1 and Fig2 – click to enlarge

Sea conditions were calm. Whales in the area were generally moving to the north east via the Sao Jorge Channel. Water depths in the vicinity range from 500 metres to 1200 metres, with all whales seen during the afternoon outside the 1000m isobath.

From observation of the squid in the jaws of the whale it appeared to have been taken head on, with its swimming fins hanging symmetrically down each side of the whale’s jaws. The width of the body, fin tip to fin tip was estimated to 1.5 to two metres. The whale itself was around six to seven meters long, and carried extensive scarring and marking on its skin, some circular lesions presumably caused by the suckers of large squid. After swimming on or near the surface for about ten minutes with the squid held in its jaws, the whale sank slowly on its side, and then on its back convulsively chewing and snatching at the squid’s carcase.

As is visible in the photograph (fig 3), this method of consumption resulted in considerable wastage of the whale’s food. In contrast to the floating, dismembered head of a giant octopus found shortly afterwards in the same vicinity (presumably also the remnants of sperm whale prey), the fragments of squid all slowly sank into deeper water, followed by small groups of opportunistically feeding sardines.

From a review of the photographs, a number of scientists **  consider that the squid is most likely Taningia danae ***, a species that grow to substantial size and weight. (pers comms).

The whale shown is unusual for another reason. Both its swimming paws show signs of mutilation, presumably by predators such as sharks or orca. This is commonly observed in sperm whales. However, the right paw displays a clean circular perforation near the trailing edge. (fig 4). The cause of this is unknown. Torn notches on the same paw perhaps suggest injury from a peg-like tooth, although there could be other causes.

Special Thanks for contribution to
Wade and Robyn Hughes; Wayne and Pam Osborn; Tania Windsor Blunden
wayneosborn@mac.com   aussiesabroad@aol.com

* See: Bullen, T. Frank (1857-­‐1915) ; Cruise of the Cachalot (Ch X11) http://fulltextarchive.com/pages/The-Cruise-of-the-Cachalot3.php#p33
Tony Wu  -  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/10/photogalleries/giant-­‐squid-­‐sperm-­‐whale-­‐pictures/photo2.html

**      Steve O’Shea; Michael Vecchione, Tsunemi Kubodera, and Richard E. Young:
***   See: Michael Vecchione, Tsunemi Kubodera, and Richard E. Young

See: Michael Vecchione and Richard E. Young

Family of Scorpaenidae

Stonefish

Among the representatives of Scorpaenidae family, such kinds as Synanceia verrucosa, S.trachynis and S.horrida (having about 30 centimetres length), being possibly, the most poisonous of all fishes, are the most dangerous ones. Danger is in the poison which any of 13 back thorns capable to pierce even a thick rubber sole can inject into a wound, and even in ideal masking of these creations usually motionlessly lying among stones and merging with surrounding background. The pain from a prick arises at once and amplifies within 10 minutes, becoming intolerable. The painful shock can cause delirium and consciousness loss, a paralysis.

First aid.  Lay down  and calm the victim. Pull out all thorns and wash out the wounds. If hands or feet are injured, lift it above. The injured site of the body lower in very hot water (not less than 50 degree.) to destroy toxin. If such procedure is impossible, replace it with imposing of a hot compress (sometimes even the decaying ends of cigarettes may be used). Constantly wash out the wound. In case the victim loses consciousness , apply indirect massage of heart and artificial breath. Intramuscular injection of antidote is necessary.

Note: The Scorpaenidae family consists of about 330 kinds of fishes (except the Stonefish), including quite dangerous ones. They also use poisonous back-thorns for protection against enemies that your hands and feet can appear to be.

Pterois miles ( LionFish )

The brown-striped Pterois miles is rather effective, especially when developing its fins as huge and motley as wings of butterflies. It is the habitual inhabitant of coral reeves of Red sea. The presence of skin-divers never bothers Lionfishes and it is possible to come closer to them easily, but it is desirable to observe them cautiously, without touching: if it feels threat an attack against the strange visitor can become its reaction. Despite the non-aggressive beahviour of Lionfishes, they are very dangerous because their back thorns connected to poisonous glands can pierce very painful pricks.

First aid. The injured wound need to be washed out in extremely hot water (toxins of the Scorpaenidae, having the albuminous nature, dye out).

BATOIDEA

Electric Rays

Electric Rays (family Torpedinidae) remind vessels on air cushion by their form and habits. They swim slowly enough, and their chest fins surround the body widely. Usually they lie on shoal, being half dug in the friable bottom, and are fed mainly with Crustacea. Between negatively charged bottom party of their body and positively charged top there is a pressure from 8 to 220 volt. The electricity is produced while touching the electric bodies located sideways from eyes. Sensations arising form this are various – from light to an electroshock when the deafened person can choke and sink.

First aid. Take the victim to the surface. Specific treatment it is not required.

Stingrays

Stingrays (family Dasyatidae) – ground animals with the large flat body, often burying in sand so that only their eyes are noticeable. As well as electric slopes, they are non-aggressive, but, feeling the threat (for example if you come on them unintentionally), they fly into a rage. Blows of these fish having long tail with one or several sharp thorns are capable to wound as seriously as a sword. Moreover, though their thorns are poisonous and dangerous by themselves, but especially – during such active defense. Collision with stingray can actually lead to the skin-diver’s death both from physical injuries, and from the poison injected into the organism.

First aid.  The intoxication caused by thorns of хвостокол, demands the same first aid, as  in case with Stonefish. If the victim has simultaneously got deep lacerations, it is important to stop the bleeding and to take the victim out of the shock.

EELS

Among these ones the most aggressive to people are Moray eels (family Murenidae). Huge moray eel G. javanicus can injure seriously with its teeth, though usually this fish behaves calmly and even it is benevolent. Under water moray eels look horrible, however their constantly open mouth covered with sharp teeth which is accepted as a threat, actually is connected with breath. Though many morays obviously welcome attention and offered delicacies (even cases of taming the moray eels are known ), it is not recommended to feed these fishes, otherwise they begin to expect the same from all skin-divers who should pay off for your generosity. The nature has awarded moray eels with long teeth deeply getting into a body of the person, bulldog’s jaws and a slippery body which is very difficult to grasp. Besides, if they stick into you with their teeth, without entirely getting out of the hole, it is almost impossible to get them moving forward and you have to tear off predator from you literally “with meat”. The result is laceration and  plentiful bleeding.

First aid. Carefully wash out a wound and if necessary sew it up. To prevent the infection enter antibiotics and anti-tetanic liquid  whey. Watch closely, whether the condition of the victim worsens.

Surgeonfishes

Surgeon-fishes , presented at us by the sorts Acanthuridae (thorn tail) and Zebrasoma are obliged by the name to the  bony plates sharp as an edge of a scalpel,  located on each side of a tail stalk. They are absolutely harmless, if  you “don’t stick to them”. However, feeling sick, they can fearlessly rush to attack and wound. Fish aspires to strike the enemy by the tail, leaving on its body deep wounds. Fishes-rhinoceroses belong to the same family. They have one or two pairs of motionless thorns.

First aid. It is necessary to leave the water immediately and to be engaged in the wound. It should be washed out carefully in extremely hot water to neutralize possible toxins, then the bleeding should be stopped and the wound be processed with antiseptic ointment.

CONUS

After Kauri bowls of cones are possibly the most extended in collections. This family of sea snails (Conidae) unites more than 400 kinds. For them all the bowl of the conic form with the long and narrow mouth, external edge of which is sharp enough is characteristic. On the basis of a cone the bowl coils, usually almost not acting one over another are well noticeable. Though all these mollusks have well-developed poisonous teeth-graters, stings only approximately of 10 kinds result in heavy and even lethal consequences for the person, basically рыбоядных. A bowl is of a textile cone (С textile) with khaki colors and dark brown lines, scaly drawing. This kind is spread in Red sea. The mouth of cones is extended in a trunk that is seen out of the mouth and is capable to reach almost to any point of a bowl, therefore it is not recommended to suffice the mollusk barehanded Attacking extraction, it wounds with its poisonous tooth separating from a grater which have been let out from the trunk.  This “harpoon” punches a skin of the person, and sometimes is capable to make a hole even in dense clothes. Poison leaves the small extraction motionless and then is swallowed by a snail in the stretched stomach of the fish. The cone sting can cause pain and swelling, especially in salty water, as well as it may cause the victim not to feel the wounded place. It turns pale and is surrounded with a bluish border. In 10 minutes the whole body can become paralyzed, and after half an hour it may even turn into a paralysis. The paralysis of respiratory muscles is dangerous as it can lead to the loss of consciousness and death. Sometimes warm heart insufficiency may appear, but in most cases this condition is a consequence of the complicated breath.

First aid. It is necessary to fix the wounded leg, to apply pressing bandage, to calm the victim and urgently to call the ambulance. In case of paralysis before the arrival of experts it is necessary to practice a cardio-pulmonal resuscitation.

Acanthaster planci

The Acanthaster planci is a poisonous starfish. At a careless touch of the person to the thorns covering its numerous beams, it injects puison into the wound. Sometimes, having broken off, thorns can get stuck in the body of the skin-diver. At once there is a severe pain not ceasing for some hours. The considerable bleeding and an inflammation of the wounded place are also possible. During the first hours the lymph nodes close to it usually swell up and become painful to touch. The pain, a hypostasis and the general feeling of sick can remain for months, especially if there are fragments of thorns in the body. In the process of easing of symptoms the itch sometimes amplifies.

First aid. It is necessary to remove thorns and their rests from the body, to lower in hot water the wounded place, and to draw a plait over it. The victim should be put in horizontal position.

Sea Urchins

Their needles can put serious traumas. The pain, sometimes sharp, arises at once after a prick and lasts 4 hours. The wounded place can grow dumb and inflame. Sea hedgehog Diadema setosum (a black diadem) possesses long and thin thorns. The sea urchin- Asthenosoma varium with poisonous glands on the ends of the thorns is much more dangerous.

First aid. The needle need to be quickly removed from the wound in any accessible way as they, even having come off a body of a urchin, continue to inject poison. Then the wounded place should be washed out with an antiseptics, for instance juice of papaya. Watch breath of the victim, probably artificial ventilation of lungs is required. Fragments of needles are to be shattered with a firm object and to process the wounded place with a solution of a lemon juice or acetic acid they are torn away by the organism , in 1-3 days, though sometimes surgical intervention is required.

Coral Cuts

Many corals are covered with sharp ledges by which it is possible to be wounded strongly. Consequences of these cuts or scratches happen rather serious as the damaged part of the skin is easily infected with the microorganisms living in slime covering a coral, and gets littered with alien particles, including yet “not shot”  nematocysts. Frequently such cuts are not payed attention to as they look harmlessly. However in some hours or even days there is a burning amplifying in hot water, sometimes a skin on a cut place swells up, reddens and becomes painful in case of pressing and movement. AS a result an abscess, an ulcer or an inflammation with the strong itch can develope, lasting for weeks. The so-called “a fiery coral” needs to be payed special attention to. Actually it’s not a coral at all, it belongs to the class od hydroids and has a limy skeleton. The fiery coral of Millipora kind causes extremely painful burns at a touch.

First aid. It is necessary to process the wound with the diluted acetic acid to reduce the pain. Other means is papaya oil. Wound processing should be carried out not later than in 10 minutes. It will prevent hit of harmful substances on a sensitive skin. The redness, an itch, burning, an inflammation and a tumor can remain within several weeks after the incident.

The general principles of processing the wounds

Delay edges of a wound and wash out the internal surface with a pure gauze or a fabric moistened as carefully as possible in flowing water. Remove alien particles from a wound by your hands, tweezers or a sticky tape. Try to stop the bleeding. Probably, a hard bandage will be enough, but in certain cases sewing up the wound may be necessary. In case the victim appears in a plait too long complications may arise. Deliver the victim to the ambilance as soon as possible.

This article is written to provide an unbiased factual information source based on the reaction of hundreds of divers that I have had the opportunity to speak to after diving the Blue Hole.
Since I was a dive operator in Belize for many years and love the country, there will be some readers that say, of course I will promote the Blue Hole in a positive manner but the real truth is I personally think for 90% of divers it’s a great experience a great dive and a great addition to diving Belize.

The Great Blue Hole of Belize is 1000ft across and 460ft deep and forms an almost perfect circle. It has been a favorite fishing ground for Belizean fishermen for hundreds of years and in 1970 it was introduced to the public by Jacque Cousteau whom on his boat the Calypso charted the Blue Hole for the first time and highlighted its wonders in a TV documentary.

Blue Hole underwater
The Belize Blue Hole is unique in many ways, one being that it is the only Blue Hole in the world that can be seen with the naked eye from outer space. It is a fact that thousands of years ago the Blue Hole was a cave that was above sea level, the reason we know this is because Stalactites and stalagmites cannot form underwater, and can only grow with the constant drip drip that can be seen happening to the stalactites in many above ground caves systems today.

When you consider that it takes more than 100 years for a Stalactite to grow just one inch, it’s a spectacular sight to see a 40ft stalactite that has taken literally thousands of years to reach that size.
The Stalactites can be found in the Blue Hole starting at 100ft, hanging suspended from the ceiling some more than 40ft long.

The Blue Hole and the surrounding area has been designated a World Heritage site due to is uniqueness and is another one of Belize’s many protected areas.

(Did you know that almost one third of the country of Belize is designated as protected reserves?)

Many people don’t realize it but there are only 2 dive able spots in the Blue Hole, The north side which is the more popular side for the larger boats, due to fairly easy access to that side, and then their is the south side which generally only the smaller boats can access due to wind direction and the fact that it has to be dove from within the circumference of the hole itself.

Each has only about 300ft or so of Stalactites hanging down after that is just a flat wall of basically nothing.  On the North dive-site you only have Stalactites (those that hang down) with nothing but the abyss below you, on the South side it has both Stalactites and Stalagmites which can be found at around 145ft where there is a small ledge that has some Stalagmites, this is the side you are more likely to encounter the resident Shark population. In many message board posts you will read that some divers see lots of sharks while other divers see none and there is a simple explanation for this.

I dove the Blue Hole for more than 12 years and while today the Blue Hole has a large population of Caribbean Reef Sharks it will depend on how you dive the Blue hole and whom you dive it with whether you will see the resident sharks or not. Many years ago before this large population became a near daily occurrence, we did on occasion see sharks in the Blue Hole but always on the South side, and almost NEVER when we dove the North side which was 99% of the time, because as mentioned the size of the boat we were using only allowed us to dive the south side when winds were favorable.

Bull Shark in Belize’s Blue Hole

So why do some divers see sharks and other do not? Here’s the scoop

Nearly all the boats that dive the Blue Hole from San Pedro see the sharks on many occasions, and the reason for this is that they get to the Blue Hole FIRST before the Aggressors and other large boats, resorts etc that are located in the area. (Make a mental note here that normally it’s the very experienced divers that usually book the liveaboards and stay at the remote Atoll resorts because that is where the best diving in Belize can usually be found)

Being the first to dive the Blue Hole affords them better visibility since the first group to dive the Blue Hole gets the best vis, the reason for this is, as you descend it causes the silt to dislodge as the bubbles rise and releases the silt causing visibility to become reduced. (these days due to the large number of boats and divers visibility is nearly always quite bad compared to the other fantastic dives at Lighthouse Reef)

When you consider that San Pedro sends many boats a day to the Blue Hole you can understand why those that dive it later in the morning under the pretext (Lets wait till the san pedro boats leave so its less busy) dive a site that has had probably 50 divers through it already before they get the chance to dive it.

This puts them at a distinct disadvantage as to the quality of the dive especially in the area of visibility since 40-50 divers and there bubbles will reduce visibility by up to 50% in some cases, in addition there are the Sharks.

The Sharks will sometimes follow you throughout the dive but are mainly utilized at the end of the dive since you have an extended safety stop of 10 minutes or so and while waiting out that time on the sandy ledge located at 15ft you are buzzed and entertained by up to 30 Caribbean Reef Sharks.(Not Guaranteed)

The sharks are induced to come to the surface by baiting the water with sardines this will bring them to the surface from the depths of the Blue Hole and give the diver the opportunity to view these magnificent creatures during the safety stop.

The liveaboards do not bait the water or the local resorts and if this is not done the likelihood of seeing any sharks is reduced by 90% so you can clearly see that most divers that dive the Blue Hole from a liveabord or an Atoll resort will have a far inferior dive due to these reasons. Baiting is now not allowed however some operators still do it to try and get the sharks up from the depths.

It is normally the very experienced divers that are usually the ones that are on the liveaboards because this normally affords them the best diving opportunities in Belize and that is absolutely correct with the EXCEPTION of the Blue Hole dive based on how they are currently running that dive.

Over the years a repeated question is posted on the various diver message boards is the Blue Hole Worth diving? And you will see the same answers time and time again from don’t bother it’s a waste of time to it’s a great dive well worth it and everything in between.

Why is there such a vast difference in peoples opinions, my answer is that most regulars on message boards, that is those that post at least once a week etc are normally very active divers and have lots of experience and have had the opportunity to dive multiple places around the world and give there advice freely to others.

This however can do an injustice to a fairly new diver that happens upon a message board and asks the question is the Blue Hole worth diving ?

Most of the answers I have seen on message boards are negative when asking this question, mainly I believe because its a very experienced diver that maybe has 1000’s of dives under his belt and when he dove the Blue Hole it was probably from a liveaboard after a bunch of other divers had dove it and because of his worldly experience he was less than impressed with the Blue Hole, so he makes his experience heard to this fairly new diver that has only dove cozumel since certification and has 20 dives under his belt, he of course thinks this expert diver knows exactly what he is talking about so decided NOT to dive the Blue Hole because of what he has been told.

When this fairly new diver gets to Belize and is asked do you want to dive the Blue Hole I receive the answer OHH no I have heard its not that good I then I ask who told you that, and I receive an answer of I read it on a message board, or my friend came to Belize and he told me, so I ask did he dive the Blue Hole while he was here then?? and I receive an answer Oh no but he had heard it was not worth it either so did not dive it when he was in Belize. I hear this time after time after time.

I then explain the Blue Hole trip and hopefully I had some guests in house that have just come back and then I don’t have to say a thing they will sell them a trip for me but if I do not have divers in-house then I will tell them about the trip and encourage them to go and I usually add that if they don’t think it was worth it I will refund there money, needless to say to this date I have never refunded anyone’s money normally they are extremely appreciative that I talked them into it and let them make there own mind up and I am happy to break the cycle of the OH No I heard it was not worth it mode. Why do I do this if I made more money keeping them in house? the reason is that I am the first to say that Belize has many different areas to dive and each unique in what it has to offer, based on what a specific diver is looking for in a vacation (that’s another Belize article to follow soon) I want the visiting diver to go back with a positive impression of diving Belize and anything I can do to increase there enjoyment of diving Belize then I will do that.

The Blue Hole is a unique dive that if dove correctly can be an excellent addition to any divers logbook it will be less impressive to those divers with thousands of dives under there belt but the other 95% of divers will really enjoy the dive and view it as a positive DIFFERENT enjoyable dive.

So next time you see a question posted on a message board asking about the Blue Hole be sensitive to the experience of the diver asking when you answer it. Divers whom have been lucky enough to travel all over the world with thousands of dives under there belt will find it less of a thrill however the average diver will enjoy diving the Lighthouse Reef and The Great Blue Hole of Belize the possibility of sharks the eerie feeling and sheer difference, it will be a memorable diving experience for them, give them the chance to make their own judgments.

Dive Safe
Gaz Cooper -  Dive Belize

There are three ways to enter the Atlantis Big Break Competition:

1.) Download the Atlantis iPhone application and go to ‘Win Amazing Prizes’. Make a video explaining why you and nine friends should win a holiday to Atlantis.  Upload the video entry and fill in the competition entry form.

2) Visit www.atlantisdubaibigbreak.com and read the instructions. Make a video explaining why you and nine friends should win a holiday to Atlantis.  Upload the video entry and fill in the competition entry form. The video can also be uploaded to http://www.youtube.com/atlantisthepalmtv
3) Visit www.facebook.com Search for the fan page “Atlantis Resort.” Click on Atlantis, The Palm and The Atlantis Big Break Competition. Read the instructions, make and upload the video entry and finally, fill in the competition entry form.
In addition, Atlantis is offering the “Romantic Rendezvous” Competition where entrants only need to answer a multiple-choice question correctly after watching a short video.  The winner of the “Romantic Rendezvous” will win round-trip economy airfare for two guests, three nights in an Imperial Club room, daily breakfast, one complimentary dinner in Nobu and Seafire respectively, a spa treatment for two in the Atlantis Spa and two Dolphin Adventures.
As the competition is judged by the number of total of votes, applicants should encourage their friends and family to vote for their video to increase their chances of winning.  The ten videos with the most votes will then be reviewed by a panel of judges and a winner selected.

“This competition really gives potential guests an opportunity to show us their creativity on why they should come and enjoy Atlantis,” commented Alan Leibman, President/Managing Director, Atlantis, The Palm.  “I can’t wait to watch the videos from the Atlantis iPhone application, the Atlantis facebook page, as well as the Atlantis website.”

To enter the Atlantis Romantic Rendezvous competition, watch a video on the Atlantis iPhone application, the Atlantis website at www.atlantisdubaibigbreak.com or by visiting the Atlantis Resort fan page on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/atlantisthepalm

Both competitions are open until midnight (Dubai time) on 25 July 2010.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS AND BLACK OUT DATES APPLY TO BOTH THE ATLANTIS BIG BREAK AND ROMANTIC RENDEZ-VOUS PRIZES.   FOR MORE DETAILS, PLEASE REFER TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS AT ATLANTISDUBAIBIGBREAK.COM

For further information about Atlantis please visit atlantisthepalm.com

1 – Great Barrier Reef

You can’t be a true-lover of scuba diving without visiting the Great Barrier Reef at least once! Located off the coast of Australia, it is the world’s longest reef filled with a seemingly endless variety of coral and tropical sea life. Be sure to bring your underwater camera.

2 – Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are ringed with both wildlife and plenty of reefs which makes it the perfect location for scuba diving. In fact, the area just north of the islands is the largest marine reserve in the United States which means there is plenty to see!

3 – Thailand

Thailand is known for its famous dive sites in Ko Tao, Similan Islands, Phuket, and the Surin Islands but scuba lovers can make the most of any location in the country. The seas there are filled with shark whales, manta rays, and other large sea creatures.

4 – Belize

Belize has some of the most famous and beautiful dive sites in the world but you can’t miss the Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau. The crystal clear water, coral, and various sharks ranging from reef sharks to bull sharks to hammerheads is like no other spot on earth.

5 – Micronesia

Micronesia, located in the South Pacific and comprised of tropical islands, is surrounded by vibrant reefs. Don’t miss the Blue Wall, which is the number one diving spot in the region. A dive trip to Micronesia won’t break the bank and will be unforgettable.

6 – Egypt

The clear turquoise water of the Egyptian Red Sea is simply stunning. You can see a real diversity of life from the wrecks of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas to Sharm El Sheikh to Hurghda.

7 – Galapagos

The Galapagos is actually an archipelago of 80 islands with some of the most diverse species on the planet. The waters here are protected, so divers get a chance to see the way nature was meant to be.

8 – Brazil

Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha is off the beaten path and among one of the best dive sites in South America. The blue waters are filled to the brim with dolphins, turtles, and so much more.

9 – Malta

Malta offers an underwater maze of arches, tunnels, caves, and reefs. Well-preserved and colorful marine life along the coast makes for a dive like no other. See dolphins, tuna, hippo campus, and anemones as well.

10 – Seychelles

Don’t miss out on Seychelles’ rich sea life. Beautiful corals, gigantic underwater canyons and reefs filled with clown fish, manta rays, and turtles prove this to be an underwater paradise.

Leigh Lockhart is a freelance travel writer that has been scuba diving for the past twenty years. She not only loves the excitement of underwater diving, but also surfing, sailing, and hiking. Leigh occasionally works as a blackjack dealer at her local Casino when she’s not writing about her underwater adventures.

Sharm El Sheikh – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt – makes the perfect base to start your diving adventure in.  Many of the most spectacular wrecks and reefs are but a short boat ride away

Some interesting facts you should know; the Red Sea – a large saltwater inlet from the Indian Ocean – is bordered by Asia and Africa and occupies a surface area of some 170,000 square miles.  Debate still rages as to how the name was arrived at and there are several theories which include; a red seasonal algae bloom (Trichodesium Erythraeum), the name of the surrounding mountain ranges in Egypt and alternatively the name translating into a directional indicator (Black Sea is also thought to translate to north).

The Red Sea has been labeled as a marine eco region and conservation area by the Worldwide Wildlife Federation.  The patchwork quilt of vibrant colours and weird and wonderful formations formed by the 200 different varieties of hard and soft water corals are home to some 1,200 varying species of fish, 1,000 invertebrate species and around 44 different sharks (not good news for those who have to watch the Jaw’s films from behind the sofa).

The average water temperatures in summer range from 26°C in the north and 30°C in the south.  Interestingly it is also one of the most saline bodies of water in the world due to a high level of evaporation.

With over 1,200 miles of coral reef stretching around its coastline the Red Sea is a perfect diving destination for 2 reasons; firstly, the reefs and the lagoons make for the perfect environment for abundant marine life and secondly; the reefs that make life here possible are treacherous to ships navigating through and around them which has led to some truly amazing wreck sites, more often than not in depths of only 20-30 metres of crystal clear water.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 Red Sea dives off the Egyptian coast:

1: The SS Thistlegorm wreck; a military vessel built in Glasgow in 1940, sank in the area of Sh’ab Ali in the Gulf of Suez in October 1941 after suffering fatal damage from a German bomber.  An awe inspiring dive site with the original cargo of armored gun carriers, jeeps, trucks, rifles and ammunition still to be seen.  An explosion hole in the 120 meter hull of the wreck allows easy entry to see the cargo, schooling Barracuda and Giant Tuna that now call her home.  It’s easy to see why this wreck is one of the most popular in the world but hurry as she is deteriorating fast.

2: The Giannis D wreck: a 100 metre long cargo ship built in Japan in 1969, sank in April 1983 in the Straits of Gubal after sailing off course and striking a reef.  A spectacular and mostly intact wreck (resting in 3 sections on the ocean floor) with the interior spaces still accessible.

You can still enter the engine room and the accommodation quarters can be seen along with all manner of marine life that has made the wreck its home; including the rather prickly and very aptly named “Crown of Thorns Starfish”.  A reef nearby has a spectacular array of corals and fish that should not be missed (many of which have also now crossed over to the wreck).

3: The SS Dunraven wreck: built in 1873 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, an 80 meter long steamship, sank in 1876 whilst carrying a cargo of spices, cotton and timber.  Various stories surround the fateful night she sank but perhaps the most interesting is that she was set alight during an alleged drunken row between the Captain, his wife and his first mate (draw your own conclusions here).  It seems more likely that in reality the cause of the sinking was mis-navigation which was to be the reason his license was later revoked by the British Board of Trade.

The ships cave-like hull is open to exploration owing to it being excavated by archaeologists in the 1980′s.  The remains of the boilers and metalwork (since collapsed) can still be seen along with the Giant Morays and Yellow Goat that now call the wreck home.  You’ll find all manner of marine life outside too including the rare Ghost Pipe fish and perhaps schools of Bat fish which makes for superb photo opportunity.

4: The Carnatic wreck: built in London in 1862, a P&O passenger ship (sail and steam) 90 meters in length.  She sank carrying cotton bails, wine and Royal Mint gold to the tune of £40,000 after a 36 hour battle on the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef.  Amazingly the Captain had issued the order that the passengers and crew remain aboard being confident of rescue by a sister P&O ship on her return journey.  Unfortunately no such rescue was affected and the ship broke in half as the seas became rougher and began her 24 metre descent to the ocean floor.

You would be hard pressed to find any gold (every last piece was recovered shortly afterwards during a British salvage operation) but this wreck site certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to a remarkably preserved example of a19^th century passenger ship.

Amazingly the fore and aft sections of the ship are still accessible and have been colonized over time by Glass fish along with an indigenous reef fish population, making the “wine wreck” a dream come true for underwater photographers.

Should you fancy a tipple whilst you’re exploring the wreck, intact bottles of wine can still be seen littering the hull and ocean floor; although drinking them is probably not recommended…

5: The Ras Mohammed National Park: Finally, no diving experience could be complete without visiting the beautiful reefs within this area of protection.  The reefs offer a surprisingly stark contrast to the barren desert that borders them on land, with tapestries of striking colour and marine life in abundance.

Located in the Gulf of Suez (a short boat ride from Sharm El Sheikh) the national park incorporates the spectacular vertical coral walls of the “Main Beach” along with a recently opened reef called Marsa Bareika that contains an array of superior coral specimens.  Here you will find Barracudas, Snappers (along with the odd shark or two) along with a population of 20 metre long eels.  The calm sheltered water makes this an easy dive for the beginner and an overall must see experience.

This is but a short selection of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring Red Sea diving hotspots.  No visit to Egypt should be complete without experiencing one of the most beautiful diving destinations the world has to offer.

Written by Chris Rowlands of the travelsupermarket.com Holidays in Egypt team.

If you go through the various Scuba Diving Regulator Reviews, you will understand that the basic regulator components include an A-clamp, Pressure gauge, analogue gauge with a high pressure hose, button gauges, mechanical reserve valves and sometimes air integrated computers. The variations of these components and sophistication associated with them create the different price ranges. Another important aspect that you must consider while buying scuba regulator devices is the type of diving that you intend to do. For greater depths you need to equip yourself with diving gear that will be able to sustain those high pressure regions without getting affected.

The most important property of your diving regulator is to allow you to breathe underwater effortlessly. No matter how many times you dive your regulator should be able to perform in the same way that it performed in its first dive. Moreover, after going through the various Diving Regulator Reviews, you will find that there are new and compact diving regulators available in the market that not only makes it convenient to use but also provides new features for divers so that they get an extra edge while diving.

You have to remember the fact that the regulator that you are buying should feel comfortable in your mouth, thus it does not mean that you should always opt for the most expensive regulator. Do opt for the regulator that you are comfortable with. You will also find great deals on these diving regulators in the market. However, do go through the complete description of the diving regulator first before buying them. With all the reviews that are available online you will surely be able to find the best diving regulator for yourself.

We recommend LeisurePro.com to buy high quality dive regulators for cheaper price

Diving is allowed only on Wednesday and Thursday . Prices for these type of diving vary , but I’ve checked the official website and it says

The Dead Sea diving experience cost is US$ 1,200 per diver.

Price include:
1 night accommodation in high class hotel
3 meals – Evening, Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation from / to hotel to diving site
Supply of air tanks, full face diving masks, weights
Issue of Dead Sea Divers certificate +sticker + Polo shirt

For more information please visit:   Dead Sea Divers

The 400 Pro DVT’s lightweight design and patented orthodontic mouthpiece mean you’ll be comfortable and breathing easily throughout your dive and won’t face post-dive jaw discomfort once you’ve returned to the surface.
The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator has a pneumatically balanced, adjustable second stage is sure to provide you the highest performance for many years. The pneumatically balanced second stage provides the lowest possible inhalation effort. The AT400 Pro second stage adjustment allows you to adjust your breathing effort, fine-tuning the regulator to your desired setting throughout your dive.

The venturi assist deflector vane on the Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator directs airflow from the valve directly to the mouthpiece producing a smooth “venturi assisted” inhalation. Turning the venturi assist down, to a pre-dive position, prevents The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator from free-flowing while on the surface.

• Pneumatically balanced
• Diver-adjustable inhalation effort
• Adjustable venturi switch
• Nitrox compatible to 40%

The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator has a High performance over-balanced diaphragm first stage with environmental seal and the added protection of DVT (Dry Valve Technology).

• 4 LP ports, 2 HP ports for maximum hose placement
• DVT eliminates corrosion of critical internal components, bacteria, hose deterioration, and damaged gauges and computers.

DVT is a revolutionary regulator technology designed to automatically eliminate moisture and contaminants from entering your first stage, even if the dust cap is accidentally left off. DVT eliminates corrosion of critical internal components, bacteria, hose deterioration, and damaged gauges and computers.

What Others Say About This Dive Regulator

Verified Buyer from LeisurePro
This regulator is simply amazing. Breathing is effortless, even at 100+ feet. The dry valve technology does a great job (definately saved the day on numerous occasions). I’ve never had any problems with it, and it doesn’t cause jaw fatigue.

Advanced Diver
I have 55 dives on this regulator, and have used it everywhere from Northern California to Cozumel. I have never had a single issue with it. Great reg at a reasonable price.

Padi instructor
Although my reg is still fairly new, I have put more than a dozen dives on it. It’s been to 107fsw and has performed flawlessly. This reg breaths for you! Forget jaw fatigue. The DVT feature is very handy and the second stage adjustments are are set-it-and-forget-it simple