The Dolphin Dive For Certified Scuba Divers

One of the all time favorite marine animals for many is the dolphin. Previously, the closest one can ever get to a dolphin is at the various marine theme parks like Sea World. Then a few dolphin research centers started petting dolphins and swim with dolphins programs which allowed more direct interactions with these wonderful creatures. For certified scuba divers, direct interaction with dolphins under the water is possible. This is an even better experience than the swim with dolphins programs which keep guests only on the surface of the water. This unique under the water opportunity is available through UNEXSO?s dolphin dive at Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

The UNEXSO dolphin dive is a single tank trip only available on certain days and fills up quickly so it is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance. The divemasters suggest that all divers add on an additional two pounds to what they normally use on their weight belt. This is because the majority of time spent during the dolphin dive will be kneeling on an open sandy surface at the bottom of a chosen dive site. After all divers are onboard, the dive boat goes to the dolphin facility minutes away where the dolphins stay. Once there, a dolphin trainer at the facility gives a briefing about the specifics of the dolphin dive as well as dolphins in general. Two dolphins are pre-selected for each dolphin dive. After the briefing, both the dive boat and a second boat carrying two dolphin trainers head out to the dive site with two dolphins following. During the trip out to the dive site, the two dolphins ride the wakes of the boats and make numerous leaps out of the water along the way giving lots of photo opportunities.

Once at the dive site, the divers are instructed to get in the water quickly and head to the bottom which is about 50 feet. The request for the rush is to get the interactions going before the dolphins lose interest. It is emphasized that the dolphins are never forced to interact with the divers and are free to swim off anytime they want. Therefore, interactions with the dolphins are never guaranteed by UNEXSO. Luckily for the divers, the dolphins seem to enjoy interactions with humans as well as the free food. Once at the bottom, the dolphin trainers now in scuba diving gear, direct the divers to space out in a wide circle. The trainers, equipped with a bucket full of food, are in the center of this circle. This is where they direct the various types of interactions that the divers will get to experience with the dolphins.

The first interaction is usually having a dolphin rest in front of each diver. This is when the divers are allowed to touch and stroke the dolphins while avoiding their fins, eyes and blow hole. The second interaction involves a dolphin kiss. Divers are instructed to take their regulators out of their mouths upon a signal given by the trainers. The trainers then point towards each diver. The dolphins would approach each diver and ?kiss? each one in the mouth with their snout. A third type of interaction is like a human spinning top. One at a time, the divers are asked to adjust their buoyancy and stay up about five feet off the bottom with arms fully outstretched. The dolphins then push each diver by the hand with their snouts spinning them around in circles. All of these interactions are captured on camera by a UNEXSO staff divemaster. Of course, the photos are available for sale back at the UNEXSO dive shop. At the end of the final interaction, both dolphins make one more pass while waving one of their fins to bid each diver goodbye. Of course, the divers wave back with smiles through their regulators.

What is really unique with the dolphin dive is that scuba divers get to see the dolphins at depth rather than just at the surface of the water. This is in the natural environment of the dolphins. It is really magical to watch from the bottom as the dolphins swim up to the surface for air sometimes leaping right out of the water followed by a dramatic diving re-entry. They move like torpedoes with grace, agility and speed. The divers can?t help but marvel at the abilities of the dolphins. Dolphins do not require gradual ascents and safety stops like us scuba divers do. For any scuba diver who loves dolphins, the UNEXSO dolphin dive is a wonderful diving experience and well recommended.

Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on scuba diving as well as free eCards.

Scuba Gear checklist for your next dive trip

One of the best ways to avoid forgetting important items for a dive trip is to keep a scuba gear checklist. In fact, if you are about to make a trip, make sure to have your scuba dive gear serviced. To enjoy your trip, you need to divide your scuba gear checklist into two groups, the first group pertains to the actual dive, the other is for your time in the boat.

For your actual dive you want to make sure you have the following equipment.

Mask: This is essential for good visibiilty underwater. Remember, goggles will put too much pressure the deeper you go underwater.

Snorkel: This is used primarily to conserve the air in your tank at the surface.

Fins: Try to move 30 feet underwater without a pair of fins and you will appreciate the importance of scuba fins.

Booties: For colder environments, dive boots are a must in your inventory of scuba dive gear. They will protect your skin from the cold water.

Mitts and Hood: Hoods are extremely important in colder climates. They protect your head, which has the potential to loose the most body heat underwater.

Appropriate wet suit: More useful in moderate to warm waters to protect your body from the elements(i.e.sea urchins).

Weight belt and enough weights: To help you stay down deep underwater

BCD: Buoyance Control Device to help you maintain your buoyancy both underwater
and at the surface.

Regulator: with octopus(alternate second stage), low-pressure inflator hose, and submersible pressure gauge, dry-suit inflator: Regulators allow you to breath the air from your tank at low pressure. One of the more important components of your scuba gear checklist.

Tanks(checked and filled): The tank stores the air that you need underwater to survive. There is an instrument that gauges the amount of air left in the tank to help you plan your dive.

Dive tables: The further deep you dive, the more you need to be concerned about your decompression levels. Unless you have a dive computer in hand, it is almost mandatory to use dive tables to plan your dives for the day.

Compass, computer, timer, depth gauge: These are very popular and more commonplace now than ever before. It is easier to keep track of your decompression needs with a dive computer than a dive table. Remember, dive computers come in all types of price ranges.

Incidental accessories like knives, shealth, collection bad, dive float, dive flag: These accessories, though often over- looked, can play an important role in your safety underwater. The better prepared you are, the more you can enjoy your underwater experience.

Any potential need for specialty equipment like lights, cameras: Dive lights are not only useful at night, but also in murky lake waters.

Repair kit:

First aid and oxygen kit: If you and your friend are diving independently, this is of paramount importance. Do not overlook this.

C-card and logbook: This refers to your open water certifi- cation card. The logbook keeps an account of the number of dives that you have made.

Check list for your time at the boat: These items are not a part of your scuba dive gear checklist, but are useful in any outdoor activity.

Hat: To protect you from the sun.

Sunscreen: Ditto.

Water: You always want to stay as hydrated as possible. Remember, when you are diving in tropical climates, it is best to have a bottle of water with you.

Windbreaker: When you are on a boat in the ocean, you sometimes cannot avoid heavy winds. Having a windbreaker can help you avoid the temperature fluctuations of heavy winds, especially in non tropical climates.

Towels: This comes in handy when you get back on the boat after your dive. Make sure you dry yourself thoroughly.

Long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sun: Diving in tropical climates requires some sort of protection from the sun. In addition to being hydrated properly, you should take a bottle of sunscreen, as well as long-sleeved shirt. Sunburns can totally mess up your time underwater.

Lunch and snacks: Dont always depend on your dive group to provide you with meals. Quick snacks such as fruit/granola bars and beverages will prevent you from being hungry. Ask beforehand if food will be provided or catered. Otherwise, consider bringing a sandwich if there is a fridge on board.

Seasickness medication: Consult your doctor beforehand if your are prone to seasickness and need medication.

For more information on learning about scuba diving gear as well as finding discounts on scuba equipment. Please visit http://www.1-scuba-diving-gear.com/

Costs to Purchase and Maintain Scuba Diving Equipment

The costs of scuba diving equipment can easily run over $1,000 dollars. Although renting is always an option, for a diver that is developing a long term interest in this sport, purchasing is worth your while, not just in money but also in the quality of your scuba equipment.

Without going into the pros and cons of renting vs buying the scuba diving equipment, let's talk about the various types of scuba equipment that you should consider buying and how much you should budget for spending on them.

Mask: a mask can range from $20 to $150.00 dollars. A mask has relatively little travel inconvenience compared to other scuba equipment so packing it in a suitcase and walking around in it will not be a big challenge.

Snorkel: They should not run you more than $50.00, and the lower end will be around $17.00

Fins: Although they are not as easy to pack as a pair of snorkels, they range from $30 to $150.00 and are more affordable than many other scuba diving equipment.

Regulator: They range from $150 - $500, sometimes even more and are at the higher end of the price range than other scuba equipment.

Exposure suits: They vary according to type (ie wetsuit vs drysuit). Check here for types and prices.

BC: Typically from $150 to $500.00 and like regulators, are also at the high end of the price range than other scuba diving equipment.

Weights: $1.70 a pound.

Tanks: Between $100 to $400.

Remember, the last two are heavier to carry around than the others. We recommend buying tanks and weights last, and the others before as they are less expensive, and easier to pack and travel with.

The maintenance for scuba equipment is astonishingly the same. Although there is specific preventative care that is required for only for dive suits, tanks, or BCs, there are some things you can do to all your scuba gear that will insure a long life for them.

After every dive, make sure to give your all of your scuba gear a good rinse with fresh water.

After rinsing the scuba diving gear, allow it to dry, but not in direct sunlight. Most of the scuba equipment that you carry is made of neoprene rubber, which can be broken down when exposed to direct sunlight. Extra care should be taken between dives, when they are most vulnerable to the sun, especially in tropical climates

Whether you have a wet or a dry suit, neoprene exposure suits should be hung on a non-wire hanger to dry. Wire hangers can cause unnecessary creases.

All your scuba diving equipment should be stored in a cool, yet dry place.

Separate your neoprene related equipment from your other scuba gear, especially if they are damp. Over time, they can stick together and tear when pulled apart.

After you return from your dive trip, make sure to unpack as soon as possible to prevent any compression or flattening of the scuba equipment that you paid good money for.

 http://www.1-Scuba-Diving-Gear.com offers Scuba Diving Gear, Dive Articles & Diving Resources

San Diego Sights for Scuba Divers' Eyes

At the southern-most tip of the USA is beautiful San Diego, California -- my home town and a playground for every water sport from skiing, sailing and surfing to fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

As a scuba diver you'll find an exciting variety of marine life in Wreck Alley, in various kelp forests and in La Jolla's massive underwater park.

The park combines La Jolla Submarine Canyon and Scripps Canyon, an underwater treasure of marine life including some of the more bizarre creatures among us.

The valley of this huge canyon system is about 1600 feet down. Its steep walls rise into two branches just made for convenient scuba diving access from the beach at either the La Jolla Cove or La Jolla Shores.

At the La Jolla Shores side you can start at the foot of Valicitos Street and swim to the buoys that mark the canyon's upper reaches. Better be pretty skilled at swimming in surf. Otherwise, take a scuba diving charter boat out of Mission Bay.

By the time you've descended to about 30 feet you'll be at the Scripps Canyon rim and its precipitous, narrow walls that plunge ever deeper toward the abyss. Be very careful here because the dropoff is nearly vertical at some points, often involving overhanging walls.

Visibility is good but variable due to upwellings and occasional strong currents. Winter water temperature is in the 50s; summer water gets up to the high 60s and sometimes low 70s.

Scuba divers and scientists alike have made the La Jolla and Scripps Canyons one of the most-studied undersea environments in the world. You can see the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography and pier from any point along the La Jolla coastline. La Jolla Canyon's fan valley was the site of the world's first deep oceanic drillings, where core samples were retrieved from thousands of feet below the sea floor in 1961.

15 minutes south of La Jolla is Wreck Alley, about a mile off Mission Beach. Here you can explore artificial reefs created by eight sunken ships and a couple of unlikely structures that got there by both accident and intent.

The latest addition is the 366-foot Canadian destroyer Yukon, which was intentionally sunk here in about 100 feet of water during the year 2000. The Yukon still has years to go before it can compete with its older companions as a showpiece of densely populated cover.

The Ruby E, a 170-foot Coast Guard cutter resting in about 70 feet of water, was covered bow to stern with brilliantly colored Corynactis Californica anemones only a few years ago. But being one of the most beautiful sights for scuba divers' eyes brought so much scuba diving traffic that some of the life has disappeared. Yet you can still drift through the wheelhouse and be absolutely dazzled by thick growths in a stunning array of colors. Be sure to bring a light.

Then there's the kelp cutter Del Rey and several smaller wrecks, all with much more growth than the others because of lighter scuba diving traffic.

Now if you want to feel like you're on an underwater highway, be sure to visit the Ingraham Street Bridge at about 60 feet down. It was demolished and dumped here in the '50s or '60s to make way for a new bridge in Mission Bay Aquatic Park. Now with some 50 years of cover it has become more like a natural reef with abundant growths of kelp, fans and algae, great colonies of filter feeders and all the marine life that comes to nibble.

Finally, there's NOSC Tower, thanks to a 20-foot wave that dealt a fatal blow in the dark of one 1988 winter night. For three decades the NOSC Tower had served as a research platform off Mission Beach for the Naval Electronics Lab and the Naval Ocean Systems Center. Now it's a twisted mass of steel covered with anemones, mussels and star for fabulous scuba diving in a world of stunning color. Bring a light for the show and a sharp knife for the fishing line and rope that you're likely to find.

Bring your camera too, of course, for a great photography dive. Visibility averages 15-25 feet and by the way, hunting is not wanted here.

You can reach this great scuba location on such Mission Bay charter boats as Blue Escape (619-223-3483), Dive Connection (619-523-9282) and DiveQuest (800-303-3483).

Copyright MBPCO 2006 and Beyond. Elizabeth Miller is a professional freelance copywriter for Miller Direct, and a general partner in Miller Bridges Partners. Here's where you'll see more about scuba diving.

New Line of Scuba Diving Activewear Clothing Launched by Canadian Scuba Diver

Montreal, Quebec, Canada - January 25, 2006 - Clint Leung, a scuba diver based in Montreal, has created a new line of scuba diving clothing starting with t-shirts and tank tops. This new line is being launched through his new company, Free Spirit Activewear.

Leung, who is a certified Master Scuba Diver through the scuba dive training certification agency NAUI, says, "Scuba divers are modern day adventurers who explore the undersea world. These people are true free spirits who are not afraid to show the rest of the world of their chosen underwater activity." In fact, these free spirited individuals influenced the name of Leung's company. Leung further adds, "I'm a free spirit who is creating designs for other free spirits."

The initial design for Free Spirit Activewear's scuba diving line immediately identifies the wearer as a scuba diver. This design is called 'Scuba Dive Adventurer' which reflects the adventurous spirits of all scuba divers. The design features a compass with the four directions. Within the compass is the red and white scuba diving flag with a scuba diver in the center. This new scuba design is available in t-shirts and tank tops in regular adult sizes as well as in ladies fitted sizes. The ladies fitted sizes acknowledge the fact that many female scuba divers want a tighter, sexier fit compared to that of a regular t-shirt. There is also a choice of four different shirt colors.

So far, Leung's scuba diving designs are available exclusively through the Free Spirit Activewear website.

For additional information, see www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com.

About Free Spirit Activewear:

Free Spirit Activewear is an online retailer specializing in premium activewear with specialty sports themes including scuba diving and martial arts. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on specialty sports and is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Contact Information:

Clint Leung Free Spirit Activewear 514-421-1124 http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com

Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on scuba diving as well as free Cards.

What To Bring Along On A Scuba Diving Trip

If you are planning to go on a scuba diving adventure, you'll want to be sure that you bring along everything that you need, else you may find yourself sitting on the boat the whole time. An underwater mask is a must, which you use to see clearly underwater. You will want to purchase a mask instead of goggles, because the pressure of the water makes goggles hard on you're eyes. You will also want to make sure you bring along fins. Use fins to propel yourself into deeper waters, and move faster and more efficiently. Don't try to go scuba diving without them, because diving into deep waters without them can become very difficult. If you are going to be diving in cooler waters, booties, mitts and hoods are a must because they protect your skin from freezing in the cold water. For warmer climates, you will want to bring along a wetsuit to protect your body from underwater elements and dangers such as sea urchins. For deeper dives, you will want to bring along a weight belt and enough weight to lower you as deep as you need. One of the most important items on your list will be a regulator which allows you to breath air from you dive tank at a low pressure. Of course you also need to bring along the tanks that have already been checked and filled. When taking deep dives, you will need a dive compass, timer and depth gage which will let you know your decompression needs.

There is a list of the things you will absolutely need to make your dive successful. Of course, to be safe you will also want to pack things like a first aid kit, repair kits and oxygen kits. You will also want to make sure that you bring replacement light bulbs if you are using a lighting system for diving in dark or murky waters. For extra comfort bring along things such as sunscreen, hats, long sleeved shirts, wind breakers, towels, water and quick snacks. It will be easy for you to keep track of these things by making a check list to bring along.

Joanne Mackenzie writes about various topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intact, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you.

Scuba Diving In Musandam - Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is the second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, lying along its southeast corner. It has a total land area of 300,000 square kilometres and a population of over two million.

The Musandam, separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, is the northernmost part of the Sultanate.

Due to its geographical position and mountainous terrain it was isolated from the rest of Oman and the region developed at its own pace. Graded roads cut across the mountains have now made it more accessible. The grandeur of Musandam can best be explored by sea.

Musandam Peninsula has an abundance of sheltered fjords, some only connected to the mainland by narrow cliffs. Fjords, or khors, created by fragmented rock stretching claw-like into the sea and massive overshadowing cliffs towering above are magnificently reflected in the water below.

The coast juts into the Strait of Hormuz and extends some 600 kilometres. These spectacular fjords have given the area a second name ?The Norway of Arabia? The Strait of Hormuz is only 60km wide and does not exceed 60m in depth and is of strategic importance to Oman as 90% of all the Gulf's oil trade passes through this area.

The only dive center is the Extra Divers Dive Center located in the "Golden Tulip Hotel" in Khasab, which is the capital of the most northerly province of Musandam.

It is the only dive center in the whole area...so lots of fish and few divers! Turtles, rays, nudibranches, dolphins, barracudas...name it - you? see it.......maybe...! The dive center is brand new with new equipment, compressor, tanks, dive shop, dry room for our guests, multilingual instructors (german, english, french, italian & russian), a workshop... and a terrace for chill-out after diving. More infos at: http://www.scubasailing.de

The total population of Musandam is approximately 27,000 and the capital Khasab has 18,000 inhabitants. Dibba on the East coast of Musandam has a population of approximately 5,500. The Peninsula begins with Tibat, on the west coast in the Arabian Gulf to Daba (Dibba), on the east coast in the Gulf of Oman, this coastal zone, along with many offshore islands, offers a unique contact with nature. Small villages nestle along the tortuous shoreline, most of them only accessible by sea, like Lima and Kumzar.

Its rugged mountains rise up over 2,000 meters above sea level. In Arabic it is known as Ra's Musandam. The Ru'us al-Jibal (the Mountaintops), the northernmost extremity of the al-Gharbi al-Hajar (Western Hajar mountains), occupy the northern tip of the Musandam Peninsula. The peninsula is generally about 35 km wide.

The peninsula is mainly inhabited by the Shihuh, who are fishermen and herdsmen and are probably descended from the original inhabitants of northern Oman. Fishing is the peninsula's main industry with packing plants at al-Khasab and Bay'ah. Transportation is mostly by sea, since no roads cross the forbidding terrain.

 Uli Mewes - Dive center Manager in Khasab, Musandam - Oman. For more information about this topic or/and our dive center, please visit ScubaSailing Travel Resources Musandam Dive Center