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/