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Posts Tagged ‘lobster’
Though relatively unknown, Latin America has some great diving along both coasts. Pristine reefs and few fellow divers equal one of kind diving opportunities. A few interesting spots to check out:
Gladden Split, Belize-Off the southern coast of Belize, Gladden’s Split is a world-renowned spot for diving with massive whale sharks. This site is the natural spawning ground for a variety of marine species which in turn attract the big guys. Whale sharks come regularly to feed on the fish eggs and other plankton in the water especially during the full moons of April, May and June, though they can also be seen August to October and in December and January. Though some of the dive sites in the north of the country are more well-known, none (except maybe the Blue Hole) are as dramatic and as rewarding.
Spooky Channel, Roatan, Honduras – Spooky Channel is located directly off the end of the Sunnyside pier making shore entry and exit a snap. Those on boats can also access the site, with moorings on both the inside and outside of the reef . There is a maze of zigzags and tunnel like effects leading throughout the reef at depths of up to 95 feet that give the site its name. There is an incredible array of fish on this dive including: blue runner, harlequin bass, cowfish, trunkfish, black durgon, butterfly fish, grouper, angelfish, parrotfish, octopus, lobster, shrimp, spider crab, trunkfish, porcupine fish, turtles, and rays. Upon occasion divers can even see whalesharks when the season is right. Abundant, healthy corals such as flower coral, smooth starlet, ribbon coral, brain coral, sea rod, sea fans, tube sponges, and basket sponges will do their best to steal your attention away from the fish.
Catalina Island, Costa Rica -This island off the west coast of Costa Rica is almost unknown to humans, but well known to rays. Giant Manta Rays, Bat Rays, Mobley, Spotted, Bull’s-eye and Stingrays abound. It is not unusual to see large migratory schools rays passing by during a dive. Sometimes sharks make an appearance too, including tiger sharks and white tips. The best months for diving the Catalina Islands are December through May, high season for Mantas. If you get bored of all of the large pelagics, you can also find frog fish, harlequin clown shrimp and sea horses here.
The Devil’s Throat, Cozumel, Mexico – Located at the Punta Sur dive site in Cozumel, The Devil’s throat is an underwater cave formation that starts at the opening of a dark narrow tunnel at 90 feet and takes you first vertically, then horizontally out through an opening at 130 feet on the wall. Visibility often exceeds 200 feet and the area is frequently visited by eagle rays and turtles, thought the creepy and spectacular cave is the highlight of this dive. Bring a dive light and some really advanced scuba skills for this one – you’ll need it.
Isabela Island, Mexico – Isabela Island National Park is a marine preserve accessed only by boat off the Pacific Coast of San Blas, Mexico. It’s possible to swim with giant Manta rays and hear whale songs underwater on the same dive. On the boat trip out and back, divers frequently sight whales, dolphins, turtles, whalesharks and sailfish. The unique underwater topography includes a giant underwater arch and several small caves to explore. A rainbow of tropical fish, yellowtail, grouper, red snapper, jack caravel, eel, anemones and all manner of corals thrive in this pristine habitat.
Larry, the vindictive lobster
When I think of Florida’s oceans, I think of yellow sugar sand beaches, blue crystal clear water, and red sunburned tourists. Little did I know that the Sunshine State is also a great place to die while diving (or snorkeling). I recently read an article on CDNN, the Cyber Diver News Network, which highlighted the unbelievable number of scuba deaths so far in 2009 in Florida. CDNN cited 24 scuba/snorkeling related deaths by July 30 of this year, which made me wonder: what the heck happened to all of these people? A summary:
Ways to die while scuba diving in Florida
Killer Crustaceans – Spiny lobster fishing season only lasts 2 days, but claims at least one death per year. This year it took two. Makes you wonder if the lobsters, who were in mourning for cousin Larry (not seen since last lobster fishing season,) embraced the revenge business this year.
Deadly Decompression – I’m not sure where these folks learned to scuba dive, but clearly the chapter on ascent rates and safety stops was ripped out of their training manual before the class started. Decompression sickness claimed several lives already this year.
Only the Lonely – Are people who visit Florida antisocial? An inordinate number of people seem to want to dive, and die, alone. A killer argument for why you should always dive with a buddy.
Wet Willie – There seems to be a misconception that armed with a snorkel or a scuba rig one can forgo the need to know how to swim or approach raging currents with abandon. Drowning seems to be a problem in Florida as well.
Hey! You Ran Me Over! – Blind Boater Crossing: Divers beware. Several divers and snorkelers met their end by meeting boats head on. Again, it’s a killer argument for carrying a safety sausage, salami, or other life-saving lunchmeat.
Though I jest, this is really a serious subject. Just a reminder on the life-saving benefits of common sense, solid skills, and a little scuba humility.