[net.rec.scuba] dive locations

urlord@rruxc.UUCP (K Lotkowictz) (09/10/85)

My wife and I have just gone through the rigors of certification.(basic)

I have been reading this net for about 6 months and would like to 
find out about good places (lots of things to see) to dive in the
Caribean (sp). Since we are both beginners, we would like to keep
within certain parms.:


		dives between 30 and 60 feet
		two dives per day
		good but inexpensive equipment rental
		easy access to dive site (just off shore or SHORT boat ride)
		good hotels (food and rooms)
		easy to reach by air from Newark NJ Airport


We are considering taking this trip in the next 6 months.
I thank in advance anyone who responds to this inquery and would
be happy to post a follow up if there is enough interest.

	thanks
	Ken Lotkowictz
	bellcore!rruxc!urlord

calypso@tolerant.UUCP (Mark MacMillan) (09/22/85)

I can provide you with a location that satisfies all of your 
requirements but the depth limitations.  Try the Brac Reef Lodge
on Cayman Brac.  Nice people, a well run dive operation - local
people, not a chain - and some absolutly stupendous diving
just off shore.  Seldom more than a 15 minute boat ride.


Now (woe!) the problem is that the first dive of the day is
generally to 100 feet.  However, I would not worry.  The 
visibility is 100 feet plus, and there is really no
additional risk.  The divemaster is very safety conscious
and their response to problems is highly professional.


Geoff Leach
> 
> My wife and I have just gone through the rigors of certification.(basic)
> 
> I have been reading this net for about 6 months and would like to 
> find out about good places (lots of things to see) to dive in the
> Caribean (sp). Since we are both beginners, we would like to keep
> within certain parms.:
> 
> 
> 		dives between 30 and 60 feet
> 		two dives per day
> 		good but inexpensive equipment rental
> 		easy access to dive site (just off shore or SHORT boat ride)
> 		good hotels (food and rooms)
> 		easy to reach by air from Newark NJ Airport
> 
> 
> We are considering taking this trip in the next 6 months.
> I thank in advance anyone who responds to this inquery and would
> be happy to post a follow up if there is enough interest.
> 
> 	thanks
> 	Ken Lotkowictz
> 	bellcore!rruxc!urlord

*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE ***

rrr@ptsfb.UUCP (Rod Rucker) (01/24/86)

I have received several replies concerning diving at Point
Lobos and the pursuit of California Morays

(Whats that thing on the reef with the shiny white teeth,
Its A Moray.)
 
Point Lobos is an national park, both above ground and underwater.
It was the first national underwater park in the country, established
in 1960.

This superb dive location is located just south of Carmel on Highway
1, immediately south of Monastary Beach.

Point Lobos has two main dive areas, Whaler's Cove and Bluefish Cove.
Entry to the water is provided by a ramp, and is the only place
entry and exit is allowed.  Excellent diving is found is Whaler's Cove
due to the varied species of sea animal. The kelp forests at Whalers Cove
and Bluefish Cove are home for a type of fish that hides by hanging
motionless in the water next to the kelp, imitating one of the fronds

Depth ranges from 20 to 80 feet with visibility averaging 20
to 30 feet.  On a good day visibility may extend to 80 feet.  On the 
south side of Whaler's Cove is Coal Shute.  Coal Shute has caves that 
are exiting to explore, if you have a good dive light.  Several sea 
creatures not commonly seen may be found in the caves (such as large 
Morays with shiny teeth).

Bluefish Cove is even better than Whalers Cove, but it takes a boat to
get to it.  The average depth at Bluefish Cove is 50 - 60 feet and
visibility is usually 30 - 40 feet.  It is common for large schools of
Blues to follow as you dive this cove.  Big Ling Cod are common
in this area, and show no fear of divers (you can't take them, or anything
else at Point Lobos).

Everything is protected at Point Lobos.  There is no fishing, spearing
or collecting, and this rule is strictly enforced by the rangers.
At any given time, only 16 teams of divers are allowed in the park,
which aids in retaining the beauty of this dive location.

Point Lobos is the pinnacle of diving in Northern California.
Water temperature is only 50 degrees or so, due to the constant 
upwelling of water that keeps nutrients in the ocean at Point Lobos.  
It is this constant replentishing of nutrients that contributes 
to the large fish and animal population at Point Lobos.


-- 
Rod Rucker
uucp={ihnp4,ucbvax,cbosgd,decwrl,amd,fortune,zehntel}!dual!ptsfa!ptsfb!rrr
voice=415 823-2367