Southeast Dive News south carolina September 2011
DIVE LOCALLY
fiji Discover a Diver’s Delight
WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS
Not Just For Golfers Anymore
Florida
Keys Dive Capital of the World
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SEPTEMBER 2011
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◄ Cover by Joe Quinn
Originally from New York City, Joe Quinn now lives and dives along the South Carolina coast where he has introduced thousands of divers to their first glimpse of what lies beneath the ocean surface. Swimwitdafishes underwater photography and graphic tee shirts (SWDF) are his vision. Each graphic design is a re-interpretation of one of Joe’s actual photographs, a living moment captured through the lens. These sea creatures don’t talk, eat divers or protect pirate treasure. They simply live in the ocean and go about their business and that’s what Swimwitdafishes is all about. Joe invites divers to “wear your passion on your back and always Swimwitdafishes”. www.swimwitdafishes.com
Southeast Dive News
The complete resource for diving in the Southeast.
www.sedivenews.com
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Rick Stratton rick@divenewsmag.com Production Manager IJ James editor@divenewsmag.com Graphic Designer Philip Wilson graphics@divenewsmag.com Expo Coordinator Selene Peterson expo@divenewsmag.com Staff Writer Jamie Farris Accounts Manager Tove Chatham Accounting/Mailing Dianna Ritchie Advertising Sales Manager Keath Allen (360) 240-1874 x105 keath@divenewsmag.com Circulation/subscriptions 360-240-1874
Dive News Magazine is committed to promoting the sport of scuba diving in the Northeast and Midwest. We will present a practical, unbiased point of view regarding all aspects of the sport of scuba diving. The Dive News Magazine believes in honesty and integrity in business and will support all efforts related to this. We encourage readers to participate in determining the content of this publication by giving us their opinions on the types of articles they would like to see. We invite letters to the editor, manuscripts and photographs related to diving or diving-related business. Send us your stories and photos! IMPORTANT NOTICE The Dive News Magazine reserves the right to refuse service to anyone it chooses. The contents of Northeast and Midwest Dive News are opinions of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor or any of its staff. The publishers and contributors assume no responsibility for any mishap claimed to be a result of use of this material. Diving is an adventure sport and contains inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or improper diving techniques may result in serious injury or death. Readers are advised to use their own best judgment in each individual situation. MOVING? In order to continue receiving your magazine uninterrupted, please notify Northeast Dive News when you change your mailing address. To ensure uninterrupted service, please contact us six to eight weeks before the change of address occurs. You can call us at 360-240-1874 PST or email us at nediver@nedivenews.com or mail at: Bedrock Publications P.O. Box 1494 Oak Harbor, WA 98277
IN THIS EDITION
Monthly Columns Publisher’s Note.................................4 Incoming Mail.....................................5 Southeast Hot News..........................6 Southeast Activities............................7
Lake Jocasse Cleanup....................... 8 Ecoweek.............................................9 Tropical Dive Directory................22-23 Local Dive Directory....................22-23
LOCAL DIVE DESTINATION 10 Florida Keys Dive Capital of the World
World Class Diving, Fish Bowl of the World, Diver’s Dream - these all describe the one place that comes to mind first for most divers when you ask “where would you like to dive?” The answer of course is Florida’s Key Largo and Tavernier areas. According to the area tourism bureau over one million divers a year make this dive a reality and, well, over one million divers can’t be all wrong. By Rick Stratton
SOUTHeast DESTINATION 14 South Carolina: Not Just For Golfers Anymore
The waters of South Carolina have just as much to offer as anywhere along the east coast for divers but it continues to be the best un-kept secret in United States diving. For divers who stray just a touch off the beaten path however, there are world class dive experiences to be had. Ships from the Civil War and World War II rest here along with the turn of the last century’s steam ships that foundered in hurricanes. Add to these a vast number of artificial reefs and writer Joe Quinn will take you to a dive destination that rivals anywhere in the world. By Joe Quinn
TROPICAL DESTINATIONS 18 Fiji: Discover a Diver’s Delight
Mystery Reef, Chimneys, healthy spaghetti and hard corals, walls called Grand Central Station and Canyons near the Namena Marine Reserve are the lay of the underwater land in Fiji. A swim through coral surfaces in every color of the rainbow will give you an up close introduction to white tip sharks, humphead wrasses and groupers. Join guest writer Denise Mattia as she plays tour guide to one of the most famous dive destinations in the world. By Denise Mattia
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3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Do you have an opinion? Contact us: editor@divenewsmag.com
5 Ways to Use Our Content to Benefit Your Business T
hese days nearly every business is looking for ways to reinvent themselves. Looking at the gloomy economic forecast, and rapidly changing technology everyone is attempting to create a new business model that will bring more customers to their door. Here at Dive News Network, we are no different. Magazines and newspapers have suffered a more severe fate than most business over the past three years. According to current statistics, scores of magazines and newspapers have closed over the past three years. One of the problems magazines are facing is the changing technology. The availability of information online is not at the extent that nearly everyone is claiming that print is dead! Well, the rumor of prints demise is greatly exaggerated - print is NOT dead. In fact, according to amazon.com 94 percent of the books sold last year were in print. Still despite the statistics print has certainly taken a beating and our advertising sales people can tell you that at times it can be hard to sell! As a result, we too are forced to re-invent ourselves; dive head-first into change. We are no longer just a magazine business! We are in the content business. We produce our content for our print and online editions. We also build partnerships with other businesses and key leaders in our respective dive communities. All of the articles (100 percent) from our magazine is reproduced as new, html pages (SEO Friendly) and posted online giving our advertisers more bang for their buck.
Once the content is up on our site, we send a link to the businesses that helped us generate that content, folks like the local dive shop, charters, large companies etc. that we interviewed for the story or talked about. And then comes the cool part, these business can use our content on their site. In exchange for supporting us (advertising in our magazine) they get to use this content directly at least 5 ways: 1. Facebook it – send it as a Facebook message out to your friends/fans to check out the article on our website. 2. Twitter it – similar to Facebook – now connect real time with your followers and have something to share with them 3. Post it on your website _ available only to our advertisers their content licensing (brand new) they have access to our content to use on their site as if it were theirs. 4. E-newsletter it to your email list as a bonus value to your clients – send out a content rich e-blast that is well written, respected and well read! 5. Printed Newsletter – are you still printing a newsletter, now you have added content that you don’t have to take the time to edit/ write for it As our technology improves, access to information and the amount of information/content is expanding rapidly but the quality of the information is what’s important. We offer a professional writing and editorial staff who are dedicated to promoting the sport of diving and an active diving lifestyle locally – where it really matters! Take a fresh look at the Dive News Network and see how you can benefit. We promise you won’t be disappointed. Rick Stratton
facebook.com/Rick.Stratton1 rick@divenewsmag.com
Rick
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MONTHLY ARTICLES
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
What do YOU think?
UNSAFE OR SAFE?
Dear Rick,
Dude, I love your magazine! I want you to know that we truly do – BUT- your last cover in the July edition was the most irresponsible cover that I’ve ever seen in the business. Showing a diver with his mask off and regulator out – hamming for the camera shows off our sport in an unsafe manner and YOU should not have done it. Your magazine does have great parts to it but this time you are an irresponsible disreputable bastard! Don’t do it again or you will lose my business forever! Signed, Disgruntled dive shop owner
Dear Dive Shop Owner,
Thanks for taking the time to read the magazine, and for writing this note. Your being upset by something that we printed shows that you care about what we print. While I do agree that safety is the highest priority, it’s really not the best idea to take the fun out of diving at the expense of safety. As divers we all know our own limitations. Each individual is at a different skill level. I knew that I would potentially take a lot of flak about that image but that photo is of a dive master posing for a photo. The photo was taken by his instructor and dive shop owner, Bill Lamp’l. The image, while easily percieved as unsafe, really was not. we printed the image, in part, to challenge this “safety first”
mentality that we in the dive business seem to have enforced. It really should be fun first with safety along as a partner. Sometimes we are so safety oriented that we take ourselves too seriously and forget that the reason we all love diving so much is because it is fun. After all, the most “safe” thing we could do would be not to dive at all. Mask off – regulator out is practiced by all certified divers the first night of class, and is something every diver is taught to do for safety reasons. Again, thanks for your comments and for caring about what we print and hold on to your fins…can’t wait to see what divers will send after they’ve read THIS. Respectfully, Rick
Rick,
I want to commend you and your staff at DNN on the cover shot for the July edition of Southeast Dive News. Diving is supposed to be fun and all too often that is lost in the shuffle. Keep it up and great job with the new Southeast editions. Best Wishes, Scott
Scott,
Thanks for the compliments and as you can see by our first letter this month; I agree. We want people to be safe but we also want them to have fun. Happy Diving, Rick
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
5
HOT NEWS Get your business noticed by sending us your NEWS/EVENTS: editor@divenewsmag.com Island Ventures Has a New Captain
Captain Dave Clarno, new owner of Island Ventures in Key Largo received his credentials! Clarno says that the new business acquisition is a “win-win for both buyer and seller”. Cpt. Dave Clarno As a certified Scuba Instructor Clarno teaches new divers and helps the more experienced with specialties classes including: Wreck, Navigation, Underwater Photography, Nitrox EAN, Deep, Peak Buoyancy, AWARE and Diver Propulsion Vehicle. For more info visit www.islandventure.com.
Megalodon Charters and Florida West Scuba School Have Merged A major change has taken place Megalodon Charters in Venice, Florida. Megalodon Charters and Florida West Scuba School have merged and combined forces. Megalodon Charters is owned and operated by Captain Steve and Amelia Jones. Megalodon Charters combines Captain Jones’ years of professional boating experience, both of their business experience, and their love of diving. Located in the City of Venice, Florida, also known as the “Sharks Tooth Capital of the World,” the combined businesses will offer extended services. For more info visit www.megalodoncharters.com.
to
Boy Scout Troop Wins Big
NAUI has announced the winner of the “Magical Adventure Contest” and it is Barrett Cosgrove of Davidsonville, MD. He, along with up to 44 fellow troop members, will head to Orlando, FL where they will participate in an exclusive “Merit Badge Monday” dive at Epcot® Dive Quest at The Seas Pavilion in Walt Disney® World Resort. In addition, Barret Cosgrove Barrett and his troop have won a Magic Your Way Base ticket good for one day admission into their choice of Magical Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park or Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and a 2-night, 3-day campout at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground! NAUI’s “Magical Adventure Contest” was announced on Nov. 17 last year at the Dive Industry Show in Las Vegas, NV and ran through July 1, 2011. For more info visit www.naui.org. 6
Wounded Warriors Dive in the Florida Keys
Army Chief Warrant Officer Scott Schroeder
Seven months after he lost both legs and full use of his right arm following an attack in Afghanistan, a U.S. Army Special Operations soldier, Army Chief Warrant Officer Scott Schroeder, has been reintroduced to scuba diving in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Schroeder is one of seven severely wounded Special Operations soldiers learning or refining scuba skills with their families in Key West this week during a trip coordinated by Task Force Dagger Foundation, a Texas-based organization established in 2009. For more info visit www.taskforcedagger.org.
ScubaLife Breaking New Ground for Dive Industry
The traditional dive retailing is changing and ScubaLife is making it happen. ScubaLife, out of Jacksonville, FL. is pleased to announce the launch of its B2B site www.scubalife.biz. Its purpose is to explain how this revolutionary program can benefit both the customer and the industry professional. ScubaLife is a turn-key web based business opportunity for the dive industry professional that connects the new divers with existing dive shops and instructors. Brought to you by NASE Worldwide, Ocean Designs CORP. and Scuba Travel Ventures, the ScubaLife online portal offers business owners the opportunity to instantly begin selling training, equipment and travel. For more info visit www.ScubaLife.com.
Dive Pirates Embark on a New Adventure
The Dive Pirates are embarking on an adventure geared towards Adaptive Scuba Divers. They are bringing the Adaptive SCUBA Divers along with the rest of the crew and cutting them in on the priceless booty of Scuba Diving in the Caribbean. Dive Pirates’ Adaptive Scuba program is managed under the auspices of Scuba Schools International. The training program for instructors was created by SSI Course Director, Stacey Minton, in 2001. Dive Pirates derives its name and philosophy from the combination of diving adventure and the romance of the Caribbean, especially the panache of pirates. Traditionally, pirate crews would take care of injured crew members by making them peg legs, hooks, eye patches, etc. Disabled crew members were not banished from the ship, but were given new tasks that they could perform and be useful to the rest of the crew. For more info visit www.divepirates.org.
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Lionfish: Beautiful Invaders
The lionfish invasion has now reached Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. All divers are encouraged to provide lionfish sightings. These invaders are voracious indiscriminate feeders, and prolific breeders. They are a real threat and menace to natural resources throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The expected arrival of this invasive species is this summer. Recreational divers on board the M/V FLING reported one at West Flower Garden Bank the week of July 20, and then another at Stetson Bank on July 27. Thanks to the crew and passengers of the M/V FLING for reporting these. For more information about lionfish, please visit http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/qr/lionfish.
Surf Expo Hits Orlando Retail Diver Centers Invited
The Surf Expo, held twice a year in January and September at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, is inviting retail diver centers to join them this year. Starting this September Surf Expo will have Exhibitors from the Recreational Dive Industry and the show is making DIVE a permanent category. Bolstering the show’s growth has been the introduction of Dive, Surf Expo’s 9th product category. The show is a Trade Only event. Dive will present exhibitions by industry leaders such U.S. Divers, Cressi, Head Swim & Snorkeling, National Geographical snorkeler, Oceanic Worldwide, Dive Industry Association, PADI, SSI, Dive BVI and Diving Sports. Underwater Photography will be represented at Surf Expo with Exhibitors from SeaLife Cameras and Light & Motion. Dive Apparel will be present at the Dive Pavilion with Bottom Crawlers, Chammyz, David Dunleavy Apparel, Dive Gear and ScubaDoRag. For more information, go to www.surfexpo.com
September
CLUB MEETINGS & EVENTS
Sept 1: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Sept 3: Atlanta Underwater Explorers, 3p.m., East Atlanta Library Branch, Atlanta, GA. www.diveaue.org Sept 6: Fanta-Seas Dive Club meeting, 7-9 p.m., Fanta-Seas Divers, 1400 Eatonton Rd., Ste. 750, Madison, GA. www.fanta-seadivers.com Sept 9: 4th Annual Dive Fest 2011 Benefitting Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba Fundraiser, 7:00 a.m. Panama City Beach, FL. www.asdivefest.com Sept 10: Blue Heron Bridge Night Dive, 7 p.m., Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach, FL. www.force-e.com Sept 13: Clearwater Hogs Spearfishing Club meeting, 7 p.m., Ocean Sports, Dunedin, FL. Call Carl Nelson (727) 515-4672 Sept 13: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Sept 14: Bay Area Reef Runners Club Meeting, 7 p.m., Pssghetti’s, Clearwater, FL. Genny Donaldson (727) 365-6172 Sept 15: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Sept 15: KSC Barracuda Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Merritt Island Library, Kennedy Space Center, FL. www.kscbarracudas.org Sept 17: Discovery Saturday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Eco Discovery Center, Key West, FL. Floridakeys.noaa.gov Sept 19: Sea Turtle Dive Club meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jasper Dive Center, Jasper, GA. www.seaturtlediveclub.com Sept 20: Atlanta Aquanauts Northside Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., Cheeseburger in Paradise, Atlanta, GA. www.meetup.com/Atlanta-Aquanauts/ Sept 21: Central Florida Pleasure Divers, 7 p.m., Denny’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL. www.cfpdivers.com.
Sept 26: Blue Heron Bridge Night Dive, 7 p.m., Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach, FL. www.force-e.com Sept 29: Bubbles up Jacksonville Monthly Member Meeting and Future Dive Discussion, 7:00 p.m., see site for location. www.meetup.com/bubblesupjacksonville
October
Oct 1: Atlanta Underwater Explorers, 3pm, East Atlanta Library Branch, Atlanta, GA. www.diveaue.org Oct 4: Fanta-Seas Dive Club meeting, 7-9 p.m., Fanta-Seas Divers, 1400 Eatonton Rd., Ste. 750, Madison, GA. www.fanta-seadivers.com Oct 6: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Oct. 11: Atlanta Reef Dwellers Scuba Club, 7 pm, Hudson Grill @ Brookhaven, Atlanta, GA. www.atlantareefdweelers.org Oct 15: Discovery Saturday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Eco Discovery Center, Key West, FL. Floridakeys.noaa.gov Oct 17: Sea Turtle Dive Club meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jasper Dive Center, Jasper, GA. www.seaturtlediveclub.com Oct 18: Atlanta Aquanauts Northside Monthly Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Cheeseburger in Paradise, Atlanta, GA. www.meetup.com/Atlanta-Aquanauts/ Oct 18: Orlando Reef Divers meeting, 7 p.m., Paddy Murphy’s, Baldwin Park, FL. www.meetup.com/Orlando-Reef-Divers/ Oct 19: Central Florida Pleasure Divers, 7 p.m., Denny’s Restaurant, Orlando, FL. www.cfpdivers.com. Oct 20: Caloosa Dive Club meeting, 8 p.m., Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, FL. www.diveclub.org Oct 20: KSC Barracuda Dive Club meeting, 6:30 p.m., Merritt Island Library, Kennedy Space Center, FL. www.kscbarracudas.org Oct 27: Bubbles up Jacksonville Monthly Member Meeting and Future Dive Discussion, 7:00 p.m., see site for location. www.meetup.com/bubblesupjacksonville
The 4th Annual Dive Fest benefiting Hosted By: The Atlanta Aquanauts Meetup Group
September 9th, 10th, and 11th - PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL asdivefest@yahoo.com
www.asdivefest.com
Silent Auction, Raffle, Non-Diver Events, Caribbean Beach Party, and of course DIVING!
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
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LAKE JOCASSE CLEANUP
REGIONAL NEWS
Trash Talk First Annual Lake Jocassee Clean-Up
Definitely a testament to the love of a great dive site! Photos by Duke Power
O
n July 30, 350 volunteers hit Lake Jocassee in South Carolina in the very first lake- wide clean up. The cleanup was designed to help reverse the environmental damage done by years of illegal dumping and littering and by the time the volunteers were done Lake Jocassee had a new shine. It started as a local shop getting a few people together to clean up the lake but quickly grew into one of the biggest environmental clean-up efforts in the state. Bill Routh and Brandon Landmark started planning the event earlier in the year and their vision grew as more people expressed an interest in getting involved. Among the volunteers were countless divers from nearby communities, five different Boy Scout troops who worked on trail maintenance and constructed bird houses, rescue teams, police
officers and firemen from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. The Oconee County Emergency Services was command central for all emergency services, including supplying a full service dive and rescue team, fire trucks, emergency vehicles and even arranged for a MedTrans helicopter on site to help with the cleanup. Many local dive shops and businesses stepped up to sponsor the event, many donating equipment and money to cover the cost of the effort. One of the key sponsors was Duke Energy. Duke actually created Lake Jocassee in 1973 for hydroelectricity. “Duke Energy’s hydroelectric operations in the area are certainly one reason to be involved, but even more so, our employees in the upstate live here,” said Reggie King, the Duke Energy area hydro manager. “This
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Dive Locally - Where It Really Matters
reflects the heart of our core values -- to be involved in our community and help protect its natural resources.” Upstate Scuba, one of the sponsors of the event, provided two boats and 30 tanks with air to keep divers in the water. Robbie Bogan co-owner of Upstate Scuba had only good things to say about the event. “We had a great time helping plan this event and helping keep Jocassee beautiful,” said Bogan. “I’m looking forward to continuing to be part of this annual event.” Mathew McEver from the Aquatic Explorers Society in Atlanta, GA said that events like these are extremely important to them. Describing their group as an “ecologically driven dive facility” they try to participate in at least one environmental project each month. “For this event, a dozen divers participated from our shop making two trips to remove over 100 pounds of debris from the lake,” said McEver. A total of 28 cubic feet of trash was removed from the lake as a result of the event. As people continue polluting the environment and the waterways, clean-up efforts like this become more important than ever. As active divers most feel that divers have a responsibility, as well as an opportunity, to help care for our environment and protect the health of the waterways and the future of the sport. ■ For more information on diving in Lake Jocassee, stay tuned for the October issue of Southeast Dive News where we will feature Lake Jocassee as our regional destination!
REGIONAL NEWS
FLORIDA KEYS ECOWEEK
WANTED
LIONFISH HUNTERS -Lionfish Hunters Wanted-
2011
FLORIDA KEYS
LIONFISH DERBY
Saturday, November 5th Lower Keys at Hurricane Hole
Key West, FL
Over $3,000 in cash and prizes for the top three teams for Most, Biggest, and Smallest Lionfish Categories. Help control the Lionfish population. For information or registration go to: www.reef.org/lionfish or call 305-852-0030
Beautiful, but deadly! Photo by Joe Quinn.
T
he Lionfish has become an invader of the waters of Florida and now the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary plans to do something about it. Beginning October 31 through November 6, The Florida Keys will be educating and celebrating environmental preservation with a week-long festival spanning the entire island chains of over 114 miles and, during this event, they will kick off a Lionfish hunting derby. The Lionfish Derby will begin Saturday, November 5 in Key West at the Hurricane Hole Marina. This will be the last derby in a series organized by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Teams of 4 divers will compete for $3,350 in cash and prizes in the categories of most, largest and smallest Lionfish. Teams can go out on their own boats or with dive operators and there is a list of participating dive operators on the EcoWeek Florida Keys website. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Society will collect tissue samples from Lionfish caught at the derby to learn more about Lionfish genetics, growth and impacts to native marine life. Derby attendees will
sample cooked Lionfish appetizers and view fillet demonstrations. The growing populations of Lionfish off the southeast U.S. and Caribbean are impacting native reef fish communities and could hamper stock rebuilding efforts. Lionfish have no known predators and consume commercially and ecologically important fish species. For more information about EcoWeek Florida Keys and to learn about other events taking place, visit www.EcoWeekFloridaKeys.com. ■
October 31 - November 6 ecoweekfloridakeys.com
Lionfish and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 101
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 2,900 square nautical miles of critical marine habitat, including coral reef, hard bottom, sea grass meadows, mangrove communities and sand flats. NOAA and the state of Florida manage the sanctuary. Visit us online at www.floridakeys.noaa.gov or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/floridakeysnoaagov. For more info about the Lionfish derby visit tinyurl.com/noaalionfish or tinyurl.com/noaalionfish2
We support local divers - Local divers support the industry.
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SOUTH FLORIDA SOUTHEAST DESTINATION By Rick Stratton Publisher, Dive News Network
W
Florida Keys
orld-Class Diving, Fish Bowl of the World, Diver’s Dream… these all describe the one place that comes to mind first for most divers when you ask “where would you like to dive”? The answer of course is Florida’s Key Largo and Tavernier areas. According to the area tourism bureau over one million divers a year make this dive a reality and well over one million divers can’t be all wrong. Located in the northern section of the world famous Florida Keys chain, Key Largo and Tavernier offer a diversity of diving that speaks to the skills of both the brand new diver and the novice. But, there are many things drawing divers to the Key Largo and Tavernier area dive sites. For instance, the Key Largo reefs are in shallow depths and a diver can enjoy a full hour of bottom time. The wrecks are world class and offer swimthrus not found anywhere else in the world and the coral growth is of nature’s design and appears to be designed with divers and snorkelers in mind. Capt. Gary Mace, of Conch Republic Divers, says it is for these very reasons he has been in the area so long. “In Florida, because the diving is great and this is the only living reef in the US, we have world class diving,” Mace says. “It is an incredible underwater world. I have dove all over the world and I have never seen as many fish as I have here.” Mace adds the variety of diving is the reason the area offers so much to different skill levels. “The reefs are great for new divers and the wreck diving is great for advanced divers,” Mace says. There is literally something for everyone.”
Dive Capital of the World
Over a Million Divers Can’t Be Wrong
French Reef
There are hundreds of dive sites in the Key Largo/Tavernier area. When you ask the locals they will often offer up the same sites. For Dan Dawson, of Horizon Divers in Key Largo, French Reef stands out. “French Reef is a series of tunnels and caves offering adventure and almost every type of sea life common to the Keys,” Dawson says. “There are some easy swim-throughs and French Reef is a great place to see healthy Elkhorn coral. It is located approximately 6 miles out from where our shop is.” 10
Florida Keys scuba diving at its best
We offer Diving, Snorkeling, JetSki, Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals, Deep Sea and Back Country Fishing Charters, Sunset Cruises, Eco Tours and Private Dive/Snorkel Charters. We are also an authorized Aqualung Partner Dealer and Service Center stocking a full inventory of dive and snorkel equipment.
www.pirateislanddivers.com 800-809-9881 | 305-453-9881 facebook.com/pirateislanddivers twitter.com/pirateisland info@pirateislanddivers.com 103800 Overseas Highway in Key Largo
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SOUTHEAST DESTINATION
FLORIDA KEYS
Flamin go T Repub ongue. Ph oto lic Div ers an courtesy C d Vinc o ent Himnch pe
Spiegel Grove Dave Clarno, of Island Ventures, has been in business in the Northern Florida area for over 18 years and he is a veteran of the waters around Key Largo. Clarno cites the 510-foot Spiegel Grove as one of his favorite dive sites in the area. “This ship was intentionally sunk to make an artificial reef in 2002”, says Clarno. “The ship ended up on her starboard side at first and then in 2005 a hurricane set her upright. We take divers out there all the time and I can tell you know, you could dive the Spiegel 30 times and each time it would be a different dive.” We strive to provide friendly service at a competitive price. PADI Gold Palm Resort NAUI Affiliate SSI/NASDS NUAI IDEA PDIC REEF
Your Key Largo Wreck Specialists Wreck & Reef Dives Daily (305) 451-4957
(866) 293-5006
www.islandventure.com
90800 Overseas Highway #9 Tavernier, FL 33070
www.facebook.com/conchrepublicdivers www.conchrepublicdivers.com (800) 274-DIVE(3483) | (305) 852-1655
We support our local dive shop - without them we will not have a dive industry.
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SOUTH FLORIDA SOUTHEAST DESTINATION
Molasses Reef
Molasses Reef is another very popular dive site in the Key Largo area. Eric Swenson, from BlueWater Divers of Key Largo, says when you ask divers where they want to go, Molasses Reef is usually at the top of the list. “This is everyone’s favorite Florida Keys dive site,” says Swenson. “Molasses is a reef system ranging from 10-60 ft. and a diver can literally go the range and feel like they have had a bunch of totally different dives. The most popular are under 40 ft. and have names like the Winch Hole and the Aquarium. It is an amazing thing to experience.” Swenson, who co-owns BlueWater Divers with partner Christi Dimmick, adds for him and his business partner, the Key Largo area was a “natural” fit. “It is centrally located, has world class diving and the Gulf current comes in so close it keeps the clean water coming through. Who wouldn’t want to be here all year long if they could?”
The Duane
The USCG Cutter, the Duane, was sunk as an artificial reef November 27, 1987. This ship has become home to an amazing number of marine locals. The wreck rests in about 130’ of water, but the mast and crow’s nest are easily accessible at around 60 ft. The Duane sees a great number of divers who are looking for a variety of life and incredible color the Keys are known for.
The Elbow
Spencer Slate, owner of Captain Slate’s Dive Center, is what sea faring gents refer to as an “Old Salty Dog of the Sea.” He has been manning the lines for over 33 years in the Key Largo area and no one knows the local dive sites like he does. Slate, as everyone calls him, offers The Elbow up as a great place to dive. “We do a lot of dives in the Elbow,” Slate says. “Elbow Reef is an excellent dive site shaped like an elbow. There are several wrecks that are good shallow water dives out there. Both divers and snorkelers, for instance, can dive the City of Washington wreck. The wreck is
Goliath Grouper at Molasses Reef. Photo courtesy Conch Republic and By Jim Gregory
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SOUTHEAST DESTINATION broken up but the marine life offers great photo opportunities and you can see Moray eels, nurse sharks and some giant groupers.” Slate also throws in his two cents about Spiegel Grove. “Spiegel is a must see,” Slate says. “You can dive 30 times and always see something different out there; it is a beautiful dive.” Slate also offers up some personal favorites that aren’t so well known such as Harrigan’s Reef, The Wall, which isn’t a wall but drop off of 30 ft., Watson’s Reef, Horseshoe Reef and Shark Reef. “These are places we anchor but they are some of my personal favorites because not everyone knows about them.”
Snapper Ledge
Snapper Ledge is a different kind of dive. When you first head in, you might wonder where the reef is. On any given day, there are thousands of Yellowtail Snapper around the ledge. It is an amazing site. The brain coral at Snapper Ledge is used as a cleaning station for the Yellowtail Snapper and so they flock to the area. Nurse sharks also hang out at the ledge. Brian Napier, of Pirate Island Divers in Key Largo, says the area is a must see for divers. “The fish are a sight to see,” says Natier. “I do a lot of teaching and it is fun to EASY
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see people’s reaction to just how incredible Snapper Ledge can be.” Natier, who loves to teach wreck diving and navigation diving, also adds one of his favorite wreck dives is Mike’s Wreck. There is enough of a natural navigation along the wreckage that it is a good site for technical divers. It is also a very large site. There are reef sharks, turtles, eels, just about everything a diver might want to encounter.” If you are looking for a great place to partake in some world class diving, the Key Largo/Tavernier area is just what the doctor ordered. Incredible swim-thrus, life breeding artificial reels, tank-sized brain coral and Yellowtail Snapper in populations so big they hide the reef, all await the adventurous diver. And if that isn’t enough to wet your fins, just take a look at some of the video footage on one of the websites of the dive shops mentioned here. Conch Republic Divers offers a number of videos and the rest offer photos giving you just enough incentive to pack your tanks. ■
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SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
South Carolina: Not Just For Golfers Anymore
By Joe Quinn, Guest Writer
M
ost people know what a golf and tourist mecca Myrtle Beach, SC is. Its miles of white sand beaches, hotels, golf courses and bright lights entice many to come and relax southern-style. Of course while this would be enough for most folks, for me, the real gems sit just beyond the shore and beneath the waves. North Carolina and the Graveyard of the Atlantic lay in the East Coast waters just above the South Carolinian shore and the coral reefs of Florida to the South, but the waters of South Carolina
14
have just as much to offer and are often somehow overlooked. For divers who stray just a touch off the beaten path, there are world class dive experiences to be had. Ships from the Civil War and World War II rest here along with turn-ofthe-last-century’s steam ships that foundered in hurricanes. Add to these a vast number of artificial reefs created by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), including a Liberty ship, tug boats, NYC subway cars, military armored vehicles and even an A-7 jet fighter and you have multitudes of sea life, as well as diving
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that can stand up to any other destination with it’s head held high. From the Dutch freighter SS Hebe to the Civil War blockade-runner The General Sherman to the underwater playground known as the 11-mile reef, South Carolina has many interesting sites. Further south along the coast lies an untouched landscape of salt marsh, estuaries and river basins with sleepy fishing towns whose docks are lined with shrimpers, sport fishing boats and where the small local restaurants are serving up home cooked Low Country fare and fresh seafood. Divers will feel right at home here.
SOUTHEAST DIVE DESTINATION
SOUTH CAROLINA
SS Hebe
The SS Hebe was probably one of the most interesting. The Dutch freighter SS Hebe found her way to the bottom in the early morning hours of April 11, 1942. She was steaming down the East Coast bound for Curacao from New York City with a load of Venezuelan beer and insecticide. In the midst of WWII, she was running with no lights in blackout conditions trying not to draw the attention of menacing U-boats prowling the coastal sea-lanes of the western Atlantic. A smaller vessel, the British sub hunter the HMT St. Cathan was approaching on a collision course also under blackout orders. Thirty minutes after the impact both ships were on the seabed in 110’ of water. Today they lie about a quarter mile apart and are known as the “Twin Cities.” Descending through the blue water along the anchor line towards one of my all-time favorite dive sites, I often see dozens of Barracuda floating like logs in mid-water. Giant Amberjacks and African Pompano swirl in circles around the line as the shadow of the wreck begins to appear far below. Landing in the sand beside the stern section I take in the view of the eerie, hulking mass of steel. A pair of large Sand Tiger sharks casually swim by to get a better look at us. Large numbers of Grouper hang at the edges of the visibility, which approaches 100 ft. There are lots of green and brown bottles that have spilled out of the cargo hold. Amidships there are the huge boilers rising high above the collapsed main deck and, extending out into the sand, the ships mast lies on its side.
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Toadfish on the General Sherman. Photo by Joe Quinn Due to its depth and distance from shore, the Hebe is considered an advanced dive. At a length of 267’ it’s far too large to see it all in a single dive. Surface currents can be strong at the surface but generally dissipate within twenty feet or so. Visibility can range from 25 -100+ ft.
The General Sherman
Back rolling off Coastal Scubas 45’ Safari IV dive vessel, six miles from Little River Inlet, 55 ft. down you’ll find the wreck of the General Sherman. During the Civil War she was a 200’ blockade runner named the Princess Royal until it was captured by the Union Navy, renamed and turned into a blockader. Although she survived the war, the vessel later sank in 1874. Today, she is one of the most popular dive sites along the Grand Strand. The first thing I noticed was the swirling clouds of bait fish parting as I passed through, revealing the highest point on the wreck, the giant boilers that powered the steam engines. Now fully encrusted in brilliantly colored soft corals, sponges and bivalves, you could easily spend an entire dive observing the small creatures. Leading away from the boilers I follow the propeller shaft towards the stern. Still attached, the huge propeller stands upright revealing its encrusted blades. Recently a group of Tiger sharks have taken up residence and several divers have had 16
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Spotted Moray. Photo by Joe Quinn encounters with them. On the day I was on the wreck our divemaster, Russ Fleming, had one get a bit too curious for comfort sending him scurrying up the ladder and on to the deck at a speed I didn’t think possible. The Sherman is known for the artifacts recovered; bottles, belt buckles, buttons and ammunition have been found here. Overall, the Sherman is an interesting site for divers of all experience levels. Its 55 ft. depth allows for ample bottom time to take in a good portion of the wreck. Visibility can vary between 10’ and 50’+.
11 mile reef
11 miles out to sea from the Murrells Inlet jetties lay the 11-mile reef. It stands as an example of the work the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has done in creating habitat for sea life and recreational opportunities for divers and fishermen up and down the South Carolina coast. The site consists of a 90’ tugboat, 110’ barge and an A-7 jet fighter spread out over several acres of sea bottom, with a maximum depth of only 48’. A line system has been laid down tying together all three and makes it easy to navigate across the open sand that separates them. A good starting point is to explore the tugboat first and save the plane and barge for a second dive. The tug sits perfectly upright with the highest point being the top of the wheelhouse at about twenty-eight feet. The entire cabin and main deck fore and aft are covered in a blanket of sponges, soft corals, bryazoans, tunicates, barnacles and feather dusters. At the bow, two lines head out
across the sand. One leads to the airplane, the other out to the barge. Taking the line to the left, it’s a short swim to the looming tail section of the plane. Further up along the fuselage, one wing hangs down into the sand creating an overhang where nurse sharks can sometimes be found resting. The line leading out to the barge is about twice the distance as the airplane, so it’s important to manage your air properly when setting out for it. Once on the barge the best way to navigate it is to simply do a perimeter swim observing all the different fish living here. Be sure to checkout the overhangs at either end. This is a spot sea turtles like to rest. It’s also a good place to find lots of beautiful seashells of differing varieties. These are just three examples of the kind of diving you can experience in South Carolina. Other wrecks include The Anchor wreck off Charleston, the BP-25, The Raritan, City of Richmond, Bill Perry and the USS Vermilion, a 489’ military cargo ship sunk as an artificial reef, to name just a few. Black water diving for fossils is also popular. Divers consistently pull megaledon, mastodon and whale teeth from the rivers My favorite times to dive South Carolina are Spring and Fall when the visibility can be at its peak and large numbers of fish are migrating along the coast. You never know what kind of incredible encounters you’ll have. In the summer you’ll enjoy good sea conditions and water temps in the 80s. For divers looking for something new, give the waters of South Carolina a try, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you find. ■
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FIJI
TROPICAL DESTINATION
fiji
Discover a Divers Delight
If it’s not breath-taking, it’s exotic - yup we love Fiji! Photo by Denise Mattia By Denise Mattia, Guest Writer
I
t is the dive destination that gets a diver’s attention no matter where they are from. For me it was on my bucket list and I was glad to be able to put a check by it. It was late afternoon and the long journey was tiring however when I arrived, I was eager to experience as much of Fiji as my ten days would allow. I narrowed my destination selection down to three resorts renowned for their dive operations; L’Aventure Jean-Michel Cousteau at the Jean Michel Cousteau Island Resort Fij, Diveaway Fiji at the Hideaway Resort & Spa and Beqa Adventure Divers at the Beqa Lagoon Resort. I settled on beginning at the L’Adventure which overlooks the Savusavu Bay on Vanua Levu, one of the two main islands in Fiji. (the other is Viti Levu) Once we were settled and ready to hit the water, Johnny Sing, Marine biologist, naturalist and dive master at the L’Aventure, asked visitors when they wanted to start learning about the diving and the resort. He smiled when “now” exploded from our small group. Sing was patient and accommodating – it is, after all, the Fijian way. We 18
sat in the dining lounge facing the sea and he told us there are 28 endemic species of fish in Fiji’s waters. “Five species of turtles are found off the 320-odd islands comprising Fiji. We have Hawksbill turtles nesting on the resort’s reserve,” Sing explained. A cool breeze wafted across the room and we looked out to sea. Sudden wave action caught my attention. Spinner dolphins were leaping out of the water. “Pilot, Minkey and Humpback whales appear here too,” Sing said. Some of the others asked questions about sharks and we learned there’s an ancestral law protecting them. Legend has it the shark god, Dakuwaqa (pronounced Dak-u-wanga), was spared from being killed by a great octopus when he promised to safeguard the islanders. Fijian chiefs reciprocated, declaring sharks protected. Today, local fishermen continue to offer yaqona (pronounced yangona, the drink from the kava plant) to their guardian when they go to sea. The following day, a small group of divers accompanied divemasters Mary and Johnny to the site called Alice in Wonderland, a 10-minute ride by boat away. Almost immediately I was mask
We support the southeast dive community
TROPICAL DESTINATION
FIJI
Soft Coral and Diver. Photo by Denise Mattia to nose with an adult Hawksbill turtle. The turtle swam with us before finning away casually. My attention was divided next among a Humphead Wrasse, a Spanish Dancer, Devil Damselfish and bi-color Blennies. Despite a recent typhoon, which reportedly had caused some damage, our group dove both Mystery Reef and Chimneys and noticed plenty of healthy spaghetti and hard corals on the reefs. The walls called Grand Central Station and Canyons near the Namena Marine Reserve are spectacular; it is here you find the soft corals for which Fiji is world famous. They drape the coral surfaces in every color of the rainbow. White tip sharks, Humphead Wrasses and groupers swam slowly among spires that sprout from the bottom. The beauty and expanse of the site was so seductive I was tempted to follow the fish into the depths. L’Aventure Jean-Michel Cousteau at the Jean Michel Cousteau Island Resort lived up to its five-star reputation. We were sorry to have to leave, but a conference on the Coral Coast beckoned. We flew to Nadi and Rosie’s Holiday Transfer trundled us to the Hideaway Resort on Viti Levu’s Coral Coast. Thanks to assistance from marine biologist and engineer friends, the PADI Association and village chiefs, Alex and Alice Hill, owners of Diveaway were able to sink six permanent moorings into the pristine reefs. Once at Diveaway we were able to dive a site called Kasbah where, for the next 66 minutes, I found a giant clam, Blennies and nudibranchs. There were swim throughs, overhangs and a pot-pourri of small fish at the other sites we experienced called Bordello and Sundance. Sunlight pierced the cutouts in the hard coral structures and made for dramatic scenes. At Purple Haze a Hawksbill turtle made a wide arc around me as I swam past the multi-hued Gorgonian fans. All of the dive sites offered amazing life. After a great experience at Diveaway and haunted by the melancholy strains of “Isalaya,” Fiji’s ceremonial song of good-bye, I and six colleagues were delivered the following day to Pacific Harbor
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FIJI
TROPICAL DESTINATION
Fiji Plus Magic Equals Black Magic Mountain Diving
Diving Fiji was an incredible experience but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my friend and co-diver Ben Plummer, manager of the Wananavu Resort located a simple 2.25 hour journey from Nadi International Airport. Ben and their dive team Raw Divers, took me diving at Black Magic Mountain in the Bligh Waters. Bligh, named for the famous captain, together with the Koro Sea is situated in the middle of the Fiji area and separates the north of the country from the south. Black Magic Mountain is a classic Vatu-i-Ra dive with its pinnacle rising from the depths with relentless currents home to plenty of soft corals and schooling fish. Named after the huge bushes of black coral that blanket the pinnacle, there are grey reef sharks sharing the water with surgeons, unicorns, swirling t the free mobile app forcrayfish, your phone fusiliers, lionfish, anemone fish, beautiful coral trout and tp:/ / gettag.mobi a plethora of ascidians. Ben also took me on a run at the Mellow Yellow an area known for its gold and yellow corals. It was an amazing experience and I wanted to thank Ben for all the diving and all the incredible fun I had while at their resort and while putting my fins in their World class PADI Gold Palm Certified dive team. This is an experience everyone should have! www.wananavu.com
Rick
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The Wall at JMC. Photo by Denise Mattia where we were transferred by boat and dingy to Beqa Island Resort. I picked my way in the sand to the lodge, an open-air building facing the sea, where Nigel Double, the new GM, met us. In addition to the dive briefing, Nigel told us of future plans for a greenhouse, wind turbines and a resort hospitality program for the island’s teenagers. Once settled, we met with the dive shop managers, Delana and Seru, and prepared our gear. We visited sites called Pearl Rock and Soft Coral Plateau. Our divemasters, Ned and Koli, pointed out more nudibranchs than I’d ever seen before. I found Bubble coral, Anemone fish, a lionfish and a flatworm. The back-to-back dives were long and leisurely. I reported 75 and 65 minutes, respectively, and I could see spending a week diving the reefs here. A 45-minute ride the following morning to the aptly named site, Bistro, and a plastic dumpster of chum was lowered into the water; every nurse and reef shark and reef fish made for it. I shot wildly from my kneeling position, petted a nurse shark as it passed and then felt something – probably a reef shark – bump against my shoulder. I was oblivious to mayhem taking place. On the second dive, I was invited again into the “inner sanctum” for the feeding frenzy. They came: three, four, five Bull sharks. The encounter was quick and, sadly, over too soon. Afterwards we cruised upward from 67 ft. along a sunken vessel. On cue, two enormous Moray eels appeared from under the steel hull, expecting to be photographed. It was amazing. I emerged after 53 minutes, chilled despite the 80-degree water and very, very happy. This dive, like all of our others, was orchestrated and organized beautifully. I have to say my experience diving Fiji is one I intend to repeat as many times as possible. The Fijian people were warm and amazingly accommodating and the diving was world class. Our stays at the various resorts and our participation in the various dive programs were equally intense and everyone who led us along the way made the trip that much better. So if Fiji is on your bucket list, move it to the number one spot and take that leap towards the equator. I promise you, it will be a trip you will never forget. ■
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TROPICAL DESTINATION
FIJI
Where to Stay:
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort This is a full service, eco-friendly, kid-friendly resort. One honeymoon suite (with a/c) is available and the 25 no a/c thatched bures (bungalows) are simple yet smartly designed to maximize light and ocean breezes. Much of the produce is grown on the 17-acre site and poultry is raised there as well. The children’s programs are designed around Fijian culture and an appreciation of the environment. The programs also allow for parents time alone. Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa. This place could do no wrong. Numerous accommodation options include romantic deluxe ocean view bures to family beachfront villas. The couples and honeymoon deluxe ocean view bures have been refurbished. General Manager John McFadden plans to continue updating the bures. Guests can take a free three-hour scuba lesson in the resort’s pool. The Beqa Lagoon Resort This resort has a total of 25 stunning, deluxe, private airconditioned bures located along the northeast coast of Beqa. Twelve spacious beachfront bures have a private courtyard, large sundeck and plunge pool. One bure is designated for honeymooners (or romantic couples) with outdoor shower. The two-bedroom bures are ideal for families. Dining here is table-dote, offering Fijian style cuisine. On the southwestern side of the island the Frigate Passage offers ideal conditions for surfers. Line fishing expeditions are available.
Fiji Is. Resort. Photo by Denise Mattia
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Dive Light Lanyard
Poseidon Dive Watch
The Poseidon Dive Watch from Reactor is a new dive watch designed specifically for scuba divers. This is a new 1000 meter dive watch and features an internal rotating bezel that can actually be adjusted underwater. The Poseidon exceeds the ISO 6425 Professional Dive Watch standard according to the company. The watch sports a 17mm thickness and both crystal and caseback are substantially thickened to withstand 1500psi of pressure required to give the watch a 1000 m depth rating. The orange limited edition model sold out recently, but look for the new yellow limited edition coming in October. The LE models include both bands, and feature our Never Dark tritium illumination and a self-charging kinetic auto-quartz movement with an exhibition case back (the first for a 1000M rated watch). For more info visit www.reactorwatch.com.
JakeID.com is now offering a new Dive Light lanyard. The lanyard is constructed of black 1/2” wide nylon webbing with your personalized name, phone number or email address woven in. Protect your valuable gear from being lost. The lanyard has a the free mobile app for your phone lifetime warranty and it will never come off noGet matter http:/ / gettag.mobi how many times it may get wet. For more info visit www.JakeID.com
TUSA DG 5600
The DG-5600, a glove made by Tusa, does a good job of protecting your hands while diving. The glove is lightweight with a poly-mesh, high-stretch spandexlike backing so hands have plenty of freedom of movement. The palm side is a poly-vinyl suede-like textured material and provides protection in the high-wear areas. This poly-vinyl material is on the upper portion of the fingers too. The glove’s fingertips are boxed to afford more move-around room, yet they are still relatively dexterous. The DG-5600 has a short neoprene gauntlet that reaches a bit beyond the wrist and secures with an adjustable wristband. For more info visit www.tusa.com.
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Dragonfly2 Salt
The new Dragonfly2 Salt is a classic Spyderco minicutter that’s been upgraded with the company’s exclusive H1 stainless-steel. H1 stainless uses nitrogen instead of carbon in its matrix, giving the blade the hardness it needs to hold a sharp edge while being able to remain rust-free, making it a perfect backup knife for divers. The Dragonfly2 Salt’s blade is small but offers 2¼ inches of razor-sharp plain or serrated cutting edge. The Dragonfly2 Salt has a fiberglass reinforced free mobile app for your nylon handle that is textured and the hole in Get thetheblade allows forphone / gettag.mobi easy one-handed operation. A wire belt clip is http:/ provided for topside carry, while a hole in the handle can be used to secure a lanyard for underwater use. For more info visit www.spyderco.com.
Local divers don’t just dive locally - they dive globally!
http:/ / gettag.mobi www.mwdivenews.com Northeast & Midwest Dive News JANUARY 2011
21 21
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Viking Diving
Pensacola
(850) 916-3483
Charter
Force-E Scuba
Pompano Beach
(954) 943-3483
Charter
Holly Hill
(386) 253-7558
Store
Riviera Beach
(561) 845-2333
Charter
Jacksonville Beach
(904) 270-1747
Store/Charter
Conch Republic Divers
Tavernier
(800) 274-3483
Store/Charter
Blue Iguana Charters
Key Largo
(561) 797-2540
Charter
Narcosis Scuba Center
Tarpon Springs
(727) 934-6474
Store/Charter
Bluewater Divers
Key Largo
(305) 453-9600
Store
Florida West Scuba and Charters
Venice
(941) 483-3483
Store/Charter
Captain Slate's Atlantis Dive Center
Key Largo
www. captainslate.com
Store
Blue Grotto
Williston
(352) 528-5770
Store/Diving
Atlantic Pro Divers
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY BAHAMAS Juliet Sailing & Diving 866.558.5438 www.sailjuliet.com Caribbean Dive Shop 504.831.7017 www.caribbeandiveshop.com
BELiZE Calypso Beach Retreat 303.264.8333 www.calypsobeachretreat.com Hugh Parkeys 888.223.5403 www.belizediving.com Sun Breeze Hotel 1.800.688.0191 www.sunbreeze.net
BOnAirE
Buddy Dive Resort 599.717.5080.518 www.buddydive.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Divi Resorts 954.545.0269 www.diviresorts.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com Villa Makoshi Lower Level 780.483.0044 www.BonaireDiveVilla.com
22
An alphabetical listing of participating dive shops, charters, live aboards and resorts in tropical locations around the world.
BritiSH VirGin iSLAnd NV Yacht Charters 443.829.8576 www.nvcharters.com
CAYMAn iSLAndS Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Divetech@Cobal Coast Dive Resort 888.946.5656 divetech.com cobaltcoast.com Southern Cross Club 800.899.2582 www.southerncrossclub.com Sunset House 800.854.4767 www.sunsethouse.com
COStA riCA Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com
COZUMEL Albatros Charters 888.333.4643 www.cozumel-fishing.com BlueBubbleScuba 987.872.4240 www.bluebubble.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com
COZUMEL (COnt.)
Scuba Du 310.684.5556 www.scubadu.com Sea Robin 951.824.9073 www.searobincozumel.com
CUrACAO
Ocean Encounters 800.932.6237 www.oceanencounters.com
FiJi
Beqa Lagoon Resort 800.542.3454 www.beqalagoonresort.com Beyond the Reef 691.350.3483 www.diveyap.com Dancer Fleet 305.669.9391 www.dancerfleet.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat 679.992.4001 dolphinbaydivers.com Koro Sun 970.209.4265 www.korosunresort.com Lalati 877.750.0233 www.lalatifiji.com Qamea Resort & Spa 649.360.0217 www.qamea.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com
We support our local dive shop - without them we will not have a dive industry.
GEORGIA
SOUTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
DIVE DIRECTORY TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY Adventure Dive Center, LLC
Albany
(229) 888-3483
Store
The Dive Shop on McEver
Gainesville
(770) 503-0040
Store
Lawrenceville
(678) 407-2442
Store
Marietta
(770) 973-7909
Store
Wet Scuba & Travel
Stockbridge
(770) 389-9949
Store
Diver's Den Georgia
Saint Marys
(912) 882-7078
Store/Charter
South Georgia Dive Charters
Saint Marys
(912) 882-7078
Store/Charter
Dive Dive Dive, Inc. The Dive Shop
LOUISIANA
Cape Fear Dive Center Dive Hatteras Outer Banks Diving Diver Style Scuba Ghost Fleet Dive Charters
Wanchese
(252) 491-8475
Store/Charter
Rum Runner Dive Shop
Winterville
(252) 439-4390
Store/Charter
SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston Scuba
Charleston
(843) 763-3483
Bermuda Triangle
Greenville
(864) 286-3483
Store
Low Country Scuba
Mount Pleasant
(843) 884-1500
Store/Charter
(337) 430-0073
Store
True Blue Watersports
Lake Charles
(337) 310-1681
Store
Coastal Scuba
Metairie
(504) 888-4882
Store/Charter
Shreveport
(318) 222-3483
Charter
Slidell
(985) 641-9888
Store/Charter
(410) 381-1994
Store/Charter
(228) 392-7830
Store/Charter
N. Myrtle Beach
(800) 249-9388
Charter
Salem
(864) 944-9255
Charter
Adventure Scuba Company
Chantilly
(703) 263-0427
Store
VIRGINIA
MISSISSIPPI NORTH CAROLINA Black Jack Tech Diving
Aberdeen
(910) 426-3483
Store
Atlantis Charters
Atlantic Beach
www.atlantischarters.net
6pack Charter
Discovery Diving Co.
Beaufort
(252) 728-2265
Store/Charter
Beaufort
(252) 504-3483
Store/Charter
Poseydon Dive Center
TROPICAL DIVE DIRECTORY To be listed in our Tropical Dive Directory call 360.240.1874 or email us at keath@divenewsmag.com
FiJi (COnt.)
Wananavu 679.669.4433 www.wananavu.com
GALAPAGOS
Blue Ocean Marine Pty.Ltd. 415.830.3846 www.abyssworld.com Divencounters Alliance 877.323.DIVE www.divencounters.com Red Mangrove 00593.2.3823801 3823941 www.redmangrove.com
HAWAii
Maui Dreams Dive Co 808.874.5332 www.mauidreamsdiveco.com
HOndUrAS
Deep Blue Resort 011.504.95.76.36.97 www.deepblueutila.com Utila Tours 800.668.8452 337.893.0013 www.utila.com
indOnESiA
Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com Kungkungan Bay Resort & Spa 530.347.2300 www.divekbr.com Lembeh Hills Resort www.LembehHills.com 62.812.441.18.000
Store/Charter
Off The Wall Charters, Inc.
MARYLAND
d'Iberville
Charter Store
Lake Charles
The Dive Shop Llc
Charter
(252) 986-1056
Store/Charter
Mike's Dive Center
Columbia
(703) 818-1850 (704) 219-0198
Store/Charter
Columbia Scuba, Inc.
Frisco Hatteras
(252) 726-9432
(225) 927-3483
Coral Reef Dive Shop
Store/Charter
Monroe
Baton Rouge
Scuba Ventures
(910) 458-7390
Morehead City
Olympus Dive Center
Underwater Adventures
Harry's Dive Shop
Carolina Beach
To be listed in our Dive Dive Directory
call (360) 240-1874 or email us at keath@divenewsmag.com
indOnESiA (COnt.) Pindito Liveaboard 831.818.8594 www.pindito.com Quest Dive Adventures 770.992.8414 www.questdive.com Tasik Ria Resort Spa & Diving 62.431 -.824.445 www.tasikria.com Worldwide Dive and Sail 866.258.6398 www.worldwidediveandsail.com
MExiCO
Abyss Dive Center 52.984.873.2164 www.abyssdivecenter.com Aquanauts Dive Adv. 998.206.9365 www.aquanautsdiveadventures.com
PHiLiPPinES Atlantis Dive Resort 775.588.0500 www.atlantishotel.com Deep Blue Adventures 888.266.2209 www.deepblueadventures.com Island DreamsTravel 800.346.6116 www.divetrip.com
rEd SEA - EGYPt Fly & Sea Dive Adventures 888.995.DIVE(3483) www.redseadiving.ca Learning Through Travel 516.781.5556 www.learningthroughtravel.com
rOAtAn CoCo View Resort Roatan 800.282.8932 www.roatan.com
rOAtAn GoRoatan.com 888.405.8737 www.goroatan.com
SEA OF COrtEZ/SOCOrrO iSLAndS Rocio Del Mar 602.558.9580 www.rociodelmarliveaboard.com
St. CrOix (U.S. VirGin iSLAndS)
BVI Scuba 284.540.2222 www.bviscubaco.com Cane Bay Dive Shop 340.773.9913 www.canebayscuba.com Jost Van Dyke 800.778.8066 www.jostvandyke.com
St. kittS Dive St. Kitts 869.564.8914 www.divestkitts.com
St. VinCEnt Bequia Dive Adventures 784.458.3826 www.bequiadiveadventures.com
tHAiLAnd
Sairee Cottage Diving 667.745.6126 www.saireecottagediving.com
tUrkS & CAiCOS
Oasis Divers 649.946.1128 www.oasisdivers.com Dive Provo 649.946.5040 www.diveprovo.com
Want to support local diving in your part of the globe? email keath@divenewsmag.com!
23
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Northeast Dive News JANUARY 2008