Bare Velocity Wetsuit

The BARE Velocity Wetsuit line provides a comfortable fit while snorkeling or scuba diving. It offers all the great features and quality you expect from BARE. ScubaBasics is proud to offer it's series of Scuba equipment dive reviews.

Maui Vacation Rental at The Palms of Wailea

Welcome to our freshly remodeled garden view condominium at The Palms at Wailea. Kid friendly and the only unit at the Palms that is completely handicapped accessible. This spacious ground floor unit (2 bedroom, 2 bath) features an expansive living room, providing nice scale as you enter the unit. Step inside and enjoy our Hawaiian themed décor, newly remodeled kitchen and baths. Step right outside to our huge patio that faces the garden, just steps away from the pool. The master bedroom with king bed is nicely appointed, as is the second bedroom which features two comfortable twin beds that can convert to a king bed and overlooks a beautiful garden setting. Within walking distance to the wonderful snorkeling beaches of Wailea, and The Shops at Wailea. Whether you are a couple or a family of six, our spacious unit will make you feel at home. Additional amenities include; 42 inch large TV, DVD player, cable television, and barbeque. Guests are entitled to discounts for the 3 Wailea championship golf courses and the Wailea Tennis Club. For your convenience, complete beach gear is provided (beach chairs, snorkel equipment, beach towels, sand toys,umbrellas). In addition, all new linen is provided.

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Underwater photos

Since 1959 A-1 Scuba & Travel Center has been the Ultimate Scuba, Snorkeling and Travel Resource for Divers. View photos taken on various trips and events from the Denver Downtown Aquarium. Photos by: S Taylor

SPINNER DOLPHIN EXPEDITION - LEEWARD COAST OAHU

Since I was a kid I have always been intrigued by dolphins. I have watched numerous films, been to several marine parks and even thought about becoming a marine biologist with the emphasis on marine mammals. I always thought that I would fork out the usual 3 to 5 hundred dollars it takes to go on a dolphin tour and get to snorkel with them in their own environment and get to see them from a far from the surface of the water. On May 27, 2011 "those" thoughts and plans were put to shame. We started cruising the Leeward Coast at about 8:45am and headed to Kaena Point. When we got to the point we spotted a pod. Probably about 10. We tried to anchor down but the waves were too rough. Our buddy Johnny wasted no time and dove in trying to catch the pod. He saw them but they were skittish and swam away. To be honest ... the waves and the current were so strong there that without scuba gear it would have been darn near impossible to swim with that pod. So we decided to head back toward Waianae. Just after passing the Waianae Boat harbor I noticed that there was a small tour boat and some kayaks on the water in Pokai Bay all converging to one spot. I told our captain, Jeff, "I think there's a pod over there..." So we whipped around to just outside of the bay ... anchored down ... geared up ... jumped off the back of the boat... and swam toward the group. Sure enough ... there was a pod of spinners hanging out in the bay ... playing and relaxing. Before the end of the adventure I ...

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Scuba Diving & Snorkeling : How to Use a Snorkel

A snorkel is used by placing one end in your mouth, threading it through a snorkel mask and letting the open end stay above the surface of the water. Use a snorkel to investigate a variety of sea life with helpful advice from the owner of a Miami dive store in this free video on snorkeling. Expert: Valerie Kevorkian Contact: www.tarpoondivecenter.com Bio: Valerie Kevorkian (NAUI 12041) opened the PADI 5-Star Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center at the Miami Beach Marina in 1997. Filmmaker: Paul Muller

freediving 11 yr old

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Gulf of Mexico Beaches

Planning to try out your favorite beach chair at some of the most popular and well-liked beaches in the world? Some of the most beautiful beaches in USA are along the Gulf of Mexico coast line. Included here are details to three of the most beautiful, relaxing and stunning beach destination vacations or fantastic staycations you can visit with lots of activities and adventures to choose from while traveling.

Gulf Shores, Alabama - If you want to relax and spend some time by yourself or with your loved ones or just simply want to get away from the bustle of everyday life, the beaches of Alabama are ideal for you. Take your sunscreen, beach towels, and cooler with you and let's head south. The informal and relaxed atmosphere of this southern city is all you need to rejuvenate your soul. Singles, families and couples love a trip to the Gulf Coast of Alabama to rest and also take in the activities this beach has to offer. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, are beach towns in Alabama where you can find a treasure trove of exciting activities.

Gulf Shores is located at the southern end of Interstate 59 in Alabama, also known as a good place for an extended family vacation. The white sand beaches seem to always be a favorite place to play, sit back and relax, or take a long walks. Gulf Shores is tourist oriented with many souvenir shops; specialty shops, beach restaurants, hotels and apartments, and all of these are within walking distance from the beach. The adventure activities are endless with jet-ski rentals, parasailing, go-cart racing, and don't leave out zooming down the chute in Waterville, United States. Later on when you're ready to eat, relax, this is the South. Don't leave out the Hope Cheesecake after the seafood. There is always something fun to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Texas - Our furry family members have become much more than just a member of the family that hangs around the house. We want these "children" to join us on vacation as well. With the economies up and down state, family vacation has become an even bigger priority as we see the need to reconnect away from the stress of everyday. Now if you want to travel with your pets, then I'm sure that the beaches in Texas are the ideal ones for you. Fortunately, travelling with pets nowadays has become much easier. This is good news for pet owners and their furry children across the country.
You will find many south Texas beaches are pet friendly. The lodging choices which offer open doors to pets are there for the asking. Detailed here are among those popular beaches in Texas that are pet friendly. Cole Park - an ideal destination for you, your family, and your pets. Situated in Corpus Christi, this beach has play areas for your kids, a fishing pier, and lots of sand than your dog will wag his tail at. Padre Island National Seashore - one of the most famous beach resorts in the country with over 800,000 visitors every year. The sun, sand and surf are pet-friendly here as well. Leashes are necessary in some areas and always a wise choice in all considerations. Stewart Beach -situated in Galveston and very popular among families with their sand castle competition and they do allow leashed dogs. South Padre Island - one of the largest beaches in the country. They are very strict when it comes to cleaning up after your pet making this beach very a clean place to swim and play. You can find nightclubs, restaurants and shopping areas nearby.

Florida - The Florida beaches are consistently ranked as the best beaches in America. You're going to love their beautiful, pristine beaches, with soft white sand and turquoise and emerald waters. Florida beach lovers all have their favorite spot with no two in agreement. However the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are some of those popular beaches that you will want to visit. So get ready to walk barefoot and feel the sand squeezing up between your toes, while enjoying the surf crashing on the ground. Caladesi Island State Park - this state park is made up of natural islands along Florida's Gulf Coast. You'll definitely love their beautiful, white sandy beaches. They have a 3 mile nature trail, 108-slip marina, picnic pavilions, bathhouses, and playground and park concessions. St. Andrews State Park - well loved because of its clean white sands and emerald green waters this park has two fishing piers, a jetty and a boat ramp. Some of the activities you can do here are kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking and bird watching. Grayton Beach State Park - offers sugar white beaches, cabins, and full-facility campgrounds. Activities you can try are, sunbathing, swimming, surf fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Consider bringing your pets and a friend or three for relaxation, adventure and most of all sand when vacationing along the Gulf Coast. The hospitality of the southern USA is an experience not to be missed. Add to that the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches and you couldn't ask for a better place to park your beach chair than the Gulf of Mexico, US style!

How to be comfortable Snorkeling with Kapitol Reef Snorkels from Online Scuba

It was really nice to finally find a product that does what it says. We took it to Hawaii and it was well worth the investment. Pros: DRY, separated inhalation and exhalation made a difference; easy to purge while ascending. Cons: a little big, but light; small gurgle, but cleared easily by submerging and exhaling on the way back up. My wife and kids love it - I finally get them in the water snorkeling without the fear of sucking in water. Highly recommend.

To Pee or Not To Pee

The eternal question of wetsuit urination

If it hasn't happened to you already, it will. You descend to 15 feet, and you'll feel the sudden urge. You can't hold it. And there's no way you can get to a bathroom without spoiling the whole dive. So you consider - if I'm in the water, my urine will just dissipate and dissolve and disappear. Is it OK to whiz in the wetsuit?

The simple answer is "yes". Take a leak.

The truth is, there is no health risk to watering the neoprene. Many people do not realize that urine - unlike feces - is sterile, unless you have a urinary tract infection. It contains a lot of dissolved bodily waste (mainly nitrates), but poses no health risk to you. The only symptom of wetsuit whizzing is temporary warmth in your vicinity. But beware, if your urine is dark (a sign that it is probably strongly odorous as well), you might get a reaction from other divers, especially if they happen to swim through your "yellowish cloud of warmth."

As a frequent diver, your best strategy for dealing with this common situation is counterintuitive: drink more water. A hydrated diver can urinate in their wetsuit and their urine will not be dark or smelly. You have surely noticed the difference between your morning pee and your pee after (or during) a long night of drinking. Dehydration is very common, yet minimal dehydration is tolerated and goes unnoticed by most people because of the symptoms are fairly mild. If you are properly hydrated, your urine is clear and odorless. A practical diver should drink plenty of fluids the night before and the morning of a dive, to ensure adequate hydration.

You may hear divers joke about "warming the wetsuit". The warmth offered by wetsuit irrigation is comfortable, but temporary. Yes, when you pee you will feel warm initially, but in the end it will actually lower your overall body temperature.

You might notice that even though you relieved yourself before the dive, you need to go again when you get down to 20 feet. Why do you need to pee again? You may be experiencing a phenomenon called immersion duiresis: as a response to an increase in pressure, your body feels compressed and your kidneys start to produce urine.

Since you already rinse your wetsuit after each dive, you don't need to be concerned about odor from your underwater urine. An unrinsed wetsuit develops its lovely stink from algae and crud in the water, not from your urine. Tinkle away!

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Best of the Big Island in Hawaii

I will never forget the smell of plumerias after going to the Big Island! As soon as you get off the plane, you are engulfed by the lovely smell. The warm rays caressed my face while the gentle trade winds blew. At that moment I knew I had found paradise.

My mom is originally from Oahu, but moved to the Big Island in 1996. I have been visiting her regularly for the passed thirteen years. In that time I have learned a lot about the Big Island. I know where to look for lava, where to look for black sand beaches, where to find turtles, and how to find magical green sand. In this article I will be outlining the best features that the Big Island has to offer.

Getting There
The best way to travel to the Big Island is by plane. There are people who sail, cruise and even swim to the Big Island, but I recommend arriving by plane either to Hilo or Kona. There are a few airlines that I recommend when flying to Hawaii and two, in particular, I would stay away from at all costs. Hawaiian Airlines was established in 1929 and is the longest running airline that flies to and from Hawaii. They rely on their flight history, reputation, and loyal customers to stay in business. Hawaiian Airlines is generally on time and they provide sufficient customer service. Alaska Airlines has always treated me very well. They fly directly to Kona and Hilo from a number of cities on the west coast of the U.S., have noticeably more leg room, and best of all they provide a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or Mai Tai before landing, something that has become rare in domestic flights. If you are flying from Australia or New Zealand, Quantas and Air New Zealand are both reputable. If you are on a tight budget, look into Jetstar. Keep in mind that Jetstar is a pay as you go airline. The flights are very cheap because anything extra you have to pay for (i.e. blanket, soft drinks, head phones, pillows, food, and basically anything but the lavatory.) If you cannot fly directly to Hilo or Kona, then you will most likely fly into Honolulu and must transfer to an inter-island flight. When getting off your plane you will have to follow signs to the inter-island terminal (Use the wiki wiki bus! It will save you from a twenty minute walk in 80% humidity which you will not be used to yet.) The airline that I recommend for inter-island travel is Mokulele. They have impeccable customer service, their flights are always on time, and they still provide complimentary juice on the short flights.

IMPORTANT: When you book your initial flight, make sure you never fly United. For inter-island flights, never fly Aloha Air. These two companies have given me the most trouble out of any airline that I have flown in the entire world. The customer service is atrocious, the flights are regularly late or canceled, and both charge for checked bags. DON'T FLY THESE TWO AIRLINES!

Accommodation
There are plenty of hotels stay at around Kona and Hilo, but I recommend looking up homestays and vacation rentals online. These are usually private listings from locals who want to rent out their home for certain parts of the year. They tend to cost less than hotels and you can save by cooking at home. If you are backpacking, there are hostels in Hilo, Kona and Volcano. The Holo Holo Inn is the best for your money in Volcano. Dorm beds start at $17. Anyway, lets get to what there is to see on the Big Island!

Volcano National Park
Volcano National Park is located 30 miles west of Hilo on Highway 11. This is one of few places in the world you can see an erupting volcano. In 1983 Kilauea Volcano started erupting and has not stopped since. That is 16 years of continuous lava flow! In the park you can see a more recent surge at Halemaumau crater. Plumes of sulfur smoke rise up to 1000 feet in the air and the glow of lava can be seen from the famous Jagger Museum. Visitors can also drive down the Chain Of Craters, through historic lava from previous eruptions, down to where the lava meets the ocean. On the way visitors can walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, a 100m tunnel left behind by lava traveling under ground. Note: Sometimes the lava flow changes direction, creating an extremely long hike to see the flow into the ocean from the park. If this is the case, then ask a park ranger for direction to the Kalapana flow which is back down the road toward Hilo.

Punalu'u
30 miles further down the road from Volcano National Park is a black sand beach called Punalu'u (there are signs that lead you off the highway 1 mile). I absolutely love this beach! I don't really recommend it for swimming or snorkeling, it's just beautiful. When you get there, park your car take your shoes off and walk to the other end of the beach. Bring your slippers (sandals or flip flops) as the black sand can get very hot depending on the time of day. On your right you will see local kids playing in the water and waves breaking on the reef. To your left, there is a small merchant stand that sells water, snacks and souvenirs. Make sure to walk all the way to the end of the beach! This is where the Honu (turtles) rest. Note: They are more likely to be there in the morning hours. If you feel like taking a dip, watch out for rocks as the beach is not all sand in the water. If you have young children, keep an eye on them for there is a moderate undertow. To rinse off when you are done there is fresh water spring at the far end of the beach. The water is cold!

South Point
Continuing on toward South Point, you will pass a little town called Na'alehu. You have to stop at two places here. First is the Punalu'u Bakery. They have amazing pastries, including Malasadas, a traditional Hawaiian doughnut that is to die for. Across the street (near the field, public toilets and basketball court) is the Na'alehu Lunch Shop. They have ono grinds (good food), especially the fish burger if it is available. After you have filled up on lunch continue around 5 miles down the highway and turn off at the sign that marks South Point (12 miles off highway). Drive down about 12 miles and take an unmarked right turn as soon as the road flattens out and follow that to the end. This is the furthest point south in the U.S. It really is a magical place there. To be standing at the edge of America and literally be able to jump off it. I do when I go there. It's about a 30ft. jump into the ocean. It looks somewhat shallow, but I assure you its not. Probably about 30 feet deep. I don't recommend doing this unless there are other people jumping as the ladder up is very old and may no longer be functional when you get there. After you get your thrills from cliff jumping return to the road you turned off and take a right. Between one and two miles down the road is another pull out (unmarked as well - get used to this) where you can park. This is the entrance to the trail that leads to the magical green sand beach. If you have a four wheel drive, you can continue driving. If not, this is the end of the road for the car and you must walk. Continue toward the ocean. Right as you get to the shore, turn left onto a very, very rough road. Continue on here for about two miles until you arrive at the top of a very steep embankment. Park here and walk down to the beach. Note: For the walkers, make sure to bring lots of sunscreen, water, and sunglasses. This beach is great to swim and snorkel at. Enjoy!

Kailua-Kona
On the way to Kona you will see plenty of lava. There are few places worth seeing on the way. At Kealakekua Bay, there is a monument for Captain Cook. This is the location where the Hawaiians decided Captain Cook was not welcome and they murdered him. I highly recommend renting Kayaks and paddling across this bay. On the far side, where the monument is located, the snorkeling is extraordinary! If you are lucky, the Nia (dolphins) will be playing in the bay and you will get to see them show off!

Another great snorkeling spot before you get to Kona is Honaunau National Park. There is a fee to get into this park so have cash with you.

Kailua-Kona is the tourist town on the Big Island. If you are after night life, this is the town you will want to go to. Actually, it would be Honolulu, but because that is on another island, Kona will do. This is a good place to stop and eat, go shopping, use the bathroom, etc. I would park a few streets up Alii Dr., then walk there as parking is hard to come by without paying.

Hapuna State Park
Hapuna State Park is a beautiful white sand beach that is located about 30 miles north of Kona. If you and the family want a nice beach to spend the day at, this would be it. The only downside would be the crowds. It is a tourist beach and is often very crowded (for the Big Island). Bring sun screen and water. There are rentals shops that rent boogie boards, towels, and snorkel gear. This place is not very good for boogie boarding or snorkeling so I don't recommend renting here. The snorkeling will seem dull compared to Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay.

Waipio Valley
I saved Waipio Valley for last. This place is amazing! From Hapuna State Park, it is about a thirty minute drive to Waipio through the town of Waimea and Honoka'a. Most people don't get to see what Waipio Valley has to offer because two-wheel drive vehicles are forbidden to drive down the road. It is about a two mile walk which is not so bad, but the walk out is tiring to say the least. As you approach the bottom of the hill on your way in, turn right and continue until you hit the ocean. Waipio is the sight where the 1995 film Waterworld ended. The valley itself has steep cliffs carved out by millions of years of erosion. In the back of the valley a waterfall plummets toward the Taro fields. The river meanders through the valley running directly into the ocean. The black sand beach is about a mile and has horses grazing up and down the beach. Most of the land in the valley is private and due to the geography of the land, the horses can roam freely. You should not feed the horses! And be careful because they are known to buck. Waipio is known to be a great camping and surfing spot as well.

There is more to be seen on the Big Island than what I described. These are just some of the highlights on the Big Island. One of my favorite things to do is explore the island. I encourage anyone spending time there to explore and see what the island reveals to you. You will be amazed at what you will find. Safe Travels.

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"Schools of fish and soft coral" Georgeescape's photos around Coral Bay, Australia (travel pics)

Preview of Georgeescape's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: www.travelpod.com This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Coral Bay, Australia Entry Title: "Schools of fish and soft coral" Entry: "Day 79 to 81 -- September 5 to 7 Written by Stephen Coral Bay Day - 1 Up early yet again and off into Exmouth for a quick refuel and a little bit of food. Some people finally remembered it was Father's Day and I got a really great emu card and a block of white chocolate (all was forgiven). Suz Comment: Hard to remember what day it is when you are on the road. Headed south into Coral Bay with every intention of just spending a few hours there and then continuing on. However, when we arrived and saw what a beautiful beach it was and the weather was sunny, and importantly no wind, we arranged a night in one of the caravan parks. As it was fellow travellers the Freemans (who we had just spent three days in Cape Range with) also arrived and were about 6 campsites away from us so the kids were happy. We headed straight down to the beach and had a quick snorkel, not that good here as the coral is a bit bleached but huge snapper cruising the drop off past the sand bar -- they were amazing (more about them later). Someone on the beach advised that the snorkelling was better around the point in the next bay called Paradise Beach so we headed around there. On the way we ran into Gary & Steffi and also Pip, who we had ...

"Port Vila and Fatumara" Swatral's photos around Port Vila, Vanuatu (bon marche no 2 port vila)

Preview of Swatral's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: www.travelpod.com This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Port Vila, Vanuatu Entry Title: "Port Vila and Fatumara" Entry: "After Eratap we went down market and stayed at Fatumara. It was certainly down market and very tired. Nice location and close to town but it was a bit dingy and run like faulty towers. I swear the whole place was kept together by a rubber band, paper clip and piece of chewing gum! We stayed in the 2 bedroom back units and on our last night moved to the front studio unit which was much nicer. The back units are also very noisy from road traffic and the resident rat did not help things. If I went back I would stay at Paradise Cover and/or Hideaway Island. Port Vila istelf is a great town and the Vanuatu people are fantastic. Best exchange rate was by far at Goodies - Sydney airport offered 70 cents for a 100 vat. At Goodies we got between 82 and 84 for our dollar. What an Australian rip off. Bon Marche numbertwo (cannot remember the right spelling) was definitely the best place to shop - but don't miss out on the great fresh fruit and vegetables at the market - heaps cheaper and better quality then any of the supermarkets. Also lots more fun. I loved the supermarkets with all the French products - but for saving look for the locally produced products - much cheaper and just as good to any of the French, Australian and NZ ...

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Review of Kauai, Hawaii - Visiting the Lush Green Island With Kids

First Impression:
Arrival to Kauai (and Maui 2 years ago) was similar. The open design airport greeted me with only air-conditioning being the trade winds. This openness and fragrant air have brought the Maui memories back, and I knew that I was in Polynesia. We proceeded to the rental car, and found our hotel. It was already dark and opening the room window was scary - I could hear the roaring ocean but I could not see how far it is. I realized at that moment how remote we are, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Kauai climate:
Warm year-round with rainier period signifying the winter. The winter is generally Nov - April, and summer May - October. The temperatures are balmy, often not exceeding 90 F. Trade winds are enough to cool you down; hotels provide air-conditioning for those who like it really cold. There are many micro-climates from the wettest spot on earth being the top of a Kauai mountain with over 400 inches of rain per year, to a much more arid south and west parts. It can rain at any time and showers are quite enjoyable and warm. They tend to pass quickly in the summer months. Rainbows are common. Kauai rarely suffers a hurricane. Since Kauai is closer to northern storms, the winter surf is exceptionally high making it a surfer's paradise. Winter months are not good choice to visit northern beaches that could be closed due to safety issues. If visiting in winter, you should choose south shore that has calm water during this time. During summer, the northern part is pure paradise while the surf is higher on the south side of the island because the waves are the after-effect of the southern hurricanes.

Geography and waterfalls:
Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and its crater is a rainy meadow only accessible via a helicopter. The plentiful rain has carved the most impressive mountain range with very sharp peaks that are green with tropical vegetation. While the waterfalls are plentiful, they are often difficult to access, and the easiest way to see waterfalls is a helicopter tour - which we didn't do due to the cost. There are some smaller waterfalls that are easy to access, but almost all large ones require a very difficult hike.

Kauai beaches:
While Kauai names their beaches, I will have to argue this is just for the sake of being able to give directions to a particular stretch of sand. Kauai is all beaches on most sides of the island. They stretch for miles with Polihale being over 15 miles long. Sometimes beaches have different names but they are all on the same magnificently long stretch of gold sand... the testament of the ocean power. The Kauai beaches can be particularly dangerous with undertow currents, strong shore brakes, lack of beach guard etc. My disappointment was that although being magnificent, I was partly afraid to test these waters myself. After you talk with some local people you understand their respect of the ocean. If in doubt, don't swim! All Hawaiian waters contain sharks but the shark attacks are rare. In these pristine waters, you are much more likely to drawn than be attacked by a shark. The old Hawaiian saying is: "Never turn your back to the ocean." A rogue wave can form unexpectedly and pull you in. To be more relaxed select a beach that is protected by a reef such as: Ke'e, Tunnels, Lydgate, Poipu. The reef calms the ocean and also provides for colorful fish all around you; so don't forget a snorkeling gear. If you do, you can rent it in Kauai.

Kauai wildlife:
Hawaiian sea-monk frequently rests on Kauai beaches. I didn't get lucky to see one, but if you do, you are not to disturb them. Sea turtles are everywhere and can be seen while snorkeling or simply viewing the ocean. They like rocks and there are many on the south side. I was lucky to see a smaller turtle while snorkeling on the east coast in the Lydgate beach pool. Whale watching is popular during the winter months. There were no whales there in June as they travel each summer to their feeding grounds in Alaska. Kauai doesn't have any life-threatening animals such as poisonous spiders, snakes etc. The only dangerous animal is wild boar that lives in wilderness and is possible to meet if you choose some off the beaten path hikes. Ocean wildlife is magnificent - plenty of colorful fishes - I saw groups of thousands congregating and loved to swim into them as they would run away from me in all directions and re-assemble again.

What to do in Kauai:
This island is a nature-lovers paradise. You can swim, snorkel, scuba, fish, camp, hike, paddle, bike, sunbathe... anything that has to do with enjoying nature. This island has a ruling that the highest building cannot be taller than the tallest palm (this means max of 2-3 stories high). This keeps the development out of Kauai. The resorts have a hard time capitalizing building on expensive land if all they are allowed to do is 2 stories. This keeps the island very relaxed, low-key, with a lot of local flair. In comparison, Maui has too many resorts, many blocking the view of the coast and beaches. I side with Kauai on this one - why build a solitaire on a small tropical island - it is out of scale, disrespectful of it surroundings.

What not to do in Kauai:
There are hardly any places to go out in Kauai. Many say this is the place for retirees. Not much to do after sunset except dining at the restaurant. This is also not a place to go shopping as many stores operate on island hours - whenever! If you are not into nature, scenery and relaxing, this is not your island. Maui has a lot more of night entertainment and shopping, so if you have to have those things pick Maui.

My favorite 3 things in Kauai:
• Visit Koke State park and hike from the end of the road to see Kalalau Valley
• Spend some serious time in the surf town Hanalei and enjoy Hanalei Bay, voted the best beach in America!
• Visit backcountry and enjoy the scenery - Hollywood filmed close to 100 movies in Kauai with a good reason - scenery is magnificent! Movies filmed here are Jurassic Park, King-Kong, 7 nights-6 days, South Pacific, Indiana Jones, etc.

My favorite 3 things in Maui:

• Drive to the northeastern part of the island known as "Road to Hana". This is a very exciting, waterfall-ridden part of the island, and hike to a big waterfall.
• Spend some time on Kaanapali beach - the resort area that is manicured to perfection.
• Watch the sunsets that are plentiful as most development is on south and western parts of the island - perfect for sunsets!

Kauai people:

Kauai has very nice, most hospitable people I have ever met. There is a significant amount of homeless, and they are tolerated, even helped by locals. Kauai people are kind, calm and welcoming. Crime is almost non-existent. The only problems if occur are by the visitors to the island - some who come for construction work tend to drink on the beaches and harass tourists a bit. You will quickly know who is who. There is nothing to be afraid of. There is no animosity against tourist such as the case is in Maui.

Kauai uniqueness:

Here, you can drive all the way to the beach, make a campfire on the beach, camp on the beach... Kauai is uniquely free! The whole time no one ever warns you about anything - it seems like everything is allowed.

Hawaiian shave ice is a desert of ice covered with the sugary syrup in 30+ flavors to choose from. The little Hawaiian shave ice stands are everywhere and the cool treat is addictive to all generations. It practically costs nothing to make but they charge between $2.50 - 5.00 per cup, and people just love it. Young and old- everyone wants Hawaiian shave ice.

Chickens in Kauai are free. In fact, this is the world's largest free-range chicken coupe. I hear the chickens are fair game and pretty tasty. I met a boy who has a pet Chicken Joe. The roosters are annoying and can wake you up at any time.

In conclusion, Kauai is a beautiful corner of the world and part of United States. The only way to understand Polynesia is to pay a visit. Besides being so relaxing, it is also a patriotic thing to do, as Hawaii is now available at great discounts. In Kauai, you will forget about your problems, and the memories will be priceless.

Scuba Diving Naked!

Well I can’t honestly say that I have scuba dived naked, that is with no clothes on, the closest that I have come was accidentally flashing my girlfriend when I was avoiding a embarrassing moment in my wet suit on a particularly long dive in Hawaii; you see I had custom wetsuit that had a zipper installed that I told everyone was so that I could control the temperature by venting the suit at the junction of my legs, which everyone knows that has taken a cold weather survival class is the hottest area on your body. By the way it is a myth that you can warm up your wetsuit that way, all it does is make it smell bad and then no one wants to dive with you and all the fish will swim away as well, can you blame them!

I do like the idea of water that is warm enough to dive naked. I remember once being in water that was 25 degrees that would be Celsius roughly 70 degrees on the American scale and I thought that I was going to need to be placed in a microwave for 10 minutes to warm up, to say that I am a wimp when it comes to cold is grossly understated, I even drink my water with out ice!

I like the feeling of freedom that you get when you are skinny dipping, just kind of hanging out, if you will, in warm water, is akin to having a giant bathtub that you don’t use soap in, if you are the environmentally sensitive type, which most skinny dippers by nature tend to be. Before I do it though I am going to have to some questions answered like.

What about the fish, I wonder are they sensitive to this kind of thing?

Will the fish confuse the new things they are seeing with bait?

Jellyfish?

I am also having a hard time understanding the mechanics of scuba diving naked, where do you put the BCD jacket, do you carry it in your arms, or drag it behind you, you can’t really wear it or you are not technically diving naked right? Maybe they dive Hawaiian kind style with just a tank and a mask, and suck the air out of the top like in the old days?

I don’t remember any of this being answered in any of my dive books. Maybe you can help me out; if you have any pictures, please send them along so I can see and understand for myself what’s involved to make it a pleasurable experience. Thanks in advance for the pictures!

Cheap PROMATE Junior Snorkeling Scuba Dive PURGE Mask DRY Snorkel Fins Gear Set for kids, Pink, L/XL for $47.95 Promate

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Guide to Kiddie Scuba Fin Selection

In the age of the Internet, it seems that physical forms of recreation have been moderated by the thrills of a virtual gaming experiencing. Consequently, kids are becoming less attuned to traditional games that enticing them to sporting activities or a few minutes of exercise will prove to be a challenge for most parents. Apparently, the only way to sustain your child's interest towards active recreation is to introduce them to fun, water-bound activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving is now a favorite theme of many summer camps for kids or you could enroll your 10-year old with a local diving school to get trained for a junior open water certification.

Before getting your kids involved in any water sports, be sure to gear them up properly with the right scuba equipment to optimize comfort and fun. Wetsuits come in child sizes and so do diving masks. Scuba fins are no exception. Fins are the type of scuba gear that kids can't seem to get enough of; so better check out a few considerations outlined below before driving to the nearest scuba equipment shop.

1. 
   Comfort. Kids won't be enticed to love the sport should their scuba fins become a persistent source of discomfort.  Padded and easy to wear - these are major features to consider in the selection of underwater propulsion scuba gear. Moreover, the pair should neither be too loose nor too tight; so as much as possible bring along your child during the purchase and encourage him to select scuba fins that snuggly fit their feet.


2. 
   Durability. These are kids we are talking about. Thus, the subject of durability should form part of your decision. If you are expecting a longer serviceable life from the pair of scuba fins you intend to purchase for your child, make sure you are getting durable ones. The most durable scuba fins on the market are manufactured from rubber, reinforced plastic or a mix of said material components.


3. 
   Efficiency. Select a pair of scuba fins designed to provide excellent thrust and propulsion that won't entail heightened kicking effort from your kids. Indeed, you are enticing your child to be physically active, but then again you wouldn't want to wear them out with too much leg movement.


4. 
   Price. While fine tuned for improved performance, present day scuba fins are surprisingly inexpensive. In fact, you are bound to find a moderately-priced pair of durable and efficient scuba fins if you are diligent enough.

The above tips should help you get started on your purchase. Nonetheless, if you are still undecided, allow us to recommend the Kona Shoe Style Fins from the scuba equipment line of H2Oddyssey.  For starters, the pair comes in kiddie sizes that makes the Kona appropriate for kids and moms with extremely small feet. Outfitted with soft rubber foot pockets and only high grade materials, the scuba fins allow for optimum performance and user comfort; not to mention the advanced engineering methods employed in its manufacture. Furthermore, a pair of Kona Shoe Style Fins [http://www.scubasuppliers.com/site/1408308/product/F17] retails for less than $20; so what more could you or your kids truly ask for in a fin?

Best Snorkeling Mask - It's a Necessity For Snorkeling

Snorkeling is an activity that is best enjoyed and made safer with the right equipment and gear. If you think that masks are solely meant for scuba divers, there are also snorkeling masks meant for snorkelers, too. These masks provide ample protection for your face, nose, and eyes even when exploring shallow waters. They also provide assistance for breathing through your mouth so you won't have to resurface every now and then just to catch some air.

High quality is preferred
But the best snorkeling masks is not just something that you can buy cheaply because you need to make sure that it is made of high quality materials so it won't break easily and it won't come off when you are using it. The right snorkeling mask is something that fits snugly over your eyes and face while keeping the water out. They should also be comfortable to wear over your face. You should still be able to move your head without any restrictions underwater.

Durable but lightweight
The best snorkeling masks is also lightweight but durable, which means that it is not only comfortable but it won't break or warp easily. If you like swimming along strong currents or rough waters, get a snorkeling mask with polycarbonate lens that are stiff and designed to endure high pressures. The lens should also be shatterproof and waterproof to provide more protection for your eyes, nose, and face.

No allergies
The materials that your snorkeling masks is made of should also be non-allergenic. There are times when the rubber on the frame can irritate your skin especially if you wear your snorkeling mask for extended periods. In such cases, the best snorkeling mask for you is something that has a non-allergenic and soft silicone along the frames.

"Day Ten" Nwcreolelady's photos around Akumal, Q Roo, Mexico (coatamundi tracks)

Preview of Nwcreolelady's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: www.travelpod.com This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Akumal, Q Roo, Mexico Entry Title: "Day Ten" Entry: "Today we visited Xel-Ha, an ecological park for both kids and adults alike. We've never felt the desire to visit these places when traveling on our own, but with Sara as our travel companion we thought what better time to do this, plus we wanted to do something special with her. She was so excited because she was going to swim with the dolphins! It was tempting for us to do the same, but maybe next time. As soon as we entered the park we were impressed by the natural beauty of our surroundings and how well everything blended with the outstanding accomodations and ammenties. We put our things in lockers and lathered ourselves in sunscreen (biodegradable, of course!) and got Sara checked in for the dolphin adventure. We then went to a wonderful buffet breakfast - I usually "poo-poo" buffets, but this was wonderful! Now that our bellies were happy, we wandered on and found our way up the river, jumped on some inner tubes (which we later ditched) with our snorkel gear and meandered down the Xel-Ha river into the lagoon. The combination of the waters meeting sometimes creates a murky feeling and is not always easy to see. Still we saw lots of fish and Sara actually saw her first turtle swim right next to her! Lucky girl! We stepped out of ...

Fish Aren't Biting? Try Crabbing Instead!

If the fish aren't biting or you want a change from fishing then why not try crabbing? Crabs are delicious, easy to cook and great fun to catch. Below are 9 crabbing tips to help you catch some delicious crabs.

1) Target areas where crabs are located. Estuaries, rivers, inlets and bays are all prime places to hunt for crabs.

2) Choose which method you are going to employ to catch the crabs. Using drop nets works well but is best from a boat. It can work from a jetty or pier but is less reliable this way. Using scoop nets on the water edge is fun but the crabs you get will often be undersized. Diving for crabs is both fun and exhilarating but requires a bit of skill and patience.

3) As with fishing you need to choose the right time of day to go crabbing. Crabs feed first thing in the morning or in the evening at sunset. Crabbing in the middle of the day is likely to produce no results.

4) Carry the right equipment to catch crabs with. If you are using drop nets you will need long lengths of rope attached to each net. You will also need bait, bait hooks and sinkers attached to the nets. If you are scooping crabs, you need a scoop, a good pair of water shoes, a container with rope attached that can float to place your crabs in and a towel to cover the crabs you have caught. If diving for crabs you will need a wetsuit, snorkel and mask, and a thick glove. With all methods of crabbing you will also need to carry a sizing guide (usually a small metal bar) so you can measure the crabs to ensure legal sizes are taken.

5) Crabs will always try to pinch you so always be on guard. Thick clothing is good but is not always practical. The best way to avoid getting pinched is to stay vigilant. Try to pick crabs up from behind. You can either hold them from behind or hold them just below their pincers (holding from behind is the easiest).

6) On the car trip home, pick up some ice to make an ice slurry. Crabs will keep best in an ice slurry. It is also the preferred ethical way to treat crabs as they go into a paralized numb state from the ice. When cooking remove immediately from the ice slurry and place gently into the boiling water. Make sure the water is boiling rapidly otherwise the crab will take longer to die. Place the crab gently into the water to avoid boiling water splashing up onto your body.

7) If you plan on using drop nets you should always get the best nets you can find. There are basically two sorts. The cheaper versions are made entirely of string netting. The better versions have a chicken wire base. The chicken wire nets are only slightly more expensive but get far less tangles, are a lot easier to use and are more sturdy. Also remember with drop nets to retrieve the rope rapidly. If you go slow the crabs are likely to jump out.

8) If scooping crabs, try to approach with the scoop from the sides. Crabs will often evade you by swimming either to their left or their right. So pick a side and approach with the scoop from there. If you try to scoop from front to back or from back to front they will get away nine times out of ten.

9) If diving from crabs try to approach from behind. If you can, try to surprise them as if you approach from the front you are sure to get pinched!

Crabbing is a great alternative to fishing and is a lot of fun. Crabs also taste great and can be quite a challenge to catch. So why not use these tips and start catching some crabs today?

Get Revved Up In Daytona Beach

You'll be encouraged to start your engines upon arrival in Daytona Beach, but there's much more to do that doesn't involve fast cars or big crowds. There's the beach, of course, but even beyond that are multitudes of opportunities that will keep everyone in your group consistently engaged, amazed and stimulated. This multi-faceted destination is buzzing with activity, so consider a trip to Florida's Central Atlantic coast if it's time for a break from reality.

Begin with a little rest and relaxation in order to properly charge up your probably depleted batteries. Pick a spot along the more than 23 miles of fabulous beach, all of which are free and open to the public every moment of the year, and either settle in for a snooze in the sun, a reading session (you can finally get to that novel that's been gathering dust on your nightstand) or rent the necessary equipment to fully delight in the surf. This could be a jet ski, snorkeling gear, a boogie board or a fishing pole. The region is packed with parks and plenty of room to spread out, so look for your lost sense of fun along Atlantic Avenue or Oceanshore Boulevard - it's there waiting for you.

Brush the sand from toes and try to make yourself put some shoes on as you head back towards civilization. Not that theme parks, golf courses, tennis courts and flea markets are all that fancy or anything, flip flops and shorts should work just fine. Play some games with the kids, hop onto a go-kart, ride a rollercoaster and scream like you wish you could every time your computer crashes. The days during this trip will most certainly be sunny and bright in more ways than one, so take advantage of it and make a list of fun and fabulous places to visit. Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory comes highly recommended, as does Daytona Lagoon and Main Street Pier.

Like all families, everyone in the group has their own distinct interests, and it's okay to split up for a while to pursue them. For example, the Haunts of the World's Most Famous Beach Ghost Tour might be too scary for the little ones, and the Marine Science Center might not float everyone else's boat. Skydiving and sunrise ballooning will be for the adventurers, and the others may be perfectly happy to play beach bingo or stroll down the boardwalk. The point is, just as sure as everyone will scatter to the wind, they'll meet back up again (probably around meal time) to compare stories and celebrate the never ending play land that is Daytona Beach.

Chances are, if you're choosing to visit this particular destination, you have at least an occasional need for speed. That is, you're well aware of the racing influence on the local culture and have made the pilgrimage to the birthplace of all things motorsport to learn more about the hows, whens, wheres and whys of this crowd pleasing tradition. This urge can be satisfied by stopping by International Speedway, and if your thirst continues be sure to visit the Birthplace of Speed Park, the Living Legends of Auto Racing Museum, or the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Fill your entire day with racing; you know you want to, and this is the only place to do it.

The possible itineraries are far from being exhausted. Shopping for antiques, trinkets, bargains or the latest designer fashions could fill a couple days alone. Dining on all the wonderful culinary delights will make you wish you had room to handle at least five meals a day, and the nighttime offerings, from comedy clubs to coffee houses, will keep you revved up long into the evening. Continuing with the theme of accessibility and variety, you'll see that Daytona Beach really does have it all.

One more thing before you start packing your bags; don't forget to choose a Daytona Beach Vacation Rental that will complement the fantastic festivities of this trip. You and your family deserve to be lodged in comfort and style, so check out the amenity-filled condos, houses and ocean front properties in order to discover the one that's just right for you. It's out there waiting, so keep your eyes peeled as you surf online.

Your upcoming vacation should be restful yet exciting, supercharged yet laid-back. Daytona Beach has a way of encompassing all of these things, so consider crossing its finish line before too long.

The Lox performing 'Fuck You"

The Lox performing at BB Kings

Sailing the BVI? Don't Be a Dingy With Out Your Dinghy

In the British Virgin Islands, the sea and its many pleasures are never far away. Islands of all sizes dot the crystal blue waters, creating one of the world's most varied and beautiful sailing grounds. Dozens of charter boats from bareboats to luxury crewed yachts cruise the waters offering a myriad of ways for sailing the BVI. The many delights of visiting the islands' peaceful anchorages, beach bars and waterside restaurants are easily accessible, but unless you plan to swim ashore, you will need to use the inflatable dinghy that comes with your charter. By being smart how you use it, the dinghy can be a source of great fun while sailing the BVI.

Check It Out Before You Leave
If you have chartered a sailboat before, you know that an employee from the charter company will spend considerable time during the boat briefing going over your yacht, but perhaps make only a passing comment like, "Dis your dinghy, mon." Although in most cases, "dis dinghy" is fine, it can be extremely frustrating to be a few hundred yards from an onshore paradise only to find the outboard motor will not work or you have a leaky dinghy. Instead of ruining a perfectly wonderful vacation, it is a good idea to check your dinghy out before you leave the charter base.

The first thing to do is to start the outboard motor and make sure the engine is not faulty. Ask the boat briefer if the outboard has any quirks or idiosyncrasies you should know about before starting it up. Make sure there is plenty of gasoline in the tank. Although there are different kinds of dinghies in service, most charter companies in the BVI will use the inflatable type. Make sure it is properly inflated and that you have an air pump on the boat and know where it is. Other equipment you must have for the dinghy includes a small dinghy anchor, some sort of bailing bucket, and paddles/oars. Although not necessary in the BVI, padlocks and steel cables may also be supplied if you are in an area where dinghies can disappear. Check to make sure the painter is in good shape and not overly frayed. The painter is a long rope (usually plastic so it floats) that attaches to the bow of the dinghy and is used for either towing it behind your boat or tying the dinghy to a dock. It is also important to make sure there is some sort of safety line between the dinghy hull and the outboard in addition to the outboard clamps. Finally, before you cast off, make sure the outboard motor is securely fastened to the transom of the dinghy or on the motor mount in the aft of your sailboat.

Towing Your Dinghy
Before you do anything, make sure you remove all extra gear (like snorkel equipment, towels, sandals, etc.) from the dinghy because it will never survive the passage! Whenever you are casting off, docking up to a pier, preparing to pick up or drop a mooring ball or setting or raising the anchor, make sure to shorten the painter line so it will not foul up in the boat propeller while you are maneuvering. A good distance is to have the dinghy close enough that it almost touches the stern of the boat. Once you are free and clear of the dock, anchor or mooring ball, you can let the dinghy drop back approximately 10-15 feet behind the stern of your sailboat. The painter tends to be slippery because of the plastic coating. Therefore, it is very important to make sure it is properly and tightly cleated off with a cleat hitch. In addition, I usually like to take a couple wraps around the stern cleat once the hitch is complete. If you are underway, it is very important to never entirely remove the painter from the cleat. The drag from the dinghy moving through the water is tremendous and can cause severe rope burn on your hands. If you release the painter without having it attached, you can lose the dinghy. Not only is this embarrassing, but it can be extremely costly since a replacement dinghy can cost several thousand dollars. As an alternative to towing the dinghy, some boats have davits that hang over the transom. If you have never used one, make sure you get a lesson before you leave the charter base. The two main things to remember when using davits are: 1) make sure the dinghy is securely attached to the davits before raising it out of the water, and 2) never let the dinghy just drop into the water. It can not only flip, but it can cause extensive damage to your sailboat. Lower and raise it slowly and steadily from the davits!

In most areas of the Caribbean, the charter companies request that you remove the outboard engine from the dinghy while underway. The chop on the water shakes the dinghy so roughly that the outboard could simply rip apart the wood transom of the dinghy and sink. Removing the outboard motor, however, is no easy task. They are heavy and you can never be perfectly balanced standing in the dinghy or on the transom of a sailing boat. The key is to tie the dinghy as close as possible lengthwise across the stern of the boat. Have a safety line tied from the engine handle to your boat so that if you drop the engine in the water, you can recover it. If removing the engine from the dinghy, have a crew member stand on the transom of the sailboat and steady the dinghy. Lift the engine to the transom and have the crew member hold the engine in place (balancing it with the propeller resting on the transom) while you climb out of the dinghy and back onto your boat. Lift the outboard up and onto the engine mount found on the stern rail of most sailboats. Have the crew member hold it in place while you carefully tighten the outboard clamps to secure the engine in place. To move the outboard to the dinghy, do the reverse. I will not lie to you- it is a two person job! Fortunately, when sailing the BVI, the passages are so short, that the charter companies will allow you to leave the outboard on the dinghy. If that is the case, always tilt it up to the maximum position. If you do not, the outboard will act as an anchor and slow you down. Finally, whether the outboard is left on or not, when towing a dinghy, always keep checking it out asyou are at the helm. Make sure it is still there, that it is riding as smoothly as possible in the chop, and that the painter is secure.

Dinghy Basics
As the designated dinghy captain, use the painter to bring the dinghy as close to the transom of your sailboat as possible. Make sure the paddles/oars are in the dinghy. When you jump into the dinghy, try to jump straight inside it. If you have an inflatable dinghy, if necessary, you can step on the side tubes to get in, but be very careful-it is easy to slip and end up in the water or fall hard into the dinghy. It is better to just jump in. Bail out any water that has accumulated from your passage or a brief tropical rain shower. Check that there is enough gas in the tank. Pump the primer and then start the engine before casting off from the boat or dinghy dock - not after. If you do not do that and your engine does not start, you are going to have to paddle and that is not easy against the current. Run the engine at moderate rpms for a few minutes to warm up the engine. Ask the other crew members to jump in. Make sure all the crew weight is not on one side or in the aft part of the dinghy. Spread the load evenly and do not overload the dinghy. If anyone is not a good swimmer, they might want to don a life jacket. Have a crew member untie the painter from the stern cleat and pull it into the dinghy so it does not foul the outboard engine. While underway, remember you push or pull the engine tiller in the opposite direction you want to travel. Do not make a sudden change in direction without advising your passengers and make sure everyone is holding on.

Docking a dinghy at a dinghy dock is pretty easy. Approach the dock slowly. If it is a popular dock, you can carefully nudge you way into the dock by gently pushing the tied up dinghies to either side of yours. Most dinghy docks will have either cleats or a wooden rail to tie up to the dock. Using the painter, make sure you are securely attached. The first person climbs up on the dock and then holds the dinghy steady as the rest of the crew climbs out. Again, if the dock is higher than the dinghy, it is okay to step on the bow of the dinghy, but be careful not to slip! If you are in an area that you know is theft prone- and unfortunately they do exist- tie up your dinghy with a padlock and steel cable, including the outboard engine handle in the loop. If you are in such an area, the charter company will alert you to the situation and supply you with the necessary items. Fortunately, theft of dinghies or outboards is not a problem while sailing the BVI. Occasionally, however, local kids might go for a quick joyride. We have returned from dinner to find our dinghy securely tied up on the dinghy dock just a few spaces from where we left it. It was not that we were under the influence of rum drinks such as "Painkillers" or "Bushwackers", but rather kids being kids island-style. When leaving the dinghy dock, it is the same as leaving your boat. The dinghy captain is first on and the engine is started before casting off. Beaching the dinghy is also relatively easy, provided there is no swell or breaking waves near the beach. Approach the beach with some speed, but not too much. Have a crew member at the bow looking out for coral heads. As you get close to the beach, tilt the outboard up and kill the engine- coasting onto the beach. It may be necessary that one of the crew will have to jump into the water and pull the dinghy up onshore. When on the beach, pull the dinghy above the waterline. Tie the painter to a tree or use the dinghy anchor buried in the sand. If you use the dinghy anchor, before you take off, make sure it is secure and not dragging in the sand. Imagine what a bummer it would be to return to the beach for the trip back to your sailboat only to realize that your dinghy is adrift somewhere in the Sir Frances Drake Channel!

When returning to your boat, slow the dinghy down as you approach. Have a crew member gather up the painter, making sure it is not wrapped around anyone's feet. Point the bow of the dinghy straight towards the transom. Have the crew member jump from the dinghy to the transom and tie off the painter before killing the engine. If jumping onto the transom at night, be careful not to slip because the transom is often wet with humidity. Pull the dinghy in close and assist with disembarkation.

The Dinghy After Dark
There is nothing like a dinghy ride under the star filled skies of the Caribbean. There are just a couple of things to do to make it safe and comfortable. First, if you have had dinner ashore, the dinghy will be wet with humidity when you get back to it. If having wet bottoms bothers you, make sure to bring along a towel to wipe off the side tubes before sitting down. Second, if you are using the dinghy at night, it is very important to have a working flashlight with you. Have a crew member shine the light off the bow of the dinghy. This not only works like a headlight to show your presence, but it enables you to spot obstacles like mooring balls, fish pots, and anchor chains. In addition, it helps you to find your boat in the dark since many of the charter boats, especially in the BVI, look fairly similar at night.

Besides your actual charter boat, the dinghy is perhaps the most important piece of equipment you will use while sailing the BVI. By using some common sense, your dinghy can be a fun and reliable way to explore the beauty of the islands.

Caribbean Sailing Vacation: Nine Packing Tips

There is no finer way to truly relax than a Caribbean Sailing Vacation! Deciding what islands to explore during your sailing vacation is the hard part. Melody Delgado at ViSailing has plenty of suggestions to help you decide on the perfect vacation. Once your sail charter is booked, the next decision is what to take with you. Nothing can be easier than packing for a sailing vacation in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately, most first time sailing vacationers pack too much! With plenty of sun and sea, life on the Islands is very casual, and you really need very little. The following nine tips should help avoid over packing and ensure you have a great sailing vacation. The first thing to keep in mind is that storage space on a sailing vessel is usually limited and not conducive to hard-sided suitcases. Thus, strong duffel bags work best because they can be folded up when not in use. In addition, their size limits what you can bring. Most importantly, a duffel bag fits in the overhead bin of an airplane.

Too often, I have seen family and friends check luggage for an island sailing adventure only to have it not arrive. Islanders are laid back. As one friendly airline agent on Beef Island, BVI replied to my sister's inquiry about her lost luggage, "If it's not here, Mon, it's somewhere else." That somewhere else happened to be a round trip flight from Puerto Rico to Martinique and back before finally ending up back at her home in Wisconsin three weeks later. Thus, the first tip is to use a duffel bag and carry it on the plane! This avoids the stress of dealing with lost luggage. Before thinking of what to wear, there is something more important than how you will look - your travel documents.

The second tip is to put everything together you will need for your sailing vacation. These documents include your passport, as well as a copy of your passport to keep in a separate place in case your original is lost, and your charter package paperwork. Everyone taking a sailing vacation to the Caribbean is now required to have a passport. Once your sailing vacation is booked, Virgin Island Sailing will send you a confirmation packet. If you are chartering a bareboat and intend to travel to different islands, it is wise to bring additional copies of the crew list to facilitate the customs check-in process.

The third tip is that you do not need a lot of clothes for a sailing vacation. During the days aboard the boat, you only need swim suits and perhaps a cover-up. On shore, there are some finer class resorts and restaurants, like the Peter Island Yacht Club in the BVI, that require dress trousers and jackets for men and dresses for women. Most people on a sailing vacation prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The majority of island restaurants are casual. Shorts and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable, even for dinner. For a one week sailing vacation, you will need the following clothing items: 3-4 swim suits; 3-4 pairs of shorts; 7 t-shirts (plus whatever you buy along the way); sandals and walking shoes (either tennis shoes or boat shoes) which can get wet; swim suit cover-up; enough underwear for the week; sleepwear if others other than your spouse or partner are on the cruise; a light windbreaker for quick tropical downpours; a beach towel; and your personal toiletries.

It is also a good idea to have some kind of day pack or fanny pack that lets you carry money, sunglasses, passport, guide books, a water bottle, sunscreen or anything else you might need ashore.

The fourth tip is to make sure you have protection from the sun. The constant trade winds keep the temperature comfortable, but the combined effect of overhead tropical sun and reflection from both sails and water can cause severe sunburns on pale Northern bodies. It is imperative to have suntan lotion with at least SPF 15. In addition, do not forget sunglasses, a baseball cap or sun visor, and sunburn soothers.

The fifth tip is to not lose sailing vacation fun time because of small emergencies. Bring any prescription medicine in their clearly marked original containers to avoid any hassles at Customs. Always have enough medicine on hand for a couple of extra days in case of travel delays when returning home. Although most chartered sailing vessels will have a First Aid Kit aboard, make sure to bring a small pouch of band aids, antibacterial cream, aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers, seasickness remedies, anti-diarrhea medication, and a small can of bug spray. It is also important to bring along a small flashlight. Flashlights are great to have in your cabin in an unfamiliar dark boat, and are useful as dingy "headlights" when returning to your boat after a night ashore sampling tropical drinks.

The sixth tip is regarding water gear. Almost all of the Caribbean Islands have some place to snorkel. Most sailing charters either have snorkel equipment already on board, or it is available at the Charter office where you pick up your boat. Frankly, using a second hand snorkel is somewhat like borrowing someone else's toothbrush. If that bugs you, bring along an inexpensive snorkel.

The seventh tip is do not forget your memory maker. You will want to remember your sailing vacation and be able to share it with others. Bring along a digital camera as well as an extra memory card and set of batteries in case you are unable to recharge it. Keep you camera in a good, strong, waterproof bag because it can get wet while sailing. I found the perfect size bag at the local dive shop. A disposable or waterproof camera is great for kids.

The eighth tip is to include small items for free time either during an inter-island passage or in the anchorage. These items can include playing cards, paperback books, and CDs since most sailing charters have audio equipment aboard. Although your sailing vessel will usually be equipped with a set of binoculars, most charterers like to bring along their own because it is always fun to check out your neighbors in the anchorage.

Finally, the last tip is to bring along Zip Lock bags in several sizes. They are good for keeping important travel documents dry, for putting damp swim suits in before placing in your luggage, for separating clean from dirty laundry, and most importantly, wrapping up that bottle of rum you bring back stateside so it does not leak in your duffle bag. Remember, however, that if you do have that bottle of rum, you will need to check your luggage. You can not carry bottles of liquor onboard the airplane anymore.

No matter what your destination is on your Caribbean Island sailing vacation, there are three things in common - there will be lots of sun, lots of sea, and you will be living on a sailboat.

If you need more suggestions on how to pack, Follow the above tips, your life onboard will be easy and safe, and most importantly, it will be one of the most relaxing and fun vacations you will ever experience!

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Best Costa Smeralda Beaches

Cala Capra

Cala Capra is one of the most famous of the many beautiful Palau beaches and is a little less than two miles from Palau town. In my view this is the best of the beaches for families with young children. The shallow crystal clear seas and well sheltered bay of this peninsular make it a great place for toddlers and small children to splash and paddle around safely.

Budelli

Budelli is a little island, part of the Maddalena archipelago, and is home to some of the loveliest beaches in all of Sardinia.

The Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach)is the most beautiful of the island's beaches. The pink sands and the myriad hues of the incredibly translucent sea make this beach an unforgettable one.

The warm waters around the island are incredibly good for snorkeling, in my view this is the best snorkelling in the area and it is one of the best snorkelling spots in all of Sardinia.

Spiaggia del Principe - The Prince's Beach

Perhaps the most famous Costa Smeralda beach, this is another great beach for kids with shallow waters and sands lapped by an incredible turquoise sea. Although this beach is good for children I would rate Cala Capra better, this beach though is not only for children but also for those wanting a romantic spot of almost Caribbean like beauty.

If you enjoy snorkeling, I love it myself; this is a good beach although you will need to bring your own gear, there is not much in the way of beach facilities either to hire equipment or to eat anything.

The half moon crescent shape is divided into two by some rocks which older kids will enjoy exploring.

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Finis Z2 Swim Fins Video Review

To buy & for more info: www.scuba.com This demonstration video discusses and shows the features of the Finis Z2 Swim Fins. The Z2 Fins are perfect for swimming laps. The smaller blades make legs work harder without overloading the muscles; while the increased surface area on the underside of fin resulting in greater propulsive force. Also available for kids, see below to order. To purchase scuba gear, scuba diving equipment & snorkeling gear visit www.scuba.com

Barceló Maya Tropical Beach Resort ~ Pools Pools Pools

Barcelo Maya Tropical Beach Resort ranks high on our favorite list of Riviera Maya all inclusive resorts. Although the resort is great for all types of vacations, it is especially great for families. From a beautiful sandy beach with clear shallow water to kid's water parks this is one of the best Riviera Maya family all inclusive resorts. Music: Electro blues by Alexander Blu creativecommons.org

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Vacationing in Florida

Travelers hungry for a change of pace but who prefer to stay within the United States will find Florida to be a natural choice. With 1,100 miles of coastline and a peninsula filled to the brim with theme parks, natural wonders, and night life, the sunshine state is a treasure trove of vacation delights.

Beginning with the obvious, the beaches in Florida are a major attraction. They range from remote and isolated to popular and packed with sun-seekers, and many offer diversions such as surfing, shelling, and celebrity-seeking. Rugged stretches of sand are great for exploring and picking up sand dollars, while more manicured areas offer the best sun tanning around. No matter which area of the state you plan to visit, there will certainly be a place to kick of your shoes and wade into the nearby surf.

While you're near the water, be sure to save some time to squeeze in some fishing. Florida boasts that it has the best fishing in the world, so pack up the tackle box and see if the title is deserved. Or, if you prefer to observe rather than catch, put on your diving or snorkeling gear and head to the nearest reef.

In the interest of the kids, and the kids we used to be, nowhere else compares to Florida when it comes to the number and diversity of available theme parks. Disney, which includes the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom, certainly deserves some time. And don't forget about Sea World, Universal Studios, the Kennedy Space Center, or any of the numerous water parks that dot the land.

Golfers will find themselves in a veritable heaven, as courses seem to occur naturally and every day of the year is fit for enjoying 18 holes. There are over 1,000 golf courses in Florida, many of which are designed by the biggest names in the sport. In other words, don't forget to pack your clubs.

If you come alive after the sun sets, you'll find plenty of exciting prospects in places like Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West. Seafood restaurants, dance clubs, and a variety of shows make the nights in Florida fly by. Before you know it, dawn will be breaking as you return to your room with a head filled with music and memories of a state that truly knows how to have a good time.

If you want to ensure that you'll have a comfortable stay during your sunny adventure, be aware that Florida is filled with vacation rentals of all shapes and sizes. Many of these properties contain all the amenities of home and make it easier to avoid the pitfalls of long lines and cramped quarters sometimes associated with vacationing. So whether you aim to be near a beautiful beach or the fantasy lands of Orlando, the perfect vacation rental is waiting for you.

After you have decided what is important to you when it comes to choosing a place to stay, be it location, special features, or size, visit HomeAway.com for the widest selection of Florida Vacation Rentals.

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Read more reviews or write your own at OceanEyeCandy.com See the whole review at oceaneyecandy.com Corals and reef fish big and small are now abundant around the submerged portions of the brick walls of the fort. There a lot of really big fish here. We saw tangs, Stingrays, Barracuda, parrot fish, and wrasse. The coral growth on the walls was great. On the walls there a smaller critters like green crabs and hermit crabs. Florida key west snorkeling coral reef sea turtles tortuga oceaneyecandy the keys scuba artificial reef kids best beach vacation snorkel diving snorkle tropical cheap vacations snorkel kids kids snorkel gear mar caribe family friendly snorkel vacation ocean eye candy eco-friendly eco tourist timeshare crocodile Yal-ku Yalku snorkling french angel fish Yankee freedom II national park

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Spare-Part Kit For Scuba Diving

Nothing is more frustrating as missing a day of diving because something insane like breaking a mask-strap and having no replacement. A small spare-Part Kit isn't expensive and doesn't take a lot of space in your equipment bag but you minimize the probability of missing out on dives due to minor equipment problems like a broken Mask-strap.

Make your spare-kit by collecting the sundries that are most likely to wear out and break at the worst time. Store them together with a view tools in a moisture proof container in your equipment box or bag. Here a list for you to get you started:

1.) Fin straps - Have a pair of them, if one breaks, the other one is usually not far behind. If you carry two fin straps you should replace them at the same time.

2.) Mask strap - Carry a "fabric/Velcro" type in your spare kit. Those are "universal" and fit virtually all masks.

3.) O-Rings - carry some different types of O-Rings on a key-ring, better a carabiner, so you won't lose them, don't squeeze the O-Ring (like it can happen with a Key ring) and have fast and easy access.

4.) Silicone lubricant - Silicon grease is better than spray. Use the grease very sparingly. A small container will probably last you your whole diving career or until you lose it.

5.) Pliers - Better a plier-tool like a Leatherman or similar

6.) Adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, hex-keys

With gaining experience you might add items to your scuba diving spare kit. If you have more space in your spare box, add some motion sickness medication, sunscreen (well sealed in a separate plastic bag) and some band-aid to it. Those are no spare-parts but very useful and you really don't want to be without them, even your dive-operator should have a first-aid kit always with his group.

Carrying those items with you is saving you and your dive buddy from the disappointment of a canceled dive. Control them frequently to insure all parts are in good and usable status.

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Top 7 Snorkeling Gear

7. PROMATE Snorkeling Scuba Dive Semi-Dry Snorkel Fish-Eye Mask Fins Gear Set www.amazon.com 6. PROMATE Snorkeling Scuba Dive Scanner Mask Fins Dry Snorkel Gear Set w/ Mesh Bag www.amazon.com 5. Promate Snorkeling Scuba Dive Mask Snorkel Gear Deluxe Set www.amazon.com 4. PROMATE Snorkeling Scuba Dive Dry Snorkel Mask Deluxe Gear Set www.amazon.com 3. PROMATE Snorkeling Scuba Dive Panoramic PURGE Mask Dry Snorkel Fins Gear Set www.amazon.com 2. PROMATE Snorkeling Scuba Dive DRY Snorkel Mask Gear Set www.amazon.com 1. PROMATE Snorkeling Scuba Dive DRY Snorkel PURGE Mask Gear Set www.amazon.com

"La Jolla: Home of the best-dressed tramps" Soloflyer's photos around La Jolla, United States

Preview of Soloflyer's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: www.travelpod.com This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: La Jolla, United States Entry Title: "La Jolla: Home of the best-dressed tramps!" Entry: "This morning I took a little drive around San Diego before I decided to go down to La Jolla - sort of like the Laguna Beach of San Diego (I mean this in a touristy way), only a little bit more populated (with apartment buildings) and lesser beach space, as the shoreline was mostly made up of cliffs extending all the way to the water. The one cove I found with a strip of beach was heavily occupied with sunbathers and snorkelers, but I was able to grab a spot just enough for me to plop on my back and attempt a California tan. There seemed to be a lot of snorkelers in the water, which compelled me to rent my own snorkel gear for $20 for 3 hours. Could've saved me the cash if I knew I was going snorkeling in La Jolla, as I had my own diving gear back in Mission Viejo. Nothing much to see but kelp, garibaldi (big orange fish), and lots more kelp, though visibility was pretty good. The water was freezing cold but since I already paid for my gear rental, and seeing that even little kids were frolicking around in the water, I sucked it up and dove right in, fighting my urge to shriek and run hopping back onto shore. I packed up and left before dark, as I still planned to stop by the outlet stores in Carlsbad ...