Diving at the Great Barrier Reef

 

It doesn’t matter what the skill level, either a well-seasoned diver or snorkeler or just a beginner to the hobby, the Great Barrier Reef offers some amazing dives and the chance to see some of the most beautiful marine life in the world. The reef itself is 2,300km, there is plenty of room to spare for anyone looking to enjoy everything this stunning natural wonder has to offer.

It is only possible to reach the dive sites via boat trip. Those who are beginners or novices to the craft will be taken to the shallower, calmer waters leaving the deeper waters for those who are experienced divers. This doesn’t mean that the dives are any less breath-taking, it is purely for safety reasons. The option to learn how to snorkel is there too for those who do not like putting their head under water. No-one needs to miss out on seeing first-hand the amazing ocean life in and around the reef.

Regardless whether visitors are staying on the coast or on one of the many islands, dive spots are no more than about an hour away, and excursions are offered daily.

South American Adventure Holidays

 

Anyone considering an adventure holiday should really think about going to South America. The area alone is so diverse that just holidaying there could be considered an adventure, but for those who really want something different there is a wide range of options.

  • The Lost City of Choqueuirao is just as amazing as Machu Picchu, but much less touristy, so it is possible to enjoy the fortress built by the Incans with much less hustle and bustle from crowds. The view of the Vilcabamba Range of mountains is also stunning.
  • Angel Falls and Venezuela’s Lost World should not be missed. The Angel Falls are the worlds highest waterfall, and perhaps the best way to see them is by a flight over, either small plane or helicopter ride. The ‘Lost World’ is very dense jungle, like something out of the movies.
  • Equador, although small has so much to offer the “adventure seeker” . The Avenue of Volcanoes is not for the faint hearted, the climb takes stamina but the views from the top is well worth it. It is also possible to take a hot spring bath, a great reward for reaching the top.

What is Scuba Diving?

 

Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities for holiday makers who want to do something more than just lie on a beach. Millions of people have tried it, with many of them taking courses and obtaining certification. Most people try it just because they are fascinated by the world under the sea.

SCUBA stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. The air that is used in the tanks is compressed air and it is the same as the air that we breathe outside. It is part oxygen, part nitrogen and also contains some other gases. While many people believe that it is actually oxygen, it is not because that would be dangerous.

Scuba diving is done with a tank of air on the back and use a variety of other pieces of equipment. The idea is that people can dive to reasonable depths and spend a while under the water.

The gases are also one of the reasons why people need to be very careful when they come back up to the surface as they can lead to conditions such as decompression sickness. It can actually be fatal and this is why it is important to be trained to dive before you start diving.

Even though scuba diving is very enjoyable it should never be done alone. Divers should always have somebody with them. For those who are new to diving or only do it recreationally, the depth of the dive should be no more than 40 metres. Further training is needed for those who want to dive deeper.