#Snorkeling Tours Near Me

[casualmondaycharters]

Eco Boat Tours - Casual Monday Charters

What is an eco friendly boat?

An eco-friendly boat is designed and operated with the intention of minimizing its environmental impact. This can involve various aspects, including the materials used in construction, the propulsion systems, and the maintenance practices employed.

Key Features of Eco-Friendly Boats

Sustainable Materials: Many eco-friendly boats utilize materials that are renewable or recycled. For example, some boats are made from flax fiber or incorporate recycled plastics in their construction 1.

Alternative Propulsion: Eco-friendly boats often use electric motors or hybrid systems that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Electric boats, for instance, are becoming increasingly popular, with some companies offering 100% electric models.

Energy Efficiency: These boats are designed to be energy-efficient, often incorporating solar panels or other renewable energy sources to power onboard systems.

Eco-Friendly Maintenance: The maintenance of eco-friendly boats emphasizes the use of non-toxic cleaning products and environmentally safe antifouling paints. Traditional antifouling paints can harm aquatic life, so alternatives that are less harmful are preferred.

Waste Management: Eco-friendly boating practices include proper disposal of waste, including sewage and graywater, to prevent pollution of waterways. Boaters are encouraged to use facilities that treat waste responsibly.

Conservation Practices: Eco-friendly boating also involves practices that protect marine ecosystems, such as avoiding damage to coral reefs and seagrass beds, and being mindful of wildlife 2.

Conclusion

In summary, eco-friendly boats represent a growing trend in the boating industry that prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship. By utilizing innovative materials and technologies, these boats aim to reduce their ecological footprint while still providing enjoyable experiences on the water.

[mauimagicsnorkel]

Maui Magic Molokini Snorkel Tour

Welcome to Maui Magic Molokini Snorkel Tour Wailuku. The unique design of the Maui Magic allows access to destinations that other boats can not. We explore more of the coastal waters around Maui, Hawaii allowing you to see beautiful tropical fish, colorful corals, Spinner and Bottlenose Dolphins, Green Sea Turtles and even seasonal Humpback Whales! Along the way, you get to explore Maui’s dramatic coastline that only a few boats travel to! Get a chance to watch Spinner Dolphins and Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins ride alongside the boat (when Mother Nature permits). We also choose a second spot where you can often snorkel with turtles. Weather always dictates our snorkel sites but destinations include: Molokini, La Perouse, Pu‘u Olai, a spot with turtles, Olowalu, and Coral Gardens.

[mauiclassiccharters]

[ahiddenpath]

I’m Back from Vacay/Life Update/Writing Update

Gonna getcha up to date on Hiddenland beneath the cut!

Vacation

I returned from the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas yesterday.  We were there for 5 days.  I’ve never been, and I’ve also never taken a “do nothing” vacation, so it was an adventure, lol!

We stayed near Red Hook in an air B&B.  The internet basically persuaded me not to try a resort, citing crowded resorts, lack of privacy, etc- also, a lot of resorts don’t really provide easy access to a beach.  Our unit had its own pool, which was a huge selling point...  But unfortunately, it was fed by ice cold spring water.  Literally, when we hurt our feet, we put them in the pool to reduce the swelling.  So...  Well, I was disappointed by that.

But the beaches were stunning, with turquoise water that you could walk into- it was fairly warm, I mean, not “ooof ughh coldcoldcold!”.  I guess the trouble was getting out, since there were constant breezes on the beach, enough for kite surfing in some places.  

So if you know me, you might know that I have anxiety and that I’m...  Busy brained?  I was so antsy the first day of the trip, thinking-  Is this really fun?  Wouldn’t doing something be better?  But after about three hours of sitting on the beach, my brain flipped off like a switch.  I never felt like...  “Ahhhh, so relaxed.”  Actually, I don’t know if I’ve ever felt that.  But my brain did go quiet, and I read three books in five days, lol.

We also went on a turtle snorkel and sunset sailing tour.  We did see one green sea turtle, and thank goodness, because snorkeling in St. Thomas was nothing like snorkeling in Hawaii, at least not where we went.  In Hawaii, there’s always something to look at, all kinds of colorful fish.  In St. Thomas, I saw one turtle and a handful of sea stars.  The sailing was nice, though- I’ve never sailed before.

I also got horrendously sunburned the first day.  You know how it is- that first day, I’m all cute in my swimsuit, feeling great.  The second day, I’m wearing a swim shirt, swim trunks for ladies (truly the best thing ever), swim socks, a hat, sunglasses, and visible regret.  Seriously, I really hurt myself, I was in agony.  I applied and reapplied the heck out of my 50 SPF sunscreen, too, so I’m pissed.

If you want more details, let me know, because I learned a lot on the trip about vacationing in St. Thomas.  Overall, I’d say it was a nice lowkey experience, but damn the sunburns and the ice pool were upsetting.  

Also, my shy cat recognized me right away when I came home, which was a relief!  On my last trip, she treated me like I was a stranger wearing a Hidden suit for a few days x_x

Life Update

I feel like I’ve just been...  Adjusting?  To a new life?  The last few months.  I can say that my new job really is a mental health improvement over the last one.  I also get paid more- like appreciably more, and it turns out that this also reduces stress (who knew, right? /sarcasm).  But it is still a huge adjustment, and I’ve already found some of the new problems in the new place (mainly that they are hiring more people than they have space for, and they just... keep... hiring and telling us to deal with it however we want).

I’ve also been focusing on health, particularly exercising and reducing my resting heart rate.  I already reduced it by 2 bpm in about 6 weeks!  Taking better care of my physical self truly is possible, like in quantifiable ways (which makes my scientist brain happy).  It just helps to have small, manageable goals, and to focus on health rather than weight.

Writing News

So for most of camp digimonth, we had daily 45 min sprints for our writers and artists on the discord.  It was really fun to create together, and I’m so proud of everyone!    

I hate to say it, but I basically wrote or finished two new chapters, and barely touched my nanowrimo draft.  I also completed an artwork and am mostly done with another.  Er- basically, I did a lot, but also not...  What I...  Thought I would?

Soooo I am thinking that updates to PdA will start again in late February or early March, to give me more time to make a ready-to-post content buffer.  

And on that note, I’m going to go write!  Much love, mwah!  I hope you’re all doing amazing.

[touristattractionstovisit]

Fulidhoo Island – For an Exciting Maldivian Holiday

Fulidhoo is the island of dreams with pristine white sand beaches, exotic marine life and water with the brightest shades of blue. It is a very small island in Maldives lying in the Vaavu Atoll away from all the hustle bustle of the mainland. The island has the right elements ideal for repose as well as indelible adventures. So if you are looking for an affordable Maldivian vacation with authentic local island experience, then this is for you. 

We spent 4 days in Fulidhoo in last December and let me tell you, it is much more beautiful than what you see in the photos. And the experiences are absolutely out of this world.

Why Fulidhoo?

Maldives has a good many local islands and it may seem difficult to choose one or two in a time-bound trip. So to make your decision making easier, here are a few reasons why we chose Fulidhoo. 

Fulidhoo is conveniently located, just over an hour speedboat ride from Male Airport. This helps to save both time and money.

Even being closer to Male, it has not grown too touristy (like Maafushi). Here you can find seclusion without compromising on comfort.

Accommodation in Fulidhoo is reasonably priced and is pretty decent. You can stay in a place with sea view without burning a hole in the pocket. There are also some properties in the island that provide affordable luxury.

Fulidhoo has amazing marine life. You can spot Sting Rays, Sharks, Fishes etc near the shore itself. The snorkeling spots are just a short boat ride away.

The island offers a plethora of activities and adventures to choose from. The accommodations and diving centres in the island cater to that. So you can easily spend days without getting bored.

Things to do in Fulidhoo Island

Kayaking

Start your mornings with a bit of Kayaking in the crystal clear waters of Fulidhoo. This is a good way to burn some fat and digest your breakfast. Also, rowing the kayak in the limpid water glittering in the sun is absolutely exhilarating. And the best part is it is a free activity. 

The accommodations in the island provide the Kayak for free (for an hour) and life jackets too. Go for it even if you are a non swimmer and did not try Kayaking before. We did it for the 1st time after a little instruction from our guest house guy and it felt pretty simple since the water is not choppy.

Dolphin Watching

Fulidhoo’s waters are home to large number of Dolphins and so the chance of spotting these beautiful creatures is very high. Though there are special tours available for Dolphin watching, there is a good chance that you may spot them as part of the Sandbank excursion. We were lucky to spot a large pod of (almost 30-40) Dolphins passing by on our way to the Sandbank. It was such a delightful sight as we never had the chance to see so many Dolphins together.

Snorkelling Trips

There is nothing like snorkeling in the Maldivian waters with abundant marine life. The best way to see this marine life is to take one or more snorkeling trips. For snorkeling, different points are available in Fulidhoo like Shark Point, Coral Garden, Turtle Point and Shipwreck site. Our accommodation offered us a trip including Shark Point and Coral Garden and both were absolutely amazing.

I recommend not missing the Shark Point where you can swim with many Nursing Sharks. The thrill of being in water so close to these majestic creatures (sometimes they even brush past you) is an experience like no other. Also, the Coral Garden is a great place for watching beautiful corals, colourful fishes and if you are lucky, then you can see some turtles too. We also spotted 2 Manta Rays on the way to the snorkeling point.

Read the full blog post here: https://theroamingshoes.com/2023/06/fulidhoo-island-for-an-exciting-maldivian-holiday/

[hazygrains]

November 23 – 26, 2022 - Pt. I

At long last, Asis and I finally visited El Nido, Palawan from November 23 to 26, 2022. The whole family was initially supposed to go there in 2018. We already had our tickets, but due to budget constraints and other unknown reasons, we, siblings, and our partners decided not to go. My parents were the only ones who got to travel at that time. Another time was in 2020, when the pandemic upended everything. And finally, after two years, we were in El Nido, all thanks to my sister, who booked and gifted us these promo round-trip tickets ( ´ ▽ ` ).｡ｏ♡

Technically, we stayed in El Nido for only two days. The other two days were meant for travel time, to and fro. It was honestly exhausting to have to spend a day just to get to your destination. So time-consuming, but what can mere peasants do? We’re not wealthy enough to fly directly to El Nido.

Nov 23, Wednesday – We left home around 9 am, and arrived in Puerto Princesa around 3 pm. Thank heavens, the flight was smooth, no delays. But damn, we were overwhelmed when we got to NAIA Terminal 4 airport. It was extremely crowded, with tons of delayed flights, making it one of the worst airports in the world. Buuuut yea, it was really nice to ride an airplane again. We don’t always get to air travel, so being up in the sky is somewhat special to me. I'm truly amazed at how vast and beautiful the world is from a bird's-eye view. Being up in the sky always makes me feel tiny, like a speck of dust. Such a strange and amazing feeling.

Anyhoo, we rode a shared van when we arrived in Puerto that would transfer us to El Nido. The ride usually took 5 – 6 hours, but since we had to wait for other passengers, it took us 8 hours more or less. There was also a stopover where we had our dinner. We were also surprised at how nice the roads were in Palawan—much better than the roads and highways here in the metro. Must be nice to actually see proper outcomes to where our taxes go (」°ロ°)」 So yup, we arrived at our Airbnb at almost 11 pm.

The Airbnb I found was nice and cozy, just a room with a co-shared kitchenette and bathroom. It was close to everything, but at the same time, it was far from the noise and crowd. Our host, Jhustine, was accommodating and responsive as well.

Nov 24, Thursday – We booked a shared island tour A with APE Tours, as it was the most popular one and recommended by Jhustine. Although it was a bit more expensive compared to other agencies, it was worth it. We arrived just in time at the meeting place with 17 people in our group. The boat was nice and pretty big, with an upper deck. The tour inclusions were light breakfast, lunch, light snacks, beverages, free photos captured during our island-hopping experience, use of life vests, masks, and snorkel, environmental and entrance fees to the sites, and fun and professional crews. The weather was nice that day with only a few brief showers and drizzles. We even saw a rainbow near the rock formations, which was magical. I also learned how to properly use a snorkel, although I was panicking at times due to the presence of many fish. I just made sure Asis was near me or other tourists while snorkeling. They also played beach volleyball on our last island stopover. The tour ended around 5 pm, and it was a wonderful experience being basked in the beauty of El Nido. Grateful to be there. ♡

After our tour, we returned to our Airbnb, freshened up, and got hungry again. We checked out Jhustine’s clear book of rules and recommendations and chose Gibu’s Bulalo Plaza because we were both craving broth and seafood. Their food was cheap and delicious! We also explored the area and found streets full of busy restaurants, pubs, and shops, almost feeling like we were in a foreign country. There were foreigners everywhere, with only a few local tourists. We came across a Ukrainian brewery that served craft beers—IPA and stout. We stayed there for a while, and Asis finished his beers. We also got to watch a FIFA game between Uruguay and South Korea, which was fun as there were Uruguayans in the pub cheering loudly for their team. Afterward, we went back to our temporary home and called it a day. ♡

[suckitsurveys]

Where do you see your ex in 5 years? I don’t care about those people so I am definitely not thinking about what they’ll be doing in ten years.

Does your last ex have a job? Like I said, I don’t care.

Would you be interested in starting your own business? Ehhhhhh.

Do you find guys with facial piercings attractive? Eh. It’s not a deal breaker but it’s not a turn on.

Have you ever gone snorkeling or scuba diving? If yes, what’s the coolest thing you’ve seen? No.

What’s your favorite filling in chocolates? Caramel and/or nuts. Peanut butter is good too.

What, in your opinion, is the most disgusting part of the human body? Genitals are pretty creepy looking in general hahah.

Do you have slim or chubby fingers? They’re in the middle.

Have you done anything lately that you instantly felt was a mistake? I’m not sure.

Pencils: mechanical or traditional? Mechanical for sure.

Are you into anyone right now? Tell me about them? Use this space to say something to them. I’m into my husband, lol. He’s teh sweetest, funniest person on the planet and treats me like a princess. I love him so much and I appreciate all he does for me.

Do you cook and/or bake? What is your specialty? It’s not something I do very often, but I love making “cold” dishes like guacamole, deviled eggs, and potato salad.

Have you ever felt trapped in a relationship? In friendships, year.

Are you attracted to any nationality more than others? Nope.

Do feet creep you out? No, but toenails do.

Do you have a sexual fantasy? What is it? Uh huh.

Do you like the band Satyricon? I’ve never heard of them.

Is it wicked hard for you to sleep when its hot in your room? Aww what Bostonian made this survey? Anyway, yes.

What is your favorite thing to do with your best friend? I love just being near them.

Are you easily offended? Nah..

Have you ever acted as tour guide for friends/relatives from out of town? Yeah.

Do you feel bored with your life? Yeah, in some ways.

What’s the most weight you’ve ever gained from a medication? I haven’t.

How old were you the first time you encountered God? I’ve never believed in god.

Are you married? Yes.

What was the best date you’ve ever been on? The first date with Mark.

Do you feel free to post how you feel on Facebook? Sure.

Which stereotype do you fit the most? I don’t know.

Who were your favorite celebrities as a child? Tina Fey was one of them.

Did you go to prom? Yes.

If you could rewind time ten years, would you? No.

What is the last song you played on repeat? Guess ft Billie Eilish by Charli XCX.

Do you own a CD player? Not anymore.

[umichenginabroad]

Week 8: 2 months down, 2 weeks left

Hello again! 

I have no idea where the time has gone, but I have officially been here for two months! This place has truly become a home-away-from-home, yet it still feels like I just got to Sorrento. With that being said, I am definitely missing the people back home and am starting to feel ready to get back. 

This past week I explored a nearby island, hiked the top of some mountains, and swam in Mediterranean sea caves. I still have a trip to Vienna, Austria and Rome on the books, as I am determined to see as many places as I can before I leave. Last weekend, I went with a friend to Ischia, an island just off of Naples. There was a ferry going from Sorrento at 9:30am and returning at 6:30pm, the perfect time for a day trip. While Sorrento and Capri (another, very famous, island in the Bay of Naples) are very, very touristy places, Ischia is where local Italians go to vacation. We could definitely tell the difference when wandering around; Ischia was less crowded and felt more authentically Italian then Sorrento. We had a nice relaxing day on the island, first exploring the Aragonese Castle (first built in 474 BC!), then grabbing a sandwich and swimming at several beaches along the coast. I made good use of my snorkel mask and got pleasantly sunkissed–pretty much a perfect day in my book.

(Pictures from various lookout points of the castle)

Monday through Wednesday went by without any issues, just the normal class routine. On Thursday I was supposed to have an archeology class field trip to Herculaneum and Oplontis (two smaller ruins created in the same eruptions as Pompeii), but unfortunately my professor had to call out sick, leaving me with an unexpected free day. I had heard from some of the other students about a cable car just a few train stops away that takes you up one of the mountains surrounding Sorrento, complete with several hiking trails and panoramic views. I decided to go check it out and am very glad I did so. It was wild how quickly the environment around me changed when going up the mountain; palm trees and colorful seaside buildings turned into pine trees and wood cabins. The views were stunning and it was even a bit cooler at the top (a much welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat we’ve been having). I hiked around the top for a while, took in the view, then enjoyed some gelato before heading back down.

(First and third pictures from the panoramic lookout spot on the hike showing the coastline of the Bay of Naples, second picture of a cabin-style restaurant with trees)

The next day, I set off on my last solo adventure to Lecce, a small city in the heel of Italy and nicknamed the “Florence of the south” due to its history and Baroque-style architecture. One of my trains got a little delayed, but nothing terrible. I enjoyed walking around the city for the afternoon before getting back to my hostel to get some sleep. On Saturday I took a bus about an hour south to the coastal town of Santa Maria di Leuca where I booked a boat tour for the afternoon (one of the best choices I’ve made). I had some time to kill before the tour, so I meandered along the beach and went swimming for a bit along the rocky coast. I was fascinated by how different the coastline was on the other side of the country. There were cool rocks, tide pools, and shell beaches compared to the smoother, volcanic sand beaches of Sorrento. 

When the time for my boat cave tour came, I met at the company’s stand near the docks along with people from all over the world. We got divided into smaller groups to fit on the boats and turns out, I was the only *exclusively* English-speaker of my group, requiring the staff to print out a written description of the caves, as the guide on my boat only spoke a little English (his English was much better than my Italian so I still appreciated the effort he put in). In the end, it didn’t make too much of a difference as I still had a fantastic time. I love being on boats and the coastline was beautiful. To put the cherry on top, we even got to jump off the boat a few times to swim in the caves! I wished I had an underwater camera because I could hardly believe my eyes at some points. One of the caves, Grotta Dello Spruzzo, you could only enter by swimming underwater to an air pocket. Surfacing inside felt like entering another world as everything was illuminated bright blue due to the sunlight filtering through the water under the entrance. With some of the other caves, you could swim in one entrance and come out a completely different opening. I honestly could have stayed there for hours snorkeling in and out of caves, but sadly the tour did have to leave at some point. I took the bus back to Lecce without any problems, grabbed a bite to eat, and promptly fell asleep. 

(Pictures of three caves from the boat tour)

The next morning, I checked out of my hostel and set off into the city. I was taking an overnight train back to Sorrento which didn’t leave until 10pm so I spent the day going to museums, looking at churches (they were literally around every corner), and wandering around some parks. Turns out, there is an ancient Roman amphitheater in the middle of the main city square that is only half executed; the other half is sitting under a busy street with a church and restaurants! It is still mind-boggling to me that ancient ruins are so commonplace over here that they used to just build over them.

(First picture shows the Roman amphitheater, half uncovered and half under the busy street. Second picture of one of the many ornate churches, and the third picture showing another church down a street)

The overnight train was uneventful and I even made it back to Sorrento in time to take a power nap before my physics class! Overall, I had a great time in Lecce and an even better time on the cave tour. I truly can’t believe I only have a few weeks left, but I am excited to share with you what adventures the last weeks are sure to bring.

Ciao,

Marika Ruppart

Mechanical Engineering

Engineering in Sorrento, Italy

[adrenalinetours]

Tour operators near me Dominican Republic | Adrenalinetours.net

Discover the Thrill of Dominican Republic with Adrenaline Tours

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Dominican Republic? Look no further than Adrenaline Tours, your premier guide to adrenaline-pumping experiences and cultural exploration in this Caribbean paradise.

Why Choose Adrenaline Tours?

At Adrenaline Tours, we pride ourselves on offering unique and exhilarating experiences that cater to all types of adventurers. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, nature enthusiast, or cultural explorer, our diverse range of tours ensures there's something for everyone:

Adventure Activities: Dive into the heart of adventure with activities like zip-lining through lush rainforests, off-road ATV tours along rugged terrain, and exhilarating white-water rafting on the island's rivers.

Natural Wonders: Explore the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic with tours to breathtaking waterfalls, serene beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, and hikes to panoramic viewpoints offering stunning vistas.

Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Dominican Republic through guided tours of historic cities like Santo Domingo, visits to local markets and artisan workshops, and encounters with friendly locals eager to share their traditions.

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Adrenaline Tours, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Our experienced guides are not only knowledgeable about the local terrain and culture but also passionate about delivering a memorable experience tailored to your interests. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or in a group, we ensure every detail of your journey is meticulously planned for a seamless adventure.

Book Your Adventure Today

Ready to experience the Dominican Republic like never before? Visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about our tour packages, special offers, and customizable options. Let Adrenaline Tours be your gateway to thrilling adventures and unforgettable memories in the Caribbean's gem, the Dominican Republic.

Don't wait – the adventure of a lifetime awaits with Adrenaline Tours. Start planning your journey today!

[shenspen]

Travel Writing: The Degradation of Jamaica's Coral Reefs

Experiencing Jamaica the way a tourist experiences her is a privilege that I will never take for granted. The most beautiful beaches we have are no longer available to the public as the majority of them are privatised, and the ones that are left have fallen victim to the wrath of environmental degradation. It was my mother’s birthday, so my family decided to celebrate with her at Sandals Dunn’s River, and I must say I was quite excited to take a break from reality and simply relax for a few days. The property was immaculate, and I made the most of all the amenities that were available. When I found out the resort offered free glass bottom boat tours, I naturally took advantage of this and went on the tour with my family. 

It was my first time ever going on a tour like this, and my family happened to be the only Jamaicans on this tour. As a matter of fact, we were probably the only Jamaicans at the resort, aside from those who worked there. It is such a shame that some of the finest things our island has to offer are too far out of reach for the average citizen. The tourism industry is one of Jamaica’s biggest, yet locals hardly ever get to experience it. The tour guide spoke to us with a fake American accent, which swiftly turned to Patios after he realised we were Jamaican, and he went on to tell all the other workers on board that we’re Jamaican, and they all reacted as if seeing locals was rare. 

After about an eight-minute boat ride that left me on the brink of becoming sea sick, we made it out to the area where we were supposed to see corals; it was nothing that I could have possibly imagined. I expected to see an array of tropical fish every colour of the rainbow and a vast area of coral like what I’ve seen in National Geographic documentaries, but instead both the corals and fish were sparse. The coral that I did see looked as if they were holding on for dear life, and in some areas I saw signs of coral that had died due to bleaching. Bleaching occurs when corals die because the water gets too cold, and climate change is to blame for this. Coral happens to be made up of highly sensitive creatures called polyps and they don't survive if their environmental conditions are not optimal in accordance with their needs.

Apart from environmental factors as a result of climate change, which wreak havoc on our marine ecosystems, human activity directly plays a huge role in the degradation of our marine environment. Improper fishing practices, like using dynamite, destroy coral and kill fish of all shapes and sizes. By not regulating what fish is caught and killing even the fledgling, the population is bound to dwindle. Not to mention the effects that tourist activity has on our marine environment. Hotels and cruise ships alike have been caught dumping harmful waste into our seas, and tourist boats have been known to destroy coral by not being mindful of where they drop their anchors. The mere thought of this makes me feel guilty at the thought of participating in activities that cause environmental degradation. 

An old couple spoke about coming to Jamaica 10 years ago for their anniversary, and they snorkelled in a nearby area, and they said the reefs were pristine. Another couple from Australia spoke about how, in only two years, they have seen significant damage to their local reefs. This goes to show that catastrophic damage can occur in very little time. I think the conversation surrounding our disappointment at seeing how vulnerable our marine ecosystems are, set a quite sombre tone for the rest of our boat ride. It was almost as if we were mourning what future generations may never see.

Yes, the crystalline Caribbean waters was a sight to behold, as the blue Jamaican waters are incomparable, but it was so hard for me to enjoy my short voyage after noting the horrid effects the activity of man has imposed on our marine ecosystems. I live in fear that, in the near future, such ecosystems will be a thing of the past that we will only ever see on television. A trip that was supposed to be enjoyable ended up being horridly enlightening in the best yet worst way ever, as my eyes have been opened to the potential fate that may be bestowed on our marine life if some changes aren't made soon. This has led me to wonder: "What can we, as individuals, do to protect our marine life?"

[casualmondaycharters]

Snorkeling Boat Tour Key West - Casual Monday Charters

Discover the vibrant marine life of Key West with a snorkeling boat tour by Casual Monday Charters. Perfect for all skill levels, our guided tours provide high-quality gear, safety, and an unforgettable underwater experience. Book now and explore the stunning coral reefs and diverse sea creatures in the crystal-clear waters of Key West. https://casualmondaycharters.com/sandbar-anchoring/

[polwarth]

Week 3 Summary

Below the cut is a summary of week 3 in Aotearoa

Started this week off by relaxing at a local beach for about five hours. The temperature did not get above 82f, I think, and the water was cold. Quite cold. I still got super sunburnt all over my back. The peel is nearing the end of its cycle now. Have you ever been burnt so bad it keeps you up at night with the pain? Now I have and it sucked. Thankfully there was only one full night of pain. Now I gotta make sure to only go to the beach when I know I can get someone to sunscreen me where I cannot reach..

In addition to getting burnt I also went to Synthony in the Domain, saw Fat Freddies Drop live, and had a pretty good time. I think I'd like to see Fat Freddies Drop again in a different setting.

On Valentines day I went to the late entry zoo event and learnt quite a bit about some animals mating habits. For those wondering there were no live demonstrations.

Most of my time is spent wandering the greater Auckland area looking at things and taking photos at parks/reserves as the mood strikes, then taking public transit back. However, I'm starting to feel a bit stuck. Most of the locations I've been going to have been over an hour on the bus to get to - so I've been looking into renting a motorcycle, or perhaps scooter, to get to further locations. Tonight is my first time reading up on the traffic laws here, so I don't plan on getting on two wheels this week.

Upcoming plans? Kayak and sailing tours around the islands in the gulf. Maybe even some snorkeling if I can find a place that rents the gear.

More next week!

[whereareroo]

LAST DAY IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS









WF UPDATE (2/4/24).

Today will be a milestone day for me. I’ll cross the equator twice in the same day! All in all, we’ll cross the equator four times during our sea adventure. When our sea leg ends tomorrow, we will have traveled 286 miles in the waters surrounding the Galápagos Islands.

Our trusty boat is about 150 feet long. She’s 30 feet wide. She can operate in water as shallow as 9 feet. She’s not fast. She’s capable of 10 mph, but we usually travel at about 8 mph. The slow speed makes for a smooth ride.

We traveled overnight, and when we woke up today we were anchored off the island of Isabella near an area called Punta Vincente Roca. We were anchored about 40 yards from cliffs that reached heights of 150-200 feet. At 8:00 a.m. our guides had us in the zodiacs for an amphibious tour of the cliffs.

The most famous bird in the Galapagos is the Blue-footed Boobie. It looks like a skinny seagull with big blue feet. Everyone is always talking about Blue-footed Boobies. Folks with perverted minds make sexual jokes about them.

During our other stops, we’ve seen a handful of Blue-footed Boobies. The goal today was to see a ton of them. There’s a large population on Punta Vincente Roca. We saw a ton of them from our zodiacs. They sit on little rock outcroppings all over the cliffs. We also saw fur seals at the base of the cliffs, and iguanas climbing the rocks.

At 9:30 a.m. we jumped back onto the big boat to put on our wet suits and grab our snorkeling gear. By 10:00 a.m. we were snorkeling. The goal was to see sea turtles. We saw 10 or 12 of them. We also saw a wide variety of fish. The highlight was a pair of big sea lions. They were swimming about 10 yards from the cliffs. They’re beautiful and graceful creatures. I was able to swim within inches of them. I don’t swim with sea lions every day.

After lunch and some rest, we were back in the zodiacs at 2:30 p.m. We zipped across the water to a famous island called Fernandina. It’s famous for marine iguanas. No other island has a larger population of marine iguanas. These critters look prehistoric. They look like a combination of a dinosaur, a dragon, and an alligator. The babies are about six inches long. The big ones are three feet long. We walked all over the island looking at these strange animals. From a distance, it looks like you’re approaching a pile of rocks. When you get closer, you see that it’s a pile of iguanas. We saw thousands of them. It’s a strange scene.

The island was also crawling with red crabs. We’ve seen them elsewhere too. They look like regular crabs, except they’re bright red. Because of their color, it’s very easy to spot them. I asked one of the guides why, for purposes of protection, these crabs hadn’t evolved towards a more neutral color. Isn’t that what evolution is all about? Wouldn’t the crabs have a higher survival rate if it wasn’t so easy to see them? The guide said that, unlike most other crabs, there was no reason for these crabs to evolve towards a neutral color. In the Galapagos, the only predators are iguanas and hawks. They don’t eat crabs. This crabs survive very well even though they can be seen from a mile away. Evolution works in strange ways.

We just got back from dinner. In the dining room, our table has become known as the “laughing table.” We’ve enjoyed great meals with our friends, and our meals have been filled with wonderful and loud laughter.

Our trip ends tomorrow. Overnight, we sail back to our starting point near the small Galapagos airport. By tomorrow afternoon, we’ll be at a hotel near the big Quito airport. The next day we fly home. All good things must come to an end.

I don’t know if I’ll be in touch with you during our trip home. If not, let me thank you for joining us on this adventure. I hope you had fun. We did.

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Thursday 10th August

Well woke to another beautifully warm and breezy day. The temperature only changes by a few degrees between day and night (26 to 23) humidity this morning is 80% but the trade winds are making it feel pleasant and are gentle not howling. I kept the aircon on overnight mainly because of the humidity, used earplugs to avoid noise distractions and had a generous glass red with dinner. Result was an excellent sleep and I am back on track😁. It is so relaxing sitting on my balcony/veranda looking at the sea in such lovely weather. Although not sure I would enjoy the wet when Chris told me it is 110%humidity and average 2 metres rain (last year they got 5 1/2 metre!)

Yesterday I asked about playing golf (the course is lovely and worth just walking if don’t play). You can hire clubs and pay course fee at Tourist bureau but there is no buggy. I was too tired yesterday to follow it up but will go back today and feel what the weight of the bag is and use that to determine if I play. Will hopefully also go and spend some time at a couple of the places Chris showed me yesterday and get some photos. Today I am on a Nature walk with Chris and some others for about 4 hrs which will make up for my rather sedentary past few days. They do get mossies here but they don’t carry any of the usual tropical diseases they do on the tropical mainland. No snakes I think he said but lots crabs!

COMMENT: although this is an island and hence you would expect lots beaches there is in fact very few due to the land dropping off in vertical limestone cliffs to the ocean. There are 2 beaches on one side but very rough this time year and best swim is near the main settlement at Flying Fish Cove. It is not a particularly inviting area surrounded by the working harbour and reef. It has a fairly high salt content I was told so floating is easy😁.Although it is a snorkelling paradise and fairly shallow. The other surprise for an island is that fish is not available in large amounts as it can only be caught by line fishing. There is no professional fisheries.

Other surprising thing was NBN which I mentioned earlier. I am going to make the most of internet and mobile coverage here (no data on your mobile though as apparently it is only 2 or 3g here). Once at Cocos (this Tuesday) there is no mobile coverage and only odd Wifi hotspots on the island. So no posts etc!

Also if you think Australia Post is slow on the mainland it is diabolical here. The tourist bureau told me a postcard posted Priority post from here will take 3 weeks to Perth and 6 weeks normal post if you are lucky😏.

Water here is fine to drink but the calcium levels must be high as you can see the build up on everything and very quick build up. Also like all seaside places they are always chasing metal and wood damage from salt.

You could be living in Asia with a few expatriates around rather than an Australian territory. Everything about the place is Asian influence from the style of shops, food, product,odd roads tha run in strange places with potholes and dust and hearing Asian languages.

Apparently the average age of visitors is mid 60’s which they hypothesise is because it is expensive to come and to live, there are no adventurous sport or activity beloved of younger people other than diving and snorkeling both of which can be expensive and no real beaches or surfing etc that would justify the expense. No clubs or night life .Also most people haven’t heard of the islands.

PM(I wrote a lot but lost it to the universe so here we go again)

Just got back from the Nature Tour. We had over 4hrs walking in the forrest at different locations and seeing and hearing about the fauna and flora. Specifically blue,red and Robber crabs(called coconut crabs some places), various birds,scorpions (whose bite can cause extreme pain for 3hrs to 3 weeks I think he said. We didn’t see them just heard but scarily they have been found in shoes and laundry baskets so not always in the forrest). I also need to correct a couple of erroneous pieces of info I gave. There is one venomous snake but can’t bite humans as it can’t get its mouth open enough to inject venom. Also the bird with the split tail is a Frigate bird.

We also went on a great board walk that took us view what seemed to be an endless coastline of blowholes. Pretty scary when you hear this sudden huge roar and then the geyser even when you know they are there. Just unpredictable. When I can I will download a whole lot of photos but even here with some WIFI I am not able to reliably load photos. All other nature related information has gone out of my head! I don’t seem to remember it as well as I do social history😁.

[indtravels01]

Explore the World: The Essential Guide on Tour & Travel Packages with Jaipur's Best Travel Agency

Introduction:

Are you a passionate traveler who fantasizes about exotic locales and captivating adventures? If you answered yes, you're in for a treat! We will take you on a voyage around the world of travel in this blog, highlighting the greatest tour and travel packages and introducing you to the top travel agency in Jaipur. So buckle up and get ready for an incredible journey!

1. Introducing Jaipur's Best Travel Agency

When it comes to holiday planning, selecting the appropriate travel agent may make all the difference. One agency stands out above the rest in the colorful city of Jaipur, a treasure mine of historic treasures and cultural delights - "IND Travels" IND Travels has acquired the status as the best travel agency in Jaipur, catering to all of your travel needs and producing experiences that will stay with you forever.

Why Choose IND Travels?

IND Travels knows that each visitor is unique, as tends to be their travel plans and tastes. Whether you choose a calm beach holiday, an exciting adventure, or an immersed cultural experience, they have a package suited for you.

Personalized Itineraries: Goodbye, cookie-cutter itineraries! IND Travels' staff creates specific vacation programs based on your interests and needs. Through their skillful touch, your fantasy holiday becomes a reality.

Expert Advice: From the moment you contact IND Travels until you return home, their team of travel specialists will be there to help you. You'll have a dependable companion every step of the journey, from recommending the greatest places to offering useful travel ideas.

Budget-Friendly Options: IND Travels believes that unforgettable travel experiences do not have to be expensive. You may see the world without exceeding your budget thanks to a variety of low-cost packages.

Safety and Comfort: Their primary concerns are your safety and comfort. Rest assured that IND Travels takes all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and pleasurable voyage.

IND Travels moves visitors throughout the world.

Now that you understand why IND Travels is the greatest travel agency in Jaipur, it's time to explore the amazing tour and travel packages they provide. Here are several of their best-selling products:

Majestic Himalayan Adventure: Travel to the Himalayas, where snow-capped peaks, calm monasteries, and lush valleys await. This action-packed trip appeals to both excitement seekers and environment lovers.

Mesmerizing Rajasthan Delights: This culturally rich package allows you to experience Rajasthan's imperial history. Admire the splendor of old forts, savor delectable Rajasthani food, and immerse yourself in vibrant local culture.

Tropical Paradise in Andaman: If you want sun, beach, and crystal-clear water, this Andaman package is for you. Discover gorgeous beaches, spend time snorkeling among the coral reefs, and enjoy the serenity of this tropical paradise.

Cultural Extravaganza in Varanasi: Travel to Varanasi to experience India's spiritual core. Experience the soul-stirring atmosphere of this hallowed city by witnessing the enchanting Ganga Aarti and strolling through old passageways.

Finding Travel Agents Near Me

If you're not in Jaipur but want to experience IND Travels' greatness, don't worry! They have a network of reliable travel agencies all throughout India. Simply search for "travel agents near me" to discover the nearest operator and start on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The Last Thoughts

In a world full of delights, seeing new places and encountering different cultures may be profoundly transformational. IND Travels, a leading travel agency in Jaipur, is just a phone call away from achieving your trip ambitions. So pack your luggage, put on your explorer's hat, and prepare to make experiences that will last a lifetime.

Best wishes!