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stingray-stories · 3 years ago

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Day 20 7/17/2021

“ “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky. ”

-Michael Scott

I thought I’d start this entry a little differently. This is a quote that I sort of live by and thought I should share with you. You probably have never heard it, but it’s by a very inspiring paper salesmen from Pennsylvania( ;) Hehe another Office quote). Anywho…

This morning we did some computer work in the lab since it was pouring rain and we didn’t feel like getting soaked! After it cleared up, we tested out the smart shell protocol for the little hermie crabs (that’s not a typo I like calling them that) by testing the GPS functionality in certain settings (open space, closed canopy, dense canopy). We had to do a little trouble shooting, but it worked well in the dense canopy so that’s good news. On our walk to test the GPS, we checked on one of the “natural nursery” on North Beach. The natural nurseries are a way to test whether planting seeds in readily available spaces like the beach or an open part of the forest is a viable option. The ones at North Beach are at a veryyyyy cute stage right now. Nice and teeny tiny. Following a chill morning, I had a ginormous salad with greens, beans, sautéed veggies, and my favorite nutritional yeast dressing. Much yum! In the afternoon, we went out with Fish and Wildlife to the refuge yahoo! I got to wear my brand new shiny fancy clothes. We took a lagoon boat and Fish and Wildlife took their boat, the Guardian, to Paradise Island to check on our blue gray noddy decoy colony. For anyone just tuning in or if I didn’t explain it, decoy colonies have been set up around the atoll to attract birds that are no longer nesting or visiting Palmyra. At Paradise, we snagged the camera’s SD card to see if we caught any new birds and got a nice tour of of the small island. After the tour, we headed to a super fun snorkel spot at Penguin Spit. There, we did a crown of thorn sea star (COTs) survey. Crown of thorns can be very damaging to the reef as the scrape along them and eat everything in their path. Luckily, we didn’t see any. We did, however, see a lot of corallimorphs which are a type of coral that are veryyyy aggressive and can quickly take over a reef which is not ideal. Corallimorphs are native to the area, but scientists believe a shipwreck nearby may have increased the presence of corallimorphs due to the introduction of iron which can negatively affect areas with low levels of iron and result in a phase shift or a change in the dominating species (hopefully that made sense! I’m trying to summarize a paper I was skimming Kelley et al. 2012). Anywayyyyy…at Penguin spit there was a ton to see, but it was also unfortunate to see corallimorphs taking over lots of the coral. On a happier note, I saw soooo many amazing fish and the coral that was healthy was sooo incredible. Huge acropora coral and big plates of table coral. There were also sooooo many giant clams. They have the most incredible colors. Blues, purples, and all were speckled with bright neon accents. Soooo amazing wowza! We also saw a big lemon shark swimming swiftly across the reef. Also, as we were swimming back the boats we watched a baby hawksbill turtle snacking. It didn’t notice us watching so we got a good look, but as soon as it saw us it sped off quicker than you could say “duuuuuuuddde” (Finding Nemo). Another fun part of the snorkel was that it started pouring rain which added another layer of magic. Looking at the ocean surface from below when it’s raining and hearing the soft white noise of it hitting the water is soooo calming and grounding. It was one of those WOW moments. After finishing up, we headed back to camp with the rain pricking us as we sped to the dock. I took a nice cozy shower and put my Steamboat Springs sweatshirt on. Mmmm didn’t think I’d need anything cozy here but oh wow did that sweatshirt feel so good after a cool rain. After that, I set up shop in the galley, had some rum, and drew my map (I think I spoiled a bit of this portion in yesterday’s entry). Anyway it was a great day. It really did not feel like work at all! I then headed to bed and fell asleep watching The Office (big surprise I know). Okay bye bye!

First photo: headed to Paradise Island. Second: stormy weather on the way back from our snorkel.

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mwcowan · 6 years ago

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Philippines May 2019

Day 10 – Puerto Galera

Today was another dive day. With our passing of the written exams this morning we’ve completed the curriculum and required dives for the “Scuba Diver” rating! But we’re going all in, for the less-restrictive “Open Water Diver” certification.This takes more study, a few more exams, and a few more pool and open water dives.

This afternoon we got half way through the required dives. First in the pool we learned some of the more difficult skills, such as removing and replacing all your gear underwater (as much as it weighs above water it actually seems easier to do this submerged) and simulating an out-of-air ascent on one breath. This was a bit harder but we got through it.

On to the high seas! Since one of the less-restrictive benefits of being an Open Water Diver is deeper dives, we headed to a channel with a bottom that slopes to 60 feet, the max for this rating. After repeating some of today’s pool skills we followed our instructor on a most wonderful dive. There was a mild current flowing through the channel so we got a bonus, experiencing our first “drift dive”. We cruised almost effortlessly among the most fish I’ve ever seen! Everywhere you’d look there were thousands! Big, little, all colors and shapes, darting in and out and around the corals, just amazing! Ending the dive all too soon we again practiced the out-of-air ascent, much easier in the ocean than the pool as you’re really going up vs. a horizontal simulation in the pool. Tomorrow’s it, a couple more dives and exams and we’re done!

Rose forgot her camera today so here are a few more pictures from yesterday’s dive for you. I brought a waterproof GoPro along so I’m hoping Rose will let me take it with me tomorrow.

Here’s Georgia towing an incapacitated diver. I hope she’s towing him towards a bar.

Breathing from your buddy’s secondary regulator, which you do when you run out of air.

Georgia sneaking up on a Hawksbill turtle.

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turquoisevacationrentals · 2 years ago

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Vacation Rental Villas in Turks and Caicos

Beach Villa Paprika

If you're looking for a tropical paradise, Turks and Caicos is the perfect place to rent a beach villa. These private homes provide all the luxury you could want on vacation, including private pools, fully-equipped kitchens, lush landscaping, and amazing views. Many of the luxury villa rentals are located on the beachfront and offer expansive decks with ocean views and modern audio/video systems. Some beach villa rentals also have washer and dryer facilities.

Villa Hawksbill - This three-bedroom villa in Turks and Caicos is a perfect place for families or large groups of friends. Located on a four-acre property, this villa sleeps 22 guests and offers direct access to the beach. It also features two private pools and a private dock.

Beach Villa Sandstone

One of the best places to stay when you're vacationing in Turks and Caicos is in a vacation rental villa and if you're looking for Turks and Caicos vacation rental management, Turquoise Vacation Rentals is a must-try. These properties are modern and spacious, with a private pool and a view of the beautiful Chalk Sound. Some of them are located close to beaches and local attractions. Others are tucked away on a hillside. Regardless of where you stay, you'll have the opportunity to experience blissful beaches, upscale shops, and world-class golf courses.

If you're looking for luxury, then Turks and Caicos is the best place for you. You'll have the opportunity to relax on a private beach, enjoy a private pool, or spend your days surfing the sea. You'll also enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, Netflix, and WiFi access. While Turks and Caicos may be off-the-beaten-track, this place will give you the experience of a lifetime.

Emara Estate

Emara Estate offers a luxury experience with the best of both worlds. Its cliff-side location boasts endless shades of blue and breathtaking sunsets, and the amenities at Emara Estate include a dedicated concierge and butler. Guests can enjoy the many activities, including snorkeling in the bay. There is also a private chef, and guests can even dock their yachts on the property for easy access to the sea.

Emara Estate is an extravagant villa with 17 bedrooms, multiple entertainment areas, and a tennis court. The estate has been featured in Rolling Stones, Forbes, and Architecture Digest. It has been built to look like a private resort and offers complete privacy for guests. It also has its own private marina and a white sand beach.

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#Youtube

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andrakotsonis · 6 years ago

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The Life of a Sea Turtle, Constantly Fighting to Survive

About: All of the dangers that turtles face from the beginning of their lives to the end. One of the most negatively effecting dangers being pollution in the ocean.

Sea turtles have been on this earth for around 110 million years. Recently more and more turtles have started to die off and become extinct due to us humans and how we take care of our oceans or in other words, these sea turtles’ homes. Myself being a frequent and certified scuba diver, feel close to the ocean and that I should speak up on this topic of the dangers sea turtles face. I respect the ocean and especially the amazing creatures that live inside it. I have come face to face with many sea turtles before and it is absolutely breath taking. These gentle and magnificent creatures deserve nothing more but to live in a clean beautiful environment that they can feel safe in.

Below is a picture of myself scuba diving on a ship wreck dive in the Florida Keys about 100 feet deep, as well as a video from the same dive of my curious sea turtle friend who came by to say hello and checkout what was going on!

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There are seven different species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, olive ridley, and the flatback. All of these species live within the ocean in both warm and cold waters except for the flatback species which lives only in Australia. Something very interesting about sea turtles is that they travel miles and miles throughout the ocean for many years, but they will always return to where they were born to lay their eggs. Some species will travel more than 1,000 miles throughout their voyage from nesting to feeding grounds.

The life of a turtle is filled with many different dangers from the second they are born until they die. When hatchlings are born on the beach, they have to walk all the way across the sand from their nest to the water while birds, crabs, raccoons, and even foxes eat almost half of them on the way. Even if the baby hatchlings make it to the ocean they can still become food for seabirds and fish as well. Sea turtles are fighting for their lives from the second they are born.

Another danger to sea turtles, and probably the largest threat of all, is due to humans. Accidental catch in commercial fisheries or entanglement in marine debris are serious threats to seas turtles, as well as destruction of beach habitat, harvesting or poaching for meat and eggs, and even boat strikes. Trash in the ocean is a huge problem today. Most garbage reaches the oceans from rivers and 80% originates from landfills. All species of turtles are affected by marine debris, Juvenile green turtles being most heavily affected.

Something very important to know is plastic bags are not biodegradable which means they will not get decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. Over 100 million marine animals are killed each year due to plastic debris in the ocean. Sea turtles will mistake these plastic bags or other garbage as food for themselves (such as jellyfish) and ingest it. This causes problems in the digestive system and can eventually lead to death. Other trash in the oceans such as lost fishing gear which consists of line, nets and buoys can also be especially dangerous to sea turtles. This is because sea turtles think that these items look like just a harmless piece of seaweed and they continue to swim through them and get very tangled up, leaving them helpless and unable to function their basic needs of survival.

More and more litter has been thrown into the ocean over the years slowly increasing the amount of deaths of marine wildlife. According to the US EPA, Americans use more than 380 billion plastic bags and wraps each year. That is a lot of plastic! Out of all of these plastic bags being made, less than 5% of plastics are recycled worldwide. Currently, it is estimated that there are 100 million tons of plastic in the oceans around the world. It is predicted that within this year another 60 billion pounds will be produced.

Many marine species are affected by garbage in the oceans, but sea turtles are especially affected by the consuming of plastic and litter because of their body structure. Sea turtles have a downward facing spine in their throats which prevents them from being able to regurgitate causing plastic when ingested to be permanently trapped in their stomachs. Also, another side effect sea turtles can face from ingesting trash in the ocean is something called “bubble butt” which is trapped gas inside of a turtle. This air bubble trapped inside of a sea turtle causes them to float, which leads to starvation and can also make them an easy target for predators.

Sea turtles face many dangers throughout their lives and are truly fighting to survive from the day they enter this world. How can we help sea turtles face these dangers? This is something to think about.

#savetheturtles #stoplittering #LB321

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mybeerbuzz · 4 years ago

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Here's what Monday morning looks like from Friday morning. Actually this is what the summit of Old Rag looks like from the summit of Hawksbill in Shenandoah National Park. Old Rag is on the right and both are amazing hikes for different reasons (Hint: one is really hard)... @shenandoahnps #oldrag #oldragmountain #shenandoah (at Hawksbill Summit) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKWQSoJFGld/?igshid=1liibbywzvszw

#oldrag #oldragmountain #shenandoah

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thorsenmark · 7 years ago

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A Focus on Hawksbill Crag by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: While other images that afternoon had focused on more of a wider angle view or ones looking across Hawksbill Crag to the mountains and hillsides beyond, here I decided to bring in the focal length and compose an image, focusing pretty much on that amazing and scenic outcropping. The focus was obviously on the outcropping with a slight blurring of the hillside backdrop with a closed down aperture. I later brought in a tiff image into Color Efex Pro 4 where I used a favorite recipe of mine to bring out the final image.

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traveasyindia · 5 years ago

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The 5 Most Beautiful Natural Wonders In & Around Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE renowned for its dazzling architecture, upscale hotels and cutting edge theme parks. Those who visit here are usually after a luxurious getaway and some winter sun, but the city also has some spectacular natural wonders including beaches, desert, nature reserves and picturesque parks, providing an interesting contrast of urban appeal and natural beauty. Traveasy offers cheap flights to Abu Dhabi, so why not add it to your travel list this year? Check out the 5 best natural attractions in Abu Dhabi which have amazing photo opportunities. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is set just a short drive out of the city, comprising of wetlands, lakes, towering sand dunes and sabkhas. It’s one of the most recognised wetlands in the world with a diversity of endangered wildlife species, lush vegetation, over 250 bird species, plants and walking trails in the midst of the desert. Mangrove National Park The Mangrove National Park comprises of around 75% of the UAE’s total mangrove forest area, so it’s is the ultimate spot for nature lovers which protects biodiversity including birds, indigenous trees and plants, aquatic species and marine mammals. There are lots of outdoor adventures to enjoy here, including boating, kayaking and paddle boarding. Empty Quarter Just a couple of hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi is the famous Empty Quarter which is the largest, uninterrupted sand desert in the world. This awe-inspiring site is unbelievably photogenic with endless dunes, mesmerising sunsets and star gazing opportunities. There are several awesome ways you can explore the Empty Quarter, including camel trekking and dune buggy adventures. Saadiyat Beach The pristine Saadiyat Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the UAE with silky white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. You may be lucky enough to spot dolphins on the beach, and there’s also nesting site for hawksbill turtles here. The upscale Saadiyat Beach Club is worth visiting with an impressive infinity pool. Sir Bani Yas Island Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the breath-taking desert islands of Al Dhafra, set a scenic seaplane ride away from the city. This nature hotspot is home to millions of lush trees and plants, pretty beaches, archaeological sites and the Arabian Wildlife Park which protects over 10,000 animals in their natural habitat. Book cheap tickets to Abu Dhabi from India and look forward to discovering amazing nature in this city.

#Cheap flights to Abu Dhabi

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vacationsoup · 5 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/where-to-swim-hawaiian-green-sea-turtle-kauai-hawaii/

Where to view the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu) on Kauai, Hawaii

Frequently, guests who come to Kauai want to know where they can find the Hawaiian green sea turtle which has the Hawaiian name of "Honu." Whether viewing from a cliff, snorkeling at certain beaches, or walking on the sand, there is a good chance you will come across one at some point during your stay on the Garden Island.

The Hawaiian green sea turtle is one of the oldest living animals in the world and Hawaii is one of the only places on earth where divers and swimmers have the unique experience of viewing them in the wild. To the Hawaiian people, sea turtles or "Honu" are sacred creatures and should be respected. They embody patience, wisdom, endurance, good luck and long life.

Fortunately for the species, Hawaiian green sea turtles are fully protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Therefore, feeding or touching turtles in any way, including shining a light on them, is considered a disturbance and is illegal. Federal penalties include jail time and fines up to $15,000 for each offense.

There are several beaches around Kauai where sea turtles abound, either in the water or resting on the sand. They are reptiles and therefore breath air. They can stay underwater for 30 minutes or more and will take short naps underwater along the reefs. They feed on limu (seaweed) which grows on the reef. When they get sleepy or want to dry off their shell, they will crawl up on a sandy beach to rest.

The reef beaches along the north shore (Tunnels, Hideaways, SeaLodge Beach, Anini Beach) and south shore ( Brennecke's Beach, Whalers Cove and Lawa'i Beach) are the best places to find these amazing creatures. Recently my family was on island and several turtles were hanging out just offshore at Anini Beach. Keep in mind that if you do encounter a sea turtle, whether in the water or on the sand, give them LOTS of space. Please do not touch or harass them in any way. If they swim off it is probably because you got too close. Generally they are so used to humans that they will simply ignore you while you admire them in their natural environment.

Sea turtles are a long-lived species and do not reach sexual maturity until about 20 - 30 years of age. They can live to be approximately 80 years old. Their main predator is the tiger shark and high speed boats that run over them and crack their shell. The female turtle has a flat shell on the bottom and a short tail. The male turtle has a long tail and a concave bottom shell.

Sea turtles lay eggs every 2 to 7 years. They generally lay between 1 to 5 clutches per nesting season (May to Oct). Each clutch averages 180 eggs. It is unlikely that you will see young turtles on Kauai because most swim 1,000 miles away to the Northwest Hawaiian Islands just to find the perfect beach to lay their eggs. For the first five years the young sea turtles live way offshore in the open ocean and eat jellyfish. It is only after they are 18 to 20 inches long that they make their way back to shore to feed on seaweed like the adults.

Although the Hawaiian green sea turtle is the most common sea turtle around the Hawaiian Island chain, the rare hawksbill sea turtle can sometimes be seen. This species is one of the smaller sea turtles. Its head is narrow and it has 2 pairs of prefrontal scales (scales in front of its eyes). The hawksbill is a Critically Endangered sea turtle. The Sea Turtle Conservancy estimates that there are between 20,000 and 23,000 nesting females worldwide.

So, be on the lookout. Hawaiian green sea turtles are just one of the many reasons to visit the lush and beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii.

For those guests staying at Honu Point, our vacation rental on the north shore of Kauai, you will undoubtedly see the large discs of the sea turtles swimming up to the reef directly below our ocean bluff property. If it is a beautiful blue-sky day and the tide is low, look down at the ocean and check along the reef line. Watch for bobbing heads.

For more of my blogs, go to the category list on the right-hand side of this page (full screen computers). For more information about Honu Point, go to any other page of this website. We would love for you to follow us on Instagram, @honupoint. Mahalo

#Hawaii #hawaiiangreenseaturtle #HolidayOnKauai #honupoint #kauai #kauaiturtles #kauaivacationrentals #luxurydestinations #Princeville #princevillekauai #travelbug #tropicaldestinations #VacationOnKauai #VacationSoup #whattosee #wheretoswimwithturtles

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shannrussell-blog1 · 6 years ago

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Nestled just off the western coast of Lombok, the three Gili Islands sit like jewels in the Bali sea. Surrounded by stunning coral and green sea turtles, the islands are really a must-see.

Sadly, when most Australians say they are off to Indonesia for a holiday they are talking about the party/resort island of Bali. For the few that have their travel horizons set a little more zoomed out, the Gili Islands offer something for everyone. It’s also the gateway to the less crowded and gorgeous Lombok.

How far away is it?

The Gili Islands remain within easy reach for Bali travellers and Lombok explorers alike. It’s 2.5hrs by fast ferry from Bali or 2 hours by minibus followed by a short local ferry hop from Lombok’s Praya Airport.

I lived there for half a year, and so got to know all three of the islands very well. After 6 months on Gili Air, I was shocked to realise I had encountered just a handful of other Australians. I joked while living there, the sea must contain a swirling vortex that stops Aussies leaving the shores of Bali.

The Gili Islands are easy to reach if travelling to Bali or Lombok.

Gili Trawangan (AKA Gili T)

Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is the party island. Apparently, it is becoming known as the Ibiza of Southeast Asia, with parties every night. It’s the island of choice for young backpackers seeking sun, sand and cheap Bintang Beer.

Gili Meno

If Gili T is the party island, Gili Meno is at the opposite end of the scale. As it’s the less developed of the 3 islands, it is also the smallest and quietest. We often joked that if you didn’t place a dinner order at one of the few venues by 7:30 pm, you had better like Pringles for dinner. It’s the home to numerous yoga schools and is a perfect location for those wanting to disconnect. Or to just soak up the sun and sand and maybe smash through those books on your Kindle you’ve been meaning to get to.

Meno also boasts some of the best snorkelling in the Gili Islands, with the north of the island home to a huge Green Sea Turtle population.

Gili Meno is the most chilled of the three islands.

Gili Air

If you were looking for the perfect balance between the other two Islands, Gili Air is that island. Gili Air is perfect for families as the island is quite safe. Kids can ride their bikes or paddle on the shallow protected northern beaches away from the tidal channels of the east and west of the island.

Having two main beach parties a week, five nights for yoga and sunset drinks, not to mention great diving and great food… can you see why it was my home for 6 months?

Gili Air is a mix of fun activities and a relaxed atmosphere.

Transport

All three of the Gili Islands possess their own micro-culture, with a common quirk of the islands being they are devoid of all motorised land transport. That’s right, no cars or motorbikes. The main modes of transport are either pushbikes or good old foot power. However, for larger items or groups there is the Cidomo or horse cart common to all three islands.

Far from being a tourist gimmick, these carts are vital for moving heavy loads like luggage or scuba tanks around the islands.

There isn’t any motorised transport – just these guys or pushbikes!

4G and Wi-Fi service

While you can feel like a million miles from anywhere laying in a hammock watching the sunset with Bali’s volcano, Mount Agung, backlit by the setting sun, you can get 4G high-speed mobile phone service almost everywhere! At one stage, I was paying the equivalent of AUD$27 for 42 gigabytes a month. But on the flip side, Wi-Fi is available but barely usable.

Understandably, I rarely used the Wi-Fi and suggest it as more a source of frustration rather than a connection – you’ll be much happier just using the mobile phone network.

The Wi-Fi isn’t the greatest, but you’ll be able to disconnect and relax!

Accommodation

Each of the islands has great options for accommodation – ranging from hostel dormitories, homestays, hotels through to resort style accommodation. With prices ranging from a couple of bucks per night through to hundreds. The islands live and breath TripAdvisor so that is your best bet for reviews on specific resorts or locations.

I was lucky to snag a home-stay with a shared kitchen, aircon and bathroom for $300AUD a month. If you do stay in a homestay, there is rarely hot water available. It’s the tropics, you just get used to ‘cold’ showers.

I stayed in home-stay accommodation, here’s a snap of my little bungalow.

Money and payment when you’re there

One of the first thoughts I had, when I was planning my 6-month stay, was, how will I pay for things? Well, credit cards are available for larger purchases such as accommodation and scuba diving. The standard Indonesian 3% surcharge applies to all card purchases.

There are ATM machines available in multiple places across all three islands with bank branches scattered throughout neighbouring Lombok.

You can kick back and relax with a view like this on the islands.

Food and cuisine on the islands

Unlike Bali & Labuan Bajo (the Komodo Region) the Gili Islands are part of the Muslim adhering area of Indonesia, so you would have to be quite lucky to find a BLT or bacon on the breakfast menu. When you do, it’s often “beef bacon”.

I have to admit I was a bit cheeky food wise. I found a great beachside warung (cafe/food seller) that made, by hand authentic ravioli with tomato sauce (paired with a coke for just $4.00AUD). That was my lunch most days. Dinner consisted of BBQ chicken, fried rice and sambal (local chilli paste) for around $3.00AUD.

While I had limited culinary adventurism, there is gorgeous seafood, bbq street food options through to finer dining on the beach… where the stars twinkle and the palm trees sway.

A typical lunchtime view for me during my stay.

Watersports and other activities

The Gili Islands are a watersports playground for parasailing, water skiing, snorkelling to scuba diving. The islands have a ‘pricing agreement’ for scuba diving so the prices are all the same (with a small environmental levy applied on Gili T, this is likely to also spread to the other 2 islands in the future).

I highly recommend one of the group snorkelling tours for the less adventurous water-goers. You will have the chance to see Green Sea Turtles as well as Hawksbill Turtles. A snorkelling visit to the underwater statues off the beach of Gili Meno is also a must-see.

A local turtle I spotted while snorkelling.

Diving

If you do wish to do some diving, there are three options. The first is you could already have your diver’s qualifications. The second is to do a ‘try diving program’ requiring only an hour or so of training then a guided underwater tour of a shallow dive site. Or the final option is to do your dive qualification. This takes only 3 days and at the end, you’ll have a lifelong qualification to explore the underwater world.

All equipment is provided by the dive shops so there is no worry there. I may be biased, but diving on the Gili Islands are the perfect mix of big turtles, deep reefs, a wreck to explore, as well as tiny creatures that never fail to amaze and mystify.

There are so many water activities to do on the islands.

The Gili Islands really need to be added to your next Indonesian adventure, whether it’s just for a few days to detox from the craziness of Bali’s Denpasar or for a longer disconnect from the big wide world. I hope one day I meet you there!

The post The Gili Islands – There’s More to Indonesia than Bali appeared first on Snowys Blog.

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ledgrowlight-aquarium · 4 years ago

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36 Reasons To Go Diving In The Philippines

With over 7,000 islands in the country, the Philippine archipelago offers unlimited opportunities for underwater exploration. The asked a number of dive centers and underwater photographers to share their photos and thoughts about diving in the country.

Are you interested in diving in the Philippines? Buy dive gear.

This is their first-hand knowledge and plus an awe-inspiring photo gallery and a list of reasons that will convince you to pack your suitcase and explore the top-class dive sites of the Philippines.

The Philippines is located at the apex of the coral triangle

The Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity, houses 75% of all known coral species and 40% of the world’s reef fish species. Apart from the Philippines, the region includes Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands.

So you can indulge in 26,000 square kilometers of coral reef anytime

Scuba divers can take the plunge all year round in the warm waters of this tropical country. It’s best to go diving in the Philippines during dry season, from December to May, because it offers the best visibility. However, just like other countries, take note that the Philippines has been experiencing erratic weather conditions these past few years.

You can find a dive shop with less communication issues

Filipinos speak different dialects, depending on the region you visit. However, with English as one of the official languages in the country, it’s easy for divers to communicate with dive shop staff and locals. Newspaper, forms, menus, road signs, forms, and books are usually written in English, so going around the country is pretty convenient.

Experience riding a bangka

Some dive spots can be reached by taking a bangka, a local boat typically made of marine plywood. In most cases, it has two outriggers made of bamboo. Bangka is commonly used for fishing, public transportation, and recreational purposes such as island hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Nemo is easy to find

Native to the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans, anemone or clownfish can be easily spotted at the bottom of sheltered reefs in the Philippines. You’ll see them hiding or swimming around a sea anemone.

But you may have to play hide and seek with some beautiful seahorses

Pygmy seahorses can be found in the Coral Triangle region. They are tiny, less than 2 centimeters in height. They live on sea grass, soft corals, and sea fans, but spotting them can be a challenge since they are well-camouflaged.

Subic Bay offers a dozen of USA and Japanese WWII wrecks

Famous when it comes to the history of the Philippines and the US Military, Subic offers a diversity of dive sites in the area. It is a couple of hours away from Manila Bay, the location of the Spanish-American War in 1898. “We have over a dozen USA and Japanese WWII wrecks in Subic Bay and a few aircraft wrecks as well. We have a few nice coral dive sites and some of the best wreck diving anywhere in the world,” says Gary K. Andrews Jr., PADI MSDT Instructor of Arizona Dive Shop.

Anilao, Batangas has more than 800 different species of Nudibranchs

Three hours south of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, you can dive in Anilao, Batangas and enjoy the huge diversity of sea animals. Martin Nussbaumer of Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort said the area has more than 800 different species of nudibranchs. Get lost in the colors, patterns, and forms of these bottom-dwellers. Create a critter list if you wish.

And is truly a paradise for underwater macro photographers

Apart from nudibranchs, you can also find scorpionfish, octopus, pipefish, seahorses, shrimps, and Bobbit worms in Anilao. With these marine animals all over the diving spots, an enormous number of macro photography opportunities await divers.

Puerto Galera has been designated as a marine reserve by UNESCO

From Batangas City, you can take the ferry to another biodiversity hotspot in the country, Puerto Galera.The town’s pocket beaches, marine life,and lively atmosphere have attracted tourists of different nationalities. UNESCO designated Puerto Galera as a Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1973, a guarantee that marine life in the area has been protected.

And the nearby Verde Island Passage has been named ‘the center of the center of the world’s marine biodiversity’

Jessica Atienza of La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Center thinks the sea framing of Puerto Galera is ideal for swimming, sailing, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. “The channel between Puerto Galera and Verde Island, known internationally as the Verde Island Passage, is “the center of the center of the world’s marine biodiversity” according to American scientists–making Puerto Galera’s underwater world a favorite amongst dive enthusiasts,” she adds.

Here you don’t have to go far to see thriving corals and healthy marine life

“Within a kilometer from the coast, schools of Moorish idols, trumpet fish, frog fish, lion fish and leaf fish weave in and out of thriving corals and sea anemones while species of starfish – from the speckled red-and-white to the neon-bluePacific – rest on the sandy floor,” Atienza adds.

Here are the Top 5 Must See Coral Reefs In The World

In Palawan, El Nido’s karst islands and dive spots will take your breath away

On the northern part of Palawan is El Nido, a town loved for its karsts islands as well as its terrific dive spots. Diana Calzadilla, owner of Deep Blue Seafari, thinks the diverse marine species, variety of dive sites, and water visibility make the town a terrific choice for diving. She added many dive sites in El Nido are friendly for beginners and students.

Sea animals tell you the season and month you are in.

Monica Gonzalez of Aquanaut Dive Center said that in January, when the waters get colder, lots of macro life such as Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Robust Pipefish, and various kinds of nudibranchs can be found. Around March and April, you can see frogfish and seahorses. In October, whale sharks can be spotted.Commonly seen sea animals are these typical colorful reef fishes: Titan triggerfish, Scrawled filefish, butterflyfish, mimic filefish, yellow spotted boxfish, common boxfish, leopard wrasse, bird wrasse, and the huge variety of groupers and anemonefish.

Coron’s wrecks will teach you about Japanese history in the Philippines

Coron offers a wide range of dive sites, but the major attraction is the World War II Japanese wrecks sunk in 1944. It has about 10 wrecks in the area, with Irako, a Japanese refrigeration ship, considered as the best wreck dive site the country. Groupers, scorpion fish, tuna, barracudas and other fish live at the wrecks.

Here’s Top 5 Of The World’s Best Wrecks

You can escape from touristy dive areas

If you want to escape from the touristy areas of Palawan, pay a visit to the serene Modessa Island, formerly Coco Loco Island, about 45 minutes away from Roxas municipality by boat. Richard Rumbelow, PADI Instructor of Tarvis Diving Center said the island has two shallow protected coral house reefs, accessed right from the beach for easy fun diving and learning how to dive.

And spend intimate time with swimming creatures in a quiet reef

Among the marine animals divers can find in Modessa Island’s reef are large schools of Jackfish and Chevron Barracuda, sea horse, Hawksbill turtle, reef cuttlefish and beautiful critters.

Tubbataha is a big lover’s paradise

If spending days at sea thrills you, dive the Tubbataha Reefs in Sulu Sea. The general tourists will rarely visit the area due to its remote location and status as a marine reserve. Leticia Sanchis, Worldwide Dive and Sail marketing staff, summarizes what makes Tubbataha a first-rate diving destination. “Tubbataha is a big lover’s paradise. White tip, gray reef, silver tip, leopard, whale and hammerhead shark species are amongst the most commonly sighted, with the occasional guitar, tiger or bull shark putting in an appearance. Expect to see huge schools of trevally, barracuda and snapper as well as many turtles and rays. Healthy coral life supports a vast array of colorful reef fish, crabs, shrimps, mollusks and echinoderms.”

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As well as Donsol, Sorsogon, the playground of whale sharks

Donsol Bay is a protected marine area where you get to see the whale sharks up close and personal. These huge but gentle giants often come to the surface to the snorkelers’ delight. Diving is not allowed in the bay but divers can still see the whale sharks underwater in nearby diving sites.

Tablas, Romblon gives you amazing opportunities to go wall diving

Romblon is an archipelago province in central Philippines. Its largest island, Tablas, is a brand new diving destination. Chloe Wessling, store manager & PADI Instructor of First Buddy Tablas, loves how crystal clear the waters are, and how amazingly abundant and healthy the coral life is. “There are many beautiful wall dives with walls dropping vertically down to +50m with many caverns along the walls to explore. If you are looking to escape the crowds and explore untouched waters then this is the place to dive,” she adds.

Dauinis a muck diver’s heaven

Dauin, a coastal town just about 20 minutes away from Dumaguete City by car, has become famous for muck diving. “Many photographers travel here to shoot much sought after tiny critters such as ornate ghost pipefish, velvet ghost pipefish, blue ring octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, pygmy seahorse, pygmy pipefish, frogfish, and harlequin shrimp,” says Hilary Heal, general manager of Salaya Beach Houses.

And Apo Island is a turtle’s haven

Scuba divers who explore Dauin don’t miss Apo Island Marine Sanctuary located off the southeastern coast of Negros mainland. It has pristine coral reefs with an astounding variety of coral species as well as reef fish. It has something to offer for divers of all levels. Even snorkelers can easily spot green turtles at shallow areas.

You’ll see 1,000-year old corals in San Jose

Another dive area you can explore in Negros Oriental is San Jose. Centrally located between the Eastern shore of Negros and the Western shore of Cebu, this area houses a wide range of marine species. Richard Outumuro of Tropico Scuba Diving Resort told DIVEIN.com that scuba divers can see 1000-year old corals at a depth of five meters. You can find frogfish, nudibranch, pipefish and other species perfect for macro photography.

Sipalay, Negros Occidental is a place for beginner and experienced divers

Angela Eder, manager and Open Water Scuba Instructor at Artistic Diving, said the small city of Sipalay on the western part of Negros Island has more than 40 varied dive spots, all reachable within 5 to 30 minutes. This includes the two wrecks in the Campomanes Bay.

It’s where you see a different Disneyland on a magical night dive

Beginners as well as experienced divers will find Sipalay a fascinating diving destination. Sipalay’s dive site called “Disneyland” is quite popular for night diving. Its nocturnal sea animals swim around healthy corals on white sand.

Or say hello to fabulously cute creatures

Most dive sites in Sipalay are marine protected areas with beautiful and healthy coral garden. Reefs are healthy and fish is abundant. In a dive spot called Bulata Pier or Madmax, you can find sea slugs, tiger cowries, starfish, and nudibranchs.

You can’t miss Malapascua, the home of the thresher sharks

Monad Shoal in Malapascua is where you can spot pelagic thresher sharks nearly every day. But the thrill doesn’t stop there. Malapascua also offers reefs, wrecks, walls,macro and night dives.

And whitetip sharks, rays, critters, and even wrecks

In Malapascua, you can also see huge animals such turtles and rays as well as the small ones like nudibranch, pygmy seahorse and ornate ghost pipefish.

Get smitten by huge and tiny sea animals in Moalboal

Moalboal is another dive destination you should place in your bucketlist. Dr. Klaus M. Stiefel, underwater photographer of Savedra Dive Center, explains “You like walls? You like macro? How about turtles the size of a dinner table? An uninhabited rocky island with pristine hard corals just minutes off shore? Then Moalboal is the diving spot for you.

Or chase a hundred thousand sardines

“An attraction you will find in Moalboal but not in many other places is a giant school of sardines (my estimate is several 100,000 animals) right at the Savedra house reef. Watching the animals move in concert is mesmerizing and can keep divers hooked for the better part of a tank. Add to that a vibrant night life in a small & friendly Filipino & expat community, and you have a great destination for your diving holiday,”Stiefel adds.

Wait, did I say thousands?

Do you know What is it like to swim with sardines in Moalboal?

Dive in the visible waters around Badian Island

About 20 kilometers south of Moalboal, you can take a bus to Badian Island. Marlou Guillen, recreation manager of Badian Island Wellness Resort, said visibility is one of the chief reasons why divers love the dive spots around the island. Further, since Badian locals do not practice dynamite fishing, the coral reefs have been well-preserved for the past 33 years. Divers who stay at their resort also have the option to take the 20-minute boat ride to Pescador Island for more underwater exploration.

The pelagic fishes, reef sharks, and wall dives of Bohol will find a way to your heart

While many tourists like to visit Bohol for its old churches, white-sand beaches, tarsiers, and hectares of chocolate hills, divers stay here for pelagic fishes, reef sharks, and wall dives. The popular dive areas are Cabilao, Balicasag, Pamilacan, and Panglao. You can see turtles, barracudas, tunas, and jacks. If luck is on your side, hammerhead sharks may have a special appearance.

Once you go under, you’ll know that Boracay is not just pretty beaches

Famous for its long stretch of dreamy white beach, Boracay draws beach lovers from all over the world. However, if you find the beach too crowded, you always have the option to dive and enjoy the serene underwater life. New Design Diving Equipment

You’ll also be impressed with its fish and wrecks

Andrew Barrett, PADI Master Instructor and Operations Manager at Calypso Diving Center, said the island has a nice variety of dive sites with a mixture of wrecks, deep walls, sloping reefs and coral gardens. “The wrecks were purposely sunk for diving. The Camia 2 Wreck, which is an old Japanese fishing vessel, has been down 15 years and the Tri-Bird Wreck, which is a small Russian passenger plane has been there for 3 years. It is possible to see whitecap reef sharks, grey reef sharks, eagle ray, marble rays at the deep walls (30-35m) such as Yapak 2 and Punta Bunga,” he adds.

And you’ll gaze at its small critters in awe

Barrett also said the walls and sloping reefs at Balinghai, Diniwid and Santos Place offer abundant reef life and small critters.

Tell us which dive site you enjoyed the most. We would love to hear some practical tips, too.

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mwcowan · 6 years ago

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Philippines May 2019

Days 8 and 9 – Puerto Galera

After a nice breakfast on the deck we met Rose in the dive shop to get started with our lessons! First off she corrected a test we took last night as part of our studies (we both aced it!) and then she threw a pop quiz at us (both of us got 9 of 10, dumb mistakes…). Thus confident that we were somewhat sentient she taught us how to assemble and put on our equipment and then we headed to the pool for our first skills training. Pretty easy stuff, like filling your mask up and clearing it, use of the buoyancy compensator, and such, about 1 ½ hours in the pool. Rose is a good teacher and the PADI course is very user-friendly too, especially compared to the US Navy-based training (NAUI) I took for my first certification 40 years ago, where most of the drills seemed to be thinly disguised attempts to drown you.

As we broke for lunch, we were both surprised when Rose said “OK, I think you’re ready so this afternoon we go on our first open water dive”. And that’s what we did, met at the dive shop again, got our gear ready, got onto the resort’s dive boat, and headed out to the beginner’s dive spot.

It wasn’t too far out, still in the inlet the resort’s located on, and not very deep (about 30’ max), but it turned out to have a surprising variety of things to look at. This was just a fun dive, certainly designed just to get us hooked on the sport. We saw corals of all sizes and colors, including some barrel corals which, as you’d guess, look like empty barrels standing wider and taller than we are. Giant clams 3’ across, fish of all sizes and varieties, colorful and belligerent clown fish all named ‘Nemo’. Can’t wait to get out to some of the ‘good’ spots!

Back from our dive we rested a bit then took a drive to well-known White Beach. One of the nicer beaches around but it looked very much like it lives up to its reputation as a party beach full of young tourists. It made us glad we chose our place with its quiet and relaxing atmosphere, not to mention a pretty good wine list. On the way to the beach we spotted this colorful gathering of Bangkas.

And of course, being in the Philippines I’m obliged to include at least one sunset photo, so here are the amazing colors from the deck last evening which distracted us from watching the instructional DVD that’s part of the diving course.

Our next dive (morning Day 9) is a longer one off Sabang Beach. Still a beginner’s spot, we go to an area with a sandy bottom which is good for practice and skill drills without any worries of destroying sensitive coral. Or sensitive knees. We descend and then go through the skills we learned in the pool yesterday, such as clearing a flooded mask, recovering a dislodged regulator, out-of-air procedures, etc., just deeper and in salt water this time.

After we passed our drills we swam around for another 30 minutes or so, great practice for buoyancy control which is pretty random with us at this point. The point is to stay steady at a desired depth but annoying things like breathing affect your buoyancy so it’s probably pretty comical to see us bouncing up and down as we swim along. A bit of a current provided another learning opportunity as we had to figure out which direction to swim in order to end up at the desired spot. Still it was fun, and we saw an amazing amount of sea life. From big including an endangered Hawksbill sea turtle and a very large barracuda, to teeny colorful fish in and around every rock and coral. A clownfish snuggled into its anemone while its mate constantly fanned water over their clutch of eggs (photos courtesy of our instructor Rose).

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diveplanit · 4 years ago

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Australia’s Best Local Dive Getaways

As the pandemic lock down continues, many of us around Australia are just itching for a dive getaway – so for those states allowed to move around, here are our Best Dive Getaways for each.

And for all our Victorian subscribers, we are all thinking of you and can’t wait to help get you diving again – locally or internationally!

New South Wales Divers

Lord Howe Island

Imagine you had to design the perfect place for an adventurous scuba diver to escape to for a week’s diving holiday. You’d probably go for an island, maybe where tropical, sub-tropical and temperate ocean currents converge, a nice long reef around a lagoon, so you could dive and snorkel inside the lagoon, and explore more adventurous stuff outside in the gullies and arches. Then you’d probably give the island some sharp drop-offs, and maybe add a few small islands around to create a variety of dive sites. You could not design a more magnificent setting if you tried. The island has limited capacity, so is booked up quickly (especially now) with many divers returning annually. We have some great packages with Pro Dive Lord Howe Island.

Julian Rocks

Among the regular species found year-round at Julian Rocks, a 10-15 minute boat rude from Byron Bay, are wobbegong sharks, eagle rays, cuttlefish, king fish, trevally, mulloway, and three different species of sea turtle – Loggerhead, Green and Hawksbill. There is an abundance of hard and soft coral. You can also see Manta Rays, Grey Nurse Sharks, and Leopard (also called Zebra) Sharks at various times throughout the year.

Nelson Bay

Whether you’re interested in the big stuff, or teeny tiny macro delights, you’ll find it here in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, which has long been a popular NSW seaside retreat. Some locals will tell you that if you haven’t dived North Rock or Looking Glass (think large schools of grey nurse sharks), you don’t deserve to call yourself a real diver. Conversely, others might say: ‘If you haven’t done Fly Point or Pipeline then likewise!’ (nudibranchs, seahorses and all sorts of macro wonders).

Jervis Bay

Weedies, whales and the world’s whitest sand. Jervis Bay is 3 hours’ drive south of Sydney – it’s already Insta-famous for having the world’s whitest sand at Hyams Beach and the underwater world in the bay itself is pretty special as well. With over 60 dive sites, divers can expect to see weedy sea dragons, wobbegongs, grey nurse sharks, Port Jackson sharks, beautiful sponge gardens and… right now is a great time to swim with humpback whales.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour diving opportunities includes the marine reserves of the Solitary Islands, and South Solitary Island in particular. There amongst boulders, walls and gutters you will see anything from Mantas to Handfish, and everything in between, and at the nearby Split Solitary amongst coral and kelp you will see many species of resident fish, as well as eels, turtles and grey nurse sharks. In season (May to September) you can also swim with migrating humpback whales.

Queenslanders

Cairns by liveaboard

Pro Dive Cairns is running 3-Day/2-Night liveaboard trips to the Outer Reef each week every Wednesday and Friday. The trips include up to 11 dives, including two-night dives, on a variety of 19 dive sites over four reefs: Flynn, Thetford, Milln and Pellowe Reefs. You will encounter a wide diversity of marine life including giant clams, turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, an incredible variety of tropical fish, spectacular coral formations and consistent underwater visibility.

Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea

There’s never been a better time to dive the pristine, rarely-visited dive sites of the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea – you’ll be sharing them with a very small group of divers. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions has just announced four brand new Great Barrier Reef itineraries to the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole, and in the Coral Sea, Osprey (shark city) and Bougainville Reefs. Choose a from 4 or 5-night trips to the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole and the Coral Sea, or explore the Far North Coral Sea on a 7-night Exploratory dive trip.

Townsville and Magnetic Island

In recent years the stunning Central Great Barrier Reef has played second fiddle to the reefs out from Cairns and Port Douglas, but there are two great reasons to rediscover beautiful reefs such as John Brewer and Lodestone reefs. The 100-year old wreck of the Yongala and a new underwater installation by world-famous sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor; Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). Dive it by liveaboard with Adrenalin Dive, based in Ayr with Yongala Dive or base yourself on beautiful Magnetic Island.

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Bundaberg & Lady Musgrave Island

Three great reasons to dive the Capricorn Coast: Lady Musgrave Island, fantastic shore diving in Bundaberg and the wreck of the ex-HMAS Tobruk. Lady Musgrave, like Lady Elliot Island, sits close to the continental shelf, so attracts impressive pelagic action including leopard sharks, reef sharks, turtles, all sorts of rays including mantas and the occasional migrating humpback whale. The HMAS Tobruk was only scuttled a couple of years ago but has already attracted large schools of Jacks, barracuda, bat fish, a couple of resident turtles and Queensland gropers.

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Lady Elliot Island

Lady Elliot Island is one of those rare gems that exist through the serendipitous combination of location, location and human intervention. Location is important as the island is just 10 km from the edge of the continental shelf and the East Australian Current. This means frequent pelagic action such as manta rays, migrating whales and nesting grounds for green and loggerhead turtles. And human intervention? Lady Elliot Island sits within the Green (no take) Zone of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which is why the corals are in perfect condition and over 1,000 marine species can be found in the waters around the island.

West Australians

Whale Sharks and Whales at Ningaloo Reef

Swim with whale sharks and humpback whales and dive Ningaloo Reef with Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks. The Coral Coast’s Ningaloo Reef is a pristine aquatic wonderland that is home to an abundance of marine life including dolphins, manta rays, turtles, humpback whales and of course the whale sharks. Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks are whale shark tour pioneers, with the experience, knowledge and reputation that will ensure that your day will be an ‘experience of a lifetime’.

Exmouth Navy Pier

Also based at Exmouth, Dive Ningaloo is the only dive centre with access to world-famous dive site Exmouth Navy Pier voted as one of the top 10 dive sites in Australia, and one of the top shore dives in the world. Dive Ningaloo specialises in small groups, personal service and adventure diving in the best, remote and beautiful places, travelling to remote Muiron Islands and untouched reef.

Rowley Shoals

The Rowley Shoals is a chain of three spectacular pristine coral atolls which rise up from the ocean floor 400 m below on the very edge of Australia’s continental shelf, hence one of the most remote dive locations in Australia and diving Rowley Shoals is seasonal with trips only available around October each year. Dive amongst the giant clams, shellfish, giant potato cod and Maori Wrasse. Trevally, mackerel and tuna hover in large schools around you, and you can discover over 200 species of coral and over 650 species of fish. Visibility in excess of 60 metres is common.

Christmas Island

Dive Christmas Island, Australia’s own Galapagos in the Indian Ocean, with pristine coral reefs and plenty of pelagic action including schools of silky sharks, mantas, eagle rays and whale sharks. Being so remote, you’ll be diving with small groups, with pristine reefs, forests of enormous gorgonian fans and plenty of sea caverns to explore. Plus, during surface intervals, swim with spinner dolphins.

Cocos Keeling Island

Dive Cocos Keeling Island – Australia’s own little jewel in the Indian Ocean, with pristine coral reefs and mantas, eagle rays, schooling reef sharks, pods of dolphins, a resident friendly dugong called Kat – and (officially) Australia’s most beautiful beach at Direction Island – also home to one of the world’s best drift snorkels.

South Australians

Neptune Islands

To see a Great White Shark in the wild is absolutely grand and rare, but to come face to face with one underwater is one of the most exciting experiences available to divers today! Come and ‘hunt with cameras’ the world’s best known and most feared shark with the world’s best: Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions. On a 4-day liveaboard trip you will also encounter New Zealand fur seals and an abundance of bird life, dolphins and other unique fish and wildlife.

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Fleurieu Peninsula

The beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula is home to one of the world’s most unique species of marine life, the leafy seadragon. These stunning creatures are found nowhere else in the world except the Great Southern Reef of Australia.

Credit: Jayne Jenkins

Whyalla

Each winter, tens of thousands of Australian Giant Cuttlefish gather to mate and spawn. This mass event happens nowhere else in the world. These cuttlefish are endemic to South Australia and have a very short life cycle of two years, which means the need to mate in such large numbers ensures the success of generations to come. A great way to see both leafy sea dragons and giant cuttlefish, and learn how to photograph them, is on a tour with award-winning photographer Scott Portelli.

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Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a nature lovers dream. With large, resident pods of bottlenose dolphins, it is the ideal location to immerse yourself with these playful mammals. According to underwater photographer Rosie Leany; “Getting buzzed by a pod of highly intelligent mammals who are just as curious about you, is an amazing feeling.” Shore diving at Kingscote Jetty will also reveal a wide array of macro wonders, from blennies and angler fish to the odd leafy sea dragon. Scott is also running photography tours here early next year.

The post Australia’s Best Local Dive Getaways appeared first on Diveplanit.

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charllieeldridge · 5 years ago

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21 Best Things To Do in Koh Samui, Thailand

If you’re looking for a place that has big city amenities, stunning Buddhist temples, and a chilled-out island vibe, then look no further than Koh Samui.

Thailand’s 2nd largest island (#1 is Phuket) has a lot to offer travelers. Whether you’re into nature, culture, adventure, partying, or just some good old fashioned R&R, you’ll find things to do in Koh Samui to suit your vibe.

Days can be spent lounging on the beach, doing a variety of water sports, hiking to viewpoints, or visiting a very Big Buddha. Evenings in Koh Samui are all about sunsets, tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, and yes, a bit of wild nightlife.

Read on for a closer look at 21 top things to do in Koh Samui — one of the best places to visit in Thailand.

1. Beach Bumming

While there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Koh Samui, let’s face it — you probably came here for a relaxing beach vacation. Thankfully you’ve got several choices for sun and sand when visiting this popular Thai island.

Located near the airport on the northeast side of the island, Chaweng is the main beach in Koh Samui.

While it’s definitely the most developed and most crowded of the beaches here, it’s still stunningly beautiful. Go ahead and rent a lounger and umbrella, order up a fruity cocktail, and enjoy yourself!

The second largest beach in Koh Samui is Lamai. It’s not as busy as Chaweng, but you’ve still got lots of options for places to chill, eat, and drink. Lamai is a great place to go for a swim, as the sea is clear and calm here.

While these are the most well-known and largest beaches, there are many others to choose from in Koh Samui.

Other gorgeous beaches you should spend some time on include Lipa Noi, Bang Por, and Big Buddha beach. Speaking of a Big Buddha, that brings us to the next item on our list.

2. Visit the Big Buddha

One of the most famous Koh Samui attractions is the Big Buddha. It’s located at the Wat Phra Yai temple, which is actually on a much smaller island just off the northeast coast of Samui.

Thanks to its location near the airport, it’s one of the first things many people see when traveling to Koh Samui by plane.

The highlight of Wat Phra Yai is the 12-meter seated golden Buddha. This particular posture depicts a time in Buddha’s quest for enlightenment where he had to avoid all the temptations that were being forced upon him.

With the development of tourism and the thriving party scene that followed it here, it’s interesting to see Buddha remaining steadfast and pure in this peaceful pose while backpackers guzzle down buckets of booze around him.

While the temple is open all day, you should try to get there in the morning to see it at its busiest. With monks chanting and locals making offerings, it’s a fascinating cultural experience. You can find the Koh Samui Big Buddha on the map here.

Note: When visiting this and any other Buddhist temple in Thailand, it’s important to follow the proper etiquette. It’s hot and humid on the Thai islands, but you need to cover up when visiting religious sites like this. Don’t be that farang who shows up here wearing a Full Moon Party tank-top and booty shorts.

3. Watersports Galore

Since it is a tropical island, it should come as no surprise that watersports are among the most popular things to do in Koh Samui. Here you can take part in scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, kayaking, sailing, kiteboarding, and more.

While nearby Koh Tao may be the diving Mecca of Thailand, Koh Samui is also an excellent place to explore under the sea.

The water is warm and clear here, with visibility between 3 and 30 meters. These conditions allow you to learn right off the shore rather than in a swimming pool, making Koh Samui a great place to finally get scuba-certified.

Even if you’re not into the idea of scuba diving, you can still enjoy spotting the abundant marine life by snorkeling. It’s easy to find gear for rent on the beach, or you can sign up for a boat tour to visit a few different spots. Many tours take a mix of divers and snorkelers, which is great if you’re in a split group.

That’s not all there is to do in the water here, though. You can also rent kayaks or SUPs for a nice leisurely paddle, or jet-skis if you need a bit more speed. Sailing tours are also quite popular here, especially to see the sunset.

4. Practice Yoga

If you feel the need to do some sun salutations or bust out your best downward facing dog on your vacation, you’ll be happy to hear that yoga is quite popular here. I’m usually more of a “Namaste in bed” kind of guy, but even I’ll get up for some sunrise yoga on a Thai island!

If you’re wondering what to do in Koh Samui on a rainy day, or if you just feel like practicing, many resorts on the island offer yoga classes and there are also plenty of dedicated yoga studios here.

Your options here range from casual drop-in classes up to intense yoga retreats. Whether you’re a total newbie or an expert, there’s a yoga class for you in Koh Samui.

One of the most popular spots to do yoga in Koh Samui is Vikasa — a boutique yoga resort and organic restaurant. A drop-in class costs 500 baht ($15), or you can get 3 for 1,000 ($30). Click here for prices and details.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Pai: 21 Things You Don’t Want to Miss

5. Day Trip to Ang Thong Marine Park

One of the most fun things to do in Koh Samui is joining a day trip out to the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park. This archipelago consists of 42 pristine islands with towering limestone mountains and postcard-worthy beaches.

Most tours to Ang Thong include a visit to the Emerald Lagoon, chilling out on the beach, and a bit of snorkeling/kayaking. You’ll likely spot some wildlife on land and in the sea on this trip, including dusky langurs and hawksbill turtles.

Ang Thong is just a short boat ride away from Koh Samui, and just about every tour operator on the island can get you set up on a trip there. The going rate for these tours is around $60 per person, including lunch, hotel transfer, food, snorkelling equipment and more. Check out this highly-rated day tour for details, or this amazing sunset cruise!

If a day trip just isn’t enough for you, there’s basic accommodation available on Koh Wua Ta Lap where the park headquarters are located.

You can choose between simple bungalows or just rent a tent to camp on the beach. There’s also a basic restaurant here where you can have your meals. For all the info on staying at Ang Thong, check out the park’s website.

6. Take a Hike

If you can pull yourself out of your beach lounger, there are some great opportunities for hiking in Koh Samui. While the coastline has been developed for tourism, much of the island remains untouched jungle.

There are countless options for hikes on Koh Samui, from relatively easy and short trails leading to rushing waterfalls to steep and strenuous hikes up to some fantastic viewpoints. After a tough, sweaty hike, you’ll have earned that ice-cold Chang beer and that tasty bowl of Pad Thai!

Check out the hike to Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail or the Maenam Viewpoint.

Since Koh Samui can be quite hot and humid, the best time to hike is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Whenever you go, be sure to bring plenty of water along with some sunscreen and bug spray.

If you’d rather go with a group than on your own, be sure to check out the many options offered by Hiking on Samui. These tours are run by a long-time Samui expat from the Netherlands who has tons of experience hiking.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Chiang Mai – A List of 17 Highlights

A Little Short On Time?

If you want to see many of the “must-sees” in Koh Samui, but don’t have a lot of time, or don’t want to spend more than a half-day doing so, check out this popular, highly rated tour:

7. Take a Thai Cooking Class

I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely in love with Thai food. I’m not joking when I say I could eat Thai food every day and never get bored. It’s just that good!

If you’re as crazy about Thai cuisine as I am, why not learn how to make it yourself? Taking a Thai cooking class is certainly one of the tastiest things you can do in Koh Samui.

In most cooking classes, you’ll first visit a local market to shop for fresh ingredients. Back in the kitchen, it’s time to cook up Thai classics like papaya salad, green curry, or tom yam. Of course, the best part of the class is enjoying the fruits of your labor with a delicious meal at the end.

A couple of the best places to take a cooking class in Koh Samui are Smiley Cook and InFusion. Their Best of Workshop and Organic Garden Tour costs just 990 baht ($32) and runs from 5-7PM. If you want to dive deeper, you can sign up for their half-day course for 1,890 baht ($60). Click here to learn about this tour, or click the image below:

8. See Some Interesting Rocks

Perhaps one of the most interesting things to do in Koh Samui is looking at rocks. Sounds boring, doesn’t it? Well, my friends, these are no ordinary rocks…

Hin Ta (Grandpa Rock) and Hin Yai (Grandma Rock) were naturally carved over the years to resemble male and female genitalia. As with many things in Southeast Asia, there is a fantastic legend behind the rocks.

As the story goes, an old couple was traveling by sea to visit their son for his wedding. Sadly, their boat flipped over in a nasty storm and the couple was unable to swim. They tragically drowned that day, but they transformed into these rocks to prove to their son and his new family that they had tried to make it for what would have been a joyous occasion, and perhaps as a bit of a practical joke.

Whether you believe the urban legend or not it’s worth a visit to the rocks, if only to snap some silly photos and giggle like a schoolgirl. The view from the rocks is amazing as well. You can get directions to the naughty-bits-shaped rocks on the map here.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Chiang Rai – 21 Top Things You Don’t Want to Miss

9. Get a Massage

Walking down the streets of Koh Samui – or any Thai island, for that matter – you’re sure to hear calls of “Hello! Maasssaaagggee?” It seems as if everyone on this island wants to give you a massage. I say take them up on it. You’re on vacation after all!

When it comes to getting a massage here, you have plenty of options. There are the wandering masseuses on the beach who will happily give you a massage from the comfort of your sun lounger. Don’t expect a life-changing massage from them, but for just a few bucks why not?

If you need something a little nicer, spas are a dime a dozen in Koh Samui. These range from very simple to the incredibly fancy. It all depends on your budget and what you’re looking for. For a detailed look at some of Koh Samui’s best spas, head here.

10. Swim in Waterfalls

While swimming in the sea is always fun, that’s not the only way to cool off on a hot day in Koh Samui. The island is home to several waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip in beautiful surroundings.

The most popular waterfalls to visit are the Na Muang falls — two cascading waterfalls set in the lush jungle of central Koh Samui. Na Muang 1 is easily accessible by car and thus can be a bit crowded. If you’re up for a little challenge, it’s about a 20-30 minute hike uphill to reach Na Muang 2.

It’s free to visit the waterfalls, but you’ll need to pay a small fee to park your motorbike here. There are some small food stalls here as well as vendors selling drinks if you forgot to bring snacks or water. You can find Na Muang 1 on the map and get directions here.

11. Go On An ATV Tour

For the adrenaline junkies out there, an ATV tour is definitely one of the top things to do in Koh Samui. On a typical ATV tour, you’ll ride through the jungle to check out some amazing viewpoints and waterfalls.

There are several different options for ATV tours in Koh Samui. Some are as short as one hour, while others last half a day. Prices seem to range from 1,500 baht ($48) for the shorter tours up to 4,900 baht ($155) for the longer trips. One tour operator that is highly recommended is X-Quad Samui.

Before you go riding an ATV into the jungle of a Thai island, make sure you have some decent international travel insurance. Not all policies cover extreme activities such as this, so check yours carefully!

☞ If you’re into motorbike trips, check out this guide to riding the Mae Hong Son Loop!

12. Hit The Night Markets (one of the best things to do in Koh Samui!)

Night markets in Thailand are one of my favorite things in the world. It just never gets old sampling cheap and tasty Thai food while perusing the colorful handicrafts on offer.

If you’re wondering what to do in Koh Samui in the evenings, there are several different night markets in Koh Samui that are worth checking out. Different towns host a night market on different days of the week. There’s Mae Nam on Thursdays, Bophut on Fridays, and Lamai on Sundays.

The night markets usually get going around 5PM and stay open until 11. Be sure to add at least one of these awesome night markets to your list of things to do in Koh Samui.

13. Explore Nathon Town

If you arrive in Koh Samui via the ferry from Surat Thani, your point of entry will be Nathon Town. This is the commercial and administrative center of the island and a place where many locals call home.

Most tourists skip over Koh Samui’s main town entirely, but it’s definitely worth it to spend some time visiting Nathon. On a short trip here, you can check out the colorful Chinese shop houses, eat some delicious local food at a bargain price, and stick around for a picture-perfect sunset.

Nathon Town is located on the northwest coast of Koh Samui. You can find it on the map and get directions here.

14. Check Out the Secret Buddha Garden

Tucked away in the center of the island is a Secret Buddha Garden surrounded by lush jungle. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to explore, and should definitely make it on your list of things to do in Koh Samui.

It was started by a fruit farmer named Nim Tongsuk back in 1976 when he began placing Buddhist statues around his family’s property. He continued to add to his Secret Buddha Garden up until his death at the age of 91.

The Secret Buddha Garden is open every day from 9-5. It costs 80 baht (about $2.50) to visit. It’s quite tough to reach on your own unless you have 4WD and are an experienced driver. If not, you should consider signing up for a day tour that includes a stop at the garden. You can find it on the map here.

☞ Looking for a stunning island with pristine beaches, but fewer tourists? Don’t miss all of the incredible things to do in Koh Lipe.

15. Visit the Fishermen’s Village

If you grow tired of the touristy scene in places like Chaweng and Lamai, take half a day to visit the fishing village of Bophut. It’s a nice place to spend a few hours walking around, doing a bit of shopping, and grabbing a bite to eat.

Here you’ll find original wooden homes built in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants. While many of the fishermen have moved on to other parts of the island, they still bring their daily catch to the restaurants here. You’ll find some of the best seafood in Koh Samui in the restaurants of Fishermen’s Village.

While it’s fun to visit any day of the week, you may want to come on Friday to check out the night market here. The Fishermen’s Village is located near Bophut Beach. You can get directions on the map here.

16. Go Golfing

If you enjoy a nice round of golf on your vacation, then you’ll be happy to hear that Koh Samui has several courses to choose from. From mini-golf to a full 18-hole course with spectacular views, hitting the links is one of the best things to do in Koh Samui.

The Santiburi Samui Country Club is the only professional standard golf course on the island. This stunning course is set among a preserved coconut palm plantation high up in the hills.

Thanks to its location, you’ll enjoy exceptional views throughout the entire round. It’s not a cheap round (about $160 with golf cart and caddy), but it might be one of the most scenic rounds you ever play! You can find the course on the map here.

If you’re like me and can’t swing a golf club to save your life, you might want to just play a good old fashioned round of mini-golf. There are mini-golf courses in both Chaweng and Lamai that are fun for the whole family.

☞ Prefer mountains to beaches? Then you’ll want to check out stunning Khao Lak.

17. See a Mummified Monk

This might be the most unusual item on our list of things to do in Koh Samui. At the Wat Khunaram temple, you have the chance to see a mummified monk.

Luong Pordaeng was a Buddhist monk who died while in the meditative seated position back in 1973. It was decided that his body would be preserved in this peaceful state, and it has been on display in a glass case ever since.

This may seem a bit shocking and morbid to most Westerners, but Thai Buddhists are much more accepting of death. The body of Luong Pordaeng serves as a visual reminder of Buddha’s teachings to all who visit and is highly revered.

Wat Khunaram is about a 10-minute drive from Lamai Beach. It’s open every day and is most active in the early morning or late afternoon. You can find it on the map here.

18. Try The Digital Nomad Life

Koh Samui is not only a popular tourist and honeymoon spot, but it’s also an up-and-coming digital nomad destination. While the digital nomad community may not be as big here as it is on nearby Koh Phangan or Chiang Mai in the north, this is still a great place to work remotely.

High-speed internet is now readily available on the island, especially in the popular areas of Chaweng and Lamai. Also, there’s finally a co-working space at Mantra (check it on the map here). It has fast WiFi, comfy sofas, video games, and even a pool table. Now that’s a cool office!

Dariece and Nick (founders of Goats on the Road) spent an amazing month living and working from Koh Samui. Read all about it in their massive guide to being a digital nomad in Koh Samui.

☞ If you’re curious about what digital nomad life is like on the other side of the world, read about our experience traveling as digital nomads in South America.

19. Take a Sunset Cruise

What could be better than enjoying the sunset from a tropical beach in Thailand? Enjoying it on a yacht, of course! Taking a sunset cruise definitely earns its spot on this list of things to do in Koh Samui.

Most tour operators on the island will be happy to set you up with a sunset cruise. One of the best options is with the Red Baron, a traditional wooden junk-style yacht.

Their sunset cruise includes a welcome cocktail, unlimited soft drinks/tea/coffee, and a buffet dinner. There’s also a bar operating on deck if that one drink just isn’t enough. Prices for their 3-hour cruise come in at 2,500 baht (about $100) per person. Click here to learn more.

20. Try the Thai Experience Dinner

This just might be the coolest dinner party out there. The Thai Experience is taking dinner parties to a whole new level with their fun and interactive spin on things.

To be clear, this is not a cooking class. I’ve already included those on this list of things to do in Koh Samui up above. While you will learn all about the various dishes and even learn how to make a little something yourself, you’ll be eating food prepared by their highly skilled chefs.

For their full experience, you get a cocktail class (and the finished product!), 15 different dishes, and unlimited booze. Now that’s what I call a dinner party! They provide round-trip transportation, so go ahead and drink up. These tours last three hours and cost 2,490 baht ($78) per person.

This dinner party is one of the most unique things to do in Thailand. Don’t miss it!

21. See a Cabaret Show

One of the quintessential things to do in Koh Samui is seeing a ladyboy cabaret show. These shows feature singing, dancing, comedy, and some pretty elaborate costumes.

There are a few different options for ladyboy cabaret shows on the island. One that comes highly recommended is Paris Follies, which features a wide variety of dance styles as well as many awesome celebrity impersonators.

Shows go on every night at 8, 9:30, and 11. The earlier show is a bit more family-friendly, while things heat up a little bit for the later performance. It’s free to attend, but they make their money off of the bar as drinks are definitely on the pricey side.

Now You Know What To Do in Koh Samui!

As you can see, there’s a lot happening here on Koh Samui. While this island will probably suck you in, you might want to consider tacking on a trip to the nearby islands of Koh Tao for diving and Koh Phangan for the epic parties and adventures.

If you’re planning on exploring more of the country (and you should be), be sure to check out this guide to backpacking Thailand. When you inevitably consider quitting your job, selling all your worldly possessions, and moving here, we’ve also got you covered with details on the cost of living in Thailand.

What did I miss?! If there are other things to do in Koh Samui that I missed, please leave a comment down below and let us know.

Some images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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