Archive for the ‘Diving Locations’ Category

Maldives Live Aboard Diving: The Ultimate Corporate Retreat

Friday, May 11th, 2012

2ark-royalIf you’re an events planner or responsible for arranging the annual corporate retreat for your organization, you may know that the trend toward adventure-oriented events continues strong, while almost universally, travel budgets are shrinking. How can you get the maximum bang for your buck?

Maldives live aboard diving is one answer that’s sure to be a winner. The Maldives is known the world over as one of the very best scuba diving locations. There are two fabulous boats working in the region: the Ark Royal Liveaboard and the Maldives Princess Liveaboard. Your team can enjoy multiple dives throughout the day with friendly, skilled guides. The soft corals and sponges in the regions are breathtaking. Many of these species can be found nowhere else in the world. Your Maldives live aboard diving experience can include diving near one of the many atolls surrounding the islands; there you can see the larger sea life including manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads and more.

At the end of the day’s diving, enjoy the comfortable luxury of a Maldives Liveaboard. It’s the perfect setting for brainstorming or visioning sessions; you’re far from the hustle, distraction, and chaos of normal life, while wi-fi connectivity allows you to access needed files, information, and resources easily.

Maldives live aboard diving is surprisingly affordable, especially when you compare the costs to more traditional, less exclusive, less exciting corporate retreat venues. It’s an ideal option for small, dynamic companies with an active, adventurous leadership team that values unique experiences. If your team already knows how to scuba dive, that’s great. They’ll truly appreciate the majestic beauty of Maldives live aboard diving. Do some members of your team need dive instruction and certification prior to departure? We can help you arrange that – and there’s no better place to experience the magic of scuba than at one of the best scuba diving locations in the world, the Maldives!

If you’re planning a private getaway, take advantage of our current dive trip special for the Ark Royal liveaboard. This special includes 7 nights accommodations and free nitrox.

Galapagos Dive Trip: Swimming with Sea Lions

Friday, May 4th, 2012

sea-lionA little over a year ago, European travel expert and blogger Cheryl Howard wrote about the joys of discovering sea lions in the Galapagos. Obviously, the wildlife is one of the main draws when you plan a Galapagos dive trip. The Galapagos are renowned for being one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. There are species there that can be found nowhere else on the planet.

Sea lions aren’t rare or exclusive to the Galapagos, but they are no less delightful for that. These friendly, curious creatures are protected here: the islands and surrounding waters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you’re on your Galapagos dive trip, you’ll see many, many sea lions. The dive guides on your Galapagos Islands scuba diving liveaboard ship will instruct you on the best ways to interact with sea lions. It’s key to let the animals come to you, rather than trying to approach the sea lions. Never, ever approach a sea lion on the beach – they feel more vulnerable and exposed when they’re on shore, and you don’t want to find yourself facing 600 pounds of distressed sea lion!

You’ll most often see sea lions close to the shoreline for an easy escape from sea predators. Younger sea lions are more inquisitive than older sea lions. They’re playful animals and can swim right toward you at high speed, zooming away at the last possible second. Other times, they’ll “accidentally” bump into you. Swimming with the sea lions can be the highlight of a Galapagos Islands scuba diving vacation. You’ll remember this experience for your whole life.

Now is the time to book your Galapagos dive trip! Interested parties can also join Ken on his special group trip on the Galapagos Wolf Buddy & Darwin Buddy August 3-10, 2013. Contact us to learn more about the best deals for Galapagos Islands scuba diving.

Senior Fitness Spotlight: The Health Benefits of Caribbean Scuba Diving

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Bohio-resortSenior health experts agree: staying active and physically fit can have a tremendous positive impact on how much you enjoy your life. Scuba diving is being enjoyed by record numbers of seniors, a trend that is expected to continue as the Baby Boomers retire. What is the reason for this popularity?

There are many elements to scuba’s popularity. Some divers are drawn by the elements of adventure and discovery. Who knows what you will find beneath the waves on your Caribbean scuba diving vacation? To see a coral reef for the first time – to share crystal clear waters with a slow-moving sea turtle – to look out into the open ocean and gain a fresh perspective on how vast this amazing planet truly is – these experiences have no age limit. You’re never too old to explore!

As with any physical activity, you should check with your doctor before starting scuba diving classes. If you have been cleared to dive, the next step is to find a certified dive instructor for training. Learning how to scuba dive involves a combination of classroom instruction and training in a swimming pool or other controlled environment. Learning how to function in an entirely new environment can be exciting; for the senior who wishes to explore underwater photography or videography, this is how the process starts and Caribbean scuba diving offers some of the clearest waters and most vibrant sea life!

There are many health benefits associated with scuba, including increased circulation, improved muscle strength and increased energy levels. Being in the water reduces the pressure and strain on the joints, which is good news. Being in the beautiful tropical surroundings of Caribbean destinations such as the Cayman Islands, Bonaire or Grenada boosts the spirit and psyche. You’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Caribbean scuba diving is good for the body and the mind.

See for yourself how great you can feel! We currently have a number of dive trip specials available in some of the most beautiful Caribbean destinations such as St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos and Cozumel. Ultimate Dive Travel also has many more options for your Caribbean scuba diving vacation from resorts to liveaboards! Contact us to book your Caribbean scuba diving vacation today.

Scuba Spotlight: Was it the Great Diving that Made Bill Gates Choose Belize?

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Sunbreeze-HotelNow, we don’t know Bill Gates personally. We have to admit that right up front. But we do think it’s fair to say that a man who has attained great success and personal wealth probably develops the ability to pick out the very finest things in life. That’s why we weren’t surprised by this news story about Bill Gates’ decision to vacation in Belize, one of Central America’s best scuba diving locations.

Belize is a magnificently beautiful country. The tropical forests are lush and green and almost overwhelmingly full of life. The people you meet in Belize are as friendly as they come. There are countless reasons to visit Belize. One of the best is just off shore, where you’ll find the world’s second-largest coral reef.

Belize Scuba Diving Trips: Coral Reef Diving Done Right

All inclusive Belize scuba diving trips give snorkelers and divers of all experience levels the ability to enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful sights: a thriving, vibrant coral reef. There’s the giant reef that runs parallel to Belize, as well as numerous smaller reefs and coral gardens that surround the Cayes, the small islands off the coast.

If you’re an underwater photographer, Belize is one of the best scuba diving locations for you to cross off your bucket list. Colorful tropical fish abound, and the clear water makes getting great shots easier. Make sure to look toward the open ocean every now and then – that’s where you’ll see the larger fish species, including giant groupers and barracudas.

When planning your scuba vacation to Belize, take advantage of our scuba special at the Sunbreeze Hotel in Ambergis Caye, Belize. This offer is available for travel between August 1 – November 10, 2012. Ultimate Dive Travel also offers many other resort options in Belize. Talk to our all-diver team of experts to help you find the resort to best suit your dive travel needs. What are you waiting for? Now’s the time to explore how wonderful the world can be and enjoy one of the best scuba diving locations. Book your Belize scuba vacation today!