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A 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 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.

If you’re an avid underwater photographer, chances are you’ve already discovered the delights of muck diving. Muck diving takes you away from the familiar colorful coral reefs into patches where the bottom is covered in layers of sand and silt. Hidden here, you’ll find great pockets of vivid, beautiful sea life – perfect for the underwater photographer. Once you discover muck diving, don’t be surprised if you find yourself continually on the lookout for the world’s best scuba diving locations for the ultimate muck diving experience!

Indonesia Scuba Diving Trips: Ambon

Divers in the know have been singing the praises of Ambon. Ambon is part of the Moluccas Island chain in Indonesia. What can you expect if you plan scuba diving trips to Ambon? Take it from Howard and Michele Hall, legendary cinematographers who took a recent trip to the Maluku Divers Resort:

“The diversity of strange marine creatures in Ambon Bay is legendary and we were certainly not disappointed. On our first dive our guides took us to see a pair of beautiful purple Rhinopias. One of these was perched next to an identically colored soft coral. Lying in the rubble, twenty feet up the slope, was the largest sea krait I have ever seen. He was easily twice the size of any I had seen before. I couldn’t decide which way to point my camera.”

Howard Hall’s commentary comes from his recent guest blog appearance on MuckDivingIndonesia.com, the official blog of Maluku Divers Resort.

Ambon Muck Diving: The Adventure of Discovery

Norbert Wu, an avid and experienced underwater photographer and diver, shared his experiences muck diving at Maluku Divers Resort in Ambon:

“The diving at Ambon is mainly muck diving, meaning it is on black sand or silt-covered rocks – not traditional coral reefs. If you are muck diving, then you delight in the bizarre creatures that you will find in the muck and patches of coral. You’ll find all the usual coral reef animals, but you will also find animals that make their living in eelgrass beds, in the sand, and which are camouflaged so well that only your Indonesian guide will be able to see them.”

Norbert Wu’s full review of Maluku Divers Resort can be found on his blog.

Discover Ambon: Start Planning Your Scuba Diving Trips to Ambon Today!

Would you like to try Ambon for yourself? These muck diving adventures are appropriate for divers of all experience levels, and we’re coming up on prime time to book your Indonesia scuba diving trips. Experience the adventure first-hand! Contact Ultimate Dive Travel, the first scuba travel company to offer scuba diving trips to Ambon, to start planning your dive vacation.