Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

Freshwater Diving Sites to Add to Your Bucket List

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If you’re looking for a new place to explore underwater, then look no further than one of these freshwater diving sites! Freshwater dives are often overlooked and don’t get the same attention as salt water dives. However, they can still be just as beautiful. If you want to see some of the most gorgeous underwater landscapes that exist on this planet, then read more below.

Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil

This is one of the most popular freshwater diving sites in all of South America! Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil contains a beautiful combination of natural saltwater lagoons and mineral-rich freshwater springs. This creates a unique mixture that has never been found anywhere else on Earth.

Molokini, Hawaii

Though this site is technically a volcanic crater, it still qualifies as one of the most impressive freshwater diving sites in all of Hawaii. Molokini Crater is located near Maui and contains an underwater portion. The state allows only 100 divers per day to visit this site, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to go!

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

This is another amazing site that combines freshwater and saltwater. This lake in Nevada has a depth of about 650 feet, which makes it perfect for divers who are looking to explore the depths. If you’re lucky enough to visit Lake Tahoe during wintertime, then make sure you check out its frozen underwater landscape!

Lake Baikal, Russia

This is the deepest freshwater dive site in all of Russia. This lake has a depth that reaches over 1612 feet! That’s almost half a mile underwater. If you’re looking for an adventure, then head to Lake Baikal.

Lake Tianchi, China

This is known as the “Heaven Lake” in China. It’s actually a crater lake, which means that it formed from an extinct volcano. The depth of this site reaches almost 1442 feet (that’s more than half a mile!), making it one of the best freshwater diving sites to visit if you’re looking for extreme adventures!

If you’re looking for a new place to explore underwater and add to your bucket list, then look no further than one of these freshwater diving sites. You will experience some of the most beautiful landscapes on this planet and have a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will never forget.

The Best Scuba Diving Spots for Kids

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Scuba diving with your children can be a thrilling adventure and a wonderful family bonding experience. Together you’ll explore vast underwater worlds and make memories that can last a lifetime, but you have to consider your kid’s physical limitations.

With that in mind, these locations are all highly accessible and offer plenty of undersea adventure regardless of diving level.

Bonaire

Bonaire, a small island off the coast of Venezuela, is the perfect locale for a family diving trip. It features a host of shore-diving options, which makes entering the water easy for children. Kids will love scouting for sea turtles and be amazed at the size of the massive tarpon that lives off the coast. Additionally, the seas are calm, and the current isn’t strong, so parents can relax and focus on enjoying the adventure.

Belize

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, making it a world-renowned scuba diving spot. There’s a host of sea creatures to search for, including the exotic rock beauty angelfish and stingrays. Another location with calm seas, the lack of current here makes diving a breeze, even for children who aren’t the strongest swimmers. Belizean diving is so great, it’s even recommended by Margo Peyton, the president of Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures.

Bermuda

Famous for its long stretches of pink-sand beaches, Bermuda is another wonderful dive spot for kids. The water here is crystal clear, so parents can always keep a watchful eye on their children, and visibility won’t hinder wildlife exploration. Parents will also love the fact that the water is relatively shallow near the coastline, only around 30 feet, so their newly-minted scuba divers won’t be able to get themselves in trouble by diving too deep.

Florida Keys

For families looking to vacation in the U.S., the Florida Keys make a great scuba diving destination. The Keys are home to America’s only coral reef, and the maximum 50-foot depth of the most popular dive spots make it a great spot to dive with kids.

Scuba diving can be an amazing experience for the whole family. You just need to take some time to pick the appropriate location.

Diving in Croatia

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For all of those who have never tried scuba diving before, but always wanted to, Croatia is the place to go. With dozens of crystal clear springs, there are fish so colorful they don’t seem real. Sealife in this country is plentiful and you will be amazed at what lives in the water just beneath your feet. Diving in Croatia can be done by all levels of divers with one of the best spots being Trogir’s Castle on the island of Krk.

Top Reasons to Scuba Dive in Croatia

The Water is Pristine and Clear

Croatia’s waters are famously blue. Its lakes and rivers glisten and so do its seas. There are lots of fish and coral reefs in Croatia. And the best part? The fish don’t seem to mind visitors.

Various Islands to Visit

Visitors can explore the beautiful islands of Krk and Hvar, which are two of the most notable. Meanwhile, other islands can be found on the Croatian coast such as Culinary Island and Cres. These islands are a great way to begin your scuba diving experience.

Relatively Cheap Diving Courses

While the prices of courses may fluctuate, Croatia is not too expensive when it comes to scuba diving courses for beginners. In fact, there are numerous ways to find the money you need to pay for your classes and gear.

Warm Sea Temperatures

If you want to dive in a warm climate, then Croatia is the place for you. The sea temperature ranges from the high 60s to the low 70s in Fahrenheit, perfect for new divers and veterans alike.

Unique River Diving

Not only can you dive in pretty lakes and seas, but Croatia also has many rivers for divers to explore. The most popular river dive site is the River Plitvice, which is a series of lakes that flow into one another. Unlike many places where there is a strong current, the Plitvice’s water is slow-moving.

Exceptional Underwater Scenery

The scenery beneath the surface of the water has to be seen to be believed. The visibility here is great which means that you can explore the depths of the sea with both a camera and your eyes. The underwater scenery in Croatia can be said to be among the most beautiful in the world.

Safe Diving Environment

Croatia has one of the lowest drowning rates in Europe, so it is a safe place to learn how to dive. With good training, you are less likely to be hurt by accidents on the water or while diving.

How to Travel and Dive Responsibly During the Pandemic

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A year into the Covid pandemic, many people are eager to get back out to travel. Preparing in advance is essential at this time. Anyone can have a wonderful and safe trip, full of great experiences and memories, but only by putting in the effort. 

Travel Planning

Before booking a trip, be sure to check into the travel restrictions based on location and type of transportation. Whether it is a country, U.S. state, or city, many places have their own rules. Venues may also have travel restrictions based on the location. For example, Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California are in two states and must comply with their respective state’s rules. For other countries, check the embassy website, which should provide covid guidelines. While it is rare to find travel insurance for Covid, carrying some travel insurance is a matter of good practice. Also, plan to bring along any documents, such as medical insurance cards, that could be useful in an emergency.

Covid Testing

Some countries and places require Covid testing before a flight. Check if rapid Covid testing is available while you wait, like at the Denver International Airport, or the requirement is to have a negative test three days in advance, which is the rule in the United Kingdom.

Covid Gear

There are several items every traveler should take to protect themselves from Covid. First, bring several masks. It may be easier to use disposable masks and throw them away after each use. However, if a cloth mask is more comfortable, be sure to bring enough for each day. Next, pack hand sanitizer as it may not be readily available. Finally, if possible, bring a forehead thermometer for venues that take body temperature before entry to any venue. Some businesses have the right to refuse access to their locations if customers do not meet body temperature requirements. 

Social Distancing

During travel and while at any venue, try to maintain social distancing. Some places have markers for social distancing or guides to remind visitors of the rules. While social distancing is not possible in every situation, it is best to observe the six-foot rule when appropriate.

Finally, enjoy the trip! Preparing in advance can give travelers the peace of mind they need to enjoy the sights and activities that drove them to travel in the first place.

Potential Careers for Scuba Diving Enthusiasts

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Scuba diving is a passion for many people all over the world. It is loved for a variety of different reasons. Whether it be the adventure or the peace a person can achieve by being alone under the water, it can be unbelievably fulfilling.
Some folks wish they could find a way to scuba more often, and even turn it into a career. While it may not be readily apparent to everyone, there are several career paths that a person could take if they wanted to make scuba their profession. Here are just a few careers that scuba enthusiasts may want to explore.

Protecting and Serving

One career that scuba divers may want to explore is the position of public safety diver. Law enforcement needs scuba divers to assist with getting evidence from bodies of water. It is a great way to assist with investigations and serve the public. This position would require a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification.

Entering the Field of Science

If an aspect of scuba diving that appeals to an individual is the exploration piece, they may want to consider a job in marine biology or scientific diving. These fields allow scuba divers to get into the water to find out more about the underwater world around them. It can also lead to some neat discoveries and experiences.

A Part-Time Gig

Some folks want to do more scuba diving in their spare time. If that is the case, one profession that some part-time scuba enthusiasts take is that of a Golf Ball Diver at a golf course. Someone needs to fetch the golf balls out of the bodies of water. It is a nice way for a person to strap on their scuba gear and earn a little extra cash.

Teaching Scuba Diving

For those who have a passion for scuba diving and want to share their love, becoming a dive instructor might be a good position. Dive instructors are hired by many different types of organizations, and people can get the benefit of traveling while they do their job.

Explore the Possibilities

People who love to scuba dive, and are interested in pursuing it as a living, should not assume that it is impossible. There are many careers that a person can explore if they are motivated. Those who want to make scuba diving their profession should figure out how they want to do it, and explore the steps needed to reach their goal.