Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

3 Animals to be Aware of When Diving

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Scuba diving is a wonderful way to evade the hustle and bustle of daily life. There is something about being underwater and surrounded by sea life that helps divers find their center and experience a sense of tranquility that helps their souls heal.

While there are many benefits connected to diving, experienced divers know that there is also an element of risk. Experienced divers know that while many of the animals that call the ocean home are beautiful, many are also deadly. A single bite or sting from one of these ocean creatures can put a diver’s life in danger.

Stonefish

Many people don’t realize that the stonefish is one of the most deadly animals a diver could encounter. The good news is that stonefish aren’t aggressive. They don’t even pursue the reef fish they consume.

The problem with stonefish is that they are camouflage masters. They blend in so perfectly with the seabed and are so still, both fish and human divers often mistake them for a simple rock. If the diver inadvertently steps on the stonefish, the fish’s needle-sharp spine instantly injects a highly toxic venom into the diver. The diver will immediately experience extreme pain. The venom presents two dangers. The first is that it’s strong enough to potentially kill the diver. The second is that the diver may be in so much pain, they’re unable to swim to the surface and get help. With treatment, it can take 24-48 hours to recover from an encounter with a stonefish.

While the stonefish is native to the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, it has been found in the Caribbean and popular Florida dive sites.

Moray Eels

Moray eels are dangerous, though not quite as deadly as some people assume. Moray eels aren’t aggressive and will usually ignore divers. Most moray eel attacks are the result of divers inserting their hands into holes and crevices that the eels are using as dens.

Lionfish

Lionfish are gorgeous, but divers should give them a wide berth. The very spines that inspired their names are potentially deadly to divers. The spines are full of venom which can cause extreme pain if it enters the diver’s bloodstream. While it’s unlikely that the venom will kill a diver, the pain they experience could make it difficult for them to reach the surface. The venom is a protein-based neuromuscular toxin that inhibits the body’s nerves, brain, and muscle’s ability to communicate.

These are just three of the animals divers should be cautious of while they explore reefs and shipwrecks.

Where to Dive in the Philippines 2021

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Good times have come for those who missed sea life in the Philippines after restricting outdoor activities to contain the Covid-19 spread.

The Department of Tourism allowed the opening of these diving spots for limited guests.

 

Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte

Southern Leyte gets popularity from the diving sites along Sogod Bay. It contains over 25 unspoiled sites with pristine reefs and healthy corals. Visitors also see frogfish, octopi, sea turtles, pygmy seahorses, and gigantic white sharks at particular times of the year.

 

Tubbataha Reef, Palawan

Tubbataha, a popular dive spot, was established in 1988 as Marine Park. Unesco made it a heritage site in 1993 because it hosts impressive biodiversity. In addition to diving, visitors can see 600 fish and 360 coral specials. They also come across 13 species of dolphins and whales. Note that authorities allow all domestic tourists to enter El Nido for leisure. Tourists of all ages without comorbidities and underlying conditions can enter. Minors should visit in the company of their parents or guardians.

 

Dauin, Negros Oriental

Dauin is a small municipality that is 30 minutes away from Dumaguete city has 18 different dive areas. Anyone who likes searching for life in the silt will find exhilarating five diving sites. An artificial dive site name “the Ginama” is one interesting spot. It is the middle of old car tires and now hosts a lot of marine life. Divers also find many marine attractions off the Dauin Coast. They include barracudas, crabs, cuttlefish, reel fish, and sea turtles.

 

Siquijor Island

This small island is a diving paradise with more than 10 diving sites around the isle’s waters. In addition, Siquijor has two marine sanctuaries, spots for much diving, and walls to dive in. A sunken Island reaching down to 40 meters is an excellent spot for experienced divers, although the different dive areas suit even the beginners. Each sanctuary has its set of marine life, including barracuda, turtles, cuttlefish, and reel fish.

 

Moalboal, Cebu

Moalboal in Southern Cebu holds an attractive array of marine life, including fish. It is a place for beginner and veteran divers to swim with frogfish, sardines, sea turtles, and white tip sharks, among many other species. Sardines spawn in the cool waters gathering off the coast at a place where divers can easily spot them.

 

Boljoon and Alcoy, Cebu

Boljoon and Alcoy municipalities provide a good quiet spot for macro divers. The expansive reefs along the islands house various rare life like the Lembeh Sea dragon and green sea turtles. These Cebu towns are open for travelers searching for a getaway.

 

Malapascua, Cebu

The blue waters of Malapascua Island are a popular diving spot. It is a place with many dive sites for beginners and seasoned. The visitors swim with thresher sharks at Monad Shoal and explore various underwater caves in the surrounding. They may also go for the popular resident white tip sharks of the Gado Island.

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.

Getting the Most out of Your Diving Gear

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Getting the most out of your diving gear is what diving is all about. You will be in a position to enjoy diving when you use the correct diving equipment. The right gear makes all the difference when it comes to diving, and this means that you need to take some time out to consider how the kit works and how you will be using it. Taking time out to assess your diving gear is therefore essential.

 The first thing you will want to do is make sure that you invest in good quality diving equipment. This means that you should buy gear that reputable companies have produced. There is a great deal of equipment that has been on the market, and it is not always that you will be buying from a company that has produced good gear. It might be that you will be buying from a company that is making low-quality gear. This will mean that you could find yourself having to replace the equipment quite often, which could be a costly exercise.

 The next thing that you should look at when trying to get the most from your gear is the material from which it is made. Some people will tend to get gear made from steel, which is likely to be very durable. However, this can rust easily, and you could end up having to replace the equipment more often than you would like. The gear is made from needs to be very strong as this will make sure that it does not rust easily.

 Check the stitching and the seams that are there on the gear that you are looking at. This is another area where you will want to make sure that you are checking everything that you purchase. Getting the wrong gear might be a mistake. If you happen to buy equipment that is not as strong as you thought it was, it could prove a problem. You do not want to spend a lot of money because you did not check the gear properly.

 The next thing that you need to think about is the ease of use of the gear. This can vary from one item of gear to another. For example, if you use a scuba diving regulator, it needs to be easy to use. On the other hand, if you will be getting one of the heavier dive gear items such as a weight belt or a mask, you might not need to worry about the ease of use. However, these items are not easy to use, and therefore they need to be very well designed.

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.