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Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand is approximately the size of Texas. On the northern side the country borders (Burma) Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. On the southern side it borders Malaysia, The gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Sea, and the Malacca Strait. Phuket Island is down near the southern end and is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the nation. So, the land was first settled some 20,000 years ago. Modern temples, temple ruins and Buddhist shrines make this a must visit country. Enjoy our blog article Thailand’s Amazing Andaman Sea.

Diving Thailand

It would take more than a couple of scuba diving trips to see all the dive sites in the Andaman sea. One the north end divers are out at Burma Banks, and the Mergui Archipelago. On the southern end are the Adang Archipelago and the Satun Sea. From Phuket you can take several days long liveaboard trips to the northern or southern dive sites. Phuket also has day trips to close by islands. In Thailand, shore boat trips are also done from Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Satun. From Khao Lak and Koh bon you can take trips out to the Similan Islands. What you may see out here includes corals, mantas, shrimp, lobsters, octopus, frogfish, sharks, and whale sharks.  There are swim throughs, pinnacles, caverns, overhangs, and drift dives. Moreover, there are also caves, wrecks, tunnels, and submerged reefs barely ever seen.

So, there are also untold beaches and shore dives to explore. Dive sites are named for the color of soft corals that dominate the area. Turtles and seahorses make sure your camera is used as much as possible.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

In Thailand, resorts, hotels, youth hostels, and beach bungalows are available, but to see the distant scuba diving sites you’ll need a liveaboard to get you out to the remote reefs and islands. The temples and temple ruins could keep you very busy. The ruins of Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and the temples of Wat Arun, and Wat Phra Kaew are just a few of the larger temples. Keep your eye out for smaller temples especially near the river or waterways in Bangkok. For water activities, there is snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Phuket is famous for its nightlife by the beach. The food in Thailand is fantastic and you could spend a year just trying to savor every dish and accompanying sauce that over 2,000 years they have perfected.

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Australia (Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea)

Australia truly is a one of a kind country and the sixth largest continent. The geology of the land goes back 4.8 billion years.  Dinosaur fossils and prehistoric foot tracks are on display and gems such as opulent opals and spectacular sapphires can either be collected or purchased depending on the tour. Queensland is the scuba diving state and home of the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is the place to go for most liveaboard and day boat dive adventures. Osprey Reef has to be one of the most pristine and spectacular dive destinations in the Coral Sea. There are 1,500 species of fish and 400 species of coral out here. Enjoy our blog stories: Australia Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef and  110,000 Reasons to Go Liveaboard.

Diving Australia, Queensland, and the Coral Sea

Cairns is located up north towards the top of the Great Barrier Reef. This is the scuba diving gateway to such locations as Osprey Reef where the liveaboards go to view a dozen of the 125 species of sharks found in Australia. Moreover, there are dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, and dugongs. At North Horn, divers can view shark feeds being professionally fed. Pelagics such as Maori “Napoleon” wrasse, turtles, and rays hang out at False Entrance. Lizard Island is popular for day and night dives and from here it less than an hour to Cod Hole, part of the Ribbon Reefs, where professional divers feed Giant potato cod fish. Yonge Reef, Dynamite Passage, and Big Softy are also quite popular. Closer to Cairns, Australia are several other reefs to dive as well as the Lord Howe Island and the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs up by Port Douglas.

Townsville is home to Magnetic Island, the Whitsunday Islands, Heron Island, and Lady Elliot Island.  Just south of here is 358ft long passenger ship SS Yongala. She went down in 1911 The destroyer HMS Brisbane was purposefully sunk in 2005.

Brisbane on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef is home to Morton Island and North Stradbroke Island. You can do both day and night dives at Shag Rock. Gotham City, Cherub’s Cave and the Tagalooma Wrecks are great dives off of Morton Island.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

Liveaboards in Australia are the only way to see Osprey Reef and many of the outer islands in the Coral Sea. Inner Great Barrier Reef day trips can be arranged from some island resorts, and day trips can also be arranged from most major cities. Fossiking for gold, gems and laying on the beach are popular activities. Visiting aquariums such as Underwater World and Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo are great attractions. Many visitors like to spend a few days in Sydney before or after going up to Cairns in order to see the architectural master piece known as the Sydney Opera House and scenic surrounding harbor.

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The Sandpiper

The Sandpiper is a scuba diving resort in historic Holetown, Barbados. It was built in 1970 and has been family operated ever since. So, the resort has 48 rooms and sits right against the beach and turquoise waves.  There are Garden view rooms, 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites, Tree Top Suites, and Beach House Suites. The rooms come with Air conditioning, a hairdryer, ceiling fan, refrigerator, safe, and ipod/ ipad docking station. Some of the suites have spacious living rooms, and walk in showers, 4 polster beds, and dinning for 6 on the veranda with a spectacular ocean view. Beach House Suites have a covered patio with a wet bar and sun deck. Enjoy our blog article on The Cuttlefish The Undisputed Master of Camouflage.

The Sandpiper Diving

HighTide Watersports is the preferred scuba diving center. This dive center is located close by at the sister hotel; Coral Reef Club. So, the dive center was established in 1993 by Willie Hewitt. They are known for their nice people, safe procedures, and quality service they offer to their guests. So, they offer discover scuba, open water classes. Specialty courses include night diver, underwater photographer, wreck diver, and enriched air diver. They also offer quality dive gear rentals. More importantly, some of the dive sites they frequently visit include Silver Banks, Shark’s Bank, Bright Ledge, Spawnee, and the easy-going wreck Pamir. Farther south from The Sandpiper, they go to Dottins, Stavronikita, and Carlisle Bay. Carlisle Bay is where you’ll find a nice collection of five wrecks.

You may see tons of turtles, several species of sharks, and assorted fish. Keep an eye out for octopus, seahorses, sponges, lobster and conchs. On the surface you may see pilot whales, and pods of dolphins.

Attractions and Activities

The restaurant at The Sandpiper offers a free breakfast. The executive chef and his team change their dinner menu five times a week. They offer Caribbean flair and a fusion of European and Asian techniques and ingredients. On Wednesday night they have west indies specialties and an international buffet. Sunday is BBQ night and steel drum music. Harold’s Bar has alfresco lunches, and delicious concoctions that help you decompress and unwind. So, the resort has a spa and wellness center. As for activities, you can go kayaking, paddle boarding, or Hobie cat sailing. They also have tennis courts, and a fitness gym. Furthermore, you may wish to visit the golfing greens at Sandy Lane or at the Royal Westmoreland.

If you would like to participate in an ongoing conservation program, you are fortunate to be right next door to the Barbados Sea Turtle Project. So, you may also like to relax in the mosaic pool or swim in the 60ft lap pool. Moreover, the Tree top suites have their own plunge pools. Finally, to put your hair back in place, you may wish to visit the sister hotel hair salon and boutique.

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Coral Reef Club

Coral Reef Club is a family owned and run scuba diving resort. So, they are located by historic Holetown, Barbados in the Caribbean Sea. This 5-star luxury resort has 88 accommodations ranging from luxury rooms, cottages, and suites. The luxury suites even come with 4 pollster or canopied beds. So, rooms have flat screens and private bathrooms. Moreover, selected rooms have balconies or patios. Above all, some rooms also come with complimentary starter bars. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Coral Reef Club Diving

HighTide Watersports in the onsite scuba diving center. So, the dive center was established in 1993 by Willie Hewitt. They are known for their nice people, safe procedures, and quality service they offer to their guests. So, they offer discover scuba, open water classes. Specialty courses include night diver, underwater photographer, wreck diver, and enriched air diver. They also offer quality dive gear rentals. More importantly, some of the dive sites they frequently visit include Silver Banks, Shark’s Bank, Bright Ledge, Spawnee, and the easy-going wreck Pamir. Farther south from Coral Reef Club, they go to Dottins, Stavronikita, and Carlisle Bay Carlisle Bay is where you’ll find a nice collection of five wrecks.

You may see tons of turtles, several species of sharks, and assorted fish. Keep an eye out for octopus, seahorses, sponges, lobster and conchs. On the surface you may see pilot whales, and pods of dolphins.

Attractions and Activities

The restaurant at Coral Reef Club has a buffet style breakfast. They offer an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Fine dining and personal service are a high priority at this “Small Luxury Hotel of the World”. Furthermore, Thursday Night is BBQ night complete with local entertainment. Monday is cocktail night. So, for activities, they have a fitness center, a Spa, and 2 outdoor mosaic tiled pools. Golf is available at Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland. Roz’s Salon is available for hair care. So, the salon can also help you look perfect for a wedding at the resort. Finally, Coral Reef Club offers Hobie cat sailing, kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling.

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Bougainvillea Beach Resort

Bougainvillea Beach Resort is a scuba diving destination in Christ Church Parish in Barbados. So, they have 100 accommodations ranging from deluxe studios and suites. Moreover, you choose between a balcony or terrace, a room with a mini-fridge and microwave or a full fridge, kitchen and dining room. Most rooms come with flat screen TV’s with cable and air conditioning. So, Bougainvillea Beach Resort they also offer all-inclusive packages too. Enjoy our blog article on Diving the Bahamas with Max Gilbert.

Bougainvillea Beach Resort Diving

There are several scuba diving shops to choose from. Most of them will pick you up from the resort and drop you back off after the dives. So, Roger’s Scuba Shack is one of the closest dive centers. The Dive Shop, West Side Scuba Center, Seahorse Divers, and Barbados Blue Water Sports also viable options. Most of these dive centers teach referrals to open water divers, do 1 or 2 tank day dive trips and some night dive adventures. More importantly, there are over 30 dive sites on the west side of Barbados, and a few dives sites more on the east side. Popular dive sites close to Bougainvillea Beach Resort include Dottins, Shark’s Bank, the 365ft long Stavronikita, the five plus wrecks at Carlisle Bay, and Maycocks Bay. Castle, Pieces of Eight, the Deep, and G-spot also have well placed diver notoriety.

Attractions and Activities

The Siam Restaurant at Bougainvillea Beach Resort offers Thai inspired cuisine. The Calabash Café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. And yes, they have a swim up pool bar. So, 5 minutes away is the Oistins fish market and you have to try the fish fry. Also 5 minutes away in St. Lawrence Gap is where you will find several recommended eateries. Be sure and try Banks Beer or a Bajan Rum Punch. Now, as for activities, the resort has 3 pools, the Karma Spa, and Karma Fitness Center. Bougainvillea Beach Resort also has an air conditioned conference room for up to 65 guests. A game room with foos ball, air hockey, billiards table, and table tennis, plus video games. You can go horseback riding, ride the Atlantis Submarine Barbados, take a catamaran cruise, visit a wildlife preserve, golf, explore Harrison’s Cave, or go deep sea fishing.

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Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa

Scuba diving in Tahiti? Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is located on Motu Tevairoa. The resort is just a 10-minute boat ride from the airport in Bora Bora. So, the resort has 80 rooms ranging from over water suites/bungalows, Garden pool villas, and Otemonu view beach suites. Moreover, most units come with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, complimentary WiFi, minibar, satellite TV, CD & DVD. Finally, at Bora Bora Pearl Beach, some units also come with a Jacuzzi, outdoor showers or furnished private sundeck and direct access to the lagoon. Enjoy our blog article on Dive into Polynesia with Humpback Whales.

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Diving

TopDive is the onsite scuba diving center at Bora Bora Pearl Beach. They have 11 shops on 6 islands. TopDive also provides free Nitrox for those certified. They also teach several scuba diving courses from beginners and beyond.

From the north east side of the reefs around Bora Bora Pearl Beach is the dive site Muri Muri. This is a great spot for seeing Napoleon wrasse. On the southeast end of the reefs is Tupitipiti. This dive site has caves, swim throughs, and overhangs. Other local dive sites include Anau, Haapiti, Toopua, Tupai Island, and Tapu. Teavanui Pass is known for drift diving over blue coral. Above all, you’ll experience slopes, tunnels, manta cleaning stations, and canyons.

Some of the sea creatures you may see while staying at Bora Bora Pearl Beach include Lemon sharks, gray sharks, black tips, white tips, and nurse sharks. So, eagle rays, bat rays, leopard rays, sting rays and mantas fill out the cartilaginous fish card section. Trigger fish, clown fish, leopard wrasse, scorpion fish, trevally, tunas and barracuda fill out the bonefish list. Turtles, large anemones, and corals add to the background. Whale watches begin August 1st to October 31st and dolphins are on display at a moment’s notice.

Attractions and Activities

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa has 3 restaurants. Tevairoa Restaurant has a buffet style breakfast and serves international cuisine with a Polynesian touch for dinner. Miki Miki Bar & Grill is close to the pool and beach and serves lunch and dinner. Tau Rea Rea is a Sushi bar. There is also room service and their romantic service includes breakfast for two by outrigger or dinner on the beach. Speaking of romantic, they offer a plethora of wedding ceremonies and services. So, as for activities, you can try stand up paddle board, kayaking outrigger canoes, try mini-golf, ping pong, billiards, volleyball, hit the fitness center, or go snorkeling. They also have snorkeling tours and shark and stingray tours. Furthermore, there is a shuttle catamaran to take you to Bora Bora Island. Finally, you can also rejuvenate at the spa, smell the fragrant plumeria flowers, and just listen to the waves.

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Occidental Grand Papagayo

Occidental Grand Papagayo is an all-inclusive adults only scuba diving resort in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The resort has 163 rooms. So, you can choose between Deluxe, Deluxe Bay View, Deluxe Concierge, Deluxe Romance, and Premium Level Luxury. Air conditioning and free wifi are standard. Some higher end packages come with balconies, terraces and/or mini bars. Scuba diving is not part of the all-inclusive packages, but extra. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Occidental Grand Papagayo Diving

Rocket Frog Divers is the partner scuba diving center. They have a 36ft long ribbed inflatable boat “The Pacific Express”, with twin 300HP Yamaha engines. So, they do 2-3 tank dives out to some 20 dive sites. 16 in the Cat “Catalinas” islands and 4 in the Bat islands “Murcielagos”. The Bat islands are known for their bull sharks and the Cats are known for mantas, white tips, and nurse sharks. The dives start at around 40ft deep. Some of the local dive site names include Monkey Head, Punta Gorda, Whale Point, Virador, Tiburones, Shark Cave, Los Arcos, and El Argentino.

So, while staying at Occidental Grand Papagayo, plan on seeing harlequin shrimp, barracuda, turtles, and butterfly fish. From the surface you may see dolphins and devil rays jumping. So, they also have a 2-day trip where you can stay in a national park overnight. Furthermore, they have “learn to dive” courses and they are bi-lingual. Finally, ask about their new van for pickups and drop offs.

Attractions and Activities

So, for restaurants, Occidental Grand Papagayo has L’Buffet, The Italian, and D’Oriental. You can also enjoy burgers at the Snack Bar near the pool. Moreover, there is a Premium level lounge and club. There is a bar at the beach as well as a Lobby bar. The a la carte restaurants must have reservations made in advance. So, for activities, there is swimming in the two pools, kayaking and snorkeling at the beach. Tennis, volleyball and birding are also popular. Non-resort inclusive Horseback riding and fishing tours can also be arranged. Finally, at the spa they have rejuvenating treatments, mud and mineral wraps, and shiatsu massages.

At Occidental Grand Papagayo, every day is a perfect day for a couple’s retreat, wedding, honeymoon, or just whenever you want to escape from it all.
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Bosque del Mar Resort

Bosque del Mar Resort is located in Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This scuba diving resort has 32 air-conditioned room with mini fridges. The rooms come in 4 styles including Ocean view suite, Garden view suite, Junior suite and Penthouse suite. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Bosque del Mar Resort Diving

Rocket Frog Divers is the partner scuba diving center. They have a 36ft long ribbed inflatable boat “The Pacific Express”, with twin 300HP Yamaha engines. So, they do 2-3 tank dives out to some 20 dive sites. 16 in the Cat “Catalinas” islands and 4 in the Bat islands “Murcielagos”. The Bat islands are known for their bull sharks and the Cats are known for mantas, white tips, and nurse sharks. The dives start at around 40ft deep. Some of the local dive site names include Monkey Head, Punta Gorda, Whale Point, Virador, Tiburones, Shark Cave, Los Arcos, and El Argentino.

Therefore, while staying at Bosque del Mar Resort, plan on seeing harlequin shrimp, barracuda, turtles, and butterfly fish. From the surface you may see dolphins and devil rays jumping. So, they also have a 2-day trips where you can stay in a national park overnight. Furthermore, they have “learn to dive” courses and they are bi-lingual. Finally, ask about their new van for pickups and drop offs.

Attractions and Activities

So, at Bosque del Mar Resort the restaurant is called Niromi and the bar is called Nya. At Niromi you’ll find international as well as local Costa Rican Tico cuisine. Furthermore, you can even walk to other nearby restaurants for more options. You may wish to go on a tour to a national park such as Rincon de la Vieja or Palo Verde National Park. However, sometimes howler monkeys may appear right outside your room to visit you! So, you are ten minutes away from Playa Coco and there you can snorkel, paddle board, or take a sunset sailing tour.

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Margaritaville Beach Resort

Margaritaville Beach Resort is located in Playa Flamingo in the Guanacaste scuba diving region of Costa Rica. They have 120 rooms from garden, pool, and ocean views. Ocean view, studio family suites, and Honeymoon suites have kitchenettes. The area is known for golden sand beaches, sapphire seas, and emerald rainforests. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Margaritaville Beach Resort Diving

Rocket Frog Divers is the partner scuba diving center. They have a 36ft long ribbed inflatable boat “The Pacific Express”, with twin 300HP Yamaha engines. So, they do 2-3 tank dives out to some 20 dive sites. 16 in the Cat “Catalinas” islands and 4 in the Bat islands “Murcielagos”. The Bat islands are known for their bull sharks and the Cats are known for mantas, white tips, and nurse sharks. The dives start at around 40ft deep. Some of the local dive site names include Monkey Head, Punta Gorda, Whale Point, Virador, Tiburones, Shark Cave, Los Arcos, and El Argentino.

Therefore, while staying at Margaritaville Beach Resort, plan on seeing harlequin shrimp, barracuda, turtles, and butterfly fish. From the surface you may see dolphins and devil rays jumping. So, they also have a 2-day trip where you can stay in a national park overnight. Furthermore, they have “learn to dive” courses and they are bi-lingual. Finally, ask about their new van for pickups and drop offs.

Attractions and Activities

Margaritaville Beach Resort has several restaurants and bars. 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar & Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Licensed To Chill near one of the three pools has a swim up bar. Banana Wind Café, Capriccios Pizza Bistro & Café, and in room dinning round out the the food scene. So, as for activities, it’s almost and endless list with volley balls, ping pong, foos ball, body surfing, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, and Eco walking to name a few. Oh, and the kids pool and play area is covered. Of course, we have to mention touring a hot spring, zip lining, jet skiing, and guided kayak tours are also viable options. How about visiting the fitness center? Moreover, they have Spanish classes, and dance classes, or you could just lounge by the pool or visit the Onzen Spa.

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Coconut Court Beach Resort

Coconut Court Beach Resort is located on the south coast of Barbados in the Caribbean. Their top pick scuba diving center is located nearby in Bridgetown. So, the resort has 112 spacious studios facing the ocean with a private balcony. Moreover, they have ocean front rooms, superior ocean front rooms, and standard rooms (with a limited ocean view). At Coconut Court Beach Resort, the rooms feature a king or two twin beds, air conditioning, refrigerator, microwave, kettle, and toaster. They also have 12 apartments in the annex building for families and for those staying longer. They also have a complimentary hospitality suite available for those that have a late departure, but need a shower after regular check out time. Enjoy our blog article on Sea Turtle’s; The Godfathers of All Dive Magazines?

Coconut Court Beach Resort Diving

West Side Scuba Center in Bridgetown is their local go to scuba diving shop. They go out to 20 dive sites within a 10-20-minute boat ride. They also do snorkeling tours. So, for diving they do one tank and two tank excursions, plus night dives. They also do dive training. So, while staying at Coconut Court Beach Resort, the most popular wreck dive out here is on the 365ft long freighter Stavronikita. The “Stav” starts on angle at 20ft of depth and goes down to 130ft. In the Carlisle Bay Marine Park there are 6 wrecks. They rest close together and include tugs, freighters, a cement boat and barge. As for reef dive sites, there is Pieces of Eight, The Boot, The Muff, Tropicana, and The Village to name a few.

Clarke’s Bank is known for its blue stripped grunts, yellow tail snapper, and an occasional black jack or white sided Atlantis Submarine filled with big eyed tourists.

Attractions and Activities

So, Coconut Court Beach Resort is the home of The Deck Restaurant & Bar, Jakes Caribbean Steak & Seafood Grill, and Captain Charlie’s Beach Bar. The boardwalk that leads from the resort to Rockley Beach has cafes, bars, and restaurants along the way. So, for activities, the Barbados Museum and the George Washington house and tunnels are nearby. Shopping is over at Bridgetown. So, Coconut Court Beach Resort has a gift shop too. After a busy day you can relax at the pool in a lounger or take a dip in the ocean. More importantly, if you are here July to November you may see some of the 300 hawksbill turtles that come to shore to lay their eggs.

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