News
Diving with… Seminole Scuba, Florida, USA
In this ongoing series, we speak with the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer
What is your name?
Paul Shepherd
What is the name of your business?
Seminole Scuba
What is your role within the business?
Owner
How long has the business operated for?
16 Years
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
27 Years, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
What is your favorite type of diving?
Coral Reefs
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
Florida has an amazing Spring network which offers us lots of crystal clear fresh water diving. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other we are perfectly positioned to offer an experience to both as well.
We also offer a lot of International trips that are all guided by our team of experts and that allows us to travel safely to some of the most remote locations in the World. We have recently dived Raja Ampat, Komodo, Africa and Fiji. Soon we are off too Micronesia, Africa, Antarctica, Galapagos, Philippines, French Polynesia and South Africa for the Sardine Run.
What is your favorite dive location and why?
Indonesia, for the diversity.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Florida Springs offer clear water for recreational diving and caves for the more adventurous.
Then the Gulf of Mexico is popular with spearfishermen.
The Atlantic Ocean has fantastic reefs and wrecks all up the coast.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
Introducing new divers to the other 70% of our planet and introducing people to new experiences in various parts of the world.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Nudibranchs
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
The new trip schedule:
- Truk Lagoon October 2017 (5 Spots available)
- Africa November 2017 (Sold Out)
- Antarctica January 2018 (2 Spots available)
- Africa November 2018 (Sold Out)
- Philippines Malapascua and the Visayas January 20th – 30th 2019 (14 Spots available)
- Arctic May 2019 (6 spots available)
- Galapagos July 2019 (Sold Out)
- Africa October 2019 (14 spots available)
- Galapagos March 2020 (14 Spots available)
- French Polynesia September 2020 (22 Spots available)
- Raja Ampat January 2021 (14 Spots available)
- Sardine Run June 2021 (8 Spots available)
- Maldives October 2021 (22 Spots available)
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Keeping people interested in diving. There are lots of options out there for people and keeping them diving is becoming more and more difficult.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
We work a little with Project Aware and then on our big trips we try to work with a charity/conservation company in country to make a donation or try and help in other ways. For the Africa trip we are working with the David Sheldrake Wildlife Trust.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
It’s improving! The industry was always run by hobbyists who generally had no clue about business. That is slowly changing. The fiscal crisis helped remove some of them but there are some still remaining. Just because someone has been diving for a long time does not mean they know anything about business… I think newer companies like Huish are beginning to work that out where as some of the older companies need to bring in fresh blood.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
We offer a great escape from Disney to those travelling to the Orlando area as well as some world class diving.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
www.seminolescuba.com or email Dive@seminolescuba.com
Tel: 407-333-8856
If in the Orlando area come by the fully stocked shop: 3869 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary, FL, 32746.
Blogs
Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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