News
Grand Bahama: Fun-filled activities for all the family
The Bahamas is not just about shark diving! Honestly! There is plenty to explore both above and below the water. We had some time to spare whilst waiting to fly to our next destination, after our diving trips, and decided to make the most of it. The Bahamas has more palm tree-lined golden beaches than anywhere we can think of, so you could just chill out, catch some sun and enjoy a Bahama Mama cocktail, but we wanted to do a couple of water-based activities that also allowed us to explore more of this island.
The tour, with Calabash Eco Adventures, combined both snorkelling and kayaking, but the wind had picked-up a little, and so our guides chose the sites best suited to the wind direction to ensure we were safe and comfortable in the water. They picked our group up from our hotel in the morning in a minibus, towing our kayaks behind. Whilst they do provide all the equipment you might need, we threw our mask, fins, snorkels, rash vests and action cameras into our bag.
Our first stop was Paradise Cove, where we were going to snorkel, and our tour bus pulled up to reveal a nice setup, with great facilities and a place to grab lunch after our time in the water. We donned our snorkelling gear and set off down the golden sand to the Caribbean Sea. Our guide told us that there were artificial reef structures, plenty of turtles and, further out, a nice reef to explore. We were not disappointed with our first turtle appearing in just a couple of minutes. It is amazing the marine life you can see in such shallow water, without needing any scuba kit. After over an hour in the water, we were ready for a spot of lunch and so grabbed a veggie burger on the deck before jumping back in the bus to take us to our next adventure.
Our afternoon was spent kayaking amongst the island’s mangrove system. This ecosystem is hugely important for the island; the mangroves act both as a barrier to the adverse weather during hurricane season and also as a nursery for young reef fish. Kayaking is a great way to explore the mangroves, gliding quietly on the still water as our guide led us on a relaxing tour through the maze of mangrove roots. Braver souls than us tried standing up and paddling, but one wobble and they were in!
To finish off our day of non-diving in Grand Bahama, we headed to Port Lucaya Marketplace. If you want to pick up some duty-free shopping, stop for a drink and watch the world go by, or fancy eating out, then this is where most people head to. It is really vibrant and we particularly liked the Rum Runner as a place to grab a cocktail of the same name and toast what was an exceptional day out of the water.
For more information about these activities:
Images and text by Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown
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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