News
There is no better time to enjoy Cayman’s wonderful world of sponges
As if the Cayman Islands didn’t already offer an amazing diving experience, fantastic sponge life is another reason to take a dive vacation there in 2020.
Divers who jump into any dive site in the Cayman Islands these days will witness sponges at the peak of their life cycle on local reefs. This means sponges are healthier, larger and more picturesque than they have been for more than a decade.
It has been 15 years since Hurricane Ivan struck the Cayman Islands and damaged the reefs destroying many of the sponges. The lack of storms since then has allowed them to grow back undisturbed. Alex Mustard, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading underwater photographers, photographs Cayman’s underwater world frequently and notes changes through the seasons.
Photo: Alex Mustard
“Hurricane Ivan levelled a lot of sponges on the north, east and south of the island, and I remember walking on Colliers beach straight after the storm and seeing loads and loads of sponges washed up,” he said. “A lot of them started re-growing then, and many have now reached maximum size and they look superb.”
“Sponges naturally fall off after they reach their maximum size and eventually regrow,” said Ocean Frontiers co-owner Steve Broadbelt, “but the hurricane wiped so many of them out at the same time. The quiet years have allowed them to reach maximum growth. It’s amazing to see them and we’re excited to show them to our visitors.”
Photo: Alex Mustard
Sponges attach themselves to the seafloor and filter water for food. These sea animals been around for thousands of years, and more than 6000 species of sponges can be found in oceans around the world. Cayman’s warm, clear and nutrient-rich water is ideal for Caribbean sponges and local reefs house more than 57 species in various colors. Among them; giant barrel sponges, orange elephant ear sponges, ball sponges, boring sponges, rope sponges and the rare antler sponge. If undisturbed, a giant barrel sponge can live 130 years. One of the largest sponges in Cayman is an elephant ear sponge on the west wall that measures 9 feet across.
Like corals, sponges play an important role in complex reef ecosystems. Boring and encrusting sponges compete for space with hard corals on the reef. Tube and barrel sponges give tiny goby fish a place to create their “cleaning stations.” Hawksbill turtles love to munch on the tough outer layer of barrel sponges, and angelfish feed on the soft inside of the sponge left behind by the turtles.
Steve Broadbelt says that sponges, like corals, also spawn during the year but not necessarily at the same time. Seasoned divers will have noticed. “Anyone who has been diving Cayman long enough will have seen sponges spawning at some point. This is the only time a sponge visually demonstrates that it is actually a living animal.”
Photo: Alex Mustard
Scientists believe life-saving drugs can be found in the ocean. From a large shallow water sponge in the 1950’s, scientists extracted two chemicals used to treat patients with cancer and now HIV. With much to learn about sponges and their relationship to other sea animals on the reef, there is concern about risks to their habitats; bottom trawling fishing, underwater cables, oil and gas exploration.
Underwater photographers give Cayman high marks for its picturesque reefs and drop-offs, its marine life and wrecks, and its warm, crystal clear water. The current splendor of its sponges is another reason to visit and document Cayman’s unbeatable underwater world.
Discover more about visiting and diving the Cayman Islands at www.visitcaymanislands.com
Grand Cayman also features in the WINTER 2020 issue of Scubaverse’s Dive Travel Adventures magazine – available at www.issuu.com/scubaverse soon!
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.
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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