Sandbar Divers/ Elizabeth’s Hideaway Resort

http://www.sandbardivers.com

Elizabeth's Hideaway in Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is cited as one of The World’s Most Beautiful Bays. Undoubtedly, its underwater world has the widest variety of different dive sites in the Philippines: It’s clear water hosts more than 3000 species of fish and marine animals. A haven for scuba enthusiasts, and is a Mecca for underwater photographers. The water is tropical and warm: Dec. – Feb. 21°C to 24°C, March – Nov. 25°C to 30°C.

Puerto Galera has been a marine reserve since the early 60’s and is one of the leading environmentally aware areas in the Philippines,. Sabang, is 24/7, a bustling shopping town with bancas all along it’s beachfront. Tourist shops, restaurants, dive shops, bars and nightclubs are in abundance. The Sandbar offers a peaceful alternative, with its beautiful resort Elizabeth’s Hideaway and Sandbar Divers, you get the best of both Worlds.
Located on beautiful Boquete Island in Puerto Galera , Philippines , Elizabeth’s Hideaway Resort, is to be found on a natural platform separating two waterways. This sprawling, tranquil resort boasts commanding views of the breathtaking turquoise waters and lush tropical vegetation of Puerto Galera Bay.

Sandbar Divers (formerly Sabangdivers).

Sandbar as a lot more water sports to offer
than any other resorts in all of Puerto Galera Windsurfing, Sailing Boats,
Kayaking, Glass Bottom, Banana Boat, Jet Ski. Also for land lovers we have
a Tennis Court the largest swimming pool in all of Sabang & Puerto Galera,
the one thing that we have that nobody else has is a Chapel for Weddings.
The Sandbar is quiet and very relaxing; we have no venders trying to sell
you things all the time no Disco’s. WE are only 10 min to Puerto, 15 min
to white beach. Sandbar is perfect for Families and for people that just
went to get away from the night life of Sabang. The Sandbar has Ocean on
both sides and beautiful sunsets everyday. The restaurant offers a wide
choice of local and international food. The Ponderosa Golf course is
nearby and we are only a 10 min boat ride to Sabang & nightlife.
As for diving we are a little further from the dive sites in sabang only
10 to 20 min, but in the bay we have 6 dive sites, also when bad weather
and the dive shops in Sabang cannot dive we still can dive.For the serious
diver we can do 4 dives a day.

Elizabeth's Hideaway Resort

Elizabeth’s Hideaway in Puerto Galera is Located on beautiful Boquete Island in Puerto Galera , Philippines , Elizabeth’s Hideaway Resort, is to be found on a natural platform separating two waterways. This sprawling, tranquil resort boasts commanding views of the breathtaking turquoise waters and lush tropical vegetation of Puerto Galera Bay.

The freestyle swimming pool and bar a tennis court is available for our guests. This idyllic location also offers the opportunity for all types of water sports and recreation, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Sailing, Jet-ski, Island hopping, Trekking. Sandbar Divers offers a multitude of certified diving courses from within the resort, making us a must visit stop on any Philippine diving excursion. Our neighbor, Puerto Galera Yacht Club offers sailing lessons daily. The Pondoroasa Gulf club is nearby, whilst the Puerto Galera Shooting Range is near the scenic town of Sabang, only a ten-minute boat ride away from Elizabeth’s Hideaway Resort.
Resort Accommodation

The guesthouse is oriented toward the sea, typically Philippine in décor. Rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with refrigerator, TV and have en suite shower and toilet with hot/cold water. Rooms are serviced daily and include complimentary breakfast, making it ideally suited for corporate conferences and seminars as well as truly romantic wedding ceremonies performed in our beach side wedding chapel .
Beachfront Restaurant

Our rustically designed full service restaurant overlooks the sea and offers the best pizza’s on the island, along with a diverse menu of International and Local foods . Hot and cold beverages are always available.

Sandbar Divers/ Elizabeth’s Hideaway Resort

http://www.sandbardivers.com

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Thats Right! Dive Tourists up 63 Percent in Philippines!

PhilDivers.com

Why?
Low cost Scuba Diving and Cheap accommodations. Cheap airfare – lower prices than ever before!
As the Department of Tourism (DOT) aggressively pushes “Dive Tourism” in some areas in the Philippines, the number of dive tourists in the Philippines grew by 63 percent in the first quarter of 2009.

A record from the DOT planning and promotion office revealed that Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Mindoro Oriental and Batangas are the identified favorite diving destinations especially for foreign tourists.

German dive enthusiasts visiting these diving destinations posted 131 percent increase while the Korean dive tourists went up by 104 percent, American 37 percent, Japanese 34 percent and Chinese 31 percent.

Over-all gross receipts from dive tourism in these destinations posted an upsurge of 52.8 percent to P31 million compared to P20.2 it generated in the first quarter of 2008.

The record showed that substantial growth of 82 percent was recorded during the first quarter of 2009. Revenue generated by dive operations in Bohol went up by 195 percent, while those in Cebu increased by 69 percent.

During 17th Marine Diving Fair in Tokyo, the Philippine DOT Pavilion attracted more than 20,000 visitors and garnered awards for Best Diving Area, Most Desirable Destination, Best Dive Resort and Favorite Dive Operators for the country and participating dive operators.

The DOT also continued to draw dive tourists in its annual participation in the Golden Dolphin Fair in Moscow which attracted over 23,000 visitors from all the regions of Russia and overseas.

Earlier, DOT secretary Joseph Ace Durano urged the local government units (LGUs), as well as diving shops operators in the Philippines, to put premium rates on diving fees, as this kind of potential tourist-drawer product has been under-valued.

As far as scuba diving is concerned the Philippines ranks high among interest of scuba diving enthusiasts all over the world, thus there is a need for LGUs to put premium on pricing in charging scuba diving activities in their localities.

“We can afford to put premium on pricing,” Durano said emphasizing that in his visits in the top diving spots in the country, he has been urging LGUs, as well as scuba diving operators to charge high in fees, so that LGU can sustain the maintenance and protection of the marine resources.

In Malapascua Islet alone in Cebu, which is one of the top 10 best diving spots in the Philippines, is only charging P100 per dive, P30 of this will go to barangay Logon the lone barangay on the Islet, and the P70 will go to the government of Bantayan Island.

Not only in Malapascua, but also in other eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines, wherein charging fees for eco-tourism activities aside from scuba diving, such as snorkling, whale shark interaction like in Donsol, Sorsogon, among others are also charging very cheap rates.

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Key West Florida Scuba Diving News – worlds best wreck dive

vandenberg superstructure

A retired Air Force missile-tracking ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary opened Saturday, May 30, to the public.

The 523-foot-long Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg is situated about seven miles south of Key West. The bottom of the ship’s hull rests on sand in depths that average 145 feet. But the ship is so massive that the superstructure begins about 45 feet below the surface.

vandenberg being towed out to sea

“I’ve dove a lot of ships,” said Tom Kanczuzewski of South Bend, Ind., after surfacing Saturday. “This is the ship of all ships. I’d love to come back in a year and see all the fishes.”

Saturday morning, a lone barracuda patrolled the superstructure of the ship that once tracked the U.S. space program’s launches off Cape Canaveral, monitored U.S. defense missile test launches and eavesdropped on Russian missile launches during the Cold War.

But project organizers think it’s just a matter of days before additional marine life takes up residence.

The wreck is already fulfilling its promise of attracting visitors to the Florida Keys.

“We have calls coming in from as far as Germany and Norway from people planning to come just to dive this wreck,” said Bob Holston, owner of Dive Key West and president of the Keys Association of Dive Operators. “We have more pre-bookings for the summer now than we’ve had in 38 years of being in business.

“This is probably going to be one of the world’s classiest wrecks to dive,” Holston said. “And it’s just a corner piece of the wreck trek of the Florida Keys.”

Monroe County Commissioner Mario Di Gennaro, who helped find public money to fund the project, says the project will help take recreational dive pressure off natural coral reefs.

vandenberg radar dish

“It’s going to protect our reef and put heads in beds and increase our tourism, which is our main industry down here,” he said. “That’s the goal of this whole project, to protect our environment and also to benefit our economy.”

Dive instructor Megan Collins thinks the Vandenberg’s mammoth size should be appealing to scuba divers of different skill sets.

“It’s the possibilities for people of all levels without having to jeopardize their safety,” she said. “There’s so much to look at on the superstructure of the Vandenberg that no matter your temptation, you don’t have to go inside.”

Project initiator Joe Weatherby, who 13 years ago chose the Vandenberg from 400 ships rusting away in “mothball fleets across” the country, was ecstatic after his dive.

“I think it’s exactly what we planned it to be,” said Weatherby, after assisting Di Gennaro who smacked a champagne bottle against a ship stanchion 70 feet below to celebrate the project’s completion. “It’s the world’s best wreck dive.”

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Track and share your adventures with family and friends by Satellite GPS Geotagging or with the entire world with Spot Adventures GPS Geotagging satellite tracking systems and DivingWorldTravel.com

spot adventures

Track your adventures by GPS Geotagging satellite tracking systems and share your adventures with family and friends or with the entire world with  Search adventures and plan your next destination. Meet other interesting adventurers. Its also a satellite tracking  tool for our clients so each client will posses this satellite tracker just in case of an emergency while your out of the country or just simply peace of mind to them and to their family. We offer this service to out clients.
We have 4 GPS Geotagging satellite tracking systems that are enabled 24hs for your safety and also to track your vacations and give others advice or share your adventures!

From  SPOTadventures you can a Live Map Feed show of your travel adventure. Live Feed Maps are flexible, since they are simply your Shared Pages. These can be shared on facebook, friendster or your favorite blog.

Track share your scuba diving adventures with family and friends by Satellite GPS Geotagging.

Please Contact us for more information about this great GPS Geotagging service by SPOT STARTER.

Cris@divingworldtravel.com

CROSS COUNTRY at SpotAdventures

Map created by SpotAdventures:GPS Geotagging
CROSS COUNTRY at SpotAdventures

Map created by SpotAdventures:GPS Geotagging

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Whats the hot topics in Scuba Diving News – Latest Scuba Diving News from Around the World

British scuba divers break world record… for underwater ironing?

The divers braved water temperatures of just 41F (5C) to carry out the attempt at the bottom of a 173ft-deep flooded quarry.

They each had to iron one item of linen within a 10-minute time limit – and 86 of them completed the task under the watchful eye of adjudicators.

The group beat the previous world record of 72 set in Melbourne, Australia, last year.

Their incredible feat at the National Diving and Activity Centre in Chepstow, Wales, was captured on camera by 11 photographers armed with special underwater cameras.

Organiser Gareth Lock said the charity challenge is set to raise £10,000 for the RNLI – while raising awareness about the “joys” of underwater ironing.

Mr Lock, 37, said: “This was an unusual attempt, I admit, but it seemed like the perfect way for a load of divers to raise money for the RNLI.

“We advertised the event by word of mouth and via diving websites, and expected there to be quite a good turnout.

“But we were shocked when so many people arrived, ready and willing to take part – and even more stunned when we snatched the record.

Around 140 people from across the UK volunteered their time, with 128 of them qualified divers.

Depending on experience, each sunk to the quarry bed at different depths with an ironing board, iron and an item of linen.

A record 86 divers managed the task simultaneously, while the remainder were either disqualified for starting too early, or penalized for overshooting the 10-minute time limit.

Diver Mark Williams, 38, who took part in the underwater challenge, said: “My ironing came out pretty creased – luckily they don’t mark you down on the quality of your ironing.

Silent Diving Systems Recalls Scuba Diving Hoses
February 26, 2009
Silent Diving Systems is recalling about 820 scuba diving hoses because of a drowning hazard.

The diving hoses may have been made without crimps, which can allow gas to leak or water to enter into the re-breather unit of the scuba diving equipment, posing a drowning hazard to the user.

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Australia Scuba Diving -- Great Barrier Reef

Our scuba diving guide and Travel information for Australia, the Great Barrier Reef all the way to the Whitsunday Islands.

Australia scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef

Planning a scuba diving trip here? Below are some interesting facts on the reef.

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is probably the most well known natural wonder of the world. “World Heritage” listed in 1981, it’s a truly magnificent marine wilderness and nature reserve, unlike anything else, anywhere else. The Barrier Reef is actually a series of 2100 individual reefs stretching for more than 2300 kilometers, from Papua New Guinea in the north down the Queensland coast to Lady Elliott Island (400 kilometers north of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland). In addition to the reefs, there are some 500 islands, once part of the mainland until the oceans rose tens of thousands of years ago. The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 400 species of coral, 1500 species of fish, 4000 species of mollusc, 500 species of seaweed and 200 species of birds. There are numerous ways to explore this amazing place, from aircraft flyovers to helicopter trips to sailing boats to the general tourist-type, look-see trips. But the only way to really experience this wonderland is first-hand, underwater. If you think you’ve been diving in some amazing places in the world, as the saying goes, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”

So, you would like a scuba diving experience? How do you begin planning? Remember, it is over 2000 kilometers long. If you end up where you can not do what you want to, it can take a fair while to get to where you can. So the “how-to” of planning is carefully , and ask questions. That’s what our site is here for.

The Northern Reef area runs from Papua, New Guinea to Townsville. There are very few charter boats that venture north of Cooktown, although the north is extraordinary and certainly worth exploring, and there are several resort islands and wilderness islands that cater to more adventuresome tastes. Access North of Lizard Island is possible only on multi-day cruises, of which there are several originating in either Port Douglas or Cairns.

You’ll find the easiest access to the Great Barrier Reef and the widest range of tour options and tour operators between Port Douglas and Townsville. There are a large number of day trips to the that depart from all of the Northern tourist centres (from Port Douglas to Townsville). There are also two-day, three-day and even longer trips, if desired. All are run by very competent operators, and the rules and regulations that govern these operators make here the safest diving location in the world.

So you see, the greatest difficulty lies in trying to decide which trip is the most suitable for what you wish to achieve.
For Great Travel Deals check out our travel prices below.
Just choose your place of departure.

Watch These amazing videos of Australia Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef

www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4GpwCrFWYM

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFqryp2BUtw

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Guide to Eco-Tourism for Scuba Divers.
Our goal is to become Eco-diveplanet. This will involve coordinating and carrying out practical things we can all do to improve and maintain our marine eco system, underwater cleanups around our coasts and reefs and shark education and myth busting, e.g. exposing shark fining. Involving national, local bodies and the media to lift and gain exposure for this great cause.

Diving World Travel regards scuba diving and eco-diving as one, and we are proud to have operators on board that are extremely environmentally conscious.”

Coral reefs worldwide are attracting increasing numbers of scuba divers, leading to growing concern about damage. There is now a need to manage diver behaviour closely, especially as many dive companies offer unlimited, unsupervised day and night diving from shore. We observed 353 divers in St. Lucia and noted all their contacts with the reef during entire dives to quantify rates of damage and seek ways of reducing it. Divers using a camera caused significantly more contacts with the reef than did those without cameras (mean 0.4 versus 0.1 contacts min−1), as did shore versus boat dives (mean 0.5 versus 0.2 contacts min−1) and night versus day dives (mean 1.0 versus 0.4 contacts min−1).

We tested the effect of a one-sentence inclusion in a regular dive briefing given by local staff that asked divers to avoid touching the reef.

We also examined the effect of dive leader intervention on rates of diver contact with the reef. Briefing alone had no effect on diver contact rates, or on the probability of a diver breaking living substrate. However, dive leader intervention when a diver was seen to touch the reef reduced mean contact rates from 0.3 to 0.1 contacts min−1 for both shore and boat dives, and from 0.2 to 0.1 contacts min−1 for boat dives. Given that briefings alone are insufficient to reduce diver damage, we suggest that divers need close supervision, and that dive leaders must manage diver behavior in situations like this.

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Get Yours Today!

Complete an entire entry level certification course in just three days. Become a certified PADI Open Water Diver, allowing you to explore exotic reefs throughout the world…..

Part 1…. The classroom

Develop the knowledge of scuba diving. We feature the latest audio-visual media presentations to avoid long, boring lectures.

Part 2…. Confined water training

Skill training is conducted in a stress free, relaxing swimming pool. Here you will find out just how easy it is to learn the water skills of a scuba diver.

Part 3…. Open water

The final goal. In the ocean you do four actual scuba dives, spending a few minutes on each dive performing the skills you learned in the pool with your instructor. After the skills portion, you will spend the rest of the dive swimming with schools of tropical fish, looking at colorful corals, and perhaps, even see an endangered sea turtle.
Class Sessions
Our group classes are just three days long. Through the use of PADI home study materials, classroom time is almost eliminated. This allows for motivated new divers to complete an entire certification course quickly and efficiently. Class schedules are flexible to your needs. By flexible, we mean, you let us know when you are available and we schedule your classes to fit your needs. Private lessons available upon request.
Equipment
The Open Water Scuba Course includes use of tanks, weights, regulator and buoyancy control device, wetsuit, PADI open water video and 2 two tank boat dives. You provide mask, snorkel, fins, booties and gloves. Course fee includes your text book, log book and dive table.

Open Water Scuba Diver Courses – Please leave a comment!

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Cheap Diving Travel Deals

Low Rates on World Dive Travel Deals! Get the lowest prices and rates on World DIve Travel Deals and scuba diving packages.

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