Turner’s Dairy is a new collection of townhomes located at the corner of Ontario Street and West 17th Ave, Vancouver. This project will offer 13 contemporary townhouses, Sizes ranging from 695 square feet to 1,636 square feet. Contemporary and efficient living, designed for the modern family. Progressive meets heritage in these sleekly crafted and thoughtfully created homes. The building’s open and expansive spaces, high ceilings, and vast casement style windows harken back to the lofts and offices that were inhabited by generations of industrial businesses, starting with Turner’s Dairy.
Turner's Dairy is a new collection of townhomes located at the corner of Ontario Street and West 17th Ave, Vancouver. This project will offer 13 contemporary townhouses, Sizes ranging from 695 square feet to 1,636 square feet. Contemporary and efficient living, designed for the modern family. Progressive meets heritage in these sleekly crafted and thoughtfully created homes. The building's open and expansive spaces, high ceilings, and vast casement style windows harken back to the lofts and offices that were inhabited by generations of industrial businesses, starting with Turner's Dairy.
Coiba, a rainforest-draped island off the Panama coast, is home to white-sand beaches and waters teeming with marine life. This island was a prison for some of Panama's most notorious criminals until 2004. In 2005, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Coiba National Park, which encompasses 38 islands. Scuba diving at Coiba National Park is truly world class.
You can access Coiba via Panama liveaboard diving, which involves visiting Coiba Island itself and exploring the 37 surrounding islands and islets. This area of Panama offers fantastic diving at a variety of sites with sharks, rays, whales, dolphins and more.
When to visit
Panama is hot and humid year-round, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Diving conditions are excellent all year, though large numbers of humpback whales mate and give birth around Coiba Island from July to October each year.
Water temperature varies from around 81 to 84 F (27 to 29 C) but noticeable thermoclines can plunge the temperature to around 60 F (16 C). Be sure to bring exposure suits to accommodate a wide range of temperatures.
The diving and weather conditions at Panama can be unpredictable and challenging, making this destination best suited to experienced divers. There are, however, some sites suitable for less experienced divers and snorkelers. Here are our picks for the best sites at Coiba Island.
Mona Lisa
This submerged island of rocks is a huge cleaning station, with large schools of butterfly and king angelfish on the southern slope of the dive site. Schools of barracuda, jacks and spadefish visit the stations; divers can see turtles, rays, whitetip sharks and plenty of macro life as well. This site makes for a great night dive to watch hunting whitetip sharks.
The northern slopes reach depths of 46 feet (14 m) and the southern side slopes down to 100 feet (30 m). Dive depths can range from 16 to 60 feet (5 to 18 m) and the site is protected from currents, making it accessible to less-experienced divers.
Hill Rock
Hill Rock is known for unique volcanic landscapes, with large rocks that are home to numerous schools of fish. Divers can see schools of triggerfish, spadefish, barracuda, jacks and snapper. Large nurse sharks and whitetip sharks also visit the site regularly. Maximum dive depth is 72 feet (22 m) and it's best to dive at high tide because of the surge from the south.
Cathedral Rock
This is one of Coiba's most popular dive sites, consisting of two pinnacles that look like the entrance to a cathedral. Corals cover the entire area and the crevices are full of marine life. Hammerheads also visit a local cleaning station. Currents can be fairly strong at this dive site, which starts at 43 feet and descends to around 80 feet (13 to 25 m), making it best for experienced divers.
Jacob's Ladder
This site is very close to some of the park's deepest waters and is exposed to oceanic currents and open ocean swells. White gorgonians cover the pinnacle and the exposed conditions bring in schools of tuna, snapper and barracuda, plus sailfish and marlin. Galapagos and tiger sharks often visit the site as well. The pinnacle begins at 50 feet and drops to 130 feet (16 to 40 m), and the site is suitable for advanced divers only.
The Pyramids
These three pinnacles shaped like pyramids rise out of the depths and are washed by currents that attract all sorts of marine life. The dive site has some of the best hard- and soft-coral diversity in the area, along with plentiful schools of reef fish that attract large predators. Hammerheads and Galapagos sharks are common here.
Maximum depth is around 60 feet (18 m) but the strong currents make this dive site more suitable for experienced divers.
Wahoo
This site off Canales Island inside the park features gentle slopes, descending down to a sandy bottom at 92 feet (28 m). There is plenty of marine life, including frogfish, green morays, jacks, barracuda and spadefish. Divers descending deeper can find eagle rays, manta rays, groupers, green turtles, whitetips and bull sharks. Although this site is exposed to currents, it is still suitable for all experience levels, as well as snorkelers.
Mali Mali
This dive site on Rancheria Island has one of the most colorful reefs in the park. Marine life includes seahorses, mobula rays, whitetip sharks, milkfish, snappers and jacks. It is possible to dive the depths of the reef, though it is ideal for shallow and colorful dives. This site is suitable for all dive experience levels and snorkelers.
By guest authors from liveaboard.com
Divers and writers at LiveAboard.com contributed this article.
Coiba, a rainforest-draped island off the Panama coast, is home to white-sand beaches and waters teeming with marine life. This island was a prison for some of Panama’s most notorious criminals until 2004. In 2005, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Coiba National Park, which encompasses 38 islands. Scuba diving at Coiba National Park is truly world class.
You can access Coiba via Panama liveaboard diving, which involves visiting Coiba Island itself and exploring the 37 surrounding islands and islets. This area of Panama offers fantastic diving at a variety of sites with sharks, rays, whales, dolphins and more.
When to visit
Panama is hot and humid year-round, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Diving conditions are excellent all year, though large numbers of humpback whales mate and give birth around Coiba Island from July to October each year.
Water temperature varies from around 81 to 84 F (27 to 29 C) but noticeable thermoclines can plunge the temperature to around 60 F (16 C). Be sure to bring exposure suits to accommodate a wide range of temperatures.
The diving and weather conditions at Panama can be unpredictable and challenging, making this destination best suited to experienced divers. There are, however, some sites suitable for less experienced divers and snorkelers. Here are our picks for the best sites at Coiba Island.
Mona Lisa
This submerged island of rocks is a huge cleaning station, with large schools of butterfly and king angelfish on the southern slope of the dive site. Schools of barracuda, jacks and spadefish visit the stations; divers can see turtles, rays, whitetip sharks and plenty of macro life as well. This site makes for a great night dive to watch hunting whitetip sharks.
The northern slopes reach depths of 46 feet (14 m) and the southern side slopes down to 100 feet (30 m). Dive depths can range from 16 to 60 feet (5 to 18 m) and the site is protected from currents, making it accessible to less-experienced divers.
Hill Rock
Hill Rock is known for unique volcanic landscapes, with large rocks that are home to numerous schools of fish. Divers can see schools of triggerfish, spadefish, barracuda, jacks and snapper. Large nurse sharks and whitetip sharks also visit the site regularly. Maximum dive depth is 72 feet (22 m) and it’s best to dive at high tide because of the surge from the south.
Cathedral Rock
This is one of Coiba’s most popular dive sites, consisting of two pinnacles that look like the entrance to a cathedral. Corals cover the entire area and the crevices are full of marine life. Hammerheads also visit a local cleaning station. Currents can be fairly strong at this dive site, which starts at 43 feet and descends to around 80 feet (13 to 25 m), making it best for experienced divers.
Jacob’s Ladder
This site is very close to some of the park’s deepest waters and is exposed to oceanic currents and open ocean swells. White gorgonians cover the pinnacle and the exposed conditions bring in schools of tuna, snapper and barracuda, plus sailfish and marlin. Galapagos and tiger sharks often visit the site as well. The pinnacle begins at 50 feet and drops to 130 feet (16 to 40 m), and the site is suitable for advanced divers only.
The Pyramids
These three pinnacles shaped like pyramids rise out of the depths and are washed by currents that attract all sorts of marine life. The dive site has some of the best hard- and soft-coral diversity in the area, along with plentiful schools of reef fish that attract large predators. Hammerheads and Galapagos sharks are common here.
Maximum depth is around 60 feet (18 m) but the strong currents make this dive site more suitable for experienced divers.
Wahoo
This site off Canales Island inside the park features gentle slopes, descending down to a sandy bottom at 92 feet (28 m). There is plenty of marine life, including frogfish, green morays, jacks, barracuda and spadefish. Divers descending deeper can find eagle rays, manta rays, groupers, green turtles, whitetips and bull sharks. Although this site is exposed to currents, it is still suitable for all experience levels, as well as snorkelers.
Mali Mali
This dive site on Rancheria Island has one of the most colorful reefs in the park. Marine life includes seahorses, mobula rays, whitetip sharks, milkfish, snappers and jacks. It is possible to dive the depths of the reef, though it is ideal for shallow and colorful dives. This site is suitable for all dive experience levels and snorkelers.
By guest authors from liveaboard.com
Divers and writers at LiveAboard.com contributed this article.
So, you're a passionate diver who wants to make a lifestyle change and you'd like to make an income from investing in the dive industry. There are many ways to make a return on a dive-business investment and combine your passion with work, though, as with any entrepreneurial venture, it takes hard work, commitment, and perseverance to run a dive business. Here's an overview of the different types of business models, usually open for investment, common in the dive industry.
Dive resort
Investing in — and relocating to — a dive resort is one way to change your lifestyle and become involved in a dive business. Dive resorts typically generate revenues from selling accommodation/dive packages. They may also offer dive training and souvenirs Some resorts enhance their dive packages further by adding unique programs like summer kid's camps and specialized events, such as technical-diving or photography and videography workshops. Knowledge of local legislation and labor laws is essential when investing in foreign countries. You must also become versed in local culture and etiquette. Knowledge of hospitality, resort/hotel management, and marketing skills all helps with this type of dive business, as does attending dive shows and conferences to network with travel agents and dive centers.
Dive shop
If you're not looking to relocate, local dive shops are usually already established in larger metropolitan areas. These businesses depend on dive-equipment sales, training, and travel to generate revenue. This type of business will require retail experience, inventory management, and sales knowledge. You'll also need to have dive instructors on staff to offer training and lead group trips. Many retailers in this internet age must add value to their retail services to compete against online sellers. Offering dive travel to exotic destinations adds lifestyle to this type of business and also keeps clientele active and generates revenues during off-seasons.
Invest in yourself
Although entry-level scuba instructors work for passion and lifestyle more than money, if you specialize and gain time and experience in a specific diving field you can increase your earning potential. Instructors who build experience in areas such as photography/videography and technical diving, or advance become Instructor Trainers themselves, can make more than just a living and either work freelance or affiliate with a dive center/resort.
Yacht/liveaboard
For those with maritime or sailing experience, investing in a liveaboard or sailboat/yacht that offers diving charters is a chance to combine two passions with a business model. This type of operation allows freedom to travel and relocate or to customize diving trips and itineraries. Yachts and liveaboards do have high maintenance costs and require additional skills as well like hospitality and mechanical knowledge for boat maintenance.
Travel agent
Our final business model combines the passions of travel and diving. If you've got extensive travel experience, attention to detail and enjoy logistical work and event planning, then promoting and selling dive travel can be profitable with minimal investment. Startup costs and can include a physical location or you can conduct business purely online. Travel agents work with dive resorts and liveaboards to book individuals, couples, or groups for dive trips, taking a commission. Attending dive shows, conventions and travel/trade shows is essential, as well as good marketing and communication skills. Travel agents often receive complimentary familiarization trips as a benefit of working within the industry.
Whichever business piques your interest, run your due diligence on any potential investment, especially in foreign countries. Pay attention to local customs, cultures and employment laws, as well as tax laws. Work in the field and country you want to invest in for at least several months before doing so to be sure that turning a passion into a business doesn't become an unwanted burden. With the right research and business model and lots of hard work, you'll find the dive industry is a great way to make a living.
Author Andy Phillips is a PADI Course Director and Technical Instructor Trainer. He's got degrees in business/marketing and e-commerce, as well as over 20 years of professional and business experience in the dive industry. He offers consulting services for new dive businesses or people seeking expert advice for entering the dive industry.
So, you’re a passionate diver who wants to make a lifestyle change and you’d like to make an income from investing in the dive industry. There are many ways to make a return on a dive-business investment and combine your passion with work, though, as with any entrepreneurial venture, it takes hard work, commitment, and perseverance to run a dive business. Here’s an overview of the different types of business models, usually open for investment, common in the dive industry.
Dive resort
Investing in — and relocating to — a dive resort is one way to change your lifestyle and become involved in a dive business. Dive resorts typically generate revenues from selling accommodation/dive packages. They may also offer dive training and souvenirs Some resorts enhance their dive packages further by adding unique programs like summer kid’s camps and specialized events, such as technical-diving or photography and videography workshops. Knowledge of local legislation and labor laws is essential when investing in foreign countries. You must also become versed in local culture and etiquette. Knowledge of hospitality, resort/hotel management, and marketing skills all helps with this type of dive business, as does attending dive shows and conferences to network with travel agents and dive centers.
Dive shop
If you’re not looking to relocate, local dive shops are usually already established in larger metropolitan areas. These businesses depend on dive-equipment sales, training, and travel to generate revenue. This type of business will require retail experience, inventory management, and sales knowledge. You’ll also need to have dive instructors on staff to offer training and lead group trips. Many retailers in this internet age must add value to their retail services to compete against online sellers. Offering dive travel to exotic destinations adds lifestyle to this type of business and also keeps clientele active and generates revenues during off-seasons.
Invest in yourself
Although entry-level scuba instructors work for passion and lifestyle more than money, if you specialize and gain time and experience in a specific diving field you can increase your earning potential. Instructors who build experience in areas such as photography/videography and technical diving, or advance become Instructor Trainers themselves, can make more than just a living and either work freelance or affiliate with a dive center/resort.
Yacht/liveaboard
For those with maritime or sailing experience, investing in a liveaboard or sailboat/yacht that offers diving charters is a chance to combine two passions with a business model. This type of operation allows freedom to travel and relocate or to customize diving trips and itineraries. Yachts and liveaboards do have high maintenance costs and require additional skills as well like hospitality and mechanical knowledge for boat maintenance.
Travel agent
Our final business model combines the passions of travel and diving. If you’ve got extensive travel experience, attention to detail and enjoy logistical work and event planning, then promoting and selling dive travel can be profitable with minimal investment. Startup costs and can include a physical location or you can conduct business purely online. Travel agents work with dive resorts and liveaboards to book individuals, couples, or groups for dive trips, taking a commission. Attending dive shows, conventions and travel/trade shows is essential, as well as good marketing and communication skills. Travel agents often receive complimentary familiarization trips as a benefit of working within the industry.
Whichever business piques your interest, run your due diligence on any potential investment, especially in foreign countries. Pay attention to local customs, cultures and employment laws, as well as tax laws. Work in the field and country you want to invest in for at least several months before doing so to be sure that turning a passion into a business doesn’t become an unwanted burden. With the right research and business model and lots of hard work, you’ll find the dive industry is a great way to make a living.
Author Andy Phillips is a PADI Course Director and Technical Instructor Trainer. He’s got degrees in business/marketing and e-commerce, as well as over 20 years of professional and business experience in the dive industry. He offers consulting services for new dive businesses or people seeking expert advice for entering the dive industry.
Deep in the heart of the Southern Ocean, roughly 500 kilometers due east from the bottom of Argentina, you'll find the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), an incredibly wild and rocky conglomerate of hundreds of islands, home to some insane wildlife, epic landscapes, and a truly remarkable history, that I'm guessing, you probably don't know much about.
I unashamedly admit I didn't know much about the Falklands before we landed here after setting sail from Argentina to begin our adventure to the Antarctic with Quark Expeditions, even though I have a mild polar obsession. My knowledge was limited to vague textbook memories from high school about a war.
What I was greeted with was a remarkable surprise – the Falklands were amazing.
About as different as I could have imagined for being so close to Antarctica, the Falklands are made up of stunning beaches that intersect with rolling green hills with a cottage hidden away here and there, it was a mix of both the old world we are all familiar with and the utterly unknown. A true bridge to the Antarctic.
Often touted as the gateway to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands are well worth visiting on their own right and as an introduction to the subantarctic islands of the Southern Ocean.
There are far more voyages by ship that travel down to the Antarctic Peninsula than to the Falklands and South Georgia.
If you find yourself on a journey to the Falklands, you've discovered a place few experience. I applaud you. In fact, I believe the Falklands are the perfect introduction to Antarctica, a place easier to get to and will likely inspire a deep fascination with this part of the world.
We spent the first day at sea with Quark getting to know the ship the Ocean Adventurer, as well as the incredible expedition team and staff. This would be a collective experience for all and we couldn't wait to get started. For someone who often doesn't get to sleep in the same bed every night, it was a real treat to settle into my cozy bed in my cabin and tucking all my belongings away for an adventure.
As our wobbly legs and weak constitutions began to harden up, we caught sight of land at the Falkland Islands. It was sunny and warm, and not a cloud to mark the bright blue sky as we boarded the zodiacs for the first time guided by the expert expedition team, to heard to land and begin a exploring a world new to all of us.
We were greeted with friendly faces, white sandy beaches, and a lot of penguins, and it didn't take long for us to understand that we had arrived at a curious, unique place in the world and we couldn't wait to get to know it.
The story of these subantarctic islands at the bottom of the world is a fascinating one, utterly distinct from anywhere else on earth. Follow along with me as I introduce you to one of my new favorite places: the Falkland Islands. Enjoy!
Settled, claimed and disputed by many countries over the years, the Falklands are nothing if not controversial. Even chasing to say "Falklands" over "Malvinas" potentially is offensive.
Claimed by Argentina, the islands have been under British control since 1833, which simmered until it erupted in open conflict in 1982 before the Argentinians surrendered after the Falklands War. Nowadays over 98% of people on the islands vote to remain a UK overseas territory.
Also, did I mention the population is less than 3,000 souls? Lovingly nicknamed "Kelpers," and mostly of British descent living in the only town of Stanley.
The birds
Let's be honest, I'm just here for the birds.
When people say that the Falkland Islands are home to some incredible wildlife, they mean it. In New Zealand, we freak out if we see one penguin or an albatross. These are species that are super rare and endangered, and you count yourself very lucky to lay eyes on one.
In the Falklands over 220 species of bird live or breed, and you'll likely to encounter 5 types of penguins. Welcome to this part of the world!
Our first landing on West Point Island brought us on a lovely hike up the hills to some incredible sea cliffs. As we made our way down, suddenly an incredible colony of Black-browed Albatrosses were visible amongst the tall grasses.
Well, if I'm honest, I could smell them before I could see them.
Dozens of albatross sat on nests and huge fluffy chicks were sleeping amongst them along with many rockhopper penguins and their chicks too.
It was a veritable zoo of wild and rare birds. Obviously I freaked out and didn't know what to do. I had never seen anything like it, and it took several minutes of gazing adoringly at these fat fluffy chicks ooh-ing and ahh-ing to myself before I was even able to take photos.
And this isn't a unique scenario – later on at our second landing of Saunders Island we encountered even more birds all living together seemingly cohesively, even with some sheep thrown in for good measure! What a place!
Honestly, how angry does this Magellanic penguin look in his hole? Caption contest, anyone?
The beaches
I seriously doubt if you asked anyone to describe what they imagine islands off of the continent of Antarctica to look like and they would reply with white sandy beaches. But here we are.
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises for me when we made our first landing on the Falklands were the white sandy beaches. Oh, and all the penguins on the beaches. Not what you expect!
On the first day I had time to catch up with our amazing expedition leader Ali who told me that Saunder's Island, where we were about to visit, was one of her favorite places on the entire trip. And after spending a day there, wandering amongst many penguins on white beaches, I couldn't agree more.
Surely there isn't anywhere else like this on earth?!
As we zoomed close to the shore, the water became clear and turquoise, and you could see straight to the bottom. It looked like a swimming pool. One quick dip of the fingers though or a splash to the face and you're very much reminded how close to the South Pole you actually are.
As inviting as it looked, you couldn't pay me to jump in.
Penguins mingle on the white sand making for a truly ironic image that I'll likely never to forget.
The Defenders
Can someone please explain to me why every other car in the wee town of Stanley are a Land Rover Defenders?
It's a hipster Instagrammers dream come true.
We had several hours to wander Stanley, take in the sights and enjoy the local pub culture. But what began as a walking tour of the town with just Jarrad and I quickly degenerated into "let's spot the Defender" photoshoot, both of us unashamed hipster Instagrammers who's biggest dream would be to own one of these pricy rides.
Defender police car. Defender ambulance. Defender firefighter. Retro landies meet more modern whips. WHY? I must know why there are so many in a town of 2,100 souls.
My theory is that the Falklands are stereotypically British, between all of the Defenders, union jacks and small town pubs and red phone booths, it really felt about as British as you could get, being about as far from Britain as you can possibly get.
You could easily picture the Queen herself rolling on by in one of these rides with a bunch of corgis for company.
Curious, curious.
The views
The Falklands are also incredibly colorful and full of stunning views around every corner.
In Antarctica, the world is desaturated of color, everything blends into shades of blue, grey and white. But the Falklands couldn't be more different, vibrant and alive, somewhat reminiscent of places like Ireland with its wild coastlines and green hills.
If only Ireland had less people, more penguins and a incredible population of Defenders.
Request a quote to adventure to the Falklands and South Georgia with Quark Expeditions today!
It's one of the Antarctic's best-kept secrets
There is no where quite like the Falklands. If you're a curious and intrepid traveler like me, always seeking secret spots and getting off the map, it's for you.
The Falklands are a place that few travelers visit as there aren't many voyages there, and many aren't aware of the incredible views and exceptional wildlife opportunities that are available. It's a place that intrigues and inspires, unlike anywhere on earth and a unique bridge between the modern world we are familiar with the and the vast emptiness of the Antarctic.
These islands are a kept secret of the region and this definitely won't be my last visit here.
Have you heard of the Falkland Islands before? Is visiting a place like this on your bucketlist? What's the most curious place you've ever traveled to before? Share!
Book the Falklands and South Georgia today and use promo code LIZ150 for $150 onboard credit that can be used for purchases on board at the polar gift shop, or, cough cough, the bar
Many thanks to Quark Expeditions for helping get me to the Falkland Islands, like always, I'm keeping it real, all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!
By early next year, Amadeus expects to finish the full deployment of InterContinental Hotels Group's replacement of Holidex central reservation system.
The latest global travel insights report from marketing platform Sojern highlights the continuing resilience of desktop despite the rising importance of mobile.
Fuel Travel, Flip.to, and StayNTouch joined forces to conduct an extensive study of hundreds of hoteliers and suppliers with a goal to learn where the industry can improve from a technology perspective.
Expedia's shares rallied 9% Friday, after the online travel operator crushed earnings estimates for the second quarter and won some hard-earned praise from analysts.
In a country as vast and geographically diverse as Indonesia, dive sites even within the famed Coral Triangle differ widely. Komodo National Park, between Flores and Sumbawa Islands, offers amazing reefs, incredible biodiversity, vibrant fish life, mantas, and exhilarating currents. If you compared Indonesia's dive regions to an amusement park, then Komodo is the white-knuckle roller-coaster ride of the bunch. With that in mind, here are our picks for five top dive sites in Komodo but bear in mind that currents may be too strong some days or not suitable for all divers.
Tatawa Kecil
This small island is infamous for ripping currents — not just in one direction, but cross- directionally and strong down currents as well. One of our group — an experienced instructor — was pulled down from 40 feet (12 m) to 80 feet (24 m) fast. At the half-moon each month and during slack tides, Tatawa Kecil suitable for all divers; at other times only extremely-experienced divers should attempt a dive here. The site has healthy hard corals, reef sharks, large trevallies, and tunas. A cave at 80 feet (24 m) features pygmy seahorses and on the northern side at 75 feet (22 m) there's a cleaning station used by sweetlips. In season mantas also frequent this area.
Batu Bolong
Batu Bolong is a classic dive Komodo dive and rightly world famous. From the surface it's an unassuming small rock, but underneath is a vibrant pinnacle with a north and south face. You'll usually only dive one side at a time due to the currents, though at slack tides you might be able to spiral the pinnacle. The dive usually starts at 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 m), and you'll ascend zig-zag fashion back and forth across the healthy and colorful reef, turning to avoid the current.
Healthy soft and hard corals cover the pinnacle and there's great macro life as well, including seahorses and nudibranchs. Giant tuna, Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks and hawksbill turtles are common as well. The shallows feature beautiful plate and branching coral formations and hundreds of schooling fish. From the surface you can often see the water 'boiling' like in a jacuzzi due to the currents and your operator may choose to cancel or reschedule the dive.
Cauldron/Shotgun
This is another Komodo classic thanks to the exhilarating current that rockets divers through part of the dive site. The site sits in a channel between two islands in the north of Komodo's marine park. You'll begin on a coral reef and move with the current into a sandy bowl, called the cauldron, at about 60 to 75 feet (18 to 20 m). From here the current intensifies as you move into "the shotgun," flying up a steep wall and through a break in the reef. If possible, you can use a reef hook here to look back into the cauldron, but at times the current is just too strong. Enjoy the ride, where you might see mantas, schooling fish and barracuda as you glide past. The current will deposit you and your dive group onto another section of the reef with vibrant marine life, healthy corals, and great macro creatures.
Manta Alley/Point
As the name suggests, mantas are common here from September to January, although off-season encounters are possible as well. In peak months, divers often report up to 20 mantas, circling and swimming around on the dive. It's a drift dive and currents can be strong, with a maximum depth of around 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 m). Reef hooks or pointers are best for stopping to observe the mantas. The site also features healthy coral bommies, schooling fusiliers, triggerfish, wrasse, and reef sharks.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock is one of the largest seamounts in the park and another Komodo highlight. The bottom is around 100 feet (30 m) and rises to 15 feet (5 m), which makes for fantastic safety stops. The currents here are usually mild to strong and visibility is generally quite good. The seamount is a haven for fish such as grouper and wrasse, along with sharks and the occasional dolphin. Expect healthy corals and plentiful macro life as well.
In a country as vast and geographically diverse as Indonesia, dive sites even within the famed Coral Triangle differ widely. Komodo National Park, between Flores and Sumbawa Islands, offers amazing reefs, incredible biodiversity, vibrant fish life, mantas, and exhilarating currents. If you compared Indonesia’s dive regions to an amusement park, then Komodo is the white-knuckle roller-coaster ride of the bunch. With that in mind, here are our picks for five top dive sites in Komodo but bear in mind that currents may be too strong some days or not suitable for all divers.
Tatawa Kecil
This small island is infamous for ripping currents — not just in one direction, but cross- directionally and strong down currents as well. One of our group — an experienced instructor — was pulled down from 40 feet (12 m) to 80 feet (24 m) fast. At the half-moon each month and during slack tides, Tatawa Kecil suitable for all divers; at other times only extremely-experienced divers should attempt a dive here. The site has healthy hard corals, reef sharks, large trevallies, and tunas. A cave at 80 feet (24 m) features pygmy seahorses and on the northern side at 75 feet (22 m) there’s a cleaning station used by sweetlips. In season mantas also frequent this area.
Batu Bolong
Batu Bolong is a classic dive Komodo dive and rightly world famous. From the surface it’s an unassuming small rock, but underneath is a vibrant pinnacle with a north and south face. You’ll usually only dive one side at a time due to the currents, though at slack tides you might be able to spiral the pinnacle. The dive usually starts at 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 m), and you’ll ascend zig-zag fashion back and forth across the healthy and colorful reef, turning to avoid the current.
Healthy soft and hard corals cover the pinnacle and there’s great macro life as well, including seahorses and nudibranchs. Giant tuna, Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks and hawksbill turtles are common as well. The shallows feature beautiful plate and branching coral formations and hundreds of schooling fish. From the surface you can often see the water ‘boiling’ like in a jacuzzi due to the currents and your operator may choose to cancel or reschedule the dive.
Cauldron/Shotgun
This is another Komodo classic thanks to the exhilarating current that rockets divers through part of the dive site. The site sits in a channel between two islands in the north of Komodo’s marine park. You’ll begin on a coral reef and move with the current into a sandy bowl, called the cauldron, at about 60 to 75 feet (18 to 20 m). From here the current intensifies as you move into “the shotgun,” flying up a steep wall and through a break in the reef. If possible, you can use a reef hook here to look back into the cauldron, but at times the current is just too strong. Enjoy the ride, where you might see mantas, schooling fish and barracuda as you glide past. The current will deposit you and your dive group onto another section of the reef with vibrant marine life, healthy corals, and great macro creatures.
Manta Alley/Point
As the name suggests, mantas are common here from September to January, although off-season encounters are possible as well. In peak months, divers often report up to 20 mantas, circling and swimming around on the dive. It’s a drift dive and currents can be strong, with a maximum depth of around 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 m). Reef hooks or pointers are best for stopping to observe the mantas. The site also features healthy coral bommies, schooling fusiliers, triggerfish, wrasse, and reef sharks.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock is one of the largest seamounts in the park and another Komodo highlight. The bottom is around 100 feet (30 m) and rises to 15 feet (5 m), which makes for fantastic safety stops. The currents here are usually mild to strong and visibility is generally quite good. The seamount is a haven for fish such as grouper and wrasse, along with sharks and the occasional dolphin. Expect healthy corals and plentiful macro life as well.
We’re in the full swing of beach season, and every year, without fail, news outlets will post stories about the dreaded shark fin-sighting on the horizon, striking fear into the hearts of potential beachgoers and causing panic on the shore.
Instead of inspiring fear, however, these shark sightings should inspire hope. Not only do sharks play extremely important roles in balancing ocean ecosystems as top predators, they also play important roles in coastal-tourism economies. Shark-based tourism is a booming industry in the U.S., as more and more divers want to swim with these magnificent creatures. But shark tourism depends wholly on healthy shark populations, and unfortunately, many shark species are in trouble.
Wide-ranging threats
Right now, it’s especially impossible to ignore that our oceans are facing an array of threats, including plastic pollution, threats to open new U.S. waters to offshore oil drilling, and congressional attempts to undermine key conservation regulations that govern our nation’s fisheries.
With challenges like these, it’s easy to feel hopeless when it comes to solving environmental issues. But what if there was a bright spot on the horizon — a real solution that would bolster the United States’ role as a leader in shark conservation?
Current legislation
Currently, there is legislation in Congress that would ban the buying and selling of shark fins in the United States, removing our country once and for all from this terrible trade. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Representatives Ed Royce (R-C.A.) and Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (I-M.P.) introduced the bipartisan Shark Fin Trade/Sales Elimination Act (S.793/H.R.1456) last year. And even better news? This legislation is most widely supported in Congress, co-sponsored by a majority of House members (239) as well as 33 senators from both parties. This bill is a simple, cost-effective solution that would remove the U.S. from the shark-fin trade entirely.
Demand for shark fins
The demand for shark fins is one of the greatest threats facing global shark populations. Similar to how the ivory trade has decimated elephant populations, many shark species are threatened due to demand for their fins. In fact, fins from as many as 73 million sharks end up in the global market every year, with some coming from species that are considered at high risk of extinction. As a result, some shark populations have declined by more than 90 percent compared to historic levels. Although the brutal and wasteful act of shark finning — slicing the fins off a shark, often still alive, and dumping the animal overboard to bleed to death — is illegal in U.S. waters, fins from countries with no finning regulations are still imported into our country every year, mainly for use in shark-fin soup.
This is particularly troubling since shark populations are especially vulnerable to exploitation. Many of the species targeted for their fins have long lifespans, mature slowly, and produce relatively few young, making them very slow to recover from unsustainable fishing.
Closing the loophole
To be fair, shark conservation in the United States has come a long way in recent decades. Over the past 20 years, Congress has passed several pieces of legislation to stop finning in U.S. waters, including the Shark Finning Prohibition Act in 2000 and the Shark Conservation Act in 2010.
Although both laws were great steps forward for shark conservation, legislation must fix the loophole allowing importation of fins. The U.S. is still indirectly incentivizing shark finning by importing fins from countries that have no regulations against finning. And although finning is illegal here, unfortunately it still happens. The most recent case involves a bust of a Key West shrimp vessel loaded with dismembered fins.
Once a shark fin is detached and enters the market, it is nearly impossible to determine whether it was removed from a shark that was caught for its meat or from a shark that was finned and then dumped at sea. Any bowl of shark-fin soup in the United States could contain fins from a finned shark. The best way to ensure that the U.S. is not supporting shark finning would be an outright ban on the trade of shark fins.
Consequences of finning
The fin trade not only has dire ecological consequences, it also can affect coastal tourism. According to a 2016 independent economic report commissioned by Oceana, shark-related dives in Florida alone generated more than $221 million in revenue and fueled over 3,700 jobs in 2016. This stands in stark contrast with the total U.S. shark fin export market, which was worth only $850,000 the same year.
A national ban on the trade of shark fins would not only protect sharks, remove the United States from the global-fin trade, and empower the U.S. to encourage other countries to do the same, but would also ensure that dive businesses continue to thrive. If sharks disappear so too could the jobs that depend on healthy ocean ecosystems.
Support for a ban on shark fins is not limited to just one industry or region. Twelve states, 40 airlines, 20 shipping companies, 85 surfers and surf businesses, 150 scientists, over 150 chefs, multiple recreational fishing groups and over 500 U.S. organizations and businesses all either support a national fin ban or have implemented their own ban. According to a 2016 national poll, there is broad bipartisan support for the legislation, with eight in 10 Americans supporting such a ban.
Sharks are among the oldest living vertebrate predators on the planet, originating around 420 million years ago, almost 200 million years before dinosaurs walked the Earth. They have survived mass extinction events and shifting ocean ecosystems. The grim reality, however, is that they may not survive contact with humans if we don’t act to save them before it’s too late.
To protect sharks, we must end the demand for shark fins, starting here at home. It is time for Congress to demonstrate leadership and pass this important legislation.
Get involved
The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act has a good chance of passing this year, but right now, it needs an extra push to help get it across the finish line in Congress. Here are a few ways you can help:
Learn more
Visit oceana.org/FinBanNow to learn more about the global shark-fin trade and why we need a national ban in the United States. Tell Congress to pass the fin ban by calling your state representatives and senators. You can also add your voice to Oceana’s petition.
Contact Congress
In the House of Representatives, Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, can decide whether to allow this bill to move forward out of committee. House leadership, including Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), have the authority to bring this legislation to a vote on the House Floor.
Please contact these three members and ask them to support the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act and keep this bill moving forward in Congress.
Call on leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act by clicking this link. You will be re-directed to your Twitter account with the message below automatically added to your Twitter status box — simply click to tweet.
“The global shark fin trade is one of the greatest threats to sharks worldwide. The U.S. must pass the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act and ban the trade of shark fins. @SpeakerRyan @NancyPelosi @GOPLeader @SteveScalise @WhipHoyer”
By guest author Whitney Webber, Oceana Campaign Director
We're in the full swing of beach season, and every year, without fail, news outlets will post stories about the dreaded shark fin-sighting on the horizon, striking fear into the hearts of potential beachgoers and causing panic on the shore.
Instead of inspiring fear, however, these shark sightings should inspire hope. Not only do sharks play extremely important roles in balancing ocean ecosystems as top predators, they also play important roles in coastal-tourism economies. Shark-based tourism is a booming industry in the U.S., as more and more divers want to swim with these magnificent creatures. But shark tourism depends wholly on healthy shark populations, and unfortunately, many shark species are in trouble.
Wide-ranging threats
Right now, it's especially impossible to ignore that our oceans are facing an array of threats, including plastic pollution, threats to open new U.S. waters to offshore oil drilling, and congressional attempts to undermine key conservation regulations that govern our nation's fisheries.
With challenges like these, it's easy to feel hopeless when it comes to solving environmental issues. But what if there was a bright spot on the horizon — a real solution that would bolster the United States' role as a leader in shark conservation?
Current legislation
Currently, there is legislation in Congress that would ban the buying and selling of shark fins in the United States, removing our country once and for all from this terrible trade. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Representatives Ed Royce (R-C.A.) and Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (I-M.P.) introduced the bipartisan Shark Fin Trade/Sales Elimination Act (S.793/H.R.1456) last year. And even better news? This legislation is most widely supported in Congress, co-sponsored by a majority of House members (239) as well as 33 senators from both parties. This bill is a simple, cost-effective solution that would remove the U.S. from the shark-fin trade entirely.
Demand for shark fins
The demand for shark fins is one of the greatest threats facing global shark populations. Similar to how the ivory trade has decimated elephant populations, many shark species are threatened due to demand for their fins. In fact, fins from as many as 73 million sharks end up in the global market every year, with some coming from species that are considered at high risk of extinction. As a result, some shark populations have declined by more than 90 percent compared to historic levels. Although the brutal and wasteful act of shark finning — slicing the fins off a shark, often still alive, and dumping the animal overboard to bleed to death — is illegal in U.S. waters, fins from countries with no finning regulations are still imported into our country every year, mainly for use in shark-fin soup.
This is particularly troubling since shark populations are especially vulnerable to exploitation. Many of the species targeted for their fins have long lifespans, mature slowly, and produce relatively few young, making them very slow to recover from unsustainable fishing.
Closing the loophole
To be fair, shark conservation in the United States has come a long way in recent decades. Over the past 20 years, Congress has passed several pieces of legislation to stop finning in U.S. waters, including the Shark Finning Prohibition Act in 2000 and the Shark Conservation Act in 2010.
Although both laws were great steps forward for shark conservation, legislation must fix the loophole allowing importation of fins. The U.S. is still indirectly incentivizing shark finning by importing fins from countries that have no regulations against finning. And although finning is illegal here, unfortunately it still happens. The most recent case involves a bust of a Key West shrimp vessel loaded with dismembered fins.
Once a shark fin is detached and enters the market, it is nearly impossible to determine whether it was removed from a shark that was caught for its meat or from a shark that was finned and then dumped at sea. Any bowl of shark-fin soup in the United States could contain fins from a finned shark. The best way to ensure that the U.S. is not supporting shark finning would be an outright ban on the trade of shark fins.
Consequences of finning
The fin trade not only has dire ecological consequences, it also can affect coastal tourism. According to a 2016 independent economic report commissioned by Oceana, shark-related dives in Florida alone generated more than $221 million in revenue and fueled over 3,700 jobs in 2016. This stands in stark contrast with the total U.S. shark fin export market, which was worth only $850,000 the same year.
A national ban on the trade of shark fins would not only protect sharks, remove the United States from the global-fin trade, and empower the U.S. to encourage other countries to do the same, but would also ensure that dive businesses continue to thrive. If sharks disappear so too could the jobs that depend on healthy ocean ecosystems.
Support for a ban on shark fins is not limited to just one industry or region. Twelve states, 40 airlines, 20 shipping companies, 85 surfers and surf businesses, 150 scientists, over 150 chefs, multiple recreational fishing groups and over 500 U.S. organizations and businesses all either support a national fin ban or have implemented their own ban. According to a 2016 national poll, there is broad bipartisan support for the legislation, with eight in 10 Americans supporting such a ban.
Sharks are among the oldest living vertebrate predators on the planet, originating around 420 million years ago, almost 200 million years before dinosaurs walked the Earth. They have survived mass extinction events and shifting ocean ecosystems. The grim reality, however, is that they may not survive contact with humans if we don't act to save them before it's too late.
To protect sharks, we must end the demand for shark fins, starting here at home. It is time for Congress to demonstrate leadership and pass this important legislation.
Get involved
The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act has a good chance of passing this year, but right now, it needs an extra push to help get it across the finish line in Congress. Here are a few ways you can help:
Learn more
Visit oceana.org/FinBanNow to learn more about the global shark-fin trade and why we need a national ban in the United States. Tell Congress to pass the fin ban by calling your state representatives and senators. You can also add your voice to Oceana's petition.
Contact Congress
In the House of Representatives, Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, can decide whether to allow this bill to move forward out of committee. House leadership, including Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), have the authority to bring this legislation to a vote on the House Floor.
Please contact these three members and ask them to support the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act and keep this bill moving forward in Congress.
Call on leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act by clicking this link. You will be re-directed to your Twitter account with the message below automatically added to your Twitter status box — simply click to tweet.
"The global shark fin trade is one of the greatest threats to sharks worldwide. The U.S. must pass the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act and ban the trade of shark fins. @SpeakerRyan @NancyPelosi @GOPLeader @SteveScalise @WhipHoyer"
By guest author Whitney Webber, Oceana Campaign Director
