Category: Land Extreme Sports

One of Maldives’ Best Dive Sites

Located just south of Sri Lanka is the archipelagic nation of Maldives. Considered to the one of the most popular tourist destinations is the world, the Maldives is home to some of the best beaches and coral reefs in the world. With a thriving hospitality and tourism industry, the Maldives is a great place to enjoy hours at the beach and engaging in aqua activities and indulging in exotic tropical comforts.
The waters of the Maldives are clear and turquoise. The waters are warm due to the tropical climate of the Maldives, and are home to a great number of underwater attractions such as coral reefs and marine life; making it a great place for diving. However divers are not only limited to seeing corals and fish in the waters of the Maldives, and can even explore some of the mysterious wrecks in the Maldives, one of which is the wreck of the Skipjack II.
Located just east of Felivaru Kandu, the wreck of the Skipjack II is one of the Maldives most popular wreck diving sights. This Japanese ship, which was used by the Felivaru tuna canning industry, was decided to be scuttled in 1985, and was to be towed out deeper for this purpose. However, before the ship could be towed out into the sea, a fire erupted on the ship due to scuttling process, and the ship was abandoned before it was towed in deep sea. Therefore the Skipjack sank, stern-first, is the shallow waters of the Maldives. The waters were so shallow that the ship’s stern hit the seabed and dug into the sand, making the wreck stand vertical with its bow end sticking out of the water. A dive to this wreck promises to be both exciting and thrilling and will let divers witness the well intact structure of this hulk of a wreck.
Nestled on one of the beautiful islands of the Maldives with white sandy beaches and overlooking clear turquoise water is the Anantara Naladhu Maldives. Belonging to the internationally reputed Anantara Resorts and Hotels, this Maldives hotel offers accommodation in a range of villas, pool houses and ocean houses, equipped with a range of luxury amenities. Guests can also enjoy a host of recreational and leisure facilities, spa treatment, and exquisite culinary delights, making it one of the most recommendable Maldives island resorts.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Snorkelling Beaches in Phuket

An ideal place to spend lazy days on the beach, Phuket is also where one can enjoy the exciting water sport of snorkelling which lets you embark on an altogether different sightseeing experience. Staying at a Phuket beach resort makes sense for those wishing to explore the coastal areas of this enchanting island. Anantara Phuket, Thailand is one such Phuket resort worth considering and provides a secluded retreat along Mai Khao Beach.

When it comes to snorkelling, there are quite a few areas on the island that are quite suited for this activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Well known snorkelling beaches in Phuket include Kata Noi which is bordered by waters rich in marine life, Ao Sane which features a deep area where one can enjoy sightings of clown fish and parrot fish and Laem Singh. The clear waters around Phuket make it ideal for snorkelling, while the colourful coral and range of marine species that inhabit these waters make such excursions truly memorable ones.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Diving in Miami Beach

While the sun, sand and surf are a quintessential part of life on Miami Beach, there is an activity that one can enjoy here which will take you to the depths of delight; diving! Those in search of a hotel in South Beach Miami which makes an ideal base for your diving excursions can consider Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach. It provides luxurious accommodation in South Beach Miami along with easy access to the sunny shores of this popular coastal locale.

Divers planning to explore the waters surrounding Miami Beach have much to look forward to. A truly amazing sight that one can see are the two M60 Army Tanks which can be found submerged underwater just off the coast and provides a fascinating viewing experience. Diving enthusiasts should also look to plan excursions to such sites as the Neptune Memorial Reef and The African Queen wreck off Key Biscayne, the John Pennekamp Marine Sanctuary in Key Largo and the many wrecks that can be found in Greater Ft. Lauderdale.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Looking Underneath

Sanur is the coastal stretch of Denpasar city in south east Bali. It is one of the island’s earliest resort areas which now offers a pleasant seaside atmosphere with a calm and relaxed vibe. The sea around Sanur is protected by a coral reef offering calm waters, making the 5 km beach suitable for the whole family. Although there are other more famous dive sites in Bali, Sanur is still a popular diving destination and some of the most experienced dive operators carry out their business from Sanur.

The main attraction of Sanur beach other than the white sand is its constantly calm water and an underwater world of interesting landscapes, colourful corals and reef fish about 300 meters off shore. All this and more make it a snorkelling and diving destination very much in demand.

The three well known diving and snorkelling sites of Channel or Dog Point, Penjor Reef and Jeladi Willis are found here. Although set close together each site has its own different characteristics. What is common to all of them is an abundance of marine life, easy accessibility and sites suitable for both novice and experienced divers.

Jeladi Willis, a ten minute boat ride away, offers a gentle dive beginning at around 3 meters and dropping 20 meters to a flat sandy bottom. As the current is known to be rather strong, diving during low tide is the best option here. Visibility is around 5 to 15 meters adequate to offer views of large coral formations, nudibranchs, stingrays, nurse sharks, scorpion fish, octopus and more. This is also a favourite spot for night dives.

Channel or Dog Point, situated to the east of Sanur is a very popular diving and snorkelling site particularly because of easy access, just five minutes by boat. Located in a coral edged channel, the site slopes gently until it opens out into a large sandy area on the seabed at 20 meters. All the dive schools in town take their trainees for training dives and refresher dives here. The sites attraction include views of myriad marine life including sweetlips, spotted clown fish, star fish, trigger fish, blue spotted sting ray among others.

Penjor Reef is one of the best diving snorkelling sites close to shore. Its variety of corals and marine life is amazing and is recognized as one of the best dive sites in Bali.

Advocating a holistic approach to health and well being, COMO Shambhala Estate Bali offers a series of programs targeting rejuvenation through specially formulated spa treatments, diets, serenity, exercise and cultural activity. Guests at this Bali luxury spa resort are advised to stay at least for three nights to derive the full benefit of the programs. Have a truly exclusive and unique experience at this Bali spa resort that has made promoting overall wellness their goal.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Enjoying Thrilling White Water Rafting in Bali

If you love adrenaline pumping activities that take you on an unforgettable ride full of thrills and spills, then white water rafting in Bali is the thing for you! Before heading on your excursions look to stay at a Bali spa resort which offers a range of holistic healing therapies, an ideal complement for your day on the rapids. COMO Shambhala Estate Bali is one such Bali luxury spa resort that provides a wealth of treatments to help bring about balance for mind, body and spirit.

Bali is home to several rivers, each offering a different set of thrills for white water rafting enthusiasts. An ideal activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, riding the rapids is both fun and exciting and takes you past breathtaking natural landscapes. Running for around seven and a half kilometres, the Melanggit River rafting track is a popular site for this activity, while not to be missed is a chance to head along the challenging Ayung River. If you are in search for more heart-stopping excitement head to the Telaga Waja River where its 16 km track provides an exhilarating ride you won’t soon forget!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Bull Racing In Bali

Most of us have heard of bull fighting in Europe and in other parts of the world, but in Asia bull racing is the competitive sport that takes the spotlight. Although India and several other countries have regular bull races, the races in Indonesia are the most popular. The interesting part about the sport is the particular animal that is used for competing; it is the water buffalo, a generally passive creature. These animals are harnessed to a chariot and they run up to 2km on a stretch of beach or a road. The main races are held during the dry season in the months July, August, September and October. There are other races that are scheduled occasionally but they are mostly for tourists so the competitive spirit is less aggressive.

In Balinese tradition the races are called Mekepung, the kind of water buffalo that are used for the races are called Negara bulls among the locals. People are not exactly certain about the origins of the race, but there are some hints that suggest it is a celebration of the end-of-harvest season. The bull races are not actual individual races instead the competition is between two groups. Each group is made up of around ten to twenty pairs of bulls. The race begins with two pairs of bulls from opposing teams racing on a muddy track. It is hard to imagine that the water buffaloes actually race in a competition, but you will be surprised by the speed at which they run.

The bulls are attached to a chariot or cart and one person rides the bulls. The riders carry a small stick with which they will encourage the bulls to run faster. Bull racing is a cultural practice which signifies the vibrancy of Balinese society. The bulls are often accessorised with gold embellishments, strings of beads and shiny material.

If you want to catch some of the live action you need to head over to a bull racing track in Negara. One of the closest tourist destinations to Negara is Ubud so when it comes to accommodation an Ubud hotel is your best bet. Search for a luxury retreat Bali to find more about the places that are available. Uma Bali is a great choice for tourists as they offer spectacular rooms and amazing cuisine.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.Google+

Guided Reef Snorkelling

Blessed with some truly spectacular reefs, the Maldives is one of the best places in the world for snorkelling and provides unforgettable adventures for young and old alike. Guided reef snorkelling is an excellent way to see some of the country’s best sites and those in search of Maldives luxury resorts which offer such services can stay at Baros Maldives. Ideal for those planning to do some diving in Maldives as well, the resort is near an exceptional house reef and organises snorkelling safaris too.

Guided reef snorkelling will take you to some of the country’s best sites in which to see the fascinating array of coral and fish life that dwell in the waters beneath the waves. On your excursions you may come across a diverse cross-section of species including anenome fish, glass fish, spotted sweetlips, emperor angelfish and clown trigger fish. Since snorkelling is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family, sign up for guided reef snorkelling and share in the wonders of the sea with loved ones.

Diving for Kids in Maldives

Allow your “rugrats” to plunge into the deep blue with confidence, when you stay at a luxury Maldives island resort that offers professional training to school your little ones in the art of safe water passage. Amongst the many Maldives Excursions courses on offer, consider diving with Kumarathi Island which features some of the best diving instructors in the atoll. Under the gentle tutelage of consummate professionals in the industry, your kids will learn the basics of diving, which include tips on how to swim properly, ensuring that all equipment is functioning at optimum levels, and more to make an excursion into the clear waters truly memorable for all kids. The dive instructors at the Kumarathi are pros and have been with the hotel since 1994. They are multilingual and passionate about their craft, making for the ideal combo in teaching your children to successfully and confidently negotiate the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, which is always a literal step away from your door. Come diving today!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Jet Skiing Tour

Sprint away on the serene seas of the Indian Ocean that frames the iconic Maldivian Islands by embarking on a fun jet-skiing tour. One of the best Maldives resorts in which to indulge in this awesome activity is the Kurumba Maldives which offers an exciting roster of diving resorts Maldives so come and plunge in today! One of the most popular activities offered here is an exciting Jet Ski tour, which will enable all aquatic explorers to see a side of the islands that very few do. It is an enthralling excursion that must be on any traveller’s to-do list, as you will get to adventure around the various islands, go snorkelling in a unique hidden reef (read: no water traffic!), as well as immerse yourself in an alluring landscape holds many secrets to discover! You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who can point out all these amazing spots, and be enthralled as he shares with you some intriguing bits of island information you will not hear anywhere else!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

iFly Dubai

Feel the wind blowing against your face as you await the adrenaline rush of your life at Dubai’s very own iFly Dubai, better known for its in-house sky diving experiences. Therefore for those of you who want to come over to this attraction must first consider the many options of apartment accommodation Dubai has to offer. Ascott Park Place Dubai with its Dubai serviced apartments will be one of the facilities that must be given some thought when searching for a place to stay.

Located in Mirdif City Centre, iFly Dubai offers you the convenience of strapping up and letting yourself go as the two 800 horsepower fans keep you suspended in the air. The experience is truly memorable as you would feel the same sensation and joy of jumping out of plane. Once inside you will be handed your very own jumpsuit, goggles and helmet and given expert advice by the on-site instructors on how to ride the almost gale-force winds which are part of this one of a kind experience. Regarded as the most realistic of sky diving trips that one could ever go on, iFly Dubai is all set to offer you the ride of all rides as your holiday in Dubai begins to unfold.