Anyone who has ever gone scuba diving knows what a mystical and powerful experience it can be. Observing marine life in its home is something you don't forget. Moreover, there's a peacefulness under the waves that you don't really find on dry land. Though it can sometimes seem a bit unreal, it's very soothing. But for those of you interested in a more exciting, challenging diving experience, consider wreck diving. This involves exploring the underwater resting place of a sunken ship and the chance to investigate its long-lost treasures.
Although you can wreck dive in many parts of the world, some of the best opportunities are available in Bermuda. The following are the best sites off Bermuda's coastlines.
Just off the northwestern coast of Bermuda are the remains of two ships which sank in exactly the same location, though 80 years separated them. The Montana — which sank on her maiden voyage — was an English steamer during the time of the Civil War that sank on December 30, 1863. Eighty years later, The Constellation met her demise at precisely the same spot, and her wreckage virtually overlaps that of the Montana. Today, schools of colorful fish make this heap of underwater ruins their home. Carrying a vast treasure trove of cargo — including china, pistachio nuts, religious artifacts, cosmetic supplies, 78 rpm records by RCA, tickets to Coney Island (printed in Spanish) and a plethora of other goods — what's left of the Constellation can be found just 30 feet beneath the water's surface, making for a very profitable dive, indeed. To this day, divers find abundant goods for the taking.
But both those ships pale in size compared to the Cristobal Colon, a Spanish luxury liner considered the biggest known shipwreck in the water off the coast of Bermuda. The ship ran aground of a large reef in 1936. There was time to remove the ship's most precious cargo—arts and furnishings. In fact, the ship didn't actually sink right then. It sat aground for a year until another ship, the Aristo, mistaking the Cristobal for a ship in distress, sailed over to help and also ran aground of the coral reef, ultimately sinking. Today the wreckage occupies a shallow patch in the water, with the remains of the Aristo nearby. Pieces of the ships are anywhere from 15 to 80 feet from the water's surface.
But these aren't the only viable wreck diving sites. Other locations include the Lartington, Southwest Breaker, Mary Celestia, Minnie Breslaur, The Hermes, The Xing Da Wreck, L-Herminie, The North Carolina, the Darlington, Rita Zovetta, The Taunton, Caraquet and Madiana, as well as the submerged remains of a B-29 bomber, commonly called 'The Airplane Wreck'.
Canoeing is a wonderful family vacation idea. It can be a real family-type adventure that is challenging yet not too difficult. Besides being a distinctly fun activity, it is also a form of travel. With a canoe you have the means to safely access wilderness areas that otherwise might not be possible for a family. In more touristy places you have the means to slip off across the river or lake for more private family fun.
If you have your own canoe, great. It is easily carried on your car to where you will be using it. Or you can rent
Read this article in full
Do you have questions about kayaking? Do you want to seek the advice of kayakers that are more experienced and relate to kayakers that are at your level? Wouldn’t it be nice to connect with other kayaking enthusiasts? The Internet can supply you with robust information about kayaking such as necessary equipment, costs, and travel destinations. However, the Internet also provides forums and discussion boards dedicated to the sport of kayaking. Hop online and plug into the kayaking community.
Several kayaking websites provide message boards. Many websites allow free access to these forums; however some require a small fee. Let’s
Read this article in full
Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful. The Rogue River begins in Crater Lake and extends 215 miles until it empties in the Pacific Ocean. There are two major sections of the Rogue River: The Wild and the Recreational. Many river recreation outfitters offer tours through both.
The recreational area is more of a family-oriented affair, with a number of activities from sunbathing to swimming and rafting available. Half day, one day, and multi-day passes are available. The 13-mile stretch used for white-water rafting is moderate and definitely suitable for the whole family. Other activities like swimming, fishing,
Read this article in full
The history, culture and beauty of Greece Yacht Charters attract tourists throughout the year, most of whom stay in a variety of villas or other mainstream accommodations. Those who wish to truly enjoy the fullest experience of life in the Aegean, however, do so by way of sailboat, bareboat, yacht or other form of water craft that enables them to combine the pleasures of the land and the sea.
Scotland has taken its place as the new Mecca for white water rafting and extreme sports enthusiasts. With over 120 activity centres around the country you can do it all here - from jumping off cliffs, sliding through canyons and rolling down hills in plastic balls, to more traditional activities such as white water rafting, quad biking and clay pigeon shooting.
The rugged landscape is perfect for hair-raising outdoor pursuits. As Mark Turner of specialist outdoor sports website adrenalinePASS.com says, "We are especially looking forward to the white water rafting season on the River Tummel. This is undoubtedly the best
Read this article in full
