Invasive species may be tasty

   Lionfish have become a real problem in the Keys, even though they were first spotted less than two years ago. The invaders have a lot of venomous spines and no local natural predators. And they are  gobbling up local species.

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Invasive species may be tasty

Kick back and enjoy the Keys

One of my favorite books is ’1000 Places to See Before You Die’ by Patricia Schultz.

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Kick back and enjoy the Keys

Different Places To Go Parasailing

Most tourists regard location, cost, safety and diversity as major considerations in looking for a perfect parasailing destination. Location is important to those who want pristine beach resorts that offer world-class amenities at pocket-friendly prices. Safety is main concern since parasailing can be dangerous if handled by inexperienced staff. It is important to ascertain that people who will be handling the ride are certified professionals, using equipment that passed stringent testing and safety standards. The availability of alternative activities aside from parasailing is also plus factor.

The following top 10 destinations for parasailing are picked primarily based on the aforementioned factors:

Siesta Key, Florida

Here, anyone can participate in a parasailing adventure, even people as young as one and as old as 100. This beach, voted as the most beautiful in Florida and one of the best in the world, offers a spectacular view for adventurers to enjoy.

Ibiza

If you want to have fun, not only through parasailing but other activities as well, this beach, frequented by celebrities, is the place to be.

Mission Bay, San Diego, California

Your family will love an affordable and exciting adventure that not only includes parasailing but other enjoyable activities as well.

Aruba

Aside from its white-sand beaches, this Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, also offers wild and rugged shorelines and a desert that boasts of interesting rock formations and amazing flora.

Mactan, Cebu

This magnificent island in the Philippines is a safe haven for those who want extreme adventure. Aside from parasailing for beginners, this beautiful isle also provides a Magnum Flight that lets you experience a thrill of being held by a 1,200-foot line.

Cancun, Mexico

A parasailing enthusiast who loves the nightlife will have a grand time in Cancun, long-time destination of choice of many travelers.

Sydney Harbor

Safety of the water sport enthusiasts is the primary concern of the businesses that line up on the beaches, particularly Bondi and Manly, in Sydney Harbor. Lifeguards abound to ensure that conditions for swimming, parasailing and surfing are secure.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki is one of the many beaches in Hawaii that offers pleasant climate and views for parasailers.

Poros Island, Greece

Poros gives you a glimpse of the beauty of the Mediterranean. The dazzling scenery and clear waters will make your parasailing experience unforgettable.

Boracay, Aklan

Boracay, hailed as the best beach in the world by Harper’s and Sun Herald, is a small island that boasts of powdery white sand and turquoise-colored sea. Stunning scenery, professional staff, spectacular weather conditions all year round, and bustling nightlife will surely make your stay in this water sport-aficionado haven a one-of-a-kind experience.

Top 10 places to visit in USA Part -3 of 3

Miami:
Located in the sunny state of Florida, Miami is often called the most modern city in USA. Miami is mostly famous for its sunny weather, golden beaches, and hip and rocking nightlife. This city is always full of life and is very popular amongst people of all ages. It has a number of great tourist destinations. South beach is a popular hot spot of Miami. The clear blue waters and unique landscape offer an enjoyable experience. Seaquarium, located close to the Miami Beach, is a one of its kind outdoor aquarium unique to Miami and is a must visit. Miami Metrozoo, a famous zoo; Everglades National Park, Miami skylift, Miami Science Museum and The Children’s museum are other famous attractions in Miami.
Another city Key West, which is close to Miami, is a beautiful island definitely worth visiting. Deep blue oceans, gorgeous beaches, swaying palms and water sports make it an exciting holiday spot.

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a massive waterfall located on the Niagara River on the border of USA and Canada. This natural wonder can be seen both from USA and Canada, since there are two cities surrounding the Niagara Falls – Buffalo, New York on the US side and Ontario on the Canadian side. The waterfalls are simply gorgeous and the view is astounding.
A boat ride called ‘Maid of the mist’ offers an awesome experience of the falls. A boat leaves every 15 minutes from the base throughout the day. The ‘Cave of the Winds’ is another exciting experience in which an elevator takes you to the rocks at the base of the fall where you can experience the tremendous power of the spray and water.

Los Angeles
The ‘City of Angels’ or L.A is the largest city in California. This quintessential metropolis is a city of dreams, glamour, Hollywood, fashion, entertainment, art and cultural diversity. L.A is often called the creative capital of the world.
Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most visited places in L.A. This consist of some world famous spots like the ‘ The Walk of Fame’ for Hollywood stars, Highland plaza, which has a nice shopping plaza; The Wax Museum and Ripley’s believe it or not.
There are many famous museums and art galleries, known for its architecture and masterpieces. Other interesting spots in and around L.A include the Universal studios in Hollywood, Santa Monica(very close to L.A), Long Beach Island, Venice Beach and Orange Country
Last but definitely not the least, Disneyland rightfully called the happiest place on earth is an absolute fun experience. This world famous amusement park built by Walt Disney is a place that is enjoyed by one and all – people of all ages. The kingdom style parks, the adventurous rides, toontown, parades and the beautiful fireworks make Disneyland a truly memorable, thrilling and out and out fun experience.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is an enormous gorge carved by the Colorado River in the state of Arizona. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It is a truly awe-inspiring view. Nature walks, hikes, whitewater river rafting are popular activities around here. The Grand Canyon village, Desert view, and Hermits rest are significant landmarks.

New Orleans
The city of New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana. Often called the most unique city in USA, New Orleans is hugely famous for its architectural styles, performing arts, celebrations and festivals and most recently for the hurricane Katrina. New Orleans has many renowned tourist attractions like the French Quarter, Bourbon Street which has a lively nightlife, Mississippi River, Jackson Square, French Market, Preservation Hall and Magazine Street, which has some great shopping.
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in New Orleans is a hugely popular carnival celebration in the world. This involves plenty of parades, balls and king sized parties. This generally starts in the first week of January and is a good time to visit New Orleans.

A melting pot of various cultures, United States of America has all this and much more to offer and is waiting to be explored. This land of dreams is bound to be every traveler’s delight!

The Best Places to Dive

Diving is perhaps one of a few activities that integrates excitement with serenity and relaxation. This is why it has become a favorite hobby all around the world.

The activity gives traveling a whole new meaning. It allows a person to be able to have a new perspective about how he relates to this surroundings and to the planet in general. Diving in the best dive sites in the world is one of the common dreams that are shared by thousands of diving enthusiasts out there.

This article tries to give some narrative pictures about some of the best dives sites in the world. The totality of a certain dive should be seen to be able to appreciate it. One shouldn’t look at a dive site in terms of the aquatic wild life, or the clarity of the water, but he should also look in to the history and the culture that is embedded in the waters.

Yongala

The Yongala dive site is perhaps the best dive site in Australia, or perhaps in the world. It is actually a shipwreck and the stories behind it are what make it a very good dive site.

In the early 1900′s, the ship was wrecked by a magnanimous cyclone in Queensland. The unfortunate event cost more than a hundred people and a famous racehorse. The 109 m. long shipwreck was officially protected as a historical site during the 1980s.

As one diver puts it- “The Yongala is all about the fish!” One can see teeming aquatic life beneath the surface of the site’s waters. Sea snakes, manta rays, turtles, octopuses, tiger and bull sharks, corals, you name it, the Yongala has it.

For those people who are interested in taking a peek inside the shipwreck, there’s some bad news. Divers are forbidden to enter the ship and it would cost him a lot if he breaks this rule. The mystery of the shipwreck adds up to the value of the dive site.

Tubbataha

The Tubbataha reef in the Philippines is also a very popular diving destination. Why? Because the biodiversity in this dive site can compete with any of the dive sites in the world. The Tubbataha reef, in fact, was named as one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage Sites in 1994.

If you want to take a dip in the Tubbataha reefs, then you should set your schedule ahead of time because the diving season in the reef is only from the middle of March up to the middle of June. This is to protect the vast amounts of fish species that feed on the reef during the other times of the year.

Barracuda Point

It is a dive site that is located in the small island called Sipadan which is near Sabbah. One will have to take a boat ride from Semporna which will take about an hour to get to the dive site.

Divers love this spot because of the swarming schools of fish (especially the barracudas) that swims around. A negative comment about it is that the currents can be too strong sometimes but nonetheless, it’s one great dive site.

The best time to dive at the Barracuda Point is from December to February.

Florida Keys

Perhaps the best dive site in the United States is the Florida keys. The main reason why divers go here is that it has the longest reef in the western world. The waters are crystal clear down to more than a hundred feet. There are around 500 shipwrecks which can be explored. There’s also an underwater hotel! Would you believe that?

There are many entities within the area which can help you with your diving needs. You can hire a professional guide or rent video equipment from the nearby shops at the dive sites.

Illes Medes

Illes Medes is located in L’Estartit in Spain, Costa Brava, Spain. It is approximately 135 kilometers from Barcelona. The temperatures here are very conducive for diving. The fish here are somewhat friendly because they aren’t that scared of humans and they actually come close to the divers. The peak season for diving here is August.

These are just some of the wonderful dive sites in the world. Take your pick now and dive your way towards the heavens under the seas.

Five Great Places to Water Ski in the U.S.

Most of us associate water skiing with summertime fun – warm sunshine, beaches and picnics – so it may come as a surprise that water skiing was born in Minnesota in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used two boards and a clothesline to ski across Lake Pepin. Samuelson has been credited by the American Water Ski Association as the first water ski racer, and the first to jump a ramp and slalom ski, as well as the first to hold a water ski show, too.

Like Samuelson, avid enthusiasts will water ski nearly any time, any where there is an opportunity, even when winter temperatures and chilly water are a deterrent for most people. Fortunately, no matter what city and state you call home, there’s probably a local lake or other body of water where you can get in some ski time, perhaps even practice your gainers and other tricks.

Of course, skiing at the same location all the time can become routine. Add a little excitement to your water time this year by planning a water skiing vacation. Whether you are a novice or expert, you can have some added fun by water skiing at one of these five great locations:

Top U.S. water skiing destinations

1) San Diego, Calif. – With a climate that provides ideal conditions year-round and an average of 264 days of sunshine each year, San Diego is a water skier’s dream. It’s also the home of Mission Bay Park, the largest manmade aquatic park in the U.S. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Mission Bay offers hardcore skiers the opportunity to take an early morning jaunt around the bay, and still make it to the office on time. In addition, there’s a variety of water ski classes for everyone from the novice to the experienced. For a little more excitement and a change of pace, skiers can cruise around the freight and military ships in San Diego Bay. A variety of local lakes are perfect for those that prefer freshwater water skiing. Plan your trip to San Diego the weekend of Oct. 9,, 2009, and you’ll be able to watch the 5th U.S. Open Water Ski Racing National Championships, too.

2) Austin, Texas – As the Live Music Capital of America, Austin’s earned a reputation as a vibrant city that exemplifies a young, active outdoor lifestyle. For water skiers, the long summers and short winters provide almost year-round opportunity to hit the water. In addition to Lake Austin and Lake Travis, Austin offers several world-class facilities built specifically for water skiers:

- Austin Aquaplex – The Aquaplex is known for “easy” water with a medium-to-high viscosity – great for slalom and jump-ski enthusiasts.
- Guadalupe Ski Plex – Built to accommodate competitive water skiing, Guadalupe is home to three lakes, two slalom courses and a ski jump, as well plenty of boat docks and storage areas.
- Utopia River Ranch – For professional lessons, trek to Utopia River Ranch, a private water ski training facility located near Staples, just outside of Austin.

3) West Palm Beach, Fla. – South Florida, from Key West and Miami to West Palm and Orlando, is a hub of activity for water sports lovers of all kinds. With few days under 70 degrees, South Florida’s Palm Beach County offers ski enthusiasts nearly year-round opportunity, as well as two major water ski attractions and several exciting competitions.

- Okeeheelee Park – The site of choice for beginners and professionals, the facility is a nationally recognized competitive water ski park with five courses that can accommodate everything from traditional to barefoot and kneeboard skiing. If you love to bask in the moonlight, you can take advantage of night skiing on a lit course, too. At under $100, annual permits are more than affordable, too.
- Palm Beach Training Center – Ask Chet Raley, one of the world’s top ski coaches and a national champion, for world-class water ski instruction at Palm Beach Training Center, a private facility located in Boca Raton. Raley offers video coaching for under $100, as well as more expensive clinics for professional skiers.

In addition, South Florida hosts the following water skiing events:

- 3rd IWSF Pan Am Region Wakeboard Championships (Miami)
- Board Up Miami (Miami)
- 4th Big Dawg Slalom Series Championship (West Palm Beach)
- 67th GOODE Water Ski National Championships (West Palm Beach)

4) Pine Mountain, Ga. – Located just outside of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, lays Robin Lake Beach, home of the world’s longest manmade white sand beach. Ranked among Fine Living’s top 10 most unique beaches in the world in 2007, Robin Lake Beach is part of Callaway Gardens resort. Callaway Gardens also hosts the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament®, which awards more than $100,000 in winnings each Memorial Day weekend. A great destination for the entire family, the stunning vacation resort offers something for everyone, from water skiing to golf, relaxing spa visits and more.

5) Seattle, Wash. – Although you may not think of the rainy Emerald City as a water skiing hub, it’s the testing ground of choice for popular water ski manufacturers like Herb O’Brien, Pat Connelly, Jeff Jobe and Denny Kidder. With picturesque Mount Ranier as a backdrop, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish provide the perfect glass.

Of course, these aren’t the only great places to water ski. Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Charlotte, N.C., Sacramento, Calif., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Madison, Wis. are other destinations beloved by ski enthusiasts.

No matter where in the U.S. you are located, there’s a great place to water ski near you. However before you take your boat on a trip or hit the water, be sure it’s protected. Nationwide offers affordable boat insurance, as well as personal watercraft insurance in case you own any other water sport toys, like jet skis. For more information, visit nationwide.com.

The Best Places to Go Offshore Saltwater Fishing

Offshore saltwater fishing has its own charm and provides an unforgettable adventure. With high speed fishing boats equipped with latest navigational gadgets, searching for offshore fishes is quicker and safer. Even the fishing equipment has gone a sea change and has become more light, sturdy and easy to handle.

But you still need to learn skills if you are a novice to prepare for fishing. You can hire boats along with equipment and help to go out fishing in offshore waters. But you have to plan out well. You have to know the places where you can go to fish offshore. Some of the best places include:

1. Galveston, Texas offers a good place to fish. You can catch fish throughout the year. Between March and May you can catch a lot of small sized fishes but it’s in fall when you get the opportunity of hooking in large fishes, though their number is less. You can find fishes near wrecks, reefs and sea-mounts. Even area around oil platforms is good to get the fishes.

2. Destin, Florida is a small town but one of the largest fishing centers around. Fish can be found throughout the year, but the best season is from May to November. You can bait around weed-liners, the rocky underwater structure, sea-mounts, drop-offs or ledges. Whale sharks can be fished in August and September.

3. Key West, Florida gives an ample opportunity to go fishing. While small fishes are found in April and May, for bigger fishes October and November are the right months. Slightly choppy waters and moderate sea temperatures provide the ideal conditions to go fishing. Best spot to fish are fissures in the Wall where the bait gets stacked up.

4. Oregon Inlet, North Carolina provides a peak season through June till September to fish. Fish can be found along the fathom curve, in the Gulf Stream or towards the northeast area. Calm and sunny weather provides a good opportunity to spot and fish.

5. Point Pleasant, New Jersey offers a peak season beginning in July along the Canyons to fish, though fish can be found throughout the year. Dolphins and weed in an area provide the indication of fish being present.

Wherever you plan to go offshore saltwater fishing, just remember to keep a sharp look on the waters. Anything small that catches your eye could lead you to the fish. Search for live bait in the sea and follow its pattern. The big fish are bound to follow them for food.

Places to Scuba Dive in Florida

Florida is one of the record acne in the United States for scuba diving. The waters are broad of aquatic life and interesting diving matter such as liner wrecks.

Scuba diving acne are many and include airy water dives for caves and caverns. Many sea vessels have been purposefully sunk in areas to originate artificial reefs.

Pennekamp Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are popular chairs to dive. Trips to the USS Spiegel Grove and USCG shears Bibb and Duane bestow great underwater views

Also the USS Spiegel Grove which is a 510 ft. Corridor boat moor insincere upright in 140ft of water. Much of the wreck deception between 70ft and 100ft.

The US Coasted Guard Cutters Bibb and Duane are 327 ft. Treasury Classed cutters in the Florida diving spot. Native serviced the dives dive operators with normal day trips, sometimes up to double a day depending on harden conditions.

Pensacola, Florida diving acne consist mainly of wrecks of sea vessels. The choice from smaller tug boats to maritime aircraft carriers. There is even an oilrig or two in some areas all within abrupt distances of land.

All the diving areas in Florida want the use of diving operators as you cannot get to the areas from land opening points.

Crystal River

In this region, manatees are the foremost attraction for divers but you must ask permission from the resident ranges and government concerning diving with them because they are an endangered species and the State confined them.

They congregate in herds in the ardent waters from November through April and can access a common 10 feet in part and 1,000 pounds.

Divers can experience dozens of freshwater springs that boil from the underground. This curious mix of Gulf waters creates a marine environment that is nothing tiny of fantastic. You are also expected to find tarpon, snapper and large opening bass and garfish.

Diving in Crystal River is very adventurous and not at all that resonant. There caves for exploration in this vicinity but the squally life is not that different.

Florida Keys Diving

This topic is a chain of islands that have many shipwrecks and some great coral reefs It is also the only living coral reef in the Continental US which one can access from many of the small islands around the Florida Keys.

Scuba diving operators are many and have any number of dive spots for you to take from. Visitors from out of situation generally beginning for the sand or the Florida scuba diving spots when they appear.

What Are Some Good Places To Rent Condos Or Beach Houses Around Pensacola Or Perdido Key, Florida?

or St George Island

Of These Places, Which Is Good To Visit?

I’m going to Florida for a few days over spring break. I’m going with my parents so we’re looking for something low key and away from the usual spring break crowds. An ideal place would have uncrowded beaches; the town doesn’t need to have many attractions but at least a few decent hotels and restaurants. We’re thinking about the following places: Cedar Key, Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra Beach, or St. Augustine (we go to St. Augustine often and love it but are thinking of trying somewhere new).
Any suggestions or comments on these places?

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