If you like adventure, water sports and the idea of visiting another world then you need to scuba dive!
One of the fastest growing sports in the world, SCUBA is an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, but is now considered a word on its own. Originally developed for underwater warfare during World War II, scuba diving has evolved into a recreational pastime for the adventurous.
There are no set time limits on how long it takes to get certified as it is a performance based process, i.e., you move from one level to the next at your own pace. Although there are individuals who have received their certification in three days, it is recommended that you give yourself four days to a week. The cost of certification depends on several variables including whether or not you need to rent equipment, cost of books, if you’ll need transportation to dive spots, etc., however, expect to pay anywhere from $200 upward.
Faze girls and best friends Sabrina and Amanda visited the sunny island of Tobago in the West Indies to get their open water certification through PADI: the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and the largest scuba training organization in the world. Although diving is meant to be fun, like most other sports it poses some risks so be sure to thoroughly research your dive school and their instructors before signing on. Sabrina and Amanda put their trust in Scuba Adventure Safari and head dive instructor John Procope and had one of the best experiences of their lives.
See below for photos from the lessons!
Dive Tobago
Considered one of the best kept secrets of the underwater world (a good thing), Tobago should be high on your must-visit and must-dive destination lists.
Tobago, sometimes called the jewel in the Caribbean crown, can be found on the most southern tip of the Caribbean chain of islands and just north of Venezuela. It is thought to be the island the story Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe was written about and was also the filming location for the Walt Disney movie classic The Swiss Family Robinson. Considered by many an island paradise with idyllic beaches, rich wildlife and the oldest protected rainforest reserve in the western hemisphere, it’s not surprising that Tobago also boasts several coveted awards including the World Travel Awards “Best Eco Destination in the World”.
Anyone interested in island culture, fun in the sun and underwater adventure need only visit Tobago. Experts agree that the island offers world-class diving as currents from the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and flood waters from Venezuela’s mighty Orinoco River deposit rich nutrients to sustain reefs with colourful sponges and hard and soft coral as well as a stunning array of marine life that includes small tropical fish, dolphins, three species of sea turtles, sharks and massive manta rays. If that wasn’t enough for you to start your vacation plan, another notable attraction is the world’s largest recorded brain coral, which can be found just off the coast of Little Tobago Island, also known as the “Bird of Paradise Island”.
Tobago Fast Facts:
Population 55,000
Land area of 300 km²
42 km long and 10 km wide
Weather: Offshore trade winds keep the temperature in the mid-80s year-round
Average Water Temp: About 80 degrees in summer, dropping to between 68 and 71 degrees in winter months
Average Visibility: About 80 feet, though it can be lower during the June-to-October rainy season
Photos from Sabrina and Amanda’s Tobago scuba lessons
Great blog! Never dived, but I know it would be a cool experience. One of my fairtvoe mentor’s Jerry Garcia, found solace and delight when diving, so I’m sure it is a noble pursuit. My blog deals with a novel series, the blogs I write deal with the human condition. Well good luck in reaching the depth that suits you. GS