Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is a dive location I always look forward to. Tons of things to do not to mention the gorgeous diving. I have been diving with the same operation for years and I would recommend them to anyone.
It's a little company, only one six pack boat but the dives are personal and always a wonderful experience. Luck dictates what you are going to see but there are many paleagics that visit this location throughout the year. The best time to go for me would definitely be the winter because the weather is wonderful, 80 degrees. Do not be surprised if your captain is in a dive parka, he is cold. I use Diving with Alison, but there are a bunch of really good operations that operate down there. I always try to stay with a company at the medium price range, she is typically $65 for a two tank dive. I did recently find an operation offering a multi day dive package for about $30 a day for two tank dive(depending on the season.) If anyone has been diving there I would love to hear your review of who you dove with. The sites that I dove are Palancar Gardens, Columbian shallows, Palancar Caves, and a few other sites. The Gardens is a real easy dive available to anyone. I personally recommend that one; we saw sharks, loggerheads, tons of fish and eels.

Stuart cove

Enjoy!!!

Exercise for better diving

Ok so it is a fact that it is easier to get buoyant when you have less adipose tissue. Not to mention your trim will be improved. When all these things improve your air consumption will go down. The benefits of a moderate exercise program are numerable so why no start today. Before starting any program you should consult a physician but my work out are very simple but show results. I walk 2 miles a day yes walk, you burn more calories walking then running. Then after that I spot in the jump rope for 50 reps. Then before bed I do 100 push ups this work out is very easy and very fast you need no time at all but it gives you a base to start a more challenging regiment. If you are more advanced then this try it for 30 days then up your resistance. If you have any question I am almost a personal trainer I would be happy to help.

Good diving

Jusitn Ferullo

Geocaching

Ok recently I have been reading about geocaching and I was thinking maybe we could get together an underwater geocaching society going?  I know GPS does not work underwater but it works to the location.This is a game with no winners or losers I would love what you guys think about this type of geocaching. Let me know

Good diving from Justin

Camping

Now if you are driving a long way to one of these parks, to keep the price down try camping. Hotels run from about 30$ to 70$ per night. Camping on the other hand runs between 1$ to 5$ a night pp. That is a deal that speaks to just about anyone. You can choose to stay in the family area or opt for a little hike and be completely secluded. Make it a cheap, romantic evening or just a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Now if camping is out there is yet another way. Rental cabins are another way. The commute to where you are diving will be considerably less and you will have the basic amenities for comfort. The options are there now lets take advantage of them.

Good diving from Justin

Annual Pass for Florida Springs

Now I have talked about a few springs accessible to divers. The best way to dive all these parks is to buy the annual pass either for the individual or for a family. The prices are as follows: 60$ for the individual and 120$ for a family(group of up to 8.) The best bargain is to get a few friends and split the family plan with a few divers. These passes can be purchased at any ranger station and some museums.

Good diving from Justin

Stuarts cove

Well I just got back from Stuart cove it was amazing im going to give everyone the low down on all the good diving and tips plus I will throw in some pictures of the shark dive I have. Working on the photos now I will throw them up later on today

Stuart cove

Ok so im going to stuarts cove starting tomorrow...Im going for their famous shark dive I will let you guys know how it goes. Expect to see many pictures. I found a few cheap deals but I wanted to give them a try before I tell anyone about it so check in, in a few days for the review!

Annual Pass Florida Springs

Now I have talked about a few springs accessible to divers. The best way to dive all these parks is to buy the annual pass either for the individual or for a family. The prices are as follows: 60$ for the individual and 120$ for a family(group of up to 8.) The best bargain is to get a few friends and split the family plan with a few divers. These passes can be purchased at any ranger station and some museums.

Good diving from Justin

Why Nitrox

Something most people do not think about. Nitrox, well it extends your No Decompression Limit(NDL.) The dive still cost the same no matter how long you stay down. So by extending your stay in the water and on the bottom, you offset the cost of the certification. Getting every second you can from a dive is the way to go in my book. Added benefits well it lowers your nitrogen intake decreasing the chance of getting nitrogen narcosis(narked.)I understand the class can be a little pricey at times but if you are flying or driving half way around the world to dive dont you think staying in the water is a more cost effective way of diving cheap.So basically get certified. Now if anyone has any ideas I would like to hear it.Thanks!

Good diving from Justin

Weeki Wachee Springs, Fl

Weeki Wachee is a dive in the headsprings. Turtles can often be found here along with some manatees and the occasional mermaid. This dive is really nice, very big area to spread out and see the wildlife. The water here is constant just like the rest of the springs, 72 degrees. It is located just off US Hwy 19. The location is close to many places to eat. The shows that are offered here are very entertaining for kids and adults. This is a dive you can make a whole day out of with diving and other entertainment. The visibility on this dive ranges from 100 ft to forever. To sum it all up, this is a must dive for all experience levels and should be on everyones to do list of dive locations.

Good diving from Justin

Brac, Cayman Islands

Now this island is a little smaller then Grand Cayman, but when it comes to underwater beauty it is just as pristine. The waters around all these islands has been protected for many years so the fish life is abundant and pristine. The water temp is a cool 83 degrees. The trick to coming to this island is to book a villa. Yes thats right a villa. It will only run you about 888$. That's 7 days with 5 days of 2 tank boat dives, which you can upgrade if you'd like to 5 days of 3 tank boat dives for a 100$ more. Now if you book it with more then 2 people you can look to save 30$ off each additional person after 2. So do I still have you? The rates are valid from January 1, 2009 - December 17, 2010. So now can you afford that special dive trip??? I thought so.Either type in Brac Cayman Islands in google or send me a message I can help guide you the right wat

Good diving from Justin

Crystal River Springs

This is a very nice dive, I really like this place. It's not uncommon to see multiple manatees on this dive. Now you can kayak and dive here very easily but if you do not have one you can all rent them from a local operator. If you really do not want to paddle you can always try a boat rental, really affordable actually. Rental rates are 25$ an hour but if there are multiple divers this is the way to go. Now another way to go. Its a little more money but it comes with a guide that is not only knowledgeable but courtesy. It usually runs at 12 and then another at 12:30. The tour at 12:30 is at the spring head which is a very nice dive. The rates on these dives range from 30 to 40$ pp.

Good diving from Justin

Little cayman, Cayman Islands

Now here is an island basically devoted to us divers (what i like to call paradise.) You can expect to have your mind blown by the diving here, also the affordability. Now in the peek you're looking at rates with 20 dives room and board(breakfast, lunch, and dinner.)That range from 1036$ to 2111$, just depending on the level of how much you want to get pampered. Those are both 6 days and over. The resorts down there are really competitive so you could snag a room in a bad month for much cheaper, depending on how well you can communicate. If at anytime anyone has any questions feel free to shoot me a comment or if you want a little privacy, a message will be fine.

Good diving from justin.

Defog

  Quick tip for the avid diver. The diving culture says, not to spit in your mask. I can agree with that for many reasons. Another option that is almost as cheap. Baby shampoo is alternative to the traditional defog. But with a price that is one third of the price and five times more product then the standard defog. Usually I go for the shampoo that says no tears, just in case. This trick is used by many dive professionals, they often refer to this as the secret ingredient. Well the secret is out. Enjoy!!!

Good diving from Justin

Cruising

This is a post I really enjoy. Cruising is like a window to far off lands. They include food, ride and the bonus of no baggage fee. This is a my favorite way to dive cheap. The way I optimize my cruise experience is I try to do everything (free) on the boat. Its not just the ports you visit that make the cruising experience its the entertainment and the food.  Port days I try to dive at every port. This is a awesome way to scope the places you want to dive and the op you choose to dive with. The way I keep the cost down and get a more customized dive; I do not book on the ship they are typically 40$ to 50$ pp more. Diving with the ship is an experience yes but you do not get to choose your dives. Now the people that book with the ship all go to the same dive spot so what ends up happening is crowding maybe not on the boat but definitely in the water. Diving with the ship has only one perk. The ship will wait if something happen, that is it. But the operators in these tropical environment know that their performance directly influences their bottom line so they do every thing in their power to make sure you are on that boat. It is vital to their business because most cruiser cruise. The biggest portion of the people that cruise are repeat cruiser they make up about 70% of the market. So basically it is safe and cheaper. Weigh out the pros and cons make your decision. I have been on a few cruises with Carnival and Norwegian so far Carnival has been my favorite but check it out their are many deals out their lets go get some.


Good diving from Justin

Manatee Springs

Manatee springs is a good dive, awesome to help you get some dives in. But make sure you check in with the park that way they have a record of who is diving. This dive is usually considered open water, cavern and cave. Know your limits and dive smart because more than likely your phone has no service. Make sure you bring your own tanks, weights, and your gear. There is no rental shop here, just a food store. Bring cash because thats all the store accepts at this time. Also do bring a wagon and a blanket. Unless you like making 20 trips back to the car. The blanket serves as a place to set your gear on. I liked this dive. This is the spring I dove; when completing my cavern certification. So just to recap bring a wagon, blanket, cash and do not forget to check in with the park that way if you went missing they know where to look. This step should not be missed. The price for a dive like this is about 30$. Also this spring is included in your annual pass. Check this site for all your questions. http://www.floridastateparks.org/manateesprings/

Good diving from Justin

Tanks

Ok so the cheap way to get your tanks hydro, well bring them to the fire depart I recently found out that is where they take them from your shop. It is so cheap it only runs about 7 to 10 bucks for the hydro then have your shop vip them for the sticker. It is definitely worth it...

Good diving from Justin

Things to come

Well coming up tomorrow I will be telling people how to save money when they hydro their tanks. This is something that the scuba shops do not want you to know. Its where they send them and charge you double.

Good diving from Justin

Tell me your feedback, 

Diving warm in the winter

     This is a subject that normally gets over looked. The common answer is if your cold get a new wet suit. Why yes this will work but there are some tips that might save you from getting that 5 or 7 mill.

1. Hot water thermos. The trick to keeping it warm longer is heat the thermos

2. Another thermos, but the difference here is put hot cocoa, tea, or coffee what ever you prefer.

3. Towel sweat shirt or a dive parka.

4. Chemical pouches(not water proof) these pouches can be purchased at most retail stores. Realistically 

if you want you can rap it in paper towels and put it in a zip top bag:)(Do at own risk)

5. Eat a chili pepper. True story, learned that while diving in mexico.

6. Lastly, a thicker wet suit

7. Get into the water warm. Here I will explain, before getting into the water keep that jacket on. The warmer you get into water the warmer you get out.

8. Take that wet suit off and dry off. If you do not want to take the suit off at least dry the top of the neoprene.

If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

Good diving from Justin

Grand Cayman, The Cayman Island

Well now we're talking! The dives you get to do here are things you dream about. This is where a lot of those pictures that got you into diving came from. First on our list of must do's is Stingray city. This has to be the best place in the world to get stingray shots. Now if you came via a cruise ship I suggest finding a place off ship to do your excursion. It's typically 40 to 50% off ship price and they all go to the same place. Now if you came here by booking a dive package or Expedia or something, another thing I would try out is their wall diving, it's breath taking. The animal life ranges from eel's to whale sharks and everything in between. Now they are famous for their wall dives but they also have a few shore dives for the less adventurous. Now all the dive resorts down there have prices for everything; boat, shore, and non diving packages. Its definitely a better deal to book your hotel and your diving together than to book it with a place like Expedia because the dives and food will add up fast. So I always do diving and room but it's really up to you if you want to save money:)

Good diving from Justin

Here are some pictures of my girlfriend and I at stingray city.

Here are some photos I took in Oahu... Let me know what you guys think?

Motion sickness

They say there are two types of divers, ones that get sea sick and the ones that lie about it. So a few tips would help the majority. The foods you should avoid are greasy foods, basically any fast food. Another item you should avoid before diving is citric acid, that means no orange juice for breakfast. The foods you can eat: waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, grits and toast would be fine. Ginger is something else that can be consumed to help combat motion sickness. Did you know ginger cookies were once given on planes just for this reason? Water water water is important for far many reasons, mainly to prevent you from being dehydrated. The water helps your body process all the nutrients you consume. This next sections are for the people that it does not matter what they do. Triptone is by far the best thing I have come across. This is the only thing the government lets pilots take for motion sickness. My girlfriend gets sick no matter what. She is one of those people that gets sick on cruise ships that is how bad it is and Triptone is the only thing that works for her. 
I hope this helps those unfortunate few




Good diving from Justin

Oahu, Hawaii

This dive trip cost me with flight and hotel for two 1800$, the diving was 3 days of 2 tank dives. We dove the YO-257, the Corsair, Hanauma bay, Saipan,  and three reefs. Now YO is a ship they sunk right off Waikiki. This dive is excellent, saw two very large Green sea turtles (coffee table size.) Now the Corsair was a plane from world war two. Its final resting place is at about 110 ft to the sand. This dive you can expect to see some garden eel's which are pretty rare around the islands. There were an abundance of fish life and many coral formations growing out of the cockpit of the plane. Hanauma bay is where we saw all the big green sea turtles, I think the total for one dive was six. Now if you flew half way across the Earth to see turtles this is a must dive. The shots I got on this dive are impeccable. The water is pristine blue. Make sure the camera you bring is set correctly lol no red pictures(made that mistake.)

Good diving from Justin

So I have been looking at doing this dive for some time now. The dive is very nice can be dove by boat or by shore(if you don't mind swimming couple hundred ft off shore)Venice beach Fl is the name and sharks teeth is the game and lets just say they are the best in world at it. It is publicly known as the shark tooth diving capital of the world it is a spectacular dive. I wont say you will find a Megalodon tooth from here but the chances are you will find teeth and a lot of them. Gear needed I would suggest a dive bag to put your teeth into and always dive with a dive flag or some type of display to let boats know you are down their. You do not want any big head aches from this dive. Also if you do not plan on bringing your own tanks their are a few shops around that can help. For more info http://www.venice-fla.com/capital.htm

Coming up tomorrow will be some information on diving in Miami along with the photage I shot while diving in Hawaii. The shots i have of the Hawaiian monk seal are spectacular. Along with rare endemic species of Butterfly fish, Anthias and a few others.

Kauai, Hawaii

So my trip to Hawaii for a 9 night stay with rental car and flight cost me 972$ that is with tax. I found this by going to all the sites and comparing, seem to have the best luck with Expedia. The trick with Hawaii is to go during their off season. Been going last minute both times this year 7oo to Oahu and the 972 for Kauai. You should try to leave on a Monday if you can its typically the cheapest and come back like either Wednesday or Thursday they seem to be the cheapest days. If you plan on diving which you do or you would not be on my blog I highly recommend going with Seasport divers One of the best dive ops I have been with. They are really personable and knowledgeable not to mention really nice people. Another way to save money is by doing the timeshare presentations(do not buy) but they give you 70% off excursions for everything on the island from laua's to kayaking. Excellent way to save money just for 90 min we do it every time. If you plan on going to Kauai prepare your self for the trip of a lifetime this is a hiker-divers paradise!!!!

Good diving from Justin

First post

Ok so this is my first post. Basically i made this blog searching for hours to no avail for really nice places to dive for cheap or free. I wanted to give the reader a first hand account of somewhere that is pleasurable to dive in the neighborhood are half way around the world.