Port Douglas is an amazing diving area that is a large tropical area in the North of Queensland, Australia. It is a popular holiday destination for a wide range of reasons that include the dive sites surrounding it and the sheer beauty. Certain areas have been designated as World Heritage Areas which shows how beautiful Port Douglas is and how much it needs to be protected so that future generations can enjoy everything we enjoy today. There are two World Heritage Areas; the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning Daintree Rainforest. Port Douglas itself is a small village and it has a small population, but it does have a big heart and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the dive sites in the area. There are plenty of places to rent all of the equipment you will need to go diving and/or snorkeling.

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Rottnest Island is a former prison island that is about 19km or 12 miles from Perth, Australia. Noted as one of the biggest dive sites in Australia it has over 100 different sub dive sites within it. There is a great array of limestone over hangings, various wrecks and even a sunken grotto which can be found in the Fishhook Bay area. There are no cars allowed on the island so you will need to rent cycles to get around. You will also need to rent all of your diving gear which is available from one of the many stores on the island. A visitor map will suggest to you a range of trails to ride on that will lead you from one dive site to another. Your private sea garden is just a quick journey away and you will easily see why Rottnest Island is such a tempting place to visit since it has so much to offer.

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Australia is no stranger to diving events and each year it hosts certain events which are renowned for their prominence. Also, new events are springing up all the time to celebrate one of Australia’s biggest assets – diving sites along the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. 2011 has started with a big bang as diving events have sprung up everywhere and here we are going to relive some of the best that have graced the coral so far:

Sundive Byron Bay Photo Shoot-Out

This annual diving event is aimed at taking pictures of undersea life while diving. It is the Sundive Byron Bay Photo Shoot-Out at Byron Bay, NSW, Australia. This event will be held from May 22^nd to May 30^th 2011 and is expected to be a complete success. Sponsors donate prizes that are to be handed out to the winners of the competition. The winners are kept secret right until the last minute on the 30^th so that it gives other divers the time to take some pretty amazing photos of the coral reef and the life surrounding it. There have been some very famous photographers discovered at events like this and this is why these types of events are important. Documenting everything that goes on down deep in the water is important to our future generations so that they can see exactly what the area was like during our life time. Every competitor is awarded something which makes this even unique. There is great diving, great dining and fun entertainment is provided. This event is not as big as others in Australia, but it is just as important so that diving as a leisure activity can be passed on and enjoyed.

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Date: September 25 to October 1,2010

Where: Tiger Beach, Bahamas

Join Steven “Creech” Anderson and Jim Abernethy for a Tiger Shark Trip to Tiger Beach and the outer reefs along the Little Bahamas Banks. The cost of the trip is 2805.00 USD and includes diving for Tiger, Great Hammerhead, Lemon and Caribbean Reef Sharks for 5 days. We will spend 7 nights aboard the M/V Shear Water with all food, beverages, tanks, weights and  air fills included. Nitrox is available for $100.00 if you want it, but you wont need it. It is not a cruise ship but an adventure vessel. The boat will depart and return to West Palm Beach, Florida where there are hassle free flights available in and out. The airport is 20 minutes to the boat. This trip is planned for underwater photographers and experienced divers who have an interest in sharks and close – up action. There will be no cage and you will be underwater with several large sharks that are baited to provide the safest interaction you might ever experience. This trip provides some of the most exciting, extreme, and rewarding diving you might ever do. I can guarantee that you will return with a new appreciation of sharks and if you are a photographer you will return with great images.
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Story and Photos by Steven Anderson

There are over 700 islands and Cays, which make up the Bahamas.
We traveled from West Palm Beach by boat through the warm and crystal clear waters of the Gulf Stream with none of those islands or cays in sight. By daybreak we cleared customs in the Bahamas and our Tiger and Hammerhead Shark Expedition was underway.

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