Looking for your Opinions

It would help us to serve you better if we could get your opinions on the following questions in the comments section:


#1 What is your thoughts about scuba diving in general?

#2 What do you think about Rick’s staff?

#3 What do you think about our facilities?

#4 If you are a diver, what diver level would like to obtain?

#5 Have you talked to any of your friends about learning to Scuba dive?

#6 Did you know that you may get a college credit for taking a scuba course from Rick’s?

#7 Did you know that YOU can be a PADI Instructor & make extra money teaching Scuba Diving?

#8 Did you know that we have on staff Swim Instructors for babies, children & Adults on premises?

#9 Did you know that Ricks has been voted one of TOP TEN Dive Centers in the USA?

SCUBA Diving Solomon Islands

For divers, the Solomon Islands are a source of cultural delights and vast blue waters to explore.
An excellent option for avid divers is a live-aboard, which offers flexible schedules and unlimited diving. Tranquil, lake-like conditions, present within the folds of the islands, provide a great base for diving. On a live-aboard, the diving itineraries are varied, open to the desires and interests of the divers.
Some of the intrigue of the underwater is the World War II wrecks, where the United States was a big player in that part of the world, the mighty players of this tragic war now rest like metal dinosaurs along the seafloor.
An impressive lineup of underwater marine life wonders, which span from the very small to the very large. On the outer reefs, large swirling schools of silvery masses dominate, from jacks to tuna, mackerel and more. Sharks and other pelagics are ever present on any given dive to complement the total beauty of this amazing place. Dramatic sky-lit caverns add a touch of exploration, providing limitless sites to enjoy and see.
Common sites include remote spots in Marovo Lagoon, The Florida's, and the beautiful Russell Islands. Most charters can focus on reefs, WWII wrecks, land tours or whatever the group on board desires.
Honiara, the Solomon Island capital, is on Guadalcanal. In 1942, this city was the center stage for a six month long series of war battles. More than 40 ships and planes were lost in what is now called "Iron Bottom Sound". Some of the wrecks are reached by boat and a handful are just some yards from shore.
Two of Honiara's most exciting dives are the Bonegi I and the Bonegi II, Japanese transport ships covered with schools of fish and soft corals in many colors of the rainbow. Some of the clown fish found in the waters of the Solomon's reside right here on the wrecks.

Discover Diving at Rick's where we sell
fun and lifetime adventures everyday

Secret Beach Shell Villa

Luxury Villas in Playa del Secreto.. your Home away from Home.

• Located directly on the beach - the water edge is 30' from the back door!
• Private Pool - each villas has it's own private pool with privacy walls between and 2 out door tanning beds with full size mattress.
• Located in a private Gated Residential Community that is very safe.
• Mexican/Spanish Colonial Style Architecture with Cupola Ceilings through out.
  
  
  
  



• 4 Bedrooms
  

1. 1st Master Bedroom - ocean view - with King bed, in suite bathroom with sunken tub/shower, TV, alarm clock , Sealy Orthopedic Mattress & private balcony.
2. 2nd Master Bedroom - ocean view - with King bed, in suite bathroom with walk-in shower, alarm clock, Sealy Orthopedic Mattress & private balcony.
3. 3rd Bedroom - Cenote & Garden View with King bed, in suite bathroom with walk-in shower, alarm clock, Sealy Orthopedic Mattress & private balcony.
4. 4th Bedroom - Garden View with 2 twin beds (can be made into a king), alarm clock, Sealy Orthopedic Mattresses & in suite bathroom with walk-in shower

• 4 1/2 bathrooms - The upstairs bathrooms have skylights and built in planters - all bathrooms have hairdryers
• 2 central A/C (two 5 ton units per villa - one for each floor)
• Hampton Bay ceiling fans with lighting in every room
• TV, DVD, US Dish Network Satellite System (with Premium channels Starz, HBO, Showtime, Cinimax & TMC and 50 cable channels and SIRIUS satellite radio channels.) Having TV in English is rare in Mexico!
• Indoors there is a Stereo System with CD and Tape Player. For Outdoors we have a Sony Heavy-duty Marine quality Boom box with CD player and digital music port. We also have a portable docking station for a mp3 music player (bring cable.)
• 2nd smaller "Beer" refrigerator we supply beer $15 a case
• Large safe with key and code (very safe area - but it's still wise to use it - big enough for your camera or laptop)
• Honor Bar - fully stocked for your enjoyment
• USA Phone System Phone
  Vonage Phone
  answering machine
  800# toll free number
  US, Canadian & Mexico calls are FREE
  Intercom system to contact staff
• Wireless Broadband Internet (512kps) - Dell laptop computer with Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word & Outlook) A charge of $50 for unlimited use of PC and broadband connection.
• Washer and Dryer (you can us or ask the staff to do your laundry)
• Full-time staff (The staff works Monday - Saturday.)
• Luxury Tommy Bahama Bed linens (500 thread count sheets), both bath and beach towels provided
• Boogie boards, snorkeling equipment, pool floats, beach toys, etc
• Sheltered parking
• 24-Hour security system installed with cameras outside the villas.
• We have vehicles for rent - on request they will be waiting at the villas for you - all are insured (3 mini-vans, Suburban , and an Excursion)
• We have a 19' Mako fully loaded fishing boat available for fishing rentals – see http://www.puertomorelosfishing.com/
• The owners live in a separate apartment 300 feet in back of the villa (at the entrance of the driveway away from the beach.) Unlike many villas in the region we are onsite owner/mangers, this is not a vacation home we see once in a while - we live here so we are aware of our staff, and maintenance issues are addressed in a timely manner.
  

We believe that the villas are your home while you are here. Keeping that in mind, we respect your privacy above all. However, if you need us we are only steps away.

Frequently Asked Questions about Scuba diving

Frequently Asked Questions about Scuba diving

There are many questions that you may have when deciding to enter into the world of scuba diving. It is a magical world, but it is unknown. Below is a list of the frequently asked questions that we’ve answered here at Rick’s. This document is somewhat intended to help with your curiosity in taking the first step to becoming a certified scuba diver! If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at Rick’s Dive "N Travel Center, We’re here to make sure you enjoy yourself and that you are comfortable with the new aura around you.

Is it hard to learn to scuba dive?
As far as active recreational pastimes go, scuba diving is one of the easiest to learn. While you’re gliding around enjoying the underwater sights, you’re engaged in only three basic skills: floating, kicking, and breathing. Of course, there’s more to it than that – becoming proficient at using diving equipment, developing knowledge of scuba concepts, and learning safety procedures – but if you breathe through your mouth, chances are you can learn to scuba dive.

Learning to scuba dive is mostly a matter of attitude. If you are motivated to step through the door into an exciting new world, then the experience will prove both energizing and confidence-building. By the way the way, the minimum age to learn to Scuba dive is only 10 years. This isn’t rocket science.

Are the skills for scuba diving difficult to learn?

The necessary skills are not tough for most people to master. During scuba certification class, you’re taught about safe diving practices and you rehearse equipment related skills in a pool until you feel comfortable, as well as practicing what to do if things don’t go as planned. We always have several instructors in the water with you, and you are unlikely to ever have more than 4 students per instructor. This way we can ensure that you get very close personal attention, to ensure your safety, enjoyment and success.

Isn’t the equipment heavy and difficult to learn how to use?

The bulky scuba gear worn by many divers may seem intimidating, but learning to use it is straightforward. If you’ve snorkeled, you’re already familiar with the mask, snorkel and fins. The scuba unit consists of an air cylinder containing compressed breathing air, buoyancy compensator (BCD) jacket to help you float on the surface or to maintain your desired depth underwater, and you’ll have a regulator for you to breathe through. The wetsuit keeps you warm when diving in cooler water. While it is a little awkward on the surface it is practically weightless underwater.

Do I have to be a strong swimmer?

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer or an athlete to scuba dive, but some degree of comfort in the water certainly helps. Even if you enter scuba training with less than total confidence in your water skills, by the time you receive your first certification card, your comfort level will be greatly increased. After your certification you will find yourself being one of the many enthusiasts who scuba dive for the sheer pleasure of floating weightless in an environment as close to outer space as the majority of us will ever experience.

Does it hurt your ears?

This question comes from people who have snorkeled before and tried to swim beneath the surface – aka free diving. They swim headfirst down to about 6 – 12 feet and suddenly develop a stabbing pain in their ears, sending them shooting back to the surface. They unknowingly assume that they have an ear problem that precludes them from scuba diving. On the contrary, the problem is due to a lack of knowledge about the effects of pressure and can easily be prevented. If you can fly in a plane without serious ear discomfort, then your ears should not present an impediment to scuba diving. The remedy for scuba diving is to “equalize” the pressure (caused by going deeper in the water) by gently pinching your nostrils shut, lifting your chin and gently try to blow out through your nose. Some divers even equalize by simply moving their jaw or tongue. Unless your ears are blocked by a cold, or have allergy symptoms, or you are one of the few people born with narrow eustachian tubes, ear pain is not an issue.

What do you see down there?

A whole new world of incredible sights awaits the scuba diver, no matter what the underwater environment – fresh or salt water; tropical or cold water, ocean, quarry, lake or river. It shouldn’t be hard to envision your self gliding effortlessly through a crystal-clear tropical ocean, marveling at rainbow colored fish flitting about a vibrant coral reef. You have already been treated to underwater scenes such as this on TV, in movies or perhaps a friend’s underwater video or pictures. You may have even caught a glimpse of this while snorkeling on a Mediterranean holiday. In each underwater setting there is plenty to see. There are obviously many fish, but also corals and other water animals such as crabs, lobsters and shrimp. In warm water there are many different types of reef animals such as sea cucumbers. Living creatures aren’t the only wondrous things under water, there are many shipwrecks and this is particularly true in the where we are blessed with literally hundreds of wrecks to see and explore.

How deep do you go?

The industry standard maximum depth limit for recreational divers is 60’. However most people don't get anywhere near this depth as there is plenty to see and do at much shallower depths. During basic scuba certification, the pool work (confined water) is typically carried out in water at about 30’ this obviously helps in building up confidence. The open water element of the course is usually carried out in a local lake at maximum depths of about 60’. After certification you are able to dive up to a maximum depth of 50’. 60’ To go deeper requires additional qualifications. For this reason a deep dive is considered to be below 30’ to an absolute maximum of 60’.

Is there an age limit to scuba dive?

Scuba diving is a nondiscriminatory activity. Anyone with the physical ability to handle the equipment and the emotional maturity to comprehend the rules and take responsibility for his or her safety and that of his dive buddy, can scuba dive safely and enjoyable There is no upper age limit on learning to scuba dive. Certain conditions my preclude those of any age from diving, temporarily or permanently, especially conditions associated with lung functions. As long as you maintain relatively good physical and mental conditioning, it’s never too late to learn scuba diving. Many divers continue into their 70’s and 80’s.

Minimum age restrictions do apply. For children eight and older we offer a Seal Team program. This exciting new program is built around action-packed Aqua Missions! An Aqua Mission is an underwater pool adventure where kids learn scuba activities. Take Aqua Mission: Inner Space Specialist for example, here kids learn how to float underwater like an Astronaut. And Aqua Mission: Snapshot Specialist, this is where PADI Seal Team members take pictures of each other scuba diving in the pool.

To be able to dive in the ocean, children must be 10 years old to be certified as “junior” divers. These divers may dive only under restricted conditions, such as limited depth and supervision by a scuba professional or certified adult diver. At 15, students receive the same certification as adult divers. For more information about junior courses please follow this link

How do I get certified?

You must take an open water certification course to get certified. The basic scuba certification course, called the PADI Open Water Diver, is divided into three sections; classroom work, confined water and open water. The classroom portion develops the knowledge base necessary to understand the principals behind diving rules and procedures. You practice dive procedures and learn to use the equipment in a confined water section, usually in a pool. The open water section consists of four or more supervised dives in a local lake, during which you will demonstrate your mastery of scuba skills in an actual dive setting. Typically this is done in depths no deeper than 20 feet

How long does it take?

Traditionally this involves one day in the classroom followed by two week end sessions - one in the pool and one at the lake. Don't be put off by the classroom element of the course. This is carried out in a very informal and relaxed way and led by our very experienced instructors. You do not have to be a genius to complete the work, just interested. If any aspect does cause a difficulty we will ensure you understand before you complete the course. The second week is usually spent at the lake where we go through the open water portion of the course. This gives you another opportunity to practice all the skills you have learned in a very controlled environment. We always have several instructors in the water with you, and you are unlikely to ever have more than 4 students per instructor. This way we can ensure that you get very close personal attention, to ensure your safety, enjoyment and success. Alternatively we can offer you the option of breaking up the weekends and the pool work for a schedule that works for your time. We also offer private classroom instruction, just check with any member of the Rick's Dive 'N Travel team.

Isn’t scuba diving expensive?

Like many sports or leisure activity it can be as expensive or as low cost as you want. It is not necessary to buy lots of equipment to enjoy scuba, though it is probably a good idea to invest in your own mask, snorkel and fins. If you dive with Rick's Dive 'N Travel you can rent the required equipment at relatively low cost. Similarly if you dive on holiday you can chose a package that includes all the equipment. Purchasing a set of scuba gear – BCD, regulator, exposure protection – is no more expensive then getting started in golf or skiing. For the infrequent diver, renting equipment may be an attractive alternative. Of course, as in all worthwhile pursuits, you may choose to expand your scuba “must have” list with items such as a dive computer, underwater camera and other accessories.

Where can we travel once we’re certified?

Scuba diving vacations are available to suit every budget, from weekends in bunkhouse accommodations with shore diving, to luxury dive resorts in exotic locations. The price of airfare is a major factor in considering vacations to faraway destinations for diving, or a combination of both. Live-aboard dive boats offer the best opportunity to visit remote dive destinations and do as much or as little diving you desire for an all inclusive price. Check with our professional staff or look at our notice board for a variety of dive trips and dive weekends already scheduled! You want regret any of it. Come join one of the Top Dive Centers in the USA!

Discover Diving At Rick’s Dive Center Inc.

Call Robyn or Sandy for you’re next diving adventure

You can trust these Professionals

Welcome to Rick's Dive 'N Travel Centers Dive Team of PADI Diving Professionals. It would be very difficult to top their National reputation year after year for such a small market. in North Little Rock, Arkansas. One of their strong suits is the team value and working together for a common goal of fun, safety & learning. Rick has assembled a wonderful group of professional PADI instructors’ that do care about their student’s, customers & friends that would rival any dive center in the U.S. Accolades are common place at Rick’s, whether it’s on the local level or National level. As matter of fact, Rick’s was voted as one of the TOP 10 Dive Center’s in the USA by our trade association in California as well as our local newspaper winning virtually every year since it’s inception.

They seem to always be excited about introducing friend’s & family to our world.......the world of scuba diving. We know you will have an unforgettable experience learning more about "what's down there". Over the years The Oceans and even our lakes are wonderful opportunities to get a feel what scuba Diving is like. Of course, the opportunity to dive in the Ocean’s of our world. We won't just throw you in the water and say start swimming, and don't believe all the shark stories either. Our staff at Rick's has over 135 years of combined educational experience and has introduced over 10,000 people like yourself to the underwater world, now in our 31st year. Our goal is to help our students with the development and proficiency of learning more about Scuba Diving skills and the knowledge that will lead you to become a certified Diver or maybe even one of our Divemaster’s or Instructor.....Wait....Don't say NO, several of our instructors said the same thing and Guess What? They teach for us as well. You will have a positive experience with Rick's, Dive “N Travel Center and we will sincerely enjoy our participation with you in this exciting learning process. If you are already a "certified" diver, we welcome you to join Rick's on our next underwater diving adventure! By the way, the minim age to enroll in a scuba Diving Course is only 10 years old and NOT afraid of the water! Let’s go Diving.

Solomn Islands

The Solomon Islands with Rick’s Dive ‘N Travel Center:

Migration from all directions over thousands of years has combined with a scattered, comparatively isolated population to produce a country rich in cultural diversity. Melanesians, Polynesians, Asians, Micronesians and the odd Westerner all call the Solomon’s home, imbuing the islands with a variety of islander traditions unrivalled in the Pacific.

With ancient customs still widely practiced in thousands of small villages, local life is an often-unexpected bonus for visitors. Despite centuries of exploitation and let-downs from Western 'visitors', the locals are generally more than happy to allow you access to their land, as well as help you find your way around their part of the world.

Travelling to the Solomon Islands remains an adventure even today; however the varied attractions upon arrival more than compensate even the most jaded explorer. Those lured to the Solomon’s by the promise of extraordinary natural features will not be disappointed; the islands have a well-deserved reputation as possibly amongst the world's best destination for scuba divers, snorkelers and fishing opportunities.

Despite its long history, most historical interest in the Solomon’s surrounds its pivotal role as a strategic site in the Pacific in WWII. The number of WWII naval wrecks in the waters of Iron Bottom Sound is testament to the ferocity and destructive power of battle.

With a total population of 300, 000 there are very few cities and most people still live a very basic life in the villages. Tourism is only starting to discover this precious part of the Pacific. In fact "soft" tourism is hoped to contribute to the conservation of some of the most beautiful parts in the Solomon Islands. Village guest houses in some remote areas of the Marovo Lagoon and the Renell Islands are hoped to generate enough income for the local communities to convince them that there are alternatives to clear cut logging. Additionally an application to protect this area of natural beauty and diversity under World Heritage is under way.

History:

The Solomon Islands have had very little influence from western civilization until very recently. It was "discovered" for the western civilization by Alvaro de Mendana, a Spanish sailor on his way searching for gold for the Spanish crown. Without any significant finds, they very quickly lost interest again. The growing trade with beche-de-mer, pearls and palm oil in the late 19th century brought more westerners to these shores and towards the end of the last century the Solomon’s became a part of the cruel slave trade to Fiji and Queensland. About 30, 000 Solomon Islanders were indentured as slave labor.

Second World War came to the Solomon’s like a nightmare. The historic naval battles between Japanese and allied soldiers are well documented. Little is known about the impact of 20th century warfare on the local population. More then fifty years later, the remains of the battles are still scattered around the sea bottom and the forests. For divers there is the double fascination of visiting historic sites, few people will ever see and the beauty of the wrecks that are hosts to colorful reefs and dense fish life.

In 1978 the Solomon Islands gained independence as a nation and only since the early 1990's the country started opening to tourism.

Today, tourism is becoming an increasingly important economic factor. Apart from War veterans, it is predominantly divers who travel to the Solomon’s.

Activities:

As with many Pacific islands, the greatest attraction for visitors to the Solomon Islands is SCUBA diving. A combination of spectacular coral reefs and hundreds of WWII wrecks makes diving and snorkeling attractive options. The water temperatures in the island group are among the warmest in the world, and visibility is commonly as good as 100 feet.
Other popular outdoor activities could keep you busy for months. There's bushwalking, canoeing, mountain and volcano climbing, swimming, surfing, fishing, shell-collecting, bird-watching, caving and mountain biking, enough to keep even the most dedicated adventurer sated.

Vortex Springs

Vortex Spring is the premier inland Florida dive resort on the Gulf Coast &the largest diving facility in the state. Since 1972 Vortex has been recognized as one of the best & safest diving destinations in the U.S. This Panhandle diver paradise is "the Mecca of dive training" says Southern Diver Magazine. Northern Florida has a crown jewel in this treasure that offers a diving class for every level of SCUBA training which is scheduled at . Every Open water certified diver gets a superior adventure, and Vortex offers cavern and cave diving for certified cavern and cave divers. Vortex offers professional instructors, clear visibility & diving 364 days a year.

Vortex is a top ranked training facility and offers SCUBA diving training at any level. Great course prices are only the beginning. Vortex offers a weed free, clear spring dive. Wildlife is abundant and approachable. Some of our fish are record-size. Entry and exits are assisted by strong docks with stairs to aid in managing SCUBA equipment. You learn to dive wearing top of
the line Dive Rite and scubapro dive gear. If you have special needs, be sure to let us know. We have successfully trained SCUBA students with major physical challenges as well as serious water fear issues.