Rick's Thoughts

Looking for your Opinions

2009-02-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-02-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-02T05:05:00.000-08:00

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

1st Master Bedroom - ocean view - with King bed, in suite bathroom with sunken tub/shower, TV, alarm clock , Sealy Orthopedic Mattress & private balcony.

2nd Master Bedroom - ocean view - with King bed, in suite bathroom with walk-in shower, alarm clock, Sealy Orthopedic Mattress & private balcony.

3rd Bedroom - Cenote & Garden View with King bed, in suite bathroom with walk-in shower, alarm clock, Sealy Orthopedic Mattress & private balcony.

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

2008-12-11T05:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Palau in Micronesia

2008-10-22T06:20:00.001-07:00

Diver observes a rare Chambered Nautilus. At Neco Marine in Palau, “no problem” is the only time you'll see them say ''no'' - no matter what the request. We made all our arrangements with Neco Marine Dive Shop by e-mail for our group from San Francisco. MEETING & GREETING: After the long flight across the Pacific, 14 very tired travelers arrived at the front desk of the Palau Pacific Hotel. I was very relieved to be met by Bert Yates who with his wife, Jan, manages the Neco Marine dive operation. Bert is an ole Arkansas boy and was waiting there in the middle of the night to discuss and reconfirm our diving arrangements that up to now had been only loose internet verbiage. Bert confirmed he did have a big dive boat dedicated solely to our group that would take us to all the special sites we wanted to dive in Palau. Our group of dyed-in-the-wool underwater photographers had definite ideas about where and how we wanted to dive. SPECIAL REQUESTS:” Long bottom times,” I insisted. “No problem,” Bert replied, “We’ll just get started a little earlier.” “Slide film processed every day?” I asked, knowing this was critical to the success of any underwater photography seminar that we had planned. “No problem, just turn it in to the shop and you’ll have it the next morning,” Bert said without missing a beat. He clearly was prepared for all our idiosyncrasies and any potential complications. Nothing I threw his way that late evening we arrived in Palau ruffled Bert’s calm demeanor. He was cool with all of it. And sure enough, the operation delivered. DELIVERING ON PROMISES: During our five days of diving, Neco Marine provided an oversized, overpowered boat that arrived on time. The boat came with freshwater rinse capability, extra tanks, lunch for everybody and a crew equipped with the local knowledge and skill that ensured that we got the most out of every dive. Bert and Jan even organized every detail when we threw them the major curveball: “Martha and I’d like to have an underwater wedding in Chandelier Cave with all our friends there.” Bert’s stoic response: “sure, no problem.” And that’s the way it went: Big currents, big sharks, big photography, big wedding and no big problems. Just another day in this Pacific paradise. For reservations or information on traveling to Palau, contact Robyn Newton at http://www.ricksdivecenter.com/ ..

Why Borneo Divers? Ask Rick

2008-10-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

The original Borneo Divers were comprised of four remarkable men – Randy Davis, an American; Malaysians Samson Shak and Clement Lee; and Ron Holland, hailing from England. Randy and Ron came to Asia in the early 80’s, working as commercial divers in the offshore oil fields of Brunei. On their time off, they would charter a native boat, load it with scuba tanks, and set off in search of new dive sites.

In the mid-1980’s they unearthed the mother load, striking gold with then uninhabited Sipadan Island, a tiny oceanic atoll rising out of the depths off the eastern coast of Malaysian Borneo. Their first dive at Sipadan came as an epiphany, and they knew immediately that they were on to something big. Intrigued, they returned with more tanks, tents, a camp stove, and started to bring a few friends along. The result, a little more than twenty years hence, is one of the most popular dive sites in all of Asia.

When in 1989 I first visited Sipadan, there was only Borneo Divers’ one small resort, accommodating 16 guests in simple fashion, and providing the best diving and snorkeling I had ever seen. But "progress" came quickly. When I returned with a group the following year, there was already a second lodging on the island, operated by Chinese businessmen, and catering mostly to Japanese divers. This growth trend was to continue.

Along the way, Jacques Cousteau brought the Calypso to Sipadan, pronounced it superb, and stayed five weeks, producing a film entitled, "Ghost of the Sea Turtle," and changing the pronunciation of the name Sipadan along the way. Skin-Diver Magazine published a major editorial. Then the executive editor of In Depth Magazine visited Sipadan, crowning it, "The World’s Best Beach Dive." As a result of this kind of acclaim, today you will find no less than five "resorts" on Sipadan, plus two or three more on neighboring Mabul. All are exploiting Sipadans exceptional diving, and some of them sell their product cheaper than Borneo Divers. Why then should you pay a bit more to go with the original discovers and developers of Sipadan, Borneo Divers?

I recently took the bull by the horns and asked that question directly of the Borneo Divers. Between their responses, and my own experiences there with ten visits over as many years, here are some points for you to consider:

Location, Location, Location – Borneo Divers’ property is directly in front of the drop off. It’s no more than 30 feet from the dive shop to the water’s edge. Walk forward 25 feet over a natural sandy bottom, and you step directly from three feet of water, to over 2,000 feet. But no need to go deep, as the wall sticks out of the water at low tide. Turn right, swim for 45 seconds, and you are in the midst of the coral garden that In Depth so accurately commemorated. Borneo Divers’ resort is situated superbly. Each additional resort in Sipadan is located farther away from this drop off. Unfortunately, rather than go to the effort of carrying their tanks to the natural entry point, divers from those resorts are walking over the top of the reef to get to the wall, in the process smashing pristine coral formations. The resorts yet farther down the island have no beach diving access whatsoever, only boat diving. For their part, Borneo Divers is providing three individual boat dives per day, plus easy access to superb shore diving, without destroying the reef that you came to see.
Quality of the Product – Borneo Divers have, by far, the best physical plant. That it to say the best refrigeration, the best kitchen facilities, the most spacious and comfortable dining hall, the largest and best kept bath house and toilets facilities, etc. At a less expensive property you won’t necessarily "get what you pay for," but you definitely will get "no more than what you pay for."
Concern for the Environment – Borneo Divers are the only resort to have a large scale, dependable desalinization system, providing water for showers, toilets, etc. Thus they avoid the use of well water on this tiny island, and further depletion of the water table, land subsidence, etc. (Bottled drinking water is brought from the mainland.) On another note, at considerable expense Borneo Divers have taken it upon themselves to purchase the turtle egg-collecting rights at both Sipadan and Sangalaki. They are leaving them to lie fallow so that the robust turtle population may continue to prosper. They also do their best to deter guests from molesting the marine life, breaking coral, "riding" turtles, etc. Apparently, this can not be said for some of the other operations.
At their own expense – The Borneo Divers have placed, and maintain, the only professional decompression chamber on Sipadan Island. The Borneo Divers operate a commercial diving division back on the mainland, so they have the tooling and expertise to operate a proper chamber.
Don’t Support Illegal Operations – Due to their negative environmental impact, two of the other resorts on the island are actually operating illegally. The Wildlife Management people have tried to shut them down on multiple occasions, but they keep coming back. It appears that "money talks" in Borneo too. But you don’t have to add your dollars to the equation.
Dedication to Diver Safety – Borneo Divers’ Sipadan Island Resort is a PADI 5-Star Facility. They operate to a standard of professionalism in diving that some of the other resorts don’t even comprehend. Here is how Ron Holland explained it to me. "If they want to cut prices, they have to economize somewhere, and that is usually in the man-power. This means cheap labor, inexperienced and untrained staff. Sadly, this includes their dive-guides. Did you know that the last serious dive accident was with (name deleted – KDK)? Two Taiwanese divers died because they where allowed to deep dive all the time. Their last known profile was below 100 meters, (over 300 feet!). That’s what we found from the dive computer on the body of the diver who passed away in our (Borneo Divers’) decompression chamber. His buddy went a lot deeper and is still going down! Ken do you know what one of their dive guides told me when questioned soon after the accident as to why they allowed their guests to just do what they wanted? (Apart from the safety aspect, this also includes, riding on turtles, walking across or lying on the reef, fishing on the reef at night, etc.) The answer was that they didn’t want to upset the guest because it would effect their tips!"
Yes, the Borneo Divers are businessmen also, but I know from long association that they have a strong commitment in their hearts, as well as in their business dealings, to maintain the precious natural beauty that they discovered at Sipadan. Again, I will let Ron Holland explain their feelings in his own words.

"What is happening on Sipadan should be your concern, as well as ours. We can not fight the problems all by ourselves. We’ve tried for years now and we are losing ground, because there are always agents out there in the world who don’t give a damn about the future of Sipadan and just want to sell it cheap for the sake of a few bucks. Well Sipadan is not cheap. It’s a delicate, remote island paradise, and to run it efficiently and safely you have to spend the money to do it right. If most of the agents world-wide would stop selling these illegal operations, they wouldn’t last long." Ron Holland

Come Join Rick for a undesirable diving Adventure
Stand by only at this time

Gems of the Sea in Southern California

2008-10-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

Located approximately 20 to 80 miles offshore from the metropolis of Southern California are the underwater treasures called the Channel Islands? These Islands consists of eight major islands and you can sample all of them during a venture on one of the many "live-aboard" trips in California. Each island is a bit unique and offers a slightly different selection of marine life that you want be disappointed. Depth’s on, the bottom terrain, water visibility, and gaming opportunities are a bonus for divers. California divers have dived them all, thousands of times, and have first-hand knowledge of most of the more popular sites to make your diving adventure aboard the Great Escape the very best. Try a Liveabord to introduce yourself to the Channel Islands if you are in the California Area.. You want regret it!

Advanced Scuba Diving Classes at Rick’s Dive ‘N Travel Center

2008-10-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! You've successfully completed your entry level diving course and now a certified Scuba diver! But the fun has just begun. With an emphasis on experience, Rick’s Dive’N Travel Center you will consider enrolling in the PADI Advanced Open Water program along with consideration for the Rescue Diver Course which will definitely help you to be a well rounded diver which is where you want to be in the first place! The class consists of a brief academic session and/or on-site information and five (PADI) fun Open Water dives which can be completed during one of our

regularly scheduled weekend group classes or on one of our many tropical diving adventures or the Florida Spring’s, which is usual this time of year.

Rick’s Advanced Open Water program is the perfect way to polish and extend your scuba skills in new diving environment under the supervision of our professional seasoned staff members. The course is the ultimate on hands-training designed to give you that extra confidence you need to dive independently.

Don't have the time to devote an entire weekend? No problem! Complete three dives instead of five and earn PADI's Adventure Diver Rating. All dives completed as part of either our Adventures in Diving Program or Advanced Open Water course may be credited toward the corresponding specialty.

If you can't make one of our scheduled group classes, or f you want to select your own elective dives, dives that is scheduled at your convenience with one of our instructors our 15 professional PADI Instructors.

Prerequisite: Entry level scuba certification plus 12 years of age.

Student Provides: Student materials, manual, all personal scuba diving equipment, lake entry fees, and travel expenses.

For more information

Contact Rick’s Dive ‘N Travel Center

Ask for Sandy Carroll or Tom Styles

Bonaire

2008-10-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

Bonaire is a small island located in the southern Caribbean known for its pioneering role in the preservation of nature, in particular the preservation of the marine environment, and for its excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing, among other things. Kayak in the mangroves, the gentle bay or venture out into the open ocean for a real challenge. Enjoy the nature of the land cycling or mountain biking.
Many descriptions and slogans have been written about Bonaire: Best Kept Secret, Unhurried, Unspoiled, Unforgettable; Diver's Paradise; and the list goes on... The fact is that all these statements are true, and then some. Another truth is the statistic that over 55% of arrivals on Bonaire are repeat visitors!
There are a number of reasons people visit our island. First timers generally have heard about the climate, the water, the sun and what there is to do. When asked, repeat visitors generally say that they did not have enough time to do all they wanted to on their first visit. If it is the third or fourth trip, the answer is basically the same but with this addition "It is the warmth and friendliness of the people" that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Bonaire has the reputation of being laid back, slower paced and very tranquil. The good news is that while this is all quite true, the island also offers a lively nightlife, fun places to visit and world class restaurants. When you first come to the island, you are a visitor, but when you leave, you are a friend.
We enjoy Bonaire so much that we literally organized a group for the Millennium with 120 people; yes this is no embellishment. We had most all the hotels too. If you want news about Bonaire we have travel books on almost any destination you desire.
To help you find your way around Bonaire, you only need a simple Bonaire map provided by the resorts – It’s easy to get around with a map
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Calendar covers the latest happenings on Bonaire, from the present through months from now, so you can best plan your schedule to include these upcoming island-wide events in which both tourists and locals can participate, or see what is happening on a regular basis like nature slideshows on the Weekly page.
Forms of recreation on Bonaire can help you locate a good dive operator, such who to call to rent a windsurfing equipment, where the best beaches are, where to cycle, and what to do for evening entertainment. And of course, what Bonaire is known for is covered extensively - scuba diving and snorkeling.
Eating - need we say more? The Restaurants are in abundance and provides information on all Bonaire restaurants, with cuisines ranging from Italian and Lebanese to Antillean, American, and Indonesian
If you're looking for cool Bonairean art, jewelry, souvenirs, or even more mundane things like appliances; The Shopping in Bonaire is somewhat like the States.
Getting to Bonaire can unfortunately be a challenge sometimes, and once you're here, you definitely need a set of wheels (Bonaire is a small island, but not small enough to walk everywhere). This will help you to the various airlines, car rental companies, tour companies, taxi services, and bike & scooters so you can find just what you need.
Have a good day on Bonaire!

Micronesia

2008-09-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

What is the best dive trip that you have dreamed about? I highly recommend Palau, Yap & Truk Lagoon in Micronesia. YOU need to try to dive with Bert Yates, who is Arkansas's own & now living in Micronesia. Just tell Bert that you are from Arkansas & the rest will take of itself. He may also be working at Splash OR Neco Marine
Tell him Rick Newton said HI!

Scuba Diving

2008-08-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving is booming & popular, scuba diving is easy and scuba diving is fun. Scuba diving as an outdoor recreation is gaining in popularity every year, while participation in other pastimes is diminishing. Why is scuba diving so popular? Uh, the minimum age to learn to become a certified Scuba Dive is 10 years old. Folks this isn’t rocket science but they must have good head on their shoulders with a parent or someone as their Dive buddy.
Over 70% of the earth's surface is covered with water. The allure and mystery of the underwater world has inspired the human imagination since prehistory, from the mythological monsters described by seafaring people, to the science fiction of Jules Verne and the modern underwater adventures in Hollywood films. Breath-hold diving, dangerous though it can be, has been used to collect pearls, sponges and valuable commodities from the sea floor for many generations.
Advances in underwater exploration began nearly three centuries ago using diving bells and large cumbersome sealed suits using pumped air from the surface. Only very recently advances in technology and mechanics have allowed people to visit this domain safely for exploration using comfortable, self-contained air delivery systems.
Though air-assisted underwater exploration has been around since the 1700's, underwater exploration was out of reach for the average person, and recreational scuba diving was an unthinkable luxury. Great advances in the engineering of valves and compressed air tanks in the 1930's produced the first systems that we would call "scuba": the Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. These early scuba tanks were clunky, inefficient systems that spouted air constantly into the diver's face. Between 1942 and 1946, Jacques-Yves Cousteau (a French naval lieutenant) and Emile Gagnan (an engineer) developed the Aqua Lung; a device which used pressure valves to deliver properly pressurized air only when the diver breathed in. Over the next two decades experimental dives with the Aqua Lung proved its reliability and in the 1960's "sport diving" was born.
PADI & NAUI are a part of the National Association of Underwater Instructors, was formed in 1960 to regulate and teach safe scuba diving to enthusiasts of this new sport. PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, was formed in 1967.
In the 1970's, scuba equipment continued to evolve and the typical scuba system was enhanced by buoyancy compensation vests, better valves and submersible pressure gauges. Through the 1980's and 1990's, scuba as a recreational sport became a multi-billion dollar industry with its popularity prompting even more innovation in the design and the engineering of better, safer, lighter, more comfortable equipment.
Today, scuba diving is accessible to almost anyone with only a modest investment in equipment. Anywhere you want to dive you can usually find a dive center like Rick’s Dive ‘ N Travel Center near-at-hand to rent tanks, go on a guided dive with a dive guide or a Divemaster. You can also take a chartered boat or just strap on the tanks and swim out from the shore if you have the skills & proper equipment.
Today, scuba diving is accessible to almost anyone with only a modest investment in equipment. Anywhere you want to dive you can usually find a dive center near-at-hand to rent tanks, go on a guided dive with a Divemaster or a chartered boat or just strap on the tanks and swim out from the shore If you are so inclined. Try it you will be amazed & you may even lose some weight & feel better since you expend over 800 calories in an hour. Come join the fun & excitement at Rick’s Dive ‘N Travel Center honored as one of the TOP 10 Dive Centers in the USA….right here in Arkansas.

Benefits of Scuba Diving

2008-08-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Did you know that a diver burns approximately 800 calories per hour…..Wow. Actually very few recreations burn anywhere near this much?