Archiwa: Scuba Diving - Adventures No Limits

Lord Howe Island

Adventures No Limits — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:19:19 +0000

01.04.2024

LORD HOWE ISLAND

Lord Howe Island, located in the Pacific Ocean, is a magical place about 600 kilometers from the coastline of Australia. It owes its exceptionalism to its unique ecosystem and low number of tourists, making it peaceful and allowing visitors to fully commune with nature. Thanks to its biodiversity and relatively diverse terrain, visitors can be including to go scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, renting kayaks or fishing. Despite its small size, the islet offers many attractions and Every nature lover should find something for self here.

DESCRIPTION

Lord Howe has about 460 square kilometers, and not far from it is the Balla Pyramid, measuring about 560 meters high. It is the tallest natural rock pinnacle in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island belongs to the state of New South Wales, which is the oldest and most populous state in Australia. It is also the largest marine protected area in this state. The island is a de facto narrow volcanic strip that is surrounded by several small islands. It is the remnant of an in the dim and distant past extinct shield volcano that dates back millions of years. In this place also is the farthest world’s southernmost coral reef. Lord Howe has been settled since the mid-19th century and currently has a permanent population of about 350 people. Thanks to the small number of people who live here and the limited number of tourists (no more than 400 visitors are allowed here at one time), the place is still a wild where humans are only guests and can feel of local nature. The place is one of the most like among Australians thanks to its beautiful landscapes and amazing views.

The waters here are home to more than 500 species of fish and more than 90 corals. Many of these animals are endemic creatures, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world but here. Lord Howe Island and its surrounding waters, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (the first in New South Wales) in 1982. Around the islet, the depth is around 40 meters, while a few kilometers from the shore the walls of the island suddenly go down vertically to a depth of more than 4 kilometers. The entire waters of this unique place are managed within the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, which was established in 1999 and covers an area of almost 46,000 hectares. The island is also home to some 200 species of birds such as the brown noddy, black noddy, white-tailed tropicbird red-tailed tropicbird, among others, which feed on local fish.

There are several tour companies on the island that organize excursions with their glass-bottomed boats, so tourists can admire the beauty of the local reefs. There are also organized fishing trips in the local waters, and you can catch, among others, yellowfin tuna, giant seriola or sailfish. A popular activity in these areas is also kayaking (the best spots are North Bay and Old Settlement Beach) and scuba diving, for example, near the Balla Pyramid where you can see a fish called Ballina Angelfish, found only in this place. Some of the more exotic animals in the waters here are green turtles, blacktip reef shark, grey reef shark, whitetip reef shark or stingrays. On Blinky Beach, meanwhile, surfing is quite popular. Hiking is also very popular on the island, including hiking to the highest of the local mountains, the Gower, which measures 875 meters high. From the top of this hill, there are spectacular panoramic views of the entire island.

MARINE PARK

The park was established in February 1999 and is remarkable in every way. Its surface has about 110,120 square kilometers. On its territory there are the Elizabeth and Middleton coral reefs, which, along with the reefs surrounding Lord Howe Island, are the southernmost coral reefs in the world. Therethrough that mixing here drifts of warm and cool waters makes many species of fish and corals are found only here.

The main reason why the Lord Howe Island marine park was established here, except, of course, for the unexceptional and beautiful ecosystem, was the often fishing in these waters, which contributed to the depletion of biodiversity in the local Pacific Ocean. It considered that the creation of the park would limit these effects, and it is now managed by the New South Wales Marine Parks Authority.

Thanks to its crystal clear waters, as well as its unique and diverse geographic location, the reserve is considered one of the best dive sites in the Southern Hemisphere. The lack of crowds means that marine animals are not afraid of people, making it an ideal place for underwater photography and filming of ocean life.

WHERE THERE IS LORD HOWE LOCATED

Lord Howe is located about 550 to 615 kilometers off the northern coast (information depends on source) of New South Wales and about 700 kilometers northeast of Sydney. It is located in the Pacific Ocean in the tropical zone. The territory belongs entirely to Australia and can only get there by air.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ISLAND

Lord Howe Island is a paradise for nature lovers at any time of the year. Summers here are warm with little rain, and this makes it the best time for diving. Winters, on the other hand, are mild, and the weather is good for walking and biking around the island. Keep in mind, that in winter and spring there can be strong winds, and there is also more rainfall during these seasons than in summer. The average water temperature is 25 °C in summer and 18 °C in winter.

HOW TO GET TO LORD HOWE

The only way to get to the island is by a two-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane. Flights take place daily. On the island can accommodate a maximum of 400 tourists at the same time, so make sure you have a confirmed accommodation reservation before arranging a flight. You can find guesthouses here. Lord Howe Island Airport (LDH) is located about 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) from the island’s main town and serves domestic flights. Often, it is the case that the guesthouse where we have purchased accommodation offers transportation to the airport in the price of the accommodation. A limited number of rental cars are available on Lord Howe, but most of the island can be explored on foot or there is an option to rent a bicycle.

Flight prices from Sydney to Lord Howe Island can be found here and here.

DIVING TIPS

At terrain Elizabeth and Middleton reefs, visitors should keep to exercise extreme caution, as unexploded bombs have been reported at both reefs in the past.

Do not swim at night alone, under the influence of alcohol or immediately after a meal.

Always check the water depth and currents, e.g., online, at the place where you plan to dive.

Be sure to read the signs on the beaches and listen to tour guides.

As a precaution, the day before you dive, you can go to the SharkSmart website and check shark activity off the coast of Australia. That way, we will be more certain if sharks are coming to the areas where we want to dive.

USEFUL LINKS

Marine Adventures – organizing glass-bottom boat cruises.

Lord Howe Environmental Tours – organizing snorkeling trips off the island’s coast.

Reef N Beyond – organizing trips to Lord Howe’s coral reefs.

TIDBITS

In 1999, Lord Howe Island Marine Park was the third marine park to be established in New South Wales.
Lord Howe Island is only 11 kilometers long.

SUMMARY

Lord Howe Island Marine Park is a truly remarkable and fascinating place for nature lovers. With its diverse ecosystem and rich flora and fauna, this place is one of a kind. Never mind whether you’re an avid diver, birdwatcher or simply a tourist who loves spending time in nature, there’s something for everyone on Lord Howe Island. It is worth remembering this place and marking it on your map as a place worth visiting.

Author Percita, source flickr.

Author Natalie Tapson, source flickr.

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CAT BA ISLAND

THAM LOD CAVE

HALLASAN VOLCANO

Artykuł Lord Howe Island pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Cat Ba Island

Adventures No Limits — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:27:48 +0000

31.10.2023

CAT BA ISLAND

Cat Ba Island, which belongs to Vietnam, is considered one of the most beautiful islands of this Asian country. Despite its small area, which is about 350 square kilometers, we can find here many wonderful and beautiful places, such as the Hospital Cave, Monkey Island and Cat Ba National Park. Certainly visiting this place, it is worth reserving at least a few days to visit the local attractions, which will provide us with amazing memories for many years.

DESCRIPTION

Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 367 islands that make up the Cat Ba archipelago and is located in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is located about 50 kilometers (32 miles) from the city of Hai Phong in northeastern Vietnam. Cat Ba is also by far the largest island in all of Ha Long Bay, which is a 2004 UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cat Ba, is also known as the “Pearl Island.” It is divided into six communes: Hien Hao, Phu Long, Xuan Dam, Tran Chau, Gia Luat and Viet Hai. It is inhabited by 13,000 people, of which 4,000 people live in floating “villages” off the islet’s coast. The Cat Ba area has a karst topography characterized by limestone mountains, stunning caves and white sandy beaches, contributing to the unique beauty of the island and which makes it unique. The island is known for its natural beauty, with high cliffs, lush forests and crystal clear waters. Most of it, along with the archipelago, is within the National Park, which was established in 1986. The reserve’s territorial scope includes subtropical evergreen forests on the hills, swamp forests at the base of the hills, coastal mangroves, small freshwater lakes and coral reefs. Cat Ba Island has three main beaches (Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3) where visitors can sunbathe and enjoy swimming in the South China Sea. For those who prefer a physical activity, activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and snorkeling are available. One of the recommended activities for visitors to the area is hiking up Ngu Lam Peak. Being on the island, you should also try the local seafood.

Due to its growing popularity among visitors, the island has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, with hotels and hostels available to potential tourists in Cat Ba and an efficient ferry terminal. There are also many tourist agencies selling boat cruises and other tours that are organized on the island. Regarding transport, visitors can rent motorcycles to explore the island and see as much as possible during their visit. The city is crowded for most of the year, but outside the city boundaries we can enjoy more peace and open spaces. The roads in the city are quite narrow, and it’s worth remembering, (especially when we will be traveling by car), but in good condition. Outside the city, on the other hand, there are many more potholed roads.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ISLAND

Archaeological evidence suggests that people lived on Cat Ba more than 6,000 years ago, and the earliest settlements were found in the southeastern part of the island, near the area where Ben Beo port is now located. In 1938, a group of French archaeologists discovered human remains belonging to the Cai Beo people, who began to inhabit the island as early as 4,000 to 6,500 years ago (data dependent on source). In “recent history,” Cat Ba Island was inhabited mainly by Vietnamese-Chinese fishermen. Cat Ba was of strategic importance during the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. During the bombings, local troops hid among the local caves. Since 1997, the town of Cat Ba has grown rapidly and has become the tourist center as well as the island and Ha Long Bay.

Cat Ba Island means “Island of Women” in Vietnamese. One local legend has it that many centuries ago, three women of the Tran dynasty were killed in a battle with fugitives from the sea. Their remains were found on the beach, and local people built three temples on the island to honor them. Later, a local fisherman named the island Cat Ba to thank these heroines.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Cat Ba Island can boast an extremely diverse ecosystem with a wide choice of unique flora and fauna. 1,561 plant species from 186 families have been identified here. In addition, the island is home to 279 animal species, 23 of which are classified as endangered or critically endangered. The fauna consists of 53 species of mammals, 160 birds, 66 amphibians and reptiles, and 274 species of insects. However, the aquatic environment, is home to 900 species of fish, 178 corals, 21 seaweeds, seven sea snakes and four species of sea turtles.

WEATHER ON THE ISLAND

The weather on Cat Ba Island is influenced by the tropical monsoon climate that dominates the region. The average annual temperature is about 23-26 degrees Celsius, and the hottest months are June, July, and August where the temperature reaches 25–33 degrees. This period is the best for water sports, diving, kayaking, or snorkeling. Milder weather and lower temperatures occur from October to November and February to May. In February, March, October and November, average temperatures are between 20-25 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are December and January, with average temperatures ranging from 15 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius.

August is the rainiest month, with rainfall exceeding 300 mm per square meter and with more than fifteen rainy days per month. There is also a lot of rainfall in June, July, and September where the average rainfall is 250 mm per square meter. March and April are characterized by wet and foggy times of day. Keep in mind that Cat Ba has four seasons, there is here still a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to September, and the dry season from November to March.

From May to September, visitors can expect cloudless skies and warm, sunny days. If you prefer cooler temperatures, you should come to Cat Ba between December and January, when temperatures average 15 to 19 degrees Celsius. It’s worth keeping this in mind, the fact that there may be occasional typhoons or tropical storms in July and August.

The island can be visited at any time of the year, but the most favorable weather for tourism is usually in summer and autumn, from April to November. This period coincides with the peak tourist season in Ha Long Bay, including Cat Ba Island. As a result, the beaches are crowded with tourists, so it’s worth arriving early to “dibs” on a good spot. Keep in mind, that during this period hotel prices often increase, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. Prices start to drop in September, when the number of tourists decreases.

WHAT’S WORTH SEEING

Cat Ba rock climbing

The limestone karsts in Cat Ba National Park are perfect for climbing. The mountains here are part of an ancient coral reef that stretches all the way to Guilin province in China and Krabi in southern Thailand, where you can see the same rock formations. For the active, companies such as Cat Ba Climbing offer half-day and full-day climbing trips.

Watching the coral reefs

The island is well-known for its beautiful, colorful coral reefs. These reefs are under strict protection, which helps stimulate the development of the local ecosystem and thus contributes to the development of tourism. In the town of Cat Ba, you will find many agents that organize tours to the local coral reefs.

Night squid fishing during cruises

Night squid fishing is a unique type of entertainment in Cat Ba. A short fishing trip costs about 500,000 VND (about 25 USD). It is an interesting experience, as we can learn fishing skills from experienced fishermen and spend an unforgettable nighttime at sea.

A visit to Cai Beo fishing village

Cai Beo fishing village is one of the largest ancient fishing villages in Ha Long Bay, dating back to about 6000–7000 years ago. Today, the village is home to about 450 families. Heading south, about 2 kilometers from Cat Ba Island, tourists can find hundreds of houses lined up close together, which resemble a miniature city. The area’s main sources of income are shellfishing and mussel and clam farming, and many tour companies offer night cruises that include squid fishing. Arriving here, tourists can admire the lovely scenery, enjoy fresh seafood and experience local life. It is also worth mentioning that there is much more calm here than in the city of Cat Ba.

Exploring Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park is located in Cat Hai district, about 30 kilometers south of the city center. The reserve was established in 1986 and covers an area of 263 square kilometers, of which 173 kilometers are land ecosystems (islands) and 90 kilometers are marine ecosystems. The national park is located in the heart of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and combines the characteristic beauty of the Ha Long Bay Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is a sanctuary for various wildlife, including 32 species of mammals, most notably the critically endangered golden-headed langur otherwise known as the Cat Ba langur. The Cat Ba Reserve is a tourist attraction that brings millions of visitors from home and abroad. Arriving here, travelers can enjoy the beauty of the vast landscapes and seascapes. Visitors can relax on sequestered beaches in Lan Ha Bay, hike through the original tropical rainforest or mangrove forest, and immerse themselves in local culture. The park offers several hiking trails, such as a two-hour hike to the top of Ngu Lam and a day trip to Viet Hai village. In addition, visitors can take part in rock climbing at terrain in the park and snorkel in the local turquoise waters.

Cat Co beaches

Cat Co beaches with white sand (called Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3) are a great place to relax. They are located about 1 km southeast of Cat Ba town. All three beaches, are separated from each other by small headlands. There is a small path along the coast that connects the beaches. From the path there are great views of the bay. Each of the beaches is, about a 15-minute walk from each other. It is worth bearing in mind that the beaches are usually crowded during the season. Another famous beach is Tung Thu, which is not far from the city center to the northwest. Of all the beaches, Cat Co 2 is the most beautiful, with soft white sand and blue water. Cat Co 1 and 3 were once as attractive, but now both beaches have been developed for local resorts, and it’s hard to find more peace and quiet here. Littering on these two beaches in the high of the season is unfortunately the norm here. From the city center, tourists can get to either beach by cab, motorcycle, or electric car for a fee of 10,000 VND per person (about $0.5 USD). If you forget to bring a swimsuit with you, you can rent one at the beach. In the experience of many locals here, it is advisable to return from the beach before 7 p.m., as this is the time when the seawater level begins to rise and the waves start to pick up.

Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)

The island was formerly known as Cat Dua Island. Large quantities of wild pineapple can be found here, but the fruit is not suitable for eating. Local people use them to make traditional medicines for, among other things, diabetes. Monkey Island is also an ideal place for swimming and sunbathe. The island gets its name from being inhabited by weight number of monkeys. The primates snatch food from hands and can bite if provoked. Therefore, be on guard while in their company. To reach Monkey Island, take a 10-minute boat ride from Beo Wharf through the fishing village of Cai Beo. Most cruise ships have stops on the island, also there are always plenty of tourists there.

La Regina Legend cruise

The La Regina itinerary has been carefully devised to provide the best and most unusual experience for travelers wanting something truly unique and unforgettable aboard the ship. These cruises also provide transportation and accommodations. Spending the night aboard a cruise ship adds to its charm with stunning sunsets and starry skies. You can book a cruise here.

Fort Cannon

It is located on High Point 177 at 177 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of Cat Ba Island. Originally built by the Japanese during World War II in 1942, the fort was later used as a defensive position by Vietnamese forces during the Indochina and also the Vietnam Wars (1945-1975). The hike up to the fort provides spectacular views of the thick Cat Ba forest, rolling hills and a picturesque landscape of fishing boats moored at sea. The entrance gate is just a 10-minute walk from the town of Cat Ba, and the fort can be reached in less than 30 minutes. Here you can still see the cannons, trenches, tunnels, and artifacts left by soldiers. Nearby on the left side of the fort is another viewpoint that offers a view of the port in Cat Ba town. There is also a bar nearby. Admission costs 40,000 dong per person (less than $2) and 10,000 dong for motorcycle parking.

Visiting Lan Ha Bay during a canoe trip

Lan Ha Bay is located on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island and borders Ha Long Bay. Geologically, Lan Ha is largely an extension of Ha Long Bay, but geographically the islands are in a different province of Vietnam. It is a peaceful arc-shaped region with about four hundred small islands and islets that form an amazing archipelago. Versus to Ha Long Bay, all the islands in Lan Ha Bay are covered with green trees and vegetation. A unique feature that differs from Ha Long Bay, is that here there are many of narrow channels, between islets with beaches, where the color of the sand is practically white and there are no strong currents, making it an ideal place for kayaking trips. Lan Ha Bay is home to about 200 species of fish, 500 mollusks, about 400 arthropods and numerous hard and soft corals. Larger marine animals found in these waters include seals and dolphins. Canoeing is best organized in the town of Cat Ba. A recommended spot while kayaking in the local bay is around Vai Bon Island, where there are not many tourists, and it is quiet. Here you will also find several sandy and empty beaches.

Hospital Cave

There are several impressive caves on Cat Ba Island, but the most interesting is an underground, three-level bombproof hospital and shelter that served as a hideout for Vietcong leaders during the Vietnam War. Built between 1963 and 1965, the cave served as a hospital until 1975. Today, you can hire a guide to show you around the 17 rooms, including an operating room and a natural cave that functioned as a movie theater. There was also a swimming pool for soldiers. The cave is located about 10 kilometers from Cat Ba town near the main road. A guide costs about 15,000 VND (less than 1 USD) and admission costs 40,000 dong per person (less than $2 per person). It’s worth taking a guide with you because there is no information in place, for example, in the form of boards on the topic of this cavern.

Trung Trang Cave

This is a small cave 300 meters long, located in the central part of the island. It was discovered by Vietnamese and French archaeologists in 1938.

Ngu Lam Peak

Ngu Lam is an amazing vantage point from which you can enjoy the wildlife of Cat Ba Island and see hundreds of other peaks located on the island. To get there, you have to, drive up to the entrance to Cat Ba National Park. It is marked by a large arch on the main road. After parking at a nearby parking lot, the trail leads along the road. Then you need to walk towards the restaurant. The path winds through the jungle and is quite rolling. There are no very steep climbs on the trail, and the path is well-maintained. Along the way, you will come across an observation tower. Admission to the park costs 40,000 dong per person (less than $2). It takes about 1 hour to get to the top and about 45 minutes to descend. In total, you have to walk shy of than 4 kilometers, and the summit rises 225 meters above sea level. Remember to get water, decent shoes and possibly some snacks out.

HOW TO GET THERE

One option is, to get to Cat Ba Island, is to take a bus from Hanoi, which will take us to the islet in 4–5 hours (the time depends on the traffic on the road and the time it is necessary to cruise the ferry). The bus arrives at Got Ferry Terminal, from where the ferry transports us to the island. The ferry sails outs every hour between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. During peak season, it shuttles every 30 minutes. Fares are about $13 per adult. Buses leave several times during the day, usually at 7.30, 10.30-11:00 i 14.00-14.15.

A recommended company to buy bus tickets is Catbaexpress.com. The address from where the buses depart: 106 Đ. Trần Nhật Duật, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam, or Good Morning Cat Ba, 9B P. Chợ Gạo, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam.

There are three ferries a day from Ha Long Bay to the island, specifically from Tuan Chau. The ferry trip takes about an hour, and the cost is about 200,000 VND (about 20 USD) if we want to take our or a rented motorcycle with us on the island. From there it’s about a 40-minute drive, to the town of Cat Ba. There is a bus that shuttles there, which costs about 30,000 VND per person (about 3 USD). You can also take a cab, but keep in mind that such services are expensive in Cat Ba.

Another option is to travel from Hai Phong where you should get to Ben Binh pier. This is the main point from where boats and ferries shuttle to Cat Ba Island. The cruise takes about 1 hour. You can get to the pier by cab or local bus.

Another way is to take a private car/van from Hanoi to Cat Ba, which we can rent at the local airport. The price for a private car for one day is about $20.

It is also possible to get from Hanoi city to Hai Phong city by train. The trip takes about 2.5 hours, and ticket prices range from $3 to $4.

Cat Ba cable car

An interesting alternative is, getting to the island by cable car, which is one of the longest cable cars in the world. Its length is 4 kilometers. The project is owned by Sun Group, and it opened on June 6, 2020. It consists of 60 carriages, and one carriage accommodates a maximum of 30 passengers.

Opening hours (daily except Tuesdays):

Morning: 9 am – 11:30 am.

Afternoon: 1:30 pm – 4 pm (weekdays) or 1:30 pm – 6 pm (Saturday, Sunday).

Ticket price: 150,000 VND / adult.

Children: 100,000 VND / from 1 to 1.4 meters high; Free for children under 1 meter.

ACCOMMODATION

The undermentioned list includes recommended accommodations on Cat Ba Island.

Cat Ba Mountain View – a 2-star hotel located on the border of Cat Ba town and the reserve. The resort on its terrain has a swimming pool with a beautiful view of the entire bay. Private rooms are equipped with air conditioning.

Cat Ba Lucky Family Hotel – a 1-star friendly hotel. Rooms are spacious with air conditioning and private bathrooms.

Victor Charlie Hostel 2 – a cheap hostel with small rooms, with laundry and scooter rental in place. It’s worth taking a room on the top floor for a view of the bay and the city.

Secret Garden Hostel – a small hippie-style hostel. The apartment is slightly away from the center, so the area is more peaceful. In the evenings, the local pub plays regional music. A good choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Sea Pearl – a 3-star hotel located near the port in Cat Ba.

Cat Ba Eco-Lodge – 3-star hotel located on a reserve, about 13 km from Cat Ba port.

Flamingo Lan Ha Bay Resort – a hotel located near the center of Cat Ba with sea views and a swimming pool. It is located on Cat Co 2 beach.

Hôtel Perle D’Orient – 5-star luxury hotel located near Cat Co 3 beach.

Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa – 4-star hotel connective local architectural style with French

TIDBITS

Ha Long Bay, is visited by more than 10 million tourists annually.

One of the most recommended restaurants in Cat Ba city is Quiri Pub Cocktail & Restaurant.

USEFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION

For more information about the weather in Cat Ba, is here.

If you plan to travel to Vietnam and visit places where you are likely to encounter wild animals, it is a good idea to get vaccinated against rabies.

The cost of renting a motorcycle for a full day in Cat Ba is about $5.

If we do not want to organize a tour of Ha Long Bay on our own, we can use the services of Vietnam Travel.

ATTENTION! All prices quoted in this article are with October 2023.

SUMMARY

Cat Ba is certainly a special and unique place. While in Vietnam, it is definitely worth staying here, even if only for a few days. Thanks to its biodiversity and diverse landscapes, which include mangrove forests, islets, white sandy beaches and coral reefs, we are guaranteed that what we see here will not be encountered anywhere else. Because more than half of the island is protected as a national park, this will give us the opportunity to constant contact with nature. In addition, don’t forget about the activities which we can do here, such as, among others, kayaking, scuba diving and rock climbing.

Author BORIS G, source flickr.

Author Domino, Ha Long Bay, source Unsplasch.

Author BORIS G, source flickr.

Author Ashim D’Silva, Ha Long Bay, source Unsplash.

Author Ammie Ngo, Ha Long Bay, source Unsplash.

Author Rowan Heuvel, source Unsplash.

Author Nathan Cima, source Unsplash.

Author Marco Verch Professional Photographer, source flickr.

Author Binh Ho Image, source pxhere.

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AL QUDRA LAKES

THAM LOD CAVE

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Artykuł Cat Ba Island pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Daedalus Coral Reef

Adventures No Limits — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:39:01 +0000

08.09.2022

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

In the Red Sea there are undoubtedly many places where can dive and explore the underwater world. However, only some of them are remaining wild and virtually untouched by man. An example of this is Daedalus Reef, where, in addition to various corals, small fish and crustaceans, you can admire hammerhead sharks or oceanic whitetip sharks. Daedalus Coral Reef, together with Elphinstone Reef and Brothers Islands, form the so-called Golden Triangle of the Red Sea. These places are the most visited areas by experienced divers coming to Egypt, and also the most spectacular in terms of flora and fauna.

DESCRIPTION

Daedalus Reef is one of the best diving spots in the Red Sea. It measures 400-600 meters in length (data depending on the source) and 100-150 meters in width. The reef lies in solitude and is surrounded by water that a depth reaches of about 500 meters. The site is characterized by steep walls, except on the southern side, where there is a plateau at a depth of 30-40 meters/90-130 feet. Its remote location makes that is protected from too many tourists, which contributes to the arrival of many sea creatures here. Daedalus is located within the National Marine Park. Can only dive here as part of liveaboard cruises (diving expedition during which participants can stay overnight on the ship). Diving is most often dictated by the currents, which define the direction of the reef. Very often the currents run from north to south. It is best to dive from the eastern side in the morning and finish in the late afternoon on the western side. An artificial island has been created on the reef and a lighthouse has been built, which can be visited between dives. Diving at night is forbidden, due to the rules of the marine park, which are imposed for the safety of visitors. At night are stronger currents, making diving at this time is dangerous. In Daedalus Reef are an abundance of corals, fish and crustaceans, which then attract larger fish. Its location on the open sea makes that the currents here “bring in” a lot of plankton, which is food for many of the creatures here, as well as the world’s largest fish – the whale shark, which usually comes here in July and August. Daedalus Reef is one of the best, if not the best dive site among hammerhead sharks in the Red Sea. For non-technical divers, the allowable dive depth is a maximum of 40 meters.

LOCATION

Daedalus Reef is located 80 kilometers east of Marsa Alam, almost halfway between the coastlines of Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. It is also about halfway from Sharm el Sheikh at the northern end of the sea and Egypt’s southern border with Sudan. Most Egyptian yachts depart from Port Ghalib from the city of Marsa Alam, which is the closest land port. The port can easy arrive from Marsa Alam Airport, which services flights from many major European airports. There is also the alternative of coming to Marsa Alam from the airport from Hurghada, which is apart about less a 4-hour bus ride. Cruises from the port to the reef last about 4-5 hours and usually nightowlish, in order that divers can begin to admire the beauty of the local coral reef at dawn.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DIVE IN DAEDALUS REEF?

Although you can dive in Daedalus year-round, the sea is noticeably cooler from January to March. Most liveaboard cruises offer trips from mid-March to mid-December. The best time to dive Daedalus Reef is from May to July (considering weather factors). However, it is important to remember that you may not see some marine animals during these months! More about this in later part of the article.

CAN EVERYONE DIVE AT DAEDALUS REEF?

Not everyone can dive on Daedalus. You need to have one of the certifications:

– PADI Advanced Open Water

– CMAS 2

– NAUI Experienced

– SSI Advanced Adventurer

There may be another equivalent or higher degree. You must also have at least 50 recorded dives to your account. These requirements are due to the presence of ocean currents, resulting from the location of the reef in the open sea.

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

The presence of strong currents requires of confidence and experience in navigating in this type of environment.

Currents on Daedalus can be strong, but their directions are fairly predictable. It is a good idea to take a compass with you to keep orientation in terrain.

Wearing gloves while diving is prohibited.

Be sure to bring adequate thermal protection for diving, as currents make that the deeper you go, the colder the water will be.

Enter to the Daedalus Reef marine park is paid. The price will depend on the number of days on the boat, as well as the number of dives.

You can ask your yacht rental company about the currently prevailing orders and fees on Daedalus Reef.

BEST TIME TO SEE THE WILD INHABITANTS OF DAEDALUS REEF

In the area around the reef you can see various species of sharks, such as whitetip sharks, hammerhead sharks, gray sharks, and even the very rare fox shark, if you’re lucky. Except for sharks, there are many fish to see here, such as Clown Anemonefish, Moorish Idol, Dogtooth Tuna and Mackerel. In summer, there is also a chance to see whale sharks, which swim nearby, feeding on plankton.

The table below shows in which months it is best to observe a particular animal.

Animal	Period
Dolphins	June-September
Sharks	March-December
Mantas	March-December
Turtles	April-December
Jellyfishes	June

ARTIFICIAL ISLAND AND LIGHTHOUSE

The lighthouse was built on an artificial island in 1863. The main reason for erecting the lighthouse at this location was the collisions of several ships with the coral reef. At the southwestern end of the island, which measures 400 meters long and 100 meters wide, there are two long piers, but only one is currently in use. Boats dock here in order that tourists can enter the pier and then walk along it to the lighthouse. It measures 30 meters (98 feet) high and is painted in black and white horizontal stripes. Next to it is a 2-story accommodation building for the Egyptian Coast Guard and Navy. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1931 and a thoroughgoing renovation made in 1993. Its light can be seen from a distance of 15 nautical miles, that is nearly 30 kilometers.

DAEDALUS REEF IN NUMBERS

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The name Daedalus was given by the British Admiralty (the name of the command of the British Royal Navy- Royal Navy). It was responsible for drawing up maps for shipping in this area. The other name of this place is Abu Kizan. It comes from the Arabic word “kizan,” which means pots. Why such naming? Well, on the northern wall of the reef is the wreck of a ship that carried mainly pots on its deck. It crashed about the coral reef and sank. Today there is almost nothing left of the wreck, as it was destroyed by the sea waves and currents.

During an evening cruise to Daedalus Reef, in the middle of the Red Sea, you can admire the beautifully starry sky. In cloudless weather, you can even see the Milky Way.

In peak season, are moored up to 20 yachts at Daedalus Reef, and in the same time can dive 500 divers. This is worth keeping in mind, because if is more people, it is the less chance of seeing sharks.

On the Daedalus Reef is the wreck of the Zealot, which is at a depth of 80 to 120 meters. The ship was carrying cargoes of iron, which are scattered around it. The steamer sank due to bad navigation in the 1980s. The wreck is well suited for exploration by technical divers.

SUMMARY

Seeing a herd of sharks in their natural habitat will be probably an amazing experience for any diver. The Daedalus coral reef is one of the best places in the world to observe whitetip sharks and hammerhead sharks. Mantas, known also as devilfish, can also swim over our heads. Beside including sharks and manta rays, you can search among the corals their smaller inhabitants, such as Clown Anemonefish or Moorish Idol. The reef is also inhabited by giant moray, which can measure even 250 cm in length, which like to hide and rest in rock crevices. If you have a sufficient number of recorded dives and a certificate, it is worth buying or renting a camera to take photos underwater, as the photographs which can take of the flora and fauna will be sure exceptional.

Derek Keats, source flickr (photo edited).

Derek Keats, source commons.wikimedia.org (photo edited).

Derek Keats, source flickr (photo edited).

Gerald Schömbs, source Unsplash.

Derek Keats, source commons.wikimedia.org (photo edited).

Derek Keats, source flickr (photo edited).

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DADES GORGE ROAD

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Artykuł Daedalus Coral Reef pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Archiwa: Scuba Diving - Adventures No Limits

Lord Howe Island

LORD HOWE ISLAND

DESCRIPTION

MARINE PARK

WHERE THERE IS LORD HOWE LOCATED

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ISLAND

HOW TO GET TO LORD HOWE

DIVING TIPS

USEFUL LINKS

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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CAT BA ISLAND

THAM LOD CAVE

HALLASAN VOLCANO

Cat Ba Island

CAT BA ISLAND

DESCRIPTION

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ISLAND

FLORA AND FAUNA

WEATHER ON THE ISLAND

WHAT’S WORTH SEEING

Cat Ba rock climbing

Watching the coral reefs

Night squid fishing during cruises

A visit to Cai Beo fishing village

Exploring Cat Ba National Park

Cat Co beaches

Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)

La Regina Legend cruise

Fort Cannon

Visiting Lan Ha Bay during a canoe trip

Hospital Cave

Trung Trang Cave

Ngu Lam Peak

HOW TO GET THERE

ACCOMMODATION

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AL QUDRA LAKES

THAM LOD CAVE

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Daedalus Coral Reef

DAEDALUS CORAL REEF

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DIVE IN DAEDALUS REEF?

CAN EVERYONE DIVE AT DAEDALUS REEF?

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

BEST TIME TO SEE THE WILD INHABITANTS OF DAEDALUS REEF

ARTIFICIAL ISLAND AND LIGHTHOUSE

DAEDALUS REEF IN NUMBERS

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Companies in Egypt organizing cruises among others to Daedalus Reef

Recreational diving degrees

Polish version

Weather at Daedalus Reef

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TAMAGHZA AND GOLDEN CANYON

DADES GORGE ROAD

SAN JUAN ISLANDS