Three things you have to do when in Zakynthos: Part 2

ZAKYNTHOS Marine Park is located along the southern coast of Zakynthos and the Strofades, two small islands 50 nautical miles southern of Zakynthos. The marine park was set up in 1999 to protect not only the Caretta Caretta sea turtle and the Mediterranean Seals Monachus-Monachus but all wildlife found in the Southern part of the island.

The Caretta Caretta Turtle spawns along the beaches of the Laganas Gulf. and always on the same beach it was born, the nesting period is from June to August when the females come on to the beaches to lay their eggs.

They can have considerable dimensions (the largest weights 140 kg. and measures circa 120 cm whereas the smallest measures 80 cm.) but, in spite of this, they are very fast, with a big anterior and stiff posterior fins they can reach 30km/hour and so protect themselves from possible dangers.

Whilst on the island you can join many boat trips to catch a glimpse of the Caretta Caretta and sail to Marathonisi - a pine-covered islet nicknamed ‘Turtle Island’. 


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MSC Cruises reveals plan for Caribbean island

MSC CRUISES is to develop its own private island in the #Bahamas. 

The company will invest $200 million in the 95-acre island – to be called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – which will have a 1.5-mile beach, a purpose-built berth and pier, a 2,000-seat amphitheatre, and restaurants and bars. It will also be fitted out with watersports, a zip wire across the island and a pavilion for weddings.

MSC Yacht Club guests will have access to an exclusive area of the island which will be a spa and ‘wellness’ sanctuary with private bungalows and massage huts.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the line, said: ‘This is a natural progression for our company, which is growing very rapidly, and we are thrilled about providing this totally new experience for our guests in the Caribbean. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and its exclusive offerings will be a magnificent extension of our shipboard experiences.’

#MSCCruises plans to break ground on the development in March 2016, and it will open to guests in November 2017 with 240 staff recruited from the Bahamas.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/46236149@N06/6737450489">Reef colors</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">(license)

Marine tourism survey for Scotland

MARINE SCOTLAND is launching a survey of #recreation and #tourism around the Scottish coast, the aim of which is to provide data to support marine planning.

The Scottish Government’s Rural Affairs, Food and Environment minister, Richard Lochhead, said: ‘Marine tourism is worth an estimated £360 million to the Scottish economy, creating jobs, increasing participation in sports and recreational activities, and showcasing #Scotland in international markets as a world class destination. This survey provides a great opportunity to promote marine recreation and tourism throughout the country.

‘I would encourage anyone with an interest in marine tourism and recreation to complete this survey by October 31.’

Sarah Brown, project manager added: ‘We hope the survey will show us where the most important places are for each activity around Scotland so we can have a better understanding of the importance of different areas as regional marine plans are drawn up. By telling us who does what and where, the survey will help ensure these plans reflect Scotland’s unique opportunities for activities such as kayaking, sailing, wildlife watching, or simply playing about with a frisbee on the beach. It will also help justify and guide future investment in facilities and infrastructure.’

Everyone who completes the survey – www.marinerecreationandtourism.scot – will have the opportunity to enter a free prize draw with prizes that include:

• A short break in one of Scottish Canals’ holiday cottages 
• A spa day for two 
• Family tickets for Inveraray Jail and Inveraray Castle 
• Two return tickets for the Kintyre Express fast passenger ferry from Campbeltown to Ballycastle in Northern Ireland

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/87690240@N03/16820018390">Bow fiddle, Portknockie, Scotland, United Kingdom</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/44689270@N05/5034410148">IMG_0166</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license),http://www.flickr.com/photos/38439548@N04/4650461242">DSC_0710</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)

Take tea with the dolphins

TEMPTATION SAILING in South Australia is offering an afternoon tea experience with a difference: the chance to take tea in the company of dolphins. 

Visitors sail from Glenelg’s Marina Pier (15 minutes from Adelaide city centre) on board a 58-foot catamaran. 

The cruise offers dolphin-spotting opportunities with an afternoon tea platter. Prices start from AU$50 (£27.85) per person.

http://dolphinboat.com.au




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Picture Credit: dolphinboat.com.au

Public gives thumbs down to marine park shows

A survey of 2,050 people indicates that watching dolphins and killer whales perform tricks in small tanks is no longer on the travel bucket list of the average British tourist. The poll was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of the leading ethical travel company, responsibletravel.com, and the international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation.

Growing public awareness of the ethical issues and physical implications of keeping dolphins and whales in captivity is changing public opinion. More than 85 percent people surveyed said they would not wish to visit a marine park to see whales and dolphins as part of an overseas holiday.

Will Travers OBE, President of the Born Free Foundation, said: ‘Are the days of the dolphinarium over?  It seems clear that when presented with the information on which to make an informed decision, British travellers have had enough.  It is time to bring the curtain down on the exploitation of whales and dolphins in captivity – just like the exploitation of wild animals in travelling circuses.

‘There are no longer any captive dolphins in the UK, and I hope that the result of this survey will hasten the day when there are no captive dolphins kept for public entertainment anywhere in the world.’ 

                                   

More than 2,000 dolphins, 227 beluga whales, 52 killer whales, 37 porpoises and 17 false killer whales (collectively referred to as cetaceans) are held in 343 captive dolphin facilities in 63 countries across the world.

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