On the water . . .

WITH coral reefs facing increasing challenges from global warming, overfishing and ocean acidification, eight countries formed the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in 1995. As conditions continue to decline, more than 60 countries as well as the United Nations have joined the initiative and named 2018 the Year of the Reef.

A recently released report on the chemicals in sunscreens and their impact on coral reefs worldwide, documenting damage, calling for further research and promoting a “precautionary approach” to dealing with the issue. Chemicals found in sunscreens, particularly oxybenzone and related compounds, have reached potentially lethal levels for the most vulnerable juvenile coral larva in the world’s most popular dive locations.

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Three things you have to do when in Zakynthos: Part 1

 ZAKYNTHOS or Zante as you may more commonly know it as, is an amazingly beautiful place and is part of the Ionian Islands of Greece. It's most famously photographed beach Navagio or Shipwreck Beach is only accessible by boat from one of the small ports nearby.  

My husband, daughter and I took a small boat carrying 20 of us from Port Vromi towards Navagio stopping in a large sea cave for a swim along the way in the beautiful clear blue waters. The water was so blue in the caves that it made our bodies glow blue as it reflected off the limestone walls.

We then boarded the boat again for the choppy ride to Shipwreck Beach. The swell around this part of the island can be quite significant and after a storm there are no boat trips for 2 days until the swell has settled again. 

Arriving at Shipwreck Beach, along with all the other boats, we were greeted by the site of about 500 people on this small beach and it was only 11am. Due to a storm a few days previously the tours were all playing catch up! 

The MV Panagiotis, ran aground in the waters around Zakynthos Island on Navagio Beach during stormy weather in 1980. It has been claimed the ship was smuggling contraband cigarettes. The shipwreck is obviously very rusty now after being beached here for 37 years and care needs to be taken but you can still climb aboard and explore the wreck.

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Aqua Park makes a splash

CORNWALL'S first giant inflatable Aqua Park has welcomed its 15,000th guest since opening in April. 

The floating #AquaPark at Retallack Resort and Spa near #Padstow has been bounced on, slid down and conquered by thousands of groups, birthday parties, and businesses.

The course, which can take up to 65 people at once and is designed for adrenaline junkies aged seven and over, features a giant trampoline, climbing walls, slides, a 'blast bag', and a challenging balance beam.

Amy Keyter, marketing director at the resort, said: ‘The numbers have gone way beyond our expectations. The sessions have been jam packed with individuals and especially groups, businesses have really taken to it as a fun way of having some team bonding away from the office.’

Prices for the Aqua Park are £15 per person for one hour with discounts available for group bookings including birthday parties, hen weekends, and corporate team building days. Guests over 65 pay £6.50.

During the summer holidays, the Aqua Park will be open every day, with hourly sessions running from 10am to 7pm.


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Picture Credit: 26767541@N00/28369687533">The Swimmer</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com

Boom year for theme parks

ATTENDANCE at top #themeparks, #waterparks, and #museums has grew significantly in 2015, including a five percent increase at the top 25 theme parks. 

Research published by Aecom and the Themed Entertainment Association shows that:

• Business in the amusement park industry has grown by seven percent for the 10 major theme park groups 

• Attendance at the top 20 water parks grew by four percent 

• Museum attendance grew by three percent in North America. 

Attendance at theme parks across the world saw growth in 2015, thanks in part to the performance of major Asian and US operators, including Disney, Universal, and OCT Parks China.

Overall, the number of visitors to amusement parks in North America climbed by six percent and almost seven percent in Asia. In total, there were 420 million visits to attractions run by the top 10 global theme park groups, an increase of 7.2 percent.

‘Global theme park attendance was driven largely by strong performance of the major Asian and US operators,’ says AECOM senior vice president, John Robinett, ‘Water parks saw healthy attendance improvements of almost 4 percent with most markets doing well. Museums, while having a few stand-outs with double digit growth such as the Hermitage in Russia and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, held steady overall.’

SeaWorld San Diego is one of the only parks in North America to see a drop in attendance, while Disneyland, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, and others all saw numbers increase from last year.

Numbers-wise, total attendance at the world’s top 25 theme parks in 2015 was 235,568,000, with the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida leading the league with 20,492,000 and the Songcheng Lijiang Romance Park in China at No.25 with 4,678,000 visitors.

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Anguilla Watersports makes a splash in the Caribbean

ANGUILLA WATERSPORTS has opened its #AquaPark, the largest inflatable water park of its kind in the Caribbean. 

The 100 sq. ft. Aqua Park – on Cove Bay Beach – comprises interconnected trampolines, slides, and climbing structures. It is open from 10am to 6pm 365 days a year for children aged from six years.

Daily prices are $50 for visitors and $30 for residents, and annual resident passes are available.

#Anguilla Watersports’ founding president Judson Burdon says: ‘Activities for children in Anguilla are somewhat limited, therefore at Anguilla Watersports we strive to come up with new ways for children to be outdoors and to experience their natural environment. What better way than on the water developing their swimming skills whilst interacting with other children?

‘This isn’t just a water park; it will be an asset that will give every Anguillian child and family – as well as anyone visiting the island – a renewed interest in getting into the water, in addition to having a blast out there in complete safety.

‘The park is under constant supervision by three full-time lifeguards, and all participants are required to wear lifejackets, regardless of their swimming ability.’

Cardigan Connor, Anguilla’s parliamentary secretary responsible for tourism, sports, youth, and culture added: ‘It’s exciting to see so much enthusiasm going into the Aqua Park, which will be a huge attraction for both locals and visitors.’

www.anguillawatersports.com
www.ivisitnaguilla.com 

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Picnic on the Broads

BOAT operator Herbert Woods in #Norfolk, has launched a Picnic #Boat – Starlight 24 – which can trace its roots back to the original Starlight designed by the company approximately 85 years ago. 

The company is introducing ten day-hire boats.

The 24ft, glass fibre boats have space for up to ten people and have gas hobs, sinks, fridges, hot and cold water, hot air heating, lavatories, life jackets … and full views front and back.

Full day hire cost from £180 to £200, with half day rates from £100 to £110.

www.herbertwoods.co.uk/day-boat-hire/picnic-boats.html

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Honours for Tenerife’s twin parks

SIAM PARK and Loro Parque in #Tenerife have been recognized in TripAdvisor's 2015 Travellers' Choice Awards. 

The island's Thai-themed water kingdom, #SiamPark, has claimed No. 1 position in the world's top 25 water parks for the second consecutive year, while #LoroParque has been voted the second-best zoo.

Holidaymakers can buy “twin tickets” to access both parks, with prices starting at £41 for adults and £28 for children aged six to 11.

www.loroparque.com
www.siampark.net

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Picture Credit: Elefante Blanco Siam Park by Mmfeduchi - Own work. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons 

Get beach smart!

BECAUSE many sea rescues involve young swimmers and bodyboarders, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has produced a safety pack to help keep children safe when they’re out having fun in the surf.

The Get Beach Smart for summer pack – which can be downloaded from www.beachsmart.org.uk – includes tips for parents, a wave guide for the children, and stickers that can be attached to bodyboards and beach bags.

#RNLI lifeguards went to the aid of more than 7,900 children on Britain’s beaches last year, and this year will have lifeguards on 220 beaches.

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Picture Credit: www.beachsmart.org.uk

Glasses for swimmers!

PEOPLE who have to wear glasses when they swim have a problem, especially if they like swimming underwater. Swimming goggles don’t fit comfortably over glasses. But after years of research and development by optical expert Bob Forgan, there is a watersport mask – Aquaviz – for swimmers with vision problems.

Aquaviz is a 'snap in' insert, containing the wearer's prescription lenses (including bi-focals and varifocals) that fits in to specially-designed watertight goggles. The insert has been designed to sit the same distance away from eyes as most regular glasses.

As well as being the first goggles to incorporate the user's prescription lenses, the Aquaviz mask sits around the eyes, so they are said to be comfortable.

Cost: £39.95 plus postage and packaging.

www.aquaviz.com

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English beaches 'at risk' of failing new water quality standards

THE Environment Agency has warned that a record number of #England'sbeaches are at risk of failing to meet European Union (EU) water quality standards this year.

It suggests new EU regulations will make it harder for beaches to attain the top ‘excellent’ rating.

More than 99% of English beaches passed last year's tests, but this is forecast to drop by 6%, with the water at 25 beaches possibly classed as ‘poor’.

Among those at risk are beaches in Margate, Ilfracombe, Blackpool, Lancing, Lyme Regis, and Fleetwood.

The Environment Agency will take water samples from 400 locations across England each week until the end of September.

Sites will have to display signs at all bathing areas by the end of the summer showing if the standards have been passed and whether or not people should swim.


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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/92737027@N05/10722643293">Alum Bay 251013 01</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license) 

Try a sub dive in Malta

EVER wanted to learn to pilot a submarine, but didn’t know who to ask? The place to go is Malta, where Netherlands-based Waterproof Expeditions and U-Boat Worx will be running submarine pilot courses in August. 

The sub is a U-Boat Worx C-Explorer 3, capable of an underwater speed of three knots and a diving depth of 3,280 feet.

The two-day, hands-on introductory course gives learners guided tour of off-shore Malta, clearly seen through the sub’s 360-degree acrylic canopy sphere. The course comprises six dives.

People interested in a supervised pilot licence can opt for a four-day course and the opportunity to operate the craft for 12 dives, accompanied by an instructor. There are also six- and ten-day programmes for those wanting a career in subs.

www.waterproof-expeditions.com/expeditions/Submarine_Pilot_Course

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Picture Credit: waterproof-expeditions.com 

Found … Ibiza’s secret beaches

WANT to know about the best five secret beaches on Ibiza? 

Many go to Bora Bora and San Antonio to party, but the island has beaches well away from the beaten tracks and the party crowds ...... 



Ibizia specialist Together Travel flags them up …

Cala Llentrisca … An old timber jetty sits in the middle of this peaceful, almost deserted strip of coast. The crescent-shaped beach offers crystal blue water and tranquillity that couldn't be further from the madness of Bora Bora. 

Cala Olivera … The clear waters of this untouched cove mean you'll just have to dive in and swim. Make a day of it and enjoy the beautiful views out to sea. You may be sharing this hidden gem with locals or the occasional naturist.

Cala Salada … This secluded beach (main picture) is perfect for snorkelling and cliff jumping (if you're brave enough).

Es Xarcu … Another beach favoured by locals. Feel at one with nature at this beach as you breathe in the scent of the pine trees and admire the scenery.

http://together.travel/ibiza

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Picture Credit: "Cala Salada, Ibiza" by Philip Larson from McLean, VA, US via Wikimedia Commons; "Ibiza" by K C from USA via Wikimedia Commons.

Island ready for fun

FINAL preparations are underway for Sail Aruba 2015, the two-day event (May 1-2) commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, of which the island is part.

Expected to be the largest event staged in the port of Oranjestad, it opens at 10am on May 1 when visitors can enjoy a seafood festival, open market, and visit ships in port. 

Dutch Marines – based on the island – will put on displays, and the Aruba Sailing Association will organize races. 

www.sailaruba.com










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Picture Credit: "Barque Picton Castle" & SailAruba logo Courtesy visitaruba.com/; "Caribbean Sunset, Aruba" by David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada via Wikimedia Commons; "Oranjestad - Toeristentram / Aruba" by Roel van Deursen - Spijkenisse / Nissewaard / Nederland via Wikimedia Commons; 

Snowdonia highlights

A REGION in North Wales with a national park of 823 square miles, Snowdonia is known for its breathtaking views, rocky terrains, seascapes, and hidden valleys. 

These are some of the delights on offer: 

Explore an old quarry, try your hand at canoeing, or discover the magic of Coed Dinorwig at Padarn Country Park. This attraction offers everything from steam trains to scuba diving. www.visitsnowdonia.info/padarn_country_park-108.aspx

Running for more than seven miles from Cardigan Bay through the mountains of the Southern Snowdonia National Park, Talyllyn is the world's first preserved railway. 

Explore the steam heritage and the inspiration behind the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine while soaking up the classic rural landscape. www.talyllyn.co.uk

Ride the waves at the National White Water Centre. Take on the waves and try your hand at white water rafting at The National White Water Centre on the wild River Tryweryn. www.ukrafting.co.uk

At Llechwedd, Zip World will give you the chance to race down a series of three wires, totalling more than five miles of zip line and reaching up to 70mph. Unique to Llechwedd, the area combines adrenaline-inducing action with fascinating culture and Snowdonia mountain views. www.zipworld.co.uk

Ride a state-of-the-art RIB along the Menai Strait and across to Anglesey with pick-up points at Caernarfon, Menai Bridge, Beaumaris, and Holyhead. The boats are quiet but powerful … expect to hit speeds of 50mph. www.ribride.co.uk

Journey to the rooftop of Wales on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which winds 3,560 feet up to the mountain top. www.snowdonrailway.co.uk

www.visitsnowdonia.info

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Picture Credit: "Llyn Padarn sunrise" by RICHARD OUTRAM from Wales (Through the trees....  Uploaded by PDTillman) via Wikimedia Commons; "Edward Thomas at Tywyn Wharf - 2005-04-29 - (Talyllyn Railway)" by © Optimist on the run, 2005 / via Wikimedia Commons

Book a house on the beach

BRITISH holiday park operator, Haven, has unveiled a range of beach house properties at Perran Sands, Perranporth, in Cornwall.

Available from April, the beach houses sleep up to six people. Features include a private hot tub with sea views and an outdoor covered dining veranda with BBQ.

For details go to - www.perransands.org.uk

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Tourism boom form St.Lucia

SAINT LUCIA tourism has seen a strong start to 2015, with UK travel companies and agents reporting good bookings to the end of February. 

This comes against a backdrop of the highest total number of arrivals in the island’s history recorded for the month of January at 31,541, up 14 percent on the same month in 2014.

Aiming to help drive sales, an integrated campaign ran during January and February, raising awareness on five themes including Beach Lover, Nature Explorer, Active Families, Luxury Traveller and Weddings and Honeymoons.




Atlyn Forde, Director of Marketing at the island’s tourist board, said: ‘We’re looking forward to a great year ahead, with big names confirmed for the 2015 Jazz and Arts Festival, and good airlift continuing.’

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Picture Credit: "'Reef-247' - Taken in the Soufriere area of St. Lucia" by WRI Staff (Reef 247) via Wikimedia Commons; 'St. Lucia' by David Kernek via Go Holiday

Surf Snowdonia!

SURF SNOWDONIA – scheduled to open in July – will be a water sports park in the village of Dolgarrog in the Conwy Valley, North Wales. 

It’s being billed as the world's first publicly-accessible Wavegarden artificial surfing lagoon.

It generates consistent surfing waves of heights up to 6 feet, in a 980ft lagoon, and is said to be safe for both beginners and experienced surfers.

www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk

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Picture Credit: Courtesy surfsnowdonia.co.uk

I’m a holidaymaker … get me out of here!

AN attraction based on the hideous telly show I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here is to open at Thorpe Park, Surrey, later this month (March).

The attraction will have the jungle theme, with a maze with chambers, caves, and tunnels. Ant and Dec, who compère the telly (un)reality show will support the marketing campaign.

‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! is the perfect fit for the Thorpe Park Resort and its family and young adult visitors. It is challenging, edgy, and above all fun,’ says a resort spokesman.

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Where to dive for those Easter eggs!

DIVERS and snorkellers visiting the Florida Keys who want to become deep-sea egg-splorers and support a Keys charity can join the annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt on April 5 in clear waters off Islamorada.

The Easter Sunday event is hosted by Captain Slate's Scuba Adventures at mile marker 90.7 Oceanside in Tavernier at the Casa Mar Village shopping enclave.

Captain "Cottontail" Spencer Slate has offered dive, snorkel, underwater wedding, and glass-bottom boat packages in Florida Keys waters since 1978. He also promotes ocean conservation to divers, encouraging them to be active stewards of the undersea environment.

Slate is renowned for staging offbeat events such as the Easter egg-stravaganza, an underwater game of hide-and-seek that awards prizes to participants, including a valuable goodie basket for the fortunate finder of a "golden” egg.

Captain Slate - www.captainslate.com - puts on a giant bunny suit and dive gear and hides brightly coloured Easter eggs for bounty hunters. Real eggs and non-toxic dyes are used to avoid negative environmental impacts.

Boats full of egg seekers head out to a secret location adjacent to shallow reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where the philanthropic revellers take the plunge to find the hard-boiled hoard.

A morning two-tank trip, the dive excursion is priced at $65 for certified divers. Snorkellers pay $30 per adult and $25 per child.

Money raised from the egg hunt benefits Kids In Special Situations, providing gifts for the area's needy children and holiday cheer throughout the year.

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Picture Credit: GoHoliday / captainslate.com 

Brits flock to Jamaica

UK tourist number to Jamaica last year were up by 17.1 percent on the 2013 figure, says the island’s tourism board.

Elizabeth Fox, regional director UK/Northern Europe for Jamaica Tourist Board, said: ‘2014 proved to be an extremely positive year for tourism to Jamaica www.VisitJamaica.com . Jamaica is constantly improving and upgrading its offering and UK holidaymakers have responded well to this. We are confident that 2015 is also going to see further impressive growth in British visitors heading to Jamaica.’

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Picture Credit: "DoctorsCaveBeach". Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons