The Vandenberg: From Military Ship to Massive Artificial Reef in Key West
During its distinguished career, the 524-foot USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg was once a troop transport and missile-tracking ship that monitored Soviet missile launches during the Cold War and tracked space launches off Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The popular gateway to the Keys, Key Largo is the ideal introduction to diving in this archipelago (the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 2,900 square nautical miles, beginning in Biscayne National Park and extending all the way to the Dry Tortugas).
A handful of keys, including Plantation, Windley, and Upper and Lower Matecumbe, make up this area. The colorful Eagle wreck, 6 miles off Lower Matecumbe Key, rests in 110 feet of water and is home to resident angelfish and green moray eels.
You can dive one of the oldest and fishiest wrecks in the Keys—the 188-foot Thunderbolt, a former World War II cable laying ship—or spend nearly endless bottom time exploring Sombrero Reef, where corals thrive.
The Lower Keys are the least developed of The Florida Keys and in many ways the most natural. The Lower Keys is known for its rare and endangered Key deer, the diminutive cousins of white-tailed deer.
A fitting end to a Florida Keys road trip is experiencing Key West's fabled attractions, from the Hemingway House to Hog's Breath Saloon, Mallory Square at Mile Marker 0, and of course, the diving.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the sponsors and are not an endorsement nor do they reflect the opinions of PADI or any of its publications.
Hiroshi "Kuma" Sato Named January Sea Hero for Conservation Work
The founder of Sanriku Volunteer Divers is committed to cleaning natural-disaster debris, leading seaweed restoration efforts and training the next generation of mission-driven divers.
As the sponsor of the Sea Heroes program, Seiko awards each Sea Hero a Seiko Prospex watch. In addition, the Sea Hero of the Year receives a $5,000 cash award from Seiko. This financial commitment furthers the Sea Hero of the Year’s mission and work to help ensure the future of our oceans.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the sponsors and are not an endorsement nor do they reflect the opinions of PADI or any of its publications.
ENTER THE DIVE & DISCOVER SWEEPSTAKES AND GRAB LIFE ALONG THE BELIZE BARRIER REEF!
Belize boasts natural wonders on land and sea, none bigger or more impressive than the Belize Barrier Reef. The second-largest barrier reef in the world, this incredible coral formation runs the length of the nation, creating a haven for aquatic life and some of the best dive sites anywhere.
From the endless depth of the famed Great Blue Hole to the wall in Half Moon Caye to dropping down "The Chimney" into Tarpon Cave, there are literally miles of colorful formations populated by thousands of species of vibrant, tropical sea creatures. It's far more than one can experience in a week but getting your feet and fins wet is the first step.
Belize has updated its public health measures and now escaping to our shores is even easier. There is no longer a need for your clients to provide proof of vaccination or to purchase Belize Travel Health Insurance.
See our Health & Safety page for up-to-date details related to COVID-19 and everything else your clients need to know in order to have the Belize vacation of your dreams.
We have expanded our Tourism Gold Standard Program and Safe Corridor to include our growing list of Gold Standard Certified entities ranging from hotels to tour operators, retailers, restaurants, car rentals, and more. Established to ensure the highest standard of safety and cleanliness for our travelers, you can find these approved partners and other important pre-arrival information at www.travelbelize.org/health-safety.
Have feedback or questions? Feel free to contact us at Traveltrade@Belizetourismnboard.org. View our Privacy Policy here.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the sponsors and are not an endorsement nor do they reflect the opinions of PADI or any of its publications.
Hiroshi "Kuma" Sato Named January Sea Hero for Conservation Work
The founder of Sanriku Volunteer Divers is committed to cleaning natural-disaster debris, leading seaweed restoration efforts and training the next generation of mission-driven divers.
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