April was a very good shark month for us. The red tide that was so bad in False Bay cleared up nicely. The sharks where very active at Seal Island, and with the good visibility returning, and good sea and weather conditions, shark cage diving once again became a possible. From around mid April, we where shark cage diving on a daily basis. (When I say we, I am talking about Rob and the crew. Me, I get to stay at home and make sure “behind the scene” is running smoothly).

The trips where booked almost every day in April, and there where shark sightings on each trip, which is very good. As mentioned the shark cage diving really picked up from around mid April, as the great white sharks tended to become more and more active around the boat. Shark Cage Diving

Mid April also saw the start of the great white sharks breaching. This behaviour is unique to False Bay, and is what makes False Bay so different. It really is an awesome sight to see a shark fly out of the sea. It just takes your breath away. Time and time we get comments like “that was the best thing I have ever seen in my life”. You will not leave without a new found respect for these super predators. We also had some sporadic hits on our seal decoy. This will pick up and will become a regular thing, come June and July.

There where a lot of good sightings of common Dolphins.

The Pelagic trips also went well. Many of our guests choose to do a combination trip of Great white and Pelagic sharks. This is a fabulous way of really experiencing the sharks. On the pelagic trips we dived a lot with the Blue Sharks, and yellow fin tuna, but the sightings of the Mako Sharks was very slow indeed.

Rob was very busy with film shoots in April. Tygres Productions, (they make a lot of the Animal Planet Shows), came again this year, to film the great whites. Even though they came too early for good breaching behaviour, they did get a lot of very nice footage. Shark Cage Diving

The shark activity has risen, and it was so exciting to have more sharks back at the Island. It seems like they have come early this year. Again the sightings have fluctuated, but so far, there has not been one trip that has not encountered great whites. The most so far being 7, yes 7 sharks for March. That was an amazing trip, as the bay was nice and clear and clean, and the sea was as flat as glass.

On one trip, when the red tide had abated, a school of common dolphins +- 50 came right up to the boat and stayed for a good while. Dolphins are always such a nice treat, and there is something so special about them.

Well, that about sums up April. I know that this shark diary update came very late, but I promise that May’s update will be on time, and packed with exciting news.

Take care all you shark lovers out there. Shark Cage Diving

We all have different ideas on how to define an amazing adventurous vacation. Some of us define an adventurous trip by setting off the highway on a road trip, conquering a mountain on a hiking getaway or sleeping in the wild on a camping trip. The common factor for these kinds of vacations is to go outdoors. With the goal to experience the outdoors in mind, give yourself an amazing treat by having a unique adventurous vacation – a fitness spa vacation.

Spa Vacation Packages are among the best things in the world that you can treat yourself with. Imagine being able to bring home memories of an incredible blend of experiences with Mother Nature and the relaxing confines of one of those Spa Resort Vacations. Top that off with the most delightful, salivating and, most importantly, healthy cuisines that the world has to offer.

There is a definite correlation between the words “fitness” and “spa”. While they do differ in actual definition and a lot of other ways, the end-result they offer to us is basically the same. Whether engage yourself for hours in a fitness activity or lay down on your chest for a soothing massage, you are sure to leave the gym or the spa feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and rejuvenated.

The growing popularity of Fitness Spa Vacations is due to the fact that they prove that keeping yourself healthy and your body in perfect shape is not just all work and no play. The programs prepared by a team of health coaches are varied and have different levels of difficulty. Hiking trips, for example, are offered in easy, moderate and difficult treks. However, these trips, whatever the difficulty level, are highly supervised by professional hiking guides. In addition, before the health coaches send you off to any of the activities offered, a pre-assessment is administered to check on the type of activity your body can physically endure. The main goal, after all, is that you enjoy your trip the way you would enjoy your regular vacation.

These amazing vacations are experienced in Health Spa Resorts. These resorts are usually located far from the sights and sounds of the busy and fast-paced surroundings that you deal with everyday. They are found in remote and exotic areas close to nature – a rain forest, an ancient city or a relaxing body of water. You might also find a couple in a major city, but they are confined in a quiet and tranquil environment. They aim for you to have, not only a good physical shape, but also a healthy and de-stressed mind.

Among the things holidaymakers look forward to when visiting a new place is to have a taste of the local cuisine. Some even say that it is through a certain place’s food that you truly experience a its culture. Although the objective of %keyword1% is to have you leaving in good shape, Health Spa Resorts have nutritionists that develop nutritious, well-balanced and exquisite menus made up of the local favorites and must-try’s in appropriate servings that will help you achieve your recommended daily intake of nutritional levels.

Fitness Spa Vacations combine rugged adventure and pampered sophistication. After an all-out vigorous workout, you have the wide range of choices for relaxation. There are muscle-soothing massages and various facial treatments offered, including anti-aging facials! You even have the option of attending yoga and meditation classes as well as other relaxation techniques.

Health Spa Resorts send out an impression of sophistication. Some might think of them as luxurious and extravagant while some, due to the highly stressful environment that we live in, think of them as a necessity. Treating yourself to this kind of pampering is not being selfish and impractical. It is just as simple as taking care of yourself, arming yourself up with a healthier mind and body in order to cope with our perpetually busy lives. After all, going on a Fitness Vacation is bound to bring nothing but positive results.

One of the most unforgettable moments in our life is to go for vacation and travel especially in places of our dream to visit. However, this does not happen oftentimes because we usually spend lots of money during travel– like air fare.

The good thing is, with the Internet, it is now quite easy to find discounted air fare which is offered by lots of airline companies. Whether you will search for “cheap flights to ireland ”, “cheap airfare to london ” or “cheap international plane tickets ”, you will surely find information in the internet about this as many airline companies are moviing online for promotions.

If you are not that aware of the sites that give this offer, you can search them through the help of search engines. All you need to do is to type keywords like ““cheap flights to london” , “cheap airfare tickets to hawaii”, or “cheap international air tickets” and it will generates number of websites which are ranked according to the relevance of the information to your search. You can check them one by one.

Here are more information about cheap airfare you may want to know:

Sources of cheap airfare are not restricted to airlines alone. While you can call up airline companies and ask them if they have cheap airfare, you can also obtain for the same information through sources such as the Internet. Airfare sources are varied and vast and it is up to you to find the source that is valid.

Talking about multiple stops, these are an excellent way to save costs on air tickets. Multiple stops include you stopping at a number of places along the way before you get to your destination. Multiple stop flights generally cost less than direct flights.

A lot of fare tariffs usually have a 30-day maximum stay restriction. To cut costs, pay for a ticket that indicates that you will be staying less than thirty days. If you stay more than thirty days in your destined area, your ticket will cost more.

Summer camps are always an adventure and also an integral element of the developing experience for children and which topic could be finer than summer film camps!

Parents often initiate their summer camp research as the winter winds and spring advance. Not all summer camps are arranged equal. That is why, to be an early bird is a shrewd strategy. Film camp programs these days are highly in demand and hence, book them in advance.

Today summer camps are very much in demand. Registrations, therefore, in the most popular topics such as film and movie-making often take place couple of months before summer begins. One fine source of camp information is Triangle Parent magazine, which publishes a yearly summer camp guide every winter.

Summer camps are part of the lives of middle class young people in the United States. These camps have been associated with scouting and guiding, but now more and more 16 year old are being given the chance to take part in these camps.

Summer camps normally range from one to six weeks long. Most of programs for the summer camp are organized which offer language classes in the mornings. They also give space for extra curricular activities in the afternoons, evenings and weekends.

Camps are perfectly suitable for band camps, youth groups, company picnics, church groups, family reunions, high school sports teams. For many kids who were not interested in sports there used to be a lack of subject matters to spark their interest and enthusiasm. Therefore, there are many more sorts of sporting kids getting attended.

We have now movie camp for kids and teens which offer the cost reductions in all forms of film technology. The equipment is available at a low enough cost for camp organizers to be able to provide this. This equipment supplied for the use of its students is capable of really surprisingly polished and sophisticated output.

Various teen summer camps are organized for today’s lively youth sporting appetites for more project-based learning. Parents are looking for creative as well as stimulating opportunities for their children are adding up camps to their collection of tools for budding confidence and values, and improving upon self esteem.

Students learn different coping skills while building their own support system among their peers and fellow campers. Their friendships are strengthened during their week long summer camp experience help out children to “better handle life’s ups and downs.” Campers participate in games, art projects, audio-video recording, songs and dance lessons. Each one has a fantastic time and we’d love for you to join our camp next summer.

The iD Film Academy a leading and creative digital media academy which offers technology immersion programs which appeals to teenagers in quest of professional-level kind of experience in a studio-like milieu. Instructors bring nationally known industry gurus, acclaimed educators and award-winning filmmakers not only teach campers how to make videos but also give them a chance to learn the art of writing for film.

As one of the leading digital media academy, the iD Film Academy offers not only movie and film training but also digital video editing for teens. Actually, the iD Film Academy is believed by many to be the best Digital Media Academy which can be right option for your kids and teens too.

On that note we received devastating news about 3 weeks ago that 3 tiger sharks were caught and killed by a commercial fisherman off Aliwal Shoal on the Natal South Coast. This was later confirmed that in fact 8 tiger sharks were killed. Aliwal shoal has become a very famous spot for divers from around the world to dive with tiger sharks. I know that operators were regularly seeing about 20 tiger sharks that they could identify. With 8 sharks now removed it severely impacts on the tiger shark population in that area. Shark Cage Diving

Ironically it is legal to catch and kill 10 tiger sharks per person per day but because the fisherman landed the carcasses in a marine protected reserve he may be charged.

The operators in the area have tried for many years to get MCM to protect tigers sharks and bull/Zambezi shark but to no avail. MCM are simply not interested to protect this valuable resource and seem happier to see these animals to be fished and sold for a pittance. This latest incident goes to show how important it is to protect a living marine resource and how non-consumptive use through eco tourism is the way forward. A petition for this cause has been set up. To help please go to www.aoca.org.za.

A TRAGIC INCIDENT

It always amazes me how the sharks make it so difficult for us to help them. Only a few days after the tiger sharks were killed on Aliwal Shoal a diver in the Bahamas was tragically killed due to a suspected bull shark bite during a shark feed dive. I would suggest reading the following link on wetpixel.com. This seems to give the most accurate account of the event. http://wetpixel.com/i.php/full/bahamas-shark-bite-aboard-shear-water-official-thread/ .

Most times in order to actually spend time in the water with sharks one has to have a bait in the water to keep them interested in staying in close proximity. Shark diving is also one of the fastest growing marine based activities and this is not hard to understand as it is a very special and exciting experience to share the same environment with a shark. Shark Cage Diving

From a conservation point of view it is very important for people to see sharks as it is difficult to be passionate about something that you do not see. Even after this accident I believe 100% that it is safe to dive with sharks in a baited situation as long as logical safety laws are followed at all times. Chris & I have very stringent rules that we follow and as such I have personally never felt threatened in the water with sharks and neither has Chris. We are of course aware that we are in the sharks’ environment and we respect these predators at all times. Any indication that the shark/s is not comfortable with us is an indication that we must get out of the water. I hope that this latest incident will not cause too much damage to shark perception as well as shark diving. There are far bigger issues with regards to marine conservation that need our attention.

GREAT WHITE SHARKS

We have also started to have a few sightings of great white sharks at Seal Island. It is still historically low season but I will definitely keep you all informed if the season should start early.

On that note our bookings for the white shark season are filling up fast so if any of you are thinking of coming over to Cape Town for the sharks you need to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

NEW BOOKING OFFICE

And finally we are very excited to have opened our new booking office and merchandise store in Simonstown. We are located on the Main Road opposite the Pier so please stop by and visit us if you are in the area.

We have a variety of images on Photos of The Month so we hope that you all enjoy viewing them!

Until next month. Shark Cage Diving

One of the great things about having a garden is getting to watch all the birds that flock to it. You’ll only be able to see so many types of birds this way though. To get the most out of your bird watching, you need to go where you’ll see the most types of birds.

One easy place to find lots of species of birds is your local park or nature reserve. You may also have a bird sanctuary near you – there are roughly 500 National Wildlife Sanctuaries in the US alone.

Another way to see some new varieties of birds is to research the local birds before going on any kind of trip. There are over 900 species of American birds, and they can be found in many different places. If you’re going somewhere new, it pays to do a little research first so you’ll recognize new birds you might see.

Binoculars are probably the most important piece of equipment for bird watching. You don’t have to break the bank buying a pair, but you’ll want to get some that can handle the weather and the terrain where you’ll be.

Your binoculars should have some kind of stabilization built into them, especially if you’ll be bird watching from a distance. They should also be able to work in low lighting, without fogging up.

Tracking birds while they’re flying requires skill to locate them and track them quickly. The only way to get good at this is to practice so it’s a good idea to do some practicing when you’re not in the field. You can use your dog or your kids as a fast-moving practice.

Partnering up with someone else who enjoys bird watching can make it much more interesting. Two sets of eyes are better than one, and they might spot birds that you would have missed, and vice versa. They may also recognize different species than you so you can pool your knowledge.

Has it been a while since you have been to the airport? It seems that as every day passes, managing ones way through the airport is becoming more and more challenging.

If you are presented with the option of curbside check-in, I highly recommend you use it. This is a time saver for anyone who is checking luggage to their final travel destination. Some used to worry that their luggage would get lost unless you made nice with the attendant and give them a tip. While tips are encouraged, luggage is quickly tagged and taken away by security. So the chances of a bag getting lost because of curbside check-in is not very likely.

If you make your way inside, you will be surprised to see that all the tellers have been replaced with automated ticketing machines. Have your itinerary and reading eyeglasses, or a credit card for identification purposes handy so you can locate your ticket. Unfortunately, in many situations the help of a live person is still required and they are usually difficult to come by. This leads to longer lines and longer wait times.

In many airports, there is now another step for inside luggage checking. You now have to carry your bags to a security screening area. Usually this does not take very long, but it is an added step.

And finally you can make your way to the security line. For the fastest transition, have your laptop out, keep your boarding pass in hand, and wear all fabric clothing with no metal. Carry plastic eyeglasses along with your reading material and don’t forget to remove your shoes.

The easiest way through the airport is to ship your stuff ahead of time, print your boarding pass at home, wear basic clothing, and only bring your book and glasses if necessary.

Prior to deciding where to stay in Christchurch New Zealand, it is worth considering all the options. You may be travelling to Christchurch on business, checking up on family, or just touring around. You may be on a budget, looking for a luxurious romantic getaway or after comfortable accommodation with facilities to suit your needs.

It does not take long by international comparison to get to the central city from any of the suburbs.

If you prefer to stay in the country, among some of our sheep, then you will be able to find accommodation in the country with less than a 30 minute drive to be in the city. Even during peak travel times it would not take much over 45 minutes.

Christchurch has a population of around 368,000 people.

Christchurch Backpackers

From the beaches to the central city is roughly a 15 to 30 minute drive. By bus you will be looking at 25 to 40 minutes plus waiting time.

Christchurch streets are laid out in a network of squares with many streets nestled in behind the main streets. Hotels, motels, apartments and even bed and breakfasts can be found in places less obvious to the tourist.

Christchurch Airport

Like any city, Christchurch also has areas you will not necessarily be aware of. One of our preferred spots is the suburb of Sumner located on the beach at the foot of the Port Hills.

This is a little village offering very much its own village atmosphere and a relaxed setting. There are a selection of Christchurch beaches where you will find accommodation, most of the other beaches are on a more open strip of beach front from Spencer Park to South Brighton.

There are some delightful places to stay on the Port Hills, the backdrop to Christchurch City. Accommodation on the hills tends to be more the homestay or bed and breakfast type of accommodation.

Christchurch New Zealand

Most of the large Christchurch Hotels are found in the Christchurch CBD, although there are some out by the airport. There are Christchurch hotels with a smaller offering of accommodation found in across Christchurch including Christchurch beaches, the suburbs and the Christchurch rural area.

Rangiora is a township to the north of Christchurch. Many people travel from there to their work in the city. For accommodation away from the city, you may enjoy a stay either in Rangiora or in the rural area between there and the city.

The country area around Christchurch offers a selection of homestays, farmstays or bed and breakfast accommodation as well as a choice of lodges.