We are going on vacation next month and are wondering where there is a relatively inexpensive place to go scuba diving. Also, do we need to take a lesson prior to the dive? Thanks all!!

Sorry, 5 years old is too young to be scuba diving. Even the most daring scuba agencies require children to be 8 years old or so before letting them paddle around in a pool with scuba gear and at least 10 years old to dive in open water with supervision.

Yes, scuba diving requires lessons. It is at least as complicated and risky as driving a car, and carries a risk of injury to even well-trained adult divers on every dive, There are both physiological and psychological reasons that scuba diving is an unsuitable activity for small children. Here are a couple of links that gives some convincing reasons (to me) why a child should be at least 15 (and preferably older) before getting involved with scuba diving.

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~lpt/kids.htm
http://www.awoosh.com/Doc%20Vikingo%27s%20Resource%20Page/Children_&_Diving.htm

Visit CoralBay Dive Resort http://coralbay.ca A Vacation to Dive For!
Cabanas have breathtaking panoramic ocean views which are certainly some of the most beautiful and romantic in the world. The bedrooms are decorated island style complete with native stone masks and local Indian artifacts. Each unit has private bathrooms with showers and outside decks. Fresh sea breezes and forest shade provide natural air conditioning and a clear cascading water fall provides the cabanas with the sweetest crystal clear drinking water you have ever tasted.

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http://dreamtimediving.com

Dreamtime Dive is a PADI* 5-Star resort located in the Yucatan Peninsula in a small fishing village known as Mahahual (Ma-Ha-Wol). They offer a variety of scuba diving courses for the inexperienced individual interested in testing the waters, all the way up to professional courses for certified divers interested in pursuing a career in the dive industry (1-tank, 2-tank, 3-tank and night dives).

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Diving/359703198932
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamtimediving

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Malta and Gozo iare sister islands located in the southern part of Europe and almost in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Gozo is one of the islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. Many people visit that archipelago to enjoy the sights of medieval and ancient structures still standing all over Malta, take a dip in one of many sandy beaches with clear waters or go scuba diving and snorkelling. Before heading out to the Maltese islands, there are a few things you need to remember to make sure your trip will be as hassle free as possible.

Transportation

It is possible to get rent cars in Malta and Gozo, however you will be driving to British convention. This means that the cars steering wheel is located on the right and you will need to keep left on the road. There are public vehicles you can take like the bus, but you have to check its schedule. The people of Malta and Gozo are also very friendly; you can try hitchhiking to get around town.

You can also ride the ferry to get across the different islands of Malta. The ferry departs the harbour every 45 minutes and is usually free if you are going from Malta to another island, though you will be charged for riding the ferry back to Malta.

Cuisine

The Maltese cuisine is influenced by its neighbour Italy, particularly Sicily. The local dishes in Malta also tell something about the history of the archipelago having been influenced by British, Moorish and Spanish cuisine.

Gozo is called the breadbasket of Malta because of its fertile soils therefore, you can be guaranteed that the ingredients in the food you eat in Gozo are fresh. One food you should try when you are in Gozo is the Gbejniet, a local cheese. It is delicious when eaten fresh or cured with vinegar and pepper.

Language

Maltese is the national language spoken in the island nation but there are different dialects spoken in each region. The younger generation also speak and understand Italian. Of course, being a visitor you are not expected to know Maltese but take comfort in the fact that English is the second language of Malta. You will do fine in English but try using a little Maltese, like common phrases and questions; it will be appreciated by the locals.

Currency

As of January 1, 2008, the Euro is now the national currency of Malta and since February 2008, hotels, stores and other major establishments will no longer accept Lira. You should exchange whatever currency you bring in to Euro once you get to Malta or Gozo.

Other Tips

If you visit the Maltese islands during the summer, be prepared to a hot and dry vacation. The temperature may rise to 36 to 38 degrees Celsius on summer times so if you are not used to the heat, you might feel a dehydrated and easily fatigued. Make sure you wear light clothing and always keep yourself hydrated.

Generally, Malta and Gozo are safe and peaceful. The crime rate is pretty low and there are few disturbances in the peace but you still have to be careful of thieves, especially if you are in the beach.

Gen Wright

If you are a beach lover who enjoys sunbathing, getting a tan, and listening to the waves, you will definitely have fun during your Caribbean vacation.  You not only get to do the things that you love, you can also appreciate the white sand of the Caribbean Island beaches. 

If you are the adventurous type who enjoys such water sports as surfing, you may want to check out the islands that are situated in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.  The waters in these areas are noted for the waves, which never fail to give most surfers the high or challenge that they are looking for.

If you are the type who prefers to appreciate the different creatures underwater, then you will definitely enjoy the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea. 

If these activities are not what you have in mind, there are still many water activities that you can do during your Caribbean vacation.   These include dolphin watching (and you may even swim with the dolphins if you want!), windsurfing, and sailing.

Two of the most popular tourist destinations for Caribbean vacations are the islands of Jamaica and Barbados.  But a lesser known island located near the Leeward Islands, Antique, is slowly starting to become a favorite among tourists.  

What most tourists love about Antigua are the beaches.  It is said the island has 365 beaches, though this information is still subject to debate.  Whether the island truly has 365 beaches or not, it still has more than enough beaches to satisfy the picky tourist.   Some of the most notable beaches include Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay, Long Bay, and Rendezvous Beach.   Food and lodgings are not a problem as there are several hotels and restaurants located on and near the beaches.    You may even come across some offices that offer and organize cruises (boat and catamaran) and trips (scuba diving and snorkeling). 

Aside from the beaches, you can also enjoy other places in Antigua such as Nelson’s Dockyard and Long Street in St. John’s town.  Nelson’s Dockyard was once bustling with activity.  At present, it is considered a living museum.   You can find several old buildings at Long Street in St John’s town.  You can also sample West Indian cuisine at the restaurants located in the same street.

Anand
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/enjoying-caribbean-vacation-683588.html