Contents - scroll down for articles
1. Eco & Conservation
2. Top surfing locations
3. Top places to dive worldwide
4. Top beaches in USA
5. Events Calendars
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1. Eco & Conservation
The Omaere Foundation's main objective is to contribute to the conservation of nature, the protection of the environment and the ancestral kwowledges of the Indigenous peoples of the world.
In 2006, the Omaere Foundation bought a new 200-hectare reserve near the border with Peru, not far from San José de Morona.
Click here to read more about all the Omaere Foundation projects.
2. Top surfing locations
(Courtesy of Expedia)
From the exotic and faraway shores of the home of surfing Hawaii to the west coast of France, Expedia.co.uk have selected the top 10 destinations across the world to grab some top surfing action. From beginners to pro’s, you’ll find somewhere to suit your style.
1. Hawaii
With monster waves and huge wipe-outs Hawaii is, of course, America's surfing Mecca, and the North Shore of Oahu is the State's Holy Grail. For beginners, the calmer waves of Waikiki will help you find your feet. If its pro waves you’re looking for head up to the North Shore and explore the likes of Sunset Beach, Pupukea Beach and the famous Banzai pipeline.
2. Portugal
A popular destination for every level of surfer; if you are looking to experience a unique European surf in the sun all year long then Portugal should be your first choice. It offers world class surf that matches anywhere in the world. Lisbon area is the heartland of Portugal surfing stretching all the way down to Peniche. The Algarve has a very mild climate with solid surf often with offshore morning breezes.
3. California
Most of the Californian coast is blessed with the pacific coast highway that stretches the length of the coastline and enables easy surf checks and access to hundreds of spots. California offers something for the beginner in Malibu or Manhattan Beach to the professional with waves like Mavericks outside San Francisco. Steeped in surfing history it should be on the top of your list for a surfing holiday.
4. Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura has perfect surfing beaches to suit all abilities, with the most consistent surf found on the North West coast. Corralejo has managed to retain its original charm and atmosphere, and there are still beautiful sandy beaches in the town centre. Most of the shops, bars and restaurants are along the main street which leads to the harbour which looks across the other side of town and the sand dunes.
5. Florida - Cocoa Beach
Florida’s Cocoa Beach is one of the finest all-purpose surfing destinations in the world and is one of those rare places where alluring natural beauty melds harmoniously with a 21st century lifestyle. Cocoa Beach provides you with six miles of soft sand fronted by consistent 2-4 ft waves. Water temperatures never drop below 62F and air temperatures rarely dip below 72F.
6. Madeira
Sitting alone in the Atlantic, 350 miles west of the Moroccan city of Casablanca, Madeira stands defiantly in the way of any swell coming out of the North Atlantic. It is an extremely picturesque rich cultural island, rising sheer out of the ocean, and generations of locals have moulded its cliffs into an amazing system of fertile terraces full of flowering trees.
7. Australia
Australia is one of the world greatest surfing destinations. The dazzling Sunshine Coast encompasses a string of coastal towns strewn along the sparkling Pacific Ocean, with stunning blue-green hills as a backdrop. The region is a haven for surfers, swimmers, fishers, adventurers, or those who just want to hide away.
8. Bali
It’s been 25 years since the island of Bali became the epicentre of exotic surf adventure. Bali is still an excellent destination a quarter of a century on and offers true surfing magic. The southeast trade winds start in March and continue through to November each year offering good offshore conditions in Bali and providing classic and sometimes hollow tubes of pure surf fun!
9. Lanzarote
Lanzarote, the most northern of the Canary Islands is located 100 km off the Moroccan coast. There are two main surfing resorts on the island, Costa Teguise on the east coast and Famara on the west coast. Costa Teguise is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. The small surf resort of Famara is 1,500 metres of beautiful beach with and has become something of a Surfers' paradise.
10. France - West Coast
France is not only renowned for its superb food but also for its glorious beaches and quality surfing waves. The whole stretch of West coastline sees a varying quality of surf. The further down the coastline you venture the better the surf becomes. The French surf zones like Biarritz, Hossegor and Seignosse Le Penon mean waves of quality and perfection.
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3. Top Places to Dive Worldwide
(courtesy of The Telegraph)
Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea
The variety of life here is extraordinary. Dolphins, sperm whales and even orcas, as well as sharks, are commonly encountered. The reefs and wrecks - many from the Second World War - are a divers' delight. Conditions are not overly strenuous but a genuine appreciation of marine life is needed to make the most of this destination (36 hours travelling time from the UK). Good diving all year.
Palau, Micronesia
The 350 lush rock islands have healthy reefs, abundant marine life and strong currents. Blue Corner, where large grey reef sharks cluster to feed in the current, is one of the world's most famous dives but Palau also has spectacular wall dives, blue holes and underwater caverns. Recommended for experienced divers; best diving season October-May.
Little Cayman, British West Indies
Bloody Bay Marine Reserve offers easy diving on a 6,000ft-deep vertical coral wall. Ninety miles from the busy dive centres of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman has the clearest water in the Caribbean. Don't expect large pelagic species but lots of crustaceans, immense barrel sponges and plenty of turtles and reef life. Randy's Gazebo and Nancy's Cup of Tea are two of my all-time favourite dives because of the mesmerising blue abyss beyond. Year-round diving but July-September are the wettest months.
Cocos Island
A dot in the ocean 250 miles south-west of Costa Rica, Cocos is famous for its large schools of hammerhead sharks - as many as 200 at a time. The island, which featured in Jurassic Park, is a 36-hour boat ride from Punta Arenas and the weather is often wet and windy. But big fish are pretty much a guaranteed attraction and reaching the island is always an adventure. Definitely not for beginners; year-round diving, but the official rainy season is September-November.
Desroches Island, Amirantes
The northern Seychelles has experienced severe coral bleaching and death in the past few years but Desroches, 150 miles to the south, has a healthy coral wall in deep water which has remained unscathed. Manta rays and whale sharks can be seen as well as large groupers, nurse sharks and reef sharks, green and hawksbill turtles. Best diving October-May (June-September not recommended).
Red Sea
In spite of over-development in many areas it is still the best warm-water diving within easy reach of Europe. The best sites are in the southern Red Sea and require a live-aboard boat to reach them but there is still good diving off the Sinai Peninsula, especially in the Strait of Tiran. There are astonishing numbers of fish and plenty of healthy coral on the less visited dive sites during the hot summer months. Year-round diving, but midsummer temperatures can be oppressive above water.
The Bahamas, Western Atlantic
Whether you want to see sharks feeding off Nassau, dolphins near Bimini, the deep Blue Holes of Andros or the remote reefs of the out islands, the Bahamas has it all. Most of the dive centres are geared for the American market so the diving is well organised, generally easy and the water reliably warm. Year-round diving, although June-November is hurricane season.
Sulawesi, East of Borneo (Indonesia)
Fish fanatics love the strait between Sulawesi and Lembeh islands for its range of habitats - reefs, mangroves and plankton-rich waters. Although visibility is often poor it is home to an amazing selection of unusual small species, such as frog fish, crocodile fish, stargazers, mimic octopus and a variety of crustaceans. Kungkungan Bay is famed for its iridescent mandarin fish, and the nocturnal marine life is among the best in the world. Best diving May-October.
Fiji, South Pacific
Giant coral heads, underwater canyons and massive growths of soft corals characterise many of the best dive sites. The waters off Taveuni Island and the Somosomo Strait, with their strong currents, are especially rich in fish life. Sharks and sea snakes are commonly sighted. Kadavu Island is also ideal for diving - and the Fijians are the friendliest people in the Pacific. Consistently good diving all year although May- November has the best sea conditions.
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
Easy southern Caribbean diving in a peaceful destination where every effort has been made to preserve the marine environment. Klein Bonaire has particularly good corals just offshore from the capital, Kralendijk, and is always sheltered from the trade winds. The reef is easily accessible from shore almost everywhere and Bonaire is a safe and manageable island for family-based diving holidays. Good diving throughout the year.
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4. Top Beaches in USA
(Courtesy of Tripadvisor)
Maui - Hawaii
Miami Beach - Florida
Kauai - Hawaii
Clearwater - Florida
Hilton Head - Coastal South Carolina
Naples - South West Gulf Coast - Florida
Carmel - Monterey Peninsular - California
Nantucket - Massachusetts
Laguna Beach - Orange County - California
Southampton - Hamptons - New York
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5. Events Calendars 2008
Skydiving http://www.skydivingmagazine.com/events.htm
Sandboarding http://www.sandboard.com/events/index.htm
Wakeboarding http://www.wakeboardingmag.com/events.jsp
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