THE PHILIPPINES
perfect location with its proximity to incredible dive sites was a game-changer. Imagine being just a 3-minute boat ride from the Witconcrete Wreck (which can even be done as a shore dive!) and only 6 minutes to the famous Elbow dive site! The Blue Hole, a must-do for any diver, is just an hour away. My favorite here is the incredible num- ber of eagle ray encounters, along with a big favorite of mine, the loggerhead turtles that are not shy! Others like to lionfish hunt, or topside, my husband loves to go fly-fishing while I’m off en - joying dives with the kids.The boats are big, spacious and comfy. With its pristine white-sand beaches dotted with charming seaside bunga- lows, incredible diving, and a focus on marine conservation, Blackbird Caye has become a favorite! Thanks to owner Garen Simonyan’s passion for kids and the ocean, it’s a dream come true for eco-conscious families. Garen, a newer dad himself, has integrated edu- cational experiences from the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association into the kids’ activities.There are marine presen- tations throughout the week and edu-
cational excursions, as well. The food is delicious and the family style meals are made from scratch and served in the beach restaurant.The sunsets are well spent at the beach bar and pool- remi- niscing the day and resting up for the next days adventures. Belize has so much to offer non-divers as well as divers.We can book both pre- or post-trips to the jungle or ruins. Philippines: Cultural Im- mersion and Underwater Wonders The Philippines holds a special place in my heart. From the moment I was greeted with a hug and a flower neck - lace at the airport in Manila, I knew I was in for something special.A quick flight over to Dumaguete, and we are in Dauin.This resort has 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms, black sand beaches, multiple pools, and the most fantastic dive boats I have ever seen.They look like giant water spiders! These boats are made out of bamboo, and they are large and spacious and offer valet diving., which basically means you do nothing. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, biscuits, and cook-
FROM PAGE 82 chef, as well as the chocolate tasting with the chocolatier! OMG, if you love chocolate, you have arrived in heaven. The chocolate lab, chocolate hands and foot massage, etc are beyond enjoyable. The diving is simply spectacular. From awesome wrecks, local house reef or night dives exploring beauti- ful walls to the vibrant soft coral gar- dens, Scuba St. Lucia offers something for everyone. Oh and you do not need to touch your gear because this is 4 diamond diving and everything is done for you, Its called Valet Diving. Then there is the Jazzy sunset cruise and live steel drum band, the karaoke and beach BBQ, and I can go on and on and on.This family week in St. Lucia is truly decadent. Every member of the family is pampered and spoiled, and the kids never want to leave! Belize: Island Paradise and Marine Conservation Blackbird Caye Resort in Belize, our newest gem (added in 2023), is a private island paradise.We’ve been taking fami- lies to Belize since 2011, but finding this
www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 dive@familydivers.com
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