- Destinations
- Liveaboards
- Specials
- Experiences
- Request a Quote
- Digital Guide
To More Inquiry
Let Caradonna Adventures open up a world of wonders and create magical memories that will stay with you far beyond your travels. Whatever your travel preference may be, whether you are looking for a cultural city break, a child friendly family holiday, unlimited adventure, a romantic getaway or just to escape and uncover, we are here to create a seamless experience while handcrafting your bespoke journey.
One inspiring story is worth traveling. Discover more about local food, tradition and history. Read the stories that make you want to travel.
This is not your average night dive. You float weightless in darkness; the seafloor is a mile below; a single light suspended on a downline beckons unknown creatures from the void. This is blackwater diving, and it's an increasingly popular activity at dive destinations around the world.Larval fish often bear little resemblance to their adult counterparts.The appeal of blackwater diving is small – very small. It's about catching a glimpse or snapping an image of the miniature creatures that rise from the depths each night to feed near the surface. Marine biologists call it vertical migration. It happens in oceans worldwide, and it's the greatest simultaneous moment of life on Earth, involving billions of individual organisms. Decades before recreational blackwater diving became a thing when French scientists descended into the nighttime waters of the Mediterranean to collect marine life samples. The practice caught on in California and Hawaii, and in addition to taking samples some researchers started capturing images of the weird and wonderful things that showed up under their dive lights. In 1982, author Christopher Newbert published the first collection of these images in his book Within a Rainbowed Sea.Stealthy hunters like the enope squid rise from the depths each night to feed on small crustaceans drifting in the darkness.It would take another 20 years for blackwater diving to catch on with recreational shooters. The game changer was the advent of high-quality digital cameras sporting high-resolution monitors. Instead of squinting through a small viewfinder and hoping for the best with a 36-exposure roll of film. Digital shooters could put their rigs into low-light mode and fire ways, filling image cards with hundreds of possibilities. Today, blackwater diving has spread to destinations around the world, from Palm Beach Florida and Cozumel to Hawaii, Palau, the Philippines, Indonesia, Tahiti and beyond. All that is needed is a site where deep water runs within a reasonable distance of shore. Underwater photographers are the driving force behind the modern blackwater diving trend, but it also appeals to some non-shooters with a bit of curiosity and a sense of adventure.Some species of invertebrates display eerie bioluminescent glows.A blackwater excursion begins well after sunset when all surface light is gone. Dives are conducted from a free-drifting boat, and divers enter the water and descend to depths of 30 to 60 feet to hang motionless in the glow of a central light source suspended from a surface float. This light does double duty, illuminating marine life while also serving as a fixed vertical reference point in a realm where it's easy to lose track of depth. What's there to see? Some of the most fascinating finds are larval fish. Many species of both pelagic and reef fish spend their early days hiding in the depths, rising each night to feed, then making a return descent before sunrise. These tiny specimens often look nothing like their adult counterparts. Many have translucence bodies that make them nearly invisible in dim light. When illuminated by the beam of a dive light, they present a shimmering profile that makes for an intriguing portrait.A juvenile tripod fish deploys its large fan-like pectoral fish to create the illusion that it is an un palatable jellyfish rather than a tasty snack.Numerous species of shrimp, squid and octopus are also revealed by underwater lighting. Some display an eerie bioluminescent glow that reveals their presence in the dark waters beyond the glow. The darkness may also be lit by the faint glow of bioluminescent zooplankton – tiny jellyfish, crustaceans and other organisms. Lights may capture larger jellyfish feeding on this protoplasmic soup. Blackwater photo buffs devote all their attention to capturing the small and sometimes bizarre creatures revealed by underwater lighting. Camera-free divers who are along for the experience may want to divide their attention between the small stuff and the pelagic hunters that sometimes show up in the glow to capitalize on the a meal they would have otherwise missed. The possibility of glimpsing a swordfish or a shark circle on the edge of the glow adds an element in intrigue to what is otherwise described as a relaxing and ethereal experience of weightlessness and detachment from the everyday world.
With 240 miles of coastline facing the Western hemisphere's longest barrier reef and three of the Caribbean's only coral atolls just offshore, great diving is a given in Belize. Avid aquatic enthusiasts can spend entire vacations exploring these waters and still have plenty left to discover the next time. But even the most die-hard divers must surface at some point, and when they do, there are plenty of discoveries and adventures awaiting.Day Trips Made EasyShark Ray Alley takes marine life encounters to a fun new dimension.Belize offers a diversity of landscapes from mangrove forests and coastal lowlands to rolling hills, rainforests, jungle rivers and mountains riddled with caves. Vast swaths of the country remain in a natural state, creating a pristine playground for nature lovers and eco adventurers. Because Belize is one of the smallest countries in the Western hemisphere, all these features are packed into an area just a bit bigger than the state of New Jersey. As a result, getting from here to there usually takes hours rather than days. Coastal Estuaries, rivers and mangrove forests offer near-endless opportunities for exploration.Above the waves, the Belize coastline offers an inviting labyrinth of small islands, sandbars and tidal creeks begging for exploration by kayakers and stand-up paddle board enthusiasts. Some 20 miles east of the mainland, Turneffe Atoll provides more chances for discovery as paddlers can skirt barrier reefs or navigate mangrove tidal channels to enter into the shallow waters of the inner lagoon where calm waters reveal tropical fish and turtles swimming just below the surface.The Mayan Mountains are just a short drive from the coast.There's More AshoreA short air hop or a taxi boat ride away from the Cays, Belize City is the starting point for trips into the jungles and wooded highlands that stretch westward to the Guatemalan border. Naturalists and birders flock to the pristine expanses of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. More than 300 species of birds inhabit the tropical broadleaf forests that are home to Central America's largest population of jaguars. Equally pristine are the Mayan Mountains, where tropical pine forests cover slopes and hidden rivers flow through caverns formed by the patient forces of wind and water. Cave tubing is considered a must-do adventure in this region. Guided trips transit subterranean water-filled passages decorated in elaborate formations of limestone stalagmites and stalactites. Dry caves offer more chances for adventure, as some contain sacred artifacts and other evidence of pre-historic civilizations.The lost Mayan city of Xunantunich is a favorite day trip.A bigger thrill for history buffs are trips to archeological sites to view lost temples and cities of the ancient Mayans. Just west of the town of San Ignacio, a hand-cranked cable ferry crossing of the Mopan River brings explorers to the stone city and hidden tombs of Xunantunich. Rediscovered by archaeologists more than 100 years ago, this hilltop site is dominated by the pyramid of El Castillo, where an ascent of 13 flights of hand-carved steps rewards with panoramic views stretching to the Guatemalan border.Cave tubing takes participants on drifts through underground rivers.Twenty five miles south of San Ignacio, Belize's largest archaeological site sits deep in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. In the height of its power, the Mayan city of Caracol covered twice the area of Manhattan and was home to more than 100,000 people. Excavation of this massive site began in 1985 and is ongoing. To date archeologists have uncovered five large plazas, ball courts, 24 religious altars and a collection of hieroglyphic stela. A visit to Caracol begins with a three-hour drive on over mountain roads that is an adventure in itself.Zipline courses are a favorite addition to eco tours.Hikes, Bikes, Zips, Rides Swims and MoreAs would be expected from a destination billed as an eco-adventure capital, Belize offers a wide range of additional outdoor pursuits. Miles of hiking and horseback trails fan outward from jungle lodges, sometimes following streams that lead to waterfall pools, other times ascending to ridge top viewpoints. Zip lines crisscross forest canopies while mountain bikers follow historic logging roads or set out on challenging single-track routes.Horseback tours are a popular way to explore the Belize outback.This will is a special interest blog with information on Belize, however Caradonna does not offer all these activities, based on your resort location, we can match you with activities that are available to meet your interests. Caradonna can create a custom land-and-sea itinerary to suit your personal schedule, interests and budget. To learn more, give one of our expert agents a call at 800-330-6611, or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.Belize Favorite Dive ResortsRamon’s Village Resort — This long-time Ambergris Caye favorite provides an oceanfront oasis of relaxation, with private cabanas nestled among coconut palms, flamboyant trees and gardens of bougainvillea and hibiscus. Guests are within walking distance of downtown San Pedro and the on-site dive center visits dozens of sites on the Belize Barrier Reef, some just minutes from the dock.
The waters surrounding North Sulawesi Island are home to two of Indonesia's top dive destinations. Bunaken Marine Park is known for spectacular hard coral reefs and big walls. Lembeh Strait is one of the world's premier muck diving destinations. Midway between these two scuba meccas is Bangka Island and the Coral Eye Marine Outpost.Coral Eye is located on a long stretch of undeveloped beach.Bangka Island is a small, forested oasis located just off the northeastern tip of North Sulawesi, in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. It offers white-sand beaches, mangrove-lined shores, and pristine forests. Coral Eye was originally founded in 2009 as an outpost for marine studies. The location was chosen for its diversity of underwater environments, which mix muck diving sites similar to Lembeh Strait with hard-coral reefs and pinnacles like those found in Bunaken.The resort center was designed to blend into the surroundings and provide a welcoming gathering place for guests.Personal bungalows are set on the beach and in a garden courtyard.The outpost was soon expanded with the addition of a diving center and opened its doors to dive tourism with a collection of guest accommodations. Revenue from visiting divers now allows the facility to finance environmental projects, offer scholarships to students and better support local communities.The ResortThe Coral Eye resort facility centers around a central building crafted from local materials and designed to integrate into the natural environment with a minimal ecological footprint. Six guest rooms with ensuite baths are incorporated into the center. The resort grounds include 9 stand-alone Garden and Sea View Villas with private outdoor terraces. All accommodations are designed to promote natural airflow, while also providing the option of air conditioning. Cool stone and rich hardwood interiors are furnished with premium bedding. Villas include convertible sofa beds to accommodate families, and there is a two-bedroom Villa to accommodate groups.A signature feature of the resort restaurant is a communal table for guests who enjoy a communal dining experience.The on-site restaurant serves a mix of international and local cuisines based on fresh and organic ingredients. The resort’s chefs can accommodate guests with special dietary preferences or requirements. All guests enjoy a full-board menu with three mealsThe on-site restaurant serves a mix of international and local cuisines based on fresh and organic ingredients. The resort’s chefs can accommodate guests with special dietary preferences or requirements. All guests enjoy a full-board menu with three meals daily plus snacks. An adjacent bar offers a full cocktail menu and stocks a variety of local and imported beers and wines. In 2020 Coral Eye added a day spa that provides a range of massage and treatment options, including traditional Indonesian healing programs.The dive center is centrally located to support shore diving activities.The DivingCoral Eye's dive center provides each guest with personalized service and ample spaces for gear management, cleaning and storage. Divers are provided with a choice of 12 and 15 liters aluminum cylinders, late-model Scubapro equipment is available for rent, nitrox is available and there is a dedicated air-conditioned camera room with stabilized power outlets for charging, a dedicated rinse tank, air gun and secure drying stations.The resort jetty provides easy, secure access to the house reef in all tide conditions.Coral Eye focuses on small group diving experiences, with a maximum of four guests per guide to ensure a personalized experience. The resort's dive boats are hand-crafted by local artisans and configured for stability and passenger comfort. A majority of dive sites visited by resort boats are within 5 to 20 minutes of the dive center. In addition to morning two-tank schedules, the center also offers afternoon one-tank excursions and night dives. The house reef is always available for shore diving. On request, the dive center can also arrange for day trips to Lembeh Strait and Bunaken.Coral Eye focuses on small group diving experiences, with a maximum of four guests per guide to ensure a personalized experience. The resort's dive boats are hand-crafted by local artisans and configured for stability and passenger comfort. A majority ofHard coral reefs support a wide variety of marine life.The waters surrounding Bangka Island offer a variety of diving experiences. Areas of black volcanic sands and coral-encrusted rocks are ecologically similar to the seascapes of Lembeh, and offer similar opportunities for macro life viewing. Slopping reefs are dominated by hard corals that oats a high level of biodiversity. Volcanic pinnacles and steep walls add colorful growths of soft corals and sponges. For a change of pace, divers can venture into tidal mangrove estuaries and seagrass meadows where grazing dugongs are sometimes spotted.Macro subjects like frogfish are found in abundance.Volcanic sands hold a treasure trove of unique species.In addition to diving and snorkeling, guests can enjoy water sports, walk the beach to visit a small fishing village or explore the forests and hills of Bangka Island. The island has no roads, and the undeveloped interior is home to parrots, tarsiers, cuscus, and monitor lizards. The resort can also organize day trips to North Sulawesi to visit the Tangkoko National Reserve or hike into the volcanic landscapes of the Minahasan Highlands.Afternoon boat dives may visit coastal mangrove forests.Caradonna Adventures partners with Coral Eye Marine Outpost to offer a range of one-week and extended visits, as well as combined itineraries that include time at Bangka and sister resorts at Lembeh Strait and Bunaken.
“Kim Mackey at Cardonna helped me with everything I needed to know about diving in Bonaire, nice resort, shore diving, car rental, etc. It was a 40th wedding anniversary trip, so she recommended the nicest resort on the island, which did not disappoint!”
June 29, 2024
“Our itinerary and bookings were perfect. It was great to have that part of our trip run so smooth. We had extra energy to deal with the challenges the weather threw at us. Great trip, thank you.”
June 21, 2024
“Our experience has been great. Caradonna even called us and warned us of a possible bad weather. We went anyways and it ended up being a cat 3 hurricane. We returned to that place 6 months later and finished what we went there for, diving. ”
June 21, 2024
“Kim at Caradonna provided excellent service and recommendations to find a nice vacation package on short notice. They cover all the bases to make sure everything is in place for a smooth dive trip.”
June 12, 2024
The All Star Liveaboards Scuba Scene is one of the Red Sea's newest liveaboard, and one of the largest vessels of its type. This top-rated dive yacht delivers spacious onboard comforts that spread across five decks. Itineraries take in the best of the Red Sea, from the Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve and the historic wrecks in the Straits of Tiran to the Brothers Islands, Elphinstone and Daedalus Reefs, where divers can swim with hammerhe…
Anthony's Key Resort is Roatan's original dive resort, and the place that brought international recognition to the Bay Islands of Honduras. Fifty years after its founding AKR is bigger and better than ever. See why it should be a top choice for your next dive vacation.t Anthony's Key is Roatan's original dive resort, and the place that brought international recognition to the Bay Islands of Honduras.
Caradonna has special rates on two of the Maldives' premier dive liveaboards, the Blue Force One and Blue Force Three. These award-winning vessels deliver maximum access to the best Maldives diving, while also providing onboard amenities and activities that will please divers and non-diving partners alike. Contact your Caradonna agent for dates and details. Image Credit Maldives Blue Force.
Caradonna and Coral Estate Luxury Resort are giving you great deals on a week of unlimited shore diving with the CURAÇAO DIVE INTO UNDERWATER BLISS! Promotion. Special rates for winter and summer dates include 7-nights Deluxe Garden View accommodations, 6 days of shore diving with Coral Divers and more.
