Page 45 - KSC Magazine 2020

+5MOREPICKSI HAVE TO INCLUDE:
+6. For diving liveaboards with
kids, you can't beat the Rocio Del Mar team in the Sea of Cortez and Socorro. They are like papas
in the water with kids and families, and really have an outstanding safety record. Dancing with sea lions and giant mantas is an amazing live aboard experience for kids and parents alike.
+7. The Galapagos with Ex- plorer Ventures, full boat charter with a northern itinerary.We offer the entire ExplorerVenture Fleet.
+8. Luxury would for sure be the Arenui. Komodo or Raja Am- pat I would recommend Indonesia liveaboard trips with kids on full boat charters dedicated to families. We have six full charters planned from 2020 to 2023.
+9. The Philippines is also high up on my list with Sea Explorers, who's tag line is "dive with a smile!" TakingyourkidstodivewithWhale Sharks in Oslob, turtles at Apo Island, and experiencing the largest to the smallest of marine animals all in one trip, is truly life-changing.
Pura Vida Homes also in the Philippines is luxurious for families. I sell out this KSC trip every year, with a waiting list. We dive with private guides private boats, with an experi- enced kid friendly dive team who love to play basket ball is awesome!
+10. The Cayman Islands, where my own son was born and
my two children learned to dive. Cobalt Coast in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac Reef Resort and Little Cayman Reef Resort are easy to travel to, easy diving, and a great choice for families and kids.
I have been experiencing and exploring dive destinations around the world with my own family for 19 years this year. Of the numerous destinations I have traveled to in my 30 year diving career, these come to mind as my Top 10 for families to enjoy, and experience diving safely. They are all family owned and family- friendly.
I have contributed to 7,000+ PADI youth certifications and I feel with all my heart, taking the time to dive with your kids or grand kids, is giving them a beautiful memory to last them a lifetime.
Margo Peyton, Owner Kids Sea Camp & Family Dive Adventures, PADI Instructor 57474
www.oceanwishes.org
4. PALAU
Yes, I know it seems a long way to go, but Palau is definitely a WOW! Families love snorkeling in Jelly Fish Lake; it's the only time they don't have to be afraid because the jelly fish do not sting. It's a rare opportunity to see this 8th wonder of the world!
Palau is also one of the few places in the world where kids can safely learn about and dive with sharks, manta rays and other big marine life. Many of the dive sites are in shallow water, easy for all to enjoy. Sam's Tours has the dive team to take PADI Seal divers to Ulong Channel.
Jr. divers can dive in 35 ft. of water to see airplane wrecks or dive German Channel with giant mantas. Families can enjoy giant clams, and Mandarin fish just off Sam's Tours' dock any day around 4 P.M. Kids will learn all about the Palau Shark Sanctuary and take the Palau Pledge.
The Palau Royal Resort is located right across the street and is perfect for families. It has a huge salt water lagoon, as well as a large sandy beach. Palau is full of culture and history, just ask anyone that's been there, it is well worth the extra flying time!
5. FIJI
To me, Fiji is the birth place of family. It is all about love, children, music dance, food and friendship.
Fiji is a place where culture becomes an integral part of the trip. Kids have so many opportunities to interact with the local villagers and local school children. It's a very humbling experience and for sure an education vacation. I believe there is one resort that stands out for luxury 5-star service and family diving, and that is Jean Michel Cousteau Resort.The name says it all.
1 and 2 bedroom oceanfront bure's are perfect for larger families, and luxury garden or point bure's for smaller families.
Imagine a place so perfect with beautiful beaches to snorkel or dive from. Relish in the tranquil mountain views that are the backdrop for the tur- quoise sea you will enjoy as you ponder the start of each new day from your private bure patio.
Spectacular shallow reefs just minutes away. JMC has a full-service kid friendly dive team. Educational features are the "Ocean Futures" program, a medi- cine walk, and marine conservation seminars.
Sam's Tour, Kids Sea Camp in 2020
Fiji, Kids Sea Camp in 2020:
July18th-28th (10 nights)
Thanksgiving, Nov. 21st-28th
www.familydivers.com
803-419-2556 email: dive@familydivers.com