Antigua
Antigua also known as Waladli or Wadadli by the native population, is an island in the West Indies. It is one of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean region and the main island of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations on 1 November 1981.
Christopher Columbus named the island “Antigua” in 1493 in honour of the “Virgin of the Old Cathedral” (Spanish: La Virgen de la Antigua) found in Seville Cathedral in southern Spain. On his 1493 voyage, honouring a vow, he named many islands after different aspects of St. Mary, including Montserrat and Guadaloupe. The island’s circumference is roughly 87 km (54 mi) and its area 281 km2 (108 sq mi). Its population was 80,161 (at the 2011 Census). The economy is mainly reliant on tourism, with the agricultural sector serving the domestic market.
Over 31,000 people live in the capital city of St. John’s. The capital is situated in the north-west and has a deep harbour which is able to accommodate large cruise ships.
English Harbour in Antigua
English Harbour on the south-eastern coast is famed for its protected shelter during violent storms. It is the site of a restored British colonial naval station called “Nelson’s Dockyard” after Captain Horatio Nelson. Today English Harbour and the neighbouring village of Falmouth are internationally famous as a yachting and sailing destination and provisioning centre. During Antigua Sailing Week, at the end of April and beginning of May, the annual world-class regatta brings many sailing vessels and sailors to the island to play sports.
Not only is English Harbour known for sailing, but is also the home of DiveCarib, operated by the team of Bryan Cunningham and Leigh Cunningham. Kirk Scuba Gear has had the pleasure of working with Bryan in the past.
About DiveCarib::
DiveCarib provides recreational and technical diving courses, guided dives, scuba holiday packages and private training. If you are new to diving and looking for adventure, excitement and expeditions you have come to the right place. PADI, TDI and SDI courses are available at DiveCarib, run by highly experienced instructor trainers, bringing you over 60 years experience.
They cater to casual, beginners, experienced and technical divers, looking to dive or train with our experienced team of Instructor Trainers.
DiveCarib
Facilities::
Their dive shop has been custom built for us in the grounds of The National Sailing Academy. The shop itself sits above the private docks with a great view over Falmouth Harbour. On the property they have classrooms, an outside pavilion, restrooms, changing rooms, budget accommodation and private dockage. A BBQ pit sits in the center of the grounds.
Located on Dockside Road in English Harbour, DiveCarib are a short walk or boat ride to local restaurants, shops, bars and beaches. A short walk down the road will bring you to Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua’s most popular tourist attraction.
Rental Equipment:
DiveCarib’s scuba gear is new and well maintained. BCD’s are weight integrated durable Sherwood Avids, with two tank bands, and 4 dumps. Regulators are rugged Sherwood Bruts and the SR 2 for higher end deep diving. We have shorty wetsuits, strap fins and an assortment of different dive masks. We offer Sherwood Amphos dive computers and have a GroPro with colour filters to rent.
Dive Boat::
Their dive boat was originally custom built on The Isle of Wight, to carry a small jeep onto private islands from a Mega Yacht. They added a gulwing dive ladder and tanks racks to transformed it into your ideal diving platform. The dive platform is located at the stern for easy access, as well as a front lowering ramp for comfortable boarding and loading. A rigid hull, also has inflatable sides. The boat is powered by a 115 HP Yanmar diesel, into a Hamilton jet drive. Plenty of power and speed, if required, economical and NO PROPELLERS. It’s design allows maximum deck space for a small vessel. Comfortable for small groups of divers. Onboard cooler for refreshments and we have a fresh water rinse tub. An onboard shower is available. Electronics include, marine radio, Garmin GPS with chartplotter and a 1000ft underwater depth finder + electronic engine monitoring gauges. This dive boat has with teak decks and is fully shaded.
Package Deals::
Divecarib offers two dive trips per day for certified divers. For non-divers, there are snorkeling packages available. They are now a Watersports Centre, and guests have the opportunity to use the sailing dinghies, and other watersports equipment – kayaks and paddle boards – free of charge by arrangement. Should guests wish to learn to sail, we can offer classes by RYA qualified instructors.
Accommodation @ DiveCarib
Accomodations::
The Lodge – onsite – offers accommodation in one acre of beautiful gardens on the waterfront, within easy walking distance of all marinas in English & Falmouth Harbours. There is also ample off road parking.
The property features budget rooms with air conditioning, fans and fridges. Air-conditioned apartments with ensuite bathrooms and kitchenettes are also available. Wi-Fi access. Maid service is twice a week.
Accommodations consists of::
3 rooms, double or twin, with shared bathroom.
3 self contained apartments, double or twin, with ensuite bathrooms and compact kitchens.
1 self-contained cottage with ensuite bathroom and compact kitchen.
Discover Antigua diving. Contact Bryan Cunningham today.
Info Source::Wikipedia and DiveCarib
Leave A Comment