Three Places to Scuba Dive in Turks and Caicos

A Florida resident with a diverse professional background, Bill Oliver draws upon experience gained at companies such as Vicrin IGF Pharmaceuticals in Charleston, South Carolina. Currently a medical sales representative in Sarasota, Bill Oliver pursues a diverse range of hobbies, including kayaking and traveling, in his free time. An avid scuba diver, he has performed dives in Turks and Caicos.

One of the premier scuba diving locations in the world, the Turks and Caicos Islands feature crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. Here are three of the best dive spots in the region:

- Salt Cay. Situated near the Columbus Passage, the secluded Salt Cay features a British shipwreck and series of caverns to explore. In the winter months, divers might even get a chance to see humpback whales passing through as they migrate to their breeding grounds.

- Columbus Landfall Marine National Park. The largest national park in the islands, this protected Grand Turk marine preserve features more than two dozen dive sites and a reef that extends more than 1,000 feet from shore.

- Northwest Point Marine Park. Situated off the coast of Provo, this protected marine area is characterized by soft and hard coral and a wall that starts in just 35 feet of water and descends to more than 3,000 feet beneath the surface. Diving at this park offers opportunities to view barracuda, yellowtail tuna, and other aquatic creatures.

Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail Offers Several Points of Interest

A former salesperson in Charleston, South Carolina, Bill Oliver now works in medical sales in Sarasota, Florida. In his free time, Bill Oliver enjoys kayaking, particularly in the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail of Florida.

A 190-mile canoe and kayak trail, the Great Calusa Blueway winds its way through the coastal waters and tributaries of Lee County. Lee County Parks and Recreation created the trail along the state’s west coast.

The trail begins in the Gulf of Mexico, moves through the bays of Sanibel and Captiva, and then passes into sheltered creeks. Those who traverse the waterway can view a variety of marine life and shorebirds.

Several stops along the trail include:

* Tarpon Bay. Located in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, this protected body of water is an ideal kayak launch site.

* Orange River. Live oaks adorned with moss drape the river, and kayakers can wave to the many people sitting on their porches overlooking the calm waters. During the winter, kayakers may get a glimpse of sea cows swimming near Lee County Manatee Park.

* Mound Key. An island near Estero Bay, the key features shell mounds, one reaching 31 feet tall, and two paddle craft landings.

Choosing between the South and North Rims of the Grand Canyon

Former South Carolina resident Bill Oliver studied and worked in the cities of Columbia and Charleston before he moved to Florida to pursue a career in medical sales. In his free time, Bill Oliver enjoys travel. One of his favorite travel experiences outside of Florida was visiting the Grand Canyon.

A 277-mile gorge, the Grand Canyon reaches depths of more than a mile in places. Over five million visitors travel to Arizona to hike, photograph, and otherwise experience the canyon each year. When visiting the Grand Canyon, tourists have the option of visiting the North Rim or the South Rim. 

The vast majority of tourists visit the South Rim of the canyon, which is much more accessible and has numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels. The South Rim can get very crowded, especially during the summer. 

The North Rim appeals to tourists who like the road less traveled. At a height of 8,000 feet above sea level, this wilder, less-developed side of the Grand Canyon is open to the public between May 15 and October 15. Though fewer than 10 percent of Grand Canyon visitors make it to the North Rim, those who want to visit should plan ahead since hotels are scarce and are often booked more than a year in advance.