Beach Hopper Dive Boat

The lodge amidst mystery

As we set off around dusk after work, my friend and I were looking forward to getting into Habarana later that night in want of maximizing our time during the weekend we intended spending there! The pleasant Walkers Tours driver, Kavindra, was bang on time, smiling welcomingly to collect us and our bags. We were a trifle late, but we finally set off. Even though the sun had set and darkness had fallen, as we drove past Pasyala, we couldn’t help but stop to buy some freshly roasted salted cadjunuts to snack on during the journey.

Soon word got round that we had arrived, and from the Regional Chef Jeeva, to the Assistant Manager Chaminda, we were met and indulged with exotic foods and excellent service. The dining room was still occupied with other guests, all relaxing the evening away. The band in the adjoining bar belted out some popular music, sometimes so loud that some of us just couldn’t make conversation, but that was what was on demand I was told. We left our dining experience to get an early night.

Showered and freshened, we felt like the morning that enveloped us – crisp with fragrant hues of the flowering shrubs, birds that were chirping merrily – all in a happy tone, we almost felt like skipping our way to the restaurant for a much looked forward to breakfast! Once again, a huge buffet with different aromas wafting in the air tempted us to try waffles, homemade yoghurts (a first in the hotels in Sri Lanka), hoppers, stringhoppers, pol -rotis with the popular accompaniments, "kola kenda" a herbal porridge with pieces of pure kitul jaggary to tag onto, fruit, juices, cereals, freshly baked breads - the choice was nothing but the best! As squirrels begged for tit-bits on the side, we laboured over breakfast, and decided to drive out to Trincomalee to see Chaaya Blu which has been in operation for a year plus!

The roads were certainly a tad better, so we sped off anxious to see the stunning beaches of the east coast. Suddenly, we were beckoned by a policeman who came out from nowhere, who claimed we were speeding. We were just 5 km over the speed limit. Regardless of our many excuses, and pleading, we were fined Rs.1000. We continued until we reached Chaaya Blu and again given the right royal welcome that emanates from the hotel culture of the John Keells Group. It was certainly "one journey, many paths" as their slogan goes. Ahead of us were miles of a stretch of an unbelievable blue sheet with soft white cotton-like swirls waiting to catch either the breath of a whale, or dolphins at play, the rays of the sun, or even just us the human being waiting to dive into the warm waters of the ocean! Boats were spotted afar, and we were told that they were carrying divers to hot spots to do their thing! We didn’t have enough time to take a boat out to see whales or dolphins and opted to believe what was told to us by other guests who packed the restaurants to capacity. Indeed a refreshing change from how the hotels were patronised hardly a few years ago. General Manager Ravi Fernando walked us through the many areas in the property, through superior rooms, suites, the beach-fronted rooms, bar, specialty restaurant and the main restaurant, the diving office, etc. A 36- degree Centigrade temperature was not the most comfortable but we were fortunate to have a warm breeze waft through the restaurant which helped to keep ourselves slightly more comfortable. A quick lunch of seafood and salads, and a fond farewell, saw us back in our vehicle heading way to the Lodge once again. A thrilling moment for a minute or two was ours, when a wild lone elephant suddenly appeared from the jungle came out for food, stared at us and slowly walked away.

Dive Trips (2012) – El Mar | Go Under Diving

Airfare NOT Included

Relax and Dive with Tom Slagel, Vicki Daubard and El Mar Diving Center at the Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort. In a privileged location, this hotel is situated in the center of a leafy tropical forest that wraps its room and “casitas” in a unique atmosphere, in perfect harmony with nature. Its private beach and the peaceful waters of the Caribbean Sea make it the ideal place to rest while enjoying the sun, diving and snorkeling in a backdrop full of life and color. Come stay in a paradise with a paradise!

Includes 7 nights at Fiesta Americana, Ocean View! ALL MEALS daily All Drinks daily including ALCOHOL All non-motorized watersports 5 days of 2 tank boat dives 5 days of unlimited shore diving Hotel and Airfare taxes Pre-Trip party Group refresher (rooms include: A/C, ceiling fans, hot water shower, hair dryer, private bathroom & porch) 3 meals daily 6 days of 3 boat dives daily 2 night boat dives Unlimited shore diving and snorkeling Unlimited use of kayaks, bicycles & horseback riding Ticket reconfirmation Pre-Trip party Group refresher Taxes Belize, Ambergris Caye June 30th – July 7th, 2012 Airfare from PHX to Belize City NOT Included

“Join El Mar Diving Center and Tonia Foster for world class diving off the second largest barrier reef in the world!!! You will be staying on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye, where you will enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters right outside your hotel room. You will enjoy your diving with Aqua Dives and their private dock right on the premises. Most dive sites are less than a 10 minute boat ride.” We have created this blog with the intent to posting any interesting information concerning diving, marine research and conservation, trips, equipment and whatever seems of interest to the diver community. Basically, “Anything about diving”. We would like this site to also become a meeting place for the diver community where we can share our diving experiences and where we can connect with other divers or find dive buddies. For this, the site is equipped with basic social networking capability, so register and meet other divers. Have fun!