In the year 1998, Louisiana divers ventured to many local and travel destinations. Toledo Bend, Red River, Louisiana gravel pits, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Australia, Belize, Bonaire, Cozumel, Honduras, Panama, and Papua New Guinea are a sampling of the destinations explored. Reviewing these excursions provides an overall picture of diving in 1998 and previews the exciting opportunities for 1999.

Toledo Bend provided enjoyable local diving. Although weather and changing water levels contributed to varying visibility throughout the year, good diving was enjoyed, especially by divers knowledgeable of the many dive sites. The variety in types of dive sites in the lake, resulted in successful and fun training, spearfishing and exploration activities.

The Red River is not generally considered a recreation dive site; however, is frequently dove in order to recover lost items. Experience, determination and a lot of luck are often required in recovering lost items. Some of the items recovered included a ring and a crop duster that crashed into the river back in November.

Several trips were made to local gravel pits. These sites have very good visibility (until the bottom is stirred) and cold temperatures. They provide good skill improvement and fun exploration opportunities.

Weather, as usual, played a major role in diving the Gulf of Mexico. Changing seas frequently prevented dive trips by smaller boats and also limited the number of trips to the Flower Gardens. Although many trips were canceled, when the timing was right the results were exciting.

Florida is one of the more frequent destinations sought by Louisiana divers. Florida Gulf diving is also affected by weather and did not allow for a good showing. The Spring dives remained consistently good. Vortex Springs remained the prime location in which many divers completed their training and had a lot of fun bottom time.

Travel destinations outside the U.S. continued in popularity. Numerous groups visited the Caribbean; as well as, the South Pacific. These groups consistently reported enjoyable and memorable adventures. Belize, Cozumel and Honduras brought rave reviews. The devastating storms that visited these areas created a disaster in many countries and surrounding areas, yet the diving areas recovered quickly. Once again Bonaire lived up to its reputation for excellent visibility and diving conditions. Louisiana divers took it by storm during the month of August and returned home eager for a future return to this great diving area. Panama stood out as the newest Pacific dive destination with the introduction of the Coiba Explorer. This is a new destination for the experienced diver and all around sports person. A trip aboard the Coiba Explorer is truly an adventure. Explore their web site by checking them at: www.coibaexplorer.com. Australia and Papua New Guinea proved to be the trips of a lifetime for many divers and non-divers alike (including myself). The trip exceeded the imagination and expectations of all who went. The diving was phenomenal and the marine life truly unique.

It stands to say that 1998 was a good year for Louisiana divers, after all as the saying goes. "Any day diving is a good day!". The year 199 brings with it an awesome diving forecast. Excursions are being planned every day. Local and Florida diving trips are scheduled regularly. Schooling Hammerhead trips to the Flower Gardens, Palau/Truk Lagoon, Cayman Brac and other destinations are filling fast. The whirl of activity promises an exciting season ahead. We invite you to join us for an exciting 1999 dive season. If you have any questions or comments about dive training, travel or general curiosity please call Jimmy, Robin, Craig or Melissa at The Water Habitat (318) 443-5075.