Travel tips please

[Clearblue303]

Got 3 plane tickets.I would go somewhere in the Caribbeans with my family.
Who had some good experience lately,snorkelink and stuff?
Can you recommend some accommodation at a resonable price?
Did someone bring some rocks or inverts back?
What is forbidden to bring in,what's not?
Thanks.FM.

 

[naesco]

The best snorkeling I have experienced in the Caribbean is near Runaway Bay near Ochios Rios, north side of Jamaica. Flew into Montego Bay and than took a taxi to an all inclusive, Club Caribbean Resort. Hired the divers on their days off to show me the stuff tourists don't get to see, cheap. They looked after our kids or assisted us when we went with them. Friendly and Inexpensive. The reef was within swimming distance of the beach and totally pristine. Double check please but Canadian Customs allows you to bring with you anything provided it is not on the CITES list. (Check with the Canadian Wildlife Federation.)
You should find out what current Jamaican Law is re removal though.
Current unrest in Jamaica is in small parts of Kingston, but because of this you should be able to call your price as I am sure tourists are scared away.
God I envy you.

 

[Clearblue303]

Thanks!
I'll check it out.
We're thinking about Sardinia and(or) Corsica too.
(just to tease you a bit more...)
But there is high season right now.
Thanks again.FM.

 

[naesco]

Do the Caribbean. You won't regret it.

 

[Clearblue303]

First choice will be St Lucia,seccond Antigua,third,Bahamas.
He,he!

 

[ophiuroid]

To answer another question...

If you are traveling via the US, I would not bring ANYTHING back with you that resembles coral, etc. That can land you in some big trouble, as US inspection is now looking for these types of violations with gusto. I would assume that if the US is keeping an eye out (and I have heard of people having trouble with coral skeletons picked up on the *beach* as well as sand, etc), then Canada probably is too. Not only is there increased concern about the introduction of non-native life, but also in the destruction of coral reefs and violations of CITES regulations (its about time). If you do not have scientific collection permits, which can take months and do not have the training to properly collect without damage, IMO, it is not worth the risk. Such inspections and fines have even been brought against some major US scientific institutions.

Laws and regulations aside: as the SCUBA saying goes- take only pictures, leave only bubbles. Reefs that borded any commercial development (= all islands in the Caribbean) are under enough stress already. Please don't cause more simply by trying to add another critter to your tank!

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Brittlestars!! http://home.att.net/~ophiuroid
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[Clearblue303]

Yes.I'm flying direct.
I just intend to bring some rocks.
But I'll check it out with the locals.
Take care.FM.
(oh...have to start packing...)

 

[Greg Hiller]

FWIW, I've brought back dead rocks from up on the beach from Honduras, Hawaii, and Fiji. In all cases this was DEAD, dried, and rainwashed material that had no soil, plants, or animals attached. I was completely open about the collection and transport of the material, and no authorities had any problems with it. When I reached US customs they asked what was in the boxes and I told them dead, dried, rainwashed coral skeletons I found on the beach with no soil. I was always immediately waved through. FWIW, I've built nearly all my tank rock structures using this material plus one small carefully choosed live rock from another tank.

If anyone has a problem with the stuff that you bring (of the type I'm speaking of) in as long as you were open and honest they could confiscate it, but I really doubt you would be fined in any way.

- Greg Hiller

 

[Clearblue303]

Last november I brought some rocks and a dead seafan skeleton from Bermuda.They scanned the luggage and didn't even mentioned anything.The fan was clearly showing.
At that time I didn't have s/w tank.
Thanks.FM.

 

[naesco]

You will likely just fly from TO direct. Check with those countries to find out the status on fish & corals & check CWF re CITIES.

 

[ophiuroid]

I think it depends on the person at the inspection station...I have had a very different experience coming back from the Bahamas (2000) and was specifically asked about coral material of any kind. I don't think that *dry* rocks that have clearly been exposed to rain, sun and evident weathering would be a problem ...inverts would be another issue though. Whatever you do, I agree, be open about what you are carrying.

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Brittlestars!! http://home.att.net/~ophiuroid
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