Shoo Shark Shoo

Two weeks ago the company Shark Shield made the public announcement of their new electronic shark deterrent systems product line. These devices are the next generation in shark attack prevention systems based on the not so old PODs (Protective Oceanic Device) designed to be used by scuba divers, snorkelers and surfers.

The unit, according to the manufacturer creates an elliptical field that surrounds the user with an electric shield up to eight meters in diameter. I think this is a neat mechanism to prevent shark attacks. The Shark Shield will only deter sharks, rays and skates; it will not affect any other animals so, you can enjoy underwater photography or underwater video without disturbing the star of your movie or picture. By the way, it will not scare any seahorses or jellyfishes! :-)

The Shark Shield uses three-dimensional electronic waves that create muscular spasms and discomfort in the Ampullae of Lorenzini, one of the main the sensing organs of the sharks. These sensors are capable of detecting with accuracy electric fields, voltage and temperature in the water. What an incredible technology, no? I am referring to the shark’s sensors!

For almost US$600, this device can save you from one the worst underwater nightmares: a shark attack. An increasing number of companies and divers are buying this protective system for work or recreational purposes. Prevention and safety are good things, but also is good to know that a representative of the manufacturer said that the device worked 90% of the time repelling sharks, but it is not very effective when sharks are in an extremely agitated state.

In any case, there is always risk involved when diving with sharks.

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Scuba Diving Exotic Place – Coco Island and Costa Rica

The Coco Island is located at 373 miles (600km) southwest of Cabo Blanco in the Pacific Ocean. The official name in Spanish is “Isla del Coco” and is also referred as “Cocos Island”. The Coco Island is a National Park where you can find more that two hundred species of fish, more than fifteen coral types, and what I consider the main attraction, more than ten types of sharks, from including hammerheads to whale sharks.

Have you ever seen a wall of fish? These living walls are formed by schools of fish. The Coco Island is one amazing place where you can scuba dive and at the same time see something unique, like a large group of hammerhead sharks, the Coco Island offers not only great scuba diving spots but also a variety of above the water activities for your after scuba hours.

Another interesting thing about Costa Rica is that you have access to endless diving spots in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, some of the best places for scuba diving are: Murcielago Islands, Coco Beach, Samara, Cabo Blanco, Montezuma, Tortuga Island, Quepos, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo.

In general, Costa Rica’s beaches are quiet places, but just in case you decide to swim instead of scuba dive, you have to be careful at the following beaches: Bonita, Cahuita National Park (Costa Rica’s most beautiful coral reef), and Barranca, since there are no lifeguards and these beaches have strong rip currents (riptides). Remember if you get trapped in a rip current, do not fight it, your best option to get out of this situation is to swim parallel to the shoreline.