Steve Slattery returned February 19th after taking a group of Bluewater travelers to Fiji for scuba diving and to enjoy the beauty of this Southwest Pacific paradise and the Lalati Resort in Beqa, Fiji.

Known for the aquarium-like diving, the beautiful soft corals and the unparalleled colors and varieties of fish, Fiji lived up to all their highest expectations.

For many it was their first experience seeing the exotic clown triggerfish, blue ribbon eels, striped angelfish, guinea fowl puffer, coral hawkfish and the cutest clown anemone fish.

In addition to the incredible diving the group was treated to a beautiful resort with spacious and comfortable villas, delicious culinary delights prepared by Iron Chef Trained Salome’, and the top notch resort spa and staff.

When not diving, the group explored other parts of Fiji, visiting a local boarding school where they were entertained by thirty or so kids representing several villages, with song and dance. Meki, a local minister led them on a hike to a waterfall and the Village of Beqa where they purchased local handmade crafts.

The culmination of their visit was getting to visit the Lalati Village where they were led on a tour by the village leaders, then taken to the Chief who welcomed them with a traditional kava ceremony. Kava, a pepper-like root is dried, crushed and mixed with water similar to a tea, then served in a half-coconut bowl, to be consumed in one shot after the requisite clapping and chanting.

After the ceremony, Josaia, their boat captain and the future village chief, explained that the Bluewater group had been blessed by the village and now were officially members of the village. Josaia told them the village had been without power for approximately nine months since their generator had broken down and they had been unable to raise the money for repairs. He asked if the group might like to make a donation to the village towards their generator fund. Little discussion was needed before there was a unanimous decision that the group would donate the necessary $2,750.00 needed to make the repairs to the generator. It was a touching a proud moment that our travelers, who recognized how fortunate they are to have so much compared to the people of Lalati Village, were able to make such a generous offering and help such a deserving people.

The Bluewater group consisted of both experienced travelers and divers as well as some brand new to the Scuba experience. But all seemed to agree that it was probably one of the absolutely best trips any of yet experienced in both the land based and diving adventures and the incredible cultural experience.

Next time you are in the shop, get Steve to show off some of his photos, but remember, he gets so excited talking about his trip you should plan on staying a while.

While it is still too cold to dive locally we  have planned trips to Vortex and Morrison Springs in the Florida panhandle. Last weekend instructors Greg Gilkey and Mark Bannerman took students to Morrison for their checkout dives.

The visibility was incredible, estimated at 40+ feet!. Although not all specialties can be accomplished at Morrison, it is a wonderful place for Open Water checkout dives, you won’t find any better visibility within driving distance. Water temps were a constant 68 degrees, comfortable enough for a 7mm wetsuit or even a 3mm with a hooded vest, or better yet a drysuit.

During some of our upcoming Florida trips we may also try to schedule a day of boat diving out of Panama City or Destin but don’t think you can’t go diving now! Next trip is planned for January 21 and 22, call the shop to go with us on this great trip!

For our Groupon this time, we are providing a Dry Snorkel and 4 hours of pool time. If you've never heard of a dry snorkel, they're great! At the top of the snorkel is a floating lever that seals off the top of the snorkel so water cannot get inside. This means that when you're at the surface checking out the sea life below and a wave comes overhead, the snorkel will seal shut until the water passes overhead. Also, if you're breath-hold diving, you don't have to clear your snorkel of the water when you return to the surface. A standard snorkel requires you clear the snorkel tube of the water before you can inhale again.

Using a dry snorkel is very easy, but it might take a little practice. That's why we're offering 4 hours of pool time to try out your new snorkel. Feel free to bring your own mask and fins and jump in our 50' indoor heated pool. If you don't have mask or fins, we've got complete snorkeling packages for various budgets. Or you can rent some of ours for your pool sessions.

Groupon Pool Nights will be every Thursday nights from 6-8pm through Oct. 5, 2011. No appointment is necessary. Just bring your Groupon and a swim suit/towel/mask/fins,  and we'll get you in the water. When you redeem your Groupon for your snorkel and first pool session, we'll give you a coupon to come back for another free 2 hour pool session. If you have friends or family that didn't purchase a Groupon that would like to join you in the pool, they can purchase a one day pool pass for $10. If you need to rent a mask/fin set, the cost is $10 also. Everyone entering the pool area will need to sign a General Liability Waiver.

Feel free to gift this Groupon to anyone you'd like. The snorkel alone retails for $60, and you're getting the snorkel and 4 hours of pool practice time for only $45.

We look forward to seeing you! Enjoy your weekend!

All the

Are you ready for some amazing wreck dives in Pensacola, Florida? Let me answer that for you, YES YOU ARE! 

Bluewater Scuba in Franklin, TN is "Where Nashville Learns To Dive" and for those of you who already know HOW to dive, well...then we're "Where Nashville Goes to Book Their Dive Trips!" It's not as catchy, but it works ;)



Here are the details:


Celebrate 4th of July Weekend with Bluewater Scuba by diving an incredible shipwreck off the coast of Pensacola, Florida. This is the only aircraft carrier accessible for the majority of SCUBA divers and the largest artificial reef ever created.

The cost is $599 and includes:
- 2 Days of 2 Tank Dives

- 2 on Oriskany, 2 on Navy Tug Boat

- 3 Nights Accomodations (double occupancy)

- ADD ON: Nitrox Tank Rentals at 28% blend - $14/tank (rented in Florida) 

Not included: Transportation, training fees, equipment, meals and 3% credit card fee. Single Rate: $775.Non-Diver Rate: $359 

• Divers wishing to dive the Oriskany must have a minimum of 20 logged dives. 

• Divers must have a whistle, safety sausage, dive computer, gloves, and pressure gauge. 

• Open Water Divers without an advanced certification or a deep diver specialty certification will be required to dive with a Divemaster/Guide and must have completed 2 logged dives within the last year or complete a refresher. 

• Advanced Divers or those with deep diver specialty certifications must have completed 2 logged dives at or below 80’ in the last year to dive without a Divemaster/Guide. 

• Bring your certification card and log book. 

Call the shop to book your spot: 615-771-0002

$300 deposit. Balance due June 7, 2011.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bluewater Scuba is the only PADI 5 Star IDC in Middle Tennessee with an onsite training pool. What does this mean? You have the convenience of training in the only facility in town where it's all under one roof. Work in one of our spacious classrooms with your instructor, and then step right in the pool to practice the skills you just discussed. You don't have to cart all of your gear to another location. It's all here! And whether you're a beginning diver or someone who's ready to "go pro" and pursue a professional diving career, Bluewater Scuba can train you all the way to the top. Stop by the shop in Franklin, TN today and see for yourself.