$211* New York Kennedy, NY to... »»

$75* Quito, Ecuador to Miami,... »»

$439* Sao Paulo, Brazil to... »»

$214* St. Lucia, British West... »»

Subscribe to Liquidtravel

Liquidtravel News Feeds

WHAT'S NEW

Diving into Spring

Descending beneath the surface of Spring Lake reveals both the history and beauty of the Texas Hill Country. As the headwaters for the San Marcos River, this lake, unlike other lakes of Central Texas, is formed from the flow of over 200 natural springs. Throughout its history, this valuable source of water has attracted both man and animal alike. These springs may even be the oldest continually inhabited site in North America with Paleo Indian artifacts dating back 12,000 years.

Beginning in the 1940's, glass-bottomed boats conveyed tourists over the lake and provided sightseers a glimpse beneath its surface and a view of the springs bubbling upwards through the sand. The lake can be compared to famous Italian Lakes because of its pristine beauty and unscathed natural and historical charm. By the 1950's an underwater theater installed with glass windows allowed spectators to view an underwater stage where "Aquamaids" and "Mermen" performed.

Riding the Magic Bus

The Magic Bus Company was created to service Toronto’s low budget travelers. These buses wander the city streets picking up passengers looking for an inexpensive way to tour the city and surrounding areas. One of their most popular trips is a tour to Niagara Falls. At $40 Canadian ($34 US), however, you will need to be prepared to leave certain amenities behind compared to other competitive tours costing 50-75% more.

The Magic Bus is a psychedelically painted school bus so there are no restroom facilities available. And, if you remember your days riding the ‘yellow dog’ to school, you should remember these seats are some of the hardest and most uncomfortable around. What makes this trip bearable are the 3 additional stops along the way you might not get to see on other traditional tours. These stops will give your numb bum a chance to recover while offering you more opportunities to take memorable photographs during the 1 hour and 45 minute trip to Niagara Falls.

Top of Texas

The Guadalupe Mountains are one of the earth’s best examples of an ancient marine reef. Geologists come to these mountains from all around the world to marvel at their natural beauty. Most believe these formations formed approximately 250 million years ago in the geologic period know as the Permian.

From the 17th to the 19th century, the Guadalupe Mountains were the exclusive domain of a small group of Mescalero Apaches known as the Nde. The Nde roamed these lands hunting mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as harvesting plants like agave, sotol, and bear grass. The nomadic Mescaleros ranged over vast areas and followed the changing seasons. That is until 1858 when the U.S. Army began an aggressive campaign to rid the Nde from these highlands, which they eventually did 30 years later.

Diving the Gardens

The water was so smooth I could have skipped a rock from the West Bank back to Freeport as we prepared to dive. I was back for my 10th trip in six years. I first experienced the wonders of the Flower Gardens in 1996. Each return trip has been unique, beautiful, yet challenging with different obstacles and experiences in each dive. The Flower Garden Banks definitely leave a lasting impression.

Located 110 miles off the Texas-Louisiana border in the Gulf of Mexico lies what many consider ‘the perfect dive.’ The Flower Garden Banks Marine Sanctuary is home to the northernmost coral reefs in North America. These large underwater coral formations, more commonly called the Flower Gardens, have been drawing divers for years. As their popularity grows so to does our fascination with them.

WHAT'S NEW

Diving into Spring

Riding the Magic Bus

Top of Texas

Diving the Gardens

More Articles...