Readers of Scuba Diving Magazine have selected Bonaire as the #1 dive destination for the sixth year in a row in the magazine’s annual survey. New Horizons divers feel much the same way; we are taking another trip to this wonderful island from July 12 - 19, 2008. Click here to read details about the New Horizons trip.

Here is the full story about Scuba Diving Magazine’s rankings:
Kralendijk, Bonaire – (December 18, 2007) – Continuing its reign as one of the world’s top dive destinations, Bonaire was for the sixth year in a row rated the Top Dive Destination Overall (Caribbean/Atlantic) in Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2008.

Bonaire also received the #1 rating in five other Caribbean/Atlantic categories: Top Shore Diving, Top Destination for Beginners, Top Destination for Advanced Divers, Top Destination for Underwater Photography, Top Marine Life, and took second place in the category of Top Value.

“For more than twenty-five years Bonaire’s dedicated and environmentally-conscious dive industry has worked diligently to protect our coral reefs coral reefs and provide a superior dive experience, and we are honored that for six straight years divers have recognized our efforts and rated Bonaire the top dive destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic,” said Ronella Croes, Director of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB).

For the Reader’s Choice awards thousands of Scuba Diving subscribers and web users rated their dive experiences on a scale of one to five. Results of the 2008 Awards will be featured in the January 2008 issue of Scuba Diving magazine.

Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, landsailing, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and deep sea and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.

New Horizons is so sad to say that our great friend and fellow scuba instructor Dan O’Canna passed away on December 12, 2007. Dan and his wife Maryanne started diving in 2003 and immediately became not only “regulars” in the dive store, but also close friends in our circle of scuba buddies. They took lots of trips and experienced many adventures, so much so that they became Divemasters. By that point it was obvious that Dan and Maryanne were not only enthusiastic about diving, but also eager to help others who wanted to get into the sport. They were always happy to assist with a new class and introduce students to all the things we enjoy in the underwater world. In addition to diving, Dan and Maryanne have been very involved with the Boy Scouts for many years. Dan was the driving force to start a local Scouting Venture Crew that brings young men and women into scuba diving with the positive influences and values of Scouting. Early in 2007, Dan won a scholarship from the Boy Scouts of American to become a scuba instructor, a goal he tackled with much excitement and vigor. All of Dan’s activities clearly illustrate that he was a truly giving person. He valued people, and always stood as a positive example of selflessness and sharing. No doubt countless numbers of Scouts and scuba divers learned from him, not only how to enjoy the wonderful outdoors, but more importantly, how to treat others with respect, loyalty, and honesty. Dan, we will miss you dearly, but your positive influence on us will last forever.

Fellow divers, please join us in praying for and supporting Maryanne and all of their family. Visitation will be from 3:00 - 7:00pm on Saturday, December 15 at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road. A memorial service will be held at 8:00pm on Monday, December 17 at the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church, with friends invited to gather at 7:00pm at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to:

Boy Scouts of America Bluegrass Council
415 N. Broadway
Lexington KY 40508

PADI Project Aware
c/o New Horizons Diving Center
2577 Regency Rd.
Lexington KY 40503

Whale Shark Research Institute
P.O. Box 40
Princeton  NJ  08540

Save The Manatee Club
500 N. Maitland Ave
Maitland  FL  32751