steveholtam

Let's share some photo links please. Here are a couple to start off:

Denver Post - 30

http://photos.denverpost.com/2013/09/16/photos-costa-concordia-cruise-ship-being-raised/?source=hot-topic-bar#1

NBC - 8

http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/17/20537673-horror-below-the-waterline-photos-reveal-crumpled-cabins-on-uprighted-costa-concordia-cruise-ship?lite

My eleven year old daughter and myself went to Paradise Cove last week. Here is my review. Some is taken from my trip review.

I had pre-booked the day trip to Paradise Cove prior to our arrival via their website. The company was supposed to be waiting for us when we got off the ship, but they were not. Another couple happened to have called them from port and they let us know they were on their way. So it took us a bit longer to get going then I was expecting.

After a 15 minute drive, we arrived at the beach place. The driver, Nathan, told us about some aspects of the island on our way to the beach. It was a nice driver and brief tour. You could tell the island people are poor which was sad, but he did say that most depend on tourism, so at least were doing our best.

At the check-in counter, there were these tiny little bugs that were biting everyone's ankles. So I would advise you bring bug spray. But after that I never felt them again. For about $60, we got transportation, snorkel equipment, two chairs and an umbrella.

The snorkeling was pretty good. Not a huge reef, but there were some corals. Quite a variety of fish, and even turtles. They do give you some basic instructions and set you free. The best areas are quite a bit out, and they have a few floats that you can climb on are just hang on. Oh, we even saw a lobster. And a small barracuda I think.

After getting out to the good section, and then spending some time out there, and then swimming all the way back, we were both pretty tired. I was glad to have the floatation device waist thing. This allowed me to turn over on my back and just relax and kick.

We spent the rest of the day hanging out on the beach, playing in the sand, drinking Island beers, and having lunch. The food is nothing special, but the prices were better then I thought they would be. Like $8 for a burger, and beers were like $4. They gathered us up about 2:30 and returned us to the port.

It was a good day. Remember to put lots of sunscreen on. And reapply often.

Mango Deck is a hoot though! Great people watching and a very fun atmosphere. Pus great food and drinks! Check out there website.