News
The Best ‘Combo’ Destinations in the World
We all know that two is better than one – Abbot & Costello, fish & chips, Thelma & Louise, rum & coke… some things just work together nicely; so the next time you’re planning an adventurous holiday to see wildlife above or below the waves, why not consider hitting two spots rather than just one? There are a few places around the world that lend themselves to this approach quite nicely, and in my opinion the top three simply have to be…
Sri Lanka & the Maldives
Long considered a popular honeymoon destination and often thought of as somewhat exclusive, and with competition among resorts on the increase, the Maldives is gathering momentum as a destination that the rest of us might just be able to afford. The thousands of idyllic islands make up the many ‘Atolls’, and it is from here that world class diving is just a splash away. Whale sharks and manta rays, reef sharks and turtles; the marine life is fantastic, and can be enjoyed as a resort based holiday in a splendid water villa – or better yet, on one of the many well equipped liveaboard vessels that operate in the region. The best time of year to visit is typically Dec-April, but this can vary depending on which island you find yourself on.
Either before or after a jaunt in the Maldives it makes perfect sense to stop off at Sri Lanka too. Widely regarded as one of the best places to spot Blue Whales, it is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts who fancy somewhere a bit different. You may think of Sri Lanka as being yet another beach destination, and you’re right, as there are some stunning beaches and there’s certainly some decent diving to be had. That being said, I would recommend spending time in Yala National Park as you’ll likely see elephants and perhaps a Sri Lankan sloth bear; perhaps the biggest draw is that Yala is thought to have the densest population of leopards in the world.
Selous & Mafia Island
Established as a world heritage site since 1982 and home to the majority of Tanzania’s elephant population, Selous game reserve is a beautiful wildlife destination. During the months of September and October it is possible to see large packs of painted dogs (also commonly know as hunting dogs or wild dogs), sometimes up to fifty or more animals at a time. The stunning sandbanks, oxbow lakes, islands and channels are home to over four hundred species of birds, including two rare species, the Pel’s Fishing Owl and the White-Backed Heron, both of which can be spotted along the wooded sections of the riverbank. Selous is dominated by the Rufiji River which sprawls into lakes and deltas which fill and empty with the changing seasons; a wondrous place for any safari enthusiast.
A short domestic flight away and still within Tanzania is an idyllic beach getaway, and having enjoyed the beauty of the Selous landscape and marvelled at the game viewing it offers, it is here on Mafia Island that you can relax on the pristine sandy beaches and take to the water for some excellent scuba diving. The clear and inviting waters of Chole Bay offers superb snorkelling, sailing and swimming, and outside the bay are some of the richest reefs in the world. Not only will you find an enormous variety of tropical fish beneath the waves, but back on land you might well see the giant Madagascan fruit bat; an unusual and intriguing resident to the island.
South Africa & Mozambique
Sharks, sharks and more sharks. If that doesn’t float your boat then stop reading now, but if, like me, the thought of sharing the water with some of the worlds most impressive apex predators really gets your juices flowing, then look no further. The rugged coastline of Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks near Durban in South Africa is the year-round playground for a plethora of toothy beasts. It’s not uncommon to see ragged tooth (sand tiger) sharks, bull sharks, black-tips, and if you’re really lucky, the formidable Tiger shark.
With your appetite for big fish truly whetted it would be wise to hop the border to Ponta Do Oura in Mozambique for even more action from a further variety of finned friends: hammerheads, leopard sharks, silver-tips and spinner sharks, not to mention the worlds largest and friendliest of mega fauna – the whale shark – can all be spotted here. The best time of year for this is between September and May.
So the next time you’re planning a diving and wildlife holiday, why not make the most of your journey with two destinations that are as good together as Angelina & Brad, tea & crumpets, Batman & Robin (OK, I’ll stop now – but you get the idea).
What would your favourite ‘combo trip’ be?
Mat is a travel consultant for Dive Worldwide.
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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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