News
Holidays beneath the waves inspired by the BBC’s new Blue Planet II series
Some 16 years after the ground-breaking first series hit our screens, the BBC’s Blue Planet is set to return this autumn. Once again hosted by Sir David Attenborough, the new seven-part series will reveal further mysteries of the world’s oceans and the fascinating, and sometimes bizarre, creatures that inhabit them. For those inspired by the programme, leading tour operator Dive Worldwide offers a ‘shoal’ of trips to locations featured in the show, allowing viewers the chance to replicate the action they see on screen.
Blue Planet II breaks barriers in the world of wildlife filming. From capturing erupting underwater volcanoes in the Gulf of Mexico to the depths of the Antarctic Ocean, and using new technology such as suction cameras on the back of orcas and whale sharks, this is an immersive series, and one that is sure to top the 12 million viewers of the original series, back in 2001.
As featured in Blue Planet II…
Dolphins in South Africa
Sure to be one of the series’ iconic sequences is the incredible footage of dolphins surfing in South Africa. For those looking to spend time with these intelligent animals in the Rainbow Nation, there isn’t a finer trip than the Sardine Run Adventure. Each June a shoal of millions of sardines migrate down the KwaZulu Natal coastline, prompting the greatest feeding frenzy on earth, with dolphins, sharks, orcas and whales all after a slice of the action. Guests spend five days following the shoal and diving and snorkelling with its plethora of wildlife.
Price: from £2,675pp sharing including return international flights, all transfers, seven nights’ B&B accommodation, two dives at Aliwal Shoal and five days’ Sardine Run Action.
Whale Sharks in the Galapagos
Blue Planet II will use suction cameras attached to the back of whale sharks to offer amazing creature-eye-view footage, never seen before on television. To experience this same viewpoint first hand, dive with whale sharks on a Galapagos Liveaboard. Whale sharks are frequent visitors to the archipelago, typically visiting between June and December and, as was recently discovered, often while pregnant. Other species to spot include schools of hammerhead and silky sharks and manta rays.
Price: from £5,745pp sharing including 1 night in Guayaquil, 7 nights’ liveaboard accommodation, all meals, up to 20 dives, transfers and return flights from the UK.
Giant Cuttlefish in South Australia
Film-makers captured giant cuttlefish in Australia gathering in their thousands for their annual mating aggregation. For those looking to witness these curious creatures first hand, it is best to head to South Australia. Joining an extended liveaboard expedition beginning on the Neptune Islands, divers will experience the thrill of a cage dive with great white sharks, see sea dragons and sea lions along the leafy coastline, and at the upper Spencer’s Gulf see the amazing giant cuttlefish themselves, in what is one of nature’s most flamboyant mating ceremonies.
Price: from £3,435pp sharing, including 9 nights’ FB liveaboard accommodation, 9 days’ diving with tanks and weights and transfers. Voyage only. Flights extra.
Unusual Octopuses
The new series features incredible footage showing the sophisticated hunting techniques of the reef octopus and, for fans of the weird and wonderful, Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait is the jewel in the diving crown. On the Walls, Schools & Critters itinerary, guests will spend a week each in Bunaken and Lembeh, enjoying up to three dives per day.
Price: from £2,975pp sharing, including 14 nights’ FB accommodation, 12 days of diving, tanks and weights, transfers and return flights from the UK.
Sperm Whales and their Calves
Viewers inspired by the series’ sperm whale and her calf should head to Dominica. This Caribbean island is the only country in the world where sperm whales can be seen all year round, as the juveniles and females do not migrate. On the Discover Dominica trip, guests will combine whale watching with diving and dip beneath the waves at the spectacular Champagne Reef. There’s also the chance to head inland and hike to waterfalls and a boiling lake, to appreciate why Dominica is known as the ‘Nature Island’.
Price: from £1,795pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B accommodation, 5 days of activities, transfers and return flights from the UK.
The Depths of Antarctica
Filmed using manned submersibles, the Antarctica episode focuses on the deep oceans surrounding the White Continent. For adventures closer to the surface the Classic Antarctica trip offers diving in the icy water, kayaking around Wienche Island and wildlife watching of the continent’s penguins and whales, among other wildlife. Staying aboard a specially-designed polar vessel, guests will enjoy talks from a knowledgeable naturalist each evening bringing the continent’s wildlife to life. Price: from £5,695pp sharing, including 10 nights’ FB liveaboard accommodation, shore excursions, activities and talks by naturalists. Voyage only, flights extra.
For further information contact Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com, 01962 302 087).
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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