News
Diving Mozambique has never been easier
The imminent opening of the spectacular Maputo-Catembe bridge, the largest suspension bridge in Southern Africa, will bring major change for visitors keen to explore the rare, untouched stretches of coastal wilderness in Southern Mozambique.
Thanks to the new Maputo Bay river crossing and new road infrastructure, some of the world’s most beautiful dive destinations are now within easy reach. This new access, combined with the availability of 30-day tourist visas on entry, means a Mozambican tropical beach and diving holiday has never been easier.
White Pearl Resort, the leading private beach resort in Southern Mozambique is ideal for both beginners and specialised divers alike. The resort offers no less than 19 dive spots in an unspoilt marine national park, including one of the world’s top pinnacle reefs.
White Pearl can now be reached in only 90 minutes from Maputo International Airport. It is also just 30km from the South African border, making it an ideal choice for adventure seekers looking to get absorbed in Mozambique’s underwater world.
Located on a sensational stretch of endless golden sand without a footprint in sight White Pearl offers a professional, safe and world class interpretive diving experience with no equal anywhere along the Mozambican southern coastline.
Calm, relaxed and exclusive with no other groups, boats or a multitude of divers swarming around the same reef the quietness of the surroundings set the pace for utmost relaxation and enjoyment. Launching directly from the beach at the resort, experienced dive instructors show guests brightly coloured underwater corals and an array of brilliantly marked fish.
The variety of dive spots mean that there’s something for everyone and the area is also excellent for the avid underwater photographer: with numerous fascinating marine creatures thrilling sightings of big schools of Hammerhead and Zambezi sharks are common during the summer months, together with pelagics on the deep dives and Whale sharks sightings from October to February on the way to the dive spots. Tropical reef fish and an array of Nudibranchs are always in the vicinity but do keep an eye out for Loggerhead and even Leatherback turtles that make use of the deserted beaches to lay their eggs. It is an amazing experience to come across these almost prehistoric animals.
The Dive Centre at White Pearl Resort offers dives for all levels of experience, from an 8m open water dive to deep blue 40m dives for the experienced, advanced divers. PADI Resort courses are also available and diving equipment can be hired from the resort’s Dive Centre. There are several sites that are suitable for open water divers but to get the most out of the experience at White Pearl, divers should ideally be certified as Advanced Open Water or similar with experience of deep and drift diving techniques. The courses can also be completed at the resort.
For further information please visit the White Pearl website by clicking here.
Or visit their social media sites: Facebook & Twitter
For reservations please call +27 (0)11 026 7178 or email reservations@whitepearlresorts.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
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.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced