News
Take in the Atmosphere
Reflecting on our visit to Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in the Philippines, looking through our images, reminds us that whilst this is, for sure, a world class site for diving and underwater photography, it is much more than that. As you arrive, the beauty of the place is apparent immediately, with well spaced bungalows lining the lush gardens leading down to the bar, restaurant, pool, dive centre and shoreline.
You are made to feel welcome and part of the family as soon as you start the check in process and we decided to take advantage of a welcome treatment at the spa right away to refresh our travel weary bodies. The spa is incredible. I have never seen such a beautiful and tranquil place, with ponds and running water reflecting the flowers, trees and massage areas. A treatment here is the best way to start and end a diving trip.
The dive centre is very well organised and there is a large and well-equipped camera room alongside the spacious briefing area that boasts large maps of the area as well as a recent sightings board. The staff cannot do enough for you, always carrying heavy equipment to the boat for you, helping rise and dry equipment, and the guides are always available to discuss the next weird critter you would like to find and photograph.
The bar overlooks the infinity pool that looks right out to the sea, past the black volcanic beach. The staff host a cocktail evening once a week, where everyone gets together for a couple of drinks and nibbles as the sun goes down. The restaurant serves incredible food, with excellent vegetarian and vegan options, from a varied and interesting menu. You dine overlooking the sea, and we were lucky enough to also get the meet the knowledgeable in-house sommelier and do a wine tasting experience in the climate-controlled wine cellar that looks onto the restaurant. Here we got to taste some of his favourite wines on the extensive wine list and talk about what bottle we would select for our final night. This is an activity well worth adding to your itinerary.
The diving here offers incredible reefs (like those at Apo Island), and world class muck diving. As discussed in a previous blog, Atmosphere even have their own frogfish expert on site. We saw a host of amazing critters in our short stay here and would go back in a heartbeat to dive here again.
Our final day, which was of course non-diving, saw us head out of the resort to take a little local flavour. The team ordered us a local form of transport that is basically a motorbike, with a large sidecar attached and this took us to the local village of Dauin to visit Finbar, a restaurant and craft ale bar that is popular with staff and guests alike. The journey alone is worth the experience!
Alas that is it from our stay at Atmosphere Resort & Spa. It also marks the end of our trip to The Philippines. It is an amazing country and dive destination, with a diverse range of diving opportunities that would keep any diver entertained. Be sure to experience it for yourself…
Equipment Used:
- Olympus OM-D EM-1 MKII
- Nauticam Housing
- Olympus TG5
For more information about Atmosphere Resorts & Spa visit their website by clicking here.
For more information about visiting the Philippines click here.
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.
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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