News
UK schools find the Costa Brava very fishy
Oyster Diving’s Mark Murphy shares his experiences on a dive trip with a difference, accompanying a group of school teachers exploring Spain’s Costa Brava under and above water…
While most people were putting their feet up over the Easter holidays, myself and a group of teachers from Wellington College, Ratcliffe College, Rye St. Antony, BEDES, Headington College, TASIS, Warden Park and Bradfield College headed to Spain to explore the depths of Costa Brava. The trip was organised by Oyster Diving, the UK based PADI 5 Star scuba diving and travel centre that specialises in courses and holidays for schools and colleges.
Funded by the Costa Brava Tourist Board, we spent 4 days being shown the delights of Spain’s premier underwater locations, as well as many fascinating land-based activities.
With a mixture of new and experienced divers we began our journey with a night’s stay in Hotel Cala Joncols, hidden at the Northern end of the Costa Brava, close to the French border.
Hotel Cala Joncols is a relaxed retreat located at the tip of a national park, 20 minutes from the nearest village. Run by Michael and Alexis, this idyllic resort is small and family-owned and provides a genuine Spanish cultural experience. Michael and Alexis couldn’t do more to make your stay more personal and enjoyable. From the décor that compliments the landscape of the vines, pine trees and olive trees, to the amazing food prepared by the resident chef, this is a taste of true Spain.
On our arrival we were greeted with a tour of the estate and endless amounts of Spanish tapas that included fresh fish, shellfish, local meats and paella. The resort is becoming famous amongst wine connoisseurs for aging wines from the area 27m under the sea, creating a unique taste.
The following morning, we met Jan, the owner of the dive centre attached to the hotel. Jan has been diving here for 16 years, so imparted much of his local knowledge upon us. He and his team took great care of us ensuring that everyone had kit that fitted perfectly.
After setting up our kit, we boarded the boat from the beach and 10 minutes later we were entered the clear blue Mediterranean waters close to a small rocky outcrop. Underwater there was plenty to see including Octopus, Wrasse and Groupers. The typography was stunning with ledges and nooks and crannies that many species of marine life call home.
The more experienced divers, who have travelled to many exotic places in the past, were pleasantly surprised by the variety and quantity of the local marine life, often not associated with diving in other parts of the Mediterranean.
Off the beach there also provides diving opportunities and offers a great place for students to complete their dive courses in the confines of a large, protected bay.
After the dive we headed by mini bus, via a quick tour to the Salvador Dale museum, to the next destination, Calella de Palafrugell, approximately 1 hour from Girona. Calella is a small fishing village that is picture-postcard-perfect. The area boasts small, white fronted houses nestled around a golden sandy beach, the Pyrenees mountains providing the stunning backdrop. Calella is not to be confused with the Calella close to Barcelona that I visited on a ‘young persons holiday’ in 1987.
The next morning, we were greeted by the friendly and experienced instructors Angel and Melissa from Poseidon, the local dive centre. This charming local PADI centre is located right on the beach. You can board their dive boat straight off the beach to explore the local wrecks and reefs, or simply do what we did and stroll straight off the sand, which was greeted by some bemused looks from the tourists topping up their tans.
The shallow clear waters are perfect for students to practice their skills and complete their training courses. Swimming out a little further, the local marine life was lit up by the bright, sunny sky against the contrast of sea grass, rocky outcrops and blue sea. Scorpion fish, large schools of colourful fish varieties patrolled the small rocky pinnacles looking for their next meal. A few teachers managed to catch a glimpse of an Octopus and Dr. O’Loughlin from Wellington College conducted his own reef clean-up by collecting the few bits of litter and debris that lay on the seabed.
During the summer, the dive centre offers a barbecue on the beach. It’s a great opportunity to look up at the starlit sky and swap stories about the days diving.
After hanging our kit up to dry we were treated to a 4-course lunch at hotel Garbi which is a 5-minute walk from the dive centre. Hotel Garbi is an ideal place to put up students as it offers affordability, practicality, comfort and charming grounds. We inspected the clean and ample-sized rooms, had our photos taken on the hotel balcony that overlooks the village and ocean, and checked out the other facilities to ensure that school children would be kept entertained when they weren’t in the water. Table tennis, a heated swimming pool, pool table and breath-taking coastal walks were all things schools could endure!
After lunch we hopped back on the bus and went for a late afternoon dive on the Medes Islands. These islands are famous amongst the French, Italian and Spanish divers, but as yet haven’t been discovered by the masses of UK divers. The island became famous after it became the first of 20 protected national marine reserves. In the 15 years since it was established it has allowed the marine life to thrive.
We descended into the blue, went through a large tunnel that had plenty of ambient light and followed the reef wall. This dive site is for more experienced divers but is one of the best dive sites to be found in the Med as it offers big schools of fish, huge groupers and Octopus. They are all tolerant of divers and their cameras, and if you come between May and June there is a really good chance of seeing sunfish.
After the dive, our VIP status continued as we were introduced the Mayor and met some of the other local friendly dive centre owners. They shared the delights of the area and how schools from France and Spain make this such an appealing trip for their children, returning year after year.
On our final day we were treated to a tour of Girona, an ancient City steeped in a fascinating history. For Game of Thrones fans, this was a chance to see the backdrop for some of the most iconic scenes.
The Costa Brava tourist board couldn’t have been better hosts and really made us feel very welcome. Oyster Diving have already arranged to take Ratcliffe College and Warden Park back to the Costa Brava in October half-term and next Summer. The students will finish their PADI open water theory and pool skills in the UK and then complete their certification in Spain. This allows for a few extra days of exploring the reefs with their new life-long diving qualification.
Oyster Diving are looking forward to taking another group of school teachers to the Costa Brava next year to show off the delights and benefits to schools and their students. If you are interested, then you can get in touch with Oyster Diving at info@oysterdiving.com, or for general information about scuba diving courses and trips visit their website www.oysterdiving.com.
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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