News
Dive into the Azores with Regaldive for an all-round adventure
For adventurous types looking for a dive holiday and more, UK based diving holiday specialist Regaldive recommends a visit to the Azores. Home to nine exotic islands offering world renowned diving and exciting above-the-water activities, there’s plenty to keep even the most adventurous travellers entertained. What’s more, for those who don’t want to travel far, the islands are located just three and a half hours flight from the UK, making the Azores the ideal getaway for those with little time to spare.
Below the water, the Azores are famous for their labyrinthine tunnels, canyons and arches which have been etched out by ancient lava streams. Divers can hope to encounter at least 25 different pelagic species including blue and mako sharks, spotted, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins, turtles, rays, and even whale sharks. Beaked whales, sperm whales, humpbacks and false killer whales can be spotted from the surface. Highlights include the bubbling hydrothermal vents and 100 metre MV Dori wreck off the coast of Sao Miguel; the challenging dive sites of Ilheus das Formigas and Dollabarat Banks close to Santa Maria; the well-known exposed site of Princess Alice Bank off Pico Island, and the intriguing anchor graveyard off of Terceira.
Once on dry land, divers can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and wide diversity of the islands. With each island having its own unique charm, days can be spent climbing volcanoes, cycling through picturesque landscapes, exploring gardens, relaxing in hot springs, learning about the islands’ maritime history, taking to the water on a whale watching trip, visiting cosmopolitan marinas, tasting delicious local produce and exploring World Heritage Sites.
Regaldive offers dive holidays on the islands of Sao Miguel, Pico, Terceira and Santa Maria.
A seven night stay at the Hotel Talisman on Sao Miguel cost from £641 per person, to include flights, transfers and seven nights’ B&B accommodation. A four dive dive pack costs from £114 per person.
A seven night stay at the Hotel Caravelas on Pico costs from £913 per person, to include flights, transfers and seven nights’ B&B accommodation. A four boat dive pack costs from £123 per person.
Seven nights’ at the Hotel Do Caracol on Terceira cost from £921 per person, to include flights, transfers and seven nights’ B&B accommodation. A six shore dive pack costs from £142 per person.
A seven night stay at the Hotel Colombo on Santa Maria costs from £946 per person, to include flights, transfers, seven nights’ B&B accommodation and 10 dives.
The Azores islands are well suited to twin centre island combinations and with flexible scheduled and charter flights available, Regaldive can plan your itinerary for the optimum Azores experience.
For further information or to book, visit www.regaldive.co.uk or call +44 (0)1353 659 999.
News
Palau Resurfaces! Visit Us at boot 2025 in Duesseldorf and Discover Why!
Following a period away, Palau – a dream destination for countless divers – is excited to rejoin the boot water sports show in Duesseldorf, Germany.
This prestigious water sports show, taking place from January 18 to 26, 2025, provides Palau with a platform to showcase its unique offerings in diving, snorkelling, and sustainable tourism.
Located in the western Pacific’s Micronesian region and part of the Caroline Islands, the Republic of Palau comprises over 340 picturesque islands. Although small in landmass, Palau is a natural wonder both above and below the water.
Palau is renowned as a global leader in environmental conservation. Years ago, the nation implemented forward-thinking measures to preserve its natural resources. In 2009, Palau became the world’s first national shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing. To further protect its marine ecosystem, home to over 1,500 fish species and about 700 coral species, Palau established a fully protected marine sanctuary spanning 193,000 square miles in 2015.
Palau’s return to the boot shows marks a significant moment for the island nation, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Visitors to the Palau booth will discover a vision of sustainable tourism, as environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in the islanders’ way of life.
“We are thrilled to return to Germany and share the beauty and diversity of Palau with the world,” says Kadoi Ruluked, Managing Director of the Palau Visitors Authority, who will lead the delegation at the trade show. “boot provides an outstanding platform to position Palau as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and a true paradise for underwater adventures.”
Amid growing global efforts toward eco-friendly tourism, Palau continues to set benchmarks with initiatives such as the “Palau Pledge.” By signing this pledge, visitors commit to respecting and protecting the environment during their stay. These and other measures will be highlighted at the event to raise awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.
The boot water sports show offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Palau’s culture and natural beauty while planning unforgettable diving and snorkelling trips. The Palau Visitors Authority warmly invites all attendees to explore their booth and experience the unspoiled charm of Palau.
Learn everything there is to know about this extraordinary destination at
Hall 12, booth nr. E42.
The exhibition runs from January 18 to 26, 2025, in Duesseldorf.
For more information or to schedule interviews and meetings, please contact: Judith Hoppe, WhatsApp: +49-151-5523 1966, e-mail palau@tourism-unlimited.com
For more information about Palau, please visit: www.pristineparadisepalau.com or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/visitpalau/ or https://www.facebook.com/pristineparadisepalau/
Photo credit: © Judith Hoppe
Gear Reviews
Gear Review: SurfEars 4
Let me get this out there at the start… it is not possible for me to write an unbiased review on SurfEars! Why? – because they saved my diving career. That may sound over-dramatic, but it is true. I had been told by my ENT specialist that I should stop diving. Repeated perforations, including a stint of 4 infections causing ear drum ruptures in a single year, meant that things looked very bleak. Until a friend recommended that I get in touch with the team at SurfEars and to try them out.
That was over 5 years ago, and I have not looked back. Not a single ear infection in all the dives since. If you want to read my initial review of SurfEars then you can find it here: https://www.scubaverse.com/gear-review-surfears/
So, I was more than pleased to receive the latest SurfEars 4 to try out. I took them on a recent trip to The Bahamas where I was filming for a new project all about sharks. SurfEars come in a handy pod that I secure to my BCD so that I am sure not to forget to take them on the boat and to put them in before I head into the water. The new model comes in 2 new colours and have a range of fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Once in, you can still hear what is going on around you. Vital for any last-minute instructions for your dive.
Underwater they do their job in keeping water out. It is still just as easy to equalise the pressure, as air movement is not restricted at all. The new fittings mean that I can change to a slightly smaller fitting to wear under my hood for cold water diving. Once in, I just forget all about them, and enjoy my diving (snorkeling and swimming) with complete peace of mind.
The new version of SurfEars is now using recycled ocean plastic and repurposed silicone so are more eco-friendly. They are said to be even tougher and will last longer. Although my previous set were still going strong.
Whatever your chosen water sport – I cannot recommend SurfEars enough. Whilst they literally enabled me to continue diving, I would suggest using them to protect your ears before any unwanted trips to the doctor. I never go in the water without them. They are at the top of my packing list for any trip.
For more information head to: https://surfears.com/
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