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Sharks and Ray course at Cocos Island onboard Sharkwater

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You’ve watched the shows on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, now it’s time to learn from the legend, Dr. Hammerhead, the pioneer of shark research.

Dr. A Peter Klimley, who was the adjunct Professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology and Director of the Biotelemetry Laboratory at the University of California Davies, will offer a nine-day course onboard the Sharkwater, on May 14-24, 2022, on the biology of sharks and rays. ​​​​​​​

Dr. Klimley has published over 100 scientific articles, a popular book “Secret Life of Sharks” and reference book “The Biology of Sharks and Rays” during his long career while giving numerous lectures on this topic to undergraduate and graduate students.  These lectures will be followed by SCUBA diving at this beautiful island, surrounded by warm, clear waters inhabited by many species of sharks.  In addition to learning about the biology of sharks and rays, the participants will dive among the many whitetip reef sharks scattered among the rocks near the island as well schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks that surround the Alcyone Seamount off the coast of the island.

10-days, 9-nights, 7-days the Cocos Island. Two lectures will be given each day during transit; one lecture will be given in the spacious lounge with its large television screen during the morning of the days at the island. A provisional list of lecture subjects is given here:

  • An introduction to the sharks and rays at Cocos, providing the identifying characteristics of each species with photos of each species with a little about the life history of each
  • The evolution of sharks through geological time, including a discussion of the demise of the huge Megalodon shark that fed on the proto whales
  • The anatomy of sharks and rays and their modes of swimming
  • The physiology of the cold bodied reef sharks and warm bodied mackerel sharks
  • Sharks acute olfactory and mechanoreceptive abilities using their lateral lines and inner ears
  • Sharks use of vision and electroreception to capture prey and use of electroreception (magnetoreception) in guiding them while making nightly foraging trips and long-distance migrations
  • Feeding mechanisms such as ambushing, pursuit, scavenging, and plankton feeding
  • Shark rates of growth and longevity with one species, the sleeper shark, living to an age of 360 years
  • Shark courtship, which involves the male biting the female, development with embryos feeding upon each other within the uterus, birth, and reproductive cycles
  • Movement patterns, both local and long distance
  • Interactions with humans and how to avoid a shark attack
  • State fisheries, over-fishing, shark finning, and the creation marine reserves
  • The participants of this course will leave with comprehensive understanding of the physiology, behavior, and ecology of elasmobranchs

The course will also be open to anyone in the general public interested in learning more about sharks.

Research activities will include tagging sharks, collecting tissue samples and servicing underwater receivers.

Course Dates: May 14-24, 2022

Cost: $6,000 plus $550 park fees

Limited to 10 participants.

Included: Shark and Ray course, course materials, diving, meals and drinks onboard Sharkwater

For more information and to sign up click here.

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

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Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.

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Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

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Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!

Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity

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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!

santa divers

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.

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