News
Buddy Dive Resort partners with Fort Young Hotel to open Buddy Dive Dominica
Buddy Dive Dominica Slated to Launch August 1, 2015
Scuba divers can now experience the services and standards they are used to at Bonaire’s Buddy Dive Resort in Dominica.
Proclaimed as one of the World’s Best Dive Resorts in Scuba Diving magazine’s 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards, Buddy Dive Resort has announced a partnership with Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel to open an on-site facility, Buddy Dive Dominica.
“Buddy Dive has the reputation of keeping the needs of divers in mind, making it easy, comfortable and convenient for everyone. We’re thrilled to be able to bring our dive expertise and services to Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel,” commented Martien van der Valk, Owner of Buddy Dive Resort. “Buddy Dive Dominica will be a full service operation that combines the best of both worlds; extensive dive knowledge, facilities and resources, while providing divers with personal attention from the friendly dive staff that will become the familiar faces guests are greeted by on their next visit.”
Buddy Dive Dominica will consist of a full stocked dive retail shop, teaching facilities, rental gear room, lockers, rinse tanks and outdoor showers. The dive operation will offer first class diving on Dominica. From boat diving at Champagne Reef or Toucari to night diving on Fort Young Hotel’s house reef – these are just some of the exciting diving that will be offered at Buddy Dive Dominica.
“Announcing the partnership with Buddy Dive Resort is very exciting for Fort Young Hotel,” commented Gregor Nassief, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fort Young Hotel. “Fort Young Hotel is Dominica’s leading full service hotel and has attracted a variety of business, adventure and dive travelers for many years. Joining forces with Buddy Dive and creating a world-class dive operation provides divers worldwide with the opportunity to experience Dominica’s magical diving while enjoying the comfort and service of Dominica’s leading hotel.”
Buddy Dive Dominica will be offering their Dive Into Nature package, which will showcase Dominica’s volcanic vents, plunging sea walls, colorful reefs and soft corals. The package includes 7 nights/8 days stay at the Fort Young Hotel, complimentary breakfast, airport transfers, 5 days 2-tank boat dives, unlimited resort diving, 5 dive excursions and the marine park fee. Dive Into Nature can be booked through Buddy Dive Central Reservations office at dominica@buddydive.com or for international reservations +599 7175080 (ext. 572) or for US/Canada reservations 1-866-GO-BUDDY.
About Buddy Dive Resort
Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire’s leading dive hotel, is known for its personable staff, spacious accommodations and a dive operation that has something for every diver. Today, the Resort is complete with eleven modern buildings housing spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments, a full service dive center, activity desk, two swimming pools, restaurant, pool bar, vehicle rentals and the famous drive-thru air and Nitrox fill station. Built with active people in mind, Buddy Dive Resort knows exactly what is needed to make guests comfortable both during their busy day of diving and exploring. Buddy Dive Resort was recognized as one of the World’s Best Dive Resorts in Scuba Diving magazine’s 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information visit www.buddydive.com.
About Fort Young Hotel
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica’s leading hotel, is ideally located overlooking the ocean on the outskirts of Roseau, the capital of this rugged island in the Eastern Caribbean. The Fort Young’s unique architecture and rich history of the 32 original rooms coupled with the 38 Oceanfront and Deluxe rooms and three suites provide a combination of old world charm and spacious modern luxury. Offering an on-site Dive Shop, Excursion Desk, Duty Free shopping as well as Massage & Wellness Center and Conference Rooms, the Fort Young Hotel is the perfect getaway for divers and non-divers alike looking for top service, Diving and Eco-Adventure. Guests can dive some of the best reefs in the Caribbean from the private jetty, and trek off into the rainforests that stretch up the hills behind the hotel. Or just relax in a rooftop Jacuzzi, indulged with a spa treatment, or dine on local specialties in the newly refitted seafront restaurant the Palisades, so named since the word describes the original wooden fortifications, which were built on the very same spot as the restaurant’s terrace is today. References to the Fort’s deep connections to Dominica’s history can be found throughout the Fort Young Hotel. For more information visit www.fortyounghotel.com.
About Dominica
In a region saturated by tourism, Dominica remains one of the hidden gems of the Caribbean. Known as the “Nature Island” due to its abundance of natural splendors: 365 rivers, the second largest boiling lake in the world, volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and black and white sand beaches. Much of the island is protected under national parks, one of which has been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Regarded as one of the top dive destinations in the Caribbean, Dominica is a paradise for explorers and adventurers, both above ground and underwater. Champagne reef and Scott’s Head drop off are just a couple of the many underwater highlights for divers.
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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