News
Cayman Extends Legends and Lions into a Month-long Dive Event
During the month of September, divers will be able to book some of the best dive deals of the year in the Cayman Islands during its 2nd annual Legend’s and Lions scuba celebration. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural weeklong event, Cayman’s dive industry is extending the celebration for a whole month. From September 5 – October 3 divers can take advantage of value-packed travel packages offered by dive operators and hotel partners using off-season rates during this traditionally slow time of year to offer the best possible prices.
“It’s a great time of year to visit Grand Cayman because the island is quiet and less crowded. The bargains help fill hotel rooms and dive boats, and our guests get the best deal possible for fantastic diving. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Red Sail Sports Operations Manager Rod McDowall.
In addition to terrific prices for diving, participants will also enjoy topside events that range from equipment demonstrations to photo clinics to special Lionfish seminars. Those who book their dive trip during the last week of September will also attend the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHOF) induction ceremony, scheduled to cap off the month of activities. They’ll also have a chance to dive with the industry legends being inducted. The Hall of Fame was established by the Cayman Islands to honour men and women who have made significant contributions to the dive industry. The nominees this year include:
Peter Hughes – who helped establish several big name dive resorts and whose name is synonymous with liveaboard diving.
Dr. Jose Jones – who helped integrate diving and founded the National Association of Black Scuba Divers, which currently has 50 branches worldwide.
Bill High – the author of the book recognized as the authority on high-pressure cylinder inspection and a major contributor to each edition of the NOAA Diving Manual.
Captain Wally Muller – who explored unchartered reefs and atolls in remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. He also established the live-aboard industry in Australia and worked with diving’s most famous videographers.
Dimitri Rebikoff (1921 -1997) – the man who developed the first portable electronic under water flash, constructed the first underwater scooters and the first remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
2015 LEGENDS AND LIONS DIVE PACKAGES
Sept. 5-12, Sept. 12-19, Sept.19-26 packages will include the following:
· 7 nights accommodation
· 6 two-tank dives
· Photo Clinic with the option to submit photos for the final week competition
· Scuba social – e.g. catamaran to Rum Point Club for Beach BBQ
· Lionfish seminar with Lionfish dive
· Treasure hunt or similar activity
· Equipment manufacturer’s demo
The final week, Sept 26-Oct 3 will include the following:
· 7 nights accommodation
· 6 two-tank dives, with the option to dive with ISDHF members
· Photo Clinic
· Photo competition (winners announced at Scuba street party)
· Scuba street party
· Lionfish seminar with Lionfish dive
· Tickets to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
“LEGIONS AND LIONS” PACKAGE PRICES
Divetech: $1,499 per diver; $925 per non-diver (double occupancy/oceanfront)
Sunset House: $1,473.95 per diver; $921.95 per non-diver (double occupancy)
Red Sail Sports/Westin Seven Mile Beach Resort: $1099 per diver (double occupancy)
Cayman’s dive leaders plan to grow Legends and Lions into the destination’s signature annual dive event promoting Cayman’s spectacular diving, presented by the best dive operators in the business, and topped off with exceptional Caymanian hospitality.
“We want our annual dive celebration to be on every diver’s calendar, so we will keep coming up with creative ways to showcase Cayman’s diving,” said Sunset House General Manager Keith Sahm. “We all know it’s hard to beat the Cayman Islands as a dive destination – fantastic reefs and dive sites, great accommodations and airline service, and a dive industry that utterly believes in the dive product.”
To book a Legends and Lions package visit www.divecayman.ky.
Discuss this article in the Scubaverse Forum.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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