News
Celebrate the sun with these great SCUBA getaways
The sun is shining and our friends at UK Tour Operator Scuba Travel have some sunny specials to make your weekend glow…
Hurricane May Super Specials from £795
Fly direct to Marsa Alam and explore the delights of the Southern Red Sea on board the favourite liveaboard Hurricane. Fresh back in the water after an extended dry dock, she is in tip top shape. Guests this week, including Scuba Travel’s Ops Manager Martin, had a fantastic time with incredible diving – the quest for sharks was a roaring success with hammerheads, oceanic white tips, silky sharks, reef sharks, dolphin and turtles all spotted. For more details check out Martin’s blog here: www.scubatravel.com/blog/trip-reports/shark-quest-hurricane-april-2018.
Package includes 7 nights full board, direct flights from Gatwick to Marsa Alam, fully guided diving, all fees, 12lt tanks and free Nitrox, plus day use and lunch at a hotel on your last day,
Scuba Travel’s fantastic May Offers are here: www.scubatravel.com/holidays/liveaboards/egypt/hurricane/hurricane.html#offers
Solmar V – 19th May – £1100 from only £2095 (Excluding Flights)
Set sail for the incredible Socorro Islands this May and June for only £2095 on the luxury steel hulled Solmar V, renowned for her unmatched service and comfort. WIth her interior fitted out in brass, rich mahogany and carpets, she really is a gracious and beautiful boat.
Dive the wild and remote Socorro Islands in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. These islands have been compared to the Galapagos and Cocos for the big animal encounters they provide, sightings could include the friendly giant mantas, humpback whales, playful dolphin and over seven species of sharks including hammerheads.
This super special price includes one night in a Cabo hotel, 8 nights full board (including local beer and wine), fully guided diving and return transfer to Cabo.
Emperor Atoll, Maldives – 13th May – only £895 excluding flights – Pelagic Magic Itinerary
What a fabulous price to access the full range of Maldivian dive sites from a charming traditional liveaboard!
With a special focus on the the whalesharks of Ari Atoll this itinerary gives you the opportunity to get face to face with these gorgeous beasts. There are plenty of chances to fill your log book with shark and manta sightings and between your pelagic encounters the reef dives will not disappoint.
This deal is boat only, 7 nights full board including drinking water, average of 17 fully guided dives, 12 ltr tanks and free nitrox.
Emperor Serenity, Maldives – May dates only £1395 excluding flights – Best of the Maldives Itinerary
Get all the thrills of big fish in the Maldives on board the exceptional Emperor Serenity – a contemporary, spacious liveaboard where fine accommodation and service is standard. This is always a popular itinerary with year round departures that delivers what it says on the tin – the Best of the Maldives! Dive the classic sites that made the Maldives so famous. Focusing on the hottest sites around Male and Ari atolls, encounter manta, sharks, eagle rays and so much more on this classic Maldives itinerary.
Package is BOAT ONLY and includes 7 days full board and up to 17 fully guided dives (including 1 night dive).
Bali – Scuba Seraya, 19th May- only £1595
Escape to this boutique dive resort on the incredible island of Bali. Scuba Seraya sits next to world class dive sites and the diving here is perfect for anyone who loves opulent reef diving, plus you can explore the Liberty wreck. There is plenty to do in your down time with a freshwater pool, private beach and beachside massage service, as well as the opportunity to discover the culture and natural beauty of the island if you wish to explore it further.
Standard package includes return flights, transfer to resort, 7 nights full board (excl. drinks) 10 morning boat dives, plus unimited unguided shore diving in the afternoon.
Belize Aggressor – September 2018, 7 nights £2195
Dive the incredible and varied wall dives that characterise Belize and come face to face with pelagics and unprecedented macro diving on the second largest barrier reef in the world. Experience the mystical Blue Hole with its beautiful vertical stalactite formations.
This fabulous liveaboard has been refitted to meet the high standards of modern divers. She features a roomy salon and dining area, sun deck complete with lounge and deck chairs, and a shaded wet bar and grill. The menu is varied and plentiful with a variety of American feasts, barbecues and local cuisine.
This fantastic price is BOAT ONLY from Belize City, including 7 nights full board with soft drinks and local alcohol, fully guided diving and 12ltr tanks and weights.
Caribbean Explorer 2 – 22nd September, save £400 only £2095
Discover the remote sites surrounding the picturesque Caribbean islands around St Kitts and Saba on board the Caribbean Explorer 2. This comfortable liveaboard accomodates 18 divers in ensuite staterooms. She boasts a large sun deck and an expansive dive deck, with two in water ladders for easy access to the water.
Saba island is a true hidden gem for divers. The itinerary is full of surprises with vibrant coral gardens and a dormant underwater volcano which is a magnet for marine life. Sharks and turtles cruise the reef walls, whilst there’s great macro life and schooling fish.
Package includes 7 nights full board, 12 ltr tanks and weights and fully guided diving with up to 5 dives a day.
To find out more about Scuba Travel and the dive holidays they offer call 0800 0728221, email dive@scubatravel.com or visit www.scubatravel.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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