News
Check out these Aggressor Anniversary Discount Deals from Scuba Travel
UK-based tour operator Scuba Travel are offering some great savings on liveaboard holidays around the world with Aggressor Fleet, but hurry – they are only valid if booked by 2nd March.
Choose from an incredible wish list of destinations to dive in 2017: the Galapagos, Palau, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Belize or Turks & Caicos. Fully ATOL bonded and inclusive of flights, your perfect itinerary is just a phone call away.
Here are the details:
Komodo Aggressor / Special Anniversary Discount / Save up to £950 / From £3250
Fabulous savings on this package which includes return flights, 1 night in Bali en route and 7 nights full board on this modern and luxurious liveaboard. Between 3 and 4 fully guided dives per day.
The Komodo Indo Aggressor sleeps only 16 divers which means there is plenty of space for everyone boasting a lavish living space and dive deck. Food on board is international with some local dishes for sampling. Komodo Indo Aggressor is fully equipped for photographers and an onboard computer means you can check your day’s efforts.
Sail off into the sunset as your Komodo liveaboard wends its way between the hundreds of islands that dot the horizon. Dive after dive reveals the immense bio diversity, from vast pelagics to microscopic macro and vibrant reefs that are so characteristic of this corner of Indonesia. Dive into the bluest sea and discover over 260 coral species, 70 different sponges and no less that 1000 species of fish.
Find out more here.
Galapagos Aggressor / Special Anniversary Discount / Save up to £1200 / From £5195
Your trip starts in Guayaquil where you will be met and taken to your hotel for the night. The next morning you fly to Baltra to join Galapagos Aggressor for 7 nights. Package is for 7 nights full board and up to 19 fully guided dives over the week.
Galapagos Aggressor 3 brings a new level of comfort for her divers. There are only 16 divers on board and all of the cabins have AC and an ensuite. the dive deck is large and spacious, with plenty of room for all your dive and camera kit. In between dives head into the comfy lounge and dining area. Meals are social with a full seated dining service. Relax into a jacuzzi at the end of a day or take in the iconic views of the islands from the sun deck.
There are three distinctive types of underwater environment in the Galapagos Islands. The Southern and Central Islands are washed by the Humboldt current from the South, so pretty cold water (23-24) but reasonably clear and blue. Stunning dives such as Cousins and Cape Marshall, with eagle rays, mobulas and huge mantas, as well as endless large schools of brightly coloured surgeon fish and snappers, and of course the ever present playfull sea lions. The western side of Isabella is washed by the cold upwelling of the Cromwell current. Here the water is quite chilly (18-22 C) and green, but also some fainting sites such as Roca Redunda and Punta Vicente Roca. Sea lions playing in the fumaroles (thermal vents), red lipped batfish, yellow sea horses are all seen at Cabo Douglas. You never know what is passing though. Orca, mola mola and whalesharks can all be seen.
Find out more here.
Raja Ampat Aggressor / Special Anniversary Discount / Save up to £1250 / From £3195
Trip includes one night in Jakarta where you will be taken to your hotel for day use until your domestic flight to Sorong to board the boat. 7 nights full board includes soft drinks and local alcohol and between 3 and 4 guided dives per day.
Raja Ampat Aggressor is all about comfort. She sleeps only 16 divers across 8 cabins. All have individual AC with en suite and plenty of storage. Every one of the non diving spaces has been carefully laid out so you can relax and enjoy the stunning Indonesian views. The sun deck boasts comfy loungers as well as shade and a refreshments stations. Raja Ampat Aggressor is especially well equipped for underwater photographers. The central saloon has a modern entertainment area and charging station, as well as a light airy communal dining area. Raja Ampat Aggressor has clearly been built by divers for divers.The rear dive deck is the largest of any Indonesian liveaboards.
This is a vast expanse of sea, peppered with literally hundreds of tiny islands and coves, which means the only way to truly explore Raja Amapt is on a liveaboard diving holiday. The bio diversity is off the charts with walls, reefs, pinnacles, caves, mangroves and black sands, each creating a unique eco-system – and this Indonesian liveaboard itinerary visits them all in one magical diving holiday.
Find out more here.
Turks and Caicos Aggressor / Special Anniversary Discount / Save £700 / Various dates for £2995
Fantastic price for this amazing package which includes 7 nights full board including tea,coffee, soft drinks and local alcohol. Up to 5 fully guided dives per day and return flights via the States from Heathrow.
The Turks & Caicos Aggressor sleeps 18 guests in a range of well appointed cabins. The saloon is large with all the entertainment kit you could need. A computer station is onboard for emails (local charge) and checking your photos. At the end of the day put your feet up with a sundowner at the wet bar. The food is served up in the dining area and freshly made each day on board. The sun deck has shady and sunny spots so everyone can relax in peace between dives. The dive deck is well laid out, giving everyone the space they need.
The Turks & Caicos are made up of 40 islands lying to the west of the Caribbean but as only 8 are inhabited, there are some magnificent dive sites waiting to be explored far from the madding crowd. With such a glorious range of dive sites to visit, surely the only way to travel is on board the luxurious Turks & Caicos Aggressor. Sail between the endless cays and islands in complete comfort, breaking up your day only to dive.
Find out more here.
Palau Rock Islands Aggressor / Special Anniversary Discount / Save £900 / Various dates for £4095
Package includes 7 nights full board including soft drinks and local alcohol. Up to 4 fully guided dives per day and 3 night dives during the trip. Return flights normally via Manila.
The best way to see as much as possible of this idyllic destination is from the decks of a liveaboard. So jump aboard the Palau Discovery for a dive holiday with distinction. Submerse yourself in an underwater cave or snorkel with stingfree jellyfish in their thousands… these are only some of the exquisite dives you can do over the course of the week’s discovery. Pristine reefs, Second World War wrecks and an abundance of marine life await.
Palau Rock Islands Aggressor sleeps 18 people. Finished to the exacting standards of the Dancer Fleet, luxurious comfort best describes the facilities on board. The entertainment centre is the hub of the large saloon and dining area. Soak up the tropical rays on the upper deck from a hammock or find a shaded lounger for some relaxation. The unique indoor/outdoor wet bar becomes the focal point once the day’s diving is done. From sun up to sun down, Palau Rock Islands Aggressor will become your home from home.
Find out more here.
Cayman Aggressor / Special Anniversary Discount / Save £700 / Various dates for £2895
Why dive only one of the Cayman Islands when you can do all 3 in one single stunning liveaboard cruise with the Cayman Aggressor? Includes return flights 7 nights full board including soft drinks and local alcohol, and up to 5 fully guided dives per day.
Starting in Grand Cayman before sailing on to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, a week of wreck and reef dives are on the diving agenda. The reefs come in all forms, from pinnacles to canyons and steep walls that will take your breath away.
The luxurious Cayman Aggressor sleeps 18 guests in total. The saloon is generous with a modern entertainment system and email facility. The food is a mixture of international cuisine with some local tasters and a freshly made snacks area available throughout the day. The sun deck is a popular hang out between dives where you can enjoy the sun or shade. The dive platform itself is huge with freshwater showers, kit lockers and a camera area.
Find out more here.
Also…
Red Sea / Whirlwind Liveaboard / 11th March / Only £1075
5 star Red Sea diving at an affordable price aboard one of Scuba Travel’s favourite boats Whirlwind includes 7 nights full board, with up to 22 fully guided dives in the Northern Red Sea over the week. Return flights with Easyjet from Gatwick.
Whirlwind has everything the modern diver could want on board. The dive deck is one of the most impressive aspects – no more kitting up in a crowd on this boat! There is a camera table, 2 rinse tanks and plenty of space for all your dive kit.
The Wrecks and Reefs itinerary gets to some of the most iconic dive sites Egypt has to offer, as well a few of the lesser known beauties. Wrecks and Reefs is the ideal itinerary whatever your experience level. A popular route for those new to the Red Sea, the varied depths across dive sites suit all abilities – from novice to tekkie.
Find out more about this trip here.
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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