News
Check out these fantastic last minute dive holiday deals from Scuba Travel
Looking for a last minute dive holiday? If you are, UK-based dive tour operator Scuba Travel have some deals that you can’t afford to miss.
Here are the details:
Hurricane / Red Sea
Hurricane stands out in the Egyptian Red Sea – and not just because she is one of the few steel hulled vessels. Many Red Sea liveaboards are compared to Hurricane, but few are as enduringly popular.
Fans of Hurricane often cite the superb diver comfort, thoughtful layout and highly experienced crew as the reasons they keep coming back year after year.
At 36m there is bags of space on board Hurricane with the 11 cabins split over the main and lower deck. The 4 main deck cabins are a mix of twin or double beds (with an additional single bed). The lower deck cabins are all twins apart from the bow cabins, which have a double bed and additional single bed. Cabins are allocated at the time of booking, so ask your travel consultant if you have a specific request. All have individual air con, en suite bathrooms, a fridge and safe box.
- Stable steel hulled vessel with fast engines
- Direct flights to Marsa Alam – no long transfers
- Free Nitrox
- Dramatic wall dives and thrilling night diving
- Great chances to see dolphins
- Shallow swim throughs and atmospheric caverns
- Suitable for all experience levels
- Get away from the crowds on stunning coral gardens and reefs
All trips are fully guided with 2 expert guides. Flights are with Thomson from Gatwick and transfers are included. At the end of the week Scuba Travel also include a day use room and lunch at a hotel while you wait for your flight home.
Last minute Deals on Hurricane
17th August / St Johns / Now only £775 (save £400) / Female share
Find out more about this trip here.
24th August / Daedalus / Rocky / St Johns / Now only £950 (save £325)
Find out more about this trip here.
31st August / St Johns / Now only £895 (save £300) / Female share
Find out more about this trip here.
Orion / Maldives / 10th September / Only £1895 / Save £300
At 39m from bow to stern, Orion is a generously proportioned liveaboard. She runs a range of seasonal itineraries, covering all of the hot spots that make the Maldives such a mecca for scuba divers. It’s a relaxed atmosphere on board as you sail between the picture perfect islands and atolls that make up this island nation.
The Best of the Maldives does just what it says on the tin – you dive the best and most famous dive sites of the Maldives in a single week of sublime liveaboard diving across Male and Ari atolls. This is a dive holiday in the Maldives to remember that hits all the seasonal hot spots of North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll. Dive the many channels, drifts and pinnacles, encountering the manta, whalesharks and reef residents as you go. The exact order of things is left deliberately flexible to ensure that no matter what time of year your holiday to the Maldives is, the breathtaking world underwater is unveiled in all its perfection.
Find out more about this trip here.
Carpe Novo / Maldives / 19th August / 7 nights / £2450
New for March 2016: Carpe Novo is a luxury liveaboard built by divers for divers. From the moment you step on board, you know you’re in for an incredible trip, where your every whim is catered for. Lovingly crafted, no detail has been overlooked. Speed your way to dive sites on the huge 18m diving dhoni and then head back to Carpe Novo where the relaxation begins. Many of the staff have been with the fleet since the very beginning; your holiday is in safe hands with Carpe Novo.
Over a spacious 43m and 3 decks, you will find 12 tastefully finished cabins.
Find out more about this trip here.
To find out more about Scuba Travel and the dive holidays they offer, 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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