News
Check out these Indonesia, Red Sea, and Maldives Dive Holiday Deals from Scuba Travel
UK-based dive tour operator Scuba Travel have got some fantastic dive holiday adventures to offer you – check them out:
Introducing Emperor Raja Laut / From £2185 excluding flights
Emperor Raja Laut is a distinctive, hardwood schooner, sailing the stunning seas of Indonesia. Built by one of the area’s premier boat builders in 2005, she is perfectly adapted to the island hopping nature of dive liveaboards in Indonesia. Itineraries include the areas of Komodo, Raja Ampat and Banda. She really lives up to her name “King of the Sea”. Emperor Raja Laut comfortably accommodates 12 guests in 6 cabins, all below decks. There are 3 double bed cabins and 3 twin bed cabins, each with ensuite, mini safe, individually controlled air-conditioning and fan.
Includes shared cabin, 3 meals a day, afternoon snacks, 1 cocktail party on a local island (weather permitting), tea, coffee and water, 3 dive guides 12 ltr air fills, weights and local airport transfers. Flights are not included.
Find out more about this dive holiday here.
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Discover Bunaken Oasis / Various dates / Prices start from £2995 including flights
Enjoy this 5 star stunning dive resort on Bunaken Island. The resort itself is set amid tranquil gardens; meander between the spa and freeform infinity pool. At the end of each relaxing day, the multi-level cocktail bar is the place to be before you make your way to dinner. The restaurant is right next door. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here, with mouth-watering gourmet Asian and western cuisine and fantastic sea views. There’s no need to compromise here. It’s time to kick back and enjoy your stay at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort. Fabulous diving with 50 superb dive sites around Bunaken and neighbouring islands plus the stunning house reef.
Includes flights, transfers, 7 nights traditional cottage (2 people sharing) full board, 17 boat dives and free nitrox, free house reef diving.
Find out more about this dive holiday here.
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Whirlwind Liveaboard / Red Sea Relaxed with Emma Farrell / 2nd September / Last 3 spaces / £1495 including flights
Not all dive holidays are restful! That’s why Scuba Travel created the Red Sea Relaxed™ itinerary, a very rewarding, but more relaxing alternative to the more usual scuba diving itinerary. Do as much or as little as you like! Enjoy a mix of on board activities: diving, snorkelling, yoga and freediving. Achieve mindfulness in the sunshine and scenery in the stunning Red Sea. Take advantage of the open dive deck policy, visiting fewer locations over the week, for a Red Sea liveaboard with less rushing about. This is your holiday done your way and escorted by the lovely freediver Emma Farrell.
Includes return flights, full board, 12ltr tanks, fully guided dives, plus morning and evening yoga and a try freediving course with Emma Farrell
Find out more about this dive holiday here.
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Serenity Liveaboard / Best of the Maldives / 9th September / Only £1895 / Other dates also available with great savings
The Best of the Maldives is an ideal itinerary for any first time visitor to the Maldives. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving but no minimum number of dives is required. All diving is made from dhonis to give precision entry and exits points. Night diving is limited to sheltered moorings but well worth jumping in for. With so many excellent and remarkable sites in and around North – South Male Atolls and the Ari Atolls, the Best of the Maldives is a route that can be dived time and time again. Surely no one can tire of the jaw dropping diversity and life on display. From the tiny creatures that thrill macro lovers to the elegant and inspiring big fish, there more than enough to keep you coming back for more.
Includes return flights, transfers, full board, all guided diving , tanks and weights.
Find out more about this dive holiday 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. You can find the latest summer specials at www.scubatravel.com/lastminute
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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