News
Check out the latest diving deals from the Scuba Travel Team
If you’re in need of a diving fix, check out the latest dive holiday specials from our friends at Scuba Travel:
Emperor Serenity I Maldives I 12 August I Save £600, only £2395
Emperor Serenity is a contemporary, spacious liveaboard where fine accommodation and service is standard. This sleek liveaboard was built in the Maldives specifically for divers. Stand out from the crowd as you moor in the picture perfect Maldivian atolls. All diving is done from Emperor Serenity’s large, 19.8m dhoni tender, giving you more living space on board and getting you to the perfect dive spot every time. She is rebreather-friendly and offers free NITROX, all diving and safety equipment as well as a photography charging station and four dive guides.
This 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 & Ari atolls, there are pelagics a plenty, with manta, sharks and even whalesharks.
Package includes: Return flights, 7 nights on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin), enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with dinner, average of 17 fully guided dives (including 1 night dive, All marine park fees, 12lt tank and weights and FOC nitrox.
Turks and Caicos Explorer I 25 August I Save £500, only £3095
The Turks & Caicos Explorer accommodates 20 passengers in 10 cabins which all have a private ensuite and AC.The saloon and dining area are welcoming but it is the covered sun deck where many guests spend their time relaxing between dives catching the Caribbean rays.
With over 40 islands (only eight of which are inhabited) to explore, the quality of diving will astound even the most seasoned diver. There are dramatic wall dives, opulent corals and sponges, pelagic encounters and healthy reef dives to enjoy.
Package includes: Return flights to Provo, 7 nights on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin), up to 5 fully guided dives per day. Flights are usually with via the States from Heathrow – you may require an overnight en route and must have a valid ESTA for transit through the USA. Please note the final trip cost will depend on flight availability at the time of booking and seasonal liveaboard rates. Excluded are the transfers, departure tax, fuel surcharge $40, port fees $95, alcohol, fruit juice and fizzy drinks.
Caribbean Explorer I 7 October I Save £300, only £2275
Caribbean Explorer II sleeps up to 18 divers and is 35m, the saloon is located on the upper deck with entertainment centre, comfy chairs and the bar. Meals are served here and your package includes free alcoholic drinks after the day’s diving is done. Or head towards the sun deck to work on your tan, enjoy a read or just soak in the glorious view. The boat will stop at islands for a beach excursion during the trip.
Discover the diving of Saba and St Kitts on board Caribbean Explorer 2. St Kitts is well known as being one of the most picturesque Caribbean islands and has incredibly varied diving to boot. Saba Island is home to exhilarating wall dives with pelagics and swirling fish balls. Virgin reef systems and coral gardens as well as shark dives and drifts await.
Package includes: Return flights to St Kitts, 7 nights on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin), up to 5 fully guided dives per day. You will require a one way flight from St Maarteen at the end of your trip. Please note the final trip cost will depend on flight availability at the time of booking and seasonal liveaboard rates. Excluded are the departure tax, fuel surcharge $30, park fees $115.
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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