News
Check out Scuba Travel’s latest offers
Check out the latest dive travel offers from our friends at UK-based Tour Operator Scuba Travel…
Hurricane
Save £155 onboard Hurricaneon 27th June with this early bird discount.
Dive the fabled Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone with the most experienced team on board the stable, steel-hulled Hurricane. Avoid long transfers with a direct flight to Marsa Alam. All fees, 12 L tank & weights and FREE NITROX are included in your package
Simply the Best lives up to its formidable reputation. Diving here can be unpredictable and you never know what is passing in the blue. After a check dive local to Marsa Alam, the Brothers is always your first big wall stop off. Sailing overnight means you can wake up to be where the action is. Little Brother is the stage for adrenaline fuelled shark diving, whilst Big Brother sports the highlights of the Numidia and Aida wrecks. Another overnight journey and you are whisked to Daedalus Reef. Daedalus is a huge triangular chunk of a reef, whose vertical drop offs rival the Brothers. Giant hard coral structures sprawl the walls and schooling hammerheads are frequently found off the northern point (spring). Currents pulse over a garden of splendid anemones, whose damsel residents dart between tentacles. Rounding off the week is Elphinstone reef, completing a trio of unparalleled wall dive destinations.
Book your place now for £1195!
Whirlwind
Save £155 on the Wrecks and Reefs trip
Sail away on 13th July on the ever popular, award winning Whirlwind. This is a classic itinerary in the Northern Red Sea with up to 22 dives over the week. Departing from Hurghada, you will spend 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin share cabin). All marine park fees, 12lt tank, air fills and weights are included in your package. Flights are with Easyjet from Gatwick and transfers are also included. At the end of the week, you will have day use of a hotel and buffet lunch while you wait for your flight home.
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. Visibility is crystal clear and the warm blue waters are perfect for even the longest dive times. Water temperatures typically range between 20 and 28 degrees throughout the year. Diving can be accessed whatever the season, either by boat or RIB. Currents push nutrients rich water from north to south, giving you plenty of opportunity for exhilarating drift dives. Travel times between dive sites are short leaving more time for relaxing. Few other dive destinations can offer the same quality and quantity of top dive sites. This itinerary will fill your log book with both wrecks and reefs that are envied the world over.
Book one of the last 4 places for £1195…
Indonesia
Dive Raja Ampat and save £2900 PLUS FREE NITROX onboard the amazing Dewi
Travel off the beaten path and discover Raja Ampat on board the elegant and luxurious Dewi. Over your 11 night adventure and with up to 4 dives a day the expert guides on Dewi will share some of the most exciting dive sites on the planet. This is pure diving escapism. Your trip starts on arrival in Jakarta with a night at the airport hotel, before your onward flight to Sorong, where you board Dewi. Your holiday package is based on a deluxe stateroom with all meals, snacks and beverages (not incluing wine and spirits) – master cabin upgrades are available. All trips are fully guided by 4/5 expert dive guides and include 12lt tank, weights. Excluded are marine park fees ($255 paid locally), alcohol, additional kit hire, excess baggage on the local flights and any souvenirs or private guiding services. At the end of your trip, you will return to Sorong and fly back to Jakarta. UK passport holders are able to obtain an Indonesian tourist visa on arrival.
This holiday excludes international flights to Jakarta CGK. Do ask for a competitive quote to add flights from a number of UK airports to your holiday. If you plan to book your own flights, please check with your travel agent before finalising any tickets to ensure that you have sufficient time to make your domestic flight connections.
* Prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking.
Caribbean
Save £1000 – 10 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 7 onboard the Bahamas Aggressor
Dramatic walls, lush coral reefs and exciting animal encounters, especially the big fish! The Bahamas is high octane diving for all experience levels. Your Aggressor package is based on a full board basis in a deluxe cabin. A 12lt tank and weights, soft drinks and a selection of local alcoholic drinks are included in your package. Pack in up to 5 dives per day. All trips are fully briefed by expert guides. You have to pay the port fees locally, currently $158 for a 10 night liveaboard. Due to local regulations, transfers are not included, but taxis are readily available. Excluded are the departure tax, nitrox, additional kit hire and any onboard souvenirs. Dinner on Friday night is not included. Please advise if you would like to prebook any courses on board or have any dietary requirements.
This is a BOAT ONLY holiday. The cost does not include any international flights to Nassau international airport NAS. The Scuba Travel team is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Do be aware that if your flight routes through the USA you must have an ESTA prior to travel. Local regulations prohibit prebooked transfers – the crew will assist on arrival with taxis and give directions (approx $35pp each way).
* Prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking.
Indian Ocean
£900 off Oman Aggressor on 8th June
Experience Oman onboard the Oman Aggressor and save £900
A truly magical itinerary for divers that love reef diving and abundant biodiversity. You have 7 nights in a deluxe stateroom on a full board basis, including all soft drinks and a limited selection of local beer and wine with your evening meal. There are master cabin and suite upgrades available; simply ask your travel consultant at the time of booking. Over a 7 night trip, you can clock up an impressive 25 dives. 12lt tank, air fills and weights are included in your package. All trips are escorted with 2 expert divemasters. There is a USD200 Port/Marine Park fee per person to be paid on board. Excluded are the Oman entry visa, alcohol, additional kit hire and any onboard souvenirs. Please let the Scuba Travel team know if you would like to prebook any PADI courses on board or have any dietary requirements. Dinner on the Friday evening is not included, although the crew will assist with recommendations and reservations. Transfers will be pre-booked but have to be paid for locally in cash USD35 per person per way – the transfer time will be advised locally.
This holiday does not include any international flights to Muscat airport MCT. Flights can be added with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel.
* Prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking.
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Gear News
Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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