News
Consider the Caribbean for your next dive holiday
When it comes to the top places to scuba dive in the world, the Caribbean doesn’t even make some of the lists! Maybe one or two dive sites are considered really amazing, such as Grenada’s Bianca C wreck for its sheer size, or some of the drift dives in Tobago. But please consider these great reasons why you might like to take your scuba gear to the Caribbean for your next dive holiday.
- The Caribbean Does Do…
- Amazing beachside resort destinations.
- Tranquillity (Some complain that many of the Caribbean islands are too quiet, like Antigua for example).
- OK flight times (relatively speaking).
- Relaxed attitudes and friendly locals.
- All inclusive specials.
- Tours beyond what your family could get bored with.
- Scuba Diving courses in fantastic conditions.
Indeed you may be like many scuba divers I have met whose partners don’t dive. So give them a holiday too – you might consider getting your kids certified (mostly all PADI in the Caribbean apart from Cuba) and the conditions for learning are perhaps the best available, with calm waters and pools to get familiar with breathing underwater. In short, you have options beyond your morning diving to spend the rest of the day with your family and have a great time. This can be really hard to do in the scuba diving destinations that are considered the best. The Cocos and Galapagos of this world are full of big fish (pelagics) for a reason! You need to do those holidays on a liveaboard and you will not take the family unless you are lucky and the whole family dive (and you can afford to take the whole family with you!). So let me suggest some islands and why you might visit them:
Antigua – blessed with a lot of beaches to rival any in the world and a yachting centre in season unparalleled. You can rent a car and drive around the island visiting the places of note. Antigua is a less developed island and that is part of its charm and why many return year after year. It’s ideal to get married in Antigua as you will appreciate your romantic time together in the most idyllic of spots to get that special moment on camera.
St Lucia – There are so many things to do in St Lucia your problem will be in choosing. From hiking on foot or by mountain bike to kayaking or enjoying a good Caribbean Jump Up, you can go from dawn to dusk with a few rums inbetween. There are some good wrecks to dive here. The culture is hard to nail down and the accent of the locals will perplex you – it spills over into the food.
Barbados – Surfing is a great activity to try after scuba diving in the morning – a variety of diving to suit all abilities for a few days and for those of you who are less experienced, you will not get bored.
Tobago – One of the better diving islands for advanced divers and beginners alike (beginners will have to miss out of some of the more advanced dives due to the strong currents that can be fun). It is also an island full of activities and amazing picturesque beaches. There are also the following islands to check out: Grenada, St Martin, St Kitts and Nevis (you start to wish you had a boat)! I warn you – the Caribbean is addictive!
For more from Calvin about diving in the Caribbean, visit www.caribbean-diving.com.
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.
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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