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Curaçao, Ocean Encounters, and LionsDive Beach Resort win 23 awards at the 2024 Scuba Diving Reader’s Choice Awards

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The results of the 2024 Scuba Diving Reader’s Choice Awards are in, and the Dutch Caribbean Island of Curaçao, Ocean Encounters, and LionsDive Beach Resort have emerged as the indisputable winners in the world of scuba diving. These prestigious awards, celebrating excellence in the industry, mark yet another year of inclusion for Curaçao, Ocean Encounters, and LionsDive Beach Resort.

The 2024 Scuba Diving Reader’s Choice Awards is a highly regarded annual event that allows the global scuba diving community to recognize and honor the best in the business. Divers, enthusiasts, and industry experts from around the world cast their votes to determine the winners, making it a true testament to the excellence of the recipients.

What Makes the 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards Significant?

The 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards hold great significance in the scuba diving community for several reasons. Firstly, it represents the collective voice of divers and enthusiasts, making it a true reflection of the industry’s preferences.

Secondly, these awards are a hallmark of quality and service, and securing a top position is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the awardees.

Finally, the awards set the standard for excellence in the scuba diving industry and guide divers and travelers in choosing their next adventure.

Curaçao: A Jewel in the Caribbean

Once again, Curaçao has demonstrated its standing as one of the world’s premier scuba diving destinations. Nestled between Aruba and Bonaire, this Dutch Caribbean Island has been awarded the #2 spot for Best Shore Diving Destination and the #3 spot for Best Snorkeling Destination. Moreover, Curaçao secured top positions in several other categories, including a Top 5 spot for Best Overall Dive Destination, Best Beginner Dive Destination, Best Macro Life, Underwater Photography, Health of Marine Environment, Wall Diving, and Best Value.

Ocean Encounters: Pinnacle of Dive Operation Excellence

Ocean Encounters, a Premier PADI and SSI Dive Shop located in Curaçao, has soared to the top of the Caribbean’s dive operators. The dive shop was honored with several awards, including #2 Dive Shop for Attention to Safety, #3 for Quality of Facilities, and #3 for Quality of Staff. Ocean Encounters also secured spots in the Top 5 for Best Overall Dive Center in the Caribbean, Quality of Boats, Rental Gear, and a Top 10 spot for Quality of Training and Courses.

Jeremiah Peek, Managing Director of Ocean Encounters, expressed his delight in this achievement, saying, “We are thrilled to be a part of Curaçao’s success story. The 2024 Scuba Diving Reader’s Choice Awards highlight our commitment to providing the ultimate dive experience. We are deeply grateful to our team for their hard work and dedication and all the divers who recognized their efforts.”

LionsDive Beach Resort: A Paradise for Divers

LionsDive Beach Resort, a serene haven in Curaçao, proudly walked away with awards for Quality of Dive Resort (#3), Best Overall Dive Resort in the Caribbean (Top 5), Quality of Rooms (Top 5), and Quality of Staff (Top 10). Additionally, the resort achieved recognition in the Top 10 categories for Dive Resort Value and Quality of Restaurants.

Mimi Luttge, General Manager of LionsDive Beach Resort, expressed her gratitude for the accolades, stating, “We are truly honored to have our resort acknowledged by the scuba diving community. These awards underscore our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all our guests.”

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the divers, enthusiasts, and industry experts who participated in the 2024 Scuba Diving Reader’s Choice Awards voting process. Your support and recognition motivate us to continue striving for excellence in the world of scuba diving.

A World-Class Scuba Diving Destination

The accolades received by Curaçao, Ocean Encounters, and LionsDive Beach Resort firmly establish Curaçao as one of the world’s best overall scuba diving destinations. With its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and a commitment to safety and quality, Curaçao offers an unparalleled scuba diving experience for dive groups, families, and individuals.

Plan Your Scuba Diving Adventure Today!

For those seeking the ultimate scuba diving experience, look no further. Visit Curaçao, explore the underwater wonders with Ocean Encounters, and unwind at LionsDive Beach Resort. The 2024 Scuba Diving Reader’s Choice Awards have spoken – Curaçao, Ocean Encounters, and LionsDive Beach Resort are your go-to destination for a memorable and world-class scuba diving vacation.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive into the enchanting waters of Curaçao and experience the award-winning services of Ocean Encounters and LionsDive Beach Resort. Your next adventure awaits!

For more information, bookings, and inquiries, please visit www.curacao.com, www.oceanencounters.com, and www.lionsdive.com.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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