News
Dive into the depths of Somabay and enjoy an unparalleled scuba experience
Somabay, Egypt’s best kept secret, is fast becoming known as the Red Sea’s premier diving location. Offering beginner and advanced divers alike the chance to explore some of the rarest, largest, and most beautiful corals in the Red Sea; this is a must visit destination for all aficionados.
For beginners, Somabay offers an array of PADI diving courses and the world famous house reef is accessible via a 420 meter long jetty that stretches out into the ocean. Here, divers can expect to see an abundance of marine life including emperor angelfish, stingrays, frogfish, clownfish and trigger fish, without leaving the peninsula.
For the more experienced diver, there are many hidden mysteries buried within the Red Sea that are waiting to be explored. One of the most renowned, the Salem Express, lies on the floor of the Red Sea at 29 metres, providing an eerie yet exciting diving experience. With much of the structure of the ship still intact, it provides an incredible opportunity for experienced divers to explore a 20th century wreck. Located just off Port Safaga, near the Hundman Reef, the Salem Express is easily accessible and just a short boat ride from Somabay as are other popular sites including Hal Hal, Shaab Shehr, The Tubyas and The Gamuls.
As an added bonus, guests who visit Somabay this summer will also have a free dive introduction and benefit from a 50% discount on all additional dives with the Somabay Summer Experience.
Somabay is conveniently located 45 kilometres from Hurghada International Airport which receives a large number of direct flights from the UK. Just a four-hour flight from Central Europe, these luxurious accommodations, dazzling beaches, clear blue skies and refreshing sea waters of Somabay are within easy reach – with no jet lag!
Dive at Somabay with The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge
Nights: 7
Airport: Gatwick
Resort: Somabay
Hotel: The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge
Board & rating: Half Board 4*
Prices from: £675 per person (based on a September departure)
All offers include return flights, airport tax, 20kgs baggage per person, private transfers +airport meet & greet (based on 2 sharing a twin/double bedded room).
Prices are subject to availability and may change without notice.
Call now on 020 3384 0023, email info@holiday-designers.com or visit www.holiday-designers.com for more details.
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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