News
Dive holiday offers from Scuba Travel
Check out the latest dive travel offers from our friends at UK-based Tour Operator Scuba Travel…
EGYPT
Freediving & Yoga with Emma Farrell onboard Whirlwind
This is a new, more relaxed itinerary in the Northern Red Sea for freedivers with Emma Farrell. Emma will be offering yoga morning and evening suitable for all levels even complete beginners.
RAID courses will be available during the week for an additional charge. Level 1 is mandatory for novices. All marine park fees are included and freediving sessions will be run for certified divers – please prebook courses and kit hire before travel. Flights are with Thomas Cook 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. All trips are fully guided with two expert guides plus Emma Farrell onboard to help you get the most out of this holiday. Excluded are the Egyptian entry visa, alcohol, additional kit hire and any onboard souvenirs. Please let the team know if you have any dietary requirements.
Join Emma on this fantastic trip for only £1495. Only 4 places left
SharkQuest in May for only £1195
Come face to face with pelagics in the Southern Red Sea and save £200 with this amazing early bird offer. Dive with the most experienced team, on board the stable steel hulled Hurricane. Avoid long transfers with a direct flight to Marsa Alam.
Dive the famous Daedalus Reef, Brothers Islands, Rocky or Elphinstone dependant on the best shark activity – night diving is prohibited in some of these areas so expect around 18 dives in total. All fees, 12 L tank & weights and FREE NITROX are included in your package.
All trips are fully guided with two expert guides. Flights are with Thomson/Thomas Cook from Gatwick and transfers are included. At the end of the week, you will have a day use room and lunch at a hotel while you wait for your flight home. The only costs not included are the Egyptian entry visa, alcohol, additional kit hire and any onboard souvenirs.
This holiday is suitable for advanced divers with a minimum of 50 dives and comfortable in the blue.
PHILIPPINES
Atmosphere resort in Dumaguete
SAVE £200 PLUS FREE ROOM UPGRADE (depending on availability) on selected dates. Discover macro, muck magic and the turtletastic Apo island with the brilliant team at Atmosphere resort.
Enjoy 7 laid back nights diving in the heart of Dumaguete plus 1 night in Manila. The unlimited diving package packs in up to 5 dives a day including night dives for 5 days, plus free nitrox and prepaid park fees. Your accommodation package includes 7 nights on a B&B basis in a deluxe suite (2 people sharing) – half board and full board upgrade plans available. You also have free internet access. Special dives (Apo island, mandarin, night dive and dives with the resident marine biologist), kit rental, spa services, land excursions are all paid in resort.
Flights are available with a number of airlines from a variety of regional departure points. Airport transfers are included. Excluded are any excess baggage charges and the Philippines departure tax (750PHP). Please note the final trip cost will depend on flight availability at the time of booking and seasonal resort rates.
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
INDONESIA
Murex Manado from £1745
Save £250 on selected dates. Great value diving in Manado and, Bunaken Indonesia.
Over 15 boat dives, discover rich coral reefs and magical macro with the welcoming team from Murex Manado. Your holiday includes flights from Heathrow to Manado with Singapore Airlines, airport transfers and 7 nights garden view bungalow on a full board basis (2 people sharing). Local taxes are prepaid. Water, tea, and coffee are available free of charge. To pay locally are any drinks not included in your board basis, laundry, land excursions, Diving extras such as special trips to Bangka, private guiding, kit hire, courses and nitrox will all be billed in resort. UK passport holder can obtain a FOC visa on arrival.
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Visit the Cayman Islands and save £600!
Why dive only one of the Cayman Islands when you can do all three in one single stunning liveaboard cruise with the Cayman Aggressor with up to 5 dives a day!
Your Aggressor package includes 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) – cabin upgrades available. A 12lt tank and weights, soft drinks and a selection of local alcoholic drinks are included in your package. There are 5 dives a day on offer and 2 on the first and last days. All trips are fully briefed by expert guides. There is a $45 port fee per person to pay onboard ($108 for 10 night trip and $75 in 2018). Excluded are departure tax, nitrox, additional kit hire and any onboard souvenirs. Dinner on Friday night is not included. This holiday excludes international flights to Grand Cayman GCM. We are able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures.
Book your spot now for only £1725 (exc. flights).
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.
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.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced