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
Whirlwind
Save £155 onboard Whirlwind this 4th of May
The trip offers 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. 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.
After the check dive, this tour starts in style. Tiran and Ras Mohammed are rightly two of the best-known areas for diving in the Northern Red Sea. The coral gardens play host to thousands of coloured fish. The wrecks of the Thistlegorm, Dunraven, Giannis D and Carnatic only add to the excitement. These 19th and 20th-century wrecks have, over the course of time, formed artificial reefs but each is still packed with unique artefacts that tell their story.
But hurry up, there are only 3 places left (1 free cabin + 1 female share)
Book now your spot for only £1195
Hurricane
Book one of the last 4 spaces left on this great trip for only £1145
May is one of the best months of the year to visit the Southern Red Sea. The cooler water brings many pelagics closer to the reefs and the so why not sail away onboard the ever popular, Hurricane and save £250 on this great trip to Daedalus Rocky and St. Johns
Daedalus, the first of the big wall dive sites looms large. Daedalus is the place for exhilarating drift dives and the first shark sightings. Be it hammerheads, grey reefs or thresher sharks there is plenty of reason to keep a watchful eye to the blue. At Rocky and Zabagad slender coral towers and plunging drop offs are the order of the day. St Johns is only a short hop away where diving is a thrilling mixture of sunken reef tops, steep walls and shallow cave systems. Returning north does not mean the end of this itinerary. The succulent coral gardens of Fury Shoal and Wadi Gamal are just as spectacular and finish the week with an exclamation mark.
Direct flight to Marsa Alam, all fees, 12L tank & weights and FREE NITROX are included in your package.
Maldives
Carpe Vita
Save £300 on the Maldives Seasonal Sensation onboard Carpe Vita
The Maldives Seasonal Sensations itinerary wends its way between Male and Baa atolls, cherry picking the highlight dive sites for that season. Timing is everything – dive the east side of the atolls, when sites that are at their seasonal hottest for sharks, manta and gorgeous coral reefs.
Carpe Vita offers up to 4 dives daily (except for on the day of arrival and day before departure) including one or two night dives and all diving is from a dhoni tender, with 12lt tank and weights included. You have booked a standard cabin on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) – cabin upgrades available. Tea, coffee and drinking water are included in your package, as well as non alcoholic beverages and 2 glasses or beer or wine with dinner. All trips are fully guided with 2 expert guides. Excluded are additional alcoholic drinks, nitrox (7 night package $150). The green tax has been prepaid. If your itinerary requires a domestic flight this will be included in your holiday – simply ask your consultant at the time of booking. International flights not included
Emperor Atoll
Dive some of the iconic Maldivian sites on a budget
Emperor Atoll is a traditional Maldives liveaboard. If you are looking for an affordable way to access the full range of dive sites in this world class destination, then look no further. She might be smaller than some of her sister ships, but her charm lies in her open, airy layout and warm welcome.
Experience some amazing shark encounters on the Sharktastic trip or enjoy the magnificent mantas and whale sharks that made the Maldives one of the top destinations from £1195 plus international flights.
Indonesia
Mermaid 2
Save £350 on the Raja Ampat Discovery onboard Mermaid 2 this 28th of February
Experience one of the bests destinations in the world and dive the unique reefs of Raja Ampat onboard Mermaid 2 with this great offer
Raja Ampat may be difficult to find on a map but it is a scuba diving experience quite unlike any other and one of the all time great Indonesian dive destinations. This is a vast expanse of sea, peppered with literally hundreds of tiny islands and coves, which means the only way to truly explore Raja Ampat is on a liveaboard and Mermaid 2. The biodiversity is off the charts with walls, reefs, pinnacles, caves, mangroves and black sands, each creating a unique ecosystem. Areas such as Fam and Kawe boast an enormous quantity of schooling fish. Regular shark sightings at Fiabacet and Uraine are an undeniable highlight. Mansuar is the place to head for mantas and turtles. Epaulette and wobegong sharks can also be seen, rushing across the seabed at Waigeo. Snorkel with the resident dolphin pod in between dives! Macro lovers will be in paradise at Bantana or Kri where muck diving is the order of the day with a myriad of bright, colourful critters – some of which have only been recently identified by science! Pygmy sea horses, mimic octopus, cockatoo wasps, Coleman shrimps… there is no end to what miniature marvels await.
This holiday does not include international flights.
Murex Bangka Resort
Dive the amazing Bangka Island and save £150 on selected dates from £1845
Save £150 – Dive Bangka island Manado with the pioneering team from Murex. With a 15 boat dive package explore the reefs and pinnacles, teeming with life, big to small. 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, Not included are any drinks not included in your board basis, laundry, land excursions, Diving extras such as special trips, private guiding, kit hire, courses and nitrox.
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
Philippines
Kasai Village
Explore some of the best diving areas in the Philippines
Kasai Village Dive resort and spa is nestled in one of Cebu’s diving meccas – Moalboal. Pescador is only a short ride away. Dive over 30 sites with options for new divers through to technical divers. House reef and boat diving await and there are a range of action packed day trips for those dry days! Under the water or above it, this is an exclusive getaway perfect for those looking to escape the daily grind and demanding crowds.
Prices start from £2295 and 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.
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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