News
Dive into these May specials from Scuba Travel including refitted Hurricane
The Scuba Travel team have come up with some brilliant holiday deals to get your diving season off to a fantastic start! Check out the following:
Hurricane – May Super Specials from £895
Hurricane has set sail on her first trip of the season. Scuba Travel’s Operations Manager Martin Nordin is onboard and has reported back that the boat is looking super clean and sparkling! Martin’s loving the new comfy sofas on the upper deck, with plenty of bean bags, and the aircon has all been replaced and is working perfectly.
May is an impressive month to dive the southern Red Sea as all the Manta and Shark sightings demonstrate. Scuba Travel have a variety of itineraries in May to suit all divers. This week is Shark Quest and the low down from the guides is that the Brothers Islands is where it’s at. With Mantas, shoaling Hammerheads and Oceanics all seen there last week. The guests are very excited with potentially 2 or 3 days of heart pounding diving ahead… it could be you next week if you take advantage of one of these exceptional May Specials
Package includes 7 nights full board, direct flights from Gatwick to Marsa Alam, fully guided diving, all fees, 12lt tanks and free Nitrox, plus day use and lunch at a hotel on your last day,
Leo – 26/05 – Pelagic Magic Itinerary £1295 (Excluding Flights)
Leo is a stylish boat, with contrasting wooden decor throughout the entire vessel including the cabins and bright, generous communal areas. The main deck is great for socialising with a large lounge with sofas, licensed bar and jacuzzi. The sun deck is perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset after a day in the water.
The Pelagic Magic itinerary has a special focus on the Whalesharks of Ari Atoll. Come face to face with these gorgeous beasts as you snorkel through the warm waters. Dive with the Maldives’ other pelagic inhabitants – Manta and Sharks – at the season’s very best sites.
This package includes 7 nights full board, approximately 17 fully guided dhoni dives, 12 tlr tanks and Free Nitrox, and transfers from Male airport.
Marina Lodge – 02/05 – 7 nights from £695
This incredible price offers the chance to book into an outstanding dive centre and hotel combo for your next Southern Red Sea holiday. The Marina Lodge is in the heart of the Port Ghalib complex and is only a 10 minute transfer from the airport. The hotel has everything you need on site including an impressive dive centre run by Emperor Divers. Facilities for your post-diving relaxation include two swimming pools, a large sun terrace, hotel beach and a pool bar, in addition to the main restaurant.
Diving from Marsa Alam is endlessly varied and suits all levels of divers. Most dive sites are 15-90 minutes from the dive centre and a choice of full day or half day trips are planned everyday for you to choose from.
This holiday includes 7 nights on a half board basis, 6 boat dives (but this can be adapted), return flights from Gatwick to Marsa Alam and airport transfers.
Solmar V – 19/05 – Save £1100 from only £2095 (Excluding Flights)
Set sail for the incredible Socorro Islands this May and June for only £2095 on the luxury steel hulled Solmar V, renowned for the outstanding service and attention to detail provided by her crew. With her interior fitted out in brass, rich mahogany and carpets, she really is a gracious and beautiful boat.
Dive the wild and remote Socorro Islands for the opportunity of unrivalled diving. Sightings could include the friendly Giant Mantas, Humpback Whales, Dolphin and over seven species of Sharks including Hammerheads.
This super special price includes one night in a Cabo hotel, 8 nights full board (including local beer and wine), fully guided diving and return transfer to Cabo.
Bunaken Oasis – 17/05 – Only £2895
Escape to this stunning 5 star luxury dive resort on Bunaken Island. There are only 12 large, traditionally built private villas. Each boasts its own unique vista out over the beach towards the mainland. The majority of the villas have king double beds, with an additional 2-bedroom family villa. Twin beds available on request. No detail – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant – has been overlooked in the building of Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort.
With easy access to over 50 superb dive sites, the variety of diving at Bunaken Oasis resort is incredible. This is a purpose-built dive resort and as such, everything you need is right here on site. Choose between 3 boat dives per day or 2 morning boat dives and an afternoon spent exploring the house reef (subject to conditions).
Includes International flights, transfers, 7 nights in a traditional cottage, 17 boat dives, free Nitrox and free house reef diving.
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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