News
Dive into Scuba Travel’s latest holiday special offers
Dive into 2018 with one of these fantastic offers from UK-based Tour Operator Scuba Travel:
Red Sea: 25 January I WOW! Shark Quest on Mistral I Only £995
Start 2018 as you mean to go on with an adrenline-fuelled adventure in the Southern Red Sea.
Join Mistral on the 25th January diving the exciting Shark Quest Itinerary. Shark Quest is all about diving the southern Red Sea at its seasonal best and spending more time on fewer, carefully selected dive sites. We trust the local knowledge and experience of our dive teams. Building on their know how and recent sightings, they will select one of the big marine parks to dive. Be that Brothers, be that Daedalus, you can enjoy up to three days in the boat’s selected pelagic hot spot. Dive where you have the strongest chances for sharks and rays. It’s that simple. Join our quest for the most inspiring and exciting pelagic sightings possible.
Includes 7 nights full board, flights from Gatwick direct to Marsa Alam, fully guided diving and Nitrox.
Maldives: Serenity I Save up to £400 I From £1395 (excl. flights)
Emperor Serenity is a contemporary, spacious liveaboard where fine accommodation and service is standard. This sleek liveaboard was built in the Maldives especially for divers. Stand out from the crowd as you moor in the picture perfect Maldivian atolls.
This 40 metre boat easily accommodates 26 guests in 13 well-appointed en-suite cabins, all with air-con. There are 5 lower deck cabins, each with double beds and a single too, as well as 3 double only cabins. On the main deck, you find 3 cabins with double beds and a single, and the same again on the upper deck. A supplement applies for main and upper deck cabins – please do ask your travel consultant at the time of booking about which cabin option would suit you best.
Includes transfers from Male airport, 7 nights full board and approx 17 fully guided dives.
Sudan: 22 February or 1 March I Save up to £400 I From £1695
Sha’ab Rumi, the Con Shelf, Sanganeb and Wingate’s Umbria are some of Sudan’s finest dive sites. The Sudan North itinerary focuses on these undeniable highlights. The walls are deep and the plateaus make an ideal stage for shark watching. Add to this the beautiful wreck dives at the unique Umbria and Con Shelf II and you are guaranteed an incredible Sudan liveaboard, packed with excitement and variety.
Voyager is operated by an experienced team who have made the Sudan their home and know each reef intimately – there is no one better to guide you through the Sudanese waters. With such an unparalleled knowledge of the dive sites, marine species and their seasonality it is no wonder that divers flock back to this vessel year after year.
Includes flights, transfers, 7 nights full board and fully guided diving.
Philippines: Dive the Phillipines from £1295 incl. flights
Exotic Resort Malapascua are the original pioneering dive centre – get closer to thresher sharks and enjoy the warm welcome at this beach front resort. The island of Malapascua has an impressive reputation for such a small location. The diving here is most famous for its thresher sharks. With their wealth of experience, the Exotic Resort has an exceptional track record at getting the best sightings of these elusive and shy sharks. Step ashore and forget your everyday stresses and strains. Take in the crystal turquoise waters that surround the Exotic Resort and relax into a slower pace of life.
Includes flights, transfers, 7 nights full board plus 10 boat dives.
Galapagos: Humboldt Explorer I Galpagos Extreme I Save £1000 I From £4595
Humboldt Explorer is a one of a kind Galapagos liveaboard. There is plenty of space on board for relaxing in between dives. The sun deck has a large lounge, as well as a partially covered sun deck and jacuzzi. Building on their experience diving this one of a kind destination, the team have crafted a very special itinerary that focuses on extra dive time at Wolf and Darwin.This means you have even more time to dive with the famous hammerheads, Galapagos sharks and silkies. Add to this the seasonal whaleshark and ray sightings, as well as iguanas and sea lions, and you can see just why the Galapagos is one of the ultimate diving destinations.
Includes flights, transfers, 7 nights full board plus fully guided 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.
-
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