News
Diverse Travel welcomes new staff member and new worldwide dive destinations
With a fine choice of holiday and diving locations already under its belt, Diverse Travel has now added more choice for divers to see the world, thanks to the appointment of Holly Gibson.
Holly joins the team having worked in the travel industry for over 20 years. She started in retail travel and spent many years in corporate travel where she mastered the art of putting together some of the most complicated itineraries for discerning travellers. Having qualified as a diver in 2001, Holly was bitten by the ‘underwater bug’ and had the opportunity to combine her passion for diving with her career. “I am extremely excited to be joining the team and sharing my wealth of knowledge about the world’s top diving destinations. Whether it’s a single or multiple destination trip or even a ’round the world trip’ diving all the top destinations in one go, do call us for some good old friendly advice!”
Cocos Island, Palau and Socorro Islands are three new additions to the company’s portfolio, with more to follow soon.
The stunning Cocos Island, off the coast of Costa Rica, is a protected reserve home to some of the most challenging diving on the planet. Divers can choose their timing and see huge schools of hammerheads and, most recently, tiger sharks!
Prices from £4083 per person for 11 night package based on twin share including return flights from London Heathrow to San Jose, Costa Rica. 1 night in San Jose, 10 nights’ liveaboard twin/double cabin, including all meals and beer, 7 full days with 3 dives per day.
The beautiful rock islands of Palau, in the Pacific Ocean, hold diving delights with sharks, amazing corals, stunning caves and a choice of historical wrecks sunk during WWII. Team this the famous ‘Jellyfish Lake’, hiking through the waterfalls of Babeldaob and an encounter with the resident saltwater crocodiles!
Prices from £2382 per person for 12 night package based on twin share including return flights from London Heathrow to Palau. 2 nights’ in Manila at the Remington Hotel, 10 nights’ in twin/double room at the Landmark Marina, including breakfast, lunch and drinks on dive days, 8 days’ diving with three dives per day.
The Socorro Islands, also in the Pacific Ocean, are made up of four volcanic islands; perfect shelter for schooling hammerheads, Galapagos oceanic white tip and silky sharks, big eye jacks, barracuda, whalesharks and Pacific manta rays. From December to March huge numbers of migrating humpback whales visit these remote islands.
Prices from £2980 per person for 10 night package based on twin share including return flights from London Heathrow to San Jose Del Cabo. 1 nights in Los Cabos, 8 nights’ liveaboard twin/double cabin including all meals, 6 days diving with up to 4 dives per day.
With over twenty years of dive centre and resort management, the Diverse Travel team has the experience to deliver memorable diving holidays and benefit from full financial ATOL protection under the TTA.
“We are looking to expand our portfolio even further with enviable tie-ups with more dive destinations,” explains Jim Yanny, Managing Director of Diverse Travel.
For more information, call 0800 915 4436 or visit www.diversetravel.co.uk.
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