News
Diving in French Polynesia
French Polynesia, surrounded by white sand beaches and situated in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, hides under its pristine waters one of the most amazing diving experiences that will captivate even the most blasé of divers. Hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, mantas, dolphins, huge schools of fish and, for the very lucky ones, humpback whales.
If you wish to see more specific pelagics, book your trip according to the following dates:
- June: Grouper spawning season
- June to October: Manta season
- July to November: Humpback whale season
- December to March: Hammerhead and eagle ray season
Master Liveaboards, brought to you by Worldwide Dive and Sail (owners and operators of the Siren Fleet), will launch this year the French Polynesia Master. Built of steel and with a cruising speed of 11 knots, she welcomes aboard 25 guests for 7 or 10 night dive safaris diving between Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Providing diving for groups of no more than 5 divers, her 4 decks provide ample space for relaxation as well as dive equipment and camera preparation, whilst her experienced crew members ensure you receive only the highest quality service on your diving holiday.
To plan your next diving holiday in French Polynesia, contact Master Liveaboards. Don´t think for too long though, French Polynesia Master will be the only liveaboard in the region and has already caused a lot of interest among the diving community since her launch – so don’t delay, contact the team today.
Either before or after your French Polynesia Master trip, why don’t you join one, or both, of their exceptional proposed excursions in conjunction with an experienced local tour operator that has been operating in the area for 14 years?
Diving with Tiger sharks
Dive not only with tiger sharks but also with nurse sharks, black tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, white tip sharks and lemon sharks.
Your day will start at 8:30 am with a talk about shark behavior and conservation, the shark feeding practice and how to observe sharks in French Polynesia. Then you will go for a 2 dive day trip with 2 experienced dive guides in a small group of up to 12 divers.
Snorkeling with Humpback Whales
If what increases your adrenaline is to be with the biggest mammal on earth, then this excursion is right for you.
Every year, beginning in June and ending in December, female humpback whales head to Tahiti to deliver their calves in the comfort of the warm waters of French Polynesia. At the same time, other adults come to find a new mate among the increased numbers of animals in the area while sheltered from their natural offshore predators.
There are only a few places in the world where we can still swim with these amazing animals, so don’t miss this chance while you are in French Polynesia.
It consists of a half day trip observing and snorkeling with humpback whales.
*Available only from August to mid-November.
For further information on both excursions, contact the Master Liveaboards reservations team.These are two days out that the whole Worldwide Dive and Sail team highly recommends you!
Website: www.masterliveaboards.com/french_polynesia
Email: bookings@masterliveaboards.com
Photos: Aaron Wong
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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