News
Diving with…Craig Stephen, Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Australia
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
What is your name?
Craig Stephen
What is the name of your business?
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
What is your role within the business?
General Manager
How long has the business operated for?
Since 1969
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
32 yrs, OWSI
What is your favorite type of diving?
With so much great diving on offer, that’s a difficult question, I do however still get very excited, dropping in on remote uncatalogued reefs, especially when the current is ripping through 🙂
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
Our vessel Spoilsport is crewed by knowledgeable seasoned and enthusiastic individuals that form a most magnificent team dynamic and ensure our passengers needs are met. Our expeditions always optimise the prevailing conditions to ensure we get the very best possible experience on each and every dive. We offer a diverse range of dive sites, dive styles and animals from large to small. People are what make the difference and whether travelling solo or accompanied, as soon as you step on board, you will feel as relaxed as in your own home.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
Osprey Reefs ‘North Horn’ is undoubtedly one of my favourites. Osprey is an isolated Atoll over 100 miles offshore and 70 miles beyond the GBR. Two converging walls plummeting to over 1000m (3000ft) adjoined by way of a small plateau creating a natural amphitheatre teaming with life. Grey whaler are the predominant shark species, Silvertip, Whitetip, Great and Scalloped Hammerheads are also commonly seen. It’s not just the sharks however, the western wall has a fabulous drift dive back towards the amphitheatre covered in beautiful pink soft corals and fans. Potato Cod, Morays and even the occasional Whale Shark turn up from time to time. Its got everything including that ‘Big Blue Abyss’ feeling we all love so much …. a very special place.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Beginner to advanced, Bommies or pinnacles, classic reef, drift, night, wall, reef caves & caverns; Minke Whale, Shark, Nautilus …
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
The variety, from managing vessel slipping to hiring the next passionate reef guide and developing exciting new itineraries …
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Nigh impossible to answer, a bit like saying who your favourite child is, and that’s a definite nono, haha. Until I meet an Oceanic White Tip, I’d have to say a Silvertip, grace, beauty, unpredictable, intimidating …
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
We have recently introduced NEW Far Northern Itineraries; 3 different areas on a 7 night expedition which include the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Seas’ offshore deep water atolls and the Far Northern sector of the GBR where the deep waters well up producing vibrant reefs and exciting fish action. For 2020 we’ll be re-introducing one way travel between Cairns and Horne Island at the tip of Australia taking in the amazing Far Norther Reefs where some of the best coral reefs in the world abound with a vibrancy rarely surpassed.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
There are a few concerns not relative to just our center, but Coral Bleaching is an obvious one. We are very fortunate to have such a vast reef system stretching over 2600km with some 2900 individual reefs. Having a roving permit, means we can pick and choose where we dive and ‘rest sites’ as they recover. However, the trend for rising ocean temperatures and greater frequency of El Nino climatic events, allows less time for coral recovery which may ultimately see the time v recovery work against us. Shark baiting or netting near populated areas also concerns us. Too many sharks are targeted as a consequence of shark attacks, often as a knee jerk reaction by government agencies feeling they need to do something. Most educated people including the families and victims of attacks accept the risk and their consequences; it is really quite disturbing how much ignorance still exists around these most amazing (and important to the environment) animals.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
As a company, we are Advance Eco Certified; this means that we apply best practice to manage ourselves in an environmentally sustainable way, which includes auditing by a government appointed regulator. We recycle at the end of every expedition donating the proceeds to local clean up charities; we have done away with ‘giveaway marketing’ plastic bottles and introduced metal ones, done away with glow sticks, we’ve repowered our engines both main vessel and tenders to minimise our environmental footprint and use suppliers with similar best practice and are constantly looking to improve. We have many affiliations with research groups both gov and NGO offering research space on our expeditions and are very proactive on boards and committees to secure MPA’s throughout the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
I’ve seen our industry go through some highs and lows, impacted by other emerging adventure sports and global events. Those of us fortunate enough to work within this industry really do appreciate just how lucky we are to earn a living so close to nature. That connection feeds our passion for conservation and encourages us to be proactive as ambassador’s for change. Gone are the days when ‘diving was dangerous and sex was safe’; there’s little machismo connected with diving these days and a lot more compassion for what we all understand, is an extremely fragile environment. The planets future is in the hands of our youth so for me, we need to energise the youth to get involved in our ‘sport’ to ensure not only its future but to create new ambassadors for environmental change.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer
Our itineraries offer incredible diversity of marine life and photo opportunities from macro to wide-angle from pygmy sea horses to Minke whales and if you like sharks, well, we have lots of sharks. No two dive expeditions are ever the same for marine life encounters which is one of the reasons we have so many repeat guests. The friendliness of our crew, the chef prepared meals on a large spacious vessel, all make this big comfy girl a very pleasurable experience. Whether travelling as a group a couple or on your own, you will feel as welcome as in your own home.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Website: https://www.mikeball.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeBallDiveExpeditions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeballdive/
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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