News
Diving with…Margot Watson and Rob Slight, Kraken Diving, Scapa Flow
What is your name?
Margot Watson and Rob Slight
What is the name of your business?
Kraken Diving
What is your role within the business?
We both run Kraken Diving and are instructors as well. Everything from the admin to teaching to rinsing.
How long has the business operated for?
We opened in 2020, as Scapa Scuba decided to stop running the school side of their business in 2019.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
Margot – I got my Open Water in 2017 and am now a Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Rob – I started diving around 2005/2006 and am also a Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
What is your favorite type of diving?
Margot – I love wreck diving, how could I not up here, but I do love how the wrecks become natural reefs so all the life surrounds them as well.
Rob – very much a wreck head!
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
No matter which site we are diving, there are wrecks to see. We take all levels of divers from Try and Dives to Tec – experiencing the WW1 and WW2 Blockships at the Churchill Barriers and the WW1 German High Seas Fleet that Orkney is known for.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
That is such a tricky question to answer. Every year the wrecks change, they have been in the water over 100 years now. But the SMS Coln has to be up there, the bow is still beautifully in tact (as I write this) and usually covered in life, plenty to see even with a 30m limit.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Shore diving with a max depth of 11m around the Blockships and wreck diving in Scapa Flow.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
When you get someone who gets hooked into diving and you see them progress in their skills and love doing it at the some time is so rewarding. Or when you start teaching someone who struggles with a certain skill at the start of their time with you then smash it out the park by the end of their time/course with you.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Although I barely ever get to see them, I love whales. We get a few up here and although I haven’t encountered them under the water, orcas are impressive creatures to see.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
As much as we can, we do Dive Against Debris days and try to clear out as much rubbish as we can. Regularly while on the shore we do beach cleans to stop any more rubbish getting back into the ocean. If there are local events happening, we do our best to take part in those. As a company we are just trying to be conscious of our decisions and how that would affect the plant, one of things we do to offset our carbon footprint by investing in Seagrass forests.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
At the moment we are very much a seasonal centre (running from end of April to the end of September) because the weather in the winter months are so unpredictable, but we’d love to try and extend that by offering other courses such as the Instructor course or work with the locals to get the next generation excited about the ocean. We are constantly trying to think of new ideas to get people wanting to look after and experience what is in the water.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
We are at a really exciting point where people are realising that we need to look after the ocean and people who dive/snorkel are at the forefront of that and can do massive things to help promote what we need to change and how we can make a difference. I would love dive centres around the world to promote the idea of seeing, no touching. Pointing things out to customers without ever disturbing or moving the creatures we see.
Finally, what would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
Scapa Flow is on many divers bucket list, but there is a reputation of having to be tec level to see it, it’s not the case. To see the German High Seas Fleet we ask for people to be Advanced Open Water with Dry Suit certified, so a huge chunk of divers can come to see for themselves. Orkney is a major playground for divers, well anyone that loves the water.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business? (This is where you enter your contact details and any specific details on how our audience can reach you)
Our website is full of information about the range of courses we offer (www.krakendiving.co.uk) and you can follow up on Instagram or Facebook to see what we get up to. If you fancy chatting to us about a possible trip you are wanting to do, we can absolutely do that as well (07933492349).
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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