News
Dominica Celebrates 23rd Year of Dive Fest
Diving amateurs and the more experienced can enjoy some of the world’s best diving at reduced rates during Dominica Dive Fest, the Caribbean’s longest running dive festival. The nine-day festival from the 7th to 16th July marks the 23rd consecutive year for Dive Fest.
The annual event hosted by Dominica Watersports Association offer diving sessions at the cheapest rates of the year some of the most pristine and healthiest reefs in the Caribbean. Dominica is also home to volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, black sand beaches, impressive waterfalls and remarkable land and sea life, earning itself the title of the Caribbean’s ‘Nature Island’.
Dominica is a favourite amongst divers due to its unique features and varied sites. Champagne Reef is one of Dominica’s most famous diving and snorkelling sites. Located in the northernmost part of the Marine Reserve, Champagne Reef’s sub-aquatic hot springs emulate that of the bubbles in a glass of champagne. Totally unique to Dominica, geothermal springs release gasses into the 15 feet of water creating bubbles and a sea floor which is warm to the touch. Champagne Reef is also known for its rich wildlife with schools of squid, spotlight parrotfish and huge lobsters and crabs commonly seen.
Along with Champagne reef, Dominica boasts a number of other famed dive locations including Scott’s Head Pinnacle which is located where the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas meet, creating some of Dominica’s most impressive and picturesque swims. ‘The Suburbs’ and ‘The Village’ offer richly covered rocky drop-offs that attract several sea life species such as black durgons, huge barracudas, turtles and big stingrays. All together Dominica has over 20 individual dive sites that remain uncrowded by the masses and showcase an assortment of colourful sea life.
There will be plenty of excitement for non-divers as well, with a great mix of athletic and family events which help make Dive Fest a nine-day celebration for all. Activities range from swimming, kayaking and Pwi Pwi races, to the most renowned event, the Kubuli Canoe Race where teams of four compete in traditional fishing boats.
Families can come together to be a part of Beach BBQ’s, kids snorkel treasure hunts and a family fun day with turtle hatchings and most famously the “Jing Ping Ting” (an evening of fresh seafood and dancing to traditional Jing Ping Music). There is also the opportunity to go on discounted whale watching tours where guests can experience the 90% sighting success rate in Dominica.
Visit during Dive Fest
Kenwood Travel is offering a seven-night stay during Dive Fest from £1,375pp
Dominica’s finest heritage hotel is situated in the heart of the islands historic capital Roseau on the waterfront. This luxurious hotel is only steps away from Saint George Anglican Church and the Dominica Museum and features a full-service spa, restaurant, four bars / lounges, 24 hour fitness centre and poolside bar. For scuba divers, Fort Young has its own fully equipped Buddy Dive shop and jetty to accommodate water activities. *The package includes seven nights at Fort Young for two adults together with bed and breakfast and flights from the UK departing 11 July.
To book please call 020 7749 9245 or visit www.kenwoodtravel.co.uk
For more information on Dominica please visit www.discoverdominica.com
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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