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Dreamy dive deals from Scuba Travel
Make your diving dreams come true! If you’ve spent most of your day dreaming about where you would rather be, it’s time to call our friends at UK-based Tour Operator Scuba Travel. Beat the blues and book yourself a ticket to a blue water adventure this week. Diving takes us to some of the most spectacular, remote and astonishing locations around the world – it’s time to make your diving dreams come true.
Dive the Red Sea this October I Wrecks & Reefs aboard Cyclone I £1295 I 22 October
October is a really popular time of year to dive the Red Sea as the sightings are incredible. The air temperature has dropped to the mid 30’s and the sea is starting to cool meaning the sharks start to reappear at shallower depths. The Wrecks & Reefs itinerary is perfect for any diver wanting to see the best of the Northern Red Sea, with world class wreck dives and breathtaking reef dives every day.
Cyclone features the tried and tested layout of all Tornado Marine Fleet vessels. The all important dive deck is spaciously laid out so everyone can kit up without fighting for space. Head to the main deck dining room at meal times and an outstanding feast awaits. The upstairs saloon is complete with a bar and the plasma screen is a focal point at the end of the day or during surface intervals. Or escape from it all on the extensive sun deck, complete with sun beds and jacuzzi. Cyclone is a true Red Sea classic liveaboard that easily meets the high standards of Scuba Travel’s modern Red Sea vessels.
- 7 nights full board, return flights to Hurghada, up to 22 dives per week
Find out more about this trip here.
Turks and Caicos Aggressor I Save £600 I 20 October I Only £2825
Looking for a special kind of diving holiday in the Caribbean? Then why not take a closer look at Turks & Caicos.
Turks & Caicos are made up of 40 islands lying to the west of the Caribbean but as only eight are inhabited, there are some magnificent dive sites waiting to be explored far from the madding crowd. With such a glorious range of dive sites to visit, surely the only way to travel is onboard our luxurious liveaboard the Turks & Caicos Aggressor. Sail between the endless cays and islands in complete comfort, breaking up your day only to dive. Diving in Turks & Caicos is one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets – visit it before the secret gets out!
As you would expect from an Aggressor boat, no creature comfort has been overlooked. The saloon is large with all the entertainment kit you could need. A computer station is onboard for emails (local charge) and checking your photos. At the end of the day, put your feet up with a sundowner at the wet bar.
- Package includes return flights via USA, 7 nights full board and up to 5 fully guided dives per day
Find out more about this trip here.
Aggressor have incredible savings on many worldwide destinations including Palau, Komodo and Belize – Click here for more information on these special offers.
Hai Tide Beach Resort, Bali – September I Only £1595 I Departing either 9 or 30 September
The professional team at Bai Hai diving adventure have been operating in Bali and Nusa Lembongan for 25 years. Within 15 minutes of most of the world class dive sites in the area the sealife is incredible. Manta rays can be seen year round with a 90% success rate and Mola Mola’s are seen regularly from July-Nov, with stunning coral reefs and adrenaline fuelled drift dives. It’s time to discover reef diving Indonesian style.
The Resort is the ideal home away from home for divers. The traditional villas are all air-conditioned with private ensuite and the resort boasts an idyllic seafront bar and grill for freshly cooked meals at the end of your day.
- Includes return flights, 7 nights half board in a garden villa, 14 boat dives (air)
Find out more about this trip here.
Orion I 19 August I £1795 save £500 I Best of the Maldives itinerary
Encounter manta, sharks, eagle rays and so much more on this classic Maldives itinerary onboard the popular Emperor Orion. This is a dive holiday in the Maldives to remember that hits all the seasonal hot spots of North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll. Dive the many channels, drifts and pinnacles, encountering the reef residents as you go. The exact order of things is left deliberately flexible to ensure that no matter what the time of year, the breathtaking world underwater is unveiled in all its perfection.
As all diving takes place from the 19.8m tender dhoni that follows Orion, your liveaboard is pure living space. Your first port of call on board is the sitting area and reception room. Move forwards to the dining area with bar. Dive briefings usually take place here, as well as buffet meals. On the upper deck you will find the jacuzzi and a small shaded seating area. Pull up a chair at the end of the day and chat over the day’s diving delights with fellow divers. Chill out in the sunshine on the wide fly deck sun loungers and mattress beds.
- Package includes return flights, 7 nights full board, an average of 16 fully guided day dives and 1 night dive over the week plus FOC nitrox
Find out more about this trip here.
Luxurious Carpe Novo I 8 and 15 September I £1895 save £500 I Maldives Seasonal Sensations itinerary
Wend your way between Male and Baa atolls, cherry picking the highlight dive sites and including snorkelling at Hanivaru Bay. Dive the east side of the atoll when sites are at their hottest for sharks, manta and gorgeous coral reefs – this is the best time of year to look out for manta rays and whalesharks.
Spend your week onboard the sublime and spacious Carpe Novo. New since March 2016, Novo boasts three decks and is 43m long. She is generously proportioned and has gorgeous areas for relaxing between dives both inside and outside.
- Package Includes return flights, 7 nights full board, 3 dives a day including 1 or 2 night dives
Find out more about this trip here.
To find out more about Scuba Travel and the dive holidays they offer, call 0800 0728221, email dive@scubatravel.com or visit www.scubatravel.com. You can find the latest summer specials at www.scubatravel.com/lastminute
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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