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Duxy’s Winter Warmer Photo Trip February 2015 Part One
Bertie Gregory joins UK-based tour operator Scuba Travel on one of Duxy’s Winter Warmer Photo Trips to improve his Underwater Photography skills
After just five seconds in Sharm El Sheikh, my first expectation was surpassed. It was warm; very warm in fact, precisely 24°C warmer than when I set off from a very dark, damp Dorset earlier that morning. Moments later, things got even better as we learned our planned boat was in dry dock. Our replacement for the week was now the crown jewel of the Tornado Marine fleet, ‘Mistral’.
Having been on two brilliant liveaboards in the northern Red Sea, I was sceptical that my previous experiences could be topped. However, they were blown out of the water (I make no apology for the terrible aquatic puns in this article).
There were two key differences between a normal northern Red Sea itinerary and Duxy’s Winter Warmer. Firstly, instead of being a whistle stop tour with no more than two dives at any given site, we spent the majority of the week at just two dive sites: the Barge off of Gubal Island, and Jackson Reef in the Straits of Tiran. The photographic benefits of this are numerous. Throughout the day, the light underwater varies dramatically, so if I didn’t like the look of something with the sun front lighting it, I could always come back and try it again backlit. Furthermore, repeated dives on the same site meant I became very familiar with the underwater layout and so could plan my time efficiently with a subject I’d found on a previous dive. But the benefits weren’t just limited to photography; to encounter the more unusual wildlife like dolphins you need to get lucky. The Barge is one of the best places in the Red Sea to see dolphins, so by staying on site we dramatically increased our chances. This tactic paid off big time resulting in one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles I’ve been fortunate enough to witness.
The other USP of Duxy’s trip is the open deck policy; at the start of each day we were allocated four dives and, so long as we kept within diving safety parameters, we could use these four dives whenever we wanted. This meant we could time our dives to avoid other people on a site, but also plan to coincide with the best time to see certain wildlife. For example, dolphins are often spotted around the Barge first thing in the morning and last thing before sunset. Whilst I say we spent 3 days at the Barge, we had the ribs at our disposal, so conditions permitting, we could actually dive at any site around Gubal Island.
From a social perspective, the liveaboard concept initially seems a little dubious; captive on a boat with 19 strangers with no escape for a whole week. However, it’s a winning formula; meeting new people all with a common purpose – everyone loves diving. Duxy’s trip takes this one step further as everyone shares a second interest: photography.
Before the trip, Duxy sent out reams of information on what to expect and asked for information on what photographic gear we had and what we hoped to get out of the week. Looking at the list of responses there was everything from a simple GoPro to top of the range DSLRs with twin strobes. Being somewhere in the middle of this, I was slightly apprehensive as to how Duxy would manage to juggle the huge range of ability and equipment. As with all the previous hurdles however, he leapt over this one with grace and splendor (not literally, he’s a slightly over weight 50-year-old man).
Duxy excelled at giving tips and tricks between dives which thanks to the open deck policy, I could immediately go and practice underwater. A great example of this came when during a flash talk, Duxy discussed a lighting technique used in fashion photography where instead of lighting the subject front on, you position the strobes in front of the camera pointing in towards the subject at 90 degrees. This gives a powerful dramatic look, as it leaves a shadow down the middle of the subject. Liking the sound of this, I jumped straight into the water to experiment. The uniqueness of Duxy’s itinerary made this possible- I could get into the water when I wanted and return to a subject I’d already visited. This was the result…
The theme of the week was definitely dolphins. Rather than just brief flybys, we were incredibly lucky to have a number of close-up intimate encounters. My first marine mammal meeting came just as we were returning to the boat following a great dive on the Ulysses wreck. As the rib docked on to the main boat, a couple of dorsal fins popped up at the surface just meters away. Knowing how fast they are, I detached my strobe arms (thanks to Ikelite’s great quick release system sold by Cameras Underwater) so I could make some attempt at matching the dolphin’s hydrodynamic body. As I slipped into the water I was greeted with a volley of clicks. To my surprise, it was a mother and her calf- CUTENESS OVERLOAD. Whilst the following two minutes were magical, the pair were quickly gone and we all got out of the water. I had a strange feeling they might return so I kept my fins and snorkel on. Sure enough, moments later their dorsal fins appeared at the surface and they were coming towards the boat again. Whilst everyone else tucked into lunch, I spent the next hour and a half filming, photographing and playing with the mother and her calf. It was without a doubt the most incredible wildlife encounter I’ve been lucky enough to witness under the water.
But whilst this was a magical experience, it didn’t come close in terms of LMAO (google it) to what happened the next day…
Stay tuned for part two from Bertie next week.
Duxy’s Winter Warmer trips are very popular and get booked up very quickly, so Scuba Travel are putting two on in 2016 – here is the link to the February one and the March 2016 one is here.
Find out more about Bertie here:
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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