News
Experience new dive trends in the Indian Ocean with Dive Worldwide
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Sri Lanka Emerges as a New Dive Destination, with Launch of First Ever Liveaboard
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Island Hopping with Diving Becomes Available on Local Islands in the Maldives
The tiny island of Sri Lanka may be best known for its Buddhist ruins, but it is also an emerging dive destination. A sure sign of this latest trend is the arrival this September (2016) of the island’s first ever liveaboard, the Sri Lanka Aggressor, to be introduced by Dive Worldwide. Another first for Dive Worldwide, and never seen before, is an authentic Maldivian island-hopping dive experience with stays in local guesthouses.
From bespoke holidays to expert-led small groups, the leading specialist in scuba diving trips offers underwater escapes for all budgets including diving holidays for clubs or groups of friends. Regardless of diving ability, whether travelling solo or with a buddy, choose from resorts and iconic liveaboards in over 45 countries from Malta to Tahiti and plenty in between.
WHAT’S NEW FOR SUMMER 2016 & BEYOND
ISLAND HOPPING & LIVING LIKE A LOCAL IN THE MALDIVES
Dive Worldwide is first to encapsulate a new dive trend for living like a local while diving the famous sites in the Maldives’ South Malé Atoll. Its brand new island hopping adventure for summer 2016 includes stays in small guesthouses on two lesser-known Maldivian islands.
Until now it has only been possible to dive the Maldives from a liveaboard or stay in a single resort and, while island hopping is popular in the Philippines and Thailand, it is virtually unheard of in the Maldives. Tune into a slower pace with a morning dive, followed by a relaxing afternoon, enjoying the local food and culture, with the chance to rub shoulders with local people during the evening.
Time is divided between two islands on the South Malé Atoll, diving popular sites such as Embudhoo Kandu, Guraidhoo Thila and Kandooma Caves, including those in marine protected areas. Underwater highlights include drift dives, soft corals, caves, turtles, wrasse, grouper, sharks and eagle rays. The journey begins on Maafushi, a tiny island with a thriving community before moving further south to Guraidhoo, a small island with a 2,300 strong fishing community, renowned for boat building. Importantly, the island hopping is by ordinary day boat which is so much more economical than the usual sea plane transfers on offer to other visitors.
Price: A 9-day dive trip costs from £1,725pp based on 2 sharing, including return flights from the UK, accommodation, transfers and diving.
SRI LANKA – AN EMERGING DIVE DESTINATION
Once an extension to the Maldives, Sri Lanka is an emerging dive destination in its own right, with its offer of tropical waters and teeming sea life. The year-round destination also provides an array of topside attractions from ancient architecture to palm-fringed tropical beaches, temperate tea plantations and jungle habitats. From September 2016 Dive Worldwide is to offer the first ever (and newly built) liveaboard, the Sri Lanka Aggressor, with three separate itineraries available: whale and dolphin snorkelling, recreational diving, and technical wreck weeks.
The inaugural whale and dolphin snorkelling trip begins from Trincomalee encountering up to 13 species of whale and eight species of dolphin under the expert eye of world-renowned naturalist Howard Martenstyn. Recreational diving trips depart from Colombo and offer tremendous variety from local wreck to drift dives. Wreck diving enthusiasts can enjoy technical diving on world-class wrecks such as the HMS Hermes, the first ever British-built aircraft carrier, now lying at a depth of 54 metres.
The Sri Lanka Aggressor is a purpose-built, 44-metre yacht that is accompanied by two launches. Generous on board facilities include 13 air-conditioned cabins, a dive deck lounge, wet bar, BBQ grill area and a swim deck. A four day extension is available staying in a 5-star tented camp with big game viewing at Minneriya and Wilpattu parks, and the opportunity to spot leopard, deer, monkeys and birdlife. There are also side trips to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Sigiriya Rock Palace and the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Price: A 10-day liveaboard costs from £2,455pp based on 2 sharing, including return flights from the UK, accommodation, transfers and diving. A 4-day safari extension costs from £1,100pp. A 50% discount is offered on the cost of the liveaboard on all departures from 10-17 September 2016.
SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES
For those who prefer to join like-minded souls on their underwater adventures, there are a host of opportunities to buddy-up with group diving experiences for 2016 and 2017. Among them are:
Great for experienced divers, join these special weeks in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal coast and at Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique to see as many different shark species as possible, while learning to understand their behaviour and how they see divers.
Price: 9 nights’ B&B costs from £1,535pp inc all flights, 14 dives, weights and transfers. Selected departures.
Raja Ampat in eastern Indonesia is widely considered to offer the most spectacular and varied diving on earth. Join a 10-night liveaboard adventure on the elegant S/Y Indo Siren and, with marine Biologist Dr. Richard Smith, take in the finest dive sites at the epicentre of the Coral Triangle.
Price: 15 days from £4,350pp inc flights, mostly full board, transfers, expert leader and up to 4 dives per day. Depart 28 Feb 2017.
Book now for June 2017, joining instructor Neil Bennett at the very pinnacle of his sport to explore this incredible WW2 underwater battle site in Micronesia, with countless wrecks at diveable depths – a region that is without equal in the world of wreck diving.
Price: 13 nights’ full board from £3,495pp inc diving, transfers, expert instructor, Truk diving permit, Nitrox up to 30%. Depart 28 June 2017.
For more information, visit www.diveworldwide.com or call +44 (0)1962 302087.
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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