News
Fancy a getaway? Check out these dive holiday deals from Scuba Travel
If you’re in need of a holiday, take a look at the latest underwater offers from UK Tour Operator Scuba Travel:
Royal Evolution, Sudan – 7th June – 14 nights – Save £700, only £2445
Royal Evolution is the only choice for anyone serious about diving Sudan. It’s the stress free way to visit Sudan sailing down from Egypt & St Johns. The inclusion of the seldom dived Suakin area (southern Sudan) as well as the Umbria, Shaab Rumi, Angarosh make this a must see itinerary for advanced divers.
Royal Evolution is a sleek 39m and between the two sun decks and enormous saloon there is always a peaceful corner for relaxing. The bar and Jacuzzi form the social hub. Royal Evolution is fully enabled for technical and rebreather diving. The back dive deck has more space that you could ever want, with individual cubby holes for storing your gear between dives and charging batteries, as well as a large camera table with air gun in the middle of the deck. Years of hard earned experience led to the conception of Royal Evolution and she led a new era of Red Sea liveaboards in Egypt and Sudan.
Included in this package are return flights with Thomson from Gatwick and transfers, 13 nights full board on Royal Evolution, 1 night in a hotel, Egyptian visa, 12 ltr tanks and weights and up to 4 fully guided dives per day.
Find out more about this trip here.
Hotel Faial, Azores – 8th July – only £1295 – Save £100
Discover the varied diving in Faial, plus the chance to come face to face with Blue Sharks! The Azores has incredible blue water diving. The volcanic formations underwater create swim throughs, caves and overhangs, along with undulating reefs and walls. This is heaven for macro lovers… but it is the mobula at Santa Maria and blue sharks in Faial that are the stars of the show!
The 4 star Hotel Faial Resort is within walking distance of the island’s historic centre. It’s beautifully laid out around gardens and courtyards, with the added benefit of having the Haliotis dive centre on site. For relaxation between dives the hotel has many facilities including an indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym and even a Turkish bath.
Package includes return flights via Lisbon, 8 nights in a standard room on a B&B basis, 12ltr tanks and weights and 10 pre-booked boat dives.
Find out more about this trip here.
Fabulous Sightings in the Southern Red Sea – Hurricane -17th May – £995
Get away to the Southern Red Sea on the award winning Hurricane Liveaboard. The final two spaces on the 17th May are only £995, (1 male share and 1 female share) on the Simply the Best Itinerary.
Don’t miss out! Last week’s guests on Hurricane had an awesome trip, reporting some amazing sightings of hammerheads and loads of mantas including six mantas together at Daedlaus, all topped off with a lovely flat calm sea at Elphinstone. Big drops offs and big fish at Daedalus combined with the unique coral formations at the reefs make for a diving itinerary to remember, far from the crowds.
Hurricane is a comfortable, spacious liveaboard with a thoughtful layout and highly experienced crew which is why she has won Liveaboard of the Year four times including last year. Book on to see for yourself just why divers fall in love with her.
Package includes return flights from Gatwick to Marsa Alam, 7 nights full board, 18-20 fully guided dives, 12 ltr tanks and weights and free Nitrox.
Find out more about this trip here.
Carpe Diem – Maldives – 26th May – 7 nights, only £1695
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 manta, whalesharks and reef residents as you go. The exact order of things is left deliberately flexible to ensure that no matter what time of year, the breathtaking world underwater is unveiled in all its perfection.
Carpe Diem combines superb service, exceptional diving and on board comfort at affordable prices. On the main deck is a large saloon area, which is the hub of the boat, where briefings are given. There is a large flat screen and audio system. Outside of the lounge is an outdoor seating area. All meals are served al fresco in the dedicated dining area on the upper deck, where there is also a sun deck for soaking up the views.
Package includes return flights, 7 nights full board, up to 3 fully guided dhoni dives per day and 12ltr tank and weights.
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.
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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