News
Get away on a Djibouti liveaboard this weekend and other great winter deals from Scuba Travel
Escape the winter blues this weekend and beyond with UK-based dive tour operator Scuba Travel.
Here’s what’s on offer:
Join Scuba Travel in Djibouti This Weekend / Last 2 spaces only £1595 / saving £1000
Fancy escaping the rain this weekend? Join world class photographer Martin Edge on an amazing trip to Djibouti with fantastic opportunities to photograph Whalesharks. Elegante is a beautiful wooden gullet with space for only 14 divers. Djibouti is all about awesome whaleshark encounters. Whalesharks can be elusive at the best of times, let alone to photograph. If your portfolio is lacking these beautiful creatures, then this is the trip for you.
Djibouti is one of the few destinations worldwide where face to face encounters can be guaranteed. This is what draws world class photographer Martin Edge. Join him for a unique trip with one of the most charismatic subjects you will find underwater. Grab your snorkel and get closer than ever to these beautiful creatures. On arrival in Djibouti you will be met by Scuba Travel’s representative and transferred to your liveaboard. You will be required to purchase a visa on arrival – this is currently 120 euro per person but is subject to change without notice. You will have a full briefing by your guides once everybody has arrived for the trip. Including in your trip are tee, coffee and water – soft drinks and alcohol are available and paid for on board. Your last night will be spent at the Kempinski hotel and you will be advised locally of the pick up time of your airport transfer.
To find out more about this holiday click here.
Red Sea Whirlwind – This February from only £795
From only £795 sail away this February to the Red Sea on the award winning Liveaboard Whirlwind. Enjoy the classic Wrecks and Reefs Itinerary with up to 22 guided dives on world class wrecks and breath taking reefs.
Depart from Hurghada spend 7 nights full board on Whirlwind. All marine park fees, 12lt tank and weights are included in your package. All trips are fully guided with 2 expert guides. Flights are with EasyJet from Gatwick and transfers are also included. At the end of the week you will have day use of a hotel and buffet lunch until your flight home. Excluded are the Egyptian entry visa, alcohol, additional kit hire, nitrox and any on board souvenirs.
To find out more about this holiday click here.
Galapagos / Save £1200 / 16th-25th January / £4295
Join Scuba Travel this January on the luxurious Galapagos Sky which has state of the art facilities and sleeps only 16 guests. The Galapagos have earned a reputation as one of the ultimate liveaboard diving destinations with unique marine life.
Sharks, manta, sea lions, iguana, whalesharks… these are just some of the incredible encounters you will discover on board Galapagos Sky. Your trip of a lifetime starts on arrival in Guayaquil where you will be met and taken to your hotel for the night (B&B, twin share). The next morning you fly to San Cristobel to join Galapagos Sky for 7 nights. Scuba Travel’s trip package is based on a twin share deluxe cabin (full board including alcohol with meals) – master cabin upgrades are also available. Included are the Galapagos Marine Park fees ($100) and chamber tax ($35), 12lt tank plus free nitrox. All trips are fully guided by 2 expert dive guides.
To find out more about this holiday click here.
For more information on the dive holidays Scuba Travel offer 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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