News
Grand Bahama: Fun-filled activities for all the family
The Bahamas is not just about shark diving! Honestly! There is plenty to explore both above and below the water. We had some time to spare whilst waiting to fly to our next destination, after our diving trips, and decided to make the most of it. The Bahamas has more palm tree-lined golden beaches than anywhere we can think of, so you could just chill out, catch some sun and enjoy a Bahama Mama cocktail, but we wanted to do a couple of water-based activities that also allowed us to explore more of this island.
The tour, with Calabash Eco Adventures, combined both snorkelling and kayaking, but the wind had picked-up a little, and so our guides chose the sites best suited to the wind direction to ensure we were safe and comfortable in the water. They picked our group up from our hotel in the morning in a minibus, towing our kayaks behind. Whilst they do provide all the equipment you might need, we threw our mask, fins, snorkels, rash vests and action cameras into our bag.
Our first stop was Paradise Cove, where we were going to snorkel, and our tour bus pulled up to reveal a nice setup, with great facilities and a place to grab lunch after our time in the water. We donned our snorkelling gear and set off down the golden sand to the Caribbean Sea. Our guide told us that there were artificial reef structures, plenty of turtles and, further out, a nice reef to explore. We were not disappointed with our first turtle appearing in just a couple of minutes. It is amazing the marine life you can see in such shallow water, without needing any scuba kit. After over an hour in the water, we were ready for a spot of lunch and so grabbed a veggie burger on the deck before jumping back in the bus to take us to our next adventure.
Our afternoon was spent kayaking amongst the island’s mangrove system. This ecosystem is hugely important for the island; the mangroves act both as a barrier to the adverse weather during hurricane season and also as a nursery for young reef fish. Kayaking is a great way to explore the mangroves, gliding quietly on the still water as our guide led us on a relaxing tour through the maze of mangrove roots. Braver souls than us tried standing up and paddling, but one wobble and they were in!
To finish off our day of non-diving in Grand Bahama, we headed to Port Lucaya Marketplace. If you want to pick up some duty-free shopping, stop for a drink and watch the world go by, or fancy eating out, then this is where most people head to. It is really vibrant and we particularly liked the Rum Runner as a place to grab a cocktail of the same name and toast what was an exceptional day out of the water.
For more information about these activities:
Images and text by Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown
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.
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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