News
GTS launch online courses and scholarship programme for divers who have lost income due to COVID-19
Girls that Scuba – the world’s largest female dive community – have clubbed together with its members to offer exciting and interactive online dry courses to help support incomes and connect the dive community at this time. But don’t worry, these are not more webinars or social media live events. These courses are taught just like they would be in person and you can even come out with a new certification!
Each course is hosted by a different instructor who is a member of Girls that Scuba and has been affected by the loss of income due to COVID-19. The price of the course (minus any course fees) is split between the instructor and GTS helping the instructor stay in work and helping run the Girls that Scuba community. The courses are run every Saturday and have limited spaces.
This is an unprecedented time for the dive industry and everyone at Girls that Scuba is committed to our mission of helping women grow as a diver.
Courses currently available: view all here
9th May: Equalisation Workshop – For Scuba divers and Freedivers – Run by Argentinian sister team Lu and Cande Fabre from Amanacay Freediving this course is aimed at anyone that has ever experienced issues equalising either in freediving or scuba diving. You will learn new techniques in equalisation and understand the process more helping you more successfully equalise. £33 GBP
16th May: Journey into Marine Conservation – Project Aware Specialty Course
Run by Ellen from Dive Ninja Expeditions this dry conservation workshop will jumpstart your journey in marine conservation. Ellen is an instructor from USA that has worked in conservation projects ranging from coral to sharks and rays in some of the most abundant yet threatened regions of the world. For those that are looking to make a positive impact in their dive careers, or share their passion for the ocean in their own communities this is a great place to start. Empower yourself with the resources and tools that conservationists use to speak out for our oceans and create change, with these passionate instructors who are immersed in the field every day. £60 GBP, includes a $10 donation to project aware plus your own project aware cert card with a manta or a whale shark on it!
23rd May: Coral Identification Course – Easy Techniques for Spotting Corals
Run by coral expert Nicole Helgason the ‘coral queen’ who has her own blog dedicated to coral education, and leads coral identification presentations at numerous dive shows, and dive resorts worldwide. Whether you are a dive professional looking to increase your coral knowledge, a recreational scuba diver, or underwater enthusiasts interested in learning more about corals, this course is for you. Learning to identify corals can be a challenge, especially if your only resources are a few old ID books. This course will give you simple techniques for identifying corals and will have you seeing the reef with new eyes in no time. £37 GBP
30th May: Turtle Identification, Anatomy, Surveying Techniques and More – PADI Distinctive Specialty: Hosted by Natasha Gillespie-wong from Hong Kong who is PADI master scuba diver trainer looking to make a positive impact on the fragile underwater world! She has worked as a dive instructor and researcher in Indonesia for the last two years and is now based on the glorious island of Gili Trawangan. This course is open to anybody aged 10 and above, whether you dive, snorkel or just want to learn more about sea turtles!
You will learn in this course how to identify turtle species, sea turtle anatomy and feeding habits, mating, nesting and hatching habits, surveying techniques, threats to turtle populations and the importance of conservation plus much more. £95 includes a PADI speciality card.
Scholarship programme
Girls that Scuba has launched a scholarship programme alongside these courses to give divers the opportunity to join one of these courses free of charge – as sponsored by a dive company/brand/dive centre/diver. An application is available for anyone who has lost income in the dive industry due to the effects of COVID-19 but also for young divers who are looking to progress in diving but don’t have the funds. All divers aged from 13 years old onwards are accepted into the application process. One place on every course is guaranteed by Girls that Scuba as a sponsor and the hope is to get more sponsors in the dive industry that would be willing to sponsor an applicant. Promotion will be given during the courses by Girls that Scuba on their network of over 700,000 divers for any sponsors if wanted. Sponsors can also be anonymous and only known by the selected scholar, and can also be an individual who would like to sponsor. Sponsors will be presented with a list of scholars and can choose which one they would like to sponsor. GTS understand this is a financially difficult time and ask to only consider sponsoring if you are able to.
To apply for a scholarship (open for all dives ages 13 and above) click here.
If you are interested in sponsoring an applicant (the price is the price of the course) please contact Sarah, founder of Girls that Scuba at sarah@girlsthatscuba.com
If you know anyone you think would benefit from our scholarship programme (especially any young divers) please send the application on to them to apply. We really want to sponsor as many young divers as we can to further their education.
To find out more about Girls That Scuba visit their website by clicking 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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