News
Holidays beneath the waves inspired by the BBC’s new Blue Planet II series
Some 16 years after the ground-breaking first series hit our screens, the BBC’s Blue Planet is set to return this autumn. Once again hosted by Sir David Attenborough, the new seven-part series will reveal further mysteries of the world’s oceans and the fascinating, and sometimes bizarre, creatures that inhabit them. For those inspired by the programme, leading tour operator Dive Worldwide offers a ‘shoal’ of trips to locations featured in the show, allowing viewers the chance to replicate the action they see on screen.
Blue Planet II breaks barriers in the world of wildlife filming. From capturing erupting underwater volcanoes in the Gulf of Mexico to the depths of the Antarctic Ocean, and using new technology such as suction cameras on the back of orcas and whale sharks, this is an immersive series, and one that is sure to top the 12 million viewers of the original series, back in 2001.
As featured in Blue Planet II…
Dolphins in South Africa
Sure to be one of the series’ iconic sequences is the incredible footage of dolphins surfing in South Africa. For those looking to spend time with these intelligent animals in the Rainbow Nation, there isn’t a finer trip than the Sardine Run Adventure. Each June a shoal of millions of sardines migrate down the KwaZulu Natal coastline, prompting the greatest feeding frenzy on earth, with dolphins, sharks, orcas and whales all after a slice of the action. Guests spend five days following the shoal and diving and snorkelling with its plethora of wildlife.
Price: from £2,675pp sharing including return international flights, all transfers, seven nights’ B&B accommodation, two dives at Aliwal Shoal and five days’ Sardine Run Action.
Whale Sharks in the Galapagos
Blue Planet II will use suction cameras attached to the back of whale sharks to offer amazing creature-eye-view footage, never seen before on television. To experience this same viewpoint first hand, dive with whale sharks on a Galapagos Liveaboard. Whale sharks are frequent visitors to the archipelago, typically visiting between June and December and, as was recently discovered, often while pregnant. Other species to spot include schools of hammerhead and silky sharks and manta rays.
Price: from £5,745pp sharing including 1 night in Guayaquil, 7 nights’ liveaboard accommodation, all meals, up to 20 dives, transfers and return flights from the UK.
Giant Cuttlefish in South Australia
Film-makers captured giant cuttlefish in Australia gathering in their thousands for their annual mating aggregation. For those looking to witness these curious creatures first hand, it is best to head to South Australia. Joining an extended liveaboard expedition beginning on the Neptune Islands, divers will experience the thrill of a cage dive with great white sharks, see sea dragons and sea lions along the leafy coastline, and at the upper Spencer’s Gulf see the amazing giant cuttlefish themselves, in what is one of nature’s most flamboyant mating ceremonies.
Price: from £3,435pp sharing, including 9 nights’ FB liveaboard accommodation, 9 days’ diving with tanks and weights and transfers. Voyage only. Flights extra.
Unusual Octopuses
The new series features incredible footage showing the sophisticated hunting techniques of the reef octopus and, for fans of the weird and wonderful, Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait is the jewel in the diving crown. On the Walls, Schools & Critters itinerary, guests will spend a week each in Bunaken and Lembeh, enjoying up to three dives per day.
Price: from £2,975pp sharing, including 14 nights’ FB accommodation, 12 days of diving, tanks and weights, transfers and return flights from the UK.
Sperm Whales and their Calves
Viewers inspired by the series’ sperm whale and her calf should head to Dominica. This Caribbean island is the only country in the world where sperm whales can be seen all year round, as the juveniles and females do not migrate. On the Discover Dominica trip, guests will combine whale watching with diving and dip beneath the waves at the spectacular Champagne Reef. There’s also the chance to head inland and hike to waterfalls and a boiling lake, to appreciate why Dominica is known as the ‘Nature Island’.
Price: from £1,795pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B accommodation, 5 days of activities, transfers and return flights from the UK.
The Depths of Antarctica
Filmed using manned submersibles, the Antarctica episode focuses on the deep oceans surrounding the White Continent. For adventures closer to the surface the Classic Antarctica trip offers diving in the icy water, kayaking around Wienche Island and wildlife watching of the continent’s penguins and whales, among other wildlife. Staying aboard a specially-designed polar vessel, guests will enjoy talks from a knowledgeable naturalist each evening bringing the continent’s wildlife to life. Price: from £5,695pp sharing, including 10 nights’ FB liveaboard accommodation, shore excursions, activities and talks by naturalists. Voyage only, flights extra.
For further information contact Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com, 01962 302 087).
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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