News
Join the educational eco adventure of a lifetime with Family Dive Adventures
The Galapagos Islands are justifiably on most divers’ wish lists. But how about taking the family along on this adventure of a lifetime?
Next July 15-22 2018, during peak whale shark season, go and enjoy one of the rarest and unique experiences on earth. Join family travel experts Family Dive Adventures for their 12th week in the Galapagos Islands. They privately charter the luxury 16 passenger liveaboard Galapagos Sky with 11 Ecuadorian Crew Members, including dive instructors and private park guides. Fraser Purdon a PADI instructor and Tech instructor will be leading this Kids Sea Camp adventure with his 15-year-old daughter Sophie Purdon a PADI Master Diver.
The Galapagos Sky vessel offers the most kid-friendly dive team in the Galapagos. This trip will also feature a milder schedule and itinerary suited for family diving the famous Galapagos Islands. Gently swept by the waters of three major oceanic currents, the Galapagos Islands provide a stunning range of extraordinary diving encounters for liveaboard divers. Schooling Hammerheads, giant whale sharks, rays of all shapes and colors, turtles, huge schools of fish, Galapagos fur seals, and astounding marine life diversity are just some of the riveting attractions of Galapagos liveaboard diving – a destination many divers feel is “the best in the world”.
Only three cabins left!
Deluxe cabins are $6,595 per person.
Master cabins are $6,695 per person.
All cabin types are double occupancy with private bathroom. Deluxe cabins are located on the lower deck of the yacht; Master cabins on the upper deck. Deluxe cabins have 2 single beds; Master cabins have the option of 2 single beds or 1 double bed.
Rates include: Cabin accommodation, all meals, snacks, beverages (including beer and wine with Dinner), air or Nitrox fills, one 80 cu ft/12 liter tank, weights, weight belt, up to 4 dives per day on 5.5 days for 7-night cruises, 3 land excursions, service of naturalist guides/dive masters, all other Galapagos Sky services, and amenities.
Rates do not include: Trip interruption or Cancellation Insurance, Dive Accident Insurance (DAN or DiveAssure), International Airfare to Ecuador (Quito UIO or Guayaquil GYE), Domestic Airfare to the Galapagos Islands (Quito UIO or Guayaquil GYE to San Cristobal SCY), Galapagos National Park entrance fee $100, Transit card (TCT) $20, Hyperbaric chamber fee $35, Rental gear and Gratuities to guides and crew.
Note: Family Dive Adventures recommend that all divers age 12+ are Nitrox certified prior to the trip.
Want to find out more? Please visit www.familydivers.com
Photos: Kids Sea Camp
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Gear News
Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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