News
Jump into Scuba Travel’s hottest diving holiday offers
When it comes to your hard earned diving hols, the team at UK-based Tour Operator Scuba Travel are here to make your summer diving sizzle! Jump in to their selection of the hottest last minute diving holiday offers.
Hot holiday of the week is the sexy Scubaspa in the Maldives. Dive your way through the Best of the Maldives and then relax with a well earned spa treatment. Book now to save £250.
Save £250 throughout Summer 2017 I Scubaspa prices from only £2395 I Maldives
Scubaspa takes Maldives liveaboards to a whole new level. She’s a classy lady with undeniable wow factor. Total relaxation is guaranteed with first class comfort and service. Whether you are there for the diving, spa and yoga or just to get away from it all, this is an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime on board a genuinely luxurious vessel.
Discover the divine world underwater or enjoy daily treatments in the sumptuous spa – this is your holiday to enjoy your way. Scubaspa is more than just a dive boat. Every area is light, spacious and beautifully styled. There is always a sunny or shaded area, where you can find peace, quiet and tranquility with the stunning backdrop of Maldivian islands floating past. The fly deck’s terraced sunbathing design offers privacy. Jump in the jacuzzi or take time out to relax at the spa. There’s no doubting that the Scubaspa experience will remain with you long after your journey home.
After landing in Male you will be taken to the boat and the adventure begins. You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) – cabin upgrades available. Scubaspa dives the seasonal hot spots with an average of 3 dives a day and all diving is from a dhoni tender. A dive may be exchanged for a chance to snorkel with manta or whalesharks. A 12lt tank, air fills and weights are included. Please have your nitrox card if you wish to dive on free nitrox. All trips are fully guided with 2 expert guides. Please ask about the Scuba, Spa or Scuba & Spa packages available.
Half term week on Cyclone I 22nd October I Now £1295 I Wrecks and Reefs Itinerary I Red Sea
Cyclone features the tried and tested layout of all Tornado Marine Fleet vessels. The all important dive deck is spaciously laid out so everyone can kit up without fighting for space. Head to the main deck dining room at meal times and an outstanding feast awaits. The upstairs saloon is complete with bar and plasma screen is a focal point at the end of the day or during surface intervals. Or escape from it all on extensive sun deck, complete with sun beds and jacuzzi. Cyclone is a true Red Sea classic liveaboard that easily meets the high standards of Scuba Travel’s modern Red Sea liveaboards. With world class wreck dives and breathtaking reef dives every day, why not take a trip to the best of both worlds.
Departing from Hurghada on a Sunday, you will spend 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin share cabin). This is a classic itinerary in the Northern Red Sea with up to 22 dives over the week. All marine park fees, 12lt tank, air fills and weights are included in your package – please prebook nitrox and 15lt tanks before travel. All trips are fully guided with 2 expert guides. Flights are with Thomson from Gatwick and transfers are also included. At the end of the week you will have day use of a hotel and buffet lunch while you wait for your flight home.
Find out more about Cyclone here…
Save £350 I 15th July on Virgo I Pelagic Magic Itinerary I Maldives
South Ari August to October is all about the whalesharks. Thrilling face to face encounters with whalesharks, manta and sharks on this pelagic packed Maldives liveaboard adventure! Virgo sleeps only 18 divers over 30m, which has made her popular with those that prefer smaller groups on board. All diving is from the support dhoni. Perfect for divers the boat has a great layout; on the main deck there is a large air conditioned saloon with welcoming sofas. Meals are served buffet style and seated at a large table. This is a fun, social boat to be on! The bar on board is fully licensed so you can enjoy your favourite tipple as the sun sinks over the horizon. The upper deck is a hub for most people in between dives, with loungers to relax on and enjoy the Maldives drifting by.
After landing in Male you will be taken to the boat. You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) – cabin upgrades available. Tea, coffee and water are included in your package. Emperor Atoll dives an average of 16 days dives and 1 night dive during your trip. All diving is from a dhoni tender. All marine park fees, 12lt tank and weights are included in your package as well as FOC nitrox. All trips are fully guided with 2 expert guides.
Find out more about Pelagic Magic onboard Virgo here…
Save £500 I 22nd July I Atlantis Puerto Galera I Philippines
The Atlantis Puerto Galera is an intimate hotel with only 41 rooms but this does not mean the facilities are lacking in any way! The range of facilities and activities on offer at Atlantis Puerto Galera is impressive – while away many an hour underwater or above! Take a dip in the pool before you head out for a round of golf (the view alone make this worthwhile!) or to have your stresses massaged away at the spa. You can grab some kayaks or a jet ski to explore the many islands or join an island hopping tour to see some of the best beaches in the region. If action is more your thing, you can take a trip to the local waterfalls or Mangyan village to meet the locals. Plus of course Puerto Galera is a hot spot for diving with 40 dive sites overflowing with abundant marine life, especially macro.
Once you arrive in Manila you be picked up and taken by land and boat to the Atlantis Resort. Your standard package includes return flights, 7 nights in a deluxe room on an full board basis – optional room grades available. Also included is unlimited scheduled boat diving (up to 5 dives/day). Special day trips are organised and subject to a small supplemental charge paid locally.
Find out more about Atlantis Puerto Galera here…
To find out more about Scuba Travel and the dive holidays they offer, call 0800 0728221, email dive@scubatravel.com or visit www.scubatravel.com. You can find the latest summer specials at www.scubatravel.com/lastminute
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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