News
Last minute Scuba Travel dive deals: Maldives and more…
There’s nothing like a dive holiday to work off the excesses of Christmas… check out the latest special offers from the Scuba Travel team:
Egypt
Departing from Sharm El Sheikh allows you to dive some of the most beautiful areas in the northern Red Sea regardless of the weather. Enjoy the colourful reefs of Tiran, always buzzing with life, the incredible walls of Ras Muhamed and the majestic Thistlegorm. You will spend 7 nights onboard on a full board basis (twin-share cabin). Included in your package are up to 22 dives over the week, 12lt tank, air fills and weights. Please prebook nitrox and 15lt tanks before travel. Flights are direct with EnterAir from Gatwick (indirect Manchester are available at a supplement) 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.
Click here to email the Scuba Travel team and receive more information about this amazing liveaboard. Dive the reefs of Tiran, Ras Mohammed and the incredible Thistlegorm.
Click here to book this great trip!
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
Maldives
Best of the Maldives on 10th May – sail onboard Emperor Serenity for only £1225
Only 6 spaces, save £370! Get all the thrills of big fish in the Maldives on board the exceptional Emperor Serenity liveaboard. Manta, sharks, eagle rays and so much more on this classic Maldives itinerary – dive the seasonal hot spots from a dhoni tender with an average of 17 dives (including 1 night dive). You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) – upper deck cabin upgrades available. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with dinner. 12lt tank and weights are included, as well as free recreational nitrox.
This holiday is excluding international flights, with return Male airport transfers. Scuba Travel is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Flights will incur a small booking fee. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.
Click here to email the Scuba Travel team and receive more information about Emperor Serenity on 10th May.
Click here to book your place!
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
Check out Melissa’s blog: Fancy a warm winter getaway with lots of diving?
Maldives
Best of the Maldives on 11th October – sail onboard Emperor Virgo for only £1045
Special Offer – save £400, only 6 spaces available! Join the Emperor Maldives Fleet on the perfectly sized Virgo liveaboard for the classic, all-time great Best of the Maldives itinerary. Dive the seasonal hot spots from a dhoni tender with an average of 17 dives (including 1 night dive). You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) including 12lt tank and weights, as well as free recreational nitrox. To pay on board are alcoholic drinks, fruit juice, fizzy drinks, additional kit hire and any on board souvenirs.
You have booked a holiday excluding international flights, with return Male airport transfers. Scuba Travel is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Flights will incur a small booking fee. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.
Click here to email the Scuba Travel team and receive more information about Emperor Virgo on 11th October.
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
Maldives
Best of the Maldives onboard Carpe Vita – 6th September for only £1175
Special Offer – only 6 spaces, save £220! Discover all the pelagics that make the Maldives on board the exceptional Carpe Vita. Enjoy a relaxing 3 dives a day with the Carpe Vita team including one or two night dives. All diving is from a dhoni tender, with 12lt tank and weights are included, and free recreational nitrox. You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) – cabin upgrades available. Tea, coffee and drinking water are included in your package. The green tax has been prepaid.
This holiday excludes international flights to Male but includes airport transfers. Scuba Travel is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.
Click here to email the Scuba Travel team and receive more information about Carpe Vita on 6th September.
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
Indonesia
Murex Manado Buddy Offer in January – from only £870 per person
BUDDY OFFER! £870 per person or single supplement only £125.
Great value diving in Manado and, Bunaken Indonesia. Our dive show special includes 12 boat dives – discover rich coral reefs and magical macro with the welcoming team from Murex Manado. Your holiday includes 7 nights in a deluxe cottage on a full board basis (2 people sharing). Local taxes are prepaid. Water, tea, and coffee are available free of charge, To pay locally are any drinks not included in your board basis, laundry, land excursions. Diving extras such as special trips, private guiding, kit hire, courses and nitrox will all be billed in resort. There is a one-off Bunaken national park fee (IDR 150,000 per diver/snorkeler). UK passport holders can obtain and FOC visa on arrival. Return airport transfers in Manado are included.
This holiday excludes international flights to Manado but includes airport transfers. Scuba Travel is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.
Check out this great trip report about Murex Manado by Sam Wren, Scuba Travel’s group specialist…
Email Scuba Travel and receive more information about Murex Resort and diving in Bunaken.
Click here to book your Murex Manado holiday!
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
Galapagos
Save £1600 and dive the Galapagos this 6th January onboard Humbolt Explorer – only £2695
Save £1600! Spend longer at Wolf & Darwin on board Humboldt Explorer with the exciting Galapagos Extreme itinerary. Your liveaboard holiday is based on a twin-share cabin – twin or queen bed double options – and on a full board basis, including alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, premium alcoholic beverages available for an additional charge. A 12lt tank, air fills and weights are included in your package with 18-20 dives on average. All trips are fully guided with expert guides. The last night Sunday dinner is not included in your cruise. The crew will help with reservations and recommendations. To pay locally are the departure tax, the Galapagos park fees ($100), chamber tax ($35), tourist card ($20), fuel surcharge ($150) and nitrox ($150) on board.
This holiday does not include any international flights to Ecuador (UIO or GYE) or the Galapagos Islands. Scuba Travel strongly recommend you add a night in Ecuador before and possibly after your liveaboard, depending on your flight times. These can be added to your booking, with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Do be aware that if your flight routes through the USA you must have an ESTA prior to travel.
Email Scuba Travel and receive more information about diving the Galapagos on 6th January.
Click here for information about Humbolt Explorer!
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
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.
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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