News
Latest dive holiday special offers from Scuba Travel
UK-based tour operator Scuba Travel have released some great dive holiday deals for those of you who are hoping to get some diving in before the end of the year.
Here are the details:
Lembeh Resort – Indonesia 1st November – 10th November 2015
- One space left (male share) to join Duxy at this boutique style divers resort on Lembeh island
- Save £250 only £2200 including flights
- 7 nights full board
- Includes 17 air dives
Manado is home to some of the rarest underwater critters in the world and with unspoilt pristine reefs.
Life in Manado revolves around the diving and is especially popular with underwater photographers – muck, critter, macro and wide angle…. the Lembeh resort has it all. Experience critter diving in Lembeh Strait that is second to none. There are 2 different room grades at the Lembeh resort – deluxe cottages or garden view rooms. All have air con, en suite bathrooms, king size double or twin beds, a water dispenser, tea and coffee, fridge and electronic safe. The traditional deluxe cottages are fully detached with glorious sea views and open air showers. They are traditional in design with a covered wooden veranda. 4 of the deluxe cottages can sleep up to 4 people, with a separate living and bedroom area. There are 4 deluxe cottages that are nestled in the cliffside and are a touch more modern. Enjoy spectacular views over the Lembeh Strait with open air showers. The newer garden view rooms are located close to the dive centre, surrounded by the tropical gardens in resort. The rooms share a veranda. These are smaller than the cottages but ideal for single travellers.
If you are not underwater at Lembeh resort, you are relaxing! The restaurant serves a mouth watering mix of local and international dishes, all freshly prepared. Tuck into pastries or home made bread at breakfast, a tantalising buffet at lunch and al la carte evening meals – all included in your holiday package. The spa is a must for aching muscles or if you are feeling adventurous, a wide range of land activities can be arranged locally. Tour the island or visit the Tangkoko National Park to see some of the land life.
Find out more about this trip here.
Cocos – 5th October-18th October save £1000 £4495 including flights
One of the ultimate hammerhead shark destinations and onboard the most luxurious liveaboard in Cocos.
Visit one of the last shark wildernesses of the world – and with Argo, this is premium luxury unlike any other.
Your trip of a lifetime starts on arrival in San Jose where you will be met and taken to your hotel for the night (B&B, twin share). The next morning you will be transferred to Puntarenas where you board Argo. The trip package is based on a twin share cabin (full board). All trips are fully guided by 2 expert dive guides and includes 12lt tank, weights and free nitrox. There are usually 4 dives per day at Cocos including night dives. The Cocos Marine Park fees of $490 must be prepaid – paid locally is a mandatory search & recovery charge of $35. At the end of you trip you will return to San Jose for your last night in a hotel (B&B, 2 people sharing) before your final airport transfer the following morning. Flights are usually with Iberia (from Heathrow) but this can vary. The final trip cost will depend on flight availability at the time of booking and seasonal liveaboard rates. All transfers are included. Excluded are the local departure taxes (approx $35).
Argo is the latest offering from the expert Undersea Hunter group and a spectacular addition to the stunning shores of Cocos. Packed with all the latest mod cons the Argo is a one of a kind vessel to explore a completely unique region and lives up to the high standards set by the fleet – from safety to comfort, no detail has been overlooked. At 40m, this steel hulled beauty makes light work of the sailing to and from the remote Cocos islands. With 8 cabins on board, she can sleep up to 16 people in lavish surroundings with modern furnishings and elegant artwork. All of the cabins sit below the waterline for optimum sailing comfort, flooded with light from the sky lights. Each cabin is individually furnished and all are with large en suite bathrooms. With the ability to custom mix gasses, nitrox and technical divers have not been forgotten. Favoured by film crews and professional photographers, the on board photographic facilities are top notch, while the industrious kitchen staff serve up a wide range of freshly cooked meals that will get your taste buds tingling.
Find out more about this trip here.
Red Sea Liveaboard – Mistral 10th October – 17th October Save £400 only £875 including flights
Spend time diving the Red Seas best wrecks on this dedicated itinerary with the most experienced guides in the Red Sea.
Mistral is a stable steel liveaboard with all mod cons! Departing from Sharm, 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 21 dives over the week. All marine park fees, 12lt tank and weights are included in your package. 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. Excluded are the Egyptian entry visa, alcohol, additional kit hire and any on board souvenirs. Please let us know if you would like to prebook any PADI courses on board or have any dietary requirements.
Get Wrecked is certain to satisfy any diver interested in wreck diving in the Red Sea. With so many wrecks here in the UK, we are a tough bunch of divers to please. Yet the astounding quality and scope of wrecks in the Northern Red Sea will not leave you disappointed. Shipping down through Suez, the narrow slip of sea that separates Hurgada and the Sinai is peppered with islands and reef tips that have been the downfall of many a captain. But these maritime mishaps have left a legacy that serves up the most fascinating and enjoyable warm water wreck dives you could hope to experience.
Find out more about this trip here.
For more information on the dive holidays Scuba Travel offer 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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