News
Latest liveaboard dive holiday deals from Scuba Travel
UK-based dive tour operator Scuba Travel has some fantastic offers for next month and beyond, but hurry – time is running out for those who wish to take advantage of these great deals.
Here are the details:
Red Sea Liveaboard / 9th April / Whirlwind / only £795
Save £330. 7 nights full board, up to 21 dives per day. Wrecks and Reefs is the itinerary for any diver wanting to see the best of the Northern Red Sea with world class wrecks and breath taking reef dives every day.
The Wrecks and Reefs itinerary gets to some of the most iconic dive sites Egypt has to offer, as well a few of lesser known beauties. After the check dive, this tour starts in style. Tiran and Ras Mohammed are rightly two of the best known areas for diving in the Northern Red Sea. The coral gardens play host to hundreds and thousands of candy coloured fish. The deep walls of Tiran mirror the startling drop offs of Ras Mohammed. Blue spotted sting rays, eagle rays and manta abound and the summer months see large pelagic sharks gather on the drop off. Hammerheads, Black Tips, leopard and even tiger sharks all visit the region. Cruising past Shark and Yolanda, Wrecks and Reefs takes in the Alternatives, Small Crack and Bluff Point before moving onto the wrecks. The Northern Red Sea is a wreck diver’s delight. The almighty Thistlegorm is the setting for unforgettable diving, day or night. The Kingston, Dunraven, Giannis D and Carnatic only add to the excitement. These 19th and 20th century wrecks have, over the course of time, formed artificial reefs but each is still packed with unique artefacts that tell their story.
Whirlwind is one of Scuba Travel’s most popular boats with 5 star Red Sea diving at affordable prices… just one of the reasons UK divers keep coming back to this superior liveaboard. She has a well deserved reputation for the quality of finish on board, and her long standing crew are the definition of attentive.
Find out more about this trip here.
Best of the Maldives / Leo / 9th April / £1995
Save £200. Experience the Constellation Fleet difference on the luxurious Leo. 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. Leo dives the seasonal hot spots with an average of 3 dives a day and 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. Dive the classic sites that made the Maldives so famous. Focusing on the hottest sites around Male & Ari atolls, there are pelagics a plenty, with manta, sharks and even whalesharks.
Affordable luxury in the Maldives – The communal areas on board Leo are generous, with a bright airy saloon. All meals are served in the spacious dining area, with bar. Spend your surface intervals drinking in the rays or jump in the jacuzzi. As all diving on Leo is done from the large dhoni tender that will get you in the perfect spot for all that pelagic action each and every time.
Find out more about this trip here.
Explore Indonesia / Bunaken Oasis Resort / 5th August
Save £300. Discover the wonders of the Bunaken ocean this Summer at the Bunaken Oasis Resort.
From vertical walls with the sea bed 1500 meters beneath your fins, gentle walls with sandy bottoms, stunning reef tops, and muck diving on the mainland – Bunaken has it all.
Be one of the first to visit this beautiful resort scheduled to open in July 2016. The attention to detail and passion for this resort from it’s British owners can only mean this will be one of the best resorts for an unforgettable holiday experience.
There are 12 large, beautifully appointed cottages all with balconies facing the sea view. Modern bathrooms and high quality linen, towels, robes and slippers. Relax in the infinity pool after a long days diving or chill out in the Spa. Free Nitrox and free laundry are just some of the extra’s to love about the Bunaken Oasis Resort.
Find out more about this trip here.
To find out more about Scuba Travel, 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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