News
New Global Dive Alliance to secure best diving opportunities for UK-based divers
The most sought after dive trips and destinations on the planet are often booked up years in advance, putting them beyond the reach of most seasoned divers. Now, thanks to a brand new Global Dive Alliance which includes the Hampshire-based tour operator Dive Worldwide, British divers can take their pick of the very best diving, at the keenest prices.
Co-founded by Dive Worldwide, the only UK dive tour operator in the Alliance, the new Global Dive Alliance brings together six of the most respected operators in Europe: Ultramarina, We Dive, Diving World, Reisecentre Federsee, Fish & Trips and Dive Worldwide.
Thanks to the united approach taken by the six companies, the Alliance has the influence to secure places on the most sought after liveaboard adventures and all at the most economical prices. Peak season liveaboard adventures are now being offered to UK divers by Dive Worldwide, including liveaboard holidays in the Galapagos Islands, Socorro, Cocos Island, Raja Ampat and Palau as well as the Maldives, Bahamas and Oman.
Speaking about the new Alliance, Dive Worldwide’s Brand Manager Phil North comments, “This Alliance is a game changer for us and our experienced dive clients. We are passionate about offering the best diving opportunities and, as a founding member of the Global Dive Alliance, we are proud to be in a position to bring the most desirable trips within reach of our customers.”
Exclusive Liveaboards now available include:
The Galapagos archipelago sits astride the equator, 960kms west of the Ecuadorian mainland. Having never been connected to another landmass, these volcanic islands have a unique biological identity and are one of the finest diving destinations in the world. These new departures have been timed to coincide with peak whale shark season, and sightings of schooling hammerheads and majestic manta rays are also possible. Price: from £4,195pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ liveaboard accommodation. Departures August and October 2018.
Located off the south-western tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Socorro is the name given to an archipelago of four volcanic islands that together form one of the finest diving destinations in the Pacific. There are big fish galore with giant manta rays and bottlenose dolphins and, between January and April each year, the waters churn with humpback whales that come to breed and to calve. Price: from £2,545pp based on 3 sharing, including 8 nights’ liveaboard accommodation. Departures April 2018.
Palau offers Micronesia’s finest diving with a lagoon, over 37kms long, scattered with islands and wrecks from the bloody conflicts of World War II. Here, there are superb reefs and thrilling shark encounters with species including grey reef and white-tip reef sharks. What’s more, these exclusive departures have been timed to coincide with the full moon, which brings promise of spectacular wildlife spawning events that are not to be missed. Price: from £2,445pp based on 2 sharing including 7 nights’ liveaboard accommodation. Departures November 2018.
Extraordinary, and yet affordable, the Maldives remain high on divers’ tick-lists, with the Indian Ocean archipelago home to several world class dive sites, perfect for both those wanting to learn as well as well-seasoned divers. Here, on a liveaboard adventure, guests will experience encounters with gigantic whale sharks – the largest fish in the sea – witness nature’s symbiosis at manta cleaning stations and enjoy mesmerising drift dives. Price: from £995pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ liveaboard accommodation. Departures April to November 2018.
The Caribbean’s premier diving destination, the waters around the Bahamas teem with marine life but are perhaps best known for offering thrilling shark encounters. Hammerheads, tigers and oceanic white-tip sharks are all likely to be seen alongside superb reefs and fascinating wrecks. Price: from £2,350pp based on 4 sharing, including 10 nights’ liveaboard accommodation. Departures May 2018.
All prices above are based on liveaboard only. Flight prices are available on request.
For further information visit diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302087.
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.
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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