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The Philippines: A Diver’s Dream Destination

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With over 7,000 islands surrounded by one of the richest marine environments in the world, the Philippines promises a spectacular diving holiday.

Forming the tip of the Coral Triangle, these waters are unmatched as the global centre of marine biodiversity and are home to many thousands of fish and coral species. Discover historic wrecks, plentiful macro life, dramatic wall dives, turtles, mantas, sharks and whale sharks. Due to its outstanding range of diving and incredible natural beauty, the Southeast Asian paradise of the Philippines is now firmly established as a top dive destination for UK divers.

Mantas, Macro and Marine Sanctuaries

The Philippines is ideal for twin centre stays due to its geography and diversity. Encounter elusive thresher sharks at Malapascua, hunt for critters in Dumaguete and Dauin, explore Apo Reef and Verde Island in Mindoro and drift over stunning coral gardens and plunging walls in Bohol.

The Philippines has something for everyone: offering beginners protected bays and shallow reefs, whilst more advanced divers are also well catered for with dramatic drop-offs and historical wrecks.

Coron: Encounter the Japanese Fleet

Coron Bay, just north of Palawan, is one of the world’s finest wreck diving destinations, featuring an entire Japanese fleet sunk by American forces in 1944.

  • Apo Reef: famous for its dramatic drop-offs down to 400 metres, teeming with marine life and good chance of pelagics
  • Dramatic limestone cliffs, thermal lakes and underwater caves

Anilao: the Heart of the Coral Triangle

  • Rich in marine life and coral
  • Macro diving: great for photographers
  • Sheltered bays, little current and great visibility

Dumaguete: a Photographer’s Paradise

  • Attractive beaches: dark/black sands – ideal for macro spotting
  • Apo Island: dedicated marine sanctuary with dramatic wall diving and an abundance of marine life

Malapascua: the Best Place on Earth for Thresher Sharks!

Surrounded by white sandy beaches, the tiny island of Malapascua has gained a reputation for thresher shark sightings. Numerous other sharks can also be seen, as well as mantas.

  • Wall diving, wreck diving, macro diving
  • Unlimited boat diving packages

Puerto Galera: the Coral Triangle and Much More…

Located just 3.5 hours south of Manila, Puerto Galera’s stunning marine park offers some of the most accessible diving in the Philippines.

  • Macro diving: great for photographers
  • Verde Island: dramatic reef and wall diving
  • Pelagic sightings

Bohol: Combine Tranquillity with World-Class Diving

A tropical haven of natural beauty, with pristine beaches and colourful dive sites for both divers and snorkelers to enjoy.

  • Pelagic sightings
  • Balicasag Island offers dramatic wall diving
  • A rich biodiversity of marine life

Combining the renowned Filipino hospitality with a true melting pot of cultures, when you visit the Philippines an unforgettable diving holiday awaits.

Regaldive offer land-based trips and liveaboards in the Philippines. To find out more, call the Regaldive team on 01353 659999, or visit Diving in the Philippines.

Nigel, a Sales & Product Executive for UK-based tour operator Regaldive, is currently a BSAC Dive Leader and working towards his Advanced certification. Nigel started diving in 2002 when he was at a loose end on holiday in Magaluf. He never looked back and now enjoys diving both abroad and in the UK, where he is an active member of his local BSAC club. Regaldive has been organising diving holidays since 1988 and offers liveaboards and resort-based holidays in 25+ worldwide destinations. Find out more about www.regal-diving.co.uk.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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