News
Resistance Is Futile: Taba’s ‘Alien’ Invasion
While Taba’s unsuspecting tourists sizzle away in the sunshine, an insatiable predator prepares to strike. This undersea creature lies perfectly camouflaged, armed and extremely deadly. Fish lured into the ambush zone have no escape. Flexible jaws devour in a single, swift gulp. But this strange looking ‘alien’ poses no threat to divers. In fact, there’s no denying it, divers love Frogfish (Antennariidae), and Taba, in northern Egypt, is fast becoming the Red Sea’s top spot for encounters.
But what has initiated this increase in ‘alien’ activity, or is it all just a hoax? This definitely had the makings of an X-files mystery? The truth was out there somewhere, so I packed my bags bound for Taba Heights in Egypt. Dan, from Dive Holiday Designers, briefed me en- route: flight ETA – 4 hours; hotel transfer – 45 minutes; accommodation – Intercontinental Hotel;special equipment – Nikon DSLR.
Conditions at Taba are perfect for Froggie spotting. Underwater visibility averages 20 metres throughout the year, currents are virtually non-existent and the majority of dive sites are between 5 – 20 metres. Taba Heights also operates a one boat per site policy so divers aren’t crowding en mass, making the whole experience far more relaxed and enjoyable. A high standard of accommodation and a professionally run dive centre rounded off the facilities perfectly.
There are even some nice shore diving sites where Froggie sightings are virtually guaranteed. At ‘Canyons’ I found 5 different Froggies on a single dive. Huw, the diving manager at Aqua Sport, even told stories of a monster green Froggie that planted itself on his chest during a PADI Advanced Course. This overly friendly Froggie had even been known to sit on a divers head. Huw said ‘It just seems to like divers’.
Froggies are extremely ugly looking fish but I’m sure this is all part of their game plan. The masters of stealth can mimic their surroundings by changing colour and texture in a matter of minutes growing lumps and bumps similar to the surface of corals or sponges. Passing fish often don’t see the danger until it’s too late. Divers also have a tough time spotting them, but then, that’s all part of the fun. Red Sea Waterworld’s General Manager had even reported sightings on their house reef. A dark brown Froggie had made its home on an upturned parasol that blew into the sea. My findings were becoming more bizarre each day!
Taba’s coastal waters are home to a number of different species of Froggies. But it’s difficult to tell them apart as there are so many variations in colours, shapes and sizes, even in the same family genus. Worldwide, there are around 46 different species. Sizes vary from a few centimetres up to a giant 40 centimetres. At the Radisson Reef (Shaab Gamila) I found a black 25cm Froggie sitting under a table coral and Katie, my dive buddy, spotted another small dark green 5cm Froggie just a few metres away. Andrew said there were two more Froggies sitting on an old fish trap in the sea grass at 10 metres. We had failed to spot them during our afternoon sortie. Male Froggies tend to be smaller than females and there is no differentiation in colours or patterns.
Glassfish Shoals and pinnacles swathed in Anthias (the little orange fish – pseudanthias squamipinnis) are prime Froggie food. But the voracious feeder isn’t fussy; it will even eat its own kind! Froggies don’t have any teeth. Their prey is sucked in and swallowed whole.
The Glassfish pinnacle at Farun Island is always full of sizeable Froggies. I found three big 20-30cm Froggies camouflaged amongst the coral heads. They are perfect subjects for photographers although it’s not always easy to get a ‘good’ picture. Nine times out of ten they are in a head down position facing towards the reef making it awkward for divers to get a good shot without breaking the fragile corals. Because they are so well camouflaged it’s also difficult to get a picture that looks anything but a lump of coral. The patterned Froggies are the worst. Even with the eye perfectly in focus it is difficult to tell that it’s a fish. I personally think mouth-open shots are the best. As an added bonus Tamer guided us back to the shallows and spotted a bright red 10cm Froggie in just 5 metres. My Froggie count was now nearing double figures in just 4 dives!
Froggies have a modified dorsal spine called a lure to attract prey. They use the lure or illiceum just like a fishing rod dangling bait on the end of a line. The shape of the esca or bait can resemble a worm, fish or crab; it will mimic whatever their prey normally eats. Taba’s Froggies all seem to have lures shaped like small fish. They jiggle it about enticing the little Glassfish or Anthias to come closer. This is why Frogfish are also known as Anglerfish.
Froggies aren’t exactly lively creatures. They don’t seem to move very far at all, normally staying in the same place or within a few metres for months on end. This makes the Dive Guides’ jobs nice and easy. They can impress punters with their fish-finding prowess by leading them straight to the Froggie time and time again. At ‘Maxwell’s’ there’s a 20cm purple Froggie that hasn’t moved for more than 2 months. It seems more than happy swaying about on a tube sponge picking off the odd passing fish.
It’s very rare to see Froggies on the move unless they get agitated by divers or over-zealous photographers poking cameras and flashguns too close. They don’t have swim bladders so can’t swim like conventional fish. It’s more like a ‘walk’ using their modified pectoral fins as legs. For more rapid movement they use a form of jet propulsion, gulping in water and forcing it out from a small opening behind the gills. This produces forward thrust along the seabed.
My week long investigation was reaching an end. Most of Taba’s 17 dive sites had at least one or two resident Froggies. Although when I returned to Taba 2 months later I found that the big Farun Island Froggies had disappeared. All I could find was 2 bright green medium sized Froggies. I had no idea where they had gone or why they had moved. There was some talk that they had ended up in an Aquarium, but this was just a rumour. Maybe they had disappeared into the deep blue to reproduce? Not much is known about their mating habits other than it normally occurs at night. Unfortunately night diving is not permitted at Taba so no one can check out this theory.
This X-files mystery had revealed some startling facts. Taba’s Froggie army is definitely growing fast. I clocked up more than a dozen sightings in just 5 days, some with the most bizarre colours and patterns. There seems to be no set season and they can be spotted throughout the year. Divers should arm themselves with an underwater camera as soon as possible. The ‘alien’ invasion has begun – resistance is futile!
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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