News
Scuba Travel Black Friday dive holiday deals now available
It’s Black Friday tomorrow and UK-based Tour Operator Scuba Travel has some fantastic holiday deals. All of these offers must be booked by 5pm on 27th November. For all their amazing offers please click here – check below for a select few to get you tempted!
Red Sea I Whirlwind I Daedalus and Rocky I 30 November I Save £255 – £995 inc flights
Come face to face with pelagics in the Southern Red Sea with the most experienced team onboard Whirlwind. The Daedalus and Rocky itinerary mixes up big fish encounters with plenty of macro and reef fish to interest even the most seasoned diver. You get to spend more time than ever exploring these undeniably stunning reefs, avoiding long transfers with our direct flight to Marsa Alam.
Whirlwind has everything the modern diver could want on board. The dive deck is one of the most impressive aspects – no more kitting up in a crowd on this boat! And for your relaxation between dives, there are two sundecks and a jacuzzi. Catch some rays, relax with a book or enjoy the hot tub. The saloon is kitted out with a modern entertainment system and a well stocked bar. Quite simply no element of this liveaboard has been overlooked. From sun up to sun down, Whirlwind is the perfect home away from home in the Egyptian Red Sea.
Package includes return flights to Marsa Alam 18 fully guided dives, all fees, 12 L tank & weights and FREE NITROX.
Bali I Scuba Seraya I 7 nights I 6 January I Save £300 – £1725 inc flights
Dive Tulamben and the incredible critter dives of Bali with the team from Scuba Seraya! Bali manages to deliver Indonesia’s stunning reef systems, packed with critters, at an affordable price. Many divers start with the house reef Seraya Secrets and Noisy Reefs. Drop in and the coral gardens open up. Here you can find a huge range of exotic macro life… frogfish, zebra crabs, ghost pipefish, mimic octopus to name but a few! The house reef is just the start however. Alam Anda, Batu Niti, Jemeluk, Gili Selang – there are sites a plenty. No trip is complete without a dive on the Liberty wreck. This vast cargo ship sits almost on the beach and is perfect for all experience levels.
Scuba Seraya is an intimate resort with only 12 rooms, set in lush gardens on the beach front. This really is a diver’s resort. But you do not have to forgo your creature comforts! There is a freshwater pool and beachside massage service for those chill out days. The beach is for the exclusive use of guests. The restaurant is right by the sea, and serves freshly prepared Indonesian and Western meals. The whole atmosphere at Scuba Seraya is understated elegance. Relax and forget about the world as you dive from your very own corner in paradise.
Package includes return flights, 7 nights full board, 10 morning boat dives and unlimited unguided shore diving in the afternoon.
Maldives I Virgo I Sharktastic itinerary I 7 January I Save £300 – only £1295 boat only
Sharktastic is a special itinerary packed with sharks, manta and whalesharks. Focusing on Male as well as Vaavu, Meemu and South Ari atolls, this seasonal itinerary has been designed with plenty of big fish action as you visit the Maldives’ famous channel and wall dives. Hop your way through these picture perfect atolls, diving with pelagics all the way.
Virgo sleeps only 18 divers over 30m, which has made her popular with those that prefer smaller groups on board. The main deck there is a large air conditioned saloon with welcoming sofas. Meals are served buffet style and seated at a large table. This is a fun, social boat to be on! The bar on board is fully licensed so you can enjoy your favourite tipple as the sun sinks over the horizon. The upper deck is a hub for most people in between dives, with loungers to relax on and enjoy the Maldives drifting by.
This is a boat only price but does include Male airport transfers, 7 nights full board up to 17 fully guided dives and FOC nitrox.
Red Sea I Cyclone I Winter Warmer I 21 January I Save £195 – only £850 inc flights
Join Mario on his Winter Warmer™ tour and beat those winter blues with a week of dedicated Red Sea underwater photography, focusing in particular on the varied macro and wide angle opportunities at Gubal and Tiran. This will be a great all round trip, suitable for all abilities, and Mario will be on hand morning, noon and night, dishing out any help and advice you might need. Once you’ve taken the shots you will probably want to tweak and edit them so most evenings there will be assistance with using Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop to make the most of your digital creations.
Cyclone is 32m from bow to stern and her sturdy wood hull is a stable home away from home. Cyclone features the tried and tested lay out of all Tornado Marine Fleet vessels. The all important dive deck is spaciously laid out so everyone can kit up without fighting for space. Head to the main deck dining room at meal times and an outstanding feast awaits. The upstairs saloon is complete with bar and the plasma screen is a focal point at the end of the day or during surface intervals. Or escape from it all on extensive sun deck, complete with sun beds and jacuzzi.
Included in this fantastic price are return flights to Hurghada, 7 nights full board and up to 22 fully guided dives.
Sudan I Royal Evolution I Sudan North I 22 February I Save £350 – only £1545 inc flights
Dive the very best, classic dive sites in Sudan-Sha’ab Rumi, Sanganeb and the stunning Umbria wreck. This 1 week itinerary Sudan North is guaranteed to impress! The walls are deep and plateaus an ideal stage for shark watching. Add to this the beautiful wreck dives at the unique Umbria and Con Shelf II and you are guaranteed an incredible Sudan liveaboard, packed with excitement and variety. These are classic dives and a must see for any diver in Sudan.
Royal Evolution is a sleek 39m. Between the two sun decks and enormous saloon there is always a peaceful corner for relaxing. The bar and jacuzzi form the social hub. The back dive deck has more space that you could want, with individual cubby holes for storing your gear between dives and charging batteries, as well as a large camera table with air gun in the middle of the deck. Years of hard earned experience led to the conception of Royal Evolution and she welcomes in a new era of Red Sea liveaboards in Egypt and Sudan.
Price includes return flights, 7 nights full board and expert dive guides.
Maldives I Emperor Serenity I Best of the Maldives I 6 May I Save £500 – only £1295 boat only
The Best of the Maldives does just what it says on the tin – you dive the best and most famous dive sites of the Maldives in a single week of sublime liveaboard diving across Male and Ari atolls. This is a dive holiday in the Maldives to remember that hits all the seasonal hot spots of North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll.
Emperor Serenity is a contemporary, spacious liveaboard where fine accommodation and service is standard. This sleek liveaboard features open air dining area at the stern of the main deck. Several sofas and tables await you inside the air-conditioned saloon for relaxing or watching TV. The Upper deck boasts a covered and open area ideal for watching photos and footage from your diving or just relaxing, star gazing and soaking up the wonderful Maldivian atmosphere. The sundeck is perfect for catching some sun or having a nap.
Price includes 7 nights full board including a glass of wine with dinner and up to 17 fully guided dives.
To find out more about Scuba Travel and the dive holidays they offer, call 0800 0728221, email dive@scubatravel.com or visit www.scubatravel.com.
News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
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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