News
Scuba Travel: Latest Liveaboard Offers
Seems like everyone who was diving with Scuba Travel last week dived, snorkeled or saw dolphins! We are not jealous at all! Mario’s Red Sea photography week were lucky enough to dive with dolphins for over an hour. The dolphins seemed to enjoy the encounter and hung around; they even joined them on the following dive. Can’t wait to see the photos from that. Mario, however, is now in Nabucco Island – Kalimantan with Martin Edge – lucky chap!
Scuba Travel have now released more dates for the Red Sea next year, with some early bird discounts available and reduced deposits for loyalty members. Have you ever been to the Red Sea and not felt like you’ve actually experienced Egypt? Well now you can be whisked off on a Nile cruise on the Nile Queen with our friends at Aggressor Fleet. This is a superb add-on after a week’s diving.
Here are the latest travel offers:
Whirlwind – 8 September – Save £350 only £1245 plus early booking discount for May 2019 from only £1195
Whirlwind is one of everyone’s all time favourite liveaboards taking you to the best dive sites of the Northern Red Sea. Discover today how effortless diving can be when your liveaboard holiday is on Whirlwind, its an ideal first timers liveaboard. With an attentive and experienced crew onboard, you can’t go wrong as you can see from recent reviews:
- The team on the Whirlwind were so fantastic. The guides were outstanding They were friendly and professional and made the trip the most amazing experience. I will definitely be recommending you to all my friends and I look forward to returning myself too ~ Lucy 10th July 2018
- As usual, the crew were brilliant in every department. Excellent food and service. I will be back. Neil 20th June 2018
Book early to get the best possible price, save up to £170 on Whirlwind departures in 2019, loyalty members only pay a £100 deposit. Ask about group or mini group discounts.
Learn more about Whirlwind by clicking here…
Nile Queen – Extend your holiday
Sail on the beautiful Aggressor Nile Queen, a 155 ft. Dahabiya sailing vessel where guests will travel back in time to see the Land of the Pharoahs that has changed little since they ruled. Many divers have explored the beauty of the Red Sea, with her underwater marvels, but now you can complement your diving experience with a 6 night river cruise on the Aggressor Nile Queen. Sail on this beautiful vessel and step back in time. Drift from Luxor to Aswan, soaking up a way of life that has changed little in millennia. Departs weekly, 6 night itinerary, full board including soft drinks and local alcohol from only £1125.
Read more about this extension by clicking here…
Oman Aggressor – Save up to £800 from £1595
There’s no denying it, Oman is a hot, upcoming destination for divers! And there are two thrilling island chains to discover. The Daymaniyat Islands are the jewels for diving in the Gulf of Oman. This string of small, rocky islands north of Muscat are encircled with awesome coral reefs down to 30 m and an abundance of pelagics, rays and schooling fish. Want humpbacks? Then head to the Hallaniyat Islands. In the spring months, the resident humpback whales can be encountered, along with giant groupers, moray eels, honeycomb moray eels, dragon morays and thousands of reef fishes. Coupled with the world famous on board Aggressor service, and much loved food and drinks package, and you will discover why the Scuba Travel team is so excited with this new destination.
- Dive the Hallaniyat Islands – save up to £300 only £1850
- Dive the Daymaniyat Islands – save up to £800 only £1595
Click here to find out more about the Oman Aggressor!
Mistral Goes South
Mistral has all the ingredients you need for a magical holiday diving the Red Sea. A speedy, stable steel hull makes Mistral another favourite liveaboard. Tornado Marine Fleet’s crew are famous for their incredible on board service. Get used to doing nothing but dive, eat and sleep! September is undeniably one of the most exciting times to diving in the Red Sea, thanks to the warm waters and active fish life. There’s never a dull moment! Only a few places left!
- Simply the Best – 12th September £1295
- Simply the Best – 19th September £1275
- Simply the Best – 26th September – £1295 1 x male share
- St Johns – 3rd October £1295 – 2 spaces
- Simply the Best – 10th October now £1395
Your holiday includes flights from Gatwick to Marsa Alam, all fees, 12 L tank & weights
Read more by clicking here…
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.
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.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced