News
Seraya surprises
Sometimes the problem with international diving is that I am overambitious. I travel really far to arrive at a country that I have never been to, and then I travel even further to actually go diving. But it isn’t always necessary in Indonesia. I have often overlooked Bali as a world-class dive destination in favor of other more famous places in Indonesia, such as Raja Ampat and Komodo. I had touched down in Bali several times and viewed a lot of beautiful macro photographs taken at dive sites on the island so I was curious to dive there myself. But each time I traveled to Indonesia, I found somewhere else to go. My previous trip to Indonesia had a final tally of thirteen flights, including six international and seven domestic. It felt like a world tour of airports and in one day in Indonesia alone, I had to board three different planes, which meant navigating a total of four different airports, each with different rules for transit (yes, my passion for diving is great).
When I booked my recent boat trip to Komodo (May 2013), I wanted an extension, one without extra planes, and asked for a destination on Bali. Ultimate Dive Travel recommended Scuba Seraya on the northeast coast of Bali, but the suggestion came with two warnings. The first was that the drive to the resort from Denpasar was long and maybe just as time consuming as a flight to somewhere else in Indonesia. The drive is along a two-lane highway that twists and turns through tropical foliage and Balinese rice terraces. Fairly beautiful views over a three-hour drive. The second precaution was that Scuba Seraya was an incredibly quiet place. It is. I am not sure what other people are looking for when they go diving, but warm water with unusual creatures is enough “busy” for me. Add to that, beautiful clean black sand beaches, a view of the main volcano on Bali (Mount Agung), views of the sunrise and sunset, and that is Scuba Seraya.
When I was there in May 2013, it was a shoulder season so very few guests were at the resort. One dive guide was assigned to two guests for the duration of their stay. Ours was Alit who had been with the resort for 10 years. The area, which includes Tulamben, is popular amongst scuba divers because of the Liberty Wreck located just a few meters from the shore. Scuba Seraya is a 5-minute zodiac ride from Tulamben. The torpedoed ship was originally towed to this spot for repairs in 1942, but a volcanic eruption 50 years ago moved it into the sea. It now lies at its deepest point in about 30 meters of water. The advantage of staying at Scuba Seraya is that you have the opportunity to be among the first to view the wreck in the morning. Later in the day, divers arrive from the main areas of Bali and descend upon the site by late morning. 50 years has only added beauty to this wreck rather than taken it away. It is encrusted with colorful soft corals, sponges, anemones, and crinoids, and many larger animals frequently cruise this site. We saw a green turtle, a big Maori Napolean wrasse, and bumphead parrotfish, which travel in a school that you can see if you are coerced into the 6 to 6:30 AM dive.
The wreck is the main dive attraction to this area, but the rest of the diving is not the B-movie. There were all sorts of creatures to hunt for that were new to me, and there was time to look because there was no one else but my dive buddy and me. On Drop-off Wall, we went straight down to look at a pygmy seahorse. For me, it was unexpected because we were hardly far from the shore and already down around 25 meters was a hippocampus Denise on a gorgonian fan. I can only guess how many times this particular pygmy seahorse has appeared on the Internet in photos taken by people from all over the world. He was one of my better chances to photograph one, but he still made my job as underwater paparazzo difficult because he would not look into the camera.
Some of the dive sites in the area are given names that add a level of spirituality to the dive if you do not already feel it. Alamanda, “one with nature”, and Melasti, “purification”, were two such dives that illustrated the remarkable diversity of nature underwater and perhaps the ritual of diving them helps you to throw your problems into the sea. You can not help but be removed from the world above when you get to view a pair of robust ghost pipefish, a pair of spiny tiger shrimp, and some abnormally large nudibranchs that I have yet to name. Indigenous “Serayan” I call them for now. They could not exactly be considered macro, and I had to wonder what it is they eat.
Since I have a special fondness for anemones, I have to mention the anemone garden that was at the dive site Coral Gardens. I had heard about one that exists in a more remote location in the Alor Archipelago of Indonesia, but there was an expansive one here that you could easily swim to from shore!
Scuba Seraya has a house reef, which was generally scheduled as a shore dive in the afternoon. Right out in front of us, we found three ornate ghost pipefish and some resident harlequin shrimp radiating light and color against darkness at depth and the lava derived sand. They seemed to have been glued to their starfish like some kind of porcelain figure, and the funny thing about these shrimp is that while they are so beautifully delicate and seem to “rest” upon the sea star, they are actually slowly eating it over time.
New critter uploads to my brain continued into the night dives. To be able to expand my critter database at Scuba Seraya, was an impressive follow-up to a 12 day, 39-dive liveaboard trip in Komodo National Park. Alit had enthusiastically approached me for the night dives. “You are going for a night dive, right?” as if I had it already scheduled. His eagerness made me think that he wanted to use me more as his own dive buddy rather than the other way around. A whole different set of nudibranchs as well as their shell retaining cousins had emerged from the sand in the transition from sunlight to darkness. One of his most spectacular finds was an unbelievably tiny frogfish that I could only tell was a frogfish by the way it moved. My awe at his find was clearly expressed underwater, and Alit’s discovery was an example of knowing his reef environments really well.
One creature that is a sort of two-for-one, is the boxer crab. It is a small crab that holds two tiny anemones in its claws and raises them in self-defense. The anemones get transport and maybe food particles to eat. I again missed the locale that boxer crabs normally inhabit, but each night, Alit would motion me over and present a crab, including one carrying eggs one night. These boxer crabs were bold, and instead of scurrying away from me, they instigated a game of chicken or stare down. Their intention was unclear, but the game resulted in some successful photos for me.
We only had time enough to dive the area near the resort. The region is much more expansive, extending down the coast, south to Amed. It was not part of my original plan to want to come back for further dive exploration on Bali, but now I do. The young Indonesians guiding the dives at the resort proudly claimed that Tulamben/Seraya is the best diving on Bali because the locals practice conservative fishing methods whereas other notable areas on the island do less so. It is a photographer’s dream destination as it is not crowded, so you have time with your subject, nor is it littered topside or on the sea floor. On the other hand, the fine black sand is a nightmare for housings!
The most amazing part about diving Scuba Seraya is that you are never very far from shore. So the next time your feet are dangling while you are catching the waves at the beach, wherever you are, think about who is under them.
Welcome to Day 5 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
SlipIns DiveSkins
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Diving Books from Miflex Hoses
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
We stock a great range of Diving & Underground book titles, ideal to add to any order or simply buy as a gift for a friend.
Titles we have include:
Shipwrecks of the Dover Straits, Adventures Underground, Pioneers Beneath the Peak, Dive Truk Lagoon, Underwater Potholer, Images Below & many more.
From Authors including:
Stefan Panis, Martyn Farr, Duncan Price, Ron Young, Rod Macdonald, Chris Howes
Visit our website for more details.
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light – now available in pink!
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
SCUBAPRO, the world’s premier manufacturer of high-quality scuba diving equipment, introduces its second generation Luna 2.0, an easy-to-read, intuitive dive computer loaded with easy-to-use features and available in two versions, the Luna 2.0 and Luna 2.0 AI with wireless air integration.
Designed for new and casual recreational divers, the low-profile Luna 2.0 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its oil-filled plastic housing helps ensure reliable performance to depths of 120 meters. A large widescreen display features a high-contrast black and white matrix-segment LCD with full-sized characters for easy reading in all dive conditions. An intuitive menu and simple two-button interface lets the diver navigate the system with ease, aided by clearly marked screen prompts. The LUNA 2.0 offers two algorithms – Predictive Multi-Gas Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG or ZH-L16 + GF PURE, plus 21-50% nitrox compatibility and three selectable gasses for open circuit diving. Three dive modes are available – Scuba, Apnea and Gauge – to suit a range of diving activities.
The Luna 2.0 AI (air integrated) offers the same easy-to-use features and functions as the standard Luna 2.0 plus adds wireless air integration. This not only enables to easily monitor ythe tank pressure, it also provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows the air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Also available with the Luna 2.0 AI is an optional integrated heart rate monitor that lets visually track the heart rate and skin temperature to help staying in the personal target zone.
Both Luna 2.0 models include personalized dive management functions like PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) which calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current and previous dives and breathing mixes, and Microbubble levels that give the option to adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match the individual experience level, age and physical conditioning for a more enjoyable dive.
The soft silicone arm strap offers a comfortable fit on the wrist, plus bungee mounts on the corners of the housing allow for alternate attachment methods. A Bluetooth Low Energy interface enables the download of the dive data to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac (firmware can be user-updated), and the CR2450 battery is rated for up to two years or 300 dives.
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
35% off Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene in Spring 2025
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Embark on the ultimate diving adventure aboard the Scuba Scene, the luxury liveaboard offering an unforgettable Red Sea experience. Known for its exceptional service, safety, comfort, and world-class dive sites, Scuba Scene is the ideal choice for divers of all levels.
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. From the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park to the famous Thistlegorm wreck, Scuba Scene brings you to the heart of the Red Sea’s best sites. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew that ensures every detail is perfect, this liveaboard guarantees relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Now is the perfect time to book! Save a massive 35% on any sailing between 3rd March and 28th April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first plunge, Scuba Scene promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Don’t miss this chance to dive the Red Sea in style and at an incredible price. Book your adventure today!
Tel: 0800 699 0243
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
-
News4 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News2 months agoComing Soon – 52 Assignments