News
Sunny travel offers from Scuba Travel
Bunaken Oasis – 3rd May – Save £350, only £2795
This boutique dive resort has been lovingly designed and built by British couple Simon & Elaine Wallace, who had one simple goal – to create a dive resort whose every aspect meets your exacting requirements for quality and 5-star service service, both on land and in the sea. Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort provides you with the ultimate in-dive convenience.
This is an exclusive 5 star luxury resort. There are only 12 large, traditionally built private villas. No detail – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant – has been overlooked in the building of Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort. Comfy sofas, stunning, indoor en-suite bathrooms, a Krups coffee machine, high quality toiletries and free laundry service are just some of the perks that come as standard.
20th May – Emperor Atoll – Pelagic Magic – Save £200, only £995 (boat only)
Emperor Atoll is a traditional Maldives liveaboard. If you are looking for an affordable way to access the full range of dive sites in this world class destination, then look no further. She might be smaller than some of her sister ships, but her charm lies in her open, airy layout and warm welcome.
The seasonal Pelagic Magic itinerary has a special focus on the whalesharks of Ari Atoll where you can hope to snorkel with these gorgeous beasts, as well as diving with an array of other pelagics such as manta and reef sharks.
23rd May – 11 nights – Raja Ampat Aggressor – Save £1100, only £2695 (boat only)
Step on board the comfortable Raja Ampat Aggressor for a trip through Indonesia’s big fish destinations. This modern, purpose built liveaboard, diving in Raja Ampat and Komodo, is a stable, steel hulled vessel who sails effortlessly through these remote marine parks. Feel the thrill underwater and then enjoy the ultimate in relaxation on board with an experienced crew that are second to none.
Sail off into the sunset as your Komodo liveaboard wends its ways between the hundreds of islands that dot the horizon. Dive after dive reveals the immense bio diversity, from vast pelagics to microscopic macro and vibrant reefs that are so characteristic of this corner of Indonesia. Dive into the bluest sea and discover over 260 coral species, 70 different sponges and no less that 1000 species of fish… What more could any diver who is serious about seeing unsurpassed reef diving want?
17th June Carpe Diem – Brand New Resort – Save £250, only £2995
NEW for 2018: Stay at the action loving, Carpe Diem resort in Raa atoll for a Maldivian resort experience unlike any other. This is the perfect extension to your Carpe Fleet liveaboard or for a dedicated resort holiday with like-minded adventure lovers. Building on their award winning experience of luxury liveaboards, the Carpe Diem resort is social by nature. Here you will find an extensive range of activities, as well as sublime diving on the impressive house reef or nearby sites. Feel the stresses and strains of life ebb away as you refresh your senses!
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.
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