News
Travel update from Dominica
More and more divers are discovering the wonder of one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean – the island of Dominica. Here’s an travel update from the beautiful so-called Nature Island…
Updated entry requirements – antigen tests now accepted
All visitors entering Dominica can now upload a negative Antigen or PCR test prior to arrival in Dominica. The recent acceptance of Antigen tests makes entry to Dominica even easier for the UK traveller. Vaccinated travellers are then free to explore the island without any further quarantine measures or restrictions. Unvaccinated travellers are required to book a Safe in Nature certified property for the first 5-7 days of their trip and then are free to explore the island with no further restrictions after a negative result on the 5th day. For latest entry requirements please visit https://discoverdominica.com/travel-advisory-for-dominica
Coulibri Ridge – new luxury eco-hotel to open in 2022
Coulibri Ridge is due to open in 2022. Perched on a hillside on Dominica’s south coast overlooking neighboring island of Martinique, the hotel features 14 sea-facing rooms within a sprawling 200-acre tropical estate. A pioneering eco-project decades in the making, the property is entirely off-grid, using solar power as the main source of energy, and filtered rainwater as the primary water source. Guests at the hotel can relax by one of the two swimming pools, indulge in spa treatments, enjoy yoga, or explore the tropical gardens that surround. For more information, please visit www.coulibriridge.com
American Airlines launches first direct flight to Dominica
UK visitors hopeful of travelling to Dominica will now have additional flight options and connectivity. American Airlines now operates direct flights out of Miami on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with plans for daily flights from April 2022. This is the first regularly scheduled direct flight between the U.S and Dominica. With connecting flights via Miami on the same day, these additional flights make travelling to Dominica much easier for UK visitors and allow for more time to explore the Nature Island. For further information on available airlines, please visit discoverdominica.com/en/airlines
Dominica launches new brand identity
The Discover Dominica Authority has launched a new destination brand to position Dominica as a competitive tourism destination in the global tourism market. The new logo is unambiguous and clear, and can be clearly identified when used in smaller applications such as digital advertising and social medial. The new Dominica logo is as unique as the island itself. It has the feel of the rising Morne Trios Pitons; and the various shades of green depict the lush, verdant landscape covering the country. The rich purple accent colour comes from Dominica’s beloved Sisserou parrot and the vibrant red connotes the island’s Creole culture and Kalinago heritage. “The Nature Island” tag line was retained as a competitive advantage. It helps reinforce Dominica’s position as a leader in climate resilience and sustainability.
Discover more about the island of Dominica at www.discoverdominica.com.
News
Dive Worldwide introduces a pair of snorkelling-only liveaboards for 2025
In response to a growing trend amongst its customers for snorkelling-specific itineraries, specialist operator Dive Worldwide is introducing two new snorkelling trips for 2025. The new liveaboard holidays, to the Coral Triangle and Maldives, offer the same exceptional marine encounters and adventurous spirit as a traditional diving holiday, but with greater accessibility for those that are unable to dive.
Commenting, Phil North, Dive Worldwide’s Brand Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer these two fabulous adventures aimed solely at snorkelling enthusiasts. From iconic animals like whale sharks and manta rays to vibrant coral reefs, much of the magic in our oceans happens in the shallows, and these wonderful experiences are now as accessible to snorkellers as well as divers.”
Dive Worldwide has the largest programme in the UK of tailor-made and small group liveaboard and resort-based diving holidays. It features over 200 destinations worldwide, catering for beginners and experienced divers alike.
NEW SNORKELLING TRIPS FOR 2025
Coral Triangle Snorkelling Adventure
This small group cruise on Indonesia’s Coral Sea is aboard the new and environmentally-friendly Bugis, which sleeps just eight guests. Made from reclaimed teak and serving locally-sourced meals, the boat aims to have the lowest environmental impact as possible, with no single-use plastic on board, and run by a synthetic fuel made from plastic waste. The Bugis offers different itineraries throughout the year, timed for the best wildlife encounters. From May through to September, the focus is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo. Here, enjoy the kaleidoscopic beauty of shallow tropical reefs, swim with manta rays, and take on land expeditions to see Komodo dragons and Pink Beach. Between November and late March, the vessel is in Raja Ampat, the marine biodiversity capital which is also culturally rich on land. Highlights include colourful reefs bustling with hard and soft corals, and interaction with pelagic species.
Price: from £3,495pp based on 2 sharing, including 8 nights’ accommodation (1n Jakatra, 7n liveaboard), all meals, transfers and return flights from the UK. Departures from March 2025.
Maldives Snorkelling Conservation Cruise
These departures, exclusively for snorkellers, provide the ultimate marine life encounters with a focus on conservation and environmental awareness, all while sailing through the beautiful waters of the Maldives. The cruise’s dedicated itineraries focus on either manta rays or whale sharks, and are run in partnership with the Manta Trust and the Maldives Whale Shark Program. This allows snorkellers to encounter these magical pelagics on an intimate, immersive level, slipping all but silently into the waters next to them, and nimbly following them. Alongside the wonders of the water, there’s the chance to experience the local culture and participate in data collection in Citizen Science projects too.
Price: from £2,545pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ liveaboard, all meals, activities, guiding, transfers and return flights from the UK. Depart: 2 February, 2 March, 23 March 18 August, 4 October or 21 December 2025.
For further information visit Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com, 01962 302087).
News
Exclusive Shark Diving Adventure in the Maldives – Last Female Space Available!
Oyster Diving is offering one final opportunity for an unforgettable shark diving experience in the Maldives. From February 9-16, 2025, this exclusive trip, led by renowned marine biologist Dr. Elke Bojanowski, will take place aboard the luxurious Horizon III liveaboard. As a special offer, the last remaining female space is available with a £300 discount.
An Unparalleled Diving Experience
Diving enthusiasts will have the chance to explore some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites while gaining insights into shark behavior and conservation from Dr. Bojanowski. Known for her expertise in shark research, Elke will guide divers through encounters with these magnificent creatures during the Maldives’ renowned ‘Shark Week.’
Luxury Aboard Horizon III
The Horizon III liveaboard is designed to provide the ultimate blend of comfort and adventure, featuring:
- 12 well-appointed cabins accommodating up to 22 divers
- A restaurant serving gourmet buffet meals
- A fully stocked bar
- A spa and sundecks for relaxation
- An open-air hot tub for post-dive unwinding
Top-Tier Dive Support
With a dedicated team of four experienced Divemasters, divers will benefit from an outstanding 1:6 ratio, ensuring personalized guidance and safety throughout the trip.
Limited Availability – Book Now!
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive alongside sharks under the mentorship of a leading marine biologist. With just one female space left, interested divers are encouraged to book quickly.
For more information and reservations, click here.
Oyster Diving
📧 info@oysterdiving.com
📞 +44 (0)1273 384971
🌍 www.oysterdiving.com
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