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Winter Liveaboard Offers from Scuba Travel

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Get a warm water diving fix this Winter with these outstanding liveaboard special offers from our friends at UK-based Tour Operator Scuba Travel.

Philippines I 23 November I Atlantis Azores I 10 night trip I Save £1000, only £3375

The Azores liveaboard has been lovingly crafted by the one of the Philippines’ most successful dive operations, Atlantis. Built in the USA to the highest international standard, Azores feels like your home away from home in the Philippines, making it THE liveaboard to be on. Pouring their unparalleled experience and diving passion into every detail of your liveaboard holiday, Azores has come to define luxury liveaboard diving in the Philippines so sit back and let the sublime diving and superior service unfold before your eyes on a holiday with distinction.

The Southern Visayas tour is the best introduction to diving in the Philippines and includes some of its most famous reefs. Pristine corals and varied marine life, big and small, make this a must do Far Eastern itinerary. Follow your liveaboard with two extra nights at Atlantis Dumaguete.

Package includes: return flights to Manila, 1 night in Manila, 7 nights full board and 2 further nights in exotic Atlantis Dumagete Resort with up to 5 dives per day both on the liveaboard and at Dumagete.

Click here to find out more about this trip…


Maldives I 3 December I Virgo I 7 nights I Only £1245 (excluding flights)

Virgo sleeps only 18 divers over 30m, which has made her popular with those that prefer smaller groups on board. All diving is from the support dhoni. The light wood decor continues throughout the vessel. On 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 popular itinerary with year round departures that delivers what it says on the tin – the Best of the Maldives! Dive the classic sites that made the Maldives so famous. Focusing on the hottest sites around Male & Ari atolls, there are pelagics a plenty, with manta, sharks and even whalesharks.

Package Includes: 7 nights on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin), enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with dinner, average of 17 fully guided dives (including 1 night dive, all marine park fees, 12lt tank and weights and FOC nitrox.

Click here to find out more about this trip…


Cocos Island I 8 December I Sea Hunter I 12 night trip I Save £1000, only £4595

The luxurious Sea Hunter is part of the outstanding Undersea Hunter fleet and the sturdy steel hulled vessel makes light work of the long sail out to Cocos. The diving is well worth the journey when you get there, nothing quite compares to Cocos or the attentive and welcoming service you will receive on board Sea Hunter.

Dive the remote pelagic playground Cocos with the super experienced Sea Hunter crew! This is perhaps the ultimate hammerhead shark destination but there are more pelagics than just this to discover. Silkies, Galapagos sharks, silver tips and even tiger sharks….! Visit Cocos for serious shark encounters.

Package includes: return Flights to San Jose, 2 nights in San Jose (one each end of the trip) on a B&B basis, 10 nights on board Sea Hunter with up to 3 dives per day including 3 night dives over the trip and FOC nitrox.

Click here to find out more about this trip…


Red Sea I 7 January I Whirlwind I Wrecks and Reefs itinerary I 7 nights I Save £155, only £955

Leave the Winter behind and climb aboard the well reputed liveaboard Whirlwind for an affordable 5 star Red Sea experience. Whirlwind has everything the modern diver could want on board. The spacious dive deck is one of the most impressive aspects. And for your relaxation between dives, there are two sundecks and the jacuzzi. Catch some rays, relax with a book or enjoy the hot tub.

Wrecks and Reefs is the ideal itinerary whatever your experience level, diving some of the most iconic dive sites Egypt has to offer, as well a few lesser known beauties. A popular route for those new to the Red Sea, the varied depths across dive sites suit all abilities – from novice to tekkie. Visibility is crystal clear and the warm blue waters are perfect for even the longest dive times. Water temperatures typically range between 20 and 28 degrees throughout the year. Diving can be accessed whatever the season, either by boat or RIB. Travel times between dive sites are short, leaving more time for relaxing.

Package includes: return flights from Gatwick to Hurghada, 7 nights full board and up to 22 dives over the week.

Click here to find out more about this trip…


Red Sea I 21 January I Cyclone I Winter Warmer itinerary I 7 nights I Only £995

Cyclone has long been a favourite with UK divers for exploring the magnificent wrecks and lavish reefs of the Egyptian Red Sea. She features an extensive sun deck complete with sun beds, jacuzzi and a spacious dive deck.

Beat the winter blues with this relaxing photo itinerary escorted by Mario. This is a great trip to pin down those skills necessary to allow your underwater photography to progress. A trip like this gives enormous freedom to try out things repeatedly and this is the best way to ensure that the learning sticks. With every little milestone your confidence will grow exponentially. We have handpicked a select number of key sites for this dedicated photo itinerary to enable you to gain maximum time at locations that are the most photo friendly.

Package includes: return flights from Gatwick, 7 days full board and up to 22 fully guided dives.

Click here to find out more about this trip…


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

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regulator

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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