News
Winter Sun Diving Escapes
A guest blog from PADI
If you’re searching for some Winter sun and fancy dipping more than just your toes in the water, PADI have some great suggestions for you to dive into.
Bask in golden rays, blue skies and even bluer oceans as you discover the wonderful underwater world this Winter.
- Aqaba, Jordan:
Located at the very southernmost tip of Jordan is the only coastal city of the country, offering plenty of sunshine above the surface and diversity of dive sites below the tropical waters of the red sea. The Aqaba Marine Park is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, where the 27 km coastline boasts soft coral, hard coral, wrecks and a myriad of fish, turtles and eagle rays.
During the surface intervals, divers can spend their time exploring the Wadi Rum and Petra, with Aqaba being placed in the country’s golden triangle of tourism.
There are 10 PADI Dive Resorts in Jordan, ranging from luxury resorts to budget friendly hotels.
Learn more at www.padi.com/diving-in/jordan.
- Inhambane & Tofo, Mozambique:
Offering balmy tropical weather year-round, Inhambane & Tofo’s white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, vibrant beach bars and dense marine life populations in the Indian Ocean is the perfect place to escape to for some winter sun. Below the surface, manta ray cleaning stations off Tofo offer plenty of animal action, which attracts not only manta rays but whale sharks and humpback whales.
During the surface intervals, divers can spend their time surfing, sun bathing and shopping at the Machilla Magic curios.
There are 12 PADI Dive Resorts in Mozambique, ranging from affordable Bed & Breakfasts to 4 Star Hotels.
Learn more at www.padi.com/diving-in/mozambique/.
- Fuvahmulah Atoll, Maldives:
All the atolls in the Maldives offer a great winter escape in the sun, with plenty to enjoy above and below the surface. But for those who want the ultimate sun and scuba holiday, Fuvahmulah Atoll offers the opportunity to see seven different rare sharks in one dive. In fact, it is one of the only places on the planet where you can see tiger sharks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and Mola-Mola together year-round in their natural environment.
During the surface intervals, divers can spend their time soaking up the sunshine on the white sandy beaches, indulging in a massage under the coconut trees or dining under the stars.
There are 56 PADI Dive Resorts in the Maldives, ranging from affordable Bed & Breakfasts to luxury all-inclusive hotels.
Learn more at www.padi.com/diving-in/maldives/.
- Kadavu Island, Fiji:
As of 1 December 2021, Fiji is re-open to travelers from the United Kingdom who are fully vaccinated, making it the perfect place to seek winter sun and the warm ‘Bula Spirit’. Fiji is known as ‘The Soft Coral Capital of the World’, with one of the most colorful being The Great Astrolabe Reef in Kadavu Island. With pinnacles, coral gardens, shipwrecks and manta cleaning stations, divers of all levels will love seeking adventure in these warm and tropical waters.
During the surface intervals, divers can enjoy the remote and uncrowded island that is often regarded as Fiji’s untouched Eden, with coastal hikes, dense rainforests, secluded beaches and spring-fed waterfalls.
There are 13 PADI Dive Resorts in Fiji, ranging from budget friendly hotels to luxury private islands.
Learn more at www.padi.com/diving-in/fiji/.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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