dive worldwide newsletter

16
Newsletter | Issue 1 | 2014 W e create outstanding diving holidays and it’s great to know that more and more of you agree. As our community grows our itineraries and range of destinations expand to suit your diving demands. The scuba diving community is strong, coming together in times of need. This was recently evident in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines when local dive centres and liveaboards pulled out all the stops to get provisions to as many people as possible, long before any others got into action. Travelling to these areas is one of the best ways to continue to help support the locals. Read all about the amazing turnaround on pages 6-7, how there are plenty of positive outcomes and that the marine life continues to thrive. Conservation continues to be close to our hearts and every holiday booked with Dive Worldwide helps contribute a small amount to dive charity Bite-Back. On a larger scale, our Manta Trust trips offer you the opportunity to participate in sustainable conservation projects around the world. Earlier in the year we received fantastic news about the establishment of the worlds largest manta ray sanctuary in Indonesia. With your help the reef mantas in the Maldives may enjoy similar protection. Find out more on page 13. Divers heading to the Tropical Eastern Pacific have been enjoying a sensational season, especially in Socorro. It’s time you added at least one of the island destinations to your bucket list. We’ve created a map (pages 8-9) to highlight just why they are so wonderful and recommend you travel as soon as possible. Inside you’ll also find inspirational holiday reports from Antarctica, Indonesia and South Africa, where to plan your holiday to swim with the largest fish in the sea and plenty of feedback from you! It may seem a long way off, but we are really looking forward to 2015. Something very special is on the horizon… Happy Diving! Teresa Bennett Founder, Dive Worldwide

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Page 1: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

Newsletter | Issue 1 | 2014

We create outstanding diving holidays and it’s great to know that more and more of you agree.

As our community grows our itineraries and range of destinations expand to suit your diving demands.

The scuba diving community is strong, coming together in times of need. This was recently evident in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines when local dive centres and liveaboards pulled out all the stops to get provisions to as many people as possible, long before any others got into action. Travelling to these areas is one of the best ways to continue to help support the locals. Read all about the amazing turnaround on pages 6-7, how there are plenty of positive outcomes and that the marine life continues to thrive.

Conservation continues to be close to our hearts and every holiday booked with Dive Worldwide helps contribute a small amount to dive charity Bite-Back. On a larger scale, our Manta Trust trips offer you the opportunity to participate in sustainable conservation projects around the world. Earlier in the year we received fantastic news about the establishment of the worlds largest manta ray sanctuary in Indonesia. With your help the reef mantas in the Maldives may enjoy similar protection. Find out more on page 13.

Divers heading to the Tropical Eastern Pacific have been enjoying a sensational season, especially in Socorro. It’s time you added at least one of the island destinations to your bucket list. We’ve created a map (pages 8-9) to highlight just why they are so wonderful and recommend you travel as soon as possible.

Inside you’ll also find inspirational holiday reports from Antarctica, Indonesia and South Africa, where to plan your holiday to swim with the largest fish in the sea and plenty of feedback from you!

It may seem a long way off, but we are really looking forward to 2015. Something very special is on the horizon…

Happy Diving!

Teresa Bennett Founder, Dive Worldwide

Page 2: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

2 diveworldwide.com 0845 130 6980 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

This affordable destination offers great value for money and incredible experiences above and below the water. From Sodwana’s pristine tropical reefs to the colder waters of the Cape, South Africa offers an unforgettable opportunity to combine two very different worlds, both with a fantastic diversity of wildlife – world-class diving with undoubtedly, the best game reserves in the world.

Diving highlights include shark encounters and healthy reefs, but there’s plenty of choice depending on your ability. It is possible to get up close to great white sharks, dive with ragged-tooth, tiger, oceanic blacktip and hammerhead sharks, see whales, dolphins, rays, turtles, plenty of fish and swim with Cape fur seals.

We recommend a few days on safari in one of the national parks or a private game reserve whether you’re on the coast or inland, up north or down south. Observe lion, rhino, elephant and plenty more – the wildlife experience is incredible. This is an amazing destination where you can experience fascinating cultures, natural wonders, pristine beaches, close wildlife encounters and exceptional hospitality.

SOUTH Africa

Sharks, Hippos and More! by Sarah Wight - Product Manager, Dive Worldwide

The opportunity of some winter sun, safari and diving with sharks was presented to me - it didn’t take long to make the decision! Our small group headed off to Durban in search of rhino, hippo, turtles and ragged-tooth sharks.

Spanning 280 kilometres of coastline from St Lucia to the Mozambican border, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa’s third largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems and natural beauty from tropical coral reefs to savannah and wetland areas. It’s home to octopus, squid, whale sharks, manta rays, leatherback and loggerhead turtles, elephant, leopard, buffalo, white and black rhino, crocodile and hippo and that’s just for starters. It is an AMAZING place to visit!

Our first safari was into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, famed for its white rhino and our second was around the Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve – what a treat! As with underwater wildlife,

you’ll only spot what is out that day and we were unfortunate not see the big cats, although we had been following their tracks!

For some relaxation we headed to Kosi Bay, not far from the Mozambique border, a place where you can kick off your shoes and watch the Indian Ocean roll in for hours. From Rocktail Beach Camp you can dive tropical reefs or walk the endless miles of sandy beaches whilst keeping your eyes open for loggerhead turtles which come here to lay their eggs. The final few days of my dive safari were spent at Umkomaas, famed for being the gateway to Aliwal Shoal and (almost) guaranteed shark diving. It’s adventurous but absolutely worth it!

The KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa is vast and has so much to offer. Of course, the sharks are not to be missed but having been there, I would definitely return and spend time both on the coast and inland – I’ve got to go back and see a big cat!

Page 3: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

3Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm 0845 130 6980 diveworldwide.com

Prices are based on two people travelling together and include return flights from the UK.

Great White Shark Weekend

Enjoy two days of encounters with these magnificent creatures from the safety of a cage - the ultimate weekend getaway for adventurous thrill seekers. Available for non-divers too.

Tailor-made, May - Aug 6 days, from £1,495 per person

SharkWEEK Diving Adventure

The world famous reefs of Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks offer some of the best shark diving in the world. Several species are seen throughout the year. Recommended for experienced divers.

Tailor-made, Jan - Dec 9 days, from £1,645 per person

Sardine Run Adventure

Experience one of nature’s great events first hand. Spend your days in the water observing a plethora of marine and avian predators attracted by the millions of sardines migrating north along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

Tailor-made, Jun - Jul 10 days, from £2,495 per person

Great White Shark Study

Uncover the mysteries of the world’s most fascinating and controversial marine creature. Spend your week studying this amazing predator at the best breaching location in False Bay with expert Dr Alessandro de Maddalena.

Small group departures, Aug 11 days, from £3,265 per person

Our website features 8 itineraries and 4 shark diving locations that we can use to tailor-make your own adrenalin filled adventure

EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE

diveworldwide.com

Page 4: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

Planner

4 diveworldwide.com 0845 130 6980 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

Where to see whale sharks

They may be the largest fish in the sea, but they can be pretty elusive! Conservation and research programmes operate across the globe in order to learn and understand more about the Rhincodon typus, possibly the most popular marine creature on a diver’s check list. Below we have

outlined our top destinations to offer you the opportunity of that special encounter with these gentle giants.

Key Resort

Liveaboard

Dive experience

Snorkel experience

Galapagos

The convergence of oceanic currents brings cooler temperatures and natural upwellings provide plenty of food for these massive filter feeders. Research has shown that the majority of encounters are with pregnant females around Darwin Island during their annual aggregation.

Jun - Nov 10 days, from £4,465 per person

Oman

As the water warms up a plankton bloom attracts seasonal visitors including whale sharks. As a consequence the visibility is low, but you can’t have one without the other. The best opportunity for encounters is in the Musandam or Daymaniyat Islands.

Jun - Sep 8 days, from £1,295 per person

Belize

The annual snapper spawning attracts whale sharks from far and wide. Gladden Spit is the perfect stage to observe these majestic creatures cruising through thousands of fish as they feast on the spawn during the full moon.

Apr - Jun 9 days, from £2,345 per person

Maldives

The MWSRP (Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme) operate research and conservation programmes in the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area. Whale sharks are year round residents throughout this tropical paradise, and this is the area where you are most likely to enjoy a magical encounter.

Jan - Dec 9 days, from £1,795 per person

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

The annual migration here is possibly the largest in the world. Whale sharks and other pelagic species feed on fish eggs and plankton close to the surface at Holbox Island and Isla Mujeres. Encounters are common and the trips include scheduled time in the water.

Jun - Aug 8 days, from £1,595 per person

Prices are based on two people travelling together and include return flights from the UK. Prices exclude whale shark encounter.

Holiday

Page 5: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE

diveworldwide.com

Our website features 13 countries with almost 20 locations where you have an opportunity of a whale shark encounter as part of your own tailor-made diving holiday

5Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm 0845 130 6980 diveworldwide.com

Tanzania

The annual aggregation in the channel near Mafia Island provides an ideal opportunity to study and interact with whale sharks as they feed on the surface. Research here contributes to the global spot-pattern photo identification project, mapping their migration patterns.

Oct - Mar 9 days, from £1,595 per person

Seychelles

Some of the earliest scientific records are from the Seychelles, where whale sharks are protected. Advanced satellite tracking technology enables a comprehensive database to be collated. Help the MCSS (Marine Conservation Society Seychelles) monitor these gentle giants during your encounter.

Sep - Oct 9 days, from £2,095 per person

Donsol, Philippines

Whale sharks can be seen year round throughout the archipelago, but Donsol offers the best opportunity of an encounter. Regulated trips offer sightings of up to 20 whale sharks as they gather to feed in the plankton rich, shallow bay.

Dec - May 11 days, from £1,995 per person

Page 6: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

PHILIPPINES

6 diveworldwide.com 0845 130 6980 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

This archipelago of 7,107 beautiful islands with lush rainforests, caves and waterfalls, stunning beaches, pristine reefs and a diverse marine ecosystem is home to some of the finest dive sites in the world and a fun-loving nation of people. Full of experiences and marine encounters, there’s plenty to discover – so much in fact, you’ll want to return

time and time again.

The Visayas is one of the most visited areas. This central region of tiny islands is deservedly famous for its beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle and stunning dive sites, many only minutes from the shore. Cebu City is the gateway to the islands of Cebu, Negros, Bohol, Panglao, Apo, Siquijor and Malapascua, an area where you can island hop easily and enjoy the macro life at Dauin, sardine bait-balls at Pescador Island from Moalboal and the thresher sharks at Monad Shoal from Malapascua.

Whilst most of the areas were unaffected, the small island of Malapascua was in the direct path of Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines towards the end of last year. Malapascua is famous as the only place in the world where thresher sharks can be seen every day. Shark sightings have consistently been by far the best in the past decade! Sharks are coming closer and appearing in larger numbers than ever before, often between 10 and 20 good sightings on a dive. Underwater highlights include beautiful soft corals, manta rays, wrecks and a wide array of critters making a one week trip to Malapascua simply too short – octopus, seahorses, mandarin fish, frogfish, dozens of nudibranch, mantis shrimp and crabs. April is the start of hammerhead season and the school is back in full force!

Many of you will have seen the scenes of the devastation as the powerful storm hit land affecting millions of people. After speaking with some of the dive centres it has been great to hear how the community has come together and although six months is a long time in the Philippines, the island has been quick to recover. Within an hour of the storm passing, the locals were already out salvaging materials to rebuild and within a couple of weeks some dive centres and properties were fully operational again. Our thanks to Andrea from Malapascua who has plenty of positives to report:

“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and the Brits were particularly generous. The donated funds have enabled the island to rebuild – better and stronger than it ever was. Many things will be improved including drinking water and sewage systems, the schools, the installation of solar and wind power facilities and a permanent medical facility. Come and enjoy some incredible diving and great hospitality, it’s the best way to help the locals continue to rebuild their lives.”

Andy from Coron Bay in the north reports: “We have been back to normal here in Sangat since last December. We were quite lucky only losing one cottage and the damage to the resort was mostly cosmetic. There was no damage to our reefs or wrecks and the diving here is as wonderful as ever. We were able to assist in distributing typhoon relief food to our local community and the rebuilding of a school and community centre for the indigenous people here. We also donated a boat to the school to replace the one lost in the typhoon thanks to our friends of Sangat.”

The Filipino community are resilient, grateful and fun-loving people. Now is the time to plan your dive adventure and head to this beautiful island nation. Speak to one of our dive experts to plan your perfect trip.

Page 7: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

Our website has over 15 locations, and 2 liveaboards with seasonal itineraries throughout the Philippine archipelago that we can use to tailor-make your own island-hopping safari

EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE

diveworldwide.com

7Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm 0845 130 6980 diveworldwide.com

Given the earthquake and typhoon our travel plans were changed with no problems - all very efficient and professional, everything went smoothly and did not impact our holiday at all. Sarah kept in contact, updating us as and when info was available. ”“

Andrea B travelled to the Philippines in November

Get Wrecked

An amazing adventure for divers interested in exploring the historical Japanese WWll wrecks of Coron Bay and Truk Lagoon. Recommended for experienced divers, this is a must for ‘wreckies’.

Nov - Jul 19 days, from £3,895 per person

Island Hopping Dive Safari

Discover some of the best dive sites in the Visayas region from resort or on your way there. Mix and match up to five tropical locations renowned for their variety marine life. Great for divers of all abilities.

Jan – Dec 17 days, from £1,895 per person

BIG Fish Tour

For divers who like their marine life BIG. Underwater highlights include whale sharks, manta rays and thresher sharks. This is one of our most popular diving itineraries and great value for money.

Nov - Apr 14 days, from £1,995 per person

Prices are based on two people travelling together and include return flights from the UK.

Page 8: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

8 diveworldwide.com 0845 130 6980 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

Socorro

Just one of four islands in this remote archipelago, Socorro attracts large concentrations of pelagic species and is renowned for close up encounters with giant Pacific manta rays, up to seven species of shark as well as dolphins and whales.

Nov - Jun 9 days, from £2,195 per person

Isla Guadalupe

One of the world’s premier great white shark diving destinations reached only by liveaboard you can expect plenty of encounters, unlimited dives and exceptional visibility from the safety of a surface or suspended cage. Non-divers welcome.

Jul - Oct 6 days, from £2,075 per person

Isla Guadalupe

Socorro

San Diego

Ensenada

La Paz

Cabo San Lucas

M E X I C O

Our website features 10 liveaboards in 6 locations across the Tropical Eastern Pacific, that we can use to tailor-make your perfect itinerary

EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE

diveworldwide.com

Cocos Island

Recognised as one of the most outstanding dive locations on earth this is a rugged, isolated and incredibly beautiful island. The surrounding volcanic pinnacles attract a diverse marine life and large pelagic species - most notably hundreds of scalloped hammerhead sharks.

May - Nov 11 days, from £3,395 per person

Galapagos

The nutrient rich waters attract an incredible diversity and abundance of marine life, a lot of which is unique, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters. Walls of hammerheads and schools of rays are seen during manta season (Dec-May) and whale sharks aggregate around Darwin Island from Jun-Nov.

Jan - Dec 8 days, from £2,695 per person

© Jane Morgan

Prices are vessel only in a twin share cabin travelling in 2015 and exclude marine park fees (where applicable). Ask us about flights and further accommodation to complete your trip.

Page 9: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

9Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm 0845 130 6980 diveworldwide.com

BIG FISHDiving

Galapagos

Cocos Island

Malpelo

Puntarenas

Puerto Mutis

Quito

Guayaquil

M E X I C O

C O L O M B I A

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P E R U

BR

AZ

IL

E C U A D O R

H O N D U R A S

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C O S TA R I C A

PA N A M A

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EL SALVADOR

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The Tropical Eastern Pacific features some of the most remote diving locations in the world. The journey is long, but the underwater experience is probably the most rewarding you’ll have in your lifetime, especially

if you prefer your marine life BIG! Divers will be mesmerised at the abundant schools of pelagic species, walls of hammerhead sharks and diversity of marine life that the islands offer.

This vast expanse of ocean includes the idyllic islands of Cocos, Galapagos, Malpelo and Coiba, forming a Marine Conservation Corridor. The Seascape Project, created and managed by UNESCO, is an effective instrument in the conservation and sustainable use of the biological diversity of the five marine protected areas within the region. Further north, Isla Guadalupe and Socorro are two equally important areas with spectacular diving opportunities and shark encounters for all.

Diving conditions can be challenging, these liveaboard adventures are recommended for experienced divers, with the exception of the Isla Guadalupe great white shark trip.Malpelo

Looking for sharks? Diving Malpelo Island is shark diving at its finest! Silky sharks mix with hammerheads forming colossal schools, an amazing encounter. Expect a variety of sharks depending on the season including the small-toothed sand tiger shark.

Jan - Dec 10 days, from £2,545 per person

© Simon Rodgerson

Page 10: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

10 diveworldwide.com 0845 130 6980 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

Frozen Southern SeasAntarctica - pure and white, cold and amazing - once in a lifetime! A journey of discovery and plenty of activities to keep you warm, as well as an intriguing world of wildlife to keep you entertained. Polar diving is a specialist activity available on some trips. You don’t have to dive, but what unique stories you’ll have to tell! Thank you to Michael and Jane Green who travelled with us recently and wanted to share their story...

Classic Antarctica, Plancius

An incredible voyage visiting prime wildlife sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland islands. The perfect introduction to the Antarctic.

Tailor-made, Nov & Mar 15 days, from £7,945 per person

We saw orca, fin, minke and humpback whales. The humpbacks were VERY close - and we saw them feeding too - you know when they do the ring of bubbles around the fish? Amazing! It was all amazing! ”

Jane Green

Page 11: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

Our website features a choice of ice diving itineraries and locations that we can use to tailor-make your once in a lifetime unique experience

EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE

diveworldwide.com

11Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm 0845 130 6980 diveworldwide.com

We broke the journey into three parts. UK to Argentina, Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (the end of the world!) and by sea to Antarctica. We spent six days travelling, so the journey was not a chore. We saw Evita’s grave and all the other sights of Buenos Aires, enjoyed an Argentinian

ranch where Jane went horse riding with a Gaucho to round up cattle and saw hummingbirds! The food was amazing - the best steak ever. We even went to a football match in Buenos Aires, the crowd were amazing - the stadium was bouncing!

After a short flight to Ushuaia we saw the end of the world with its national park, glaciers and the Beagle Channel. We finished the journey by sea to Antarctica and met other travellers who had gone via Brazil, Chile or Uruguay. South America has so much to offer. Drakes passage is an experience, with some of the biggest seas we have seen. Albatross’ patrol the boat constantly, as do petrels. Whales swim near the boat and soon the first iceberg appears.

The Plancius is an ex-Dutch navy research ship, the crew are fantastic and can’t do enough for you. Lectures were provided every day if we weren’t doing activities. Their knowledge is superb and you can tell they are passionate about giving you a fantastic experience. Basecamp Plancius provides a trip with lots of activities including kayaking, camping, snow-shoeing and mountaineering. Scuba diving can be added at a supplement.

I had read about explorers of old eating hooch, seals and penguins - but not on Plancius! The food was plentiful and varied- a different theme daily. Cakes and bread were freshly baked and there were always snacks and hot drinks available. We even had a barbecue which was just surreal!

The landings and zodiac cruises were fabulous. The penguins were not bothered by us and the chicks even climbed on our feet when we stood still! Seals are common and we saw Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals - both in and out of the water. Taking part in the scuba diving gives a completely different perspective on Antarctica - both under and above water. Wearing a drysuit means you can go where other people can’t. The ice is spectacular ranging from small ‘bergy bits’ to giant cathedral-like structures.

Diving was not as cold as we had expected - the water was just about freezing. On a couple of dives we swam down the flank of icebergs, they were beautiful and gave us another perspective of their size and beauty. We had the opportunity to dive with isopods (woodlice the size of dinner plates), starfish with over thirty arms and enjoyed close encounters with seals and penguins.

We also visited several historic sites. Our favourite was Port Lockroy where they have no shower and limited electricity - but they do have a credit card machine. Yes, you can shop in Antarctica!

Kayaking is well organised, safe and a breathtaking experience. Penguins porpoised by and a whale spurted in the distance... WOW! In summary everybody should go to Antarctica. Sell your house, do overtime, borrow the money - but GO! We can feel it calling us back. Dive Worldwide organised us the adventure of a lifetime.

by Michael and Jane Green

Page 12: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

12 diveworldwide.com 0845 130 6980 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

RajaAmpat

Classic Raja Ampat, Dewi Nusantara

Head to the heart of the Coral Triangle where a staggering abundance and diversity of marine life awaits the intrepid explorer in this remote part of Asia.

Tailor-made, Nov - Mar 15 days, from £5,495 per person

Michael Brown travelled with us in November on board the Dewi

Nusantara. This is what he had to say about it

Remote it may be, but it’s worth the long journey to reach the wonderful underwater world that awaits in Raja Ampat, a group of islands in the heart of the Coral Triangle with the most amazing marine biodiversity.

I was pleased to eventually get on board the Dewi Nusantara, a large, roomy, three masted old American designed vessel. There’s plenty of space for everyone and everything. She’s incredibly stable, smooth and quiet, even under way. The crew (a mere 23 for us 16 guests!) were attentive and very friendly, as were my fellow divers - nearly half had been on the boat before – now there’s a recommendation!

Diving from the spacious tenders, both groups with their own excellent guide and the lovely Kassandra (the cruise director) as an extra, giving flexibility for individuals seeking the ‘greater crested pygmy whale shark’ or similar. On returning from a dive, we were met by an enthusiastic staff ready with towels, hot showers and a massage – what a way to spend a day; every day!

Although we weren’t there for the ‘big stuff’, we did see white tip, black tip and grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrot fish, mantas, mobulas and eagle rays - my highlights being the walking epaulette sharks at night and the wobbegongs.

The diversity of the sites is fantastic – there are some areas with schools of jacks, emperors, surgeonfish and snapper, others with a myriad of damsels and anthias and plenty of macro life too, a variety of pygmy seahorses (those wriggly things at the end of your guide’s pointer) stealing the show. I must also mention the three blue-ringed octopus seen, not peeking from out of the coral, but out and about posing for the cameras!

Perhaps the most striking underwater feature was the gorgeously coloured scenery, with wave upon wave of fans, corals and sponges - almost everywhere. Currents were variable and sometimes strong, but there were always sheltered sites to explore. A great trip!

Page 13: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

13Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm 0845 130 6980 diveworldwide.com

Manta rays are an important resource in the Maldives, generating millions of ecotourism dollars each year. The waters host the largest population of reef manta rays in the world, but there is no law which

prohibits fishing or injuring this increasingly vulnerable species. The government has already demonstrated

its commitment to marine conservation by protecting all species of shark and establishing several Marine Protected

Areas throughout the archipelago. The Manta Trust has recently launched a petition inviting the Maldives to launch a powerful

message to the world by declaring nationwide protection for manta rays and other related species.

Just Conservation

Manta Monitoring, Maldives

Witness this incredible phenomenon from the comfort of a luxury liveaboard in the remote Baa Atoll. Help monitor manta rays with expert Guy Stevens during peak aggregation season in the summer.

Group-trip, Aug - Sep 11 days, from £5,325 per person

Manta Research in Yap

Assist the Manta Trust with the ongoing research in this remote destination. Trip includes land and liveaboard based activities developing your skills to help identify mantas and collate vital data.

Group-trip, Jun - Jul 14 days, from £5,385 per person

Mantas in Indonesia

Earlier this year the world celebrated the signing of a new regulation creating the world’s largest manta ray sanctuary - six million square kilometres! This new legislation creates nationwide protection for both reef and oceanic mantas across Indonesia. It is a phenomenal milestone in manta ray conservation.

“The Indonesian Government’s decision to legally protect manta rays is a great step along the road to effective conservation of these vulnerable species. I strongly urge other nations to follow in their footsteps.” Guy Stevens, Chief Executive of the Manta Trust.

Join one of our Just Conservation diving holidays and together with the Manta Trust, we offer you the opportunity to dive in some of

the world’s most outstanding destinations such as Indonesia, Maldives and Yap. Explore these fantastic countries and enjoy spectacular diving whilst helping with manta conservation and research - a holiday that makes a difference!

The Maldives is renowned for its manta population and most divers will experience an encounter of some kind during their holiday. In order to get closer to these graceful creatures you can join one of our trips, working together with the Manta Trust monitoring mantas in the Baa Atoll. You’ll be pleased to know that earlier this year the recorded population reached a mighty 3,000 – that’s a massive database created by supporters, volunteers, researchers, photographers, divers and ocean lovers.

Page 14: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

14 diveworldwide.com 0845 130 6980 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

YourFeedback

“Overall the Sardine Run was very good for us and we saw about seven bait balls in all. An amazing experience all round and some very close encounters with some humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins and dusky sharks!! ;-)”

David L travelled to South Africa in June

“Superb diving holiday, the best so far for marine life. The mantas really do come to the divers and interact with them. They came so close I could not believe it, they really were trying to interact, amazing! The dolphins also played with the divers on more than one occasion. It was the best trip for twenty years with regards to marine life, I would really recommend it.”

Wayne I travelled to Socorro, Mexico in February

“We had a fantastic time in Cocos! The shark sightings were amazing, with great views of scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos and hunting whitetip reef sharks, plus a very close tiger shark encounter in the dark!”

Rocky C travelled to Cocos in December

“Fantastic trip. Excellent value for money. Very good reefs and good number and variety of fish.”

John & Jill T travelled to Tobago in December

“Wow what a trip! Has to be the most exhilarating weeks diving I have ever experienced. This has to be on every serious divers list of things to do. Thank you for all your organisation!”

Gwen L travelled to Socorro, Mexico in March

We enjoy your feedback as much as arranging your diving adventures! Help inspire others by sharing your

comments, images and video. Check out our website and facebook page for lots more!

Page 15: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

15Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm 0845 130 6980 diveworldwide.com

“A fantastic holiday with a lot of ‘boxes’ ticked. We saw thresher sharks on every dive to Monad Shoal and hammerheads at Kimud. Plus seahorses, frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish and the largest variety of nudibranch that we’d ever seen.”

Karen W travelled to the Philippines in May

“Had the most amazing holiday, thank you so much for everything. We had the best of the best! It was a fantastic trip from start to finish. The diving at Kapalai and Sipadan was mind blowing. An unforgettable trip. Thank you.”

Peter B travelled to Borneo, Malaysia in December

“The mantas were absolutely incredible - saw two of the blighters on the same day! Have never seen so many dolphins - really breathtaking.”

Steve M travelled to Thailand in April

“Great trip especially the San Francisco wreck. Will have to return with trimix so I can dive deeper on the wrecks over 50 metres.”

Richard B travelled to Truk Lagoon in August

“Manta by night experience blew our minds - in the top ten dives ever.”

Hank S travelled to the Maldives in October

“We saw mantas on 14 of our 18 dives, and lots of them too.- the diving was phenomenal!”

Anna & Graham G travelled to the Mozambique in January

“From initial enquiry to final delivery of the holiday, the service has been excellent - we both thoroughly enjoyed our trip, one of our best in 20 years.”

EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE

diveworldwide.com

Page 16: Dive Worldwide Newsletter

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Specialists in tailor-making YOUR personal dive holiday

0845 130 6980Calls charged at local rate

Overseas tel: +44 (0) 1962 302 087 [email protected]

www.diveworldwide.com

Capitol House, 12-13 Bridge Street Winchester SO23 0HL, United Kingdom

Wildlife Worldwide

Classic tailor-made and small group wildlife holidays, including photographic tours and ‘Just Conservation’ holidays. From tiger-viewing and bear-watching to polar cruising and African safaris.

0845 130 6982 www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Dive Worldwide is part of The Natural Travel Collection Ltd, a small independent and privately owned travel company that places a special emphasis on sustainable tailor-made holidays.

www.thenaturaltravelcollection.com

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Divers are always looking for new and exciting itineraries around the world... have a look at these!

What’s Bubbling

Dive Camp

Our inaugural Dive Camp is a new and exciting trip to a little known island destination. Travel with like-minded people, encounter incredible marine wildlife and experience an adventure of a lifetime.

Coming in 2015 Contact us for further details

Philippine Secrets Dive Safari

Exploratory diving amongst secret islands between two popular dive spots, this itinerary includes the opportunity to discover new dive sites. With only eight divers on each trip, everyone wants to be a part of it. Do you?

Apr - May 11 days, from £1,995 per person

Bali Seafari

Spend more time in the water exploring Bali’s famous dive sites. This new exclusive itinerary offers 14 dives at Tulamben, Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida and plenty in between. Expect critters, wrecks, manta rays and a lot of fun!

Apr - Nov 5 days, from £995 per person (boat only)

Photographs courtesy of: Philippines Department of Tourism, Nautilus Explorer, Simon Rogerson, Jane Morgan, George Tapan, Pascal Kobeh - Oceanwide Expeditions, www.carlosvilloch.com, Seraya Secrets, Hank Sweet, Charlie Munns, Tara & Phil North. With our apologies for any omissions.