Summer/Autumn | 2019
Philippines DIVE ADVENTURE What’s Bubbling ALL NEW Island of the Gods BALI Bula from FIJI Dive in SMALL GROUP TRIPS
Philippines Dive Adventure Threshers, rays & critters Earlier this year, client Sara Jenner asked us to design a trip to the Philippines combining rest, relaxation and diving. In this article she describes her adventure to Malapascua and Bohol in search of thresher sharks, critters and pelagics.
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fter much discussion with my Travel Consultant (Cath), I decided on a twin-centre holiday in the Philippines. I was looking for some much-needed rest and relaxation in the sun, with a good mix of diving (so I could play with my new underwater camera) … most importantly, at an affordable price, and the Philippines seemed to tick all these boxes. I started my adventure in Malapascua, staying at the Buena Vida Resort and Spa, which was a fabulous choice and only a
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five-minute walk to the dive centre. The hotel offered everything I needed plus plenty of personal touches. And I can highly recommend the ‘overnight oats’ with frozen banana from the breakfast buffet to set you up for the day. Malapascua is famous for its pelagic thresher sharks, and I made the necessary early start to see them three times during my week-long stay! The diversity of macro life was astonishing and makes this an ideal place for any keen photographer. My favourite site was ‘Chocolate Box’ (Chocolate Island), as it was inundated
with small critters and nudibranchs. Next stop was Bohol. I stayed at Alona Vida Beach Resort, which is relatively quiet considering its central location, and the dive centre is situated in a lovely peaceful site. There were plenty of great dives just a few hundred metres off the main beach, with beautiful coral-covered walls teeming with macro life. For bigger pelagic species it’s worth heading out to Balicasag Island – I encountered big shoals of jackfish and barracudas, lots of groupers and rays and countless green turtles there. However, the
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Welcome
Fantastic trip as a whole. I would definitely go back to the Philippines and book with Dive Worldwide again. A special thanks to Cath is needed for her wonderful product knowledge and guidance.
We are excited to announce that Regaldive is now part of The Natural Travel Collection along with Dive Worldwide, forming the largest selection of dive holidays in the UK! We can now offer you a fantastic selection of resorts and liveaboards in Egypt and the Red Sea region, among other destinations. Our expert team has expanded too, and we look forward to helping plan your next dive holiday!
Sara J, Philippines
We’ve packed our latest seasonal brochure full of new trips and great ideas for diving adventures – we hope you like it and find plenty to inspire your next trip(s). Our client Sara Jenner describes an epic twincentre dive trip to the Philippines, and we have picked out some of our best small group trips and exclusive liveaboard adventures. We have been out and about across the world discovering the best resorts, locations and deals for your next diving adventure. Senior Travel Consultant Charlie Munns returns to his beloved Truk Lagoon, Emily Chappell reports on her recent trip to Fiji in search of technicolour corals and big fish, and Product Manager Sarah Wight enjoys Bali’s mantas, critters and sharks. Finally, we introduce new resorts and trips in the Maldives, Palau, Philippines, French Polynesia and Papua New Guinea. Dive in ...
Dive Worldwide Team Contents Philippines Dive Adventure 2-3 Bali & Beyond 4 What’s Bubbling - All New! 5 Iconic Liveaboard Adventures 6-7 Seasonal Underwater Escapes 8-11 Belize – Reefs, Atolls & the Blue Hole 12 Fiji’s Technicolour Corals & Mantas 13 Truk – The Wreck Capital of the World 14 Small Group Dive Trips 15
Image by Sara Jenner
highlight for me was Dolijo, which felt like swimming in an aquarium. The reef is covered with hard and soft corals, giant sea fans and enormous barrel sponges. We saw giant frogfish, different angel, butterfly, and cardinal fish, various moray eels and, every so often, a graceful eagle ray would glide past – paradise! I was so impressed with the holiday Cath created for me, that within a week of returning I had already booked my next dive adventure with her – in search of some ‘big stuff’ in Socorro!
Dive the Philippines 13 days from £2,175 Lying within the Coral Triangle, the Philippines offer divers a fantastic diversity of macro life, pelagic species, wrecks and colourful reefs, as well as beautiful beaches. Contact our expert Dive team to create your very own dive adventure. We offer a range of suggested trip ideas and can design a twin-centre holiday, island hopping adventure, or an epic tailor-made trip just for you! To view our full collection of holidays to the Philippines see our website.
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Our Diving Holidays We offer exceptional tailor-made and small group liveaboard and resort-based dive holidays in over 190 destinations worldwide. Our holidays cater for beginners and experienced divers, specific interests such as muck, wreck, technical, underwater photography or particular marine life such as sharks and rays. With almost 20 years’ experience, our friendly Dive team includes highly experienced divers who keep up-to-date with new and exciting places to dive, and take pleasure in hand picking the best diving and snorkelling experiences for you! Cover: Grey reef sharks, Fakarava, French Polynesia (see page 5 for details of our French Polynesia liveaboard)
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Bali & Beyond There aren’t many places in the world that combine such an array of incredible experiences in such a small place as Bali, but we recommend you travel around the island to get the best out of this unique destination. Product Manager Sarah Wight describes the island’s highlights.
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y last visit to Bali was in 1999, for the millennium new year. I’d been many times before, especially during the summer holidays (I grew up in Jakarta). This time was going to be different. It was a new century and I had so much to discover ... all for work! During my ten-day trip in Bali, I stayed in a different resort every night inspecting our featured properties, as well as a liveaboard. I got underwater in four renowned areas and almost fully circumnavigated the island, stopping occasionally for a temple, scenic photo or culinary fix. Diving highlights were instantaneous. First stop, Nusa Lembongan. Manta rays and mola mola – check. I was intrigued by the volcanic topography at Candidasa and encountered many a white-tip reef shark at Tepekong, a site rich in fish life. The dive sites at Tulamben on the northeast coast are captivating, especially for photographers. Here, the Liberty Wreck lives up to its reputation and Seraya
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Secrets is simply full of critters. The northwest coast is home to colourful corals, drop-offs, encounters with sharks, turtles and eagle rays, as well as muck diving. Topside emanates relaxation, culture and activity. It’s hard to decide what to do, if anything at all. The impressive sights of Mount Agung dominate the skyline, but you’re never too far from a rice field, rainforest or beach. The people are welcoming, the food amazing, and don’t forget to try the local beer – Bintang! No matter your journey, I recommend you take your time and embrace the relaxed pace of life; you’re on holiday! Parts of Bali have changed in the 19 years between my visits, but there are plenty of areas that remain authentic, hidden gems. The island has so much to offer those seeking excellent diving with exceptional topside adventure. For our full range of Bali holidays, visit our website or contact our expert Dive team.
BIG in Bali Suitable for divers of all abilities, this itinerary travels to the mystical island of Nusa Lembongan for a tropical escape and a unique diving experience. The mantas are mesmerising and the reefs are vibrant. 11 days from £1,425 Jan-Dec
A Visit to Bali Explore Bali’s Tulamben region with a mix of shore and boat diving to experience the best of what the island has to offer. Spend five days exploring local dive sites including the Liberty wreck and Seraya Secrets. You can add this trip to an Indonesian liveaboard safari or book it as a standalone dive holiday with land tour options. 10 days from £1,395 Jan-Dec
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What’s Bubbling
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We are continually adding new destinations, resorts and liveaboards to our expanding portfolio. To keep up-to-date, sign up to ‘What’s Bubbling’, our regular e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Reethi Faru Resort, Maldives
Solitude One, Palau & Philippines
Surrounded by a fringing reef and warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this tranquil resort is set on a stunning tropical island paradise located in the Raa Atoll. The 145 rooms and suites, built from locally sourced materials, are situated amongst tropical gardens, alongside palm trees on the white-sand beach and over the crystal-clear water. Facilities include: an infinity pool; a wide
Designed and purpose built for the discerning diver, Solitude One excels in hospitality and onboard technology for safety and diving. Expect sharks, wrecks, caves, drop-offs and plenty of marine life amongst the reefs as she cruises the famous sites of Palau from November to April. Solitude One then moves to the Philippines and offers trips to Tubbataha in April and June, plus Verde Island,
choice of tasty dishes at the six restaurants and bars; Coconut Spa; a variety of sporting activities and a dive centre. The resort’s multi-national team operates snorkelling and diving activities on the house reef, as well as boat excursions to dive on both sides of the atoll. Expect plenty of big fish action here, including mantas, grey reef sharks and eagle rays. 9 days from £2,595
Romblon and Ticao from July to September with plenty of critter action and pelagic sightings. Intrepid divers should ask us about the vessel’s occasional unique exploratory trips to the deep south including Helen Reef Reserve. Think ‘home away from home’, combined with an incredible underwater experience. 14 days from £4,695
M/V French Polynesia Master
M/V Solomons PNG Master
The world-famous beaches and dive sites that are scattered across the French Polynesian islands are home to incredible reefs and an abundant marine life. Operating year round, seven and ten-night itineraries explore the Tuamotu Islands. Highlights include the diving hotspots of Rangiroa and Fakarava atolls. This custom-built vessel accommodates 25 passengers in
Designed to comfortably host 20 passengers in 12 cabins with double, twin and single bed configuration. The upper deck cabins have en-suite shower rooms and individual air-conditioning, whilst the lower deck cabins have shared facilities. The ‘Best Of’ and wreck-specific itineraries operate in the Solomon Islands from January to April. Adventurous divers can join the
12 twin or double-bed configured cabins located on the main and lower decks; all have en-suite bathrooms. Suited to experienced divers, expect incredible and consistent shark encounters (think black-tip, tiger and hammerhead) plus exhilarating drift dives in the channels and lagoons of this picturesque South Pacific island nation. 11 days from £6,095
‘Navigator’ trips as the boat relocates to Papua New Guinea and back in May and October. During her time here itineraries include New Britain, New Hanover and Milne Bay. Dive highlights include untouched reefs, WWll wrecks, caverns and macro subjects. It’s a photographer’s dream and excellent facilities are provided onboard. 12 days from £4,875
Holiday prices are based on two persons sharing, including flights from the UK, accommodation, transfers and diving, except where specified. Prices correct at time of print (May 2019).
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Iconic Liveaboard Adventures If you are looking for adventure, look no further than our range of exclusive departures to the world’s most sought-after liveaboard destinations as part of the Global Dive Alliance. Group deals and full charter rates are available for dive clubs or groups.
The Bahamas
Indonesia
Maldives
Sensational shark encounters
Epicentre of the Coral Triangle
Exceptional value for money
Crystal-clear waters & colourful reefs
Traditional ‘phinisi’ liveaboard
Pelagic encounters
Varied liveaboard itineraries
Mantas, sharks & whales
Spectacular night dives
7 nights from £1,690
11 nights from £4,050
7 nights from £1,040
Socorro Islands
Galápagos
Cocos Island
Fantastic pelagic encounters
Prime whale shark season
Walls of hammerhead sharks
Extended ten-night safaris
Bucket-list destination
Ideal for experienced divers
Prime humpback whale season
Unique wildlife
Dive a UNESCO World Heritage Site
8 nights from £2,695
7 nights from £4,030
10 nights from £4,425
Oman
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Untouched coral reefs
Incredible pelagic encounters
Exciting new itineraries
Possible whale shark encounters
Dive WWll wrecks
Explore WWII wrecks
Perfect for experienced divers
Discover the Rock Islands
Unexplored & untouched dive sites
7 nights from £1,360
7 nights from £2,695
10 nights from £3,950
To discover our full range of liveaboard adventures visit our website or contact our expert team.
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Contact our Dive team to plan your next diving adventure
We are proud to be a founding member of the Global Dive Alliance. Bringing together seven of the most reputable specialist dive tour operators from across Europe and the UK, the Global Dive Alliance offers you exclusive access to the world’s finest liveaboard adventures.
A selection of our liveaboard adventures for 2019 & beyond The Bahamas, 7 nights from £1,690 Date
Liveaboard
29 Jun 2019
Bahamas Aggressor
28 Mar 2020 9 May 2020
Nights
Galápagos, 7 nights from £4,030 Itinerary
Date
Liveaboard
7
Grand Bahama West End
25 Jul 2019
Galapagos Aggressor III
7
Classic Galapagos
Bahamas Aggressor
10
Tiger Beach
2 Jul 2020
Galapagos Aggressor III
7
Classic Galapagos
Bahamas Aggressor
7
Tiger Beach
20 Aug 2020
Galapagos Aggressor III
11
Classic Galapagos- Extended
31 Aug 2020
Galapagos Aggressor III
10
Classic Galapagos- Extended
Indonesia, 11 nights from £4,050
Nights
Itinerary
Date
Liveaboard
Itinerary
Cocos Island, 10 nights from £4,425
14 Oct 2019
Pindito
11
Whale-Macro Cruise
Date
Liveaboard
23 Dec 2019
Pindito
11
Komodo
13 Aug 2019
M/V Argo
10
Classic Cocos
8 Sep 2019
M/V Argo
10
Classic Cocos
17 Jun 2020
Okeanos Aggressor II
10
Classic Cocos
19 Sep 2020
Okeanos Aggressor II
10
Classic Cocos
Nights
Maldives, 7 nights from £1,040 Date
Liveaboard
Nights
Itinerary
20 Jul 2019
Emperor Leo
7
Best of Maldives
1 Sep 2019
Sheena
7
Southern Itinerary
Oman, 7 nights from £1,360
8 Sep 2019
Sheena
7
Filitheyo to Malé
Date
Liveaboard
29 Sep 2019
Sheena
7
Filitheyo to Malé
12 Oct 2019
Saman Explorer
12 Oct 2019
Emperor Leo
7
Best of Maldives
19 Oct 2019
Emperor Leo
7
Best of Maldives
26 Oct 2019
Emperor Voyager
7
Best of Maldives
Nights
Nights 7
Itinerary
Itinerary Daymaniyat Islands
Palau, 7 nights from £2,695 Date
Liveaboard
Nights
Itinerary
Socorro Islands, 8 nights from £2,695 (Limited availability)
15 Mar 2020
Palau Aggressor II
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26 Apr 2020
Palau Aggressor II
7
Best of Palau
Date
Liveaboard
8 Nov 2020
Rock Island Aggressor
7
Best of Palau
19 Jun 2019
Nautilus Explorer
10
Classic Socorro- Extended
10 Feb 2020
Nautilus Undersea
10
Giant mantas, sharks, dolphins & humpbacks
Papua New Guinea, 10 nights from £3,950
9 Mar 2020
Nautilus Explorer
10
Giant mantas, sharks, dolphins & humpbacks
Date
Liveaboard
13 May 2020
Solomons PNG Master
10
New Hanover Explorer
18 Apr 2021
Solomons PNG Master
10
Solomons & PNG Navigator
Nights
Itinerary
13 Apr 2020
Nautilus Explorer
8
Classic Socorro
10 Jun 2020
Nautilus Undersea
10
Socorro & Sea of Cortez
26 Nov 2020
Nautilus Explorer
8
Classic Socorro
Nights
Best of Palau
Itinerary
French Polynesia, 10 nights from £5,045 Date
Liveaboard
23 Oct 2021
French Polynesia Master
Nights 10
Itinerary Tuamotu Islands- Extended
Prices are based on two persons sharing, liveaboard, meals, transfers and diving (flight prices available on request). Prices correct at time of print (May 2019). Dates specified are based on liveaboard departures.
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Seasonal Underwater Escapes We offer an extensive range of dive holidays at the optimum time to visit some of the world’s most impressive destinations and enjoy the amazing marine life at its best. Here our expert Dive team selects some of their favourite dive escapes for each season.
Summer
June to August
Dive Pico: Mantas & More
Cenotes & Reefs
Visit Grenada
The Azores is one of the best destinations in the world to dive up close and personal with blue sharks in open water, and with frequent mako shark sightings, this is definitely one for the logbook.
This dive adventure includes turtle encounters on the reef and a unique, breathtaking experience as you discover the crystal-clear water, caves and passages of the worldfamous Cenotes in Mexico.
An ideal trip for both novice and experienced divers, during which you can expect to discover beautiful hard and soft corals, turtles, sharks and spotted eagle rays, as well as several wrecks and the sculpture park.
8 days from £1,425
9 days from £1,575
9 days from £1,695
Walls, Schools & Critters
Dive Beqa Lagoon & Somosomo
Galápagos Liveaboard
Indonesia’s Bunaken Marine Park and Lembeh Strait offer a fantastic variety of excellent dive sites right in the heart of the world’s top marine biodiversity region – a fabulous combination!
Dive and discover some of Fiji’s top diving spots including the White Wall and Rainbow Reef in Somosomo Strait, plus Beqa Lagoon where up to eight species of shark can be encountered on one dive.
The Galápagos Islands are a must for all experienced divers. Encounter silky, Galápagos, hammerhead and whale sharks from the comfort of a liveaboard, and come face to face with unique wildlife topside.
17 days from £2,995
18 days from £4,095
10 days from £5,495
To discover our full range of seasonal escapes visit our website or contact our expert team.
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Contact our Dive team to plan your next diving adventure
We had the most wonderful time on this twin-centre holiday. We dived in Lembeh last year and loved it. Steve, Miranda and their team make you feel so at home and welcome. We then moved on to Siladen Resort and Spa, which again was wonderful. A lovely chalet, beautiful large pool and the team made us more than welcome.
Seasonal Escapes
Liz & Gary N, Lembeh Strait & Bunaken, Indonesia
Autumn
September to November
Malta & Gozo: Wrecks & Caves
Visit Oman
BIG in Bali
Spend a week exploring Malta’s wrecks, caves and fascinating history, combined with a few days on the charming island of Gozo, where diving highlights include the blue hole and inland sea sites at Dwejra.
A great autumn getaway for divers looking for sunshine, adventure and diving days away from the crowds. Sites range from shallow reefs to steeps walls, and marine life includes reef sharks, turtles and stingrays.
Suitable for divers of all abilities, this itinerary travels to the mystical island of Nusa Lembongan for a tropical escape and a unique diving experience. The mantas are mesmerising and the reefs are vibrant.
11 days from £1,075
9 days from £1,395
11 days from £1,425
Guadalupe: Great White Sharks
Dive & Discover Madagascar
Dive & Discover PNG
Discover the world’s most exciting great white shark dive site by liveaboard. Enjoy cage diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific and experience nothing short of great white shark heaven!
Discover the fascinating wildlife and natural wonders of northern Madagascar, including a liveaboard adventure exploring untouched reefs and islands where seasonal visitors include whale sharks and humpback whales.
Uncover the magic of Papua New Guinea, situated in the Coral Triangle, on this adventure to two exceptional diving areas – both renowned for macro life and pelagic encounters on vibrant coral reefs.
9 days from £3,745
16 days from £4,495
17 days from £4,995
All holiday prices are based on two persons sharing, including flights from the UK, accommodation, transfers and diving, except where specified. Prices correct at time of print (May 2019).
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My recent holiday on St Helena Island exceeded my expectations by a wide margin. The scenery was stunning, and the accommodations, service and food at the Mantis Hotel were excellent. The whale shark and mobula ray diving was first class.
Seasonal Escapes
Jeffery T, St Helena
Winter
December to February
Phuket & Khao Lak Diving
SharkWEEK Diving Adventure
Tanzania: Dive Mafia Island
Explore some of Thailand’s most outstanding dive sites, with excellent opportunities to spot leopard sharks amidst a kaleidoscope of marine life, and manta rays often gracing divers with their presence.
Experience some of the best shark diving in the world! This exciting trip to South Africa offers diving at Aliwal Shoal where encounters with ragged tooth, oceanic black-tip, bull, hammerhead and tiger sharks are regular.
Spend a week exploring the vibrant reefs of Chole Bay in the heart of a marine park. The diving highlight is undoubtedly the annual whale shark aggregation, where small males can be seen feeding in the channel.
13 days from £1,595
9 days from £1,645
11 days from £2,075
Southern Maldives Liveaboard
Untouched St Helena
Bora Bora & Rangiroa
Escape the crowds in the southern Maldives for an exceptional liveaboard experience. Expect plenty of shark encounters, including grey reef, hammerhead and silky. Suitable for experienced divers.
One of the most exciting dive areas to open up in recent years, this remote Atlantic outcrop promises endemic species, seldomdived shipwrecks and the opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks (in season).
Take in Tahiti’s most iconic diving locations on this exhilarating twin-centre adventure, with a week on each island. Enjoy adrenaline-fuelled drift dives with eagle rays, manta rays, turtles and numerous species of shark.
10 days from £2,995
12 days from £3,095
18 days from £6,095
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Contact our Dive team to plan your next diving adventure
It (Truk Lagoon) is easily the best of my 17 year diving career. It’s going to be difficult to beat, but I am going to have a good try. Dive Worldwide was already my Dive Travel Agent of choice and I will give them the highest possible recommendation to friends going forward.
Seasonal Escapes
Nick C, Truk Lagoon
Spring
March to May
Visit Tobago
Discover the Visayas
Belize Discovered
Southern Tobago is full of life and offers diving to suit all abilities, from shallow sloping reefs to thrilling drift dives and wrecks. A fantastic Caribbean experience and great value for money.
This popular itinerary in the Philippines offers the chance of thresher shark encounters in Malapascua, a unique dive with a resident sardine baitball in Moalboal and plenty of time to discover the islands of the Visayas region.
Blessed with an amazing variety of diving opportunities and a prolific wildlife, there’s plenty to discover in Belize. Spend a week diving the barrier reef before exploring the rainforest and Mayan archaeological sites.
9 days from £1,295
13 days from £2,175
13 days from £2,345
Truk: Wreck Extravaganza
Adventure in Alor
Palau & Yap
Spend a week at Truk Lagoon, considered the best wreck diving destination in the world. A resort-based itinerary, two boat dives a day will take you to explore the underwater ‘museum’ of an entire Japanese fleet.
The allure of the Indonesian island of Alor is its mix of marine life and diving experiences: encounter blue whales, explore reefs and discover critters. This remote location is enchanting – it will not disappoint.
A fabulous twin-centre itinerary to two of the Pacific’s most iconic and spectacular diving destinations. Experience manta rays up close and personal in Yap, and dive the rich colourful reefs and wrecks of Palau.
12 days from £2,795
14 days from £3,395
19 days from £4,895
All holiday prices are based on two persons sharing, including flights from the UK, accommodation, transfers and diving, except where specified. Prices correct at time of print (May 2019).
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Belize Barrier reefs, atolls & the Blue Hole Belize offers a choice of superb barrier reef, atoll and Blue Hole dives in the Caribbean Sea, as well as a chance to explore Mayan culture and enjoy time in the rainforest on land.
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he Commonwealth country of Belize is home to the second-longest barrier reef in the world and three of the western hemisphere’s four atolls. Though only the size of Wales, Belize is a big hitter in terms of biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial, and with cathedrallike caves, mangroves stretching along most of its 380-kilometre-long coastline, sea gardens and seasonal whale shark congregations, it’s easy to understand its appeal to divers. On land, rainforest walks and Mayan archaeological sites provide plenty of interest. Liveaboard itineraries tend to focus on the Lighthouse and Turneffe Atolls; the worldfamous Blue Hole forms part of Lighthouse Reef, the northernmost atoll. Originally a cathedral-like cave, the roof of the Blue Hole fell in 10,000 years ago, leaving a perfectly circular entrance. At 40 metres it’s possible to see stalagmites and stalactites, and to swim through a maze of quartz and limestone while marine life swims below. Turneffe Atoll is the largest of the three atolls and closest to Belize’s coastline; it
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is famed for excellent wall diving and sea gardens. There are large mangrove areas which provide a haven for juvenile marine life, while divers can expect to see eagle rays, turtles, large snapper and jacks on the atoll’s healthy reefs. For many the ideal combination is to dive on Belize’s barrier reef then spend some time exploring on land. A stay at Ambergris Caye in the north offers the chance to dive Hol Chan (‘the Cut’) and Shark Ray Alley, while Placencia or Hopkins in the south provide access for seeing the whale sharks which gather seasonally at Gladden Spit to feed on the spawn of snapper that breed here. This natural event only happens around the full moon in April, May and June each year. Inland, you can discover more about the Mayan civilisation at sites such as Lamanai, while for serious nature lovers, Chan Chich offers the best wildlife encounters. It is home to five species of cat, including puma and ocelot, plus howler and spider monkeys, and countless exotic birds.
Belize Discovered Blessed with an amazing variety of diving and a prolific wildlife, there’s plenty to discover in Belize. Spend a week diving the barrier reef before exploring the rainforest and Mayan archaeological sites of the interior. 13 days from £2,345 Jan-Dec
Belize Liveaboard Home to the second-longest barrier reef in the world, Belize makes a fabulous liveaboard destination. Dive the world-famous Blue Hole and Turneffe Atoll, where you can find eagle rays, turtles, large snapper and jacks. 10 days from £3,475 Jan-Dec For our full range of Belize holidays, visit our website or contact our expert team.
Contact our Dive team to plan your next diving adventure
Fiji Soft coral capital of the world On a recent trip to the South Pacific, Travel Consultant Emily Chappell enjoyed the technicolour corals and marine life of Fiji – Savusavu and Taveuni in the north, then Kadavu Island in the south.
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never imagined I’d be lucky enough to dive in Fiji, but when I got the opportunity to visit in March, I jumped at it. It’s a long way to go, but incredibly rewarding, even for the well-seasoned divers amongst us! Savusavu, on Fiji’s second-largest island of Vanua Levu, was my first stop. From there I had two dives at Namena Marine Reserve. Our first dive was at a site called The Chimneys. Named after its rock structures which are covered in hard and soft corals, the edges are decorated by glorious orange anthias, as well as photogenic bloodred sea whips and sea fans. Looking over my shoulder into the blue, I saw large schools of juvenile jacks, unicorn surgeonfish and snappers. On another dive in the reserve, I saw white-tip reef shark, supersize triggerfish and several tiny blue-dragon nudibranchs. Whilst staying on Savusavu, I dived the flagship site, Dreamhouse, which is famous for its hammerhead shark sightings. Conditions were not conducive for the hammerheads, but 55 minutes underwater yielded pairs of multi-coloured butterflyfish, a white-tip reef shark, hawksbill turtle and some inquisitive batfish. Next I transferred to the lush ‘Garden Island’ of Taveuni, which offers topside birdwatching, waterfall tours and treks as well as access to the famous Rainbow Reef. Thousands of anthias, corals and colourful wrasse were among the highlights of my dive there, while coral bommies, regal angelfish, sea krait, black and blue nudibranchs, unicorn surgeonfish and a school of pyramid butterflyfish were among my finds diving the Coral Garden. For the final stage of my Fijian adventure, I flew to the southern island of Kadavu. My aim – to dive Great Astrolabe Reef which is a breeding ground for fish such as marlin, sharks, tuna and giant trevally, and it’s also possible to snorkel with mantas. A two-tank morning dive to Negoro Passage was spectacular – I saw more coral species in one small area than I’ve ever seen. We glided over oodles of branching corals as well as a decent patch of lettuce coral, sighting many snappers, butterflyfish, a grey reef shark and some highly territorial triggerfish. Great dives, superb hospitality and world-class resorts make Fiji a wonderfully rewarding destination for any diver.
Dive Great Astrolabe Reef & Beqa Lagoon
To read Emily’s full account of her time in Fiji visit our blog.
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Enjoy spectacular soft coral diving and manta ray encounters at the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef, Great Astrolabe, followed by some exhilarating shark dives at Beqa Lagoon. 15 days from £3,745 Jan-Dec
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Return to Truk Lagoon 5 dives a day, on the world’s finest wrecks Senior Travel Consultant Charlie Munns lived in Truk for two and a half years. In March, nine years after leaving, Charlie was finally able to return there – to the world’s greatest wreck diving destination – joining the liveaboard he previously worked on.
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left Truk Lagoon (officially known as Chuuk State) in October 2010, and earlier this year I returned, with 15 clients who had signed up to our week-long liveaboard on Truk Odyssey. I met the group, who were coming from all over the globe, in Guam for the final leg to Truk. For me, getting there involved four flights and 48 hours of total travel time. Is it worth it? You bet! I was half expecting Truk to have moved on and changed in my absence, but this is Truk. Nothing changes. Electricity is by no means guaranteed and WiFi is a luxury. It is only divers who venture this far and, with a diving tourism of 2,000-3,000 visitors each year, Truk remains a very obscure and unique location (the Red Sea and Maldives welcome that number every day!). Having all arrived safely, and with a good night’s sleep and a belly full of food, our next task was to join the Odyssey – which has the deserved reputation among divers of being the ‘top dog’ of the Truk liveaboards. The Odyssey has a ‘five dives a day’ itinerary,
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though most opt for three or four. It’s a very relaxed pace out there and you’re free to make each dive when you want, within a generous two-hour window. The crew makes delicious food catering for Western tastes, and there are snacks, teas and coffees, as well as an open bar in the evening. The trip was a great success. I made 21 dives during the week, and I could have done more if I had made the night-dives. Though most of the wrecks are similar in design and name, that is where their similarity ends. Each is unique. From the first dive, I could see the diving was really ticking the boxes – cargo in the holds, the abundant marine life, the worldclass exploration of the bowels of each wreck. The engine rooms – wow! We saw lots of bottles, Porcelain, glassware, bullets, bombs, shoes and boots, gas masks, medical boxes still containing a stethoscope and syringes. We saw binoculars, range finders, huge 14-inch artillery shells, intact light bulbs and fixtures.
We saw hemispherical beach mines, bulldozers, tractors, battle tanks. We dived a submarine (one of a very few Japanese subs within diving depths). We dived a destroyer, submarine tender, aircraft supply ship and a bomber aeroplane. We also saw the remains of the Japanese sailors in their watery grave. It is important to understand the historical nature of this place. In Truk, many clients were experiencing deco diving, and ‘self regulation’ during dives, for the first time and loving it. Truk has an aura about it like no other dive location. It is a long way to travel. It is tiring… but my, does it deliver. It will steal a bit of your heart. I know it has got me once again.
Truk Wrecks Liveaboard Quite simply, the finest wreck diving destination in the world. Enjoy Truk by luxury liveaboard to get the most out of this unique dive destination. 15 days from £4,895 Jan-Dec
Contact our Dive team to plan your next diving adventure
Join a Group Trip Group diving holidays are hugely rewarding, allowing you to dive with like-minded people, make friends and experience some superb diving. Below we have highlighted five of our most popular group diving trips. For our full selection of group holidays please visit the website.
Learn to Dive in Malta With year round sunshine, excellent visibility and calm waters, Malta is an affordable place to learn to dive. The PADI course takes up to four days and includes a mix of classroom, pool and open water diving in the sea to complete your qualification. Once qualified you can continue diving in Malta.
Highlights • PADI Open Water Course • Suitable for 10 years & over • Book extra dives in Malta or Gozo Departs 16 Jun & 8 Sep 2019 Group size: 8 8 days from £875
Get Wrecked Norway Explore historic shipwrecks, magnificent kelp forests and a wealth of marine life on this resort-based cold water dive adventure based on the shores of the vast Sognefjord. An area of great strategic importance during WWII, the area boasts over 30 superbly preserved shipwrecks, including the vast German freighter, the Frankenwald.
Highlights • Explore huge kelp forests • Dive Frankenwald wreck • Great for dive clubs & groups Departs 23 Jun 2019 Group size: 10 5 days from £1,595
Indonesia – Sali Bay Discovery
E A XP DV E EN RT TU LE RE D
E A XP DV E EN RT TU LE RE D
Look for sharks, schooling fusiliers, barracuda and bumphead parrotfish on drift dives along pristine coral walls in South Halmahera. With an abundance of marine life in this remote region, sightings of reef sharks and turtles are commonplace and an array of unique critters can be found including a rare species of walking epaulette shark.
Highlights • Muck & macro diving • Pristine reefs & few tourists! • Led by team member Mat Howell Departs 13 Oct 2019 Group size: 12 11 days from £3,295
Indonesia – Dive into Lembeh For divers interested in the weird and wonderful, Lembeh Strait offers the best muck diving on earth, with new species still being found! Join marine biologist and underwater photographer Dr Richard Smith in search of numerous species of seahorse, nudibranch, frogfish, scorpionfish and mandarin fish.
Highlights • Over 50 dive sites in the Strait • A photographer’s paradise • Led by marine biologist Dr Richard Smith Departs 12 Apr 2020 Group size: 20 10 days from £2,345
Philippines – Magic Photo Experience The aquarium-like reefs along the coastline of Anda on Bohol Island boast spectacular marine life, from tiny critters to larger pelagic species. Join experts Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown to discover and photograph the dazzling array of marine life at muck sites, along beautiful walls, amongst mangroves and on colourful reefs.
Highlights • Unlimited diving package • Expert help & tuition throughout from Frogfish Photography Departs 19 May 2020 Group size: 16 13 days from £2,695
Holiday prices are based on two persons sharing, including flights from the UK, accommodation, transfers, diving, and the services of an expert guide where applicable. Prices correct at time of print (May 2019).
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Magnificent Mexico Mexico offers exceptional diving on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Embark on a liveaboard to Isla Guadalupe, the Sea of Cortez or Socorro for big fish encounters, or dive the Cenotes and reefs of the Riviera Maya, along with a visit to Cozumel. Our trip ideas for holidays in Mexico are designed to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements …
Cenotes & Reefs, Yucatán Peninsula
BIG in Mexico, Sea of Cortez
Socorro Liveaboard
Dive the unique Cenotes of Yucatán
Resort-based dive adventure
Best big fish diving in the world
Crystal-clear waters
Dive with whale sharks & hammerheads
Numerous species of shark
Turtle encounters on the reefs
Enjoy thrilling encounters with sea lions
Encounters with giant Pacific manta rays
9 days from £1,575
10 days from £2,295
12 days from £3,795
To discover our full range of diving holidays visit our website or contact our expert team.
We create outstanding
Diving Holidays Over 190 locations worldwide, hand-picked for the best diving and snorkelling experiences. Finest dive locations Superb selection of resorts & liveaboards Tailor-made specialists Highly experienced & knowledgeable team Personalised service 100% independent 100% financial protection
01962 302087 sales@diveworldwide.com www.diveworldwide.com Long Barn South, Sutton Manor Farm, Bishop’s Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA, United Kingdom
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.
Photographs courtesy of: Dr Richard Smith, Frogfish Photography, Charlie Munns, Emily Chappell, Sarah Wight, Sara Jenner & Dmitry Knyazev. Apologies for any omissions.
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