H2Odive Latest News

FREE Nitrox in Sharm

H2Odive — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:40:10 +0000

Thinking about shorebased diving the classic dive sites of Egypt's South Sinai?

From 1 July we're pleased to offer all our guests staying in Sharm el Sheikh and diving with Oonas Dive Club, FREE Nitrox for all pre-booked diving.

Two 12 litre Nitrox tanks (32%) are available per day, for Enriched Air certified divers, free of charge when requested at the time of booking. Additional 12l tanks will be charged at 5 euros per tank. 15l Nitrox tanks will be charged at 8 euros per tank.

Not Nitrox Qualified Yet?
Why not add a Nitrox course during your stay in Sharm el Sheikh. Get 20% off your course or benefit from our 'Buy One get One Half Price' offer.

UK flights Resume

H2Odive — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:30:10 +0000

UK flights Resume but programmes will take a while longer to get back on schedule.

We are in touch with all our partner airlines and will be contacting those guests affected as we know the impact on their holiday bookings.

Longer term all holidays are back on sale based on normal dates.

Volcanic eruption disrupts flights

H2Odive — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:45:10 +0000

An ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland has caused UK airports to close today.

All H2O guests affected will be contacted directly but if you are concerned please call or email us.

Nobody overseas should be affected but again if you are concerned please contact the duty phone number in your Travel Brief or speak to our local representative.

New Video Diving from Khao Lak

H2Odive — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:50:10 +0000

We've just added a video by Paul Reilly made during his holiday shorebased diving from Khao Lak onboard Sea Bee's M/C Stingray. Footage is at the Similan Islands and the pinnacles of Koh Bon and Kho Tachai in Thailand's Andaman Sea. Cast members include Giant Manta, Turtle & Leopard Shark.

To view it follow this link to the holiday guide & click the video logo
Shorebased Diving Thailand's Khao Lak

Maldives Whale Shark Research

H2Odive — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:19:10 +0000

Despite being the world's biggest fish, surprising little is know about the Whale Shark. But thanks to a new Marine Protected Area in the Maldives, scientists are hoping to discover more and they're encouraging tourists to help.

The BBC recently reported on the Maldives Whaleshark Research Project based at the Diva Maldives resort in South Ari Atoll, Maldives.

To watch the report Go To BBC World News

Learn to Dive on Holiday

H2Odive — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:18:10 +0000

To provide balance in our lives we need an escape, something to breathe life into our free-time. Learning to Dive on holiday is the perfect escape.

The most important consideration when learning to dive is safety, but running a close second is having fun. At H2Odive we work with some of the world's best dive instructors and dive schools to make sure Learning to dive on holiday is the enjoyable and memorable experience that it should be.

To ensure its an enjoyable experience we feel it's important to provide you with enough information so that you can select the holiday that would suit you best. So we've created a whole section of the H2Odive website devoted to Learning to Dive on holiday (follow the link below). But if that still seems a lot to get your head around just give us a call & let us guide you in your choice of Learn to Dive Holiday.

For More Information Learn To Dive

Maldives Ban on Shark Fishing

H2Odive — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:58:10 +0000

Maldivian online news service Dhivehi Observer News reports on the Maldives Fisheries Ministry press release which followed the introduction of a new act which came into affect on 1st March.

This new act has brought in a ban on shark fishing within the Atolls of the Maldives, lagoons and in the waters up to 12 miles off the coast of the Atolls. The Ministry is urging Maldivian fishermen to observe the new regulations

For More Information Dhivehi Observer News

Whale & Dolphin Species Guide

H2Odive — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:34:10 +0000

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) has launched a comprehensive on-line guide to whales and dolphins. The species guide provides interesting and easy to use insights into their habitats and behaviour.

The guide also includes maps showing where the different species are found, some great images and a threat index which highlights the level of danger facing each species. It also comes in English, German and Spanish.

For More Information WDCS Species Guide

Know Before You Go

H2Odive — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:19:10 +0000

Now that you have Booked your Holiday check that you have got everything you need Before You Go?

Our 'Before You Go' pages are intended to provide you with information to help ensure your holiday goes as smoothly as possible. Take a few minutes to look through them as they contain general advice that you will need and may already be wondering about.

These pages are regularly reviewed and updated so if there is something you think we're missing please Contact Us and let us know.

For more information Before You Go

Galapagos fur seals move to Peru

H2Odive — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:30:10 +0000

The BBC report that a colony of fur seals has moved 1,500km away from the Galapagos Islands to northen Peru.

The conditions in this area are now much closer to the sea temperature around the Galapagos Islands, which averages about 25C. Researchers believe that the conditions of the sea around northern Peru are so similar to the Galapagos that even more fur seals and other new marine species could start arriving.

For more information BBC News

Red Sea Boats Fire Damage Update

H2Odive — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:45:10 +0000

On the 30th January a fire in dry dock destroyed 4 Egyptian Red Sea Liveaboard safari boats and damaged a number of others. Fortunately nobody has been reported injured.

We are sorry to say that both Hyatt & VIP One were involved in this incident. Where guest bookings are affected we have now made alternative arrangements and group leaders have been contacted. If you believe your booking is one of those affected please contact your group leader or contact us directly.

If you are looking for a Red Sea Liveaboard holiday between now & May despite the fire we still have availability so please call. Our program of Red Sea Liveaboard Holidays for 2010 and into 2011 will be updated in the spring.

See Beas win Bronze Dolphin

H2Odive — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:18:10 +0000

The 'Tauchen Awards 2009' ceremony was held on Thursday night at the massive 'boot' watersports show in Dusseldorf.

The Winner of best Dive Centre in the Indian Ocean region was Sea Bees Diving, our shorebased partner for diving in Thailand.

Congratulations Sea Bees for winning your 8th Bronze Dolphin, well deserved.

If you'd like to know more about the diving in Thailand take a look at our Shorebased Diving in Thailand's Phuket or for direct access to the remote islands try Shorebased Diving Thailand's Khao Lak

Liveaboard Tracking Devices

H2Odive — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:20:10 +0000

Following recommendations from the Chamber of Diving and Watersports (CDWS), the Egyptian Minster of Tourism has issued a decree stating that all safari boats operating in remote areas must carry on board an approved diver-tracking system. Remote areas are currently defined by the CDWS as the Brothers Islands and any site further south.

The decree has been issued in a bid to further increase diver safaty & help prevent cases of lost divers in remote and current-exposed areas, such as the southern most dive sites of the Egyptian Red Sea. Such systems are already being used by some safari boat operators in these areas as an extra safety measure.

All liveaboard safari boats have until end June 2010 to implement the new system.

For those of a technical bent the tracking device that meets the following criteria may be used:
- those approved by the NTRA (National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority): www.ntra.gov.eg
- those tested and approved by CDWS

To date only the SeaSafe system has completed the approval process, with two other products currently undergoing a series of tests. The results of the latest approvals will be announced to CDWS members once completed.

New Lembeh Strait Entrance Fee

H2Odive — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:40:10 +0000

Effective February 1st 2010 all divers in the Lembeh Strait pay a one-time entrance fee of Rp 50,000 (~$5.35 or ~€3.78) and follow specific dive rules in the Lembeh Strait.

If visitors leave the Lembeh Strait area the fee may be re-assessed. The Bitung government established this entrance fee, and diving rules to help protect this invaluable strait and promote good diving habits.

The following diving rules are also in effect February 1st 2010:
•No touching or disturbing animals
•No anchoring
•Dive Ratio of no more then 4 guests per 1 Dive Guide
•Maximum of 15 divers per site including dive guide

Kungkungan Bay Resort and Dive KBR asks that when diving with them in the Lembeh Strait you to learn about any local habitats, and always dive with minimal impact to the environment. Good Habits = More Diving.

New Video of Diving Phuket

H2Odive — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:00:10 +0000

We have just added a really fun, high energy promotional video by Sea Bees to our holiday guide for Shorebased Diving Thailand's Phuket.

Watch out for the high level bicycle entry. Not taught by any training agency we've heard of!

Great Whites bite People???

H2Odive — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:05:10 +0000

Perhaps not the kind of report you want to be reading prior to a dive holiday!

But there are several theories that have been put forward by experts as to why white sharks sometimes (note sometimes) bite people.

For more information Save Our Seas Foundation

New Year, New Reef for KBR

H2Odive — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:00:10 +0000

At KBR they are not exactly short of reef! Infact the Lembeh Strait, where you'll find KBR, has a reputation as one of the world's premier macro and 'critter' diving destinations.

But they are always looking for ways to add that little extra interest to your diving day. So Linda, Reservations Manager at Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR), had the sparkling idea of creating an artificial reef close to the jetty. She rightly thought it would be very cool for guests and staff alike to see how it developed.

With enthusiastic support from Linda and the Dive Team they have got themselves a start-up structure – an old truck back, 'netted' the whole thing – and, with huge excitement, sank it a couple of days ago. Within minutes a fish swam through. For the record keepers amongst you, this was a Bridled Monocle Bream – or Scolopsis bilineatus. Since then the team have visited the reef a couple of times to find: a very large reef octopus and a rumiganey – the fabled pygmy sea dragon!

So, if ice, snow and cold were not enough to make you want to visit KBR, how about witnessing the development of a new reef? It’s in about 8m of water and is right in front of the jetty. In those fabled words, 'you can’t miss it'.

Concerns for Maldives Whale Sharks

H2Odive — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:27:10 +0000

The Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) are warning that excessive human interaction with whale sharks in the Marine Protected Area near Maamigili island in South Ari Atoll – an aggregation site for whale sharks, could eventually lead to the species leaving the area permanently. They would like to see stricter enforcement of the 'Interaction Guidelines' set out in 2008

Some local operators have a different opinion. That the tagging of whale sharks itself may risk driving the sharks away.

For more information Description of diving at Maamigili

New Underwater World Photo Comp

H2Odive — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:50:10 +0000

CIWEM’s Environmental Photographer of the Year honours amateur and professional photographers who use their ability to raise awareness of environmental and social issues.

Typical format in CIWEM’s Environmental Photographer of the Year there are a variety of category with a winner for each category, with one overall winner who will become the Environmental Photographer of the Year. Each picture must be assigned to only one of the categories below but you may enter more than one picture into a category. There is a maximum of seven images per entrant.

New category for 2010:
The Underwater World
Three-quarters of the world’s surface is water and almost half of the world’s population lives on or close to a coastline, but to many the wonders of the underwater world are virtually unknown. This category allows you to share the incredible secrets the oceans, lakes and even ponds hold, as well as highlight the vital role they play in our world’s survival.

For more information CIWEM’s web site

Lundy England's first MCZ

H2Odive — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:45:10 +0000

The waters around Lundy Island, aka 'Britain's Galapagos', became England's first marine conservation zone yesterday as the government project to create a network of protected areas in the seas began.

Lundy, a popular English dive destination, lies 10 miles off the coast of north Devon where the Atlantic meets the Bristol channel.

The creation of the marine conservation zone (MCZ) around the island under the Marine Act is effectively just a name change for the site, which has been a marine nature reserve for more than 20 years.

But over the next two years, plans for a network of protected zones will be drawn up around English, Welsh and Northern Irish waters under the Marine and Coastal Access Act, which was passed last year.

For more information Guardian News

BSAC's Mike Todd Dies

H2Odive — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:45:10 +0000

Mike Todd has died in hospital.

Mike was BSAC Chairman, BSAC National Diving Officer and BSAC Honoray Secretary before being awarded Honorary Life Vice-President in recognition of his lifelong support of the BSAC.

Mike was also a member of SITA and of SITA's IDEST, Inspectorate for Diving Equipment Servicing and Testing

For more information BSAC News

Two types of Orca in UK waters

H2Odive — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:15:10 +0000

The BBC report that Scientists have revealed there is not one but two types of Orca (aka Orcinus orca or killer whale) living in UK waters.

They differ in appearance and diet and could be at an early stage of becoming two separate species, the researchers say.

For more information BBC News

H2Odive now on Twitter

H2Odive — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:45:10 +0000

You can now stay intouch with H2Odive via Twitter @ H2Odive

For more information H2Odive on Twitter

Red Sea comes to the Maldives

H2Odive — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:40:10 +0000

Spawning coral have turned the seas of Addu Atoll, Maldives, red.

Being mainly in the Northern Hemesphere coral spawning in the Maldives normally occurs through March and April. Addu Atoll is the only Maldives Atoll south of the equator and so seems to be following Southern Hemisphere spawning patterns.

Diving in the Maldives during a period of coral spawning is likely to result in reduced viz but has the knock on affect of increased underwater action as marine life bursts into a feeding frenzy.

For more information Maldives News

Solmar V returns to Socorro Islands

H2Odive — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:12:10 +0000

The Socorro Islands season began at the end of October and continues until the end of May 2010.

Lots of sharks and good whale shark encounters this autumn. We found a total of 6 different whale sharks at Roca Partida! Overall, the water was a bit green at San Benedicto & Socorro for the first safari onboard Solmar V in November, but Roca has been clear and red hot!

Mantas were good on the second safari at Cabo Pierce along with a giant school of hammerheads. Mantas, as usual, were also good although reduced visibility at favorite sites such as The Boiler made it a bit harder to find them. The crystal clear blue water (like at Roca) is moving in the right direction - and we expect we'll see a dramatic difference at San Benedicto on the next Liveaboard Safaris from Baja California, Mexico

For more information Liveaboard from Baja California, Mexico

New Wreck Dive in Thailand

H2Odive — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:36:10 +0000

A former dive boat 'Harruby' was sunk on Saturday in the waters off Kho Racha Yai.

The vessel, worth 3 million Baht, was donated by the Department of Marine Coastal Resources to create an artificial reef at the most popular dive site of Phuket, in Thailand's Andaman Sea.

The 18 meter wreck now lies on 25 meters at Ao Ten, one of the Bays at Racha Yai. As an artificial reef it won't be long until the corals and sponges take hold attracting its own population of coral fish.

Yet another reason to choose a diving holiday in Thailand's Andaman Sea.

Video of HaniFaru, Baa Atoll

H2Odive — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:56:10 +0000

We've just updated our description of diving at HaniFaru, Baa Atoll since it was declared a Marine Protected Area (follow link below). This inlcudes two videos. One from Shaff & Aqua Dreams Imaging and the other by Save our Seas Foundation & National Geographic. Both excellent videos we think they say more about diving HaniFaru than any written description could.

If you are looking to dive Hanifaru take a look at our Liveaboard to the Maldives' Central & North Atolls and read the reviews from recent safaris onboard Gaaviya.

For more information Diving Hani Faru, Baa Atoll

Mantas of Mozambique & the Maldives

H2Odive — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:48:10 +0000

You still have 29 days left to watch last nights 'Andrea - Queen of Mantas'. This BBC documentary follows marine biologist Dr Andrea Marshall as she studies the mantas of Mozambique & feeding aggregations of mantas in the Maldives.

Manta rays are some of the most intelligent creatures in the ocean and, at up to seven metres long, the largest. Yet despite their size and curious nature, almost nothing is known about their lives.

The program also touches on some interesting issues such as the impact of industrial fishing, the need for marine parks and their impact on local fishing communities.

Plus it raises that question, familier to whale shark research, about whether mantas migrate. Guy Stevens of the Maldivian Manta Ray Project is also featured. To supplement his research in the Maldives he is also carrying out a fieldtrip to the Sea of Cortez with Dr. Robert Rubin to document the Giant Manta Rays congregating at the isolated sea mounts of the Revillagigedos Islands. The aim being to find if there is some link between these sites of Giant Manta aggregations.

Go to the link below and watch this program and then take a look at the web site of the Save Our Seas Foundation

BBC 2 - Natural World

Egypt's Red Sea: goes plastic bag free

H2Odive — Wed, 05 Nov 2009 12:20:10 +0000

HEPCA claims that the campaign to make the Red Sea the first plastic bag free governorate in Egypt is a success. Following the decree issued earlier this year by the Governor of the Red Sea, the ban on plastic bags has been supported by businesses and individuals in the region.

Paper bags are now supplied by the large majority of retailers including supermarkets, restaurants and other businesses. HEPCA believe that paper has a significantly lower impact on the environment than plastic but aim to minimise the use of ALL bags.

At H2O dive we welcome the move as plastic bags that find their way onto the reefs of Egypt's Red Sea cause serious damage to the health of the corals and other marine life they come into contact with.

We ask all guests when shopping on their next dive holiday to Egypt's Red Sea not to accept a plastic bag. You have the buying power to help ensure that the decree stays in place and is enforced.

HEPCA News

H2O video, helping you choose

H2Odive — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:20:10 +0000

In order to help make the right choice for your next holiday look out for the H2O video logo on the holiday guides.

Click on the logo and a new page will open with video footage we hope will give you a true impression of what you might expect from your holiday.

Whale of a time at Sharkpoint

H2Odive — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:11:10 +0000

The high season for diving Thailand's Andaman Sea is begun and what better way to start the new season with some real whoppers!!

Last week divers were treated to the sight of a big minke whale visiting Phuket's local dives. Then on Friday during the dive at shark point guests were amazed to see an 8 meter whale shark turn up. A few guests diving from Thailand's Phuket got to swim along side this gentle giant for 10 to 15 minutes.

This season access to dive the Similan Islands and Surin Islands plus Richelieu Rock has been restricted so Liveaboards in Thailand’s Andaman Sea will begin visting these classic Thai dive sites from next month.

UK decision to end Shark Finning

H2Odive — Wed, 15 Oct 2009 10:11:10 +0000

the Shark Trust claim hundreds of tonnes of shark fin have been landed by the UK fleet since the EU shark finning regulation was adopted in 2003.

UK Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced that Shark finning regulations will be strengthened by new permit controls. Sharks caught by UK vessels will need to be landed with the fin attached. It is hoped this will lead to a complete ban on the removal of shark fins at sea. Thereby ensuring the UK fleet complies with the original intent of the EU finning ban.

Shark Trust

Halcyon Recall Notice

H2Odive — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:13:10 +0000

Halcyon Manufacturing Inc. in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has initiated a voluntary recall of select Eclipse, Evolve, Explorer, Pioneer and CCR35 buoyancy compensator's (BCDs) manufactured between January, 2006 and September, 2008. In addition, select Halcyon inflatable devices (Lift Bags, SMBs, DAMs, Surf Shuttles and Diver Lift rafts) may also be affected.

These BCDs or Inflatable Devices could develop excessive corrosion or rusting problems with the stainless steel Over Pressure Valve (OPV) spring, causing the spring to fail and the BCD or Inflatable Device to leak through the OPV.

Halcyon

Do Baggage Limits = Rent Dive-Gear

H2Odive — Tue, 09 Sep 2009 18:13:10 +0000

Have baggage limits made you more likely to rent dive-gear when flying abroad?

Every month Divernet raise a topical issue and put it to the vote. We'd be interested to hear the results of this one. Luggage Limits have always been a hot topic with many British Divers travelling abroad to dive.

If you take part and yours is the email address drawn at random, you win a 3 litre Luxfer compact emergency pony cylinder with DIN convertible valve worth £106, from Sea & Sea.

Divernet

Recall - Important Safety Notice

H2Odive — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:14:10 +0000

Mares have informed us that they have discovered a quality issue on the O-ring assembled on the Nemo Air Quick Connector.

Under certain circumstances the O-ring can fail and consequently Nemo Air may start leaking through the Quick Connector. As a result, there is a continuous, albeit slow, loss of breathing gas. This situation could potentially lead to an accident, hence Mares has decided to issue a product recall.

Mares Recall Notice

Tiger visits Elphinstone

H2Odive — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:34:10 +0000

A Tiger Shark has been in residence at Elphinstone's north plateau during July. The 3.5 metres tiger shark is thought to be a female and pregnant at that.

Tiger Sharks, Galeoverdo cuvier, are beautiful, powerful creatures their common name derived from the distinctive dark bars down their grey sides. They are rarely seen by divers, preferring to spend their time in deeper waters. Whilst not unkown in the Straits of Tiran and off the Marine Park Islands this one seems to be lingering at Elphinstone.

The way to dive Elphinstone is aboard any of our southern Egyptian liveaboard itineraries or by day boat shoreabsed from Marsa Alam.

Oonas Celebrate 20 Years

H2Odive — Fri, 29 Jul 2009 14:20:10 +0000

Oonas Dive Club's 20th Anniversary was celebrated in style at the roof bar on top of the hotel. Over 150 guests, staff past and present, visitors and friends of Oonas were entertained by local band "On the Rocks" with views of the sun setting over the Sinai mountains and the whole of Na'ama Bay by night. A sumptuous Egyptian barbeque was laid on, accompanied by the longstanding diving tradition of a Sakarra or two! Thanks to everyone who attended for making it such a great night!

What a Party!

For further information refer to

Shorebased Diving Egypt's South Sinai

Late Availability Dive Offers

H2Odive — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:50:10 +0000

Dive into one of H2Odive's Late Availability Dive Offers.

Each Holiday departs in the next 12 weeks and has been selected either for its popular date or special price (or both!).
All Maldives - Save £150
Between 01February to 30 June 2009 book one guest flying on Sri Lankan Airlines' scheduled flights to the Maldives and the second saves £150 off all our Maldives Holiday prices.
(Not valid for travel between 03-11 April or on UL502)
Liveaboard
January-May Liveaboard in Thailand’s Andaman Sea 10th Birthday Special Save £100 in twin. Save £65 in Triple/Quad cabin

Shorebased
Diva Maldives Early Booking Bonus
Book a holiday of 7 or more nights at Diva Maldives and receive 2 nights Free. Plus at least £20 Off per person per night.
Bookings must be made at least 45 days before the date of arrival. Offer is valid for all stays between 7th January 2009 – 31st July 2009 (excluding 10th – 30th April 2009)

Dive Offer Conditions
1) Specials Offers cannot be used in conjunction with discounted holidays.
2) When multiple Dive Offers apply, only the most generous can be applied to the holiday price.

Please refer to the relevant holiday guide for further details. Normal Booking conditions apply.

Take a dram with a clear concience

H2Odive — Fri, 18 Jul 2009 09:39:10 +0000

The WWF reports that Scottish distillers, makers of iconic Scotch whiskies, have agreed to ‘green’ their production processes, so that whisky drinking divers everywhere will soon be able to sit back with a single malt and know they are helping to fight climate change.

For further information refer to

WWF News

Maldives to protect whale sharks

H2Odive — Fri, 04 Jun 2009 09:39:10 +0000

The government of the Maldives has unveiled plans to designate three whale shark habitats in the Maldives as protected areas.

The 3 areas are Hanifaru & Anga Faru in Baa Atoll and Maamigili in Southern Ari Atol as protected areas to commemorate World Environment Day and World Ocean Day on the 5 and 8 June respectively.

To experience the best of whale shark diving in Baa Atol is on a Liveaboard to the Maldives' Central & North Atolls during southwest monsoon especially from May to July. (See Our Late Availability Dive Offers for spaces on our 13 July safari)

Southern Ari Atoll can be dived on a Liveaboard to the Maldives' Central Atolls or Shorebased Diving from Vilamendhoo Island Resort or the deluxe resort of Diva Maldives

Egypt to the Sudan

H2Odive — Fri, 18 May 2009 16:47:10 +0000

Since the early days of diving in the Red Sea a handful of adventurous liveaboard operators have crossed international borders in search of new and exciting diving.

In 1974 the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was enacted which put an end to this as liveaboards are rarely built or operated to these exacting standards. Then in 2007 Royal Evolution was completed. A Bureau Veritas Class vessel she was designed and built with just such an itinerary in mind.

We are very glad to announce that H2Odive are now offering Egypt to Sudan's Red Sea holidays aboard Royal Evolution with a choice of 2 14 night itineraries (13 nights onboard).

SE Asia’s Largest Marine Park

H2Odive — Fri, 18 May 2009 08:17:10 +0000

Indonesia has established Southeast Asia's largest marine park in the Savu Sea, a migration route for almost half the world's whale species and home to vast tracts of rare coral, the country's fisheries minister said.

The Savu Marine National Park, launched at the World Ocean Conference in Manado, Sulawesi, will cover 3.5 million hectares (8.649 million acres) in an area of 500 species of coral, 14 species of whales and 336 species of fish living in the Savu Sea near Flores in eastern Indonesia.

"It's a beautiful place and it's now the largest marine protected area in the Coral Triangle...However, enforcement is one of the key questions we need to work out. It could be a combination of community-based and government patrols."

The Coral Triangle also faces pressure from climate change and reefs could disappear by the end of this century unless countries slash carbon emissions from their current levels, a report commissioned by the WWF warned this week.

For more information World Ocean Conference (WOC) 2009

Reef boom beats doom

H2Odive — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:50:10 +0000

Marine scientists say they are astonished at the spectacular recovery of certain coral reefs in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from a devastating coral bleaching event in 2006.

That year high sea temperatures caused massive and severe coral bleaching in the Keppel Islands, in the southern part of the GBR. The damaged reefs were quickly smothered by a single species of seaweed – an event that can spell the total loss of the corals.

“Coral reefs globally are increasingly being damaged by mass bleaching and climate change, and their capacity to recovery from that damage is critical to their future,” explains Prof. Ove Hoegh-Guldberg of CoECRS and The University of Queensland. “Our study suggests that managing local stresses that affect reefs such as overfishing and declining water quality can have a big influence on the trajectory of reefs under rapid global change.”

For a longer article Coral Reef Studies

Mares Recall Dry Suit Hose

H2Odive — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:50:10 +0000

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE FROM MARES!

SI TECH DRY SUIT INFLATION HOSE SUBJECT TO RECALL FOR REMOVAL OF PLASTIC FLOW

Cost of a triton shell or black coral necklace.

H2Odive — Thu, 30 Mar 2009 09:50:10 +0000

The trade is endangered species such as triton shells or black coral is still strong fueled by our willingness to buy.

Souvenir shops around the world stock items that tourists are all too willing to buy without thought to how they come to be on the shelves.

For a longer article minivannews

Don’t Feed Wild Dolphins?

H2Odive — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:15:10 +0000

The NOAA in the US reports on a public service announcement currently being aired to discourage people from feeding dolphins.

This is no new conundrum for dive guides and operators. From large companies with shark feeding/chumming operations to the lowly guide trying to show their guests the best a reef has to offer, the question is does entertaining the visiting divers in this way only have negative impact on the marine environment?

For more information:
NOAA News

Maldives Ban Fishing for Reef Sharks

H2Odive — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:31:01 +0000

The ministry of fisheries and agriculture has extended the moratorium on reef shark fishing to cover the whole of the Maldives, as part of a historic move towards a total ban on both reef and oceanic shark hunting.

A dive holiday in the Maldives is known for encouters with larger reef marine animals as well as pelagics.

For more details go to minivannews

No new Luggage Charge with H2O

H2Odive — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:44:26 +0000

We have received an enquiry about the news that Thomas Cook Airlines is ending its free luggage allowances on flight-only bookings.

The new rules come in on March 2 and will end the current policy which allows passengers up to 15kg in the hold free of charge. Infuture all luggage will be charged for in line with standard practice in the ‘flight-only market’.

At H2Odive we use Thomas Cook Airlines’ charter flights into Egypt’s Red Sea. We’d like to reassure all H2Odive guests that this new policy has no affect on our holidays where we continue to include 20Kg checked luggage Free of charge on all our holidays.

For information on Airlines we use to other destinations go to our Airline Options page.

Commission moves to protect sharks

H2Odive — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:51:29 +0000

Today, the European Commission adopted the first ever EU Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks. The aim of the plan is to ensure that effective steps are taken to help rebuild shark stocks wherever they are under threat, if necessary on a precautionary basis, and to set down guidelines for the sustainable management of the fisheries concerned, including those where shark are taken as by-catch. The plan also includes measures to improve scientific knowledge of shark stocks and shark fisheries. The measures set out cover not only sharks, but also related species, such as skates and rays, and will apply wherever the EU fleet operates, both within and outside European waters.

For more information go to:

EU Fisheries

Google launches Google Ocean

H2Odive — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:10:48 +0000

Google has launched what’s claimed to be one of the most comprehensive 3D maps of the ocean floor in an upgrade to its free Google Earth project.

We think it could become a great resource, what do you think?

http://earth.google.com/ocean/

Meet us @ The Outdoor Show 2009

H2Odive — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 06:58:28 +0000

This year we are at The Outdoor Show at the Birmingham NEC 27-29 March 2009.

Come & see us in the Watersports section stand WS141 (round the corner from the PADI Villlage)

There are loads of activities for you to take part in aswell as fun things going on.

www.outdoorsshowextra.co.uk

New Socorro Date: May 26 - June 3, 2009!

H2Odive — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:31:13 +0000

Demand for trips to the Socorro Islands, off Mexico’s Baja California remains strong, and most of the 2009 seasons is sold out.

A schedule change on the 2009 Liveaboard safari schedule from Baja California, Mexico in prime Socorro Diving Season, May 26 - June 3rd, 2009, sees the Socorro Islands Itinerary replacing two Baja Nature Cruises.

Late May is a great time for whale sharks in addition to our regular encounters with giant mantas, sharks, and dolphins. Water temp is warm. Availability is first come, first served as space on this safari will go quickly.

If you can’t make 2009 please check our our 2010 Dates & Prices. There is currently good availability but they are also selling fast - particularly for private groups.

Please give us a call or email if you’d like to join us onboard a Solmar V liveaboard safari.

Winds of change over Pulau Sipadan

H2Odive — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:11:16 +0000

A proposal is being looked into to modify the limitation of divers visting the island of Sipadan and allow 120 divers in the morning, and another 120 in the afternoon each day.

“This will allow more divers to experience the underwater splendours of Sipadan without overburdening the island.”

www.nst.com.my

Buddyline News - Autumn 2008

H2Odive — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:04:19 +0000

In the latest edition of Buddyline news we take a look at 3 excellent ways to dive the Maldives staying in superior accommodation with a little more. We also introduce the Oonas Dive Club & Hotel our new partners in Sharm El Sheikh. Then we focus on Thailand, currently in the news for all the wrong reasons there is still plenty of diving to be done in Thailand Andaman sea. Finally, of course, we anounce the winner of the Buddyline prize.

There are two ways to subscribe for Buddyline news, delivered by email. Submit your email only or complete our Guest Registration & be entered into the monthly draw (that’s right a chances to win a prize every issue)

To see a copy Click Here

H2Odive & Oonas Dive Club & Hotel join forces

H2Odive — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:54:00 +0000

H2Odive are pleased to announce that from 2009 they offer the well respected Oonas Dive Club & Hotel for shorebased diving holidays in Sharm El Sheikh. Whether guests are looking for day diving or diver training (BSAC or PADI).

Oonas Dive Club is one of the original dive centers of Sharm el Sheikh located right on the water in Na’ama Bay. Tarek and his team at Oonas Dive Club & Hotel decided some years ago to keep the operation small and personal. Groups on the day boats are also kept small which creates a more intimate and friendly atmosphere between guides, guests & crews. This philosophy fits well with that of H2Odive.

H2Odive is the only UK tour operator working with Oonas. There are a number of clubs in Sharm offering high quality diver training and well run day diving to the sites of Egypt’s south Sinai. But there are no other operations that offer all this combined with a small diver’s hotel, right on Na’ama Bay plus a roof top bar with views to die for.

Holidays include mid-week and weekend flights from London Gatwick and Manchester plus a number of local airports. Holidays are fully covered by H2O’s ATOL & TOPP Licenses

H2O’s Daniel Le Merle said:
‘When we first heard Oonas Dive Club & Hotel would no longer be represented in the UK we decided to approach them to find out how we might work together. We feel very at home diving with the Oonas Dive Club and staying at the Oonas hotel, and our guests will too.’