Happy New Year from Team Diverse! All the very best for 2025!
Start the new year in style with our fantastic prize draw! Book a Diverse Travel package holiday before January 31st 2025* and you – and every person on your booking – will be entered into a draw to win one of three prizes including a Mares Sirius Dive Computer.
Prize #1 – The Sirius is a watch-style dive computer from Mares that combines technology and elegance. The characteristics of this dive computer feature top-of-the-range technology both for the recreational and Extended Range diver. See dive data in a simple, intuitive way, with the possibility of integrating tank data using the optional tank module. You can even insert up to five nitrox and trimix mixes. Thanks to the changeable strap, it can be used with any suit thickness. The perfect dive computer for all divers.
Prize #2 – Upgrade your dive travel with the Mares Cruise Backpack, now eco-friendly in 100% r-PET. Featuring a 100-litre capacity, telescopic handle and sturdy wheels, this bag is optimized for compact storage with adjustable compression straps. Padded shoulder straps and an air mesh handle ensure comfort, while the exterior boasts an external fin pocket with drainage.
Prize #3 – A goody bag selection of merchandise from our friends at the Shark Trust. Diverse Travel became a corporate patron of the Shark Trust in April 2024 and since then we have been working together to encourage more divers and snorkellers to get involved in shark conservation. Share your love of sharks, skates and rays with others to help safeguard their future.
Ready to plan your next dive adventure? Get in touch HERE or give us a call on 01473 852002 and let our dive travel experts find the best possible holiday, whatever your requirements. We look forward to chatting with you soon!
Explore the world for less with Diverse Travel
Explore the world for less with our hand-picked selection of special offers on our offers page. There’s lots of brilliant deals for every budget at your favourite destinations. Be sure to check the page regularly as the special offers change often. Alternatively, give the team a call on 01473 852002 for the most up to date information.
And remember… whenever you book with Diverse, you get the same 100% financial guarantee and excellent service no matter what price you pay. That’s the Diverse Travel ‘Happy Guarantee!’
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*January 2025 Prize Draw: Terms and Conditions apply. Entry is limited to new package holiday bookings including flights booked with Diverse Travel during January 2025 for travel during 2025 (extensions subject to authorisation). There will be a total of three prize winners who will be selected at random and contacted via email. Prize winners agree to be contacted by Diverse Travel and Mares (HEAD UK) as required. Prize draw entry is valid for new package holiday bookings only from 1st – 31st January 2025.
Seeing a shark up close in the wild is a moment that stays with you forever. Exhilarating. Exciting. Truly, life enhancing. Sharks hold a very special place in the heart of most scuba divers, and a shark encounter is justifiably at the top of many diver’s wish lists. But with shark populations under threat, and an entire blue planet to explore, it can be tricky to know where to go in the world to experience sharks first-hand. And that’s where our dive travel experts can help.
Here, at Diverse Travel, we really share your passion for wildlife encounters. We’re also corporate patrons of leading UK-based conservation charity the Shark Trust, working together to help safeguard the future of sharks and helping our guests get involved in shark and ray conservation.
You can find out more about our partnership in our blog here… and read on for our top recommendations of the best destinations for scuba diving and swimming with sharks.
Shark Diving in the Maldives
The Maldives is one of the most diverse diving locations worldwide. From the inside atoll lagoons, which offer calm, shallow shore dives, to the outer atoll walls with their strong currents, breathtaking topography and whole range of wildlife. Encounters with Grey and Whitetip Reef Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks and gentle giant Whale Sharks are possible throughout the Maldives islands, but if you’re serious about your shark diving, we recommend you head south!
Fuvahmulah atoll is THE shark diving hotspot in the Maldives. Known especially for its large Tiger Shark population, especially at the so-called ‘Tiger Zoo’ dive site, divers will also be thrilled to encounter Hammerhead and Thresher Sharks, plus plenty of other shark species too at this remote spot. And don’t forget the giant Oceanic Manta Rays.
Liveaboards in the Maldives are a great way to see and experience even more. If seeing sharks underwater is top of your list, we recommend a shark-specific itinerary such as Southern Shark Adventure or Deep South, ideally from December to March.
Shark Diving in Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Accessible only via liveaboard, remote Cocos Island in the Pacific Ocean is legendary as one of the world’s best destinations to dive with Hammerhead Sharks. Divers who make the 32-hour boat crossing are likely to be rewarded with the incredible sight of literally hundreds of Hammerheads on a single dive.
This is a thrilling destination for adventurous and experienced divers… but oh so worth it! Cocos Island National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Island of Sharks.” Divers can expect to encounter schools of Scalloped and Great Hammerheads, Silky Sharks, Blacktip, Whitetip and Silvertips, Galapagos Sharks and more. Cocos Island is the ultimate shark diving destination for wildlife lovers. We highly recommend extending your stay in beautiful Costa Rica to see nature at its finest above water too.
Shark Diving in South Africa
South Africa is well known as a destination for big wildlife encounters and under the sea is no exception. Gansbaai, just outside Cape Town, is often called the “Great White Shark Capital of the World” and offers unparalleled opportunities for cage diving with Great Whites. You don’t even need to be a scuba diver for this, but you definitely do need to be an adrenaline seeker!
South Africa is a great destination for a multi-centre holiday and there is so much to see all year round. You won’t want to miss a visit to Aliwal Shoal, close to the small town of Umkomaas on the East coast. Head here for thrilling Tiger Shark encounters, best seen from December to May, or spot Ragged Tooth, Dusky Sharks and Whales from May through November. Whale Sharks are also seen in the early months of the year.
Even more epic encounters can be seen during the spectacular Sardine Run, which takes place off the southeast coast of Africa from the end of May to the start of July. The Natal Sardine Run is legendary, not only because of the sheer volumes of these shiny little fish, but also due to the attendant escort of hungry predators. Add on a Wildlife Safari for some Big Five game viewing or a stay in Mozambique for more shark and wildlife action – we will be delighted to put together a bespoke holiday for you.
Shark Diving in the Red Sea
Egypt’s Red Sea is one of the most-loved destinations for UK divers and it offers a tremendous amount of versatility and guaranteed great diving across the board. Sharks including Oceanic Whitetips, Grey Reef Sharks and even Tiger and Thresher Sharks can be encountered on offshore reefs and the marine parks. Whale Sharks have also been spotted here increasingly in recent years.
Statistically, the warmer summer months offer the best chance of encountering sharks in the Red Sea. There are many specific shark itineraries available on liveaboards and these often also offer a great opportunity to brush up your knowledge with specialist marine life presentations onboard.
Shark Diving in the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands have long held the top spot on most diver’s bucket lists. Darwin and Wolf Islands, in particular, offer legendary shark and marine life encounters of all kinds. Want to hang in the deep blue with hundreds of Hammerheads? Tick.
The diving is fabulous all year round but June to November is prime time for larger numbers of sharks and Whale Shark encounters. Liveaboard holidays in the Galápagos Islands are the pinnacle for lovers of nature and wildlife. There is so much to see above and below the water, this is a once in a lifetime trip not to be missed.
Shark Diving in Mexico
If you’re looking for incredible marine life encounters, add Mexico’s Revillagigedo Islands to your list! Four remote, volcanic islands including Socorro, nestled deep in the Pacific Ocean, that can only be reached by liveaboard. This is the diving of dreams… schooling Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, playful Dolphins, Silky Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Oceanic Whitetips, Whale Sharks, Whales, and, of course, Manta Rays. Join Diverse Travel on one of our expert-led private charters to the Revillagigedo archipelago – book early as there are strictly limited places for this bucket list trip!
If you’re looking for a land-based holiday to Mexico, why not combine a trip to the Cenotes, with the chance to see Bull Sharks and Whale Sharks off Mexico’s Caribbean coast. These seasonal encounters are ideal for those who want to enjoy a mix of different diving styles and Whale Shark snorkelling trips are perfect for non-diving family and friends.
More Top Destinations for Shark Diving Worldwide
The Islands of The Bahamas offer some of the best shark diving spots worldwide. Head to Grand Bahama and the eponymous Tiger Beach for world class dives in superbly clear water with Tiger Sharks, Lemon Sharks, and Reef Sharks of many kinds. If you’re interested in adventuring even further afield, Palau, Fiji and French Polynesia are also renowned for the quality of their shark diving.
Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon is famous for dives with several species including Bull and Tiger Sharks. Palau boasts resort-based and liveaboard holidays that promise spell-binding shark and ray encounters in fast flowing currents. French Polynesia has large populations of Blacktip and Grey Reef Sharks, and offers a truly exceptional, one-of-a-kind tropical holiday escape in paradise. And if Thresher Sharks are on your wish-list, book a multi-centre holiday to the Philippines and ensure you spend a few days in Malapascua. This island, situated off the north tip of Cebu, is known to be the only place in the world where you can dive with magnificent Thresher Sharks every day. Don’t miss it!
Want to know more about diving with sharks? Interested in booking your next holiday to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat? Get in touch with our dive travel experts today and we will help you plan your next diving trip to maximise your chances of incredible shark encounters and much more. Unforgettable adventures await!
Photos: With thanks to Frogfish Photography.
After becoming an Open Water Diver this year, Beth jumped at the chance to visit Egypt again and take her first liveaboard trip, continuing her scuba diving journey with an Advanced Open Water Diver course.
When I said I would happily return to the Red Sea, I honestly didn’t expect it to be less than four months after my original visit. New divers don’t usually get the chance to experience liveaboards due to the fast pace at which they are conducted. However, when a space became available aboard Emperor Superior’s “Nice and Easy” itinerary, the whole team agreed it was the perfect chance for me to experience life on a liveaboard. So, just like that, I was off to Hurghada on another scuba diving adventure! Join me as I talk you through my unique and unforgettable experience on my first liveaboard and how I qualified as an Advanced Open Water Diver.
Getting There
Having been introduced to the 2Dive4 dive centre group at Gatwick Airport, I spent the 5-hour flight trying to decide which prospect was more daunting: diving to 30 metres or remembering everybody’s name. Luckily for me the group couldn’t have been more welcoming. There is a certain degree of anxiety that, as a very new diver, you will feel isolated from the rest of the guests. I would like to tell you this is not the case at all and no matter your experience, you can always rely on divers to treat you as an equal.
Our transfer from the airport to the boat was flawless and before we knew it, we were settling into our cabins for some much-deserved rest. I ended up in a twin share, lower deck cabin. My roommate, although new to liveaboards, was the only guest with enough foresight to pack a large stash of Yorkshire teabags. We were already winning!
All Aboard Emperor Superior
If you’re familiar with my previous blog on Learning to Scuba Dive, you’ll remember that divers are very early risers. With that being said, we were woken at 6:30am with a loud knock on the cabin door. Bleary eyed and at least half awake, we managed to make our way into the main saloon where breakfast was being served.
After a detailed dive briefing regarding boat rules and regulations, we conducted a fire drill to ensure everyone was familiar with safety procedures. This was my first time running through the bowels of a liveaboard to escape an imaginary fire all whilst trying to pull on a life vest in under 3 minutes. An odd activity so early in the morning but an altogether necessary one. I was super impressed with both the boat and the crew’s commitment to safety procedures – Superior in every way.
Time for a Check Dive
With safety measures in place, we set off to complete our check dive at Shaar bel Eg, or as most of us know it, Dolphin House. This was my first dive since gaining my Open Water certification and so it was conducted separately from the group with a 1:1 instructor. Despite my initial issues remembering how to do all the key skills, Eslam waited patiently for me to familiarise myself with my new gear and get comfortable in the water. After all necessary checks were complete, we descended to 15m and rested on a sandy bottom to begin Peak Performance Buoyancy skills. Having been previously told a story about an unsuspecting diver kneeling on a torpedo ray, I made sure to check the sand was clear before practising the skills. It turns out that telling Beth scary stories of fish would soon become a regular occurrence of this trip.
The open deck dive plan combined with the general structure of the liveaboard meant it was possible to complete up to four dives per day. This is quite intense for even the most seasoned diver and guests generally completed 2-3 dives per day. It was common to find divers having a catnap in the saloon or sundeck at random points of the day. About three days into the trip, I began to realise that the initial 6:30am wake-up call was rather generous, as most of the days started not so bright and very early at 5:30am sharp.
Drift Diving
As part of my Advanced Open Water Diver course, I needed to complete three adventure dives, each designed to develop my skills and experience to the next level. One of these was an unforgettable drift dive at Ras Mohammed, a renowned dive site teeming with life. The current gently carried us along as we marvelled at the underwater world, spotting three eels weaving through the coral, a large school of pufferfish hovering nearby, and catching a glimpse of a turtle’s tail as it quickly swam away. This dive was particularly special because it marked my first descent to 25 metres, adding both excitement and a sense of accomplishment to the adventure.
Tall Tales and Titan Triggerfish
Throughout the week, I heard so many outrageous stories that I started to think divers might be pathological liars. To my surprise, most of the tales turned out to be true. Here are a few things I learned: Dolphins, for instance, are not always the friendly creatures they may seem. In fact, they can be quite aggressive and territorial. Amphiprion ocellaris, better known as Nemo Fish (though Duxy insists on their scientific name), are fiercely protective of their anemones which they will bite to defend. I even captured a particularly satisfying video of one confronting Duxy’s camera!
I won’t be the first to tell you that divers love sharks, and in the scuba world, a shark encounter is rarely seen as a negative experience. On the other hand, an encounter with a Titan Triggerfish is almost always dreaded. After hearing multiple stories of divers being “chased” and even having chunks taken out of their fins, I vowed to stay as far away from these underwater terrors as possible. It wasn’t until after I finished my last dive at Gubal Island that a fellow diver revealed she’d had to fend off an attack from a Titan Triggerfish that very morning! Whilst mildly terrifying, I suppose it says a lot about my diving progress that I’m now more terrified of a fish than I am of running out of air.
The SS Thistlegorm
My most memorable dive of the trip was undoubtedly the SS Thistlegorm. The wreck is in excellent condition and despite some initial apprehension regarding descending on a rope, it was honestly one of the most unique and thrilling experiences of my life so far.
For this dive, I joined the guided group which meant I was especially nervous about my air consumption. My dive buddy couldn’t have been more understanding; he was always less than an arm’s width away and really taught me the importance of patience and looking out for each other underwater.
By this point, I’d had at least five different people tell me that it’s easiest to control your buoyancy with your breathing. Whilst I (sort of) understood what they meant, I’d never been able to put it into practice or properly understand it until my dive on the SS Thistlegorm. I am fairly confident that this skill was born out of necessity, since there were some very small spaces. When you’re trying to penetrate a wreck, controlling your buoyancy becomes your number one priority. Failure to do this can (and will) result in you hitting your head on some metal. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed diving the wreck, my biggest personal success was surfacing from this 30-metre dive with 80 bar remaining.
Exploring the remains of the SS Thistlegorm was like stepping back in time. Swimming beneath the ship’s machine gun and discovering perfectly preserved Jeeps, motorbikes, and even a Wellington boot in the cargo hold, made this dive site a surreal experience that truly solidified my love for diving.
I dived her twice and loved every minute of it. However, I chose to skip the night dives, figuring that if the wreck felt eerie in daylight, it would be downright unsettling in the dark. In the end, I was glad I sat that one out but look forward to another opportunity in the future when I have a few more dives under my weight belt. When the group surfaced from the night dive, all anyone could talk about was an especially large moray eel that had gotten a little too close for comfort!
Finding My Way
Another key skill I developed was Underwater Navigation, which proved to be both practical and useful. Following a compass heading helped me navigate confidently underwater and find my way back to the correct Emperor vessel, even with two boats moored side by side. Completing this exercise gave me a solid grasp of navigation techniques and will be super helpful for all my dives in the future.
Diving with Duxy
I was lucky enough to dive Gubal Island and Shaab el Erg with the group who were onboard Emperor Superior taking part in a photography workshop with Paul ‘Duxy’ Duxfield. It was a wonderful experience that allowed me to take things nice and slowly – perfect for honing my buoyancy skills. The pace gave me the chance to really immerse myself in the underwater world and become more confident with each dive. I even got the chance to practice using the GoPro to capture some amazing moments, including a video of a Red Sea Walkman (see our Facebook page soon!). Overall, joining the photography workshop, even for a short time, was a fantastic way to grow as a diver and truly take the time to appreciate the beauty beneath the surface.
Dolphins!
Duxy had warned us that there was only a 50% chance of seeing dolphins on our dive at Shaab El Erg. Unfortunately, my dive group ended up in the unlucky half. However, the dive crew were fantastic and after we surfaced from a dive and spotted dolphins nearby, they quickly took us out on the zodiac to see them. With our snorkels in place, we were expertly dropped in front of the dolphins, allowing them to swim past us on three separate occasions. It was an incredible experience that more than made up for our previous miss. Swimming with dolphins should be on everyone’s bucket list!
An Afternoon at Mahmya Beach
Before our return flight home, we spent a relaxing afternoon at Mahmya Beach. It was a convenient and affordable way to pass the time before heading back to Hurghada Airport for our evening flight. The staff at the beach were exceptionally friendly; the food was tasty, and luggage storage was conveniently provided. We enjoyed lounging on the beach and savouring the last moments of sunshine before returning to rainy England. Although it was the only day I got sunburnt during the entire week’s trip, it was a perfect relaxed end to an amazing diving adventure.
Diving Success!
By the end of the trip, I had completed all the dives required for my Advanced Open Water Diver certification. Not only did I gain new skills and confidence, but I explored some of the most stunning underwater landscapes. If you’re considering developing your diving skills, I highly recommend a liveaboard experience like the one I had aboard Emperor Superior. The expert guiding and instruction, diverse dive sites, and camaraderie of fellow divers made it an unforgettable adventure and cemented the diving bug in me.
Whether you’re interested in liveaboard or resort diving, taking an Advanced dive course offers an excellent opportunity to build confidence and gain experience. Being able to dive to 30 metres has unlocked a whole new realm of exciting possibilities. Dive deeper and discover the incredible underwater world that awaits. Happy Diving!
Want to take your diving to the next level? Are you interested in a first time liveaboard experience?
Most of our worldwide resorts offer Advanced Open Water Diver courses and continuing education. Why stop at a AOW certification?! There’s a host of exciting Specialties to learn – everything from Night Diver to Underwater Naturalist. My next step will be the Rescue Diver certification – a crucial one if you’re looking to dive regularly – and also the Drysuit Specialty so I can dip my toes into UK diving too!
We can add on a diving course to your holiday booking so you’re guaranteed a spot and can start on the e-learning before you go. Contact us for more details.
Liveaboards are no longer just for divers with jam-packed dive logs. Let us tell you about new opportunities for liveaboards for novice divers in the Red Sea, Indonesia and the Maldives. We can help you choose the right liveaboard for you to ensure you have the best and safest experience possible. Contact our expert team for more information.
Want to continue your diving adventure? If you would like to chat about dive courses, liveaboard diving, or just scuba diving on holiday in general, please give our dive travel experts a call on 01473 852 002 or email us and we will be happy to tell you more! Keep Diving!
Helena and family head to the Indian Ocean for a twin centre holiday in paradise.
This year I am celebrating a milestone birthday, so I felt that I needed to cheer myself up and treat the family… what better way to do this than by travelling to a completely new destination. The Maldives has always been on my bucket list and with Sri Lanka just an hour’s flight away, it would be foolish to do one without the other, surely? That’s how I justified it to myself, anyway! We are a non-diving family of four – two teenage boys – and keen snorkellers looking for a mix of sightseeing and relaxing. We felt this trip would provide the perfect mix of things to see and do to meet all our needs. We couldn’t wait to get started!
Sri Lanka
I put together a tailor-made tour of Sri Lanka for the first week to take in the highlights of this beautiful country, followed by three nights in the Maldives I deliberately arranged the itinerary this way round so that after a week of early starts and all-day sight-seeing, we would have three days to unwind and relax at the end.
With a choice of airline carriers into Sri Lanka’s main city Colombo, ranging from direct flights from Heathrow with SriLankan Airlines to those with stop overs in the Middle East with Emirates, Qatar or Etihad, we decided to opt for Qatar Airways via Doha. The times worked well for us, and the price was competitive which influenced our decision.
All Diverse Travel holidays are tailor-made according to what our customers want to experience and this holiday was no different. Beach and relaxation were top of my list so we started our holiday with a couple of days in Negombo, one of the major beach resorts on the island. The rest of the week we travelled across northern and central Sri Lanka on a private tour with our own guide and driver. During the week, we visited the elephant orphanage, took a jeep safari across the Minneriya National Park, and toured the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
We met monkeys in temples, paused for peacocks, witnessed mammoth statues of Buddha, and climbed the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the ‘Castle in the Sky’. Visiting Kandy, the ‘City on the Hills’ and last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings before it fell to the British, was one of the main highlights of the tour. Kandy is another World Heritage Site that’s set up in the hills with breathtaking views over the whole area around the city.
Tea plantations in the mountains and cascading waterfalls amidst beautiful landscapes ended our tour all too soon.
We spent our final night in Colombo due to its proximity to the airport, ready for an early start in the morning. It was sad waving goodbye to Thilak, our wonderful driver, but we were excited about our next adventure. Soon it was time to board the SriLankan Airlines flight and welcome another curry for breakfast! Next stop, Male Airport in the Maldives.
The Maldives
Our resort choice was Boutique Beach, a popular diver’s resort in the renowned whale shark area of South Ari Atoll. The resort is located on the local island of Dhigurah, which has the choice of a long speed boat transfer or a much shorter – and more exciting – seaplane and boat transfer. We opted for the latter. The arrangements ran like clockwork on arrival. A representative from Boutique Beach met us and checked us in for the seaplane, and just a couple of hours later, we were up in the air, flying over the islands that I’d only even seen on other people’s photos! What an experience… and one that will stay with me forever. The seaplane flight was everything I had imagined and more. This is an absolute must in my opinion if you’re visiting the Maldives!
Our arrival arrangements were seamless: a 30 minute seaplane ride to Lux* Island Resort to find the speedboat already waiting, ready to take us on the final leg of the journey, just a further 10 minutes over to Dhigurah. As the boat arrived at the jetty, a pick-up truck from Boutique Beach was already there waiting for us and drove us and our luggage through the palm trees alongside the white, sandy beach to our final destination of the holiday.
A fantastic welcome awaited us at Boutique Beach as all guests here are presented with a king coconut drink on arrival along with an ice cold towel, both of which were very welcome after a long, hot day travelling! It’s clear that customer service is a priority at the resort, from arrival all the way through to departure. The air-conditioning was already on in our room, along with a rustic welcome message across the bed, made out of leaves. We headed straight to a much-needed lunch, and then the afternoon was spent exploring our holiday home from home in the Maldives.
Directly opposite the guest house, through a gateway of palm trees is the soft, white sandy beach that stretches the length of the island. The turquoise waters are crystal-clear, warm as a bath, with waves gently lapping at the shore. This very quiet location has a shaded table and seating area and a couple of sun beds in the sand, perfect for a quick dip. We had arrived in paradise.
Boutique Beach is a dive resort run by divers for divers. It really does tick all the boxes for an unforgettable Maldivian holiday. Life here works around the diving and snorkelling schedule which is set each evening the night before. There are six rooms in the guest house at this small, private resort. Guests meet at 7.15pm each evening, when the diving brief for the following day is given, along with the start time, number of dives and finish time. Then it’s off to dinner under the stars at the roof top restaurant, courtesy of the Sri Lankan chef. The routine here is very much eat, sleep, dive, repeat… so by 9pm, all lights are out and alarms are set for early the next morning. 5.30am for a 6am breakfast in our case as we arrived on a Thursday night and things start earlier on a Friday, to allow the dive boat crew time to get back for afternoon prayers.
There were two dive/snorkel sessions both mornings that we were there (on some days there are three). The dive boat caters for everyone, snorkelling, diving or even just swimming. The dive leaders were all on board and headed up small groups of divers / snorkellers with each guide/instructor. Our family of four was assigned the Dive Base Leader and we went into the water for 45 minutes to an hour on each snorkel. Always on hand, the crew were ready to help with cups of tea, water and fruit / snacks between dives, as well as helping us with our kit when we came out of the water.
Our two days snorkelling ticked off all the marine life I had hoped to see and more! Whaleshark and manta on the very first snorkel! Turtles with baby turtle and reef sharks on the second, as well as eagle rays, Napoleon fish, parrot fish, trigger fish, rainbow squid and all the usual suspects. Day two was spent snorkelling on the house reef at the nearby island of Vilamendhoo, which is renowned for its marine life. We spent an absolutely incredible two days at Boutique Beach and we’re still talking about our whaleshark encounter daily. Amazing doesn’t even cover it!
As our holiday came to a close, we had endless family discussions about what we’d seen and experienced and haven’t stopped since we returned home. The memories will last a lifetime and I feel so happy to have been able to offer our children this amazing experience. Both Sri Lanka and the Maldives are beautiful countries with so much more to see than what we managed in 10 days. They are both an excellent starting point for a longer Indian Ocean adventure, as well as incredible destinations for a standalone trip. I absolutely can’t wait to return to both countries someday soon.
Interested in a Sri Lanka or Maldives holiday?
Sri Lanka is ideal for:
- Fascinating culture and sightseeing tours
- Stunning tropical beaches and lush food
- Spectacular national parks and wildlife reserves
- Diving and snorkelling in its own right – not just as an add-on to the Maldives.
The Maldives is ideal for:
- World class diving and snorkelling
- Huge range of resort and liveaboard options to suit all budgets
- Picture postcard scenery and powder fine sandy beaches
- Epic underwater action combined with topside relaxation
Or why not combine the two destinations for a perfect twin centre holiday!
If you would like to chat about visiting Sri Lanka and/or the Maldives, please give Helena a call on 01473 852002 or email us and she will be happy to tell you more!
Beth joined the Diverse Travel team in February and within a matter of days, she was heading to the Egyptian Red Sea to learn to dive! In this blog, Beth shares her first experiences underwater and her impressions of the beautiful Wadi Sabarah Lodge.
There are not many jobs where within the first couple of days you’re heading off on a flight to a sunny destination for your first week’s training. Safe to say I wasn’t complaining! With a background in sailing, being on the water was not new to me. I’m a confident swimmer too and so, when Diverse offered to send me on a learn to dive course, I jumped at the opportunity. Unfortunately (but rather sensibly) you don’t get thrown into the water straight away. You begin your learn to dive journey with an online theory course. Prior to my first day at Diverse, I spent a few hours each evening in front of my computer working my way through the various techniques, skills and safety information, all the while hoping that the real, in-water experience wouldn’t be as intimidating as the theory made it sound. Soon, Holly and I were off to the Egypt, and I couldn’t wait to experience scuba diving for real!
Our home from home
We had decided to fly from London into Hurghada – a 5 hour flight, followed by a three hour transfer south to Wadi Sabarah Lodge. For those looking for a shorter transfer time, the seasonal direct flights into Marsa Alam are a good option but the journey via Hurghada was more than worth it in the end. Wadi Sabarah is not dissimilar to an oasis in the middle of the desert. If you were running from the stresses of life, they would never find you there…
Upon arrival at Wadi Sabarah Lodge, we were greeted warmly by staff, who ensured a smooth check-in. The architecture was, in a word, phenomenal. The sandy-coloured and intricately designed brickwork only enhances the feeling of tranquillity you experience the second you step through the door. Wadi Sabarah is not for those who seek late nights and loud music. This resort is a peaceful haven, far away from the hustle and bustle of cities and crowds. For me, it was the perfect environment to relax and focus on my learn to dive course, and getting to grips with my new job role as a member of the Sales team at Diverse Travel.
On our first evening at the resort, we were greeted jovially by the hotel manager, as well as two employees from the Emperor Divers dive centre. Since the dive centre is part of the hotel, the staff live onsite, which really enhanced the friendly communal feel of the place. This was going to be a great week!
Emperor Divers at Wadi Sabarah
We hit the ground running with a 7am start the following morning. I was soon to learn this was considered a lie-in as far as divers were concerned! Emperor’s dive centre is conveniently located overlooking the beach at Wadi Sabarah, with an equipment and dive shop onsite. The staff were super friendly and incredibly welcoming, all trying their utmost to remember everyone’s names in the dive group. The dive centre offers equipment rental and all sorts of important things like diving insurance that is payable for the day.
Since it was my first time, I was introduced to my diving instructor whilst the rest of the group packed up their gear and got into a bus to go shore diving. Khaled was patient and did an excellent job of explaining how all the equipment fits together, along with the importance of pre-dive checks. After a short revision of the theory that I’d covered online, I quickly realised the practical application of certain skills would be far easier than I’d first thought.
Time for the Pool Dives
Onto the pool! Now, I was filled with a little trepidation as I had heard that the pool was a little chilly (understatement!). As someone who’s always hated the process of trying to pull on a long wetsuit, I like to think I’m pretty comfortable with cold water. During my time as a sailing instructor, I would always wear shorts and since I was teaching children, I ended up in the River Alde more than a couple times. However, as soon as I stepped into the pool at Wadi Sabarah, I was grateful the guys at the dive centre had talked me into wearing a 5mm long wetsuit after all.
Your first time gearing up for diving is more than a little strange. You put on almost all of your equipment on land, which makes you VERY heavy. Personally, I’ve never walked around carrying a ton of bricks, but I imagine that’s what it feels like, wearing a 12l tank, BCD, weight belt and a full wetsuit in the sun. But it turns out that entering the pool solved both my weight and overheating problem!
Basic Skills
Whilst studying online, I’d imagined that the hardest part about scuba diving would be keeping tabs on your air, but I soon found out that it’s actually controlling your buoyancy. This was especially difficult for me, since apparently, I needed a lot more weight than I initially thought. Holly told me that it’s common for females to be more buoyant. Note to anyone reading this: if you’re someone of the female gender who’s learning to dive, I recommend taking the extra weights that you’re offered.
Khaled continued to be an excellent instructor. It took me three attempts to successfully clear my mask, but he waited patiently for me to master it, whilst sharing tips for staying calm and controlling my breathing. I didn’t find it easy to swim around in the pool. I think this was mostly due to it not being particularly wide or deep. I remember thinking that if I was finding it this difficult to manoeuvre in the pool, how on earth did they expect me to do it in the open water?! When we could no longer feel our fingers, we exited the pool and Khaled talked me through how to thoroughly clean and store my gear.
Open Water
I’ll be honest, the first time we went diving from the boat, I was pretty terrified. It seemed like a huge step to go from 2m in a swimming pool to 12m in the open water. Despite my nerves, everyone assured me that I would be fine. Once again, the epitome of patience, Khaled took his time to explain hand signals and what the plan was for our dive. By this point, I’d probably had at least five people tell me that diving was a bit like learning to drive and now, I have to admit that they were right.
The first time can be a little scary, as you’re hyper aware of everything around you. You’re told to stay calm when you dive, because that’s the best way to control your buoyancy and keep safe. Well, I can’t speak for others, but when someone tells me to stay calm, I generally become anything but calm. However, as the minutes pass you stop focusing on your thoughts and start to look around you.
This is the beauty of learning to dive in the Red Sea. I started to notice corals, so much more vibrant and alive than you thought they’d be. Different types and colours of fish… and not just a few either. Hundreds of fish of all different varieties swimming around me in an intoxicating fusion of colour and life. In this environment, it becomes so much easier to relax. I found I was no longer having to force myself to breath normally. The sheer beauty of the marine life makes it impossible to worry about anything other than enjoying and exploring the wonderful environment.
Making Memories
After that first time in open water, each dive only became easier. Every time we descended, we saw something new and even more interesting. Spending time with the same people each day, also meant that we soon became friendly with the others joining us. We shared photos, stories and memories of the dives, and chatted about how we had got into diving. It became a routine that we’d meet at the dive centre in the morning, take the bus to Port Ghalib to board the boat, and spend a lovely day out at sea together. At lunch, those with cameras would share photos of what they’d seen, and others would talk about their past diving experiences. I think one of the best parts of scuba diving is how welcoming and friendly everyone is; even as someone new to diving, I felt part of the family.
On my fourth dive, something incredible happened. I had been told that this particular dive site was home to several turtles, so I was extremely excited when we found one resting close by a coral outcrop. I was so mesmerised by the size of the turtle that I didn’t notice something come up behind me. I felt a shape bump against my left shoulder and immediately froze. I had about 5 seconds to consider the fact that I might be about to confront a shark, when Khaled signalled to me that it was another turtle! Sure enough, I turned my head to see a turtle flipper resting on my shoulder and an inquisitive-looking turtle staring me in the face. It took me a moment to process what I was seeing before it swam over my shoulder and proceeded to nibble on my weight belt. Khaled found the entire situation hilarious, as my expression changed from terror to confusion to joy in the span of 10 seconds!
I made some truly incredible memories diving from the boat, but I did find the motion sickness to be a problem on occasion so I took tablets for this and all was fine. I was given the option to go shore diving on my last day, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. My sixth and seventh dives were from Marsa Assalayia and Gabel Rossas. I really enjoyed trying a different type of diving and this is one of the great benefits of diving out of Wadi Sabarah, as the program gives you the chance to do many different kinds of diving.
Après Diving
At 6pm every evening, Joe, an employee at the dive centre, would lead presentations in the hotel library. Since we got back from Port Ghalib at around 4:30pm, this gave us plenty of time to wash the salt from our hair, put on some fresh clothes, and meet in the library for 6pm. The presentations were always informative yet informal, and including all kinds of subjects such from mimicry to cleaning stations! By the time the presentations were finished, dinner had started to be served in the restaurant. We’d all gather round a big communal table and eat together, whilst talking about our day and sharing stories. One of the best parts of my experience was the camaraderie at the family-style dinners and how everyone was on a first-name basis. We had divers, dive centre employees, other hotel guests, and even the hotel manager at our table. The team at Wadi Sabarah truly know how to make you feel welcome.
Until the next time…
All too soon it was time to say goodbye to the Red Sea and Wadi Sabarah. I had made some incredible memories, overcome challenges, and enjoyed things I never dreamt that I’d get to experience. I also returned home a newly qualified PADI Open Water Diver! I wouldn’t hesitate to return to Egypt in a heartbeat. The welcome I received and the whole experience were incredible. My advice to anyone who’s nervous about learning to scuba dive or has just started their journey, would be to absolutely withhold judgment until you’ve jumped into open water. There is an entirely different world down there and it’s full of beautiful, breathtaking things. If you’re given the chance to experience it, seize it with both hands. It’s such a privilege. I guarantee you’ll not regret it!
Interested in learning to scuba dive?
There’s plenty of ways to experience your first breaths underwater. You can choose to learn to dive in the UK or abroad, or opt for the best of both worlds and take a referral course with your pool dives at home, and your open water dives in warm water and sunshine! Whatever you choose, diving is your passport to a world of incredible, life enhancing adventure.
If you’re just starting out, a diving holiday destination that isn’t too far from the UK, is affordable, offers interesting diving and marine life and above all, quality and safety, is ideal. For the full diving experience, the Egyptian Red Sea is hard to beat. It ticks all of these boxes and underwater, it’s got everything a new diver could possibly want including luscious reefs, impressive wrecks and outstanding marine life.
Diverse Travel’s top picks for dive beginners:
Find out more about a diving holiday at Wadi Sabarah Lodge.
Find out more about diving the Egyptian Red Sea in our destination guide.
Want to travel further afield? Already booked a holiday somewhere else? We can arrange a learn to dive package or further dive training in almost all of our destinations, worldwide. If you would like to chat about learning to dive, please give our dive travel experts a call on 01473 852002 or email us and we will be happy to tell you more! What are you waiting for?!
Discover the Paradise of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi with this three centre holiday
Have you heard about the incredible reefs and marine life in Indonesia? Are you trying to decide where to go? The Indonesian Archipelago covers such a huge area with a wide range of different diving opportunities. To experience all that’s on offer, there is no better region to showcase Indonesia’s diversity than the province of North Sulawesi. Discovering this area couldn’t be easier than with a Passport to Paradise – a unique diving experience and the only one of its kind in Indonesia. Read on to find out more…
Diving in North Sulawesi
North Sulawesi offers not one but three distinct diving destinations: the Bunaken National Marine Park, Bangka Island, and the Lembeh Strait – all of which are renowned for their world class dive sites and impressive marine life.
Bunaken National Marine Park
The Bunaken National Marine Park was one of the first Marine Protected Areas declared by the Indonesian Government – and it shows. Dive Bunaken’s staggering coral walls, enjoy seemingly endless visibility, prolific fish life, and experience close up encounters with the thriving resident population of green sea turtles.
Bangka Island
The sloping reefs, pinnacles, and underwater seamounts surrounding Bangka Island are a kaleidoscopic explosion of color. Diving around Bangka is a sensory overload where every available surface is adorned with soft corals displaying vibrant hues of pink, orange, violet and yellow. Marine life is equally impressive with dense schools of snappers and reef sharks, through to pygmy seahorses, macro critters – and everything in between!
The Lembeh Strait
The sheer abundance and density of rare and unusual marine critters found in Lembeh is unrivalled anywhere else on earth. Divers flock to Lembeh to spot marine life that can’t be found so easily elsewhere. We are not just talking about frogfish, we are talking about eight different species of frogfish, multiple species of ghost pipefish, the list of octopus species that reside here goes on… and on! It’s no wonder that underwater photographers from around the world visit time and time again.
Take a Passport to Paradise
Diving the three distinct destinations in North Sulawesi (Bunaken – Bangka – Lembeh) couldn’t be easier than with a Passport to Paradise. Imagine seeing all the highlights of this incredible area with no missed diving days and the added opportunity to dive in areas which no one else visits. The Passport to Paradise, designed by Murex Resorts, is an experience unlike any other.
Seamless Boat Diving Transfers
Dive your way from resort to resort and discover all three of North Sulawesi’s iconic destinations in one trip.
Instead of transferring from one resort to the next by road, divers simply join the dive boat in the morning and make two dives along the way to their next resort. Not only does this mean that divers don’t miss out on valuable dive time, but it also means that those taking a Passport to Paradise have the opportunity to dive at some of the most remote and untouched dive sites that are not accessible when diving from just one resort.
During your Passport to Paradise you won’t get stuck in traffic and there is no need to dry and pack your gear because you’ll be using it. There’s also no time-consuming check in at your next resort because your information is sent ahead of you. Instead, you’ll find a warm and friendly welcome, your choice of room ready for your arrival, and a well-deserved lunch prepared and ready to be served.
It doesn’t get any easier than this. You don’t even need to be a diver to enjoy the boat transfers. If you enjoy sailing, swimming, snorkelling, exploring, or you just want to pass the time at sea, this is the perfect holiday experience.
Why limit yourself to one destination when it is so easy and effortless to enjoy all three?
Three Reputable Resorts
During your Passport to Paradise you will stay at three of the most highly regarded resorts in North Sulawesi. You can choose the order in which you stay, as well as the number of nights you stay in each resort, and the number of dives you wish to make.
All resorts offer boat diving trips in the mornings, afternoons and longer day safaris with lunch on the boat. There is also the opportunity to try dawn dives, night dives, blackwater and bonfire dives, mandarin dives, PADI course dives, and specialty Ocean Gardener dives. At each of the three resorts the dive guides are trained in marine biology and underwater photography, whilst all members of the dive centre teams undergo rigorous annual health and safety training. And if that’s not enough, all resorts offer unlimited self-guided house reef dives, just a step off the beach!
The three resorts included in a Passport to Paradise holiday are:
Murex Manado Resort
Stay at Murex Manado Resort for diving in the world class Bunaken Marine Park. Murex Manado sits on the edge of Manado Bay with stunning views of the marine park islands and Manado Tua volcano across the ocean
Murex Bangka Resort
Stay at Murex Bangka Resort and enjoy a truly tropical experience. Situated on a palm-fringed white sandy beach, Bangka’s stunning pinnacles and sea mounts are a kaleidoscopic explosion of colour just metres from the resort.
Lembeh Resort
Stay at Lembeh Resort for a touch of luxury at one of Indonesia’s premier resorts. This exclusive dive resort in the heart of the Lembeh Strait is nestled in a private cove that is surrounded by lush rainforest. A stay at Lembeh Resort offers the perfect opportunity to combine incredible diving in the ‘Critter Capital of the World’ with more than a little indulgence.
Your Passport to Paradise
Why choose one, when you can experience all three! Dive Bunaken, Bangka and Lembeh with your very own Passport to Paradise.
Let us help plan your perfect holiday. Get in touch with us today or give us a call on 01473 852002 and chat to our Indonesia dive travel experts and together we can design the holiday of a lifetime to North Sulawesi for you. Your Passport to Paradise awaits!
Diverse Travel is delighted to be supporting the work of the Shark Trust as a Corporate Patron.
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of leading UK-based conservation charity, the Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Working together
Since 2014, we have operated as a specialist tour operator, committed to offering our guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable us both to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to get involved in shark conservation.
As a business, we will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards the Shark Trust’s vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.
We are looking forward to sharing more with you about our plans with the Shark Trust over the coming months!
Going away diving?
Expect to see a shark or ray? Please download the Shark Trust app (see more below) and log your valuable sightings!
The Shark Log database was launched in 2008. There were over 1,000 recordings of sharks, skates and rays from 60 species in 2023.
The aim of this flagship project is to generate important data for researchers and conservationists working with sharks around the world. Your sightings can help in proposing sustainable management measures for species.
Get involved!
If you’re passionate about shark and marine conservation, there’s lots of ways you can get involved in the work of the Shark Trust at home or abroad. From becoming a member or citizen scientist, to fundraising and events.
Download the Shark Trust App
Citizen science is where the general public helps collect data for scientific projects. The Shark Trust App brings together five fantastic citizen science projects in one place, allowing users to report: shark sightings, eggcases, basking sharks, angling catches, and entanglement incidents. Through these projects, anyone with an interest in nature, wildlife and conservation can contribute to important research and have a lot of fun along the way!
If you’re interested in sharks, skates and rays and want to help move forward research and conservation, the Shark Trust App is for you. Everyone from the occasional beachgoer to seasoned divers and anglers can get involved.
Download the free Shark Trust app today and start recording your findings.
Join the Shark Trust
Diverse Travel is giving away a year’s membership to the Shark Trust to guests who book on selected ‘shark-related’ holidays. Please ask your expert sales team member for details. Or why not become a member today and add your voice to the Trust’s ever-growing community. Let’s work together and help sharks around the world!
With a small monthly contribution, you can help support the Trust’s vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. You will also gain access to Shark Focus magazine twice a year, members-only discounts on a unique collection of shark-inspired merchandise, as well as other benefits. Become a member of the Shark Trust today.
Find out more about how you can get involved with the work of the Shark Trust here.
Happy New Year from Team Diverse!
We wish you all the very best for 2024 and we hope that it brings you some amazing underwater adventures.
Win £1000 off your next holiday! We’re starting the New Year in style with a fantastic £1000 giveaway. Book a Diverse Travel holiday during January 2024 and you will be entered into a draw to win £1000 off your next holiday*. Every person on your booking receives one entry… and the prize can be redeemed against a package holiday with Diverse Travel during 2024.
Time to discover somewhere new? Get in touch here or give us a call on 01473 852002 and let us find the best possible price and package for your needs. Our dive travel experts have lived, travelled and dived all over the world and will be delighted to help you get the most out of your holiday. We look forward to chatting with you soon!
Explore the world for less with Diverse Travel
Explore the world for less with our hand-picked selection of special offers on our offers page. There’s lots of brilliant deals for every budget at your favourite destinations. Be sure to check the page regularly as the special offers change often. Alternatively, give the team a call on 01473 852002 for the most up to date information.
And remember… whenever you book with Diverse, you get the same 100% financial guarantee and excellent service no matter what price you pay. That’s the Diverse Travel ‘Happy Guarantee!’
Discover more holidays with us
Looking for somewhere not on our website?
Call our experts today on 01473 852002 to chat about our new and exciting destinations.
You never know where your next dive will take you
Helpful links:
*£1000 Giveaway: Terms and Conditions apply. Entry is limited to new package holiday bookings including flights booked with Diverse Travel during January 2024 for travel during 2024 (extensions subject to authorisation). £1000 may be used on any Diverse Travel package holiday booked and travelled during 2024. Valid for new bookings only from 1st – 31st January 2024.
Red Sea dive veteran John (25 trips and counting!) takes a fresh look at diving in Egypt with a trip to Roots Red Sea.
Having dived the Red Sea quite a few times over the years, it was great to experience it in a slightly different way with my recent week at Roots Red Sea. As soon as you arrive, things feel different to most hotels and resorts in Egypt. The quiet and relaxed atmosphere envelops you as soon as you arrive. There’s a great sense of peace about the place. Roughly halfway along the coastline between Hurghada and Marsa Alam, Roots has just two views, the beautiful sea to the front and desert mountains to the rear. This lovely location really gives you the feeling that you have well and truly left the crowds behind.
Settling in…
I flew into Hurghada and followed the scenic coast road past Safaga, down to just outside El Quseir. On arrival at Roots, I was struck immediately by the welcoming and friendly staff, most of whom I got to know well during my stay. With the majority of the guests being divers, snorkellers or involved in conservation volunteering projects, the way in which Roots has been designed is ideal. It’s rather like being on a liveaboard… but on land. The bar and restaurant areas are small and intimate, with almost a family atmosphere. This gives everyone the opportunity to sit and chat before and after diving, helping themselves to the delicious meals. There’s nothing better than a good chat about the days’ events over a beer and dinner with other divers and those who care about our oceans.
Let’s go diving!
But what about the diving, I’m sure you’re asking. Well, of course, diving in the Red Sea is always great, but there are some things I particularly liked about the diving here. For one, it’s always amazing to still see marine life that I’ve not seen before. Especially the large schools of juvenile fish that were encountered on many dives. A huge school of small Barracuda for instance, that swirled around in a big ball, or scores of tiny Bannerfish at a couple of locations. But I think my favourite spot of the week was the hundreds of small Yellow Snapper and Bigeyes that cloaked a large pinnacle, almost blocking it from view, until you swam towards them and they parted like a massive curtain.
There’s also the chance to encounter plenty of bigger creatures at Roots too. Both Green and Hawksbill Turtles were regularly seen up close, and on a couple of dives some Eagle Rays passed by. I heard of schools of Dolphins being sighted by other divers and was lucky enough to get a quick glimpse of the local Dugong. But, as always happens, a family had spent 15 minutes with it just a few days before. Oh well, it’s my turn next time!
Choice of diving
Roots has a very nice house reef in the bay in front of the resort, which I dived the first day and also as my last dive of the week. It’s so good that I’ve heard that some divers even spend the whole week diving on the house reef here, and it’s especially popular with underwater photographers.
Most of the dives I did were either shore dives (accessed up and down the coast by minbus) or some sites are from their zodiac. There are also options for special trips further afield, such as Abu Dabab, Dolphin House, Salem Express wreck, and the famous Elphinstone Reef. None of those for me this time, as I have been lucky enough to dive all of them a few times before.
So, as the week came to a close I was more than satisfied that I had experienced the classic quality of Red Sea diving with enough ‘newness’ to make it exciting and worth a second visit another time. Overall a great week, with many lasting memories, a few half decent photos, and plenty of new friends. I will be back soon!
Interested in a dive holiday at Roots Red Sea?
Roots is ideal for:
- Experiencing a wide variety of dives – prime location for Red Sea diving
- Discovering new marine life – rich biodiversity of local reefs
- Experienced, friendly resort and dive staff
- Flexible and eco-friendly dive practices
- Comfortable, dive-orientated resort – relax with with like-minded divers!
Find out more about diving at Roots Red Sea HERE.
Want to find out more about diving the Egyptian Red Sea? Click here to read our destination guide.
If you would like to chat about diving in the Red Sea, please give our dive travel experts a call on 01473 852002 or email us and we will be happy to tell you more!
Share the wonders of the underwater world with Family Weeks in the Philippines
If you’re looking to discover somewhere new – and share that adventure with the younger members of your family – take a look at our Family Weeks in the Philippines. These special offer weeks are the perfect opportunity to share the wonders of diving and snorkelling with your children, as well as enjoy some great savings on dive and stay packages in one of the world’s top dive spots.
Kids go FREE in the Philippines!
Family Weeks are available on selected weeks during 2024 with our resort partners Atlantis Resorts. Choose to dive and stay at Atlantis Dumaguete or Atlantis Puerto Galera – or enjoy a mix of the two as the Philippines is a great two or triple centre destination!
Families can enjoy great savings during these designated weeks. Children under 18 years go free on a 1:1 paid basis with their parents, staying in their parent’s room. Any additional children under 30 years receive 50% off diver or non-diver rates and qualify for their own room. Non-divers can also benefit from a Try Scuba at no extra cost. And both resorts offer a full range of training courses for those wanting to Learn to Dive.
Infants aged 0-4 years are free of charge for accommodation and meals at Atlantis Resorts.
Discover the Philippines
One of our most exciting destinations, the Philippines is bursting with reasons to visit – 7,641 of them! From Thresher Sharks to wrecks, from Whale Sharks to magical muck diving and every incredible coral reef in between, the 7,641 islands of the Philippines guarantee a variety of diving that is virtually unprecedented worldwide.
Add to this superb resorts and legendary hospitality, and the Philippines is a destination that truly offers something for divers of all interests and ages. The Philippines is packed with topside adventures too – sightseeing, adventure trekking and swimming in waterfalls are just some of the experiences that you can add on to your holiday.
With so much to discover, the Philippines is perfect for visitors wanting to explore more! Holidays can be single or multi-centre – you can mix and match all our resorts and liveaboards for the ultimate Philippines adventure.
Atlantis Dumaguete, Atlantis Puerto Galera… or both!
Atlantis Dumaguete Resort is a dedicated dive resort situated in Dauin, around 30 minutes’ drive from Dumaguete City on the southern tip of the island of Negros. This area is known as the Frogfish capital of the Philippines and a haven for critter diving.
Atlantis Dumaguete Resort incorporates 44 rooms built around a lush tropical garden, and features a pool, spa and waterfront restaurant, in addition to a spacious, well-equipped camera room. This beachfront dive resort is perfectly located for divers wishing to discover the superb diving of the Dauin and Dumaguete area, which includes a number of Marine Protected Areas. With its black volcanic sand, Dauin on the island of Negros is a unique destination for critter diving. Guests can also take advantage of day trips to nearby Apo Island, Siquijor, and snorkeling with the Whale Sharks in Oslob.
Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort is the perfect base to discover the tremendous diving of Puerto Galera. Home to Verde Island, centre of the world’s marine biodiversity, Puerto Galera, on the island of Mindoro, has evolved into one of the top dive destinations in Asia, if not, the world. From corals to critters, divers are truly spoilt for choice here.
Built into the hillside on Sabang Beach, minutes away from over 40 dive spots, Atlantis Puerto Galera’s 40 rooms are attractively nestled amongst lovely grounds stocked with plants and flowers. Atlantis Puerto Galera is renowned for its excellent amenities and service including a dedicated camera room and well-equipped dive centre.
The waters surrounding Puerto Galera have been a designated UNESCO ‘Man and Biosphere Reserve’ since 1973 and are home to some of the most biodiverse diving in the Coral Triangle. The area offers huge versatility that appeals to divers of all levels. Here, you can explore shallow coral gardens, exciting drift dives on walls and penetrable wrecks, whilst searching for everything from tiny critters in the bays, to pelagics in the stronger currents in the Passage.
Divers staying in Puerto Galera can also add a day trip to Anilao to their holiday. The so-called birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines, Anilao is one of the best places in the world for nudibranch lovers and a top spot for blackwater diving.
For the ultimate Philippines adventure, why not consider a twin centre holiday taking in both resorts? Our dive travel experts will organise all aspects of your trip and tailor-make an itinerary including transfers and everything you need for a fantastic holiday!
2024 Family Week Dates
The 2024 Family Weeks coincide with the UK school holidays in the main. Families can take advantage of these great value savings without having to pay out for any pesky school fines!
- 2 – 9 March
- 6 – 13 April
- 3 – 10 August
- 10 – 17 August
Atlantis Puerto Galera Resort:
- 22 – 29 June
- 19 June – 6 July
- 20 July – 31 August inclusive
Bookings must be confirmed by 15 December 2023.
Terms and conditions apply – please ask us for details.
Interested in Family Weeks in the Philippines?
Find out more about diving the Philippines. Click here to read our destination guide.
Let us help you plan the perfect holiday. Get in touch with us today or give us a call on 01473 852 002 and chat to our dive travel experts and together we can design the holiday of a lifetime to the Philippines for you and your family.
