US military aircrafts to be sunk in Phuket
Plans are underway to create the largest artificial reef in Thailand by sinking a number of former military aircraft off the coast of Phuket. Four Douglas C-47 Skytrain aircraft and six Sikorsky S-58T helicopters will be sunk at about 20 m depth around one km off Bang Tao Beach. The 'Coral Reef Squadron' have seen action in both the Vietnam and Korean wars and it is hoped they will now serve a much more positive purpose in providing substrate and shelter for marine life near to Koh Racha Yai.  There are a lot of fabulous dive sites around Phuket and in the West of Thailand generally and the area attracts big numbers of divers. Therefore it is hoped that the creation of these alternative sites will ease the pressure on the more famous and popular sites in the Similan and Surin National Parks. Read more about the diving that awaits you in Phuket here: Thailand Dive SitesFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 66 (0)83 505 7794.
New discoveries in Ambon and Raja Ampat
Check out some of these great images captures by RHK UW productions taken on a recent trip on boat the Archipelago Adventurer II. These destinations are becoming more and more celebrated throughout the world as being among the world's top destinations with a vastness and variety of marine life that nowhere else can boast. Below is a photo of an unidentified frogfish which scientists believe is not simply a new species but a new genus!  According to professor Theodore Pietsch, of the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences in Washington University, 'I can say that in my 40 or so years studying frogfishes and anglerfishes in general, I have never seen one like this...unlike any antennarioid I've ever seen and most likely represents a genus new to science.' Another interesting image is of 'Eel Man' in the village of Waii in Ambon who has adopted a resident fresh water ell that lives in a stream running through the village.  Sargassum frogfish are quite rare but the team came across several pairs during the dives they did around Raja Ampat. Sargassum frogfish live in free floating sargassum seaweed and below is a fine example  Read more about the amazing diving of the region Raja Ampat diving and The dive sites of Banda and AmbonMore on the Liveaboard: Archipelago Adventurer IIFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 66 (0)83 505 7794.
Diver killed by bull shark
Last month a scuba diver, Austrian Markus Groh was fatally attacked by a bull shark during a photoshoot in the Bahamas. This represents the first reported fatal shark attack on a scuba diver resulting from a comercially organised shark diving expedition.  A crew were filimg tiger sharks and lemon sharks without cages for the production 'Shark Angels' aimed at changing the public perception of the creatures which are being pushed towards extinction. The images of three young women in the water surrounded within inches by several supposed man-eaters is the kind of picture that can raise consciousness and alter popular misconceptions about sharks and such were the goals of the shoot. Sharks have been in existence on this planet for over 450 million years predating the the best known land based dinosaurs and as highly developed and successful predators, play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Yet with more than 100 million sharks killed every year the human race is driving them to oblivion.  Shark diving is becoming an increasingly popular activity the more we learn about these creatures and the more their numbers dwindle. As with any underwater activity and dealing with any potentially dangerous creature, the actvity carries an element of risk; something that all participants are aware of. Yet those reputable operators who regularly conduct such dives take all steps to ensure the conditions are controlled and uniform thereby maximising the safety of their customers. However it is precisely because these creatures are so powerful and such efficient hunters that there is a great thrill in sharing the water with them. The risk remains more perceived than actual and certainly no more than other seemingly more benign pursuits like hiking, horse-riding or rugby to name a few. Read more about our recommended options here: South Africa’s Ultimate Shark Diving Adventure!Shark Reef in FijiFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 66 (0)83 505 7794.
Mermaid I Availability April 21-30
Mermaid I arguably has the best available liveaboard accommodation of all the best value safaris that dive Thailand and Burma, and the cabins are right up there with the best in the industry. All the cabins are well decorated and boast en-suite private bathrooms, TV, minibar and air conditioning.   There are 2 spaces in standard cabin available on the following trip: Dates: 21 - 30 April Destinations: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Burma Banks and South Mergui Archipelago Read more about the Mermaid I here: Mermaid I Burma LiveaboardFor bookings, please contact Burma@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 083 505 7794.
DTW 2008 Travel Club Needs You!
Our travel club is where like-minded divers can come together and dive with fellow divers from around the world but leave all the organization to someone else who knows the area. If you love to dive but have trouble getting your friends and buddies to commit to trips or you want to be part of a group experiencing an unforgettable trip to a great destination then join us!  Where: Sabah, Malaysian Borneo When: Start date 25 October 2008 What: Choose all or part of our plan which includes Kota Kinabalu, Lankayan island, Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Diving Sipadan and Mabul. Who: A Dive The World group leader plus other similar people to you. Why: Lots of reasons! It is a cheaper package than you could find independently, you will be part of a fun group, our group leader knows the destination very well, you get to make friends and win free goodies. Note: If you have less time then you can choose which section or sections of the plan you wish to do eg Lankayan and Sepilok only or Sepilok and Sipadan only. No problem! Prices will vary accordingly. Just let us know.  So if any of Sabah’s wonderful diving and jungle activities are on your ‘To Do’ list then why not enjoy them as part of a fun group led by Dive The World? See full details here: Dive The World Travel Club 2008For more information or to make a booking just call Dive The World - +66 (0)83 505 7794, or email: Blog@Dive-The-World.com
Our LIDS 2008 experience
March 8th and 9th saw Dive The World exhibiting at the London International Dive Show 2008 at the Excel Centre in the Docklands area of London. It was great for us to meet so many divers and to talk to them about Dive The World and our services. We encountered the full range of folk from grannies whose enthusiasm knows no bounds to grumpy die-hard UK divers who believe warm, clear water is only good for making tea.  There are almost no lengths we won’t go to for our customers. Why! We would even walk through fire! Well this was almost put to the test as the hotel we were staying in went up in smoke, what was to become known as The Combustible House Hotel.  Beef, asleep at the time managed to escape with our laptops intact but there was considerable damage and we heard that DAN lost a fair amount of belongings. It was said that the fire was caused by someone leaving on a set of hair straighteners...so that absolves us then!  All in all the show was a great success and we look forward to returning again although Boot and DEMA are both within our radar as our range of products and customer base continue to grow. Here you can see more of the LIDS offers we were advertising many of which are valid for a considerable length of time: LIDS 2008 Offers
Komodo Availability June 23 - Seven Seas.
Spaces open up for a Komodo liveaboard on June 23 2008! June is the start of the Komodo season for the excellent Seven Seas. Due to a charter cancellation of a trip on Seven Seas liveaboard there are now spaces available for: 23 June to 03 July 2008 – 10 nights. Bali - Komodo price: US$ 2,980 per person.The Seven Seas is one of the newest and finest Phinisi liveaboards in Indonesia. The boat is modern, spacious and very comfortable, and is owned by experts with many years experience of operating in the Komodo region.  More Information: Seven Seas Liveaboard For bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com, or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66 (0)83 505 7794.
LIDS 2008 Seaventures and Balung Eco Resort
Especially for LIDS 2008, you can combine diving at Sipadan with a true eco experience in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo  Book 7 Nights and get 1 Night free at Balung Eco Resort. Note: Book before end March 08  Balung Eco Resort is a plantation resort near Tawau where you can learn about the crops (oil palm, cocoa, pepper, coffee) and fruits (Dragon fruits, Passion fruit, Breadfruits, bananas). A swimming pool and mountain biking trails add to the activities which is a perfect way to wind down after the diving fun of Sipadan. More information: Seaventures Dive ResortFor bookings, please contact Malaysia@Dive-The-World.com, call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66 (0)83 505 7794, or chat with us on Skype.
Early Bird Special - Sai Mai Burma Liveaboard
Sai Mai is offering last years prices for 08/09 season bookings made prior to 01 May 08. So get in now and save $$$!   The MV Sai Mai has been refurbished during 2006 and now takes just 8 diving customers, with 4 twin cabins, all with en suite bathrooms. It's the only boat anywhere near this price range with such a small group on board. Not only that - you get Nitrox free of charge too! More information: MV Sai MaiFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66(0)83 505 7794.
MV Giamani - Availability in April
MV Giamani still has spaces available on their liveaboards trips to Similan Islands.  MV Giamani - April AvailabilityStandard and Deluxe Cabins available 20-24 April: 5D/4N 25-29 April: 5D/4N Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock Cruise price includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, hot chocolate, tea and water, dives, tanks, weights and weightbelts, experienced English-speaking divemaster(s), and return transfers to the boat from Phuket hotels. Cruise price excludes (where applicable): Scuba equipment (US$ 20 per day), nitrox tanks, dive insurance, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks. Full Information: MV GiamaniFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66 (0)83 505 7794.
LIDS 2008 offer - Lagoon Resort, Pacific Harbour
Lagoon Resort is offering a special group offer so if you are keen to participate in the incredible shark feeds at Pacific Harbour in Viti Levu then get your group together and take advantage of this offer now.  LIDS GROUP OFFERwas 11 people + 1 free NOW 9 people + 1 free accommodation Note: Bookings must be made before 10 May 08 Full Information on the resort: Lagoon Resort, Viti Levu For bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com, or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66 (0)83 505 7794.
LIDS 2008 Specials - Maravu Plantation Taveuni
Check out these specials at Maravu Plantation Resort for diving in Taveuni, on offer exclusively through Dive The World at LIDS 2008:   LIDS OFFER: 17.5% off all packages LIDS GROUP SPECIAL: was 10 + 1 free NOW 8 people + 1 free on all packagesNote: Book before 31 March 08. Package before 31 March 09. More Information on the resort: Maravu PlantationFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com, or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66 (0)83 505 7794.
LIDS 2008 Special - Lembongan Beach Villas
Lembongan Beach Villas have stepped forward with a couple of offers for LIDS so if you were planning a Bali trip then check out the details below. Perched on a hillside close to the beach and commanding spectacular views over the bay and beyond to the volcanic interior of Bali are the Lembongan Beach Villas. Form here you can dive all around Lembongan and Penida which represents some of the best diving that Bali has to offer.   LIDS OFFER: 20% off accommodation in November 08 GROUP OFFER FOR LIDS: 10% off in May and June 08 for bookings of 3+ villas for 3+ nights Note: We sell packages which also involve diving with World Diving on Lembongan Island through whom certain discounts are available on request. More Information on the resort: Lembongan Beach VillasFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com, or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66 (0)83 505 7794.
LIDS 2008 Special - Bunaken Cha Cha
Check out this great deal for Bunaken Cha Cha Resort for LIDS 2008: Situated on Bunaken Island, the most popular of the five islands that comprise the world famous Bunaken National Marine Park, this relaxing and unpretentious dive resort is ideally located if you want to stay right in Manado's premiere diving destination. LIDS Offer: 20% off packages in May and June 08   E.G. 8 Days 7 Nights with 12 dives: Superior AC Cottage. Price was US$ 1080 NOW US$ 871Superior Cottage non AC was US$ 975 NOW US$ 787Standard Cottage was US$ 835 NOW US$ 675More Information on the resort: Bunaken Cha Cha ResortFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com, or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66 (0)83 505 7794.
LIDS 2008 - Tasik Ria Specials!
Tasik Ria resort in Manado, North Sulawesi has the following excellent offers for you if you book through Dive The World following LIDS 2008. This is the only PADI 5 Star Manado resort to use high quality, comfortable diving boats to explore the islands of the Bunaken marine park. The Red Sea style boats offer plenty of space and comfort for the trips to the dive sites and for lunch between dives. Eco Divers at Tasik Ria are the most professional diving outfit in the area and clearly stand head and shoulders above the rest.   Pay for a 6-Night All-Inclusive Package at Tasik Ria Resort, including 5 days of diving and receive the 7th night and 6th day of diving absolutely freePrice: 7 Night Package with 13 dives: Deluxe Cottage: was US$ 1,233 NOW US$ 1,047Standard Room: was US$ 1,151 NOW US$ 977Price includes: Dives, boat rides, experienced English-speaking divemaster for maximum four divers (max. fifteen divers per boat), lunch, coffee, tea, fruit, drinking water, towels, dive computer, tanks, weights and weightbelts. Price excludes: Airport transfers, Drinks, Tips, Diving equipment rentals, National park entrance fee, Extras e.g. night dives, nitrox fills, spa services, land tours, mini-bar purchases, laundry, telephone calls, internet access Conditions of offer:Cannot be back-dated onto existing bookings Offer valid on all new bookings made between 08 March 2008 and 31 March 2008 Offer only valid on stays till 31 March 2009 Cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer made by Tasik Ria Resort More Information on the resort: Tasik Ria - Eco DiversFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com, or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - +66 (0)83 505 7794.
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