Dive The World Blog

   special offers and latest diving news


Phuket sees Leatherback turtle egg hatching!

In December 2006, 103 leatherback turtle eggs were laid on Karon Beach Phuket and to date 76 of them have hatched.



It was the first time in 10 years a leatherback had been spotted laying its eggs on this beach for more than 10 years so the sight of so many hatchlings making their way instinctively to the sea was greeted with joy by watching locals and residents. How many of them will survive and return to lay their own eggs is unknown but some estimates are as low as 1%.

According to Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) Veterinarian Sontaya Manawattana “About 80% of the eggs from the nest will hatch and we release the turtles at Karon Beach, where the eggs were laid, the same day that they hatch. The turtles will remember where they were released and will come back to lay eggs at Karon Beach again, if they survive”



As often happens in areas where there is human population the turtles are released in the evening so that they are able to use natural light to navigate and they are also less exposed to predators than in the daytime.

“The chance that these turtles will survive and come back to lay eggs here is small because after they go into sea they might be eaten by another animal, but that is the cycle of life for leatherback turtles. We try to care for them after they hatch but we haven’t had success with this type of turtle. They will die if we don’t release them into the sea,” K. Sontaya added.

Normally leatherback turtles only begin to lay eggs after they have reached reproductive age at around 15 to 20 years old and after laying the eggs take around 60 days to hatch.



At a time when turtles in general, and leatherbacks in particular, are under serious threat it is particularly pleasing to witness this return to an old nesting site and to see the next generation set off into the blue.

Find out more about turtles in our Turtle Creature Feature

Learn more about local diving here: Phuket Dive Sites


Maldives Diving News

Here you'll find any Maldives diving news we find. Anything from environmental news to launches of new boats, dive site news, marine life sightings, trip reports and more.

Latest Maldives Dive News

Useful Links


Diving Maldives - Specials & Last Minute Deals

Here's where to look for all the latest dive deals for Ari Atoll, North and South Male Atolls and more. As soon as we receive an offer from the liveaboard boats, we'll post it here.

Current Special Booking Offers

Useful Maldives Diving Links


The Junk - September Liveaboard

The liveaboard "June Hong Chian Lee", better known as The Junk is a one of a kind boat with a great character and quality service.

If you want a really special trip this week we have some spaces available on this beautiful boat for 15-20 September 2007.

The low season prices are half what is paid in the high season.

The weather is good right now so this is your chance to cruise on this classic boat at unbeatable prices.

 

Late Availability:

Racha Islands 15-17 September (2 days/ 2 nights)
Phi Phi Islands 17-20 September (2 days/ 3 nights)

Shared Cabin: US$ 275 per person
Private Double Cabin: US$ 350 per person

Or combine the two trips for a 4 day 5 night safari 15-20 September 2007:

Shared Cabin: US$ 559 per person
Private Double Cabin: US$ 699 per person

There is a 10% discount for non divers.

More Information on The Junk:
The Junk - Diving Racha and Phi Phi Islands

For bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com, call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 083 505 7794, or chat with us on Skype.


Hot New Liveaboard Hits Indonesia - Odyssea I

Introducing an exciting new liveaboard which operates in two of Indonesia's best diving areas: North Sulawesi and Raja Ampat…..MV Odyssea I

This spacious motor vessel features 8 Air-con cabins, plenty of lounging and sun-bathing space and ample areas dedicated to the photography enthusiast.

 

MV Odyssea I is one of the few liveaboards in Indonesia which is not a schooner but it has other factors which sets it apart:

- Large beds and high ceilings make it comfortable, for tall guests.
- It is a high quality liveaboard that visits Sangihe in North Sulawesi.
- It runs short affordable Raja Ampat trips e.g.: 7D/6N = US$ 1,770

So take your time to have a look around the features of this excellent new addition to the Dive The World family and see if this could be the right boat to take you on your next dream liveaboard trip in Indonesia!

More Information here: MV Odyssea I


Matava Resort, Kadavu - How Coup-ed You Resist?

Matava Resort join in the Mad Fiji Dive Holiday Giveaway!

The highly praised eco-hideaway of Matava Resort in Fiji’s rugged remote island of Kadavu is now also offering excellent prices to encourage tourists to visit during the period after the peaceful ‘Coup’.

When combined with the special airfares being introduced for travel to Fiji – you know it make sense to go now…

 

For travel up to the end of April 2007.
- 40% off accommodation/meal rates (divers and non-divers)
- 10 dives for the price of 6 (five days diving - minimum stay 6 nights)

6 nights in Waterfront Bure with Private bathroom
Price: US$ 792, NOW US$ 511. You save US$ 281 per person!


For travel from 1st May to end of June 2007.
- 30% off accommodation/meal rates (divers and non divers)
- 10 dives for the price of 6 (five days diving - minimum stay 6 nights)

6 nights in Waterfront Bure with Private bathroom
Price: US$ 792, NOW US$ 557. You save US$ 235 per person!

More Information on our Fiji website:
Matava Resort

For Bookings, please contact our Fiji Reservations at:
Fiji@Dive-The-World.com


Early Bird discounts on Burma liveaboard

Planning a Burma liveaboard for 2007/8?

Faah Yai's schedule for next season is out and prices will go up on 1 June 2007. Book before 1 June and you pay last season's price!

For example:

7d/8n, 28 dive Burma Safari:

2007/2008 price = US$ 1900 in a standard cabin

Book before 1 June and pay the 2006/7 price, US$ 1792.

That's a saving of US$ 108 per person!



Under the guidance of one of the most experienced cruise directors in Burma, you'll visit sites that no others have dived before. Faah Yai is dedicated only to cruises in the Mergui Archipelago. You can choose to dive the south or north Mergui on regular five or seven day trips. It is the only charter that runs dive safaris specifically to visit the area of the northern archipelago.

With the number of guests limited to only ten or twelve, and double or twin bed cabins with en-suite cabin facilities onboard, Faah Yai is designed for you to enjoy your privacy when you're not underwater.

More information about Faah Yai here: Faah Yai

For bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 083 505 7794


Fiji Coup Recovery Deals - Kadavu Matana, Fiji

The Fiji Deals continue with big savings at Kadavu Matana Resort.

Tourists are beginning to realise that the effects of the recent coup will not disturb their holiday and those that know this are making the most of the great offers around. Like this one…...

 

COUP RECOVERY SPECIAL includes Bure Accommodation, Meals (3 meals per day), Boat transfers to/from Kadavu airport, Taxes and based on twin share.

5 Nights 6 dives US$ 1085, US$759.50. Save US$ 325.50!
7 Nights 10 dives US$ 1410, US$1050. Save US$ 360!
10 Nights 16 dives US$ 2030, US$1456, Save US$ 574!

For travel during May, June and August 2007.

More Information on our Fiji website:
Kadavu Matana Resort

For Bookings, please contact our Fiji Reservations at:
Blog@Dive-The-World.com


Fiji Aggressor III - Spaces available 28 July

If you are looking for a quick get-away, the Fiji Aggressor III has space available July 28-August 4 2007. Space is limited so be quick!

You will explore the reefs, bommies and walls of Nigali Pass, Wakaya, Koro and Namenalala Islands. Exciting drift dives with eagle rays, mantas, turtles, sharks and giant groupers are also on the itinerary.



The price for a standard cabin is $2,695 per person

More Information on our Fiji website: Fiji Aggressor

For Bookings, please contact our Fiji Reservations at:
Blog@Dive-The-World.com


North Sulawesi Liveaboard – US$ 400 off

Enjoy the week long Saturday to Saturday cruises around North Sulawesi and save US$ 400 per person.

We can offer you US$400 off The North Sulawesi Aggressor on these trips:

- June 23-30, 2007
- June 30-July 7, 2007
- July 7-14, 2007








The Aggressor visits not only the walls and schooling fish action of Bangka but also the world's macro capital of Lembeh where the role call of incredible sights is endless: hairy frogfish, pegasus, electric clams, flying gurnards, stargazers, mimic octopus, flambuoyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus.... A few days here reads like a 'Who's who' of marine rarity so what are you waiting for?

More Information on our Indonesia website:
North Sulawesi Aggressor

For Bookings, please contact our Indonesia Reservations at:
Indonesia@Dive-The-World.com



MV West Coast Explorer - December Last Minute Offer

West Coast Explorer is a popular liveaboard with all divers who are not looking for a luxury cruise, but want to DIVE! We rate this boat as the best in it's price range. The cabins, although compact, are comfortable, and the dive deck is practical and well run. Plenty of deck space to relax. Kiwi owner Milton is on board for most trips and you'll be hard pushed to find a more experienced tour leader anywhere in Thailand.



BOOK NOW for only US$ 515 (17,500 Baht)

Date: 8 - 12 December 2007 (5D/4N)

Destinations: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock

Include: 14 dives, air-conditioned cabins - twin share, all meals, fruits, drinking water, coffee, tea, Divemaster, tanks, weights, weight belts, torches for the night dives.

Pick up time: 5pm - 5:30pm from all areas.


More Information: MV West Coast Explorer

For bookings, please email to Blog@Dive-The-World.com or call Dive The World PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 083 505 7794 right now before it's too late!


10 % Off Komodo liveaboard - KLM Moana

With a maximum of just 10 divers on board the Moana offers you an escape from big groups and guarantees plenty of individual attention in a variety of dive crew languages. This compact Phinisi schooner has five air conditioned cabins all with ensuite hot water showers. The boat may be less than enormous, but is modern and perfectly formed and is a great boat for individuals, groups or families to see the best of Komodo dive region.

 

Dive The World has a Special 10% Discount Price for these Komodo/Bali trips:

Date: 1 - 5 March 2008 (5D/4N)
Destination: Bali, Komodo

Usual price: US$ 1,210.
Discounted Price: US$ 1,089

Price includes return airfare Bali-Labuan Bajo-Bali
Harbour & National Park entrance fees payable on board: US$ 70 per person


Date: 14 - 23 March 2008 (10D/9N)
Destination: Komodo

Usual price: US$ 2,386.
Discounted Price: US$ 2,147

Price includes airfare Bali-Labuan Bajo
Harbour & National Park entrance fees payable on board: US$ 70 per person

For full boat information and prices, see our web site:
Moana - Cruising and Diving in Komodo

For Bookings, please contact our Indonesia Reservations at:
Blog@Dive-The-World.com


Save 1000 US$ on the Sai Mai in Burma

Last minute price on the MV Sai Mai, a 10 day / 10 night cruise to the Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar) from 12 - 22 February 2007. This is a mega cruise taking in all the best of Mergui. Do you like diving? You'll love this!

The Sai Mai was fully refurbished during 2006 and now takes just 8 diving customers, in 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 - for this season you get unlimited Nitrox free of charge too!

12 - 22 February (10 days/ 10 nights)

Price US$ 2,400 - BOOK NOW for US$ 1,400! Save US$ 1,000!

Sai Mai  Sai Mai

More information about the Sai Mai here:
MV Sai Mai - Burma Liveaboard

For bookings, please contact Burma@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 083 505 7794.


Mermaid 1 - 9 day Thailand/Burma - Save US$ 400!

Due to a cancellation, we have 1 space in standard cabin available on the Mermaid 1 liveaboard from 10 - 19 February, a 9 day cruise taking in the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and the Mergui Archipelago.

Mermaid 1 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.

10 - 19 February(9 days/ 9 nights)

Standard Cabin US$ 1,980 - BOOK NOW for US$ 1,584

Save over US$ 400!


Mermaid 1  Mermaid 1

Read more about the Mermaid 1 here:
Mermaid 1 Burma Liveaboard

For bookings, please contact Burma@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 083 505 7794.


Similan Islands 6 - 10 February only US$ 475!

Dive for 4 days / 4 nights in the incredible Similan Islands for only US$ 475 (17,500 Baht)!

The West Coast Explorer departs on the 6th February, returning on the 10th.

West Coast Explorer is a popular liveaboard with all divers who are not looking for a luxury cruise, but want to DIVE! We rate this boat as the best in it's price range. The cabins, although compact, are comfortable, and the dive deck is practical and well run. Plenty of deck space to relax. Kiwi owner Milton is on board for most trips and you'll be hard pushed to find a more experienced tour leader anywhere in Thailand.



Price US$ 675 - Now US$ 475 - You Save US$ 200!!

More Information on our Thailand website:
West Coast Explorer Similan Liveaboard

For bookings, please email to Thailand@Dive-The-World.com or call Dive The World PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 083 505 7794 right now before it's too late!


7 Nights Komodo trips in June on the Bidadari

Based right next to the Komodo National Park, the KM Bidadari runs trips exclusively within the park itself. Fly in from Bali and dive that afternoon at the start of your seven night cruise, departing from Labuan Bajo in Flores.

 

Enjoy the splendour of Komodo from this popular and relaxed traditional Phinisi sailing vessel whose experienced crew and dive team know their way around the park and its many dive sites like the back of their hands.

Our special offers are on the following trips:

05-12 June
13-20 June

Price US$ 2100 - including return flights between Bali and Labuan Bajo (Flores)!

Price includes:
- roundtrip airfare from Bali-Flores
- roundtrip transfers
- full Board
- tank, weights,mask & fins
- Padi Dive Master
- complimentary coffee/tea bar

Price excludes:
- rental equipment
- overweight & airport taxes
- soft drinks/ alcohol
- National Park fees $30 USD

For full boat information see our web site:
Bidadari - Diving in Komodo

To sample the underwater world that awaits you:
Komodo dive sites

For Bookings, please contact our Indonesia Reservations at:
Indonesia@Dive-The-World.com


Komodo Dancer Specials from May to July 2007

Board the Komodo Dancer and cruise in style to Komodo for some of Indonesia's best diving and to meet the fearsome Komodo Dragons (ooh, I'm scared). You'll discover that touch of extra service and class that sets Peter Hughes diving cruises apart - just turn up at the dive deck in your wet suit and let the staff take care of the rest. A local crew trained to International standards of service will make your cruise on Komodo Dancer one to remember. You'll even get a warm towel and back rub after each dive!

 

A traditional style sailing yacht, but with a nitrox membrane filling system, and technical diving certifications available too, Komodo Dancer is not just a comfortable boat, but is made for serious diving too!

We can offer a special offer on the following 7 day/ 7 night trips in 2007:

14 - 21 May
4 - 11 June
25 June - 2 July
16 - 23 July

Your choice - either receive a discount of US$ 125 on your cruise, or get 2 free nights at the (very nice) Puri Santrian Resort in Bali. If you are a couple, you will get a total of 4 free nights!

For full boat information and prices, see:
Komodo Dancer Liveaboard

For Bookings, please contact our Indonesia Reservations at:
Blog@Dive-The-World.com