MV Sai Mai - Last Minute Special - 08 May 2008
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!   MV Sai Mai has only 2 spaces available for the following 5 Night trip: Departure: 08 May 2008, 4PM Return: 13 May 2008, 10AM BOOK NOW for only THB 19,800 (US$ 629) So 20% off!! Cruise price includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, 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 required): Similan National Park fees (currently approx THB 1,600), scuba equipment (US$ 20 per day), torches, dive insurance, soft and alcoholic drinks. More information on the boat: 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 Nautica - Christmas Special - 21 Dec 2007
MV Nautica has spaces available for her Christmas trip: Date: 21 Dec 2007 - 27 Dec 2007 (7D/6N)Destination: Surin/Similan Bunk Bed Cabin: US$ 1,501 - US$ 1,201 - 20% discount!Twin/Double Cabin: US$ 1,627 - US$ 1,301 - 20% discount!  MV Nautica - Full Information: MV NauticaFor Bookings, please call Dive The World - +66 (0)83 505 7794, or email: Blog@Dive-The-World.com
'Minimum development' planned in Sipadan
PULAU SIPADAN: Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat said he wanted to see "minimum development" and restoration of a long beach front here. "I want minimum cutting (of trees), if possible, no cutting and buildings pushed well behind the beach," he said during an official visit to the island, Friday, to identify sites for the Federal-funded 'Proposed Development of Quarters for the Army, Police, Park Rangers, Resting Facilities and Toilets' for divers.  His entourage included the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Monica Chia, top-notch Sabah Parks officers, CEOs of diving resorts and senior officers from the National Security Department in the Prime Minister's Department. "Overall, I don't want structures along the beach," said Chong, citing erosion and loss of aesthetic values they caused. In terms of facilities for divers, Ir Mohd Zakir bin Kamunri, of Perunding Jasareka, said two separate "resting" places capable of accommodating 60 divers each are part of the proposed development. Mohd Zakir assured Chong that 90 per cent of the materials used would be light while concrete will be used only in wet areas. He said the proposed development would be based on the "protect, preserve and maintain" concept. While stressing simplicity and minimum disturbance to Sipadan's ecosystem, Chong said it didn't amount to sacrificing "decent" quality and "comfort" for all - divers and protectors alike. There will be no more accommodation facilities for tourists in Sipadan. Instead, "resting" facilities will be built for them. Chong said he wanted to see a "proper entrance" to "good, decent and spacious" resting facilities in the proposed development as these constitute the first experience of Sipadan island itself for divers from all over the world. Chong also said he wanted to give "focus" to two essential components, namely the "security aspect" and environmental protection.  Learning from the April 2000 kidnapping incident, he said he would like to see the army and police installations to be as "inconspicuous" as possible yet "not very far" so they function effectively in denying "easy landing" from "undesirable elements" from outside. As such, he said "our people" (army, police and park rangers) who are Sipadan's protectors should also be provided "comfortable" though very simple accommodation facilities. On the environmental imperative, Chong said he wanted focus be given to how to avoid pollutants and discharges by the use of a good sewerage and septic system. "I would like to see minimum or no discharge at all."  Chong said he hoped the "no operator" in Sipadan should prompt operators to "spread out" and "sell more than Sipadan", citing the existence of "many beautiful islands" in Sabah yet to be opened up. Chong paid tribute to the Sabah diving fraternity for being "very good" in terms of willingness to invest big sums of money, their approach to problems facing their business and their cooperative attitude towards the Government.  The entourage later visited the Kapalai Resort which, though built up over a large patch of shallow sea, the water remains pristine and spotless. Article courtesy of Daily Express - INDEPENDENT NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF EAST MALAYSIA Full Information on the dive sites of Sipadan: Scuba Diving in Sipadan For more on Sipadan's colourful history see here: A Brief History of Pulau Sipadan
Beqa Adventure Divers scoop diving award
Beaq Adventure Divers, THE organisation behind Fiji's highly acclaimed shark diving and conservation efforts have had their good work honoured again - this time at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.   The who's who in the Fiji tourism world gathered recently at the Sofitel Resort on Denarau Island for the annual AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards Gala Dinner. The Fiji Police Band welcomed the crowd with a mix of music, ranging from traditional Fijian tunes to the Macarena; most bizarre though highly entertaining. The 2006 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award winners were announced throughout the evening and Beqa Adventure Divers were honoured to be the recipients of the Diving Award for their services to the diving and tourism industry in Fiji. Read our very own Sheldon Hey's shark diving report: Finding Yourself In The Middle Of A Shark Feed! Full Information on our recommended Lagoon Resort/Beqa Adventure Divers package: Lagoon Resort, Viti Levu For more information on the dives in the area see here: Diving Viti Levu
Maravu Plantation Resort wins best luxury hotel awards
Maravu Plantation Resort was chosen as No. 1 Best Luxury Hotel in the South Pacific and also Top 100 Hotels of the World by TripAdvisor® in its 2006 Travelers' Choice™ awards. Now in its 5th year, the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards honor the world's best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best - real travelers.   Maravu Plantation Resort is the only hotel in the South Pacific which not only was chosen Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels Worldwide but also No. 1 Best Luxury Hotel South Pacific. Maravu - Full Information: Maravu Plantation ResortFor more on the dive sites you can explore when staying at Maravu See here: Taveuni Dive Sites
Larry Smith passes away
 It is with heavy heart that Dive The World received and passes on the sad news that Larry Smith one of divings larger than life characters has died in Indonesia. The following from the Adventure H2O website: Sadly we announce the passing of our so much loved and respected Cruise Director & Dive Legend Larry Smith. Thank you for all your mails, calls & condolences! We will keep you informed on our website & post details about possible Memorials in BALI and the US as they develop. Casey Smith, Larry's Son is setting up a trust fund for Breezy with an US state side accountant. "Just follow the big yellow fins" Gabrielle, Steve, Widya, Hendry & CREW IN MEMORIAM - Larry Smith, the Dive Legend Larry, the great spotter, dive guide, critterfinder, explorer & adventurer .. Larry Smith, the great human being ! A man. who respected all living creatures - above & below water ! Everyone enjoyed Larry's enthusiasm for his job, his love for Indonesia and his family, his endless stories from above & below water. All of us loved his wonderful outlook on life and the big hearted Man he was! Larry was a great human being and he showed it in little ways, as the way he treated our crew, our guests and the locals. Larry deserves the huge respect he has always had and will further receive from the worldwide dive industry... AdvH2o honors all of his achievements in his spirit will keep the same manners as Larry taught us, and our Team believes in....... !! Condolences go out from all of us here at Dive The World to Larry’s family and friends and the many whose lives were touched by this warm hearted man.
Last Minute Similan Liveaboard Offer - Genesis 1
MY Genesis 1 liveaboard has a last minute price for it's Similan trip 21-23 October 2007   LAST MINUTE OFFER - 21-23 October 20073 days / 2 nights - Similan Islands Twin cabin: US$ 530 per personNitrox is Free on this trip! Pick up is at 6am on 21 October 2007. For Bookings email: Blog@Dive-The-World.com
New short trips to Similans with The Junk
Be stirred but not shaken by the news that The Junk - famed for its appearance in The Man With The Golden Gun is splitting its normal trip into two so if you are limited by time, you too can enjoy a Similans trip on this unique liveaboard.   2008 sees departures every Saturday - Monday of every month from Patong Beach. 2 Days/2 Nights. Disembark in Tap Lamu, around 19.00 to 20.00 pm. Usually 7 dives in total. A single berth in a shared cabin for 2d/2n is US$ 325. The private double bed / Twin shared cabin for 2d/2n is US$ 400. The Junk - Full Information: SY June Hong Chian Lee - Thailand Liveaboard For Bookings, please call Dive The World - 083 505 7794, or email: Blog@Dive-The-World.com
Last Minute Similans/Burma Special for MV Philkade
One of the leading deluxe Similan liveaboards is offering great 20% off last minute deals. The MV Philkade is a 5 star cruiser designed to take up to 13 divers in luxury around the finest sites of the Andaman Sea. The cabins are beautifully appointed and the lounge is tastefully furnished and extremely comfortable. For those who wish to see the best dives sites in Thailand but not compromise on comfort or service the MV Philkade is a great choice.    Similans and Richelieu Rock - 20% off 17-21 April (4D/4N):Superior Cabins US$ 1,390 pp NOW US$ 1,112 pp. Save 556 per cabin! Standard cabins US$ 1,190 pp, NOW US$ 952 pp. Save US$ 476 per cabin! Burma - 20% off21-26 April (5D/6N):Superior Cabins US$ 1,740 pp NOW US$ 1,392 pp. Save 696 per cabin! Standard cabins US$ 1,550 pp, NOW US$ 1,240 pp. Save US$ 620 per cabin! Note: This above does not include National Park Fees or normal additional charges. The above offers are based on a first come first served basis - so act now to avoid disappointment. MV Philkade - Full Information: MV Philkade Thailand LiveaboardFor Bookings, please call Dive The World - 083 505 7794, or email: Thailand@Dive-The-World.com
20% off early bookings - Burma Liveaboard
Just released! You can save 20% on liveaboard cruises to Burma on the MV Sai Mai. Book before the 31st May 2007 for cruises in the 2007-2008 season and you can save yourself a small fortune. The MV Sai Mai is an excellent mid range boat designed to take small groups of up to 8 divers around some of the finest sites of the Mergui Archipelago and more.   8 days / 9 nights - Thailand, Myanmar, South Mergui Price: US$ 2,060 Std cabin NOW US$ 1,648 pp! Save US$ 824 per cabin!US$ 2,180 Dlx cabin NOW US$ 1,744 pp! Save US$ 872 per cabin!10 days / 11 nights - Thailand, Myanmar, South and North Mergui Price: US$ 2,460 Std cabin NOW US$ 1,968 pp! Save US$ 984 per cabin!US$ 2,610 Dlx cabin NOW US$ 2,088 pp! Save US$ 1,044 per cabin!Cruise Price includes: Transfer to/from the vessel from anywhere on Phuket Islands,all meals & snacks, fruits, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, drinking water, tanks, weights Extras: Alcoholic Drinks & soft drinks, Myanmar Safari Visa & Park fees US$ 150 per person Similan & Surin National Park fees (US$ 9 per day per person), Nitrox fills. More information about Sai Mai here: Sai MaiFor bookings, please contact Blog@Dive-The-World.com or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket - 083 505 7794.
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