News
Dominica Celebrates 23rd Year of Dive Fest
Diving amateurs and the more experienced can enjoy some of the world’s best diving at reduced rates during Dominica Dive Fest, the Caribbean’s longest running dive festival. The nine-day festival from the 7th to 16th July marks the 23rd consecutive year for Dive Fest.
The annual event hosted by Dominica Watersports Association offer diving sessions at the cheapest rates of the year some of the most pristine and healthiest reefs in the Caribbean. Dominica is also home to volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, black sand beaches, impressive waterfalls and remarkable land and sea life, earning itself the title of the Caribbean’s ‘Nature Island’.
Dominica is a favourite amongst divers due to its unique features and varied sites. Champagne Reef is one of Dominica’s most famous diving and snorkelling sites. Located in the northernmost part of the Marine Reserve, Champagne Reef’s sub-aquatic hot springs emulate that of the bubbles in a glass of champagne. Totally unique to Dominica, geothermal springs release gasses into the 15 feet of water creating bubbles and a sea floor which is warm to the touch. Champagne Reef is also known for its rich wildlife with schools of squid, spotlight parrotfish and huge lobsters and crabs commonly seen.
Along with Champagne reef, Dominica boasts a number of other famed dive locations including Scott’s Head Pinnacle which is located where the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas meet, creating some of Dominica’s most impressive and picturesque swims. ‘The Suburbs’ and ‘The Village’ offer richly covered rocky drop-offs that attract several sea life species such as black durgons, huge barracudas, turtles and big stingrays. All together Dominica has over 20 individual dive sites that remain uncrowded by the masses and showcase an assortment of colourful sea life.
There will be plenty of excitement for non-divers as well, with a great mix of athletic and family events which help make Dive Fest a nine-day celebration for all. Activities range from swimming, kayaking and Pwi Pwi races, to the most renowned event, the Kubuli Canoe Race where teams of four compete in traditional fishing boats.
Families can come together to be a part of Beach BBQ’s, kids snorkel treasure hunts and a family fun day with turtle hatchings and most famously the “Jing Ping Ting” (an evening of fresh seafood and dancing to traditional Jing Ping Music). There is also the opportunity to go on discounted whale watching tours where guests can experience the 90% sighting success rate in Dominica.
Visit during Dive Fest
Kenwood Travel is offering a seven-night stay during Dive Fest from £1,375pp
Dominica’s finest heritage hotel is situated in the heart of the islands historic capital Roseau on the waterfront. This luxurious hotel is only steps away from Saint George Anglican Church and the Dominica Museum and features a full-service spa, restaurant, four bars / lounges, 24 hour fitness centre and poolside bar. For scuba divers, Fort Young has its own fully equipped Buddy Dive shop and jetty to accommodate water activities. *The package includes seven nights at Fort Young for two adults together with bed and breakfast and flights from the UK departing 11 July.
To book please call 020 7749 9245 or visit www.kenwoodtravel.co.uk
For more information on Dominica please visit www.discoverdominica.com
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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