News
Dominica Dive Fest Diaries: Diving in the north
In the second part of our Dive Fest Diaries, we visit the north of the island to dive with Cabrits Dive Centre.
We were staying at the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau, and so we had an early start to drive to Portsmouth in the north of Dominica. But the diving to be had in this more remote area is well worth the journey, as we were to find out…
The reef was, once again, in incredible condition, with sponges of all colours packed in around the hard and soft corals. A kaleidoscope of colour hits you as soon as you descend. We only had two dives in the north, and so the team from Cabrits Dive Centre picked what is considered the best reef dive in the north: Toucari Caves for us do explore on our first dive. It did not disappoint!
Unusually, it was perfect for either wide angle or macro photography, with colourful seascapes and lots of tiny critters to find.
Our second dive saw us head to a jetty, where there had been recent sightings of multiple frogfish. We love diving pier structures as they always have something to offer and this one was a real treat. A barracuda hunted at the surface, while we peered at the legs of the pier to try to find the masters of disguise. It was not long before three frogfish had been found.
Before long we heard a clanging that signalled it was time to ascend and head back to shore. To our amazement we found we had been diving the small jetty for 90 minutes and we were now running late for the final part of our day – a boat tour along Indian River.
This tranquil trip is famous for being where parts of Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed, as well as for its rum tasting; however it was the scenery that really took our breath away.
To see the full feature about our trip to Dominica in the new Autumn 2019 Dive Travel Adventures magazine click here.
For more information about Dominica click here. To visit the Cabrits Dive Centre website click here.
Marine Life & Conservation
Experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by few nights with Sharks next month at some really great rates with Seas4Life (Watch Video)
An Exclusive, Expert Led, One-Off experience…
For just a few short weeks each year – end of May through to end of June – the mighty Sardine Run showcases the epic efforts of supreme marine predators working in unison to feed off the migrating sardines in a most dynamic flurry of action. End of June early July is also when the shark season begins – just imagine it is a David Attenbourgh Blue Planet experience.
In case this natural wonder wasn’t exciting enough – majestic humpback whales just happen to start their annual migration back up north adding to this phenomenal experience.
Its a must for the adventurous soul.. Lots of love, laughter, and smiles.
This is a feeding event of unmatched proportions. Thousands of common dolphin charge after the shoals, separating them into bait balls, with their ‘dolphin bubble technique’, bring them to the surface. Watched from the air by the cape gannets, who then launch a massive aerial assault on the sardines. They are also easy pickings for shivers of bronze whaler, dusky and black tip sharks, seals and lastly the huge mouths of Brydes (Brooders) whale that can consume an entire bait ball in one single lunge!
Seas4Life is offering an incredible deal for this year’s Sardine Run. Here are the details:
Date: June 23rd – July 2nd 2024
Type: Family, group, couples, solo travellers. Min of 4 pax – max 8 pax
Location: South Africa
Nights: 9 nights/10 days
Rates originally started at USD$9,705 per person 9 Nights PP, based on 5 pax on the trip. However, you can now experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by some seriously unforgettable shark action for just USD$7,100 per person.
Includes:
- 5 night stay at Gulu Game Reserve (23rd – 28th June)
- 4 night stay at Africa Oceans Manor (28th June– 2nd July)
- 9 nights fully catered stay with breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
- Welcome drinks and selected alcohol (local beers, wines and spirits)
- 4 Sardine Run Days and 3 full Shark Research Days – 1 morning being with Great White
sharks - Guiding by expert marine conservationists, shark specialists and ocean enthusiasts
- Transfers to and from the airports and to and from the launch base and hotels; and on 28th June from Gulu Game Reserve to African Oceans Manor along the Southern African Coastline and parts of the Garden Route
- Privately chartered 26 foot (8m) semi-rigid dive boat (South African Maritime Safety Authority, licensed to travel up to 40 Nautical miles offshore) with two 140hp motors
- Snorkelling and scuba diving gear
- All activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Use of Gulu Private Resort and African Oceans Manor facilities including rejuvenating in their spa, use of the pool, playing tennis, hiking or fishing… (these will be charged separately if used)
- Marine conservation contribution to the shark research unit
- Offsetting your carbon through Planet Moja
- AMREF
- Lead shark scientist Nico, sardine run expertise of ScubaXursions
- Julie as lead guide
- Lots of smiles, laughter and many memories made
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visas and taxes (airport, government and tourist)
- Scuba diving, free diving and underwater photography courses
- Alcoholic drinks (unless stated) champagne, luxury spirits and selected wines
- Activities not outlined above
- All photographic gear
- DAN Insurance, Scuba and/or photographic gear insurance
- All additional park and/or conservancy fees if applicable
- Travel and health insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
For more information or to book, contact Seas4Life now:
SALES@SEAS4LIFE.COM / +254 723 639 640 / seas4life.com
In a video recorded exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman reviews the Puck4 Dive Computer from Mares.
Find out more about Mares dive equipment at www.mares.com.
-
Gear Reviews1 month agoGEAR REVIEW – Revolutionising Diving Comfort: The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
-
Blogs4 weeks agoDive Indonesia Part 3: Dive into Lembeh Trip Report
-
Blogs2 months agoMurex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs3 months agoDiver Discovering Whale Skeletons Beneath Ice Judged World’s Best Underwater Photograph
-
News3 months agoPADI Teams Up with Wellness Brand Neuro to Drive Ocean Change and Create a Blue State of Mind
-
Blogs2 months agoSeagrass Awareness Month brings critical food source for Manatees to centre stage
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoSave the Manatee Club launches brand new webcams at Silver Springs State Park, Florida
-
Blogs2 months agoSOMABAY: Scubaverse interviews Wolfgang Clausen, General Manager, ORCA Dive Clubs