News
Diving with… Norman M. Lopez, Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, Puerto Galera, Philippines
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
In this post, we chat with Norman M. Lopez from Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards who feature in our latest publication Philippines Dive Adventures – download your FREE copy here!
What is your name?
Norman M. Lopez
What is the name of your business?
Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards
What is your role within the business?
Dive Shop Team Leader
How long has the business operated for?
More than 25 years.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
More or less about 14 years. Currently an active PADI Instructor.
What is your favorite type of diving?
Mostly reef diving and also interested in wreck diving, muck diving and drift diving.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
Arrive as a Guest, Leave as a Friend.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
The Canyons. Well known for drift diving with its abundance of different varieties of soft and hard corals, and home for either solitary or schooling big fish.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Reef diving, wreck diving, muck diving, wall diving and also some places for technical diving.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
The ocean is my office. I get to see it mostly everyday, while scuba diving and teaching courses.
What is your favourite underwater creature?
Harlequin Shrimp.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
It will be a big challenge for all of us at this time however we will find a way to make it better as we slowly move on and get to a new beginning.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Coronavirus and the Pandemic.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
We work with the local dive shop association on clean-ups and alike, and have also hosted the California Academy of Science.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
We should work together to protect the environment and encourage younger people to get involved in diving.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
There is almost nowhere on the planet like Puerto Galera – the most biodiverse part of the coral triangle just a five minute boat ride from the resort.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
News
Stay Longer for Less at Temple Point, Kenya with Dive Worldwide
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
News
Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year
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
-
News3 months ago
Hone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News3 months ago
Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs3 months ago
Creature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs2 months ago
Murex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs2 months ago
Diver Discovering Whale Skeletons Beneath Ice Judged World’s Best Underwater Photograph
-
Gear Reviews3 weeks ago
GEAR REVIEW – Revolutionising Diving Comfort: The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months ago
Save the Manatee Club launches brand new webcams at Silver Springs State Park, Florida
-
Gear Reviews3 months ago
Gear Review: Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone