Blogs
Pure Tranquility: a well needed Winter Red Sea liveaboard getaway
It’s been a quiet year for diving and underwater photography this year for me, and with a baby due early next year, it could potentially get quieter. For that reason, a dive trip before the New Year was more than welcome. After having a couple of other potential trips not come to fruition, I was definitely itching to get back underwater.
With my wife heavily pregnant, I was reluctant to look at any BIG trips that would take me to the other side of the world in remote, hard to reach places. My mind was definitely thinking Red Sea, and with this time of year being prime oceanic whitetip shark action, a “Simply the Best” itinerary to Brothers and Daedalus would be just the ticket – a quick week away, within easy reach, and with great diving. Come on scuba Gods, do me proud. Well!! They certainly did, as I got the phone call to join Scuba Travel onboard M/Y Tranquility, and on a “Simply the Best” itinerary to boot. WHAT A RESULT!!
First things first – Getting there. Travelling with Scuba Travel couldn’t be easier, and everything is planned and sorted for you. You get a special log in for your ‘manage my booking’ page on their website, allowing you to access all the details for the trip you need. There’s always someone on hand to answer questions, and they make sure to give you all the relevant information to make sure you’re ready for the trip (FCDO links, dive insurance links, safe and healthy holiday links e.t.c.). My return flights were Gatwick to Hurghada with EasyJet, and Scuba Travel can even pre-book your visa to avoid any unnecessary delays on arrival in Hurghada. A representative is there to meet you at immigration with the Visa. Return transport is also included from the airport to the boat and back, ensuring a smooth and safe journey. It wasn’t long before I was getting my first glimpse of my home for the week.
Formally Oman Aggressor, this highly comfortable boat has found a new home in the Red Sea and been renamed Tranquility. It was certainly Tranquil by name, Tranquil by nature. A beautiful big boat which was certainly at home at sea; a stunning 45m steel hulled liveaboard which was super comfortable and stable. We had strong winds for the whole week, but Tranquility’s safe, stable build meant we didn’t miss out on visiting the offshore reefs the “Simply the Best” itinerary is famous for. I also felt completely safe, even in the harshest conditions the week could throw at us, and didn’t feel sea sick once; a testament to its build quality.
If you’re familiar with joining a Red Sea liveaboard from Hurghada Marina, you’ll know that the first impression you get of the boat is the most important – the Dive Deck!! As you approach from the rear and enter the boat for the first time, your eyes are already scanning the space and equipment. Thankfully, I was super impressed with the size, and all the cylinders looked in great condition, with 2 rows of 12 cylinder spaces through the middle and 2 rows of 5 along the back edge. With camera tables either side and plenty of charging portholes, it was more than adequate to accommodate the maximum of 24 dive guests. In fact, there were 16 divers plus 3 guides on our trip and we comfortably kitted up together.
Arriving at night meant we were soon ushered into the bright and airy salon leading to the dining area. A refreshing welcome drink greeted us, and it wasn’t long before we were getting our first impressions of the food onboard. Dinner was served almost instantly and was a delicious buffet style set up with plenty of choice, from cold starters to tasty hot food and some dessert to finish up. They catered brilliantly for a number of vegetarians/pescatarians onboard also. The food continued to impress throughout the week, and the Egyptian Beef dish was incredible – so succulent, and bursting with flavour, I was glad it was served on more than one occasion.
It’s very important to me how liveaboards deal with safety onboard and how the briefings are delivered, so it was reassuring when Reda gave us the initial boat briefing and couldn’t have been more stern and thorough with the delivery. Yassir was the same when it came to dive briefings, and in particular the shark briefing. I kind of felt like a naughty school kid with how firm they were in delivering their briefings! I’m more than happy with that when it comes to safety though. I was also reassured someone would always be on hand.
Tranquility offers 12 well-appointed cabins across 3 decks, all with en-suite, media player, hairdryers and individual AC climate controls. I was in one of the lower deck cabins (Cabin 3), which was a large room, with more than adequate space for 2 people sharing on a twin cabin share. However, I lucked out on this trip with my own room to myself. Unfortunately, with everyone boarding the boat at the same time and getting in their rooms as quick as possible, I didn’t get chance to check out the master cabins on the upper deck and the suite on the main deck. However, the impression I got from those staying in them was that they were large comfortable rooms with a great view out. I’ve looked at the images online and they do look incredible.
Overall, my experience onboard was a great one and really added to the amazing diving we had. While winter does get a little more windy and chilly, it did mean the top deck was free a lot during the trip, so when I wanted to take some time to myself, I would lie on the loungers in the sun listening to music. There’s also a jacuzzi on the top deck but we didn’t use it because of the time of year. The upper deck has a comfortable seating area at the stern of the boat and is where most the socialising took place during the evenings. It was also a great place to sit and watch the sunset and the moon rise out of the sea, something I really enjoy on a Red Sea liveaboard.
With 2 large screen TV’s in the salon and comfortable seating, I really enjoyed the few nights we were able to get a film on and relax. With a last day’s stay at Blue Beach Club in the Marina which also included with a Scuba Travel trip, it was nice to relax before our 6pm pick-up for our flight home.
My home for the week was way more than adequate, with some great company onboard. Stay tuned to see what the diving had to offer in my upcoming blogs…….
For more information about Tranquility and diving in the Red Sea:
+44 (0)1483 411590
The UK Dive Season has begun, so to get you all excited about the adventures that await you this Summer, we’re throwing the spotlight on some of the fantastic dive spots that can be found in UK waters.
You’ve got to make sure you’ve got the right kit for the job, of course, so we’ve teamed up with some leading dive equipment brands who offer the gear you’ll need to experience UK Diving.
So let’s get started!
SCAPA FLOW, ORKNEY
For wreck diving this has to be the premier dive location in the UK, where the remains of the German High Seas Fleet lie after being deliberately scuttled by the German Navy in 1919. Along with the blockships like the Tabarka, that lie in shallower water, there are also several WWII vessels to explore. There is a shipwreck for every experience level in the Flow, and one trip may not be enough!
XDEEP @ NAUTILUS
Email: info@nautilus.uk / Web: www.nautilus.uk/brand/xdeep/
XDEEP Facebook / XDEEP NX Series Facebook Group / Nautilus Facebook
For over a decade XDEEP has innovated in the scuba industry sector and evolved into a manufacturer reknowned for cutting edge design and development. Born from the need to explore, the design and implementation of advanced exploration equipment has made its way into the recreational and technical diving arena, much as Formula 1 motorsport. Now each product is recognised as ground breaking in its design and being the most effective in its class. Premium components and the most advanced manufacturing techniques mean reliability is second to none whilst retaining both function and form.
Email: info@nautilus.uk / Web: www.nautilus.uk/brand/xdeep/
XDEEP Facebook / XDEEP NX Series Facebook Group / Nautilus Facebook
ST ABBS AND EYEMOUTH, SCOTLAND
This protected area of coastline has a wonderful array of marine life. The rocks here are festooned with soft corals, anemones, sea urchins and starfish. A huge diversity of fish including wolf fish and conger eels keep divers coming back trip after trip.
OTTER DRYSUITS
Email: sales@drysuits.co.uk / Web: www.otterwatersports.uk / Telephone: 01274 379480
Facebook / Instagram
Otter understands what it takes to make a great drysuit. When we say our suits are ‘exploration grade’, we mean it – with over 37 years of experience behind us, Otter suits are the choice of some of the biggest names in dive exploration. From the deepest wrecks to the longest caves, diving explorers choose Otter to protect them from the harshest conditions.
Otter Drysuits was founded in 1986 by John Womack Snr in Bradford, West Yorkshire. A renowned diver in his own right, John was directly involved in major technical diving expeditions sponsored by Otter, including three on the renowned Britannic wreck in Greece, HMS Victoria off Lebanon and the wrecks of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse in the South China Sea.
From the outset, Otter Drysuits has been known for innovation, and this is as true today as it has ever been. Our popular Brittanic drysuit offers amazing fit and comfort and is one of our toughest suits, with a telescopic section allowing easy movement out of the water. The Atlantic range offers unequalled stretch and movement for the wearer, whilst using hard-wearing materials and even Kevlar to protect in even the most extreme environments. Top-quality components from YKK, Apeks, Si-Tech and KUBI ensure Otter Drysuits can offer the ideal drysuit to suit the needs of even the most demanding of divers.
The result of years of development and unrivalled experience, our award-winning suits are renowned for their quality, fit and durability. Available either made-to-measure or in a full set of standard sizes, we offer a range of materials including membrane (trilaminate), neoprene and now the incredibly tough Kevlar.
We offer every possible option on our drysuits – from multiple valve positions to pee valves and field-changeable neck and wrist seals. With each suit made entirely by one single craftsperson, we work closely with our customers to provide a customised suit at an outstanding price. As our many customers across the globe will attest, our reputation for quality, value and customer service is second to none.
Our trilaminate drysuits are renowned across the world for their quality of build and incredible durability. It’s not by accident that you see so many Otter drysuits worn by professionals on television and in the media. They’re built to perform; dive after dive, year after year. Wherever your diving takes you, choose Otter.
Email: sales@drysuits.co.uk / Web: www.otterwatersports.uk / Telephone: 01274 379480
Facebook / Instagram
ANGLESEY, WALES
Anglesey, across the Menai Strait, has a great number of shore dives at shallow depths, easily accessible and with fantastic marine life. A whole holiday can be spent doing relaxed gully and reef dives accessible from the local beaches. With several hundred wrecks along the coast, including the SS Missouri and a B-17 Bomber, there are boat diving options too and diving for all experience levels.
AP DIVING
Email: info@apdiving.com / Web: www.apdiving.com / Telephone: 01326 561040
Facebook / Instagram
AP Diving began life over 55 years ago as a small family business. Today we are an award-winning internationally respected dive manufacturer with a legacy of pioneering and landmark products – from the AP Valve, the TEKWING and the COMMANDO BCD range to the constantly evolving and world-beating INSPIRATION closed circuit rebreather. Our mission has always been to help divers dive better, explore further, stay longer, and enjoy the adventure. Take your diving to the next level with AP.
Email: info@apdiving.com / Web: www.apdiving.com / Telephone: 01326 561040
Facebook / Instagram
PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES
Home to the Skomer Marine Reserve, this spectacular reef is teeming with life, from dolphins to nudibranchs, seals to seahorses. Walls drop off to deep water, caves lure explorers and hundreds of wrecks mean there is something for everyone.
URSUIT @ LIQUID SPORTS
Email: info@liquidsports.co.uk / Web: liquidsports.co.uk
Ursuit Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook
Ursuit Oy is a Finnish company established in 1964. The factory is located in Turku, Finland.
We manufacture Ursuit® drysuits for all kinds of water activities, both under and above the surface. Main product groups are diving, rescue and recreational drysuits. The Ursuit drysuit range consists of over 15 standard surface drysuit models and over 10 standard diving drysuit models in many colours for both men and women.
All of the Ursuit drysuits are handmade and therefore they can easily be modified according to customer needs and wishes. A standard model can easily be customized with different kinds of pockets, MOLLE-system, relief zippers etc.
The drysuits can directly be produced according to the user´s measurements, even in big quantities. We have produced made-to-measure drysuits with individual customizations for fire departments, coast guards, police and military forces, maritime crews and several other professional instances.
Our production is carefully controlled and audited annually by a Notified Body according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, SOLAS/MED and EASA/ETSO requirements. These quality assurances make it possible that the user can concentrate on the most essential, the activity.
Email: info@liquidsports.co.uk / Web: www.liquidsports.co.uk
Ursuit Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook
LUNDY, DEVON
Lundy Island, in the mouth of the Bristol Channel about 12 miles off the coast of North Devon, is a Marine Conservation Zone with fabulously rich marine life, impressive visibility and numerous wrecks to explore. The local seal population can be very playful and the biodiversity some of the best in the UK waters. Tidal currents can be strong, so this is best dived by experienced divers.
FARNE ISLANDS
Famous for its brilliant seal encounters, the Farne Islands have a large and playful population of grey seals. Diveable year round when the weather is calm, there are sites for all levels. Rock faces covered with crevices and gullies to explore shelter a host of marine life, such as lobsters, crab, nudibranchs and anemones. There are also several good wreck dives in the area. The islands are also home to the beloved puffin, which can be seen in the nesting season.
BIGBLUE DIVE LIGHTS @ LIQUID SPORTS
Email: info@liquidsports.co.uk / Web: liquidsports.co.uk
Bigblue Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook
Big Blue is dive light manufacturer providing new innovations in all market segments : Recreational, Videography, Photography, Technical, Commercial, Back-Up and Rescue. Big Blue is the fastest growing dive light manufacturer in the industry building our brand through quality, creative and great customer service. With advanced designs and unprecedented affordability, Big Blue offers the most affordable and technologically advanced LED lights on the market. We incorporate the latest technologies producing the most efficient portable illumination. In addition to brilliant design features, we offer the most ideal lights for underwater illumination, night diving and video lighting.Whether you are looking for a simple recreational dive light or a full-blown technical underwater illumination system. With a lumen offering from 250 to 65000 Big Blue has a light for you!
Email: info@liquidsports.co.uk / Web: www.liquidsports.co.uk
Bigblue Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook
PORTHKERRIS, CORNWALL
Porthkerris lies on the Lizard peninsula of Cornwall. It is a famously treacherous area of submerged rocks like the Manacles which has resulted in hundreds of shipwrecks, now a haven for sea life. Dive sites in the area are suited to a range of experience levels, from an easy yet beautiful shore dive at Porthkerris beach to boat diving offshore pinnacles like Vase rock, now covered in swathes of jewel anemones. Basking sharks are also seen in the area in late spring to early summer feeding on plankton blooms.
KUBI DRY GLOVES
Email: Sales@kubistore.com / Web: www.kubistore.com / Tel: 01162 388 255
Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn
KUBI Dry Gloves represent innovation and quality in diving equipment. Designed to keep divers’ hands warm and dry in cold water environments, KUBI gloves offer a reliable seal that prevents water from seeping in, ensuring comfort and dexterity during dives.
Crafted from durable materials and engineered with precision, these gloves prioritize both functionality and durability, making them a trusted choice among professional and recreational divers alike. Beyond gloves, the KUBI brand extends its expertise to essential accessories like transport bags and dry bags. Crafted with the same dedication to quality and functionality, these accessories offer divers reliable solutions for storing and transporting their gear.
The KUBI brand is synonymous with excellence in diving gear. With a commitment to meeting the needs of divers worldwide, KUBI continuously pushes the boundaries of design and performance. KUBI’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction has earned us a reputation as a leader in the diving industry. Whether exploring vibrant coral reefs, descending into the depths of wrecks or going deep into a cave/mine divers can trust KUBI Dry Gloves to provide the protection they need to enjoy their underwater adventures to the fullest.
Email: Sales@kubistore.com / Web: www.kubistore.com / Tel: 01162 388 255
Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn
DORSET
Dorset has several excellent wreck dives, from submarines, to warships, and sailboats to tanks. The M2 submarine off Portland is a stunning wreck with a tragic story. If wrecks are not your thing, or you’d like a shallow dive to finish off the day, Swanage Pier is an easy and excellent shallow shore dive. The Victorian era pilings are covered in life and the structure provides a nursery for pollock, bib and ballan wrasse. The shallow depth means the light is superb for underwater photography and there are usually plenty of willing subjects like the ever popular tompot blenny and cuttlefish.
MAXSHOW LTD
Email: enquiries@maxshow.co.uk / Web: www.maxshow.ltd.uk / Tel: 01162 388 255
Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn
Maxshow LTD is a premier distributor known for its diverse portfolio of up to 10 esteemed brands catering to the diving industry and more. Among its offerings are Miflex hoses, renowned for their durability and flexibility, providing divers with reliable hoses for their underwater adventures.
KUBI, another staple brand, delivers innovative Dry Gloves and Thermal Gear, ensuring comfort and protection in cold water environments. OmniSwivel offers advanced swivel systems, enhancing divers’ mobility and safety during dives.
Maxshow LTD also represents other brands such as Best Divers, Varma, Oceanarium, Sticktite, and Bags of Paper, each offering unique solutions for divers’ needs. Best Divers provides a wide range of accessories, while Varma offers quality wool apparel. Oceanarium specializes in creative products, Sticktite offers adhesive solutions for sight and Bags of Paper provides environmentally friendly packaging. AquaSketch rounds out the lineup with innovative underwater writing slates.
With Maxshow LTD’s commitment to quality and diversity, divers can trust in the reliability and performance of these brands for their diving endeavors.
Email: enquiries@maxshow.co.uk / Web: www.maxshow.ltd.uk / Tel: 01162 388 255
Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn
RATHLIN ISLAND, NORTHERN ISLAND
Rathlin to the north of Ballycastle has some fantastic diving. The strong tidal currents in this area mean the marine life is numerous, varied, vibrant and healthy. The northwest cliffs drop to depths of 200m just offshore making an impressive wall dive. Tides hitting the cliffs can create powerful up and down currents, so experience and staying close to the rock is important, but well worth the effort. On the east coast the wreck of the S.S Lochgary, a converted government transport ship, which was involved in the WWII Dunkirk evacuation, before sinking in her current location in 1942.
Happy diving!!!
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.
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