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Apeks announce Sponsorship of first ever Cave Camp

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Cave Camp

Apeks-Logo-Cave-Diving-Cave-Diving-Courses-Full-Cave-Diver-Cave-Explorer-Cave-Diving-MexicoApeks, one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of scuba diving equipment, has announced it is to be the main sponsor of the first ever Cave Camp, a unique event that is pitched at divers of all levels – from the ‘cave curious’ with no previous experience of cavern or cave diving to the ‘cave committed’ looking to further their diving ambitions.

“Apeks is the perfect sponsor for the inaugural Cave Camp and we are so proud to be working with a great team of exceptional cave instructors,” explains Dean Martin, Apeks Sales Manager for UK and Holland.

Imagine the thrill of visiting a place that very few humans have visited before – somewhere that has taken nature literally thousands of years to shape and yet has remained untouched for a millennia. There are very few places on this Earth that match that description but cave divers are privileged to experience that thrill on every dive.  At Cave Camp 2016 in Mexico between the 29 October and the 12 November 2016, you too can experience the breathtaking Cenotes and discover for yourself what it takes to be a cave diving explorer.

Cave Camp aims to inspire the next generation of cave divers through direct contact with leading cave instructors and explorers. The organisers have secured the involvement of some of the world’s biggest names in cave diving including two members of the world-famous ‘Divers of the Dark’ team, Sami Paakkarinen and Phil Short.  Also involved are world-class cave instructors Mathew Partridge, Ian France, Oliver Marsel, Gemma Smith, John Kendall and Garry Dallas.

Based in the beautiful, unspoilt coastal town of Tulum just two hours South of Cancun in Mexico, Cave Camp offers a packed schedule of fascinating cave talks and workshops plus the opportunity to ‘try dive’ some cool cave diving equipment.  Participants can get involved in a range of cave and cavern related diving activities including diver training from entry-level cavern to full cave. For those who simply want to experience the stunning caverns and caves that has made the Yucatan famous, a full range of guided diving options will also be available to suit divers of all levels.

“Gemma and I are seriously excited to be a part of this stunning new development.  The crystal clear still waters and the fairy kingdom like speleothem formations of the Yucatan’s sea-invaded cave systems are among the best cave dives in the world and we look forward to introducing others to the wonder of the cave environment during this groundbreaking and inspirational event,” commented Phil Short, IANTD UK Training Director, explorer and owner of Dark Water Exploration.

Cave Camp is the brain child of Lanny & Claire Vogel – two former Royal Navy officers who moved to Mexico in May 2014 to pursue their dream of setting up a dive centre in the beautiful Riviera Maya.

Captivated by the glorious white sands, turquoise sea, fascinating Mayan culture and, of course, some of the very best diving anywhere in the world, Lanny & Claire fell in love with Mexico on their very first visit. With the help of Cave Camp, they hope to share the magic of Mexico with divers from across the world.

“Few diving destinations can rival the abundance and sheer natural beauty that the breathtaking Cenotes of the Riviera Maya offers visiting divers. With the largest flooded cave systems in the world on our doorstep, Mexico is the perfect place to discover cavern and cave diving and we’ve made it even easier with Cave Camp.  We’re looking forward to welcoming divers from across the world for two weeks of spectacular diving, cavern and cave training, try dives, fabulous talks and, of course, some great social evenings sponsored by our good friends at Apeks. Cave Camp will be as much about having fun as diving – we want guests to love every minute of it,” commented Cave Camp Organiser, Lanny Vogel.

Attendance to Cave Camp 2016 costs just £499 which includes return airport transfers between Cancun International Airport, 14 nights accommodation on a self-catering basis and full access to all Cave Camp talks and social events (international flights not included). Other activities including diver training and guided diving are available at an additional charge.  Diver training should be pre-booked to avoid disappointment. Some workshops may require payment of an additional entry fee and/or equipment rental charge.

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Euro-Divers to close dive centre at NH Collection Maldives Havodda

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Havodda

Euro-Divers have announced that as of 15 April 2024, they will no longer be operating the dive centre at NH Collection Maldives Havodda (formerly known as Amari Havodda).

The popular dive centre chain released this statement regarding the closure:

Dear valid customers, business partners and friends,

We are leaving NH Collection Maldives Havodda – former Amari Havodda as of 15th of April 2024.

Unfortunately, the information reached us on short notice that we are no longer operating the dive centre at the resort.

It was a great pleasure to work with the Amari Hotel group and continue to work with the NH Hotel group.

We wish our partners great success with all their new changes.

Thanks a lot for cooperating during our time at the resort. We wish everyone with whom we have worked a good and hopefully successful future.

Euro-Divers continue to operate in several other dive resorts throughout the Maldives in addition to other locations.

To finds out more about Euro-Divers, visit www.euro-divers.com.

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Marine Life & Conservation Blogs

Creature Feature: Undulate Ray

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In this series, the Shark Trust will be sharing amazing facts about different species of sharks and what you can do to help protect them.

This month we’re looking at the Undulate Ray. Easily identified by its beautiful, ornate pattern, the Undulate Ray gets its name from the undulating patterns of lines and spots on its dorsal side.

This skate is usually found on sandy or muddy sea floors, down to about 200 m deep, although it is more commonly found shallower. They can grow up to 90 cm total length. Depending on the size of the individual, their diet can range from shrimps to crabs.

Although sometimes called the Undulate Ray, this is actually a species of skate, meaning that, as all true skates do, they lay eggs. The eggs are contained in keratin eggcases – the same material that our hair and nails are made up of! These eggcases are also commonly called mermaid’s purses and can be found washed up on beaches all around the UK. If you find one, be sure to take a picture and upload your find to the Great Eggcase Hunt – the Shark Trust’s flagship citizen science project.

It is worth noting that on the south coasts, these eggcases can be confused with those of the Spotted Ray, especially as they look very similar and the ranges overlap, so we sometimes informally refer to them as ‘Spundulates’.

Scientific Name: Raja undulata

Family: Rajidae

Maximum Size: 90cm (total length)

Diet: shrimps and crabs

Distribution: found around the eastern Atlantic and in the Mediterranean Sea.

Habitat: shelf waters down to 200m deep.

Conservation Status : As a commercially exploited species, the Undulate Ray is a recovering species in some areas. The good thing is that they have some of the most comprehensive management measures of almost any elasmobranch species, with both minimum and maximum landing sizes as well as a closed season. Additionally, targeting is entirely prohibited in some areas. They are also often caught as bycatch in various fisheries – in some areas they can be landed whilst in others they must be discarded.

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered

For more great shark information and conservation visit the Shark Trust Website


Image Credits: Banner – Sheila Openshaw; Illustration – Marc Dando

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