News
Discover a magical world beneath the surface in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Aotearoa, New Zealand and PADI® celebrate International Mermaid Day
Aotearoa, New Zealand has revealed a magical world beneath the ocean’s surface for International Mermaid Day, in partnership with PADI®.
Mesmerising underwater footage released today showcases official PADI Mermaid team members from around the world exploring renowned international dive site, the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, in the country’s Northland region.
Combining elements of freediving with wearing a ‘monofin’ or mermaid tail, the art of ‘mermaiding’ is making waves worldwide as an accessible and captivating way to connect with and explore beneath the surface.
PADI’s Mermaid Program launched globally in 2021 and has since built a strong wave of momentum capturing the imagination and curiosity of all ages and genders. Anyone over the age of six can start their mermaid journey, and learn to breath-hold, swim with a tail, read ocean conditions, and respect and protect marine life.
Certified PADI Mermaids have a unique passion for ocean advocacy, along with a deep care and connection to the ocean and all life that calls it home.
With expansive coastlines, marine reserves*, abundant wildlife, and hundreds of offshore islands, Aotearoa New Zealand boasts a plentiful paradise for inquisitive travellers looking to immerse themselves in the natural environment.
“The waters of Aotearoa are a special place for me personally, having had the privilege to explore above and beneath the surface as both an adventure seeker and a diver,” says Drew Richardson, PADI President and CEO.
“I’ll never forget the first time I experienced the Poor Knights Islands – the crown jewel of the Tutukākā coastline. From the dramatic topography to the thick kelp forests teeming with the unique combination of cold and subtropical marine species brought in by the Eastern Australian Current, not many dive sites have ever rivaled this one for me.
Imagine what our shared blue planet would be like if we had 10,000 more success stories** like the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve?”
The unique geography of the South Pacific destination creates a diverse underwater playground to explore from twinkling, sub-tropical waters and islands of the far north, to wild and wonder in the fiords of the deep south.
“It’s no secret our natural environment is part of what makes us an extraordinary destination to explore. But there is more here than meets the eye; our unique geography and climate create wondrous worlds above and below the surface for those travellers curious to discover all that Aotearoa, New Zealand has to offer,” says René de Monchy, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive.
“We are proud to team up with Tourism New Zealand this International Mermaid Day. TNZ is a like-minded partner devoted to the Tiaki Promise – the commitment to care for the people, place and culture of Aotearoa,” says Drew Richardson, PADI President and CEO.
For more information about New Zealand’s unique marine tourism opportunities and underwater-inspired experiences and travel inspiration, visit www.newzealand.com.
For more information about PADI and the PADI Mermaid Program, visit www.padi.com/mermaid-centers
*New Zealand has 44 marine reserves, which are protected areas of ocean within which it is prohibited to fish, remove, or disturb any marine life in order to preserve our species and habitat.
**PADI is on a mission to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 through its Adopt the Blue program, which is the world’s largest network of underwater sites that the organisation, alongside Ocean Torchbearers, is rallying to turn into marine protected areas.
This weekend, Liquid Sports will be at Wraysbury Dive Centre with an exciting lineup of premium dive gear and exclusive offers for visitors to the event.
Divers can get hands-on with the latest from Bigblue Dive Lights, Poseidon Diving Systems, Sharkskin Technical Watersports Apparel, and Ursuit Drysuits.
You’ll have the chance to demo a Poseidon regulator during the event, and if you decide to purchase one over the weekend, you’ll receive a 10% discount plus some special Poseidon goodies as a thank-you.
Whether you’re in the market for new equipment or just want to see what’s new in the dive world, make sure to stop by the Liquid Sports stand at Wraysbury this weekend.
For more information, contact:
Liquid Sports
📞 07585 935522
📧 info@liquidsports.co.uk
🌐 www.liquidsports.co.uk
This year diving holiday specialist Dive Worldwide is proudly celebrating their 25th anniversary.
For over a quarter of a century, their expert team of experienced divers have taken enormous pride in offering liveaboard and resort-based holidays as well as creating many thousands of magical tailor-made and small group diving itineraries in over 200 locations worldwide.
To celebrate 25 years of Dive Worldwide, we spotlight a few of their longstanding partnerships and client-favourite accommodation options that have been enjoyed by hundreds of their valued clients over the years. As with all of Dive Worldwide’s portfolio, these partners not only offer exceptional diving, but memorable accommodation and the very best service too, creating precious memories for divers.
This month, you can save £100pp on new, flight inclusive holidays with Dive Worldwide when you book by 27 June 2025. To claim your discount, quote code: ScubaverseJ25
You can find out more about Dive Worldwide online, submit an enquiry or call their expert team on 01962 302087.
Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard, Indonesia
Dewi Nusantara is Southeast Asia’s largest, most iconic and elegant liveaboard, custom-built for lengthy scuba diving explorations. Transporting you to one of the most remote and spectacular diving destinations on Earth, you can enjoy luxury, world-class diving across the vibrant seas of the Coral Triangle, exploring world-renowned reefs at Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, the Forgotten Islands and Cenderawasih Bay.
To celebrate 25 years, the Dive Worldwide team are jumping aboard Dewi Nusantara this summer and inviting you to join them! Dive with Product Manager Joanna Charter to The Birdshead Peninsular, departing 3 July 2025 or join Dive Sales Consultant, Philippa Anderson to North Raja Ampat, departing 16 August 2025.
Book now to save 25% on selected last-minute summer 2025 Dewi Nusantara itineraries.
Beth S. travelled on Dewi Nusantara with Dive Worldwide in November and said “Dewi Nusantara was a premium liveaboard experience – the service, the diving, the food and the accommodation were all absolutely incredible. There’s nothing I would change about this experience and I will be going back!”
Find out more about Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard
Vilamendhoo Island Resort, Maldives
One of the classic Maldivian dive resorts, Vilamendhoo Island Resort is a quintessential paradise for snorkellers and divers, regularly welcoming Dive Worldwide’s eager clients.
Located in the southeast corner of the South Ari Atoll, this beautiful resort sits alongside a turquoise lagoon and 900 metre wide sand beach. Choose from a variety of comfortable room types, all featuring their own private patio area.
A Euro Divers PADI 5-star dive centre is just a few metres from the house reef, operating scuba diving and snorkelling activities. There’s a marine biology centre too, led by the Manta Trust who regularly run workshops for guests.
Benedict W. stayed at Vilamendhoo Island Resort in March after booking through Dive Worldwide and thought, “It’s a very comfortable resort with an excellent dive centre. The water bungalows are very spacious.”
Discover Vilamendhoo Island Resort
Siladen Resort & Spa, Indonesia
The Siladen Resort & Spa has hosted countless Dive Worldwide clients over the years, and it’s easy to see why. Guests love this exclusive award-winning boutique dive resort for its hidden location in the heart of the marine-rich Bunaken Marine Park, secluded accommodation, tropical gardens and elegant and relaxing atmosphere.
It’s suitable for both divers and snorkellers and there are a variety of topside and sea excursions available. Facilities include a restaurant and lounge bar, a saltwater pool and a spa where a full range of local treatments and massages are available.
here’s an onsite PADI 5-star dive centre too, strategically located in the marine park.
David B. travelled in February and said, “Our booking through Dive Worldwide was very smooth and well handled, and the staff at Siladen were outstanding and took care of our requests.”
Atmosphere Resort & Spa, Philippines
This owner-operated luxury resort in Dauin has retained its place as a firm favourite in the hearts of Dive Worldwide clients for 25 years. Not far from some of the best macro dive sites in the Philippines, guests are met with the warmest of Philippine hospitality combined with first-class amenities and services.
Surrounded by beautiful coconut plantations and perched between the mountains and the ocean, this stunning resort has a fantastic choice of accommodation options and facilities to enjoy, plus off-site activities can be arranged at the tour desk.
There’s an on-site PADI 5-star Instructor Development Centre. Here, photographers are well catered for with an on-site professional and a fully equipped, dedicated camera room.
Alison R. stayed at Atmosphere Resort & Spa in November and said, “The diving was fabulous and the Dive Worldwide team made it very special.”
A Message from Dive Worldwide’s Founder
Dive Worldwide recognise that their success is shared with the fantastic partners they work with to deliver exceptional diving adventures for eager divers. Here’s what Founder & Director Teresa Bennett had to say about reaching this significant milestone:
“When I founded Dive Worldwide 25 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the remarkable journey we would take. I’m incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built, the professional and dedicated team behind our success and all the unique experiences we continue to offer our valued clients.”
What better way to select your next diving holiday than calling on Dive Worldwide’s 25 years of experience, especially when you can save £100pp?
Find out more about Dive Worldwide, submit an enquiry or call their expert team today on 01962 302087.
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