News
Dive Worldwide Reveal Plans For The World’s Largest Manta Ray Sanctuary In Indonesia

This week marks a huge milestone in manta conservation – tailor-made specialist Dive Worldwide is delighted to reveal that the Indonesian government is to establish the world’s largest manta ray sanctuary, encompassing a massive 6 million sq. kms. of ocean. The new legislation now enforces full, nationwide protection for both manta species across Indonesia. To protect these giant rays still further, UK based tour operator Dive Worldwide are introducing a conservation holiday that monitors the mantas in Raja Ampat, an archipelago of islands in eastern Indonesia, at the epicentre of the Coral Triangle.
Indonesia boasts the second-largest manta tourism industry in the world, making the species vital for many communities relying on ecotourism for their livelihood. However, manta rays are a highly threatened species as they are targeted for their gill plates which are sold as a medicinal tonic on the Asian market, despite no scientifically proven health benefits. Although there is clear evidence that stocks are in decline, these fisheries continue to increase their fishing efforts, posing a huge threat to the survival of manta populations.
Dive Worldwide offers its new trip in association with the Manta Trust which continues to research and monitor the Indonesian manta population and works closely with local communities to increase awareness and support of alternative, sustainable incomes.
Guy Stevens, chief executive of Dive Worldwide’s new partner in conservation, the Manta Trust,commented: “Manta rays are an iconic species; they symbolise what is at stake if we choose not to protect our oceans and their inhabitants for our future generations. The Indonesian Government’s decision to legally protect manta rays is a great step along the road to effective conservation of these increasingly vulnerable species. I applaud the government for this positive action and I strongly urge other nations to follow in their footsteps.”
New Dive Worldwide Conservation Trips in Partnership with the Manta Trust
As the only UK tour operator to work in partnership with the Manta Trust, Dive Worldwide has introduced the following trips to its Just Conservation programme in Indonesia and elsewhere:
Monitoring Mantas in Raja Ampat, Indonesia: This trip invites divers to explore the underwater paradise of Raja Ampat in Indonesia. From a luxurious liveaboard vessel, visitors can take on the role of research assistant, monitoring manta rays, collecting data, taking underwater photographs to identify them, or naming one if it’s unknown. Dive up to three times per day.
Price: An 11-day trip costs from £4,865 pp inc. international flights and full board accommodation. Group size 1 – 10. Recommended for experienced divers.
Manta Research in Yap: Head to Micronesia to join the Manta Trust, where time is divided between a superb liveaboard in pristine waters and on shore diving. Research assistants use diving skills to help identify manta populations and to collect habitat data. As no other liveaboards exist in the area, it is possible to explore waters where no divers have previously been.
Price: A 14-day trip costs from £5,385 pp inc. international flights, transfers, and 12 nights’ lodge / liveaboard accommodation. Departs 30 June & 7 July 2014. Group size 1 – 10. Recommended for experienced divers.
Manta Monitoring in the Maldives: working alongside expert Dr Guy Stevens (founder of the Manta Trust), the team will cruise the less explored Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, on board The Explorer, a luxury Four Seasons liveaboard. While taking on the role of research assistant, witness the incredible mass feeding natural phenomenon, and study both reef and giant oceanic manta rays – with aggregations of up to 150 mantas. Divers are also likely to see hawksbill and green turtles, whale sharks, honeycomb moray eel, Napoleon wrasse, scorpion fish, titan trigger fish, schooling banner fish and colourful coral reefs.
Price: A 10-day trip costs from £5,325pp inc. international flights, 7 nights’ full board on the liveaboard, all transfers, and up to 4 dives daily. Departs 20 August & 10 September 2014.
All prices are per person based on two sharing and include a donation of £100 to the Manta Trust.
For further information visit www.diveworldwide.com or call 0845 1306980.
News
Exclusive Red Sea Diving Safari for Family & Friends on VIP ONE

Imagine a week of world-class diving, luxury, and adventure—all aboard your own private liveaboard! VIP ONE offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and exceptional diving in the stunning Northern Red Sea.
June, July & August are THE best times of year to dive the Red Sea- with 29 degrees water temperature, less boats, the legendary Ras Mohammed National Marine Park is buzzing with life. Guaranteed schooling fish, perfect conditions with 16 hours of daylight to maximise your diving opportunities!
Charter the entire yacht for just €10,000 (up to 10 passengers) – that’s only €1,000per person for an unforgettable 5-star diving experience!
For more information or to book, email info@vipone.com.
News
Scubaverse Welcomes Jacob Guy to the Underwater Photography Team

We’re thrilled to announce the final addition to our new Scubaverse Underwater Photography Team: multi-award-winning underwater filmmaker and photographer Jacob Guy.
Like Shannon Moran, who we announced as one of our new underwater photography team members yesterday, Jacob represents the next generation of underwater image-makers, bringing fresh energy and a seriously impressive set of credentials to the team. A Fourth Element ambassador, teacher at The Underwater Club, and co-founder of 71%, Jacob is passionate about conservation and natural history storytelling, using his lens to inspire a deeper connection to the ocean.
Jacob has filmed and self-produced award-winning documentaries and worked as a photo and video pro in Lembeh and on liveaboards throughout Indonesia. Most recently, he was named Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, further cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting emerging talents in underwater media today.
You may already be familiar with his compelling work across social media, where he shares his ocean adventures via @JacobGuy.media.
“I’m really excited to be joining the team at Scubaverse,” said Jacob.
“And I couldn’t be happier to have him onboard,” said Scubaverse founder, Dave Alexander. “Jacob is part of a bold new wave of underwater storytellers—and I’m delighted that Scubaverse can be part of his journey as he continues to make waves in the world of diving and underwater photography.”
We can’t wait to share with you what our new underwater photography team cook up—there’s a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon, so stay tuned!
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