News
Diving with…Craig Stephen, Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Australia
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…
What is your name?
Craig Stephen
What is the name of your business?
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
What is your role within the business?
General Manager
How long has the business operated for?
Since 1969
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
32 yrs, OWSI
What is your favorite type of diving?
With so much great diving on offer, that’s a difficult question, I do however still get very excited, dropping in on remote uncatalogued reefs, especially when the current is ripping through 🙂
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
Our vessel Spoilsport is crewed by knowledgeable seasoned and enthusiastic individuals that form a most magnificent team dynamic and ensure our passengers needs are met. Our expeditions always optimise the prevailing conditions to ensure we get the very best possible experience on each and every dive. We offer a diverse range of dive sites, dive styles and animals from large to small. People are what make the difference and whether travelling solo or accompanied, as soon as you step on board, you will feel as relaxed as in your own home.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
Osprey Reefs ‘North Horn’ is undoubtedly one of my favourites. Osprey is an isolated Atoll over 100 miles offshore and 70 miles beyond the GBR. Two converging walls plummeting to over 1000m (3000ft) adjoined by way of a small plateau creating a natural amphitheatre teaming with life. Grey whaler are the predominant shark species, Silvertip, Whitetip, Great and Scalloped Hammerheads are also commonly seen. It’s not just the sharks however, the western wall has a fabulous drift dive back towards the amphitheatre covered in beautiful pink soft corals and fans. Potato Cod, Morays and even the occasional Whale Shark turn up from time to time. Its got everything including that ‘Big Blue Abyss’ feeling we all love so much …. a very special place.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Beginner to advanced, Bommies or pinnacles, classic reef, drift, night, wall, reef caves & caverns; Minke Whale, Shark, Nautilus …
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
The variety, from managing vessel slipping to hiring the next passionate reef guide and developing exciting new itineraries …
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Nigh impossible to answer, a bit like saying who your favourite child is, and that’s a definite nono, haha. Until I meet an Oceanic White Tip, I’d have to say a Silvertip, grace, beauty, unpredictable, intimidating …
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
We have recently introduced NEW Far Northern Itineraries; 3 different areas on a 7 night expedition which include the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Seas’ offshore deep water atolls and the Far Northern sector of the GBR where the deep waters well up producing vibrant reefs and exciting fish action. For 2020 we’ll be re-introducing one way travel between Cairns and Horne Island at the tip of Australia taking in the amazing Far Norther Reefs where some of the best coral reefs in the world abound with a vibrancy rarely surpassed.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
There are a few concerns not relative to just our center, but Coral Bleaching is an obvious one. We are very fortunate to have such a vast reef system stretching over 2600km with some 2900 individual reefs. Having a roving permit, means we can pick and choose where we dive and ‘rest sites’ as they recover. However, the trend for rising ocean temperatures and greater frequency of El Nino climatic events, allows less time for coral recovery which may ultimately see the time v recovery work against us. Shark baiting or netting near populated areas also concerns us. Too many sharks are targeted as a consequence of shark attacks, often as a knee jerk reaction by government agencies feeling they need to do something. Most educated people including the families and victims of attacks accept the risk and their consequences; it is really quite disturbing how much ignorance still exists around these most amazing (and important to the environment) animals.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
As a company, we are Advance Eco Certified; this means that we apply best practice to manage ourselves in an environmentally sustainable way, which includes auditing by a government appointed regulator. We recycle at the end of every expedition donating the proceeds to local clean up charities; we have done away with ‘giveaway marketing’ plastic bottles and introduced metal ones, done away with glow sticks, we’ve repowered our engines both main vessel and tenders to minimise our environmental footprint and use suppliers with similar best practice and are constantly looking to improve. We have many affiliations with research groups both gov and NGO offering research space on our expeditions and are very proactive on boards and committees to secure MPA’s throughout the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
I’ve seen our industry go through some highs and lows, impacted by other emerging adventure sports and global events. Those of us fortunate enough to work within this industry really do appreciate just how lucky we are to earn a living so close to nature. That connection feeds our passion for conservation and encourages us to be proactive as ambassador’s for change. Gone are the days when ‘diving was dangerous and sex was safe’; there’s little machismo connected with diving these days and a lot more compassion for what we all understand, is an extremely fragile environment. The planets future is in the hands of our youth so for me, we need to energise the youth to get involved in our ‘sport’ to ensure not only its future but to create new ambassadors for environmental change.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer
Our itineraries offer incredible diversity of marine life and photo opportunities from macro to wide-angle from pygmy sea horses to Minke whales and if you like sharks, well, we have lots of sharks. No two dive expeditions are ever the same for marine life encounters which is one of the reasons we have so many repeat guests. The friendliness of our crew, the chef prepared meals on a large spacious vessel, all make this big comfy girl a very pleasurable experience. Whether travelling as a group a couple or on your own, you will feel as welcome as in your own home.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Website: https://www.mikeball.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeBallDiveExpeditions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeballdive/
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
Exclusive Scubaverse Offer: Save on Your Next Adventure
As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
Visit https://www.purediveresort.com/package-offers/ to explore amazing packages and claim your discount with the code: SCUBAVERSE10
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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