News

Dominica Celebrates 23rd Year of Dive Fest

Published

4 years ago

May 5, 2017

Diving amateurs and the more experienced can enjoy some of the world’s best diving at reduced rates during Dominica Dive Fest, the Caribbean’s longest running dive festival. The nine-day festival from the 7th to 16th July marks the 23rd consecutive year for Dive Fest.

The annual event hosted by Dominica Watersports Association offer diving sessions at the cheapest rates of the year some of the most pristine and healthiest reefs in the Caribbean. Dominica is also home to volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, black sand beaches, impressive waterfalls and remarkable land and sea life, earning itself the title of the Caribbean’s ‘Nature Island’.

Dominica is a favourite amongst divers due to its unique features and varied sites. Champagne Reef is one of Dominica’s most famous diving and snorkelling sites. Located in the northernmost part of the Marine Reserve, Champagne Reef’s sub-aquatic hot springs emulate that of the bubbles in a glass of champagne. Totally unique to Dominica, geothermal springs release gasses into the 15 feet of water creating bubbles and a sea floor which is warm to the touch. Champagne Reef is also known for its rich wildlife with schools of squid, spotlight parrotfish and huge lobsters and crabs commonly seen.

Along with Champagne reef, Dominica boasts a number of other famed dive locations including Scott’s Head Pinnacle which is located where the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas meet, creating some of Dominica’s most impressive and picturesque swims. ‘The Suburbs’ and ‘The Village’ offer richly covered rocky drop-offs that attract several sea life species such as black durgons, huge barracudas, turtles and big stingrays. All together Dominica has over 20 individual dive sites that remain uncrowded by the masses and showcase an assortment of colourful sea life.

There will be plenty of excitement for non-divers as well, with a great mix of athletic and family events which help make Dive Fest a nine-day celebration for all. Activities range from swimming, kayaking and Pwi Pwi races, to the most renowned event, the Kubuli Canoe Race where teams of four compete in traditional fishing boats.

Families can come together to be a part of Beach BBQ’s, kids snorkel treasure hunts and a family fun day with turtle hatchings and most famously the “Jing Ping Ting” (an evening of fresh seafood and dancing to traditional Jing Ping Music). There is also the opportunity to go on discounted whale watching tours where guests can experience the 90% sighting success rate in Dominica.

Visit during Dive Fest

Kenwood Travel is offering a seven-night stay during Dive Fest from £1,375pp

Dominica’s finest heritage hotel is situated in the heart of the islands historic capital Roseau on the waterfront. This luxurious hotel is only steps away from Saint George Anglican Church and the Dominica Museum and features a full-service spa, restaurant, four bars / lounges, 24 hour fitness centre and poolside bar. For scuba divers, Fort Young has its own fully equipped Buddy Dive shop and jetty to accommodate water activities. *The package includes seven nights at Fort Young for two adults together with bed and breakfast and flights from the UK departing 11 July.

To book please call 020 7749 9245 or visit www.kenwoodtravel.co.uk

For more information on Dominica please visit www.discoverdominica.com

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Win copies of Action Camera Underwater Video Basics, a Paralenz Vaquita and more!

Published

4 hours ago

October 15, 2021

Team Scubaverse

Dived Up Publications, Paralenz and Scubaverse have come together to celebrate the October 2021 release of Scubaverse Editor-at-Large Jeff Goodman’s Action Camera Underwater Video Basics: The Essential Guide to Making Underwater Films.

Share better underwater videos with Jeff’s book and Paralenz Vaquita.

Win a copy of Jeff’s new book, as well as a selection of other great prizes including a Paralenz Vaquita camera, rash guard and water bottles, in the free to enter prize draw.

1st Prize

1x Paralenz Vaquita (RRP £659)
1x Action Camera Underwater Video Basics (RRP £20)

2nd Prize

1 x Paralenz rash guard (RRP £59)
1x Action Camera Underwater Video Basics

3rd Prize (5 available)

1x Action Camera Underwater Video Basics
1x Paralenz water bottle (RRP £8)

4th Prize (3 available)

1x Action Camera Underwater Video Basics

Enter now for free at www.DivedUp.com/prize-draw

No purchase necessary. Internet access and email address required. Winners will be chosen at random. No cash or alternative prizes offered. Open to over-18s only. Other exclusions apply. Closing date 23 November 2021. Draw will be made within 7 days of closing. Winners will be notified by email. See website to enter, for full prize details and terms and conditions.

News

Fiji’s borders to reopen on December 1st 2021

Published

9 hours ago

October 15, 2021

Team Scubaverse

The island paradise of Fiji will be open to visitors once again starting this December. After nearly two years of being closed to the outside world, Fiji is ready to safely welcome its travelers back. The 333 islands are as beautiful as ever, brimming with idyllic turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches, and the vibrant “Bula Spirit” for which Fiji is known.

“It’s been almost two years since we welcomed international visitors. And in these two years, we’ve struggled, we’ve adapted, and we’ve prepared,” said Hon. Faiyaz Koya, Minister for Tourism.

“Today, our national airline is ready, our hotels and tour providers are ready, and Fijians are ready to safely welcome the world back. We are ready to let happiness find you again.”

Fiji will still have entry requirements in place to ensure the utmost safety of both visitors and locals. These include being a fully vaccinated traveler from a “Travel Partner” country such as Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Qatar, Germany, Spain, France, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan and most Pacific Island Countries and Territories.

Travelers from these countries will need to provide a negative PCR test taken less than 3 days prior to departure from home country and fulfil any obligation to take an additional test prior to returning back home, based on individual home country requirements. Unvaccinated children under the age of 18 will be able to travel to Fiji accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Travel insurance is, as always, highly recommended. For more information on country-specific travel requirements, please visit www.fiji.travel.

“We are ecstatic that Fiji will open its borders to international visitors before the end of the year,” says Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill.

“This is the moment we have been planning for nearly two years now and I can assure the world that Fiji is safe and ready to welcome you back. The islands are just as beautiful – if not more beautiful – than ever and the locals just as warm and friendly. Fiji is the vacation the world needs and deserves right now, and we can finally offer that again starting December.”

Tourism Fiji have been preparing for this moment. Travellers can book and travel in confidence with the Care Fiji Commitment, where they can stay in certified resorts, use certified transportation and experiences, and be assured that all tourism businesses they come in to contact with have a 100% vaccinated staff. Tourism Fiji started working on this programme when the pandemic first arrived in Fiji. Now they have over 206 CFC approved businesses, and over 320 nominated Wellness Ambassadors across Fiji.

Travellers can reserve their flights now at www.fijiairways.com. Check out diving and resort packages at Fiji’s leading Volivoli Beach Resort.

Find out more about visiting Fiji at www.fiji.travel.

Last Minute Maldives 14nt Central Atolls Special

Expires on:

Our special, extended, 14 night charter of MV Carpe Diem in the Maldives will visit some of our favourite sites in the central and near-south atolls. We will be spending 14 nights on-board, specifically because we want to travel and have time to enjoy the sites without rushing too much.

The boat will depart from Male on Saturday 23rd October and guests will disembark on Saturday 06th November. The route will incorporate our favourite manta points, shark diving points and spectacular coral reefs.

Please contact us for last minute prices on 01473921888 or email us at info@greatescapesdivingholidays.com

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