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Explore Hranice Abyss in 3D – the world’s deepest flooded freshwater abyss

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There are some places that few have seen or are yet to be discovered in the Czech Republic. They are hidden underground, created by water over millions of years… gorges, stalactite domes, canyons. Now, thanks to virtual reality and divers’ video recordings, the public has the opportunity to dive into the deep and explore the Hranice Abyss in 3D.

The popularity of the Hranice Abyss’ encouraged the town of Hranice to open a new information center in the former Teplice nad Bečvou station, a 1939 Functionalist building, cultural monument and important example of railway architecture from the first half of the 20th century.

The information center features an interactive 3D model of the Hranice Abyss, capturing the latest knowledge and research on the abyss.

“The abyss is an incredible natural rarity. We wanted to show visitors, using a large 3D model, what is beneath the surface and on the rising slope,” described architect Jitka Mácová.

3D glasses are available to help show various parts of the abyss, especially the places visitors cannot access. The 3D model was created based on videos recorded by the divers between 2000 and 2017, and then assembled with software. There is also a cinema where visitors can view a short film about the abyss.

The cave diving organization ZO 7-02 Hranice Karst, in cooperation with SG Geotechnika a.s., documented the Hranice Abyss through digital aerial photogrammetry using an unmanned aircraft (UAV). They acquired data which aided in the creation of the 3D digital georeferenced model of the abyss’ dry part. As a result, the model has accurate dimensions, inclinations, and articulations of the rock massif.

Check out the below Hranice Abyss video by Petr Chmel, Pragoaquanaut:

The Hranice Abyss is truly perilous due to its unique water composition. The ČSS ZO-7-02 Hranice Karst divers recently had to use closed-circuit diving equipment, CCR Liberty by Divesoft, to avoid chemical reactions and impaired visibility. With this equipment, the divers could safely dive 50 meters below.

Just how deep is the Hranice Abyss? The abyss was created atypically by mineral water springs far beneath the surface and therefore, it is not certain where the bottom is, though some theories suggest it could be as far down as 1200 meters. In 2015, divers reached 265 meters.

On the other hand, a recent analysis of the water indicated that there are helium isotopes that rise up from 40 km below. “How the helium gets into the abyss and how deep the water are big unknowns,” the President of the cave diving organization, ZO 7-02 Hranice Karst, Michal Guba, explained.

Some of nature’s secrets are yet to be discovered…

The vistor centre opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, and on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm.

Address: U Teplic 552, 753 01 Hranice | phone: +420 778 888 643 | e-mail: infocentrum.propast@mkz-hranice.cz | website: infocentrum-hranice.cz/infocentrum-hranicke-propasti

Gear News

Introducing the RF-40 Fins from DYNAMICNORD

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With the sporty RF-40 open-heel fin by DYNAMICNORD, you enjoy maximum effectiveness and fun. The innovative design guarantees ease and power – exactly what every diver wants.

Designed and engineered in Germany. Made in Europe.

The RF-40 open-heel fin delivers. Its harder blade will especially delight sporty divers.

The powerful blade of the RF-40 fin and its dynamic design with innovative water channels allow to perform both technical and recreational kicks with maximum propulsion. The power is efficiently transmitted from the foot pocket and sole to the blade for outstanding kick stability and manoeuvrability. With the RF-40 fin, sporty divers are guaranteed to have a blast underwater.

The foot pocket of the open-heel fin is comfortable, and the smart bungee strap enables to make small length adjustments without using any tools. This way, the fin can be used with neoprene boots or with a drysuit. The heel pad has a large finger loop that is easy to grasp even when wearing gloves, making donning and doffing the fin a breeze.

The RF-40 fins are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers in six great colours.

Recommended sales price: £127.00

Sizes: M-XL

Colours: Blue, grey, orange, purple, red, yellow

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Master Your GoPro: Join an Underwater Video Workshop in the Cayman Islands with Carlos Villoch

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underwater video

Capture Your Best Dive Moments in April 2025 at Ocean Frontiers

For the first time, Ocean Frontiers presents an exclusive underwater video workshop series, hosted by renowned videographer Carlos Villoch at the award-winning Compass Point Dive Resort, Grand Cayman. Designed for GoPro enthusiasts, this workshop is your chance to master your camera and capture documentary-quality footage beneath the waves.

underwater video

Why Join?

Expert Training: Carlos Villoch, a BBC-Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year and underwater videography expert, will teach everything from GoPro basics to advanced techniques.

Unparalleled Access: Dive with a dedicated boat, curated dive sites, and expert guidance to help you shoot action-packed, frame-worthy footage.

Custom Gear: Try out Carlos’ unique ‘Glowdive’ accessories, specifically designed for GoPro filming, and take advantage of GoPro features developed with Carlos’ input.

World-Class Diving: Enjoy 15 dives, including reef, wall, wreck, and macro dives, as well as snorkel trips to Stingray City Sandbar.

 

underwater video

2025 Workshop Dates

 
Workshop 1: April 5th to 12th, 2025
 
Workshop 2: April 12th to 19th, 2025
 

Dive and Learn Itinerary Highlights

 
15 dives and 2 snorkel trips, featuring iconic Cayman dive sites.
 
4 classroom sessions on video techniques:
 
*Basics of underwater video*
 
*Accessory usage for optimal results*
 
*Mastering GoPro settings*
 
* Advanced lighting, movement, and editing techniques*
 
Dedicated time with Carlos for personalized guidance and gear testing.
 
Unique dives, including Stingray City, the Kittiwake wreck, and a macro-focused dive.
Social events: Welcome Cruise, optional group dinner, and Farewell Caribbean Buffet.
 
underwater video
 

Stay at Compass Point Dive Resort

 
Experience the ultimate “liveaboard on land” with beachfront condos, roll-out-of-bed access to dive boats, and top-tier amenities. Voted the Caribbean’s Best Dive Resort for two consecutive years, Compass Point is the perfect home base for your underwater videography adventure.
 
underwater video
 

Rates

Dive & Stay Packages (7 nights):

1-bed condo, double diver: US$2,995 per person

2-bed condo, double diver: US$3,395 per person

2-bed condo, quad diver: US$2,570 per person

Add-ons:

Unlimited Nitrox: US$99

Little Cayman Bloody Bay Wall Expedition (3-tank): US$325 (weather permitting)

Diving Only Package:

Workshop & dives: US$1,695 per person

underwater video

Book Now!

Email: reservations@oceanfrontiers.com

USA Toll-Free: 1-800-348-6096

Cayman Direct: 1-345-640-0000

www.oceanfrontiers.com

 

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