News
Indian Celebrities Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal Team Up with PADI to Create Ocean Change
PADI® is thrilled to announce an exceptional duo of PADI AmbassaDivers™: award-winning Indian actress Sonakshi Sinha and her dive buddy Indian actor and businessman Zaheer Iqbal. In 2022, Sinha was named the PETA Indian of the Year for using her platform to advocate for the ethical treatment of animals and has been named to Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list multiple times. She has also starred in multiple blockbuster films. Both Sinha and Iqbal are PADI Advanced Open Water Divers who are committed to inspiring others to join them in seeking adventure and saving the ocean.
“A PADI AmbassaDiver is someone passionate about using their force for good to encourage others to protect our shared blue planet,” says Julie Andersen, Sr. Director of Brand for PADI Worldwide. “We could not have found more respected and authentic partners as Ms. Sinha and Mr. Iqbal, both long-time ocean lovers who are dedicated to advancing our shared mission of creating positive ocean change. They are shining examples of how to protect what you love – and inspire others to do the same.”
Sinha’s love of water and snorkeling propelled her to earn her PADI Open Water Diver certification three years ago. The famous Hindi film actress, self-proclaimed environmentalist, and entrepreneur now unwinds by escaping into nature and disconnecting from her phone. She holds countless film nominations and awards for her work in front of the camera, is an animal lover who advocates for animal adoption and recently launched her own beauty brand Soezi™ press-on nails. During her downtime, she loves to scuba dive in Asia, the Seychelles, the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and locally in India’s Andaman Islands – where she recently earned her PADI Advanced Open Water certification with her partner Iqbal.
“It was love at first dive, and my love for the ocean has only gotten deeper with time,” says Sinha. “Ever since my first dive, I’ve been on a quest to become a better diver and explore more depths. It’s amazing becoming a PADI AmbassaDiver because it’s for something I love so deeply. I will do my best to encourage more people to dive and get to know the ocean better!”
Sinha and Iqbal share a mutual love for the ocean. When he is not acting or dancing in Bollywood films, he loves exploring new places with friends and family above and beneath the surface – with scuba diving being amongst his favorite hobbies.
“Diving into great depths is an exhilarating experience,” says Iqbal. “It unveils a world of beauty, mystery, and a sense of incredible calmness – as well as a realisation of what ‘vast’ truly means. It’s peaceful observing nature below the surface and I am honored to become a PADI AmbassaDiver. I now have the opportunity to dive into a realm of endless wonder and I hope that more people take the opportunity to dive and learn more about the beautiful world beneath the surface.”
With a combined 30 million social media followers and both having recently starred in the Hindi comedy film DoubleXL, this Indian powerhouse couple joins an elite group of other advocates from around the globe who are working with PADI to encourage others to experience the beautiful world underwater as scuba divers and join them in helping to create positive ocean change for our shared blue planet. With their shared passion for scuba diving around the world, Sinha and Iqbal will continue to share their love for the ocean with fans, showcasing how scuba diving is an important part of their life that allows them to connect and return to nature to reset.
“PADI created the AmbassaDiver programme to support extraordinary divers who dedicate their lives to illuminating the path that leads from curiosity, exploration, and discovery to understanding, stewardship and action. Ms. Sinha and Mr. Iqbal play a very important role in ocean conservation, lighting the way for others to become divers themselves and mobilising communities worldwide to seek adventure and save the ocean with them,” continues Andersen.
Follow Sinha and Iqbal’s dive adventures, projects and hands-on conservation efforts with PADI on their Instagram channels. To learn more about Sinha, Iqbal and the rest of the PADI AmbassaDiver team visit www.padi.com/ambassadivers.
Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort are the winners of ‘Indonesia’s Leading Dive Resort’ for a staggering seventh consecutive year at the World Travel Awards.
Following their victory, the team at Bunaken had this to say:
“Dear Friends and Dive Enthusiasts,
We are thrilled to announce that Bunaken Oasis has once again been honoured at the World Travel Awards, winning the title of ‘Indonesia’s Leading Dive Resort’ for the seventh consecutive year!
This incredible achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant coral reefs, diving alongside majestic marine life, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of our island paradise, we strive to make every moment unforgettable.
We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the support of our amazing guests, dedicated team, and passionate dive community. Thank you for believing in us and making Bunaken Oasis your home away from home!
As we celebrate this recognition, we remain committed to excellence in everything we do — from sustainable practices that protect our ocean environment to personalised services that create lifelong memories.
Join us in celebrating this achievement and experience firsthand what makes Bunaken Oasis truly special. We look forward to welcoming you back to our little piece of paradise soon!
With gratitude and warm regards,
The Bunaken Oasis Team
Thank you for diving into the Oasis experience with us — here’s to many more years of extraordinary adventures together!”
For more information about Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and to experience its magic first-hand, visit their official website.
Dive into luxury and adventure at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort – where every moment is crafted to perfection.
Email: info@bunakenoasis.com / WhatsApp: +44 7785 576331 / WhatsApp: +62 812 4649 6763
October and November are excellent months to visit Egypt, as they offer pleasant water temperatures and comfortable conditions on land. Divers can explore prime dive sites in the northern Red Sea, including the iconic SS Thistlegorm shipwreck and the breathtaking underwater topography at Shark & Yolanda Reef in Ras Mohammed National Park. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of direct flights from the UK to Marsa Alam, which serves as a gateway to bucket list adventures and thrilling shark dives in the Southern Red Sea.
The Red Sea offers an unforgettable experience both above and below the water. Every year, thousands of visitors are captivated by this area’s unique blend of spectacular marine life, welcoming climate, and stunning scenery.
A World-Renowned Dive Region 5 Hours Away…
An endless variety of marine life draws divers from across the globe to the warm waters of the Red Sea. For UK divers, this world-renowned destination is just a short flight away. With outstanding water clarity and permanent sunshine, the Red Sea offers the chance to explore its magical underwater world year-round.
The sheer abundance of vibrant marine life and corals is what sets the Red Sea apart. Divers and snorkellers can witness an impressive range of invertebrates, including over 200 different types of hard and soft corals, crustaceans, sponges, and hundreds of spectacular fish species.
This incredible variety is further enhanced by the Red Sea’s dramatic underwater landscapes, featuring steep walls, drop-offs, shipwrecks, and deep blue canyons.
Which Red Sea Destination to Choose…
Regaldive provides a choice of ten Egyptian Red Sea resorts, along with a range of liveaboard options for those seeking to explore further. Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam are the gateways to the Red Sea, each offering a unique and distinct charm.
Hurghada presents a glimpse of authentic Egypt, with an excellent selection of dive sites located just a short boat ride away. The smaller resorts of El Gouna and Safaga are ideal for exploring the northern reefs and wrecks while being within easy reach of Hurghada.
The stunning coastline south of Hurghada has become a haven for tranquil, pristine diving. Direct flights into Marsa Alam throughout the winter have made it easier to access the impressive marine parks of the southern Red Sea.
For those seeking ultimate seclusion, the southernmost resort of Hamata offers unparalleled diving within relatively undisturbed reef systems.
The Choice is Yours…
No matter which destination is selected, a Red Sea holiday promises a blend of fantastic diving, beach relaxation, and cultural exploration. With over seven centuries of history, Egypt offers so much more than just diving.
The Red Sea is an ideal starting point for visiting the iconic Pyramids, taking a day trip to Cairo, star gazing with the Bedouins, or visiting the breathtaking city of Luxor on the banks of the Nile. The stunning scenery of the region features the rich seas contrasting with the stark beauty of the desert.
Whether the holiday is spent mostly above or below the waterline, disappointment is unlikely.
Regaldive also offers a variety of resorts and liveaboards in the Red Sea, providing everything a diver could desire. For a blend of experiences, their mini dive safaris combine liveaboard and resort-based diving, while land-based liveaboard trips allow guests to explore Sharm el Sheikh’s diving highlights while staying in beachside cabins.
Find out more about the diving Regaldive have to offer in the Red Sea here.
-
Blogs2 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
Gear Reviews3 months agoGear Review: Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
-
Blogs3 months agoMamma Mia! Diving Skopelos (Part 1)
-
Blogs3 months agoAlonissos: The complete diving destination (Part 1)
-
News2 months agoDived Up release NEW Second Edition of Diving Gozo & Comino by Richard Salter
-
Blogs3 months agoMamma Mia! Diving Skopelos (Part 2)
-
News2 months agoTreasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving by Howard Rosenstein available now
-
Blogs1 month agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!