News

Kefalonia – Bad weather gives us an amazing diving opportunity

Published

3 years ago

November 13, 2017

On a recent press trip to Kefalonia organised by Scuba Hellas, we had two days of diving organised to try to fit in four World War II wrecks that can be found in these usually calm waters. However, the weather had other plans for us, and on one of our diving days, strong winds meant that we could not take the boats out at all. At first, we were disappointed as we were really looking forward to diving the submarine wreck of the Perseus, but the dive centres looking after us, Pirate Divers Club and Blue Manta & Aquanautic Club, came up with an intriguing alternate dive plan.

Our coach took us to a lake that sits just by the sea called Karavomilos. Fresh water filters through the island until it reaches this cave system and then out into the sea. The water is brackish and is made up of a shallow lake that leads you into the cavern and then cave system. Nick and I are not qualified to penetrate the cave and so our plan was to photograph the entrance and the stalagmites and stalactites we were told were within sight of the exit.

With 14 divers, including guides, in our group, we decided to split-up and go in small groups to give everyone a chance to get uncrowded images of the cavern. We were last to go, and as each group surfaced, the clouds rolled in, denying us the sunlit entrance we were hoping for. But, as we descended into the shallow lake, into the chilly fresh water (only 14 degrees), we knew that it was going to be worth the wait. The lake is covered in green weed and in the sunshine the water is deep blue. There is a fallen tree at the entrance to the cave and then you go into a wide arch that is the cave system entrance.

Only a few fin kicks in and we were amazed at the geological treasures so easily accessed. We dived no deeper than 10m, stopping when we could no longer see the blue window of the exit. Here there was a line already prepared for any cave divers that wanted to dive further into the system. As we had only expected to be diving in the sea, our 5/4/3mm wetsuits were a little shy on the thermal protection required for this temperature, and whilst we were glad of our hoods and gloves, a 30 minute dive was going to be plenty.

But, even in this short exploration into the cave system, we were rewarded with some amazing scenery. The stalagmites and stalactites were huge and seemed to glow a gold colour we have never seen before. There were sections with large banks gripping the cavern roof and floor and we were very careful not to damage them. The cavern floor had huge boulders and rocks, making this a great place for underwater photography. And the water was really, really clear!

As we headed back out, we saw the surface being peppered with heavy rain, so there were no gorgeous sunrays to photograph and no sunshine to warm us up either! So, on reflection, this is a site we would love to go back to, with a bit more sunshine, and more plans on getting some stunning images. If you are planning to dive in Kefalonia, we would recommend that you put this dive on your wish list.

Watch out for our next piece on diving in Kefalonia, when we do get a day of diving in the sea, plus some culture, food & wine.

With thanks to:

www.scubahellas.com

www.pirate-divers-club.gr/en

www.bluemantadiving.gr

For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.

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Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

Competitions

WIN a Bigblue Expandable Tray!!!

Published

41 mins ago

March 5, 2021

Team Scubaverse

For this week’s competition, we’ve teamed up with our good friends at Liquid Sports to give away a Bigblue Expandable Tray as a prize!!!

The Bigblue expandable tray (176mm-287mm) has fittings and screws to attach action and compact cameras. The base and handles are made from high grade aluminium with the handles having a neoprene grip. The package also includes clamps and adaptors for 1” ball and YS light fittings.

To be in with a chance of winning this awesome prize, all you have to do is answer the following question:

In a recent post on Scubaverse.com (which you can read here), we reported that the Handicapped Scuba Association South Africa has announced plans to host their 6th Annual fundraising event “HSASA 50hr Dive–A-Thon 2021” this year. But on what dates will the event take place?

Is it:

A) 15^th – 17^th October
B) 22^nd – 24^th October
C) 29^th – 31^st October

Answer, A, B or C to the question above:

Liquid Sports Bigblue Extendable Tray March 2021

Competition

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Terms and Conditions: This competition is open to all visitors to www.scubaverse.com except for members of the Scubaverse team and their families, or employees of Liquid Sports and their families. A valid answer to the competition’s question must be entered. If no valid answer to the competition’s question is entered, your entry will be invalid. Only one competition entry per entrant permitted (multiple entries will lead to disqualification). Only one prize per winner. All prizes are non-transferable, and no cash alternative will be offered. In the event that the prize cannot be supplied, no liability will be attached to www.scubaverse.com. When prizes are supplied by third parties, www.scubaverse.com is acting as their agents and as such we exclude all liability for loss or damage you may suffer as a result of this competition. This competition closes on 14/04/2021. The winner will be notified by email. The Editor-in-Chief’s decision is final.
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Dive Training Blogs

Jeff chats to… Jim Elliott and Tinamarie Hernandez of Diveheart (Watch Video)

Published

1 hour ago

March 5, 2021

Jeff Goodman

In this exclusive Zoom interview, Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse Editor-at-Large, chats to Jim Elliott, Founder and President of Diveheart, and Tinamarie Hernandez who is the organization’s Executive Director.

Diveheart is a US-based, nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization which aims to provide and support educational scuba diving programs that are open to any child, adult or veteran with a disability, with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person.

In their own words:

We’ve discovered the forgiving, weightless wonder of the water column provides the perfect gravity-free environment for those who might otherwise struggle on land. Underwater, we’re all equal.

Diveheart works with individuals who have a variety of disabilities, including physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more. Diveheart seeks to help its participants “Imagine the Possibilities” in their lives.

Find out more about Diveheart and their valuable work at www.diveheart.org.

Rather listen to a podcast? Listen to the audio HERE on the new Scubaverse podcast channel at Anchor FM.

RED SEA LIVEABOARD : Wall to Wall : May 2021

Expires on:

Explore the amazing triangle of Red Sea Reefs - The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone on board the brand new liveaboard Big Blue. With an option to add on a week at Roots Red Sea before or after.

Strong currents and deep blue water are the catalysts that bring the pelagic species flocking to these reefs. The reefs themselves provide exquisite homes for a multitude of marine life. The wafting soft corals are adorned with thousands of colourful fish. The gorgonian fans and hard corals provide magnificent back drops, all being patrolled by the reef’s predatory species.

£1475 per person based on double occupancy. Soft all inclusive board basis, buffet meals with snacks, tea and coffee always available. Add a week on at Roots Red Sea Resort before or after the liveaboard for just £725pp. Flights and transfers are included. See our brochure linked above for the full itinerary.

This trip will be hosted by The Scuba Place. Come Dive with Us!

Call 020 3515 9955 or email john@thescubaplace.co.uk

www.thescubaplace.co.uk

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ITINERARY