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Last minute Scuba Travel dive deals: Maldives and more…

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There’s nothing like a dive holiday to work off the excesses of Christmas… check out the latest special offers from the Scuba Travel team:

Egypt

Back to Sharm on 2nd February from Whirlwind – diving the best Wrecks and Reefs of the Northern Red Sea

Departing from Sharm El Sheikh allows you to dive some of the most beautiful areas in the northern Red Sea regardless of the weather. Enjoy the colourful reefs of Tiran, always buzzing with life, the incredible walls of Ras Muhamed and the majestic Thistlegorm. You will spend 7 nights onboard on a full board basis (twin-share cabin). Included in your package are up to 22 dives over the week, 12lt tank, air fills and weights. Please prebook nitrox and 15lt tanks before travel. Flights are direct with EnterAir from Gatwick (indirect Manchester are available at a supplement) and transfers are also included. At the end of the week, you will have day use of a hotel and buffet lunch while you wait for your flight home.

Click here to email the Scuba Travel team and receive more information about this amazing liveaboard. Dive the reefs of Tiran, Ras Mohammed and the incredible Thistlegorm.

Click here to book this great trip!

* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking


Maldives

Best of the Maldives on 10th May – sail onboard Emperor Serenity for only £1225

Only 6 spaces, save £370! Get all the thrills of big fish in the Maldives on board the exceptional Emperor Serenity liveaboard. Manta, sharks, eagle rays and so much more on this classic Maldives itinerary – dive the seasonal hot spots from a dhoni tender with an average of 17 dives (including 1 night dive). You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) – upper deck cabin upgrades available. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with dinner. 12lt tank and weights are included, as well as free recreational nitrox.

This holiday is excluding international flights, with return Male airport transfers. Scuba Travel is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Flights will incur a small booking fee. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.

Click here to email the Scuba Travel team and receive more information about Emperor Serenity on 10th May.

Click here to book your place!

* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking

Check out Melissa’s blog: Fancy a warm winter getaway with lots of diving?


Maldives

Best of the Maldives on 11th October – sail onboard Emperor Virgo for only £1045

Special Offer – save £400, only 6 spaces available!  Join the Emperor Maldives Fleet on the perfectly sized Virgo liveaboard for the classic, all-time great Best of the Maldives itinerary. Dive the seasonal hot spots from a dhoni tender with an average of 17 dives (including 1 night dive). You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) including 12lt tank and weights, as well as free recreational nitrox. To pay on board are alcoholic drinks, fruit juice, fizzy drinks, additional kit hire and any on board souvenirs.

You have booked a holiday excluding international flights, with return Male airport transfers. Scuba Travel is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Flights will incur a small booking fee. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.

Click here to email the Scuba Travel team and receive more information about Emperor Virgo on 11th October.

Click here to book today!

* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking


Maldives

Best of the Maldives onboard Carpe Vita – 6th September for only £1175

Special Offer – only 6 spaces, save £220! Discover all the pelagics that make the Maldives on board the exceptional Carpe Vita. Enjoy a relaxing 3 dives a day with the Carpe Vita team including one or two night dives. All diving is from a dhoni tender, with 12lt tank and weights are included, and free recreational nitrox. You have 7 nights on board on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) – cabin upgrades available. Tea, coffee and drinking water are included in your package. The green tax has been prepaid.

This holiday excludes international flights to Male but includes airport transfers. Scuba Travel is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.

Click here to email the Scuba Travel team and receive more information about Carpe Vita on 6th September.

Click here for more details!

* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking


Indonesia

Murex Manado Buddy Offer in January – from only £870 per person

BUDDY OFFER! £870 per person or single supplement only £125.

Great value diving in Manado and, Bunaken Indonesia. Our dive show special includes 12 boat dives – discover rich coral reefs and magical macro with the welcoming team from Murex Manado. Your holiday includes 7 nights in a deluxe cottage on a full board basis (2 people sharing). Local taxes are prepaid. Water, tea, and coffee are available free of charge, To pay locally are any drinks not included in your board basis, laundry, land excursions. Diving extras such as special trips, private guiding, kit hire, courses and nitrox will all be billed in resort. There is a one-off Bunaken national park fee (IDR 150,000 per diver/snorkeler). UK passport holders can obtain and FOC visa on arrival. Return airport transfers in Manado are included.

This holiday excludes international flights to Manado but includes airport transfers. Scuba Travel is able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.

Check out this great trip report about Murex Manado by Sam Wren, Scuba Travel’s group specialist…

Email Scuba Travel and receive more information about Murex Resort and diving in Bunaken.

Click here to book your Murex Manado holiday!

* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking


Galapagos

Save £1600 and dive the Galapagos this 6th January onboard Humbolt Explorer – only £2695

Save £1600! Spend longer at Wolf & Darwin on board Humboldt Explorer with the exciting Galapagos Extreme itinerary. Your liveaboard holiday is based on a twin-share cabin – twin or queen bed double options – and on a full board basis, including alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, premium alcoholic beverages available for an additional charge. A 12lt tank, air fills and weights are included in your package with 18-20 dives on average. All trips are fully guided with expert guides. The last night Sunday dinner is not included in your cruise. The crew will help with reservations and recommendations. To pay locally are the departure tax, the Galapagos park fees ($100), chamber tax ($35), tourist card ($20), fuel surcharge ($150) and nitrox ($150) on board.

This holiday does not include any international flights to Ecuador (UIO or GYE) or the Galapagos Islands. Scuba Travel strongly recommend you add a night in Ecuador before and possibly after your liveaboard, depending on your flight times. These can be added to your booking, with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Please ask your consultant for a competitive quote. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Do be aware that if your flight routes through the USA you must have an ESTA prior to travel.

Email Scuba Travel and receive more information about diving the Galapagos on 6th January.

Click here for information about Humbolt Explorer!

* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking


To find out more about Scuba Travel and the dive holidays they offer call 0800 0728221, email dive@scubatravel.com or visit www.scubatravel.com

News

Insurance for all with Westfield Sub Aqua and Marine Insurance Services

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insurance

With over 40 years of experience, Westfield Sub Aqua and Marine Insurance Services provides specialist travel insurance. Whether you’re heading on a scuba diving trip, cruise, or a ski-holiday, we offer tailored cover to keep you protected. in addition many other activities can be included for your peace of mind.

These policies are competitively priced and comparable to that of Standard Type Travel Insurance.

Specialist cover available for:

  • Scuba Diving Holidays
  • Cruise Ship Holidays
  • Skiing Holidays.
  • Golf Holidays.
  • Many other Sporting Activities can be included.
  • Annual Multi Trip Polices up to the age of 85.
  • No Age Limits on Single Trip policies.

Many Pre-Existing Medical conditions can also be covered.

Top Tip Checklist

  1. The cover period must be the full duration of your trip.  (i.e the date you leave your home to the date you return back to your home)
  2. Check the Cancellation and Curtailment levels suit your needs. (i.e reducing this can reduce the premium)

Adjust the Excess Levels to see how you much you could save.

Get an online quote from Westfield Sub Aqua and Marine Insurance today at westfield.b2ctravel.co.uk/quote or call 01483 237827.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Building a Bluer Future for Indonesia’s Marine Tourism Industry

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marine tourism

Green Fins National Workshop Charts Roadmap for Sustainable Marine Tourism Initiatives

Green Fins, the global environmental standards for diving and snorkelling, is set to contribute to Indonesia’s blue economy. A national workshop, focused on “Enabling a sustainable diving and snorkelling industry in Indonesia through the implementation of Green Fins initiative,” has ignited a collaborative effort to safeguard the nation’s marine ecosystems through marine tourism.

marine tourism

The Reef-World Foundation, the UNEP Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) and the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) held the Green Fins National Workshop in Aryaduta Menteng, Jakarta, Indonesia, on 18 – 19 February 2025. This pivotal event, supported by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) through the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF), brought together key stakeholders from the Indonesian government, marine tourism industry, conservation organisations and the global Green Fins network to develop a roadmap for strengthening the Green Fins initiative in Indonesia and to explore sustainable financing mechanisms for its long-term implementation.

marine tourism

Participants from five Indonesian ministries, including the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, collaborated with local MPA management bodies, dive operators and international experts to chart a course for a more environmentally responsible marine tourism sector. This diverse group engaged in focused discussions and strategic planning, addressed key aspects of Green Fins implementation and explored opportunities for its integration into national marine conservation efforts.

marine tourism

“We’re not just discussing sustainability”, said JJ Harvey, Operations Director at The Reef-World Foundation. “We’re creating a tangible roadmap for action. The energy and collaboration at this workshop have been truly inspiring, laying the groundwork for real, measurable change in Indonesia’s dive industry and unlocking the full potential of its marine tourism while ensuring the future health of its reefs.”

marine tourism

“The Coral Triangle, as the global epicenter of marine biodiversity, relies on Indonesia’s leadership to combat threats through strong coral reef conservation and sustainable tourism practices,” said Rili Djohani, CTC Executive Director. “Expanding Green Fins and scaling up training efforts are crucial steps toward ensuring equitable benefit-sharing and long-term conservation impact of our unique marine resources.”

marine tourism

“Sustainable Blue Economy is at the forefront of COBSEA’s work on marine and coastal ecosystems,” stated Mahesh Pradhan, UNEP COBSEA Coordinator. “Ensuring sustainable practices in marine ecotourism in Indonesia and the East Asian Seas region will further consolidate concrete conservation efforts while also benefiting local communities. COBSEA is proud to support the Green Fins initiative, which was initiated in Thailand over 20 years ago and has now blossomed into a significant global movement.”

marine tourism

Key discussions and explorations during the workshop included:

  • Alignment of Green Fins with national policies and international commitments, including the Indonesia 2030/45 MPA Vision, the national biodiversity action plan (NBSAP) and international commitments such as the Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • Exploration of a comprehensive roadmap for Green Fins implementation in Indonesia, outlining potential steps, timeline and financial strategies.
  • Discussions on diverse financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, blended finance models, and integration with existing programmes, to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Green Fins.
  • Emphasis on enhanced collaboration between government agencies, the private sector and conservation organisations.
  • A strong focus on inclusivity, including gender-inclusive approaches and support for small-scale businesses.

The workshop highlighted Indonesia’s position as a global leader in MPA-based diving, with 70% of dives occurring within MPAs. Discussions emphasised the need to address challenges such as revenue leakage and high implementation costs while leveraging opportunities to integrate Green Fins into existing government initiatives, such as the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ Blue Economy strategy and the Ministry of Tourism’s sustainable tourism programmes. Participants also engaged in a learning exchange, sharing best practices from countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand, focusing on developing sustainable funding models and enhancing assessor capacity.

The outcomes of this workshop will both strengthen Green Fins Indonesia and contribute to the broader global impact, driving sustainable marine tourism worldwide.

Discover how your organisation can contribute to the global expansion of Green Fins by contacting info@greenfins.net.

marine tourism

About Reef-World

The Reef-World Foundation is a registered UK charity which delivers practical solutions for marine conservation around the world. The charity promotes the wise use of natural resources – particularly coral reefs and related ecosystems – for the benefit of local communities, visitors and future generations. It is dedicated to supporting, inspiring and empowering governments, businesses, communities and individuals around the world to act in conserving and sustainably developing coastal resources.

Reef-World leads the global implementation of the UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative, which focuses on driving environmentally friendly scuba diving and snorkelling practices across the industry globally. As such, the charity provides low-cost and practical solutions to local and industry-wide environmental challenges associated with the marine tourism industry. It provides education and capacity-building assistance to empower environmental champions (within the diving industry, local communities, authorities and governments) to implement proven coastal resource management approaches.

Please visit www.reef-world.org to learn more or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

About Green Fins

Green Fins is a proven conservation management approach – spearheaded by The Reef-World Foundation in partnership with the UN Environment Programme – which leads to a measurable reduction in the negative environmental impacts associated with the marine tourism industry. The initiative aims to protect and conserve coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines that promote a sustainable diving and snorkelling tourism industry. It provides the only internationally recognised environmental standards for the diving and snorkelling industry and has a robust assessment system to measure compliance.

Green Fins encourages and empowers members of the diving industry to act to reduce the pressures on coral reefs by offering dive and snorkel companies practical, low-cost alternatives to harmful practices – such as anchoring, fish feeding and chemical pollution – as well as providing strategic training, support and resources. By reducing the local direct and indirect pressures tourism puts on coral reefs, it helps make corals healthier and more resilient to other stresses, such as the effects of climate change. Look for the Green Fins logo when booking your next dive trip.

Please visit www.greenfins.net to learn more or follow the initiative on Facebook, Instagram and X.

About Coral Triangle Center

Coral Triangle Center (CTC) is a foundation based in Indonesia with regional scope and global impact. Established in 2010, CTC works closely with local communities, private sector, governments, and partners to strengthen marine resource management in the Coral Triangle to protect coral reef ecosystems, ensure sustainable livelihoods and food security.

CTC supports on-the-ground conservation in Bali, Maluku, as well as in Timor-Leste, and leads learning networks of women leaders and marine protected area practitioners in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. CTC is developing its  Center for Marine Conservation in Bali as an integrated learning space for training programs, outreach activities, interactive exhibits, and artistic and cultural performances to influence millions of people to care for our oceans and those who depend on it.

Since its establishment in 2010 until 2024, CTC has protected  more than 435,000 hectares of critical marine habitat. We have trained more than 8,000 people to support marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries management throughout the Coral Triangle region. More than 26,000 people have visited our Center for Marine Conservation, many of whom have been inspired to take direct action to protect our oceans. In the last three years, we reach an average of 200,000 people annually to care for our seas via our social media channels.

About UNEP COBSEA

The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) is a regional intergovernmental mechanism and one of 18 Regional Seas Programmes. It is the decision-making body for the East Asian Seas Action Plan, bridging together nine countries – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Viet Nam – in the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal environment for the health and well-being of present and future generations. The COBSEA Secretariat is hosted by Thailand in Bangkok and is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

COBSEA works on 1) marine pollution prevention, reduction and control, 2) marine and coastal biodiversity, ecosystem conservation and management, and 3) climate action.

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