News
The semi-annual underwater video competition at Red Sea Diving Safari

Twice a year Red Sea Diving Safari run a video competition for all of their guests with the prize for each winner being a free stay at one of the RSDS villages. The competition is open to any video shot while staying with RSDS. Scubaverse’s Underwater Videography editor Jeff Goodman, one of the judges, runs RSDS’ video workshops and has donated to the winning entrant a copy of his book ‘A guide to Underwater Wildlife Video & Editing’.
Details of this competition and further events can be seen on the RSDS website.
Jeff praised the entrants for all their hard work:
“Congratulations to all entrants. This has been the highest overall standard so far and I have enjoyed watching all the videos. It’s great to see people getting so much out of interacting with our marine environment and being able to capture magic moments on camera to share with others.
As with all competitions, there has to be a winner (but no losers). It was difficult to pin this down to one entry but in the end the film that stood out more than any other was by Volker Staub. The music and pace of images worked perfectly together creating a magical, dreamlike quality to the video that portrayed a new feel to our underwater world.
I have commented on each individual entry below in the order they appear on the Red Sea Diving Safari website, but would urge each entrant to look at all the comments and not just their own.
***WINNER*** “Wadi Lahami, 2 to 4 August 2014” by Volker Staub
[youtube id=”Mb4OpP-MBqo” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Well, that was different and I loved it. Quite surreal and artistic. Long steady slow shots with spellbinding music gave the whole video a dreamlike quality that kept me engaged all through the 7 minutes. It worked for me. Any other type of music would not have done the same job. Here is a perfect example of just how important music is.
“Red Sea Diving Safari” by Gery Beeckmans
[youtube id=”CjZWWKvMRKY” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Really nice film with good steady shots and tracks. The images were all sharp and well composed. You obviously put a lot of thought and time into this.
Great Dolphin beginning and the music created a good atmosphere. Then coming to the wreck, it was interesting to get some information on the screen about her but perhaps a little more would have been desirable. Moody music with this section. It created a feeling of total desolation and loss which worked well if that was the intention. The following reef shots were very nice but for me the music was the wrong choice. It was too powerful and dramatic for pictures that had no dramatic action. Music is such an important part to any film and needs to reflect a mood or enhance what is happening on screen.
Having said that, the images were shot with good lighting and composition. Also good steady close ups on the reef. Having now produced such a nice film, try to go to the next stage and get animal behaviour as well as the portrait snapshots. All in all great film. Well done.
“Dugong” by Evert Hageman
[youtube id=”kxkhVVuVoNI” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
What a treat. Such great behaviour from the dugong and well done for capturing it. I was wondering what camera you were using as the exposure kept flashing. I would think the exposure was on automatic which was causing the fluctuations. See if there is a manual override so you have more control.
The entire film was one single shot and that worked really well. The sound of the diver bubbles was nice and so didn’t really need any music. Try looking at how to do a few titles. Hope you have more such encounters.
“Diving at Marsa Shagra with Red Sea Diving Safari” by Willem van den Broeck
[youtube id=”d9OPX2KRU9g” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Great film, well done. I liked the intro with the resort and divers and good choice of music to go with it. Easy pace to the film with interesting story line which took the viewer into the water. Nice change of pace with shots as well as music. All shots were steady, sharp and with good exposure.
The night dive created a new feel to the film and change of pace with new music. The huge number of different species kept me interested right through. Finally I was pleased to see the Bedouins when the video returned to land for the closing section.
“Marsa Shagra 2014” by Marcel Bitten
[youtube id=”_2XO97-ZkUU” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Good film with very good choice of music to enhance the images. All in all very interesting composition with sharp and steady pictures. There were some interesting colours throughout and if this was not intentional then I would suggest having a look at and learning a little about colour balance. Loved the turtle ending.
“Marsa Shagra Nov 2014” by Keith Sheldon
[youtube id=”IZQ-0xZKaRI” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Nice opening shot with the sunrise and then good mood music with excellent underwater images. Great variety of species as well as shots including the close ups which were well lit. All sharp and steady. I liked the sound mix of music with divers bubbles.
“Egypte 2014” by Sylvia Opstal
[youtube id=”qGUXFyp97No” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Looks like it was shot on a GoPro, which is an excellent camera although can be difficult at times to hold steady. I liked the opening and music which gave a good feel to the film. Throughout there was an interesting mix of moods and styles which worked well together. Looked like you had a great trip.
I always get slightly dismayed when I see videos that are over 3 or 4 minutes long as it is quite difficult to maintain a high interest level for longer. Running at 6.47 minutes I felt it was just too long, being cut to two different music tracks. Perhaps it would have been better to keep the length to just one track and only put in the very best of shots. Less is more as the saying goes. Always better to leave audiences wanting more rather than feeling they have seen too much.
“Marsa Shagra 2014” by Philippe Trojani
[youtube id=”NmZdXX8snEI” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Good opening on land and underwater with nice choice of music. Loved the diver pointing to the turtle and then the shoaling fish. All sharp with good exposure and composition. The two octopus were a real treat and well done you for holding the shot so steady. But no close up? That really would have been special. When filming wildlife try to get on the same eye level as the subject as this usually gives a better perspective. Nice film though but perhaps a little too long.
“The Coast is Clear” by Mike Jansen
[youtube id=”hGLvTGPItYA” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Pacey opening but do think about length of shots. Only keep them long if they are really interesting or you have something to say about them. Nice transition to the water. GoPro selfies can be good but once again please consider the length of shot. You obviously love your diving and are very good at it.
“Marsa Shagra June 2014” by Ahmed Helal
[youtube id=”jUbLu0NHoSM” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
Lovely opening images with good music. It all had a nice pace but a few of the shots later in the film were really too dark for me see what was going on. I think you would gain a lot from exploring the possibilities of lighting with a small movie light.
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Are you interested in videography? Perhaps you’re a beginner, or maybe you just want to improve your skills. Jeff runs course in the Red Sea, Portugal and Cornwall in the UK. For more information, visit www.jeffgoodman.co.uk.
News
Explorer Ventures Launches Hot Summer / Cool Prices Sale

Save up to $1100 on select liveaboard dive trips from June through October 2025
Explorer Ventures Fleet is turning up the heat with its new Hot Summer / Cool Prices sale. For a limited time, divers can save $1000 or more on select liveaboard departures from June through October 2025.
Whether you’re ready to dive into crystal-clear summer waters or planning a cool fall escape, this promotion offers major savings on world-class dive adventures in the Galápagos, Turks & Caicos, and the Caribbean.
Hot Summer / Cool Prices – For the Summer Dive Traveler:
From June through August, take advantage of deep discounts on summer getaways. Enjoy up to $1100 off select trips aboard the Humboldt Explorer in the Galápagos or save $1000 on select summer departures aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer Il and Caribbean Explorer II, exploring magic of Saba and St. Kitts.
Cool Fall / Hot Prices – For Travel in the Fall:
Leave the cool weather and falling leaves behind — fall is the perfect time to head south and save. Take $1000 off select departures from September through October aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II and Caribbean Explorer II.
See all details and departure dates: www.explorerventures.com/discounts-and-specials
Space is limited – and once the trips are full, the savings are gone. Book now to secure your spot!
Looking for other dates or destinations? There are more savings available across the fleet, including liveaboard diving holidays in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Red Sea, and Palau. Explore all current deals here: https://www.explorerventures.com/year-of-savings-dive-liveaboard-specials/
Contact:
1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) | +1.307.235.0683
About Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet
Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet has been delivering world-class liveaboard diving, blending authentic experiences with a commitment to safety and sustainability. Operating in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater destinations, their fleet of well-appointed vessels ensures every guest enjoys the highest level of comfort and care.
Explorer Ventures is proud to be the first liveaboard company to collaborate with Green Fins, earning certifications on four vessels: Caribbean Explorer II, Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Tiburon Explorer, and Humboldt Explorer. Notably, Tiburon Explorer and Humboldt Explorer are the only PADI Eco Centers designated in the Galápagos, underscoring their dedication to sustainable and responsible diving practices. With exceptional destinations, a global array of itineraries, and diver-focused design across the fleet, every voyage is crafted for comfort, convenience, and adventure—both above and below the surface.
Marine Life & Conservation
Make Every Dive Count

The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count!
The last week of July will see the return of the Shark Trust’s citizen science initiative: The Great Shark Snapshot. It encourages divers and snorkellers, all around the world, to record the sharks and rays that they see. This year it takes place between the 19th and 27th July. Get ready to dive in!
The event is back for its 4th year, and it is happening in “Shark Month”, more commonly known as July! To coincide with a series of events that celebrate all things shark and ray, including Shark Week and the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
Divers, clubs, centres, charter boats and liveaboards are all encouraged to show their support by organising dives and events throughout the week. As well as gathering vital data, the event will provide a chance to celebrate the incredible shark and ray species that live in our ocean.
Information about the species and numbers of sharks and rays the participants find over the week will be added to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log. This global shark census will, over time, allow shark scientists to build a picture of species distribution and any changes that occur
Caroline Robertson-Brown, Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust said “It is great to see this popular citizen science event back for its 4th year. We are asking divers to Make Every Dive Count this year. To identify. Count and Record every shark, ray and eggcase they see during the week-long event. To organise dives especially to take part. Whether you are diving your local dive site, or on a trip of a lifetime, we want divers to join in on the Great Shark Snapshot in July.”
It is easy to join in. Just go diving between 19th and 27th July and record every shark, ray, skate or eggcase that you and your dive group sees. If possible, take photos and some video footage too. Then make sure that you record your sightings on the Shark Trust Shark Log recordings website or by using the Shark Trust app.
This year we have created a digital guide that puts all the information you need in one handy online guide. Which can be downloaded from the website.
The Great Shark Snapshot is a way for divers to get together, go diving, and do something to help shark conservation. Why not dive in?
Find out more here: www.sharktrust.org/snapshot
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