News

Submersible Explores Vancouver Glass Sponge Reefs for First Time

Published

11 years ago

October 26, 2013

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) began a week long expedition earlier this week to the glass sponge reefs of Vancouver, BC’s Howe Sound in a 3-person submersible, the first mission undertaken to explore what scientists have dubbed “living fossils.”

Glass sponges are found worldwide, but they are unique to BC in that they continue to grow over the skeletons of dead sponges to create enormous deep water reefs along the continental shelf. Their “glass” skeletons are formed through high levels of dissolved silica in the water, and they thrive on the nutrient-rich cold water upwellings that are typical to the region.

The first glass sponge was discovered in 1986, when scientists unwittingly came across a 9,000 year old specimen standing 8 stories high. Until then, scientists had no idea the species was still extant; they only knew glass sponge reefs as fossils from 160 million years ago. Subsequent research has revealed that glass sponge reefs proliferate the waters around British Columbia, with more than 280 square miles of reef revealed and scientists expecting to discover more.

Source: www.aquaviews.net

News

Safety First: With Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene, You’re in Good Hands (Watch Video)

Published

3 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Team Scubaverse

On his recent trip to dive with Scuba Scene, Jeff Goodman had a chat with the Red Sea liveaboard’s General Manager, Ahmed Fadel, about the vessel’s safety measures and how the wellbeing of their passengers is their top priority.

To book your next Red Sea dive adventure on with Scuba Scene, visit oysterdiving.com/trip/scuba-scene-red-sea-egypt.

News

Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet Announces Customer Appreciation Sale for Caribbean Explorer II

Published

3 days ago

March 14, 2025

Team Scubaverse

Buy One, Get One for $999 – Plus Special Savings for Solo Travelers

Explorer Ventures Fleet is celebrating divers and our friends who make it all possible with an exclusive Customer Appreciation Sale aboard the Caribbean Explorer II. This is the liveaboard itinerary that started it all in 1987, and there’s no better way to say thank you than with incredible savings on diving in Saba, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten.

Customer Appreciation Sale Details

Buy one full-price trip, bring a companion for $999
Solo travelers receive $800 off retail price
Caribbean Explorer II / Saba, St. Kitts & St. Maarten
Travel Window: August 1 – November 1, 2025
NO Blackout Departure Dates: Book any scheduled departure date within the travel window
Booking Deadline: March 31, 2025

Diving in this region offers a mix of dramatic underwater landscapes, intriguing marine life, and historic wrecks. The waters surrounding Saba Marine Park are home to towering pinnacles formed by ancient lava flows, sheer walls, and coral-covered seamounts, where reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and schooling fish are often spotted. Just across the channel, the dive sites of St. Kitts provide a variety of underwater scenery, from gently sloping reefs to spur-and-groove formations, with shipwrecks now serving as habitats for lobster, stingrays, and barracuda. With up to five dives per day, this itinerary offers a mix of exploration and adventure in the heart of the Caribbean.

Between dives, the islands offer even more to discover with Explorer Ventures Fleet’s optional land tours. Stroll through Saba’s Windwardside Village, where red-roofed cottages and lush mountain views create a picture-perfect setting. Take in the breathtaking scenery along “The Road That Couldn’t Be Built”, or visit a local glassblowing and art studio to see island creativity in action. The magic of the Caribbean extends beyond the water, and whether you’re diving beneath the waves or exploring these charming destinations, you’re sure to fall in love with the unique beauty.

This limited-time offer is the perfect excuse to grab a dive buddy and experience the best of Saba, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten at an unbeatable price. Book by March 31, 2025, to take advantage of these exclusive savings. www.explorerventures.com/saba-st-kitts/

Contact Information

Explorer Ventures Fleet

Email: info@explorerventures.com

Phone: 1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada), +1.307.235.0683

Website: www.explorerventures.com

About Explorer Ventures Fleet

Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Fleet has been redefining liveaboard diving, offering exceptional dive experiences across the globe. With a commitment to safety, sustainability, and top-tier service, the fleet provides divers with unforgettable access to some of the world’s most spectacular underwater destinations.