Connect with us
background

News

Visit Oxford… and explore an Indonesian diving paradise with Dive Worldwide

Published

on

Dive Worldwide

DIVE WWJoin Dive Worldwide in Oxford on Tuesday 4th October for a virtual tour of one of the world’s most pristine reefs situated off the tropical island of Onemobaa in Indonesia’s south-east Sulawesi. The free-to-attend evening will be led Dr. Richard Smith, an acclaimed photographer and expert in the marine life of the Coral Triangle region. During the Oxford evening he will uncover the vibrant activity found under Onemobaa’s calm waters which play host to fascinating and diverse marine wildlife.

Taking place at the Four Pillars Oxford Thames Hotel (Henley Road, Sandford-on-Thames, OX4 4GX) at 7pm, this sociable evening will be a great opportunity to meet like-minded dive and travel enthusiasts and share stories. There will also be a team of dive experts available to provide first-hand knowledge of the finest dive spots around the world.

Burford-based marine biologist Dr. Smith has been fortunate enough to spend several years at Onemobaa’s Wakatobi Resort where he conducted the first ecological research on pygmy seahorses. In August 2018 Dr. Smith will be leading a trip to Wakatobi Dive Resort for the clients of Dive Worldwide, the exclusive UK agents for the Resort. Constructed by local artisans using traditional methods, the Wakatobi Dive Resort embraces sound eco-tourism principles while offering modern comforts and top quality diving.

Wakatobi, widely considered to have one of the best house reefs in the world, is often described as a liveaboard with a built-in beach. There are several dozen easily accessible dive sites with incredible marine diversity; from miles of pristine, breathtaking drop-offs, walls and slopes to ridges, caverns, caves and seamounts. The expansive house reef, less than 100 metres from the shore, is considered by many to be the world’s most healthy and bio-diverse. The short swim takes snorkellers over a bed of turtle grass and isolated coral heads leading to the shallow drop-off, a colourful wall abounds with corals and critters. Highlights include frog fish, blue ringed octopus, blue spotted stingrays, ghost pipefish, gorgonians, sponges and a variety of colourful reef fish.

All will be welcomed to the Discovery Evening (from 7.00 – 9.30pm) where complimentary refreshments will be served. Places are limited and can be booked by emailing events@diveworldwide.com or by calling 01962 302 087.

To find out more about Dive Worldwide visit www.diveworldwide.com.

News

Discover the diving Papua New Guinea has to offer in 2025 with Indigo Safaris

Published

on

papua new guinea

MV FeBrina Escorted Photography Trip

Dates: 5-15 September 2025
Itinerary: 10-night trip to Kimbe Bay, the Witu Islands, and Fathers Reefs. This is widely considered the best diving itinerary in Papua New Guinea.
Capacity: Only 10 spots available.
Cost: $4990 USD per person sharing.

  • Two small single occupancy cabins available for $4990.
  • Two large single occupancy cabins available for $5990.

papua new guinea

Why Choose This Trip?

This trip offers what is likely to be some of the best reef diving you’ll ever experience. The itinerary has been chosen for its extraordinary variety, abundance of marine life, and the fact that you’ll encounter very few (if any) other divers. With 75% of the world’s hard coral species and thousands of documented fish and invertebrate species, including some yet to be described, this area is truly special. Pelagic fish are abundant, and highlights include species like horse-eye jacks, pickhandle barracuda, and mega-rarities like Coleman’s pygmy seahorse. The corals remain in pristine condition, and the diversity of marine life is unparalleled.

papua new guinea

Photography Coaching

This trip includes photography coaching by Christopher Bartlett, founder of Best of PNG and a renowned underwater photographer. Christopher has had over 100 articles published and a dozen dive magazine cover shots to his name. He will cover everything from basic to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle photography, using clear examples to help you enhance your skills. From setting up gear to processing images in Lightroom, Christopher’s coaching will cater to all skill levels.

papua new guinea

The Diving Itinerary

This signature itinerary will take you to the spectacular reefs of Kimbe Bay, the volcanic Witu Islands, and the offshore Fathers Reefs.

  • Kimbe Bay: Known for its stunning coral formations, vibrant sea mounts, coral walls, and lush coral gardens. The area boasts more than 40 reef dive sites, including a beautifully preserved WWII Mitsubishi Zero fighter plane.
  • Witu Islands: This volcanic island group offers diverse diving experiences, from sea mounts like Lama Shoals to coral arches and exciting night dives in black sand bays. You’ll also interact with local villagers trading fresh fruit from canoes, with a planned village visit during the trip.
  • Fathers Reefs: These offshore, volcanic reefs feature dramatic underwater topography, including arches and swim-throughs. The pelagic activity here is remarkable, with sightings of sharks, rays, barracudas, jacks, and turtles. A baited dive for Silvertip sharks is included.

The experienced dive guides of MV FeBrina know the sites extremely well and are skilled at spotting marine life. You can provide a wishlist of critters, and they will work hard to find them.

papua new guinea

Getting There

The trip starts with a one-hour domestic flight from Port Moresby to Hoskins Airport in West New Britain. The flight over mountain ranges and diverse landscapes offers a stunning preview of the adventure ahead. Regaldive will book the domestic flights for you, with an estimated cost of $360 USD for a return ticket.

As described by Professor J.E.N. Veron, former Chief Scientist of the Australian Institute of Marine Science:

The coral reefs of Kimbe Bay take me back forty years, to a time when corals grew in lush profusion, untroubled by the problems that beset them today… I am hard pressed to think of anywhere on earth that has this combination of vibrant health, diversity, and beauty.”

papua new guinea

Inclusions

  • 10 nights of ensuite accommodation on MV FeBrina
  • All meals, snacks, unlimited tea and coffee
  • Final night dinner at Walindi Plantation Resort
  • 8.5 days of diving (4-5 dives per day)
  • Filled tanks, weight belt, and weights
  • Return transfers to and from Hoskins Airport/Walindi
  • Light daily laundry service

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Bar expenses and soft drinks
  • Nitrox
  • Dive equipment rental
  • Meals at Walindi prior to or after the liveaboard
  • Souvenirs, personal items, and gratuities
  • 10% GST on purchases in Papua New Guinea

Additional Costs

  • Environmental and Safety Fees: $90 per person, payable in advance.
  • Nitrox: $270 for all dives or $10 per fill.
  • Equipment Hire: Available with prior arrangement.
  • Alcohol/Bar: Local beers, soft drinks, and wine available at varying costs. It is recommended to bring your preferred spirits duty-free.

Payment

Payments can be made via credit card (MasterCard/Visa/Amex) or cash in AUD, USD, PGK, or Euros. Prices for bar items and additional purchases are subject to change.

papua new guinea

Extensions

Regaldive offers pre- or post-liveaboard extensions, including trips around PNG. From 15 to 22 September 2025, Christopher Bartlett will lead a Highlands Tribes Tour, featuring bird-watching, village visits, private Sing-Sings, and the Goroka Highlands Cultural Festival. The full tour costs $3240 USD. Alternatively, a four-night option for the Goroka festival from 17-21 September starts at $1260 USD. Additional extension options include extra diving at Walindi Resort, volcano treks, WWII plane wreck tours, or diving near Port Moresby. Post-festival, Christopher will also lead a five-night Sepik River tour, exploring ancient customs and Spirit Houses deep in the jungle.

papua new guinea

For more information or to book, contact Indigo Safaris:

Email: safariexperts@indigosafaris.com
UK: +44 771 334 27 29
USA: +1 718 312 8777
France: +33 668 74 97 05
Skype: christopherbartlett

Continue Reading

Gear News

OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light now available in pink

Published

on

d710 pink

Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.

Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.

With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.

It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.

d710 pink

Featuring:

* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens

* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery

* 6° beam angle

* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue

* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch

* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation

* Intelligent Over-Heat protection

* Battery indicator

* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters

* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation

* Over-discharge protection function

* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum

* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance

* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water

www.orcatorch.com

Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Instagram Feed

Popular