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

Join 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
PADI Launches World’s First Scuba Technician Distinctive Specialty Course with Octo Diver

Octo Diver, in collaboration with PADI, have introduced the first-ever PADI Scuba Technician Distinctive Specialty Course, designed to raise the standard of dive equipment knowledge and safety in the scuba diving industry.
This 7-day hands-on course is open to all certified divers, dive professionals, and dive centre/resort staff, and focuses on vital life-support equipment servicing.
The course modules include:
Scuba Regulator Servicing (Diaphragm & Piston types)
2nd Stage Servicing (Balanced & Unbalanced)
K-Valve Cylinder Valve Maintenance
Scuba Cylinder Visual Inspection
Power Inflator Servicing
Oxygen Cleaning for Scuba Equipment
Scuba Compressor Service & Maintenance
Standard Service & Repair Reporting
It is developed by Octo Diver’s professional team, led by a certified PADI Scuba Technician Instructor with a background in mechanical and aerospace engineering and over 15 years of experience in the diving industry.
This professional-level course can be conducted at Octo Diver’s classroom in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, or hosted at dive centers worldwide. Hosting dive centers receive exclusive benefits, including high commission, special course rates, and free seats.
Upon completion, students will receive certification from PADI along with official technician credentials.
Octo Diver is currently looking for dive centers and resorts globally to host this course. Let’s work together to make diving safer and more professional — Be a Certified PADI Scuba Technician.
For more information, visit www.Scuba-Technician.com
Blogs
Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort – A Hidden Gem in the Northern Moluccas

Far from the usual tourist trails, on a small island in the Northern Moluccas, lies a place of extraordinary beauty: Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort. Nestled between dense tropical jungle and a powdery white sand beach, the resort offers a peaceful escape immersed in nature at its purest. With panoramic views of the turquoise sea and direct access to some of Indonesia’s most untouched reefs, it’s a dream come true for those seeking tranquility above and adventure below the surface.
The resort features just 16 spacious beachfront bungalows, each only steps from the ocean. At its heart is a beautifully designed open-air restaurant, built entirely from natural materials, where guests can enjoy a diverse selection of Indonesian and international cuisine.
But what truly sets Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort apart is the underwater world that surrounds it. The reefs of the Northern Moluccas are among the most pristine and biodiverse in all of Indonesia – and remarkably, they remain largely untouched. Thanks to the remote location, dive boats are often the only ones around, giving divers the rare privilege of exploring vibrant coral gardens, dramatic walls, and colorful drop-offs in complete solitude.
Marine life here is nothing short of spectacular. Blacktip reef sharks are spotted on nearly every dive, while nutrient-rich walls attract sea turtles, schools of jacks, and bumphead parrotfish. For macro enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove of rare and photogenic species, including pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, frogfish, leaf scorpionfish, and several types of octopus and shrimp.
One of the region’s most extraordinary highlights is the Halmahera Walking Shark, a rare species endemic to this part of Indonesia. First described by scientists only in recent years, this small shark is unlike anything else in the ocean. Rather than swimming, it uses its muscular pectoral and pelvic fins to “walk” along the seabed. These elusive yet fascinating creatures are most often encountered on night dives – and witnessing one in the wild is a truly unforgettable experience.
The reefscapes surrounding Spice Island Resort are equally impressive. Flourishing hard coral formations spread across the seabed, interspersed with vivid sponges, large sea fans, and colorful soft corals. The biodiversity is astonishing, and the visual spectacle underwater is a dream for photographers. Most importantly, the reefs here are healthy—a rare treasure in today’s marine environment. With minimal tourism and careful management, the ecosystem remains intact, vibrant, and teeming with life.
Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort is more than just a dive destination – it’s a retreat for those seeking peace and a haven for underwater explorers looking to experience the authentic magic of Indonesia’s last true frontier.
Book your next diving adventure at Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort with Extra Divers!
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