There's nothing better than finishing a diving holiday with a feeling of satisfaction and that's how it was at the end of  my recent trip to South Africa. Knowing you've had a great trip, seen some amazing creatures, been looked after well and made some great new friends is what it's all about. From the moment I was met at Durban airport and was reassured to see the sign with my name, it was an almost perfect trip. 

Scuba Addicts Lodge Aliwal Shoal is just an hours drive from Durban Airport, overlooking the Indian Ocean, on the edge of the town of Umkomas. More warm welcomes on arrival there were swiftly followed by a beer and a Braai, or barbecue to you and me. Needless to say, I slept exceeding well that night, dreaming of what was to come. The dive centre is on site at the lodge and after kitting up there's a 5 minute ride down to the beach, where the fun really starts.

After climbing aboard the spacious RIB, you have to hang on while the boat handler negotiates the surf, luckily they have had years of practice. An exhilarating start to the days diving. But after a 15 minute RIB ride we reached the famous Aliwal Shoals for our two morning dives. The exhilaration continued as we very quickly encountered two big sharks, the whole reason for the trip. They patrolled the reef and came and went a couple of times during the dive. 

The following morning was also a very special dive, as we got up close and personal with Blacktip Sharks. This was on the baited dive that many of the local operators have undertaken there for quite a few years. As soon as we entered the water we were surrounded by a good few sharks and the numbers increased as the dive progressed. 25 was my estimate,  but to be honest they are all around and move so quick it's impossible to actually count them.  Certainly a great way to end the first part of the trip before we move on to Mozambique the following day.  

Although the drive up to Scuba Addicts Lodge Ponta Do Ouro takes a while it's great for seeing a bit of the South African countryside. Good roads right up to the boarder, then the road turns to sand, but it's only an interesting 20 minutes ride over the sand dunes to the lodge. Like previously the lodge is very comfortable, with a nice view over the ocean. Ponta Do Ouro means 'Tip of Gold' as it faces east and it's worth getting up a bit earlier to catch the sunrise to find out why.

The following 5 days of diving where a feast of Sharks and Rays with encounters on every dive. More Blacktips, Grey Reef Sharks, more Bulls, a lone Zebra Shark and quite a few Hammerheads. Four types of Rays too, Manta and Ribbon Tail, but mainly good size schools of Mobula & Eagle rays. The area is also well known for its game fish too, which is why the Sharks are there of course. The diving in Mozambique is quite deep, so Advanced Open Water and a reasonable amount of experience is required. As an added bonus the water was a very pleasant 26 degrees.

Of course other types of Sharks are often seen in both locations, such as Tiger Sharks and Silvertips, but just my luck they turned up for the group after mine! But that's nature for you.  The last night is spent back in South Africa at a lovely lodge near the St Lucia Wetlands. That's quite an interesting experience too, as you can drive around after dark looking for Crocodiles and Hippos. It's very strange passing a Hippo grazing the grass on the edge of town like you would see a sheep or cow in the UK.

I can't emphasise enough how well Scuba Addicts look after their guests on this trip. It was almost like being on a liveaboard really, but on land. You are looked after from arriving at the airport to being dropped back there 10 days later. You dive and stay with the same group of divers for the duration, random day divers are not catered for at all. Although it's booked on a B&B basis, very reasonably priced lunches are available at both lodges and they will happily drive you to and from local restaurants for dinner in the evening. As an added bonus, it's a great value trip at the moment due to the rate of exchange with the Rand, and you get a lot for your money whilst there. A bottle of beer works out at around £1 at the moment. Great diving and hospitality, and cheap beer, what more could you ask for? 

10 & 12 DAY TRIPS

Regaldive offer 10 and 12 day itineraries for East Coast Shark Diving trips in South Africa and Mozambique, allowing you to experience the best marine life this area has to offer. The 12 day trip also gives you the opportunity to experience the Big 5, at a game reserve.

We also offer a Great White Shark Cage Diving trip extension in Gansbaai which may be combined with your East Coast Shark Diving holiday. 

Want to find out more? Contact the Regaldive team on 01353 659999 or email us to plan your twin centre shark diving adventure.

Discover the Breath-taking Azores with Regaldive

Unique Biodiversity

Divers can encounter a vast range of oceanic species including rare blue and mako sharks, spotted, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins, manta and devil rays and whale sharks, as well as five kinds of turtle. Beaked, sperm, blue, humpback and false killer whales can all be spotted from the surface making boat rides to dive sites exhilarating adventures.

Volcanic Geological Wonders

The volcanic landscape of the Azores offers a unique backdrop to the incredible nature above and below water. Divers can explore labyrinthine tunnels, bubbling hydrothermal vents, canyons, caves and arches. Impressive wrecks and a ship graveyard at the Underwater Archaeological Park encourage discovery.

Blue Sharks and Other Highlights

The renowned Condor Seamount offers the best chance to meet captivating blue sharks. Manta rays, morays, stingrays, groupers, wrasse, parrotfish, triggerfish and damselfish are also encountered here. Princess Alice Bank is a majestic underwater mountain falling to some 500m whose 35m tip is packed with groups of devil rays, barracuda and schools of thousands of tuna swirling in the currents.

Diving and More!

Equally spectacular on land, you can immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage. With each island having its own unique charm, non-diving days can be spent hiking through picturesque landscapes, climbing to waterfalls and towering volcanoes, exploring the islands’ maritime history, or simply relaxing in hot springs.

Best Times to Travel

Regaldive offer holidays to the islands of Sao Miguel, Pico, and Santa Maria during the May to October season when the best diving conditions can be found. The Azores are particularly well suited to twin centre island combinations and with flexible scheduled and charter flights available, we can plan your trip to get the most out of this exciting destination.

Want to find out more? Contact the specialist Regaldive team on 01353 659999 or email us to plan your Azores adventure.

There is an incredible range of sharks around Aliwal Shoal in South Africa and Ponta Do Ouro in Mozambique. Tiger Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Oceanic Blacktip Sharks, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks and Giant Guitar Sharks are just some of the sharks that you may encounter.

With access year round, the best way to take in the full breadth of South Africa’s East coast and Mozambique is to join a small group of like-minded qualified divers on a twin centre trip

Observe the sharks, learn how to identify different species, understand the sharks behaviour and find out how sharks interpret your behaviour in return.  Dive with Tiger Sharks, Oceanic Blacktip Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Dusky Sharks, Guitar Sharks, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks & more.  You will also dive with a huge variety of other marine life and are likely to encounter Whales, Dolphin, Turtles, Manta Rays, Devil Rays, Eagle Rays, Ribbontail Rays, Eels, Game Fish, Reef fish and more.

ALIWAL SHOAL, SOUTH AFRICA

Aliwal Shoal offers fantastic shark, wreck and reef diving. Exciting launches can be expected through rolling surf, with most dive sites within 20 minutes of the beach or river launch. Dives are typically at 20-30m in depth, following the buoy line, drift diving along the reef  or in the blue.

ScubaAddicts Lodge Aliwal Shoal, South Africa is perfectly situated for diving the Aliwal Shoal. Every room at ScubaAddicts Dive Lodge has 100% ocean views over-looking the Indian Ocean, miles of sandy beaches and the Aliwal Shoal reef system in South Africa.

PONTA DO OURO, MOZAMBIQUE

The diving in Mozambique takes place on the reefs between Ponta Do Ouro, Ponta Malongane & Ponta Mamoli which offer some of the best shark diving with Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks and many other species of shark. The reefs between Ponta Do Ouro, Ponta Malongane & Ponta Mamoli are also home to a huge variety of other marine life including Whales (June to end of October), Dolphin, Turtles, Manta Rays, Devil Rays, Eagle Rays, Ribbontail Rays, Moray Eels, Pelagic Fish, many species of reef fish & much more.

ScubaAddicts Lodge in Ponta Do Ouro, Mozambique  is centrally located in the small town of Ponta Do Ouro and has incredible views over-looking the ocean. It is perfectly situated for diving with sharks and on the reefs of Ponta Do Ouro, Ponta Molangane & Ponta Mamoli.

10 & 12 DAY TRIPS

We offer 10 and 12 day itineraries, allowing you to experience the best marine life this area has to offer. The 12 day trip also gives you the opportunity to experience the Big 5, at a game reserve.

Regaldive also offer a Great White Shark Cage Diving trip extension in Gansbaai which may be combined with your East Coast Shark Diving holiday. 

Want to find out more? Contact the Regaldive team on 01353 659999 or email us to plan your twin centre shark diving adventure.

Nigel told us:

I recently spent a week on Emperor Superior on their Simply the Best itinerary. And what a week it was!

Simply the Best focusses on three of the most famous Red Sea dive sites: The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone. Famous for shark sightings, these sites are on the wish list for many divers.

Aside from the chance of spotting reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks and oceanic white tip sharks, there is so much more for divers to experience. One of the most famous wrecks can be found at The Brothers: the Numidia. This British vessel hit the reef in 1901 and now lies perpendicular to the reef with the bow lying at around 8m, with the rest of the ship descending at a steep angle to a depth of approximately 80m. She is covered in soft coral and home to a huge variety of marine life.

One of the highlights at Daedalus was a dive over a huge anemone garden descending from 3m to around 20m. This area is full of clownfish and is a photographer’s dream.

A trip to Daedalus is not complete without a visit to the lighthouse. The staff of this manned lighthouse are always keen to welcome divers and share some delicious Egyptian tea. The views of the reef from the top of the lighthouse are stunning and well worth the climb of over 150 steps.

Credit must go to the boat crew and Emperor staff. From the professional, knowledgeable and friendly dive guides to the ever-attentive boat crew (which included not one, but TWO pastry chefs: yummy!) everything is geared up towards ensuring that the guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Will I go again? You bet!

To find out more about Red Sea liveaboards, call our friendly team on 01353 659999, or send us an email.

Located just three and half hours flight from the UK, the nine emerald islands that form the mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago are also an ideal getaway for those who don’t want to travel far.

The Azores are famous for their amazing underwater topography - labyrinthine tunnels, canyons and arches which have been etched out by lava streams over the centuries. Divers can hope to encounter at least 25 different pelagic species including blue and mako sharks, spotted, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins, turtles, rays, and even whale sharks. Beaked whales, sperm whales, humpbacks and false killer whales can also be spotted from the surface.

Back on land, divers can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the islands. Each island has its own unique charm but share a common accent on adventure. Climb volcanoes, cycle or hike through picturesque landscapes, take to the water on a whale watching trip, or explore World Heritage sites. Relax your muscles in bubbling hot springs, and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Regaldive offer holidays to the islands of Sao Miguel, Pico, and Santa Maria during the May – October season when the best diving conditions can be found. The Azores are particularly well suited to twin centre island combinations and with flexible scheduled and charter flights available, we can plan your trip to get the most out of this exciting destination.

Want to find out more? Contact the specialist Regaldive team on 01353 659999 or email us to plan your Azores adventure.

The Socorro Islands are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, approximately 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at the tip of the Baja peninsula. Socorro Islands Liveaboards are the latest addition to our programme and are ideal for big animal encounters.

The area is famous for close encounters with the Giant Pacific manta ray, which can grow to over six metres across. Divers will also see many species of shark and several hammerhead cleaning stations. Whale sharks can be found between November and December and late April to May. 

Pods of wild bottlenose dolphin are encountered on a regular basis, and from January to March the islands are home to a large population of humpback whales that visit the islands to breed and calve. Divers also frequently see extremely large tuna (the world record yellowfin is from these waters), wahoo, large schools of jacks and endemic tropicals found nowhere else in the world. 

Introducing Our New Socorro Islands Liveaboards

There are a few Socorro Islands Liveaboards in our programme:

• Nautlius Belle Amie Luxurious, stabilised, modern 44m vessel custom built for up to 32 divers split into 4 staggered dive groups. The most comfortable way to experience Socorro
• Nautilus Undersea Comfortable, steel hulled 40m vessel, custom designed for up to 18 dives, this vessel provides space and an experienced crew. 
• Nautilus Explorer Steel hull, high end 35m long range liveaboard, the Nautilus Explorer was custom designed for 24 divers. The vessel's construction provides for a remarkably easy ride. 
• Solmar V A 34m liveaboard departing from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She travels with a crew of 10 and a maximum of 22 divers. 

 Contact the friendly, specialist Regaldive Team on 01353 659999, or email us for a Socorro Islands Liveaboard quote today.

We are pleased to introduce the newest addition to our programme; Cocos Island Liveaboards. A distinctive and remote diving location, Cocos Island is ideal for the serious diver. Regaldive’s latest addition will no doubt be at the top of the ‘must dive’ lists in 2016!

A distinctive and remote diving location, Cocos Island is surrounded by deep waters populated by Whale Sharks, Schooling Hammerhead Sharks, White-tip Sharks, Tuna, Manta Rays & three species of Turtle. Dolphins are often seen and the odd whale, if you are lucky.

This uninhabited island rests 340 miles off Costa Rica and the only way to visit Cocos Island for diving is by liveaboards, which operate year round. 

Three New Cocos Island Liveaboards 

Regaldive has recently added three Cocos Island Liveaboards to its programme:

• Sea Hunter: 115  ft. liveaboard offering comfort and convenience. Sea Hunter has 10 guest cabins with private bathrooms, providing live-aboard comfort for up to 20 passengers. The Sea Hunter is considered by many as the paramount, purpose-built liveaboard vessel operating in the area. Specialties are excellence in service, food and non-stop underwater excitement. 
• Okeanos Aggressor I: 110  ft. liveaboard providing comfortable accommodation for 22 guests in 9 Deluxe Staterooms and 1 Quad Cabin.
• Okeanos Aggressor II: (formerly Wind Dancer) 120 ft. liveaboard accommodating 22 guests in 8 double/twin stateroom cabins, 2 luxurious suites and 1 Master Stateroom.

Call us today on 01353 659999 or send us an email to receive a holiday quote for your Cocos liveaboard adventure

Dive into Cocos liveaboard trips here

Thanks to Regaldive guests Nigel and Jenny G. who have just returned from a Philippines Island Hopping trip and have kindly given us their trip feedback.

The dive sites in the Philippines are home to some of the best and most diverse marine eco-systems in South East Asia. There are over 500 species of hard and soft corals and countless varieties of fish and large pelagics. The diversity is astounding and caters to all levels of dive experience and interest.

Nigel and Jenny enjoyed their 16 night Island Hopping holiday in the Philippines in January and Nigel has very kindly shared these wonderful photographs taken from their trip - thanks Nigel, they are great!

Following their trip, Nigel and Jenny told us:

"We had a wonderful holiday and the diving was exceptional."

Thanks Nigel and Jenny, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your holiday so much and we look forward to helping you with planning your next diving adventures.

If you fancy a longer Maldives liveaboard trip, Emperor Serenity is now offering a 14-night Best of Maldives holiday. The new itinerary is one of the best ways to experience the magic of the Maldives covering iconic dive sites such as Male Atolls, Lhaviyani Atoll, Noonu, Raa and Baa Atolls, Rasdhoo Atoll and Ari Atolls. Combining top quality diving with the promise of 'bucket list' marine sightings and the superb hotel-style of Emperor Serenity, this is destined to be a Maldives trip that will be on many divers’ wish lists.

Guests can enjoy this longer 14-night Best of Maldives holiday on selected dates throughout the year. Sailing from Male, the new Maldives' liveaboard, Emperor Serenity, brings a class of her own with contemporary styling and plenty of space where fine accommodation and service is standard. This 40 metre boat easily accommodates 26 guests in 13 well-appointed ensuite cabins all with air-conditioning, so even a two-week holiday will fly by.

7-night trips can also be arranged on the same itinerary, if the 14 night voyage is too long - guests have the choice of joining the outbound or return legs.

Included is full board, free Nitrox, around 37 dives (14-night trip), local transfers, a visit to a deserted island for a BBQ under the stars and the chance to dive with manta, whale sharks, sharks, turtles and myriad marine life, as well as a City tour with local guide.

All diving is done from Emperor Serenity's large dhoni tender, giving more living space on board and the flexibility to take guests to the perfect dive spot every time. Four dive guides provide a premium service.

For more details, please call us on 01353 659999, or send us an email 

Visit our Emperor Serenity web pages to find out more. 

Thanks to Regaldive guests Carol and Peter F. who have just returned from a Maldives liveaboard and land based trip and have given us their trip feedback.

Carol and Peter enjoyed a liveaboard trip aboard Emperor Atoll, sailing from Male, followed by a land based stay on Vilamendhoo Island. Located on the Southeast corner of Ari atoll, Vilamendhoo lies in the heart of some of the most thrilling dive sites in the Maldives. 

Carol has very kindly shared this wonderful photograph of a turtle that she took while on the boat - thanks Carol, it's great!

Following their trip, Carol and Peter told us:

"Just to say we are back from the Maldives  - we had a great time everything went to plan. I have attached a photo of turtle I took while on the boat, it's the best that I have taken yet."

Thanks Carol and Peter, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip so much and we look forward to helping you to plan your next diving adventures.