We have recently expanded our liveaboard programme with the introduction of Truk Lagoon, a destination renowned for its superb wrecks and wonderful reef diving.

Truk Lagoon is enclosed by a 225 kilometre barrier reef and is home to an entire Japanese WWII fleet, sunk in 1944. The lagoon is the final resting place for more than 100 ships, planes and submarines. Frozen in time, complete with sake cups, a submarine, jeeps, tanks and fighter planes still waiting in the hangars, all encrusted with coral, the area has been declared an underwater museum.

Nowhere else in the world are there so many wrecks tightly packed into a coral reef lagoon with many situated in shallow clear water. Incredible corals in a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes attract divers of all levels. Schooling tropical fish smother the ships, with grey reef sharks, common octopus, spotted eagle rays, Pacific blue-fin tuna and black-tip reef sharks. 

There are numerous channels that cut through the reef which are hunting grounds for reef sharks and schooling pelagics, which add to the wonder of diving in Truk. Best explored by liveaboard, Truk Lagoon offers a unique dive destination, with quite simply, some of the finest wreck diving in the world!

Introducing the Truk Master liveaboard:

• Built of steel and welcoming aboard 16 guests, Truk Master is the newest liveaboard to ply the waters of Truk Lagoon. The vessel was completely refitted in April 2016 and the four decks provide ample space for relaxation, dive equipment and camera preparation.  
• Truk Master’s 7-night and 10-night itineraries allow divers to explore not only many of the famous wrecks, but also to experience some superb reef diving. 
• 7 night Truk Lagoon trips aboard Truk Master start from £2,049 per person including twin share accommodation in a standard cabin, up to 4 guided dives per day, 3 meals daily, snacks and soft drinks. 12 or 15 litre tanks are free of charge with air. Flights are excluded but can be arranged through Regaldive.

To find out more, or to make a booking, call our friendly team on 01353 659999, or send us an email.

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.

Late Offers

• 21 May 2016 – South and St John’s itinerary aboard Elite from only £799pp, Save £132
• 17 June 2016 - Brothers and Elphinstone itinerary aboard Asmaa from only £799pp, Save £91

Superb September Savings

Red Sea Liveaboards departing in September 2016 are currently at reduced prices with an exclusive saving of up to £100pp for selected sailings including:

• 3 September 2016 – Simply the Best itinerary aboard Superior from only £1,140pp
• 7 September 2016 – South and St John’s itinerary aboard Asmaa from only £1,198pp
• 14 September 2016 – South and St John’s itinerary aboard Asmaa from only £1,108pp
• 16 September 2016 – South and St John’s itinerary aboard Elite from only £990pp
• 23 September 2016 – Brothers and Elphinstone itinerary aboard Elite from only £973pp

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, Terceira 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. Prices start from just £579 per person for a 7 night package including flights, twin share bed and breakfast accommodation and transfers.

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

Take advantage of these great deals on Red Sea and Maldives Liveaboards.

Example savings include: 

Red Sea Liveaboards  

• Blue Horizon Straits of Tiran & North trip - from £799pp - SAVE up to £500pp
• Blue Melody Straits of Tiran & North trip: from £749pp - SAVE up to £500pp

Maldives Liveaboards 

• Emperor Atoll Pelagic Magic trip from £798pp (boat only) - SAVE up to £590pp
• Emperor Voyager Best of the Maldives trip from £902pp (boat only) - SAVE up to £482pp
    

With prices like this you can’t afford to miss out!

Call us on 01353 659 999 to check the latest availability.

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, Terceira 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. Prices start from £583pp for a seven night package including flights, accommodation and transfers.

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 two Socorro Islands Liveaboards in our programme:

• Solmar V A 34m luxury liveaboard departing from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She travels with a crew of 10 and a maximum of 22 divers. 
• Nautilus Explorer Steel hull, luxury 35m long range liveaboard, the Nautilus Explorer was custom designed for 24 divers. The vessel's construction provides for a remarkably easy ride. 

Socorro Islands Liveaboard trips start from £1,747 per person for 8 nights including accommodation in a triple stateroom cabin (mixed gender), 3-4 dives a day, 4 meals per day, snacks, soft drinks, tanks, weights and weight belts. Flights can be arranged through Regaldive.

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