Regaldive is excited to announce the release of tickets to the 2015 Sardine Run expeditions in South Africa. With tickets to the 2014 expeditions having sold quicker than ever, divers are advised to get in there quick to guarantee their place for next year.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest marine events on the planet, the Sardine Run takes in many phases and sees vast shoals of silver sardines moving over a hundred kilometres up the east coast of Africa. Accompanied by their food source, plankton, the sardines are stalked by predators for the duration of their journey including over 20,000 dolphins, orcas and bryde’s whales; thousands of copper sharks; hundreds of seals; tens of thousands of gannets and storm petrels, and hundreds of sea birds. Humpback and southern right whales can also be seen following the same route as they migrate from their summer feeding grounds to the southern and eastern coast of Africa.

Our nine day expeditions allow divers the unique opportunity to experience first-hand the wonders of the Sardine Run. Guests will travel in small groups and spend seven days diving, swimming and snorkelling in close proximity to the marine life. They will also have the opportunity to partake in optional above-the-water activities including a microlight flight over the Wild Coast, horse riding and trekking.

The 2015 Sardine Run expeditions will take place in the period from 16 June to 24 July 2015, with tickets costing from £2,577 per person for an eight night trip. Longer durations are also available. The price includes full board accommodation at Mbotyi River Lodge, transfers, diving, an expert guide, some dive equipment (cylinders, airfills and weight belt), full air support and a microlight flight, afternoon activities and a donation to a local conservation group.

For further information, call the Regaldive Team on 01353 659 999.

Regaldive Team Member John was lucky enough to spend a week on Grenada recently. Here's what he has to say:

I just got back from a great trip to the Caribbean island of Grenada and I’m pleased to say I had a fantastic time.  I know it’s often said, but Grenada really has got something for everyone.  Plenty of nice reefs and a good variety of wrecks for divers. The non- diver will not feel left out also, with plenty to see and do if wanted, or just time to relax on some beautiful beaches.

Staying at a couple of the hotels we feature and visiting the others was nice, just to see what lovely hotels we send our guests to.  True Blue Bay was probably my favourite hotel as it’s a little bit different with its bright colours and interesting artworks.  Blue Horizons Resort was also nice with great views from the rooms up the hillside, but still just a short walk from the wonderful Grand Anse Beach.

A quick look around the Flamboyant Hotel confirmed its spectacular location and I also met a group of Regal guests there and they were very pleased with their accommodation choice.  Of course there is also Spice island Beach Resort if you feel like splashing out on some luxury.

The first day full day on the island was a non-diving day and an island tour was arranged.  This was a great way to see a good snapshot of island life and natural beauty.  The centre of the island is mountainous and covered in forest. There are plenty of waterfalls to explore, some a short walk from the road and some a bit of a trek through the forest. Interesting stops also included the chocolate estate, rum distillery and nutmeg processing plant.

So how was the diving? Again there is something for every type of diver, variety being the key. The location of Aquanauts Dive Centre is perfect for exploring the dive sites on both the Atlantic and Caribbean sides of the island and most can be reached in 10 to 20 minute boat rides.

Grenada is known for its wrecks, the most famous being the Bianca C, the largest wreck in the Caribbean. It’s a must dive for any wreck fans, although experience is required due to its depth.  We also dived some smaller freighters, like the Shakem and Hema 1. I was really pleased to take some nice seahorse pictures on the Shakem.  The Hema 1 was a very intense dive.   As it followed the Bianca C we didn’t get a great deal of bottom time, but a lot was crammed into 20 minutes - nurse sharks, a blacktip shark, turtle and a lovely big spotted eagle ray.

There’s plenty for the reef lover to enjoy as well. I think I counted six different species of moray eel, some of which I’d never seen before.  Of course it’s always great to find seahorses and I also saw my first ever frogfish.  If you are not a fan of cold water diving you might like to know the water was a pleasant 27 degrees!  The sculpture park is also worth a visit and its shallow depths are great for snorkelers too.

Aquanauts Dive Centre certainly looked after us very well; a very friendly and professional dive operation. I was also impressed that requests from guests were accommodated - the group I mentioned wanted to dive the Bianca C a couple of times and that was easily sorted.

So I suppose I ought to finish by recommending the best way to relax at the end of a day of diving or sightseeing.  There is a drink that is the perfect way to end the day and that is a Rum Punch made with locally distilled Rum. Be careful though, as they are often made with the 80% proof version! All in all, I'd really recommend Grenada for anyone looking for a combination of great diving, good value for money, with lots to see and do topside... which makes for the perfect holiday I'd say!

Take a look at John's photos of his week in Grenada on the Regaldive Facebook page >

The Maltese archipelago is a jewel in the Mediterranean. Crystal clear warm waters, 300 days of sunshine a year, a wealth of fascinating history, and a warm, welcoming culture… add to this some incredible underwater topography and multiple shipwrecks, plus just three hours flying time from the UK, and it’s easy to see why Malta has become such a hotspot for British divers.

Best visited in the main season between May and October, Malta, Gozo and Comino’s clear, calm waters and sheltered bays offer the ideal conditions for divers of all levels, from complete beginners to deep and technical divers. The islands’ offer a tremendous diversity of underwater experiences and with many sites accessible from the shore, as well as by boat, Malta really does offer divers it all.

Discover Malta >

Malta offers a cosmopolitan and lively stay, being the main and more developed island of this small Mediterranean group. Malta’s history as a disputed land has led to an impressive collection of ship, plane and submarine wrecks that have led to Malta becoming known as the wreck capital of the Mediterranean. Dozens of shipwrecks, historic and artificial, mean that Malta is a key technical diving destination but the island is also an ideal place for beginners with plenty of sheltered coves. Malta’s calm, warm seas also make for excellent visibility and superb conditions for underwater photography.

Discover Gozo >

Equally photogenic, the smaller island of Gozo is an unspoilt paradise with a simple, rural charm. The action here is underwater where the spectacular scenery draws divers back to Gozo time and time again. Arches and tunnels have been carved out of the coastline and offer endless points of natural rugged beauty around its 27 mile coastline, coupled with tremendous underwater visibility. The Blue Hole is perhaps the most famous dive site on the island but there are many more caverns, tunnels and swim throughs, plus two artificial wrecks to explore at your leisure.

Above water attractions

Above the water, the Maltese islands offer plenty to keep visitors entertained after an exciting days diving. Guests can explore the ancient streets of the World Heritage City of Valetta. Malta's capital is renowned for its rich collection of prehistoric artefacts, the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and majestic St. John’s Cathedral. A visit to the 'Silent City' of Mdina is also a must.

Gozo is home to the world’s oldest free-standing structures, the Ggantija Temples, which even pre-date the pyramids. Also worth a visit is the picturesque hilltop citadel of Victoria (Rabat). For a true Maltese experience however, take a walk or cycle ride around the pretty villages and find plenty of hidden treasures – medieval churches, fresh local cuisine, private sandy coves, and a warm Mediterranean welcome at every turn.

Close by, the tiny island of Comino lying between Gozo and Malta, is car free, and offers a lovely diversion and peaceful visit with some of the archipelago’s prettiest coves and quiet beaches.

Experience the Maltese Islands

Malta is very easy to get to with an almost daily choice of scheduled and charter flights and little more than three hours flying time from the UK. This makes the Maltese Islands top choice for a short break destination. Both Malta and Gozo offer a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and dive centre managed apartments are available for the ultimate in value for money and convenience.

Diving is totally flexible with a range of shore, boat, and combined diving packages available in most areas, divers really can have it all in Malta.

Want to find out more? Contact the Regaldive specialist team on

01353 659 999 and let us help you plan your Maltese adventure.

Our latest destination Mexico is proving to be one of the most popular holiday requests so far this year. Sure to become the must-dive destination of 2014, Mexico offers a wealth of exciting diving opportunities in one of the most picturesque spots on the planet. From the unique underwater experience of the Cenotes, to the spectacular reefs of Cozumel so revered by Jacques Cousteau, Mexico has a variety of diving to suit everyone from beginner to seasoned traveller. Great food, stunning beaches and a variety of historical and other topside attractions complete the picture.

Regaldive offer a choice of two resort options on the beautiful stretch of mainland known as the Riviera Maya. The modern beachside city of Playa Del Carmen and the self-contained lifestyle resort of Puerto Aventuras, both offer access to some superb Caribbean reef diving and the closest proximity to the inland Cenotes. The island of Cozumel, reached by ferry from the mainland, balances a more laidback atmosphere with exhilarating action underwater. Here you can experience drift diving at its most exciting on the famous reefs of the Cozumel Marine Park.

Both Cozumel and the Cenotes can be visited as day trips from the Riviera Maya, or Cozumel, should you choose to spend the main part of your stay in the other resort. Alternatively, Mexico’s excellent infrastructure allows for an ideal twin centre option and Regaldive can tailor-make your holiday to combine the best of this whole region.

Get a taste for Mexico with our new underwater video clips of Playa Del Carmen / Cozumel and the Cenotes. Want to find out more? Give the specialist Regaldive team a call on 01353 659 999 and let us help you plan your Mexican adventure.

More and more Regaldive guests are choosing liveaboard holidays around the world. As a result of this increased demand, we are delighted to expand our liveaboard collection with a new destination and a new liveaboard in Palau - S/Y Palau Siren.

Allowing divers to make the most of the world-class diving on offer in Palau, this stunning sailing vessel offers three itineraries, each of which include the unique chance to snorkel in Jellyfish Lake - as featured by the winner of a previous year's Guardian’s Readers' travel photograph competition.

The seven night Palau Islands itinerary, offers the opportunity to explore some of the finest diving in Palau. Undertaking up to 22 dives including four night dives, our guests will discover a wide range of sites including the Ulong Channel - a drift dive and one of the best dives in Palau; Blue Corner - home to steep sheer walls and fierce currents; Iro Maru wreck - a Japanese oil supply ship which was sunk during World War II, and Shark City - the name of which speaks for itself. 

The 10 night Palau Islands itinerary allows a more in-depth exploration of the sites visited in the seven night itinerary. Divers will have the opportunity to take up to 33 dives including five night dives, including full board boat accommodation, most drinks, three to four boat dives per day, air/nitrox tanks and weights. Flights are not included in either the seven or 10 night itinerary but can be arranged - please contact us for a tailor-made holiday quotation.

Alternately, for divers who want to combine the best of the Philippines and Palau, the 13 night Philippines and Palau Combo itinerary does just that. Dividing their time between the S/Y Palau Siren and the S/Y Philippine Siren, divers will log up to 42 dives, including seven night dives, wreck dives and drift dives. Liveaboard highlights include Pescador Island where divers can swim amongst schools of sardines, thresher sharks and giant frogfish, and Blue Corner - one of Palau’s most famous dive sites. 

The S/Y Palau Siren offers spacious accommodation for 16 guests. The boat benefits from en-suite double and twin cabins, a comfortable indoor lounge, cocktail bar, outdoor dining area with ever changing views and an uncovered sun deck. Divers making the most of their time above the water can also make the most of the yacht boutique, massage service and kayaks available for customer use, offering plenty to keep them entertained round the clock.  

We’re very excited to be welcoming the S/Y Palau Siren to our already popular collection of liveaboards. With so many fantastic dive sites located far off the shore and so many dedicated divers eager to explore them, liveaboards make for a very popular option with our divers. 

For more information, please call the Regaldive Team on 01353 659 99901353 659 999.

Regaldive is delighted to feature Mexico! With warm tropical waters and a wealth of world class diving on offer including the legendary inland Cenotes, our latest addition will no doubt be at the top of ‘must dive’ lists.

With a choice of two Mexican resorts to choose from, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, this new destination offers the ideal medium-haul option for those looking to combine white sand beaches with plentiful reefs. Both resorts sit on the Yucatan Peninsula, located on the edge of the world’s second largest barrier reef, which stretches south for over 1,000 km. Fed by the nutrient rich currents, the reef is a teeming city of corals, sea fans, whips and sponges and is home to over 500 different species of fish.

Experienced divers staying on Cozumel, Mexico’s largest island, can explore the famous Planacar Reef, named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the best scuba diving spots in the world. The area also benefits from exhilarating drift dives and dramatic wall dives for those looking to take advantage of the nutrient rich currents surrounding the island.

For less experienced divers, Riviera Maya offers a wealth of easy and relaxed dive sites that are well suited to all levels of experience. Divers can explore low walls with overhangs, mini caves and swim-throughs, while enhancing their skills. They can also admire reef tops peppered with hard corals, colourful sponges and sea plumes, as well as schooling snappers, angelfish, lobsters and electric rays.

Both resorts offer access to the world famous Cenotes. The chance to explore this incredible submerged limestone cave and cavern system is the reason so many divers head to this part of Mexico and these are once in a lifetime dives that absolutely live up to their hype. The Cenotes are justifiably known as the jewel in the crown of Yucatan diving. Here you can float in gin clear fresh water amongst stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites, bathed in shafts of light filtering through the jungle canopy above. Used as a source of fresh water by the ancient Maya, these distinctive geological formations offer some of the most exciting and unique diving to be found anywhere in the world.

Located on San Francisco Beach Allegro Cozumel Resort the hotel is located just minutes away from Palancar Reef and the best dive sites of the Cozumel National Marine Park - considered one of the top five dive destinations in the world. The all-inclusive resort benefits from four restaurants, five bars, four swimming pools, three floodlit tennis courts, a multi-purpose sports court, fitness centre, Jacuzzi and sauna. The price includes flights, transfers and seven nights’ all inclusive accommodation.

For those tempted by Playa del Carmen Allegro Playacar Resort is a superb choice. Located on the white-sand beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the resort benefits from three swimming pools, two floodlit tennis courts, a basketball court, free non-motorised water sports and a full programme of day and evening entertainment. The lively resort offers the ideal base to discover the wide variety of nightlife and leisure options in Playa del Carmen. The price includes flights, transfers and seven nights’ all inclusive accommodation.

Give the Regaldive Team a call on 01353 659 999 to find out more!

If you're looking for cheaper and more flexible holiday options, how about thinking outside the box? With increased flight capacity to Hurghada now available from London Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester, divers can benefit from more regular and better value flights when travelling to any Southern Red Sea resort via road transfer from Hurghada airport.

For divers looking to get away from the crowds, the vastly undiscovered resort of El Quseir can be reached by road transfer in under two hours from Hurghada. With over 30 dive sites within easy reach of the resort, El Quseir is the ideal location for experienced divers wanting to be at one with the marine life. Underwater photographers can explore the coral covered pinnacles, navigate the labyrinth of coral gardens, and glide through the narrow passages and blind alleys of Serib Kebir, the Rock and Sharm Fungani while admiring the macro life and nudibranchs on offer.

Home to some of the most famous dive experiences in the Red Sea, Marsa Alam can also easily be reached by road transfer from Hurghada airport in around three hours. Offering divers the chance to come face to face with Spanish dancers, turtles, eagle rays, great hammerhead sharks and whale sharks, Marsa Alam combines the very best of shore and boat diving. Located close to the resort is the fascinating site of Sha’ab Samadai, also known as ‘Dolphin House’. This site is frequented by a pod of around 60 spinner dolphins and is home to a network of caves and tunnels, in addition to a carpet of seagrass hiding moray eels, leopard groupers, goatfish, lionfish, masked butterfly fish and much more.

With Hurghada flights, you can travel to the Red Sea on a day that suits you, and get to see more of Egypt on the way to your chosen resort!

Give the Regaldive Team a call on 01353 659 999 to explore your Red Sea options.