Archive

The world-renowned scuba hotspot of Sipadan is to shut for a month each year to minimize the impact of divers and snorkellers. Last week the tourist authorities in the Malaysian state of Sabah confirmed that the remote island will be closed for the month of November this year. It had previously been reported that the […]

In large part due to the selective focus of the film industry, the Second World War is often viewed as a conflict between Britain and Germany, with American intervention saving the day, and it’s often forgotten that many other nations suffered under Axis control and fought for their freedom. One such nation was Poland. It […]

Many ships had a part to play in the Mediterranean conflicts of the First and Second World Wars, and many of them were lost with little more recognition than a note in a diary somewhere. Some of the bigger battleships have detailed histories kept by military and maritime historians, but without the services of ordinary […]

Many of the most famous military wrecks that are visited by divers are from the Second World War, but the First World War was the first major conflict in Europe in which steel-hulled battleships were deployed, and Malta as much of an important base for the Mediterranean Fleet between 1914 and 1918 as it was […]

HMS Southwold has been dived for some years but was brought under the protection of Heritage Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU) in May 2019 as a wreck of particular historical significance. As such, diving the ship is now only permitted when conducted by a select number of Malta and Gozo’s dive centres. You can find a full […]

 What are best places to go muck diving? Here is our dirty dozen: Ambon, Indonesia Anilao, Philippines Dauin, Philippines Izu, Japan Lembeh Strait, Indonesia Milne Bay, PNG Gangga Island, Indonesia Gulen, Norway Mabul, Borneo St Vincent, Caribbean Secret Bay, Bali Tufi, PNG Lurking in the wastelands away from coral reefs, often literally in garbage dumps, […]

It is fair to say that there might not be that many underwater-specific spells, curses, potions or lotions. There may also be a distinct lack of any Nifflers, Nogtails, or Mooncalfs to see when we submerge and go diving. However, while we often look beyond the confines of our own world for enchantment and excitement, […]

The Red Sea has a long history as one of the most important waterways in the world. Even before the opening of the Suez Canal, the Red Sea was an important trade route between Africa, Arabia and beyond. Once the canal opened in 1869, joining the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, and Europe to Asia […]

Lembeh Strait, Bangka Island and Bunaken Island I have to confess: We can be lazy if left to our own devices. We’ll select a single dive destination, park our stuff in a room and proceed to dive ourselves silly from there. What a regrettable mistake that would be in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The coastline of […]

Gili T is a great place – fun little island with no cars; just horse carriages and bikes.  You can party hard (near the central pier) or relax in peace at the north end of the island.  It’s a great family place – dive, snorkel, relax on the beach, ride bikes, watch a movie at […]