July 22 – July 27 2011 August Family Departure, Galapagos, OTHER, Ecuador

Passport required

May 25 – May 25 2011 Fabulous Fiji, Taveuni – Fiji Islands, OTHER, Fiji

Sau Bay Fiji Retreat is just 5 minutes from the famous Rainbow Reef. Newly renovated to cater to a maximum of 10 divers.
Opening Special: 8 FULL pay/ 2 FREE

Must book and deposit by 30 JUNE 2011

September 3 – September 10 2011 Digital Underwater Photography Workshop with Mathieu Meur, Kadavu, OTHER, Fiji

- hosted by mathieu meur, underwater photographer
- daily photo workshops
- practical in water assistance
- in depth raw photo post processing labs
- 7 night stay at matava in an oceanview bure
- all meals and airport transfers included
- 5 days of 3 tank boat dives – 15 dives (incl 1 night dive)
- complimentary unlimited shore diving
- guided waterfall hike and village visit
- free use of kayaks, snorkelling around the resort
- free padi coral conservation course on one afternoon
- traditional lovo feast and kava ceremony
fjd 3250.00 per person
(only valid for double / twin share)
(group 10 pay – 2 foc)

mathieu meur
mathieu has been shooting underwater for close to 20 years, at first free-diving and subsequently on scuba. he was one of the early adopters and promoters of digital technology for underwater photography, authoring presumably the first padi-approved digital underwater photography specialty course in the world in 2001. he went on to contribute regular columns on photography techniques to dive and photography publications.
in 2004, mathieu co-authored “an essential guide to digital underwater photography” with michael aw. this was the first book entirely dedicated to the techniques associated with shooting digital underwater. the book was met with an overwhelming response, and was quickly sold out, requiring an d version to be published in 2005.
following the success of this introductory book, mathieu went on to co-author “an advanced guide to digital underwater photography” in 2007.
he is currently working on a new, comprehensive book on underwater digital photography, “complete digital underwater photography”, which is due to be published in 2011.
he is also a regular speaker at dive events, judge at underwater photography competition, and coach at underwater photography workshops.
matava
mad fish dive centre is matavas on site padi dive centre. we dive the the great astrolabe reef extensively and cater for all levels of diver from beginner to experienced. mad fish dive centre will take you to sites varying in depths, currents and visibility ranging from 20 – 50m where you can expect a kaleidoscope of colourful corals and wonderful marine life – we can assure you that you wont be disappointed.
the crew at mad fish dive centre are a dedicated team of professionals who look forward to guiding you through some of the best dive sites in the world. as the only dive operation located directly on the world famous great astrolabe reef we will zip you the abundant coral reefs of the 4th largest barrier reef in the world in minutes.
combined with simple access to the manta dive, fijis only year round manta dive site, mad fish dive centre truly offers divers easy and comfortable access to some of the best diving fiji can offer. with a fully stocked dive centre and access to some of the best scuba diving in the world on the great astrolabe reef, mad fish dive centre is the prime diving operation in kadavu.
matava is fijis premier eco-adventure resort offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of kadavu in fiji. mad fish dive centre is matavas on site padi dive centre. we dive the the great astrolabe reef extensively and cater for all levels of diver. mad fish dive centre will take you to sites varying in depths, currents and visibility ranging from 20 – 50m where you can expect a kaleidoscope of colourful corals and wonderful marine life – we can assure you that you wont be disappointed

May 8 – May 8 2011 Underwater Photography Trip to Fiji, Kadavu, OTHER, Fiji

You’re a pretty good underwater photographer, but not a pro. You want to step up your game by sharpening your eye, honing your photo trigger finger and getting your lighting down. If you just had one week, you’re thinking, you could get it done. And if you had a patient instructor, minus the intimidating resume and overinflated ego, who’s willing to spend as much time with you as you need, you’d be all set.

Wait! Did you hear that knocking at your door? It’s opportunity. Scuba Travel Ventures is now proud to offer divers the chance to spend a week luxuriating in a Pacific paradise while elevating their underwater photography skills. Noted underwater photographer Dr. Andre Smith is leading a seminar on the subject from Thursday, August 11 to Saturday, August 20 at Matava – Fiji’s leading eco-adventure resort, on the island of Kadavu – for shooters of all levels of skill and experience.

“We’re taking all comers, aiming to make sure that everyone gets the right level of attention,” says Smith, an anesthesiologist by profession who originally hails from South Africa but now calls British Columbia home. “Some resorts and live-aboards offer courses, but they forget that people are on holiday and want to have fun. The diving will be fun and easy and not pressurized.”

The diving goes down in the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the Pacific’s most radiant dive jewels, located on Kadavu’s southern shore. With an area of about 75 miles, the reef is the world’s fourth largest and features encounters with graceful manta rays, curious reef sharks, a rainbow palette of tropical fish, spectacularly colorful hard and soft corals, walls and mesmerizing passages. Some of the sexiest sites include a handful in the immaculate Naiqoro Marine Reserve, the aptly named Manta Reef, the richly colored Japanese Gardens and Coral Wonderland. It’s all yours to photograph.

Smith says the course – which also features instruction by shooter and trip leader Randy Osgerby – will involve daily classroom sessions, with two days devoted to macro, three to wide-angle and the final day devoted to a diver’s choice, with a slide show at the end of the trip. The majority of the work Smith says he’ll do with his new students will be underwater and after dives to check out the results.

“There’s lots of multitasking on dives and I’m hoping to simplify things for divers so the photography part becomes second nature,” Smith says. “I’m not looking for shooters to compete with each other. But by the end of the week, we’re hoping to turn out confident photographers.”

To check out more of Dr. Andre Smith’s fabulous underwater photography click this link or visit his website: http://andresmith.speedalbum.com/home.htm.
Dive Package $2899

August 11 – 20, 2011
This package includes Round trip airfare from LAX, 7 nights Ocean View Bure accommodations, taxes and airport transfers, all meals, 5 days unlimited seminar boat dives, 5 days underwater digital photography and unlimited shore diving, prizes and give-aways, Traditional Lovo Feast and Kava Ceremony.

June 6 – July 6 2011 Red Mangrove Ecuador & Galapagos Dive Adventure, Ruta del Sol, Santa Cruz, Isabela, OTHER, Ecuador

The very best of Ecuador and Galapagos diving! Spend 3 nights in the famous Ruta Del Sol on the Ecuador mainland before heading to the Galapagos Islands for 5 more nights. Packages include dives, meals domestic flights and more!

April 9 – April 18 2011 Papua New Guines, Miami, FL, Papua New Guinea

Every dive in papua new guinea is an exciting new experience, highlighted by encounters with dog tooth tuna, sharks, vast schools of pelagics such as barracuda, trevally and others. the waters of png are also home to prolific and diverse marine creatures and corals with over 350 recorded species of reef building corals and over 900 recorded species of fish.

beginning in february of 2011, with her home port at the driftwood resort, star dancer offers explorations of the wonders of the milne bay area throughout the year.

when you arrive, consider yourself an explorer discovering the new world. there are plane shipwrecks, pristine coral reefs of interesting shapes and sizes, underwater volcanic vents, caves and various species of fish including manta rays and whales. milne bay and its offshore islands have some of the best dive spots in the world.

as you forage your way through reefs teaming with life, you will discover that there are more varieties of fish here than you could believe. the diving conditions will range from quiet mill pond dives to drift dives along spectacular walls, but the majority of diving is on sea mounts (or “bommies”) so there is something for everyone.
the reefs are a photographer’s paradise. pristine and colorful corals are home to a variety of fish, crustacean and invertebrate life. many of the reefs have resident schools of barracuda, tuna and jacks. you’ll see blue ribbon eels, seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipe fish, leaf scorpion fish and mantis shrimp. pelagics will also be part of the scenery. some of the reefs are current washed without current the spectacular marine life would not be there, however, the wide range of dive sites means that it is not necessary to dive at a site if currents are unmanageable at the time.

March 29 – April 8 2011 Papua New Guinea Special Milne Bay Exploration Cruise: 10n – Milne Bay Exploration, Miami, FL, Papua New Guinea

every dive in papua new guinea is an exciting new experience, highlighted by encounters with dog tooth tuna, sharks, vast schools of pelagics such as barracuda, trevally and others. the waters of png are also home to prolific and diverse marine creatures and corals with over 350 recorded species of reef building corals and over 900 recorded species of fish.

beginning in february of 2011, with her home port at the driftwood resort, star dancer offers explorations of the wonders of the milne bay area throughout the year.

when you arrive, consider yourself an explorer discovering the new world. there are plane shipwrecks, pristine coral reefs of interesting shapes and sizes, underwater volcanic vents, caves and various species of fish including manta rays and whales. milne bay and its offshore islands have some of the best dive spots in the world.

as you forage your way through reefs teaming with life, you will discover that there are more varieties of fish here than you could believe. the diving conditions will range from quiet mill pond dives to drift dives along spectacular walls, but the majority of diving is on sea mounts (or “bommies”) so there is something for everyone.
the reefs are a photographer’s paradise. pristine and colorful corals are home to a variety of fish, crustacean and invertebrate life. many of the reefs have resident schools of barracuda, tuna and jacks. you’ll see blue ribbon eels, seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipe fish, leaf scorpion fish and mantis shrimp. pelagics will also be part of the scenery. some of the reefs are current washed without current the spectacular marine life would not be there, however, the wide range of dive sites means that it is not necessary to dive at a site if currents are unmanageable at the time.

March 18 – March 27 2011 Papua New Guines Charter Schedule, Miami, FL, Papua New Guinea

every dive in papua new guinea is an exciting new experience, highlighted by encounters with dog tooth tuna, sharks, vast schools of pelagics such as barracuda, trevally and others. the waters of png are also home to prolific and diverse marine creatures and corals with over 350 recorded species of reef building corals and over 900 recorded species of fish.

beginning in february of 2011, with her home port at the driftwood resort, star dancer offers explorations of the wonders of the milne bay area throughout the year.

when you arrive, consider yourself an explorer discovering the new world. there are plane shipwrecks, pristine coral reefs of interesting shapes and sizes, underwater volcanic vents, caves and various species of fish including manta rays and whales. milne bay and its offshore islands have some of the best dive spots in the world.

as you forage your way through reefs teaming with life, you will discover that there are more varieties of fish here than you could believe. the diving conditions will range from quiet mill pond dives to drift dives along spectacular walls, but the majority of diving is on sea mounts (or “bommies”) so there is something for everyone.
the reefs are a photographer’s paradise. pristine and colorful corals are home to a variety of fish, crustacean and invertebrate life. many of the reefs have resident schools of barracuda, tuna and jacks. you’ll see blue ribbon eels, seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipe fish, leaf scorpion fish and mantis shrimp. pelagics will also be part of the scenery. some of the reefs are current washed without current the spectacular marine life would not be there, however, the wide range of dive sites means that it is not necessary to dive at a site if currents are unmanageable at the time.

March 5 – April 15 2011 Moon Diver Liveaboard, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, OTHER, Mexico

Mexicos only liveaboard is offering 7 day itineraries for all Saturday departures from Mar. 5 to Apr. 15, 2011 for only $1595! If you have ever wanted to dive these world-famous locations on a 92ft. yacht in the luxury of liveaboard style, the price is definitely right. Up to 4 dives/day, all meals and drinks included. Email for full details.

February 5 – February 25 2011 Oonas Dive Club, Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea, OTHER, Egypt

Oonas Dive Club is offering a special Buy One Get One Half price on all the following Accommodation and Diving Packages in February.

•6 Day Dive Pack includes 7 nights accommodation (B&B), 6 days diving (2 dives per day) and airport transfers Full price 399€ and 2nd person pays 199€ SAVE 100€ each

•Learn To Dive Pack plus 1 day includes 7 nights accommodation (B&B), PADI Open Water Course (4 days) plus one day diving and airport transfers Full price 455€ 2nd Person pays 227€ SAVE 113€ each

•Advanced Open Water plus 4 days includes 7 nights accommodation (B&B), PADI Advanced Open Water Course (2 days) plus 4 days diving and airport transfers – Full price 480€ 2nd person pays 240€ SAVE 120€ each

•6 Days Non-Diver package includes 7 nights accommodation (B&B), 6 days boat passenger/ snorkeling and airport transfers – Full price 290€ and 2nd person pays 145€ SAVE 72€ each

CONDITIONS
1. Holidays must start between 5 and 25 February 2011.
2. The offer is based on 2 people sharing a twin room. If packages are mixed then the cheapest package will be half price. The offer my not be used in conjunction with any other offers.
3. Equipment hire is included during courses and is 25€ per day thereafter.
4. For courses, manuals (35€) and PADI certification (30€) are not included.
5. Flights are not included.