Archive |
Turning further to the East
Where are we going in 2010, and how are we getting there? Steve Weinman asks the diving specialist tour operators who are hoping to take your bookings
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Perfect 10
A touch of magic - that's what we all want when we go diving. We forced John Bantin to whittle his massive initial 'shortlist' of international dive-sites with the M-factor down to this impressive handful. What would your choice be? more...
Striding out in hard times
With the financial portents for 2009 far from rosy, what are the prospects for the travelling diver? Are great deals going to be two-a-penny in a market bereft of holiday-makers, or has the declining pound sunk any chance of that trip to those dream destinations? David S Dixon looks at the prospects
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Between the scallops
Working divers in the Channel Islands spend much of their time down among the shellfish - John Liddiard boards their boats to experience the rich variety of wreck and reef diving off Guernsey and Sark
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Cape of GOOD HOPE
You know you're off the beaten track when the dive-centre owner says: 'Oh yes, I had some English people here before - about two years ago, I think.' Jacquie Cozens reports from the Cape Verde islands. Pictures by Neal Clayton
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Need a little TCI?
With so many islands from which to choose in the Caribbean and western Atlantic, holiday selection can be tricky. John Bantin offers a solution - he's a recent convert to the attractions of the Turks & Caicos Islands
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Wartime on ice
This holiday isn't for everyone, but for those who take their wreck-diving seriously and don't mind it being a bit nippy, Louise Trewavas reckons a trip to Norway, venturing up within the Arctic Circle, will provide an unforgettable experience
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Cancun revelations
He flew to one of America's favourite tourist resorts without great expectations, but John Liddiard is forced to revise his opinions of Cancun once he gets beyond the Hotel Zone
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Colours of the rainbow
After his report from Fiji in June on what must be the most remarkable shark-feed around, John Bantin turns his attention to these Pacific islands' outstanding "static" life. His quarry might be static, but the water in which it lives is anything but
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NIGHT VISION
Dives after dark - divers either love them or can get by quite happily without them. What do divers get out of it? We asked 14 DIVER contributors to tell us about their most memorable nocturnal adventure... more...Shifting Sands
Terrorism and tourism - two worlds in conflict. Ever since 11 September 2001 travel patterns have changed, as certain regions are considered unsafe and fares fluctuate to reflect demand. Yet divers still want to go where the diving is good and bargains are to be found, says John Bantin more...THE HOLIDAYMAKERS
We don't expect you to sympathise, but it's a tough life being a travel operator and having to check out exotic diving locations. That's what they claim, anyway, so Brendan O'Brien followed them to the Cayman Islands to observe their activities more...THE MAFIA connection
Thirteen - unlucky for some. Gavin Parsons tested that theory when he returned to Mafia Island, Tanzania to see if the area had improved or declined in the 13 years since his last visit more...
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Jambo! Greetings from Zanzibar
The island's name is redolent of fragrant spices and romance, but never mind all that - Zac Macaulay was in search of photo-prey at sites like Cave 20 and the Blue Wall
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Bystander at the Sardine Run
You've seen the footage - dolphins, sharks and dive-bombing gannets attacking terrified baitballs of sardines. But what's it like to be under water at the time? This radical holiday idea is brought to you by Trevor Day
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Ticking off Africas big seven
Combining land and sea in a search for the big beasts of southern Africa, Gavin Parsons finds himself thoroughly spoiled for wildlife
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Take it easy on Vamizi
Tim Ecott discovers treasure under water in the little-visited islands of northern Mozambique
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THE MAFIA connection
Thirteen - unlucky for some. Gavin Parsons tested that theory when he returned to Mafia Island, Tanzania to see if the area had improved or declined in the 13 years since his last visit
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Towards the South Pole
Antarctica - craved by the many, dived by the few. Eline Feenstra recently became one of the lucky ones who have sampled raw diving at World's End, where whales breach in the distance, leopard seals chase penguins, and the water is dark, icy and full of the unknown. Photography by Rene Lipmannmore...
A dip into the white continent
How best to spend the kids' inheritance? Fork out to go diving in Antarctica, of course! prominent marine biologist Keith Hiscock was quick to sign up
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Northern delights
Beneath the Northern Lights lies Kaafjord, as historically important as any Norwegian fjord could be. Leigh Bishop and fellow-photographer Linn Røkenes explain more
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Seduced by Russia's White Sea
For award-winning underwater photographer Andrey Nekrasov, the dream ticket lay in the far north of Russia, where white whales play among the Gorgon's heads and lancetfish
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The Big Questions
Antarctic Diving Feature more...Tapas diving in Gran Canaria
On a four-centre tour of Gran Canaria, John Liddiard gets a real flavour of the tasty mix of diving on offer at this year-round destination
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Lone wolf & sole lemon
Don't knock the rock - the volcanic Atlantic island of Madeira boats an assortment of interesting underwater celebrities, says Steve Weinman
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Falklands life in the Jasons
Marine biologist Claire Goodwin heads south to the unexplored Jason Islands in the Falklands, for thrills, chills, undiscovered marine life - and an awful lot of mutton
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Bermuda - Reaching for the remote
You may not think of Bermuda as a remote island but it is - official. It also has a lot of wrecks, and very kempt coral reefs. Andy Blackford spends a week there
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Why should surfers have all the action?
John Liddiard heads for the Canary island of Fuerteventura and, yes, there is always somewhere to dive out of those infamous winds
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Wall to wall sharks at Fish Rock
Located off Australia's east coast is a small rocky outcrop called Fish Rock. Nigel Marsh knows it well, but for 20 years it was a source of frustration for him. Then things changed...
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S is for south Australia
Shipwrecks, sinkholes, seals, sharks, sea dragons and "sneaky sex" - superb! Marie Davis goes on tour in South Australia
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Join the jetty set
It's the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere and marine life adores it. Jane Wilkinson explores the enchanted underwater world of Australia's Busselton Jetty
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Rare glimpse of a vanishing world
PAUL WALDEN joins JUSTIN GILLIGAN and a man with an enormous film camera to document one of the last remaining bastions of true wilderness - Raine Island and the Great Detached Reefs of Northern Australia
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The great white debait
OK, we've watched Celebrity Shark Bait on TV and, gasps of amazement, the celebs didn't get eaten and want to do it again! But is cage-diving responsible for an increase in deaths among other water-users, as some allege, or is that metal box the best friend a great white shark could have? Monty Halls has his own views. Photos by Jeff Rotman
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We're jammin'
Something a little different? How about a week on a yacht, exploring the old pirate stomping grounds of St Vincent & the Grenadines? Stuart Philpott went along for the ride, ever-ready to divemore...
Virgin wrecks
They're talking up next year's Wreck Week in the British Virgin Islands, and John Bantin has been over to get a taste of what's to come. But it could be the animals that steal the show
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Sculpture display in Grenada
Grenada conjures up impressive wrecks like the Bianca C, King Mitch and Shakem, and colourful Caribbean reefs. The Spice Island, however, also now offers an underwater sculpture park. Elaine Whiteford turns art critic
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Valet diving on the BRAC
Cayman Brac offers divers healthy coral reefs and towering walls, great viz and what is always described as the only diveable Russian wreck in the Western hemisphere. The living is easy here - but could it be too easy for your own good? There's nothing wrong with pampering, argues Steve Weinman
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Grand time in Grand Turk
It's the sleepy capital island of the Turks & Caicos and it has a flavour all its own - and some distinctive diving. Steve Weinman reports
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Totally addicted to Sulawesi
This is how obsessions start: warning signs flash as you sleep-walk towards the jetty in the middle of the night, and they take hold as the dives start to haunt your dreams. A trip to Indonesia leaves Steve Weinman craving for more more...
No rush to surface
Looking for somewhere laidback to suit the underwater photographers and snorkellers in your group? GERALD RAMBERT found it in the Philippines
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Liberty in Bali
We dive at dawn - but was John Bantin taking a liberty in Bali when he dragged a reluctant buddy from his sleep to accompany him? Not a bit of it, he was just following the rules
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Hunting frogfish and other obsessions
Why do some marine creatures have us hooked? We all seem to have our private obsessions, whether diving in tropical or UK waters. On a recent trip to the Philippines, Sue Daly had eyes only for her own prince among fish more...
It's so good in Sogod
Marine biologist Matt Doggett spent six months working and diving in the Philippines and is keen to share the good news about Sogod Bay. Additional pictures by Hew Dalrymple-Hamilton more...
Around the world Christmas
If you're one of those divers who never strays far from home and family during the festive season, do you ever wonder how your buddies might be spending theirs? Colin Mac Andrias finds out.
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Get yourself some takeaway buddies
Wish you always had the same buddy, someone who cares about you and shares your interests? Wish your partner didn't complain whenever you wanted to go diving? Sign up your family, says JOHN BANTIN
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Fidget Bones' diary
Long-haul flying can be stressful for divers, as Anne Butler finds, but it's all in a good cause
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Fly-dive for pennies
Kicking off our holiday special issue, chavs do it, families do it, even people with two homes do it, let's do it, let's fly low-cost! Gavin Parsons find out where budget airlines can take a diver
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Packing for travel
By way of introduction to this month's selection of 2007 holiday ideas, and with swingeing restrictions on airline baggage allowances ever in mind, John Liddiard shows us how to pack for a dive trip while staying within a 20kg limit reports
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Fun at Fundu
Tim Ecott travels to this Tanzanian island to sample the diving on some of East Africa's best-preserved reefs - and an interesting wreck
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Deluxe diving
In the southernmost reaches of the Maldives, the hard coral grows proudly and fish hardly recognise divers. Shore-based holidays there will become more accessible over time, but for now a high-end approach may be needed, says willing volunteer Zac Macaulay
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Bali Time
A two-centre stay in Bali offers a variety of Indonesian diving attractions in comfortable surroundings - if you don't mind long transfers, says John Bantin
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White magic in the Maldives
The Indian Ocean around the Maldivian island of Kuredu explodes with colourful life, says Mark Ellen, Editor of The Word magazine. It also raises many burning questions for divers. Main photographs by Ray Van Eeden more...
What's in a name?
As the Maldives opens new areas to tourism, Tim Ecott explores the remote dive sites of Noonu Atoll. Photos by Koen Zuurbier
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ALTITUDE WITH ATTITUDE
Just what the world needs - another freediving record! But this is one with a difference, as world champion freediver Carlos Coste invites scuba diver Dan Burton to help him conquer one of the deepest - and highest - lagoons in the Andes Mountains
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Hydro-massage in SAN BENEDICTO
The waters lapping the island of San Benedicto are the kingdom of the great oceanic manta rays. It is here that these creatures approach divers and do their utmost to initiate some gentle interaction with them.
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Aquarium of the world
Mexico's Sea of Cortez is a popular destination during the European winter but, as Tim Ecott discovers, summertime diving can be combined with a camping safari on the island of Espiritu Santo
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Manta in the Mist
Exploring the nutrient-rich waters of Baja California, John Bantin goes in search of the spectacular giant pacific manta and the many other marine creatures that enjoy eating Mexican.
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Life with the 'Lions'
Never mind cuddly seals - sea-lions, with which they are sometimes confused, are big, territorial and you don't want to mess about with them. John Bantin witnesses a dramatic sea-lion encounter while diving in Mexico - and feels a little exposed
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What makes a liveaboard a world-beater?
Insist on the correct combination of factors and your floating holiday will be a pleasure - get it wrong and it could be a pain. John bantin looks at winning dive-boats, and what to look out for when booking. more...
The world-beating liveaboards.
John bantin looks at winning dive-boats
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Something special
Every business worth its salt has a Unique Selling Proposition. Colin Mac Andrias has been looking for liveaboards with a USP, and finding that you often have to pay to stand out
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Monkey business
So what is a 'techreational' Red Sea trip? Chris Boardman takes to a liveaboard that allows divers to get more mileage out of their time. Images by Andrew Georgitsis
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HOME ON THE SEAS
Where do you find a High Court judge co-habiting with a Hell's Angel? Introducing our Liveaboards Special, John Bantin analyses the attraction of living over dive sites
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Buceo Loco!
The Murcia region of Spain offers an exciting combination of wine, tapas and crazy wreck diving - though preferably not in that order, says Stuart Philpott
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Small things on a small island
Gozo has long been popular with holidaying divers from the UK, but how many train a macro lens on its underwater inhabitants? Gavin Parsons does, for one
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A dive into the tuna vortex
How does it feel to be at the epicentre of 350 tonnes of big, fast-moving fish? Diving the tuna pens of Malta is an activity unlike any other John Liddiard has experienced.
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Rock steady
It's cool and rainy in Croatia in spring, so not unlike home then for John Bantin. The big question was, would he find enough diversions under water?
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An Ibiza evening with Don Pedro
This ferry dive was no place for plastic ducks - John Bantin heads for Ibiza to photograph a massive new wreck in challenging circumstances
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Fujairah on the brighter side
If you had heard that the United Arab Emirates weren't much cop for diving, don't decide until you have tried the little-known east-facing one, says Steve Weinman. May the vis be with you...
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A Visit to the Stubborn Islands
Islands of this sort shouldn't be there, the country is not known for its diving opportunities, yet as Erik Bjurstrom discovers, five cays off Saudi Arabia's Persian Gulf are home to a teeming, breeding marine life
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Back in Beirut
It doesn't leap to mind when you think holiday, but things have changed since Terry Waite and John McCarthy experienced extended stays here, says Paula Fancini. If you fancy a change, some challenging wreck-diving and valet-parking at the dive centre, put Lebanon's capital on your hit-list
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Ships of the Desert
The quality of leisure diving in the UAE has received mixed reports. But with plenty of wrecks in prospect, John Liddiard went to Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah to check the state of these states, then on to the Musandam in neighbouring Oman
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Where icebergs go to die
...you can go tomorrow! There's something unnerving about diving under a ship-killer, as Gavin Parsons discovers in Newfoundland. This really is a holiday with a difference
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PAYING A VISIT TO WRECK WORLD
There's no sweat to fixing up a dive in the Sunshine State, says John Liddiard - just pick up a phone and jump in the car. A Florida holiday can take you to Disney World one day and an underwater theme park the next
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WRECKS and RAGGIES
From the many shark-shrouded wartime wrecks of Torpedo Junction to artificial reefs attended, surprisingly, by lionfish, John Liddiard finds much to enjoy in the hectic Gulf Stream currents off North Carolina
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An uncommon thief
Octopuses grow to awesome size in the Pacific North-west. Susan Crane had an interesting encounter with an acquisitive specimen while diving in Washington state
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Home of the blues
Travelling to California, Zac Macaulay learns to dive the American way as he goes in search of a shark he has always wanted to see
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Beyond Narvik
A liveaboard operating within the Arctic Circle offers the possibility of killer whales to spice a tasty winter wreck trip. John Liddiard wraps up warm
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DAMPEST DAIRY Lyngstøylvatnet, Norway
By Rikard Godlund
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, in May 1908, a big avalanche started on the Keipen mountain, in a little valley west of Geirangerfjord. It dammed the river, forming a small lake that is now called Lyngstøylvatnet.
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Headfirst into the maelstrom
These are the most powerful waters in the world, and not to be taken lightly. Lars Kirkegaard samples current diving beyond the Arctic Circle, and reckons Saltstraumen is hard to beat for sheer exuberance
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Seduced by Russia's White Sea
For award-winning underwater photographer Andrey Nekrasov, the dream ticket lay in the far north of Russia, where white whales play among the Gorgon's heads and lancetfish
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Rummaging in the devil's dustbin
Darryl Leniuk dives for Nazi gold in the mysterious lakes of inner Austria
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Tiger shark v baby albatross
The odds are far from even when sharks ambush fledgling birds, as the BBC's Ellen Husain reports in her final diary on the making of South Pacific
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Black water, open ocean
After the big-animal encounters , a nocturnal outing promised tinier fare for the BBC's South Pacific film crew. Director Ellen Husain gets her night vision
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Pipe dream
Can you have too much of a good thing? John Bantin started to wonder after experiencing an embarrassment of macro riches at Tawali
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Life in the pass lane
It has to be one of the world's great drift dives, but the ferocity of the current through Rangiroa's Tiputa Pass took Michael Salvarezza and Christopher P Weaver by surprise. Pictures by John Bantin
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Turtle cleaning station
It looked like a far more relaxing assignment for the BBC's South Pacific film crew, after the angst of the tuna seine nets. It didn't quite work out that way, says director/marine biologist Ellen Husain
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Three-Day Break
A shore-diving resort may be great for a family holiday, but combined with a short liveaboard getaway, it's even better! John Bantin takes a holiday within a holiday
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Shakedown cruising with the Contessa
When a Red Sea liveaboard is about to go into service, it's a good idea to give it a bit of a trial run. Of course, if you invite along paying guests and journalists, you're being impressively brave. John Liddiard volunteers as a lab-rat aboard the Contessa Mia
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Six days in the desert
For a wide-angle photographer, Marsa Alam provides spectacular opportunities, says Zac Macaulay, as he enjoys a taste of southern Egypt's underwater world
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Southern Sudan Odyssey
Get far enough south in the Red Sea and you won't see other safari boats, or overdived reefs - just marine life, and lots of it. If only John Bantin had waited till the hammerheads had been and gone before writing up this treat of a trip
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Shake out in Egypt
The favourite holiday spot for British divers appears to have raised the bar for dive destinations the world over, with its new inspection system for dive centres. Has diving in Egypt just got a whole lot safer? Brendan O'Brien shadows the Chamber of Diving & Watersports inspectors to find out
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Breakwater Fort by kayak
Kayaks are ideal for exploring those places between shore and boat-diving distance that divers neglect - extended-range shore diving, if you will. John Liddiard paddles out from Fort Bovisand
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Portland with a cutting edge
A forecast of fine summer weather is like a beckoning hand, calling John Liddiard to spend a week diving the wrecks of Dorset
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The crack of life
All life - well, a whole bunch of colourful British marine life - can be found on one shore dive in Cornwall. John Liddiard turns his attention to a very popular crevice
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The Bill
Based in the South-east, don't want the hassle of organising a big UK dive trip, or simply don't have the time? Gavin Parsons believes he has the solution
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Man trap
It has some great wrecks, and scenic diving good enough to seduce even John Liddiard away from the metal, at least for a while. And there's always the possibility of a basking shark encounter for those who feel like sampling the Manx experience
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