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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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Aruba - Isle of wrecks
Aruba is the forgotten ABC island so far as British divers are concerned, with Bonaire and Curaçao enjoying a higher profile - but with all its wreck assets it deserves more attention, says John Liddiard more...
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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Jumbo dives in Havelock
Plunging in with a pachyderm isn't exactly an everyday diving experience, but it's just one aspect that makes diving in the Andamans an unforgettable experience, says Hannah Cleaver. Pictures by Björn Bergenheim
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The Big Bangka theory
The Philippines covers 116,000 square miles - it's very big and diverse, but surprisingly often thought of as a single destination. To get an idea of the sheer variety of diving there, John Bantin embarked on a boat trip with a difference
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The light beyond
'Fluo-diving' is the revealing of coral reefs and their inhabitants in an extraordinary new light, thanks to the pioneering work of Guy & Anita Chaumette. Steve Weinman reports more...
The Sipadan factor
Sipadan is one of those magic names in diving circles, like Scapa or Truk, but when the Malaysians had to step in to rescue the island from divers, its future looked uncertain. Mark Webster visits Sipadan and its neighbours to assess the state of diving there today more...
Seahorsing around the world of the Wobbegong
The liveaboard may not be as good as it looks, and it may have been visiting some questionable places, but it would be difficult to avoid a happy ending in Raja Ampat, says John Bantin
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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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Smitten! - by the Maldives
Louise Trewavas had never been to the Maldives, so we asked her to visit three islands fitted with Werner Lau dive centres to see if they would tick her boxes. Sounds as if they did!
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Constant luxury
While the Maldives sets out to broaden access to its diving delights with budget-priced accommodation, at the other end of the spectrum a few top-end resorts are still being developed. John Bantin immerses himself in luxury more...
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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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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Awash with history
Come with us to Crete, an island where ancient relics are strewn generously about the seabed, and the fish try not to get in the way of the scenery. Max Eaton reports. Main pictures by Julius Glampedakis more...
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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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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Wrecks of the Florida Keys
It's a fly-drive-dive holiday, and the kingsize wrecks at your stopovers were all put there deliberately. John Bantin hits 'the highway that goes to sea' - Highway 1
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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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In Belgium, but no waffle
When you're based in Belgium, diving a German warship off the French coast on a British boat, you want to mind how you go! says John Liddiard more...
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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Bullied back into diving
Richard Campbell quit diving after 20 years, following a series of panic attacks, but could one of the world's great shark dives tempt him back? Photography by LILI HAUGEN and ROBIN NAGY
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Take a deep, deep beath
Beth & Shaun Tierney are authors of the Footprint guide Diving the World, the second edition of which was published recently. The article here was written for DIVER, but it gives a flavour of the quality of the book - and after reading it, we defy any wildlife diver to tell us they could resist a dip at Islas Revillagigedo! more...
Lady of the lanterns
Truk offers the world's best wreck-diving, says Leigh Bishop, and this most famous of lagoons also holds some of wreck-diving's best-kept secrets. He returned recently to photograph its deepest wreck
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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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Blue hole bonanza
Some regard Dahab as a deep-divin' tekkie town, but for TV presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff, it's the perfect retreat for shore-divers with a young family in tow.
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5 undersung Red Sea sites
The Red Sea has plenty of dive sites likely to figure in any 'See Before You Die' or 'World's Top 100' listing - Elphinstone, the Thistlegorm or the Brothers - but what of the lesser-known gems? James Dawson names his favoured five more...
From Egypt with love 007
It looks like RIP for VIP One, a mature Red Sea liveaboard badly damaged by fire earlier this year. But Stuart '007' Philpott wasn't to know that he might be embarking on a final voyage as he climbed aboard, his imagination running riot
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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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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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