We are now in the middle of a second, but hopefully shorter lockdown. If you have not done it before, this is a good opportunity to sit in front of your computer and do some good old housekeeping.

Today I wish to offer you some useful tips to optimize your catalogue .

Personally, I use Adobe Lightroom, however, these tips can apply in one way or another to most editing software.

Lightroom housekeeping. Get rid of unwanted images

If like me, you tend to download every picture you take, is no surprise that very soon your hard drive gets very full. I regularly go through all my pictures and delete images that I do not consider to be worthy. During this process, you should have a ruthless approach.

In Lightroom, the most efficient way to do this is to use the flags, mark as rejected all the images you want to get rid off and afterwards you can delete them all with a single command.

Lightroom Housekeeping. Keywording

Keywording is one probably the least appealing part of any photo editing workflow. However, is without any doubt, one of the most important processes on any catalogue. Keywords are essential

Keywords will help you find a particular picture among the hundreds or even thousands of images in your catalogue.

Lightroom Housekeeping. Rating

Rating images allows you to filter your pics, select the ones you love, choose images to print or to share and so on.

Lightroom allows you to rate photos in a couple of ways, by stars and by colour tags. You can choose to rate your pics any way but it is essential you pick a method and stick to it. Failing to do that you will make a mess of your workflow.

By using a combination of colour tags and stars you will have a huge range of options to filter you images and in a future select exactly the image you are looking for.

If you follow these simple but effective tips your catalogue will soon be streamlined. Finding your best images will be incredibly easy. And this is particulary important when you need to make a selection of photos for a specific use such as entering Copetitions.

And speaking about competitions, I would like to finish this blog with a reminder to all my photo friends to use the last few days of lockdown to clean up your image catalogues. This time of the year many photo competitions such as Underwater Photographer of the Year are opening for entries so why try your luck, I certainly am.

With the current situation, many people would think twice before travelling but if you are desperate to go diving and can travel, we can get you there.

This 21st of November join Whirlwind on a Wrecks and Reefs trip sailing from Sharm El-Sheikh.

With only 14 divers onboard Whirlwind you will have an incredibly rare experience of having some of the best dive sites in the world almost exclusively for yourself.

No Single Supplements for single travellers and cabin shares only for people on the same household

Sharm is close to some of the hottest diving in the Red Sea and is the perfect departure port. Is located right between The straits of Tiran and Ras Mohammed.

This trip includes flights from Gatwick or Manchester.
From the moment you step on board, you can tell this liveaboard has been designed by divers for divers. Her long-standing crew are the definition of attentive and make the diving effortless.

Click here to see Whirlwind’s full schedule and offers

Important considerations

Currently, Egypt is on the list of countries with a Non Essential travel advisory from the FCO, you will need to have adequate insurance coverage. We have found a company that offers travel and dive insurance for such destination, DiveAssure. You can follow this link and get a 15% discount by using this code: 60688909

 https://diveassure.com/eu-en/coverage-and-rates/?pid=12461

You will also need a negative PCR test certificate taken no more than 72 hours before departing. We are teaming up with a lab called Rightangled. You can click here to book a test and get a 10% discount using this code: SCUBATRAVEL10

They provide fit to travel certificates and results within 24 hours of receiving the sample.

On your return you will have to self isolate for 14 days.

Click here to email us and receive more information about this unique opportunity to dive the Red Sea like never before

Click here to book this great trip.

Just north of Sharm el-Sheikh lies the Island of Tiran, located at the entrance of the Strait of Tiran, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.

Between the island and the Sinai peninsula are four large reefs, Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse and Jackson. In my opinion one of the most colourful and vibrant areas in the Red Sea.

Diving in Tiran

The reefs of Tiran can be easily reached from Sharm el-Sheikh, both by day boat as well as by liveaboard. I prefer to use a Liveaboard from Sharm as Tiran is only an hour from the Marina and you can start your week with a check dive in Gordon reef.

Compared to the Gulf of Suez, the Gulf of Aqaba is also very well protected. The diving takes place mainly on the south side of the reefs which are usually well sheltered from the waves. Therefore, even in windy conditions, you won’t miss the fantastic diving Tiran has to offer.

Gordon Reef

The closest reefs to Sharm is Gordon. Is marked by the remains of a cargo ship that crashed there in the early ’80s, The Louilla.

The reef has a shallow plateau on the south side that slopes gradually from 5 to about 30 meters. It is an excellent spot for check dives and night dives.

At around 25 meters on the south-west side of the plateau, you will see some spectacular sea fans. Try to spot the extremely well-camouflaged long-nose hawkfish, one of my favourite macro subjects.

Towards the centre of the plateau, you can find what is left of the cargo that of the Luoilla. Loads of barrels full of tar. Here you will notice a gentle current, you can turn around and get back to the starting point. Otherwise, let it take you to a beautiful coral garden on the south-east side of the reef.

Thomas reef

Thomas reef is the smallest of the 4 reefs. It comes straight up from the depths and has some astonishing soft corals. It is not unusual to see large pelagics such as tuna, eagle rays and occasional grey reefs sharks.

The dive generally starts on the south-west corner. Right after you start the descent you will notice a deep plateau extending from the wall at about 25 meters. Soon after two massive groups of sea-fans will come into view. Try to spend some time around looking for hawkfish but always keep an eye in the blue. You, never know what can show up.

At this point, you can start to drift gently along wall encrusted with soft and hard corals. It is quite common to bump into a turtle having a snack or gently cruising along the reef.

Woodhouse reef

Woodhouse is the longest reef in Tiran measuring about 1 km in length. When I dive here, I prefer to jump about two thirds from the western corner as the eastern section is by far the best in terms of corals and fish life.

The Northeast corner is connected to Jackson Reef by a relatively shallow saddle. Because of the general depth of the straight which exceeds 400 mt. the water will be forced between the 2 reefs creating a very strong whirlpool commonly called “The Washing Machine”. This brings loads of nutrients and the fish and coral life is incredible but you need to be careful as currents are strong and unpredictable.

Jackson Reef

The last reef is called Jackson. Like on Gordon reef, a ship crashed on the reef in the ’80s. There is not much left on top of the reef but the remains are a distinguishable landmark.

Jackson Reef is, in my opinion, the most vibrant reef in the Egyptian Red Sea. The density and colours of the corals are mind-blowing and the fish life buzzing around is mesmerizing. There are 3 distinctive dives on offer, the Southwest corner the Northeast corner and the back of the reef.

Jackson south corner

The most popular dive is the Southwest corner generally called Jackson south. It starts on the front of the reef where the boats normally mored up. Soft and hard coral cover the wall. Stay shallow and gently drift with the reef on your right side. soon you will see a huge lettuce coral, this is a famous landmark and the beginning of the coral garden. Thousands of orange anthias swill around the corals while clouds of red-tooth triggerfish and bannerfish hover in the blue just off the wall. Big sea-fans are home for longnose hawkfish and lionfish hover waiting for easy prey.

Hawksbill turtles are very common here and usually rest on the reef or feed on soft corals. Tuna and jacks patrol in the blue and morays and groupers live on the wall.

For me, this is one of my favourite dives, the fishlife is magnificent, the corals are vibrant and plentiful and there is always a chance to get a surprise visit by sharks or eagle rays.

Jackson north corner

The dive on the Northwest Side is a semi drift. You jump from the boat and let the gentle current carry you along the wall. When you are approaching the corner of the reef, the wall becomes a slope that drops into the blue. At this point, the current will pick up and you will fly over an incredible coral garden. This is an exhilarating drift that always has the potential to attract big pelagics.

Jackson back “Hammerheads”

The last dive on offer is the back of the reef. this is a dive with only one objective, hammerheads. During the summer months, the seas are calmer and boats can venture to the north side of the reef which is generally battered by the waves. The drop point is generally right by the wreckage of the Lara. from here you drop to around 30mt and swim into the blue, it is safe to keep an eye on the reef wall while you just wait for the sharks to come and investigate the group.

Here the reef is not very interesting and does not have the same corals as the south side. For this reason this dive is not normally offered unless the conditions are perfect.

The straight of Tiran is a normal stop on the popular Wreck and Reefs trips, however when the boat departs from Hurghada is at the furthest part and you won’t have enough time to explore all the incredible dives on offer. For this reason, Whirlwind is heading back to Sharm so you will have a better chance to dive and spend a good amount of time in one of the most beautiful areas of the red Sea.

Check out all the available trips onboard Whirlwind

Getting to Sardinia

Sardinia is around 2 hours 15mins flying time direct from the UK. It is a large island, almost in the middle of the Mediterranean. It has over 2000km of stunning coastline and is famous for the remarkable azure sea that surrounds the craggy island. 

Drive away from the city of Alghero into the sun-brushed Sardinian countryside and you are en route to discovering one of this island’s best-kept secrets – Capo Galera Dive Resort. A mere 15 minutes separate the two but it feels like another world. The scenery is dramatic with rugged cliff tops giving way to an inviting sea. But you don’t have to be a diver to enjoy all that Sardinia has to offer. Snorkelers, non-diver and families are all welcome and will find their days filled with sunshine and tranquillity. 

The Island

Sardinia’s rugged coastline is littered with a wealth of dive sites, earning it a top spot in the list of Mediterranean diving destinations. All around the island are some of the most diverse dives in the region sites with wrecks and caves, shore dives and boat dives to pick from. There are few currents in these waters so why not learn to dive in Sardinia? Ghost’s Cave will send a tingle down your spine or stand up and break the water in Galathea. There are several wrecks including one resting in Bollo’s cave with a cargo of clay pipes. Sponges, corals, rays and even barracuda can all be spotted so there is no lack of marine life either. Floating mid water with seemingly endless viz in front of an overhang, you will wonder why you did not visit sooner!

Diving in Sardinia

The conditions in Sardinia will appeal to even the most seasoned diver. The water is crystal clear and an inviting aquamarine. Most sites are well sheltered from currents and can all reached by boat in no more than 30 minutes. The dive centre has 3 dive boats moored in the bay – ideal for training or fun dives.

There is a huge range of dive sites to visit… more than you could explore in a single trip. And the team will tailor the programme to match your interest and experience levels. The bay too is a brilliant dive and open for shore dives during the day or at night on request. 

Capo Galera dive Resort

The accommodation at Capo Galera Dive Resort is truly unique. Set in a secluded villa perched at the end of a headland you are surrounded on 3 sides by bright blue water. The villa has been converted into several self-catering options. There are double rooms, which share bathrooms and showers and have access to a full kitchen. A studio apartment sleeps, 2 people. Or larger groups can opt for the 6 person apartment. Please let us know your requirements at the time of booking. You really don’t need to be a diver to enjoy this beautiful place, snorkellers non-divers and families are very welcome to enjoy the sunshine and tranquillity there is to offer.

Facilities include:-
PADI training
Custom built dive boat
Shore diving
Nitrox available
Scenic location
Snorkellers and non divers welcome

For more information on this beautiful Island please contact the office.

It is wreck diving that attracts most UK divers, but Malta is so much more than just a rusty mecca. Spend your day exploring wrecks, caves and reef dives. Spend your evening relaxing in the all-inclusive San Antonio hotel or enjoying the lively nightlife in St Paul’s Bay and Bugibba. All of this is only a couple of short hours from the UK. Jet off for a weekend break or longer to one of our favourite Mediterranean destinations. 

Malta

On the Main Island of Malta, we are offering two hotel options, the San Antonio Hotel and Sunflower Boutique Hotel. Deep Blue Malta will be the dive team looking after you and have been diving the wrecks, caves and reefs of Malta for nearly 20 years. A few dive centres in Malta are as flexible or experienced as these salty sea dogs. It is a large centre with all the advantages that this brings, however, have worked hard to retain that friendly, welcoming atmosphere that brings divers back year after year.

If you are a certified diver looking to explore Malta underwater, there is a plethora of nerve-tingling dives that await. Shore diving gets you to some of the most famous dive sites but there are also boat and rib dives if you prefer.

Gozo

St Andrews Divers Cove & Gozo self-catering – fantastic for groups! Gozo forms part of the Maltese archipelago. Gozo is just a ferry ride away from mainland Malta. However, the island boasts distinct rural characteristics, being quieter and embracing a diverse landscape of flat-topped hills, rugged cliffs, deep valleys and beautiful inlets. Your dive base with St Andrew’s Divers Cove boasts a beautiful seafront location in Xlendi Bay a picture-perfect fishing village. Diving in Gozo is distinctive to Malta itself. It’s well known for its clear waters, breathtaking drop-offs, numerous caves, tunnels and the dramatic underwater scenery. So whether you’re a beginner, advanced diver or tech diver, make sure Gozo is on your itinerary!

Accommodation

We are pleased to be able to offer 2 types of self-catering options in Gozo. Depending on the size of your group, you can choose between the apartments – all within 250m of the dive centre – or the larger, farmhouses. Just let us know your requirements and we can check all of the accommodation options for you at the time of booking. 
The 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments are superb value as well as convenient to everything you could need such as dive centre, shops, restaurants Each apartment has an equipped kitchen, sitting/dining area, bath/shower room and a terrace or balcony. Many of them have beautiful sea views. Linen for the apartments (except beach towels) is supplied and changed weekly. 

The farmhouses are larger, and better suited to families or groups of between 4-9, looking for a self-catering holiday in Gozo. Most enjoy a private pool and are well placed for exploring the island by foot or bike. Some of these properties are up to 300 years old and their size, amenities, character and price vary. Want to know more? We are happy to check farmhouse availability and provide more information for each specific option, subject to availability.  
Prefer to stay in a hotel? Talk to us! Both the 3 star San Andrea and 4 star St Patrick’s are 50m from St Andrew’s Divers Cove and are within striking distance of Xlendi beach, the pedestrian seafront, bars and restaurants.

For more information on holidays to Malta or Gozo please follow this link or contact the office

With our more regular diving spots currently not easily accessible, we have focused our destination guide blog on areas of the world that have been given the green light and are considered to be COVID Safe. We are committed to continuing to fulfil your diving ambitions and dreams.  We’ve recently teamed up with the luxurious Sandals resorts dotted throughout the Caribbean Islands each offering incredible diving experiences with up to 2 dives per day included as standard.  If you are yearning for exhilarating and varied diving, miles of pristine white beaches, luxurious resorts with endless sunshine and laidback vibes we’ve got you covered.

Antigua

The dive sites around the North of the island are ideal for new or less experienced divers, with a gently sloping sea bed. Warm-up with a dive on the Jettias Wreck or the coral-filled Mary Kay reef. Parrotfish, trumpet fish, snappers, creole wrasse and stingrays are common faces. You can often spot nurse sharks and turtles on the reefs. Experienced divers can head to the likes of Snappers Ledge and Chimney’s Reef. Here the sea bed drops away. Drift between the blackjacks, angelfish, Atlantic bar fish, barracudas and Spanish mackerel. Antigua is a classic example of what the best Caribbean diving is all about.

St Lucia 

The diving in St Lucia varies enormously as you move around the island. You never quite know what to expect! There are gentle coral reefs, where turtles swim between coral pillars and eels hide from prying eyes. There are steep and dramatic wall dives with enormous, pristine sponges and splendid gorgonians. The Soufriere marine park is one of the most beautiful sites and always popular. Here sea horses hide on the coral pillars, surrounded in clouds of fish. Or why not head to the Lesleen M wreck dive… and keep an eye out for the resident frogfish!

Make sure you dive the Pinnacles, where four coral and gorgonian-encrusted seamounts that rise tantalisingly up from the ocean depths. These four spectacular volcanic peaks rise up from the depths to within a few feet of the surface. Covered with Black and Orange Gorgonians, these pinnacles are home to Trumpet and Filefishes as well as larger species such as Grouper, Jack and Snapper

The Bahamas 

Discover the fantastic Exuma national park at Sandals Emerald Bay. The dive sites range to suit all experience levels, from novice to advanced, at around 20 different locations. Drop-offs and gentle sandy slopes, schooling chubb, grunts, barracuda and snapper are common. Nurse sharks and stingrays love the sandy ledges. Huge clouds of angelfish and jacks hang in the blue. Morays hide under brain coral bommies. Come face to face with the local Nassau groupers, some of the most interesting Caribbean residents. Popular sites include Three Sisters Reef, Chubbs Reef, Fish Reef, Emerald Isle Reef, D-Kutt and so many more!

Top-of-the-line equipment hire included
State-of-the-art Newton Dive Boats
Entry-level PADI courses available – extra charges apply

If you would like to find out more about holidaying in the above resorts, please do contact  the office.