July - August 2011

Manta treat

A group of divers were treated to a very special encounter with a beautiful manta ray a few days ago at Neptunes Cave. No-one had a big enough armspan to quite describe it - the excitement was immense! Steve was back-up guide and was in his usual position hovering above the group and literally came face to face with the ray. How ironic that he and Madge went to the Maldives in January hoping to see mantas and leopard sharks without success and now he has been able to tick off this particular wish on his own doorstep. The super photo is courtesy of repeat diver Chris from Germany – thanks Chris:).

Turtle tantrum!

Everybody loves to see turtles - so graceful, so beautiful, so friendly. But a recent dive to El Acuario re-wrote this set of assumptions. Philip and Speedy both suffered an unprovoked attack from a very grumpy specimen, which even drew blood! Philip was bitten on the temple and Speedy on both elbows. Fortunately the injuries were not beyond the capabilities of Nurse Emma, although Philip did need to go to the hospital to update his tetanus protection!

Souvenir must-have

Prepare to update your divewear wardrobe with one of our new dive T-shirts. There is a choice of 4 designs, all also branded with the Aqua-Marina logo. They are printed locally so if you prefer a different colour or we are out of your size we can sort you out within a few hours, the next day at the latest.

Go Speedy!

Speedy has just made his 200th dive with Aqua-Marina: quite a landmark (or should that be seamark)! He is only the second diver to make this number, the first being Dave G, who is happily diving again following a perforated eardrum back in June. So it doesn't look as though Speedy will ever get the chance to catch up with Dave, especially as they dive together whenever they can. In case anyone is wondering, Speedy got his nickname from the name of the Mexican restaurant he used to run, and not from his habit of arriving for the diving usually last but getting kitted up in a flash!

Gute Reise Paul!

Paul is cranking up his ever growing responsibilities on the servicing side of Aqua-Marina by attending two courses in Munich at the headquarters of Bauer Compressors in October. He will then be able to service and repair our compressors. Hurrah - no more waiting around when repairs are needed, and doubtless a much better service all round!