Face up to the ultimate underwater villain
Jaws - the name alone is enough to send shivers down your spine. In fact, this fictitious character has quite a reputation among cinema goers of the mid-70's and has done its bit to discourage a whole generation from ever entering the water again. With history looking to repeat itself with the re-release of Jaws on Blu-Ray on 14th August 2012, diving holiday specialist, Regaldive, is hoping that the facts will, this time, get in the way of a good story.
Spielberg's blockbuster hit certainly has a lot to answer for. Earlier this year, Regaldive conducted a survey to find out why people were scared to learn to dive, and the results said it all. A staggering 27% of people didn't want to take the plunge because they had a fear of being attacked - an incredible amount considering that, in reality, there's a higher chance of being hit by lightening.
Sharks have appeared as the villain of the underwater world since Jaws was released in 1975, yet surprisingly they're more of a victim. Due to a high demand for shark related products and fins, they are currently among the most vulnerable animals in the sea - so your chances are better than theirs. The odds of being attacked by a shark are just one in 11.5 million - beyond highly unlikely. In fact, there are greater chances of being killed by a dog, snake, falling aircraft, falling coconut or while in a car collision with a deer. The chances of being killed while digging a hole at the beach are even higher than those of being bitten by a shark. The facts say it all.
With this is mind, there's no need to hold back from the exciting, and often life changing sport that is scuba. Regaldive offer a range of Learn to Dive packages all around the world, allowing you to broaden your travel horizons while mastering a new and exciting sport.
The Egyptian Red Sea is renowned as one of the best destinations in the world for learner divers and Regaldive offer learn to dive packages, which are covered by its 'Learn to Dive Guarantee', in a variety of locations*. Offering fantastic dive opportunities, the resort of El Gouna in the Red Sea has access to many spectacular coral gardens in calm, sheltered waters which are ideal for beginners. With excellent visibility, learner divers will have the opportunity to admire dolphins, turtles and other prolific marine life while getting to grips with scuba. Above the water, El Gouna has a wide range of water sports on offer. Seven nights' at the Captain's Inn in El Gouna costs from £523 per person to include return flights, transfers and B&B accommodation. A PADI Open Water course costs from just £153 per person, when you book with a buddy to take advantage of the buy one get one half price** offer.
For those looking to travel further afield, the Indonesian island of Manado is another fantastic location in which beginners can master their scuba skills. The rich and unspoilt reefs of Bunaken National Marine Park have won numerous international conservation awards. The park boasts an outstanding array of underwater life, including schools of Barracudas and Jacks, Green Sea Turtles, sea snakes and Napoleon wrasses. Not only can visitors dive in Manado's exceptionally clear waters, but they can also trek into the rainforest, climb a volcano or try white water rafting - making Manado the ideal destination for a multi-active holiday. Seven nights' at the Tasik Ria Resort costs from £1,298 per person, to include return flights, transfers and B&B accommodation in a pool view room, based on two people sharing. A PADI Open Water Course costs from £310 per person, to include dive equipment for learn to dive courses, manual and certification fee.
Andreas Elia, Managing Director of Regaldive, commented, "Jaws will be back on our screens within a number of days, but there's no need to be afraid. As the statistics show, there's no need to hold back from entering the water or learning to dive. Diving allows us to explore the 70% of the planet that isn't accessible from dry land, it really does open up a whole new world".
For more information about Regaldive, visit regaldive.co.uk.