Diving in the Galapagos: a first-timer guide
The Galapagos Islands are a dream, a promise, an overwhelming expectation. The Galapagos Islands deliver. But don’t believe it …
New Caledonia: the lagoon of all hopes
As I dived for the very first time in the lagoon of New Caledonia, at Duck Island, with only my mask and my fins, I quickly recognised something I had not seen in a while: a healthy coral reef! My first scuba dives in the north of the main island, in Koumac, a week later were a festival of colours and shapes along densely …
New Caledonia: impressions from the heart of the Pacific
It’s midnight. I have just arrived at Tontouta International Airport. I take a taxi to Noumea city centre, 45 minutes driving away. In the dark, the entire road looks like home in France. The only clues telling I’m in the southern hemisphere are the stars. After one month in Japan and a direct 9h flight with Aircalin from Tokyo, my arrival in New Caledonia …
Scuba diving in Okinawa: a first-timer guide
The Okinawa Prefecture, in the southernmost province of Japan, counts three main archipelagos: the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Yaeyamaislands, forming all together the Ryukyu Islands. I know it can be confusing but try to differentiate Okinawa Island, the Okinawa Islands, the Okinawa Prefecture! Before becoming a Japanese Prefecture in 1879, Okinawa used to be an independent country: the Ryukyu Kingdom. From …
My Izu Peninsula: slow travel & scuba diving in Japan
If there was one sure thing, it was I didn’t want my sabbatical year to be a marathon made of must-do tours, hopping from town to town on every single day and rushing to make sure I had seen everything. I felt so stressed during the last weeks before my departure. I had to prepare and clean my flat for my future tenant, pack …
My top 3 tips to go plastic-free on your next scuba diving holiday
Make Holidays Greener is ABTA’s annual campaign in partnership with Travelife for hotels and accommodations to encourage us all to take positive social and environmental actions while on holiday, which will not only contribute to you having a great holiday but also help to ensure your favourite destination is preserved for years to come. This year, their campaign is focusing on plastic and encouraging …
Diving detours in the other south of France: Sète & Thau Lagoon
After my trip to Millau in Aveyron, I had to return to Montpellier to catch my train back to Paris. Instead of going back home right away, I thought it was the opportunity to go scuba diving in Thau Lagoon again by going back to Sète. The picturesque harbour between the Mediterranean coast and Thau Lagoon is only 20 minutes away from Montpellier. 8 …
Diving detours in the other south of France: Millau & The Gorges du Tarn
Every time you saw me taking a train to the “South” to escape Paris I was either going diving in Marseille or Toulon, heading to some of the finest diving in France, including Calanques National Park and Port-Cros National Park. It is quite funny to note that every time someone refers to the “South” in France, we generally mean French Riviera and Provence exclusively. …
Scuba diving in France: things to know before you go
Like many things, the French like to do it differently. Scuba diving is, unfortunately, one of those things that don’t work in the same way the rest of the world does. This article is not meant to judge whether it is a good thing. It is a practical guide if you intend to visit France with scuba diving in mind or if you live …