Project Shark
The aim of 'Project Shark' is to highlight the global issues facing sharks as well as enjoying some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world. Our 'Project Shark' itineraries are now available in the Red Sea, Maldives, and Galapagos. Our resident Marine Biologist, Paul Vinten, leads a team to deliver these itineraries.
Manta Trust - Maldives
Formed in 2011, the Manta Trust is a charity that co-ordinates global mobula research and conservation efforts. Through a combination of research, education and collaboration, the Manta Trust’s mission is to conserve mobula rays, their relatives and their habitats. The team is comprised of a diverse group of researchers, scientists, conservationists, educators and media experts all working together to share and promote knowledge and expertise.
Project Shark
The aim of 'Project Shark' is to highlight the global issues facing sharks as well as enjoying some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world. Our 'Project Shark' itineraries are now available in the Red Sea, Maldives, and Galapagos. Our resident Marine Biologist, Paul Vinten, leads a team to deliver these itineraries.
Manta Trust Expeditions
Formed in 2011, the Manta Trust is a charity that co-ordinates global mobula research and conservation efforts. Through a combination of research, education and collaboration, the Manta Trust’s mission is to conserve mobula rays, their relatives and their habitats. The team is comprised of a diverse group of researchers, scientists, conservationists, educators and media experts all working together to share and promote knowledge and expertise. 2019 will see two trips take place in the Maldives and Thailand, in collaboration with the Manta Trust.
What we are doing
Our fleet vessels are aiming to be completely single-use plastic-free by the end of 2022
On board
Plastic straws
We banned straws and cocktail stirrers in 2018, across our worldwide fleet. With the type of people we have working across our group, this core value is one which sparks passion and imagination in equal measure. We are always searching for ways to improve our contribution to improving and sustaining the environment. It's one small step of many to come.
Plastic bottles
All single-use plastic water bottles have been removed from our Red Sea fleet. This means that ALL 500ml personal bottles and ALL 1.5L shared meal bottles will no longer be used or offered on board. We invite you to become part of the solution in fighting the growing plastic problem, by bringing your own personal water bottle for your holiday. However, reusable water bottles are also available to purchase on board if required.
Plastic bags
We do not give out plastic bags for on board purchases. We sell Blue O Two reusable bags which you can use for many years. All plastic bags are re-used. Some are given to the HAYAH Woman's Project which they weave to make new stronger bags.
Supporting communities
We have built-up dedicated relationships with local providers for food supplies, scuba diving services, marine mechanics, merchandise production, laundry and ground services. This approach provides a reliable income stream to support their business growth. We train all of our Egyptian staff, not only within their job roles but also in scuba diving, search, rescue and emergency procedures.
Clean up dives
All our Egypt boats are equipped with basic clean up kits, including net bags and gloves. So we now offer a clean up dive on the last day of each safari - all year around. This gives our guests the opportunity to do something positive for the environment on a regular basis – a small amount each week can make a huge difference over a year.
Our offices
Paper
We have changed our paper to Woodland Trust Paper in the UK. Every sheet supports projects which improve biodiversity, enhance social well-being and help the UK landscape adapt to climate change.
Recycling
We have employed the expertise of a leading resource and waste management company, to ensure that we maximise the recycling and resource efficiency of our UK office
Travel
UK staff car share, cycle or use public transport where possible for travelling. As the majority of us now work from home, we use video and audio conferencing rather than travelling for face to face meetings.
Energy usage
We switch off and unplug all electrical equipment in our offices when not in use.
What you can do
Take nothing but photos
Leave nothing but bubbles
Underwater
Dive carefully
Many aquatic organisms are very delicate and even slight contact can cause serious damage.
No touching!
Please avoid touching, feeding and handling of any animals. These interactions may cause stress to the animal and can interrupt the animal’s feeding and mating habits.
Be aware of your equipment
Control your buoyancy and take care not to touch fragile organisms with your dive equipment.
Dive carefully
Many aquatic organisms are very delicate and even slight contact can cause serious damage.
No touching!
Please avoid touching, feeding and handling of any animals. These interactions may cause stress to the animal and can interrupt the animal’s feeding and mating habits.
Be aware of your equipment
Control your buoyancy and take care not to touch fragile organisms with your dive equipment.
On board
Bring your own bottle
If you already own a sports bottle at home, we simply ask that you bring it with you. If you don’t have one at home and you don’t want to purchase one, whether from us or elsewhere, please be assured that we will not be allowing dehydration to ensue for any guests - you will be able to use one of the abundant cups on board.
Bring your own eco-friendly products
We can all take small steps toward reducing our environmental footprint. By replacing our simple items we use in our everyday lives with environmentally friendly products, this can make a huge difference.
Our belief is every single company on the planet should be challenging themselves in the production of unnecessary products – especially plastics. Likewise, every single person should be challenging themselves around what they are contributing to improving the plight of plastics in the oceans. Especially people who enjoy spending time on and in the ocean. Thus, we lay down the gauntlet to our customers to work with us on being responsible tourists.