Destination News

Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa Named “World’s Leading Dive Resort”

Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa Named “World’s Leading Dive Resort” at the 2025 World Travel Awards
“We are truly honoured to be recognized as the World’s Leading Dive Resort,” said Elaine Wallace, British owner of Bunaken Oasis.

This award recognises the resort’s exceptional commitment to luxury, sustainability, and marine conservation in one of the world’s most biodiverse underwater environments.

Buddy Dive Resort wins 14 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards

Buddy Dive Resort has won 14 Scuba Reader’s Choice Awards for 2026!! We could not be prouder than what we stand for and what we offer to our dive community. We are especially proud of placing second place in family friends experience – we enjoy seeing every diver’s journey from the kids’ courses to the technical diving courses!

Buddy Dive Resort’s 2026 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards:

OIl leaking from the Rio de Janeiro Maru wreck. Source: Office of the Governor, State of Chuuk

Oil Spill Emerges from WWII Wreck in Chuuk Lagoon

Authorities in Chuuk have confirmed an oil spill from the World War II wreck of the Rio de Janeiro Maru in Uman, Chuuk Lagoon. The leak, first noticed by divers on 11 September and confirmed on 13 September 2025, has released oil near one of the lagoon’s most popular wrecks. Officials warn the incident highlights the wider risk posed by the 63 wartime wrecks scattered across the lagoon.

Emperor Divers Launch Brand-New Solomon Islands Dive Centre

Building on the outstanding reputation of their Solomon Islands-based liveaboard, Emperor Bilikiki, the new dive centre delivers the same high-quality service for guests looking to explore the spectacular waters of the world-renowned Iron Bottom Sound through daily diving.

After more than 30 years of running world-class dive centres in Egypt, this marks an exciting new chapter as Emperor brings its daily diving expertise to one of the most remote and rewarding destinations on Earth.

Yap to Host the 4th Micronesia Expo in July 2025

Traditional Yapese Tattoo Display

Yap State will proudly be hosting the 4th Annual Micronesia Expo from July 21–26, 2025. This year marks a significant milestone, as Yap becomes the final of the four (4) sister states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to host the event.  Over the past three years successful Expos have been held in Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk.

Yap’s World War II Historical Sites Get a Facelift

As part of its commitment to historical preservation and cultural exchange, the Yap Visitors Bureau (YVB) recently collaborated with the Japanese Navy and US Navy SeaBees on a significant cleanup and restoration initiative at key World War II heritage sites. This initiative started back in July when the Seabees based in Yap gave the sites around Colonia and at the old airstrip a major facelift. 

Buddy Dive Academy Presents the 2025 PADI Instructor Development Course Dates

The Buddy Dive Academy proudly presents the 2025 PADI Instructor Development Course Dates.

  • February 9 - 21
  • April 13 - 25
  • June 8 - 20
  • August 3 - 15
  • October 5 - 17
  • November 30 – December 12

Has it always been your dream to dive every day and to share your passion with others while working in the most beautiful places in the world? Take the step and become a PADI Dive Instructor on Bonaire!

Explorer Ventures' Galapagos Vessels Gain PADI Eco Center Designation

The addition of the PADI Eco Center designation to its Green Fins certification for its fleet vessels, M/V Humboldt Explorer and M/V Tiburon Explorer, operating in the iconic Galapagos Islands, marks a proud achievement. 

These vessels now stand as the pioneering Eco Centers and Liveaboards in Galapagos, showcasing a dedication to environmental stewardship.