For those who regard themselves as well-travelled but rarely venture into the underwater world, then it's time to expand your horizons says diving holiday specialist Regaldive. World Oceans Day takes place this Sunday and to mark the occasion, Regaldive is encouraging travellers to 'Pledge to Plunge'. With over 70% of the planet lying under the water and nearly 50% of all living species on Earth residing there, there's a whole world waiting to be explored.  

If you are pledging to plunge for the first time, then the labyrinthine tunnels, canyons and arches of the Azores, in the Atlantic Ocean, offer the perfect setting. First timers can admire spotted, bottlenose and Risso's dolphins, turtles, octopus and rays close to the shore. Once confident, they can venture to adrenaline fuelled bubbling hydrothermal vents, the MV Dori wreck - a Liberian cargo ship which sank in 1964, and an eerie anchor graveyard. Seven nights' at the Hotel Talisman on the island of Sao Miguel cost from £701 per person, including flights, transfers and B&B accommodation. A PADI Scuba Diver Course costs from £263 per person.

For those wanting to travel further afield, the nutrient rich waters of Pemba, in the Indian Ocean, will transport them to another world. Beginners can enjoy shallow inshore dive sites and the islands reefs and coral gardens, home to stunning gorgonian sea fans, barracuda, kingfish, wahoo, tuna, jacks and the endemic chromis damselfish. Once qualified, divers can venture to Manta Point for the rare opportunity to swim with mantas rays. Seven nights' at the Manta Resort cost from £1,782 per person, including flights, transfers and all inclusive accommodation. Guests can upgrade to spend a night in the resort's underwater room from £900. A PADI Open Water course costs from £375 per person.

For experienced divers pledging to plunge in the most exotic of locations, then the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean offer just that. The islands are recognised as one of the best locations to encounter sharks in large numbers. Regaldive's eight day Galapagos Sky liveaboard journeys around Wolf and Darwin Islands, allowing divers the chance to swim alongside whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, dolphins and rays, in addition to other world renowned sites. Costing from £4,894 per person, the package includes flights, transfers, accommodation, most meals, diving, air tanks and weights.

Andreas Elia, Managing Director of Regaldive commented, “It's well known that travelling opens up your eyes to the world and the same goes for diving. With so much of the planet lying under the water, the unforgettable sights and life-changing experiences on offer are endless. With this in mind, we're asking people to pledge to take the plunge this World Oceans Day. To fully appreciate it you need to get to know it, and what better way to do that than to explore it!”

For more information, or to book, visit www.regaldive.co.uk or call 01353 659 999.

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Notes to editors

World Oceans Day is an annual event taking place on 8th June. For further information visit www.worldoceansday.org

For more press information or images, please contact:

Louise Adlam, louise.adlam@regal-diving.co.uk, 01252 379 511