Month: March 2018

Top 10 Dive Sites in Malta

An archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and the North Africa coast, Malta has some of the best dive sites in Europe. Known for its historical sites, the Maltese islands present a wide variety for divers including caves, reefs, walls and wrecks. To help you decide where to dive, we’ve put together a guide to the top 10 dive sites in Malta.

Diver

10. Madonna Statue

A very popular site in the northern part of Malta, the main attraction of this dive is the Madonna statue which was placed her 25 years ago by a local dive club. Accessed through a 1-metre deep pool, the dive offers diving around shallow plateaus, with more experienced divers being able to dive off the plateau until around 30 metres. Featuring tunnels and swim-throughs, it’s also possible to do this site at night.

Type: Reef – Shore Dive
Level: Open Water & Open Water Advanced
Resort: Mellieha

Transfers from Malta Airport to Mellieha take approximately 40 minutes.

9. Qawra Reef

Located near the popular resort of Qawra in the northern part of Malta, Qawra Reef is a great option for beginners and intermediate divers. Offering a drop off until 40 metres, the dive includes a nice well, in addition to several caves going inside and under the reef. The site has a couple of shallow sections at around 15m with parrot fish, groupers and cardinal fish. For more intermediate divers, large boulders are home to barracudas, dentex, tuna and amberjack, as well as the rare Anxinella Verrucosa, also known as the Mediterranean ‘finger’ sponge.

Type: Reef – Shore Dive
Level: Open Water & Open Water Advanced
Resort: Bugibba

Transfers from Malta Airport to Bugibba take approximately 30 minutes.

8. Reqqa Reef

Giving divers a great view into the clear blue Mediterranean Sea and excellent opportunities to spot marine life, Reqqa Point is located in Ghasri, Gozo. Not recommended to visit during strong winds, you descend along a large wall covered in sponges with the option of stopping on the sandy reef bottom at 25 metres. Lobsters, rays and barracudas are often spotted whilst others may enjoy exploring overhangs, caves and incredible chimney and nearby salt pans.

Type: Reef Wall – Shore Dive
Level: Open Water
Resort: Marsalforn

Transfers from Malta Airport to Marsalforn take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

7. The Inland Sea & Tunnel

An incredible dive located close to the Blue Hole, the Inland Sea & Tunnel Dive is a unique dive that cannot be missed. Beginning in a 60m wide inlet surrounded by high cliffs, divers can explore the 80m long tunnel to the inland sea. Divers should pay extra care when going through the tunnel, as it is also used by boats. Breath-taking light effects created by the sunlight greet you at the end of the tunnel and you can choose to dive on to the left or right side. With the opportunity to see marine life such as Barracuda, Spotted Dorris, Octopus and John Dory, the Inland Sea & Tunnel is an incredible experience.

Type: Wall – Shore Dive
Level: Open Water & Open Water Advanced
Resort: Xlendi Bay

Transfers from Malta Airport to Xlendi Bay take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

6. Billinghurst Cave

One of the longest cave dives in Gozo, The Billinghurst Cave is located near Regga Point is a great spot for spotting marine life and enjoying light effects. Measuring 50m long, the entrance can be found 3m under the surface with a maximum depth of 30m. As there is very little natural light penetration, divers should bring a torch to enjoy the colourful marine life, red sponges and lace coral. For those wanting to extend their experience, divers can swim to the end of the cave and enter another called the ‘Railway’ Tunnel, where it is possible to surface. It should also be noted that this site is only accessible with a dive centre.

Type: Cave – Shore Dive
Level: Open Water
Resort: Marsalforn

Transfers from Malta Airport to Marsalforn take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

5. Ghar Lapsi

Perfect for beginners, the Ghar Lapsi dive is a great cave diver for those who can descend to approximately 15 metres. Those with more experience can also explore the Ghar Lapsi Cave and see the stunning blue and green waters and its multiple entrances and exits. With a large amount of sea grass in the cave, divers have a good chance of seeing nudibranchs and sea hares as well as enjoying the light effects at the entrance of the cave.

Type: Cave Reef – Shore Dive
Level: Open Water & Open Water Advanced
Resort: Saint Julian’s

Transfers from Malta Airport to Saint Julian’s take approximately 20 minutes.

4. P29 Wreck

Combining an interesting wreck with spectacular marine life, the P29 dive off Cirkewwa Point is a popular dive with both visitors and locals alike. Deliberately sunk in 2007, the wreck features an ex German Kondo class minesweeper and includes some great swim throughs. Able to be combined with several other dives such as ‘The Arch’, the P29 dive makes for a memorable experience.

Type: Wreck – Shore Dive
Level: Advanced Open Water
Resort: Mellieha

Transfers from Malta Airport to Mellieha take approximately 40 minutes.

3. The Rozi Tugboat Dive

Purposefully sunk in 1991, the Rozi Tugboat Dive is one of the most popular dive sites in Malta. Beginning with a swim over an incredible reef, the wreck is only 150 metres away from shore and sits in an upright position at 34 metres. The wreck, including the engine room and wheel house can also be entered whilst enjoying the beautiful clear waters surrounding it. The wreck has attracted diverse marine life including rainbow wrasse, Sea breams and scorpion fish. Divers may wish to combine this with the Madonna Statue dive or explore the reef on your way back to shore.

Type: Wreck – Shore Dive
Level: Advanced Open Water Dive
Resort: Mellieha

Transfers from Malta Airport to Mellieha take approximately 40 minutes.

2. Santa Maria Caves

An incredible cave system located on the north side of Comino, the Santa Maria Caves is an extremely popular dive site. Featuring 10 unique caves with great swim throughs, underwater tunnels and incredible views, this is sight is sure to create a memorable experience. As the caves are quite shallow, the marine life is varied, including Nudibranch, crabs and shrimp. Some may also wish to feed the Banded Sea Bream bread and watch as they swarm around you.

Type: Cave – Boat Dive
Level: Open Water & Open Water Advanced
Resort: Mellieha

Transfers from Malta Airport to Mellieha take approximately 40 minutes.

1. The Blue Hole

One of the most famous and popular dive sites within the Maltese Islands, the Blue Hole is a must-visit whilst staying on the islands. Located in Dweijra, Goza and overlooking the former site of the Azure Window, the dive begins in a 10m wide, natural inland sea-pool. The dive includes incredible natural rock formations and diverse marine life including moray eels, octopi, lobster and parrot-fish. After swimming through a giant crack in the reef which has created a large vertical swim-through, known as ‘The Chimney’, you will then find the coral garden. There is also a cave at the far end of the Blue Hole if you don’t want to swim out to the open sea. This dive can be followed with the Inland Sea and Tunnel dive.

Type: Reef Wall – Shore Dive
Level: Open Water & Open Water Advanced
Stay: Xlendi Bay

Transfer from Malta Airport to Xlendi Bay take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

We hope this guide to the top 10 dive sites in Malta has inspired your next diving holiday.

If you are travelling to Malta for a diving holiday, complete the contact form to get a quote from Sea-Lifts and book your airport transfers from Malta Airport to the best scuba resorts now!

Why Sea-Lifts should be your choice for cruise port transfers

Cruise Ship

You’ve booked your dream cruise and can’t wait to visit all the amazing ports of call, but how are you going to transfer from the airport to the cruise port? Whilst embarkation can be an exciting start to your cruise holiday, it can also be stressful. Rather than attempting to navigate public transport or negotiate taxi fares, pre-booking a cruise port transfer can be a convenient, hassle-free and cost-effective way to begin your cruise holiday.

If you’re searching for cruise holiday transfers to the cruise port, here’s 3 reasons why Sea-Lifts should be your choice for cruise port transfers:

1. Sea-Lifts Cruise Port Transfers are excellent value for money.

If you’re looking at cruise port transfers, one of the most important factors influencing your decision is if the option is good value for money. Cruise Port transfers arranged through Sea-Lifts offer outstanding value for money and is the perfect solution for your cruise holiday transfers.

Airport transfers are often one of the last things travellers think about when going on a cruise holiday and simply get a taxi from the airport to the cruise port. However, tourists are often overcharged because of inflated airport prices and little knowledge of the local language.

Cruise Port transfers arranged through Sea-Lifts offer great value for money. Offering lots of different cruise port transfer options, you will find the perfect cruise port transfer for your budget. All quotes are fully inclusive prices, helping you avoid any hidden costs. In addition, Sea-Lifts offers group and early booking discounts helping you make even more savings on your cruise port transfer!

2. Booking a Cruise Port Transfer with Sea-Lifts gives you peace of mind.

After arriving at the airport in an unfamiliar country, especially at night, the last thing you want to think about is how to get to the cruise port. Booking a cruise port transfer through Sea-Lifts eliminates the worry of securing safe and comfortable transport so you can focus on enjoying your cruise holiday.

As cliché as it sounds, you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Part of an award-winning transfer group with over 15 years’ experience in providing transfers worldwide, Sea-Lifts provide reliable and safe cruise port transfers from airports across Europe such as Barcelona Airport and Rome Airport.

Once booked, Cruise port transfers are always confirmed pre-flight and you will have peace of mind that your cruise port transfer driver will be waiting for you as your flight arrives. All vehicles are fully licensed and professional drivers guarantee a safe and comfortable cruise port transfer.

Customer care is at the heart of our mission and Sea-Lifts offers 24-hour assistance, 7 days a week to ensure any problems, such as flight delays, can be dealt with efficiently. We value our customer’s cruise port transfer experience and welcome feedback, so we can continue to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.

3. Cruise Port Transfers with Sea-Lifts are convenient and hassle-free.

If you are travelling to an airport in a foreign city for your cruise holiday, cruise port transfers can offer a convenient way to get to the cruise port. Booking a Cruise Port transfer through Sea-Lifts is a quick, hassle-free way of travelling to the cruise port for your cruise holiday.

Whilst you might be tempted to use public transport, the travel time is often much slower and involves dragging your heavy luggage up and down escalators or stairs and manoeuvring them on crowded buses and trains.

Take the hassle out of travelling to the cruise port by booking a cruise port transfer with Sea-Lifts. Easier than using a local taxi or public transport, Sea-Lifts offers the convenience of transporting you and your luggage to the cruise port. Arranged through a simple and straightforward online booking process, bookings are accepted up to 48 hours prior to the transfer time and can be cancelled with full refund up to 14 days prior to travel. In addition, Sea-Lifts also lets you pay in a choice of 5 different currencies including GBP, Euro and USD.

About Sea-Lifts

Sea-Lifts are the cruise holiday transfer specialists and cover all the major ports across Europe including Dubrovnik, Marseille and Venice.

Part of an award-winning transfer group with 15 years’ experience, Sea-Lifts understand how important reliable and hassle-free cruise port transfers are. Our transfer partners share the same high standards that we do, giving you a consistently high standard of service.

We offer a wide range of cruise port transfer types on all of the routes and can cater to any size of the party. From private transfers to large coaches, Sea-Lifts will provide cruise port transfers to suit your budget.

Cruise Port Transfers with Sea-Lifts

Sea-Lifts provide cruise port transfers across Europe and cover all major ports including:

Sea Cruise Ports

Sea Cruise Ports

Croatia

  • Dubrovnik Cruise Port

France

  • Marseille Cruise Port

Greece

  • Piraeus Cruise Port

Italy

Portugal

  • Lisbon Cruise Port

Spain

  • Barcelona Cruise Port
  • Palma Cruise Port

River Cruise Ports

River Cruise Ports

Austria

  • Vienna Cruise Port

Czech Republic

  • Prague Cruise Port

France

  • Paris Cruise Port

Germany

  • Berlin Cruise Port
  • Munich Cruise Port

Hungary

  • Budapest Cruise Port

Netherlands

  • Amsterdam Cruise Port

Airport to Cruise Ports

Airport to Cruise Ports

Austria

Croatia

Czech Republic

France

Germany

  • Berlin Airport
  • Munich Airport

Greece

Hungary 

  • Budapest Airport

Italy

Netherlands

  • Amsterdam Airport

Portugal

Spain

How to book with Sea-Lifts

Booking a cruise port transfer with Sea-Lifts couldn’t be easier.

Get an instant quote for your cruise port transfer using our instant quote generator.

If you can’t find the cruise port transfer you require, we’ll happily arrange a bespoke quote for you.

Once you have received a quote, use our online booking system to arrange your cruise port transfer quickly. You’ll then receive full details of the cruise port transfer for your records.

Get an instant quote and book your cruise port transfer with Sea-Lifts now!

The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Biarritz

Algarve Surfer

Located in the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz sits on the Atlantic coast and offers incredible opportunities for surfing. Just 22 miles from the Spanish border, the city is a luxurious seaside tourist destination in the French Basque Country in southwestern France, perfect for beach breaks and surfing holidays to Europe.

Known for its surf culture, Biarritz is the home of European surf, making it an ideal location for a surfing holiday. Offering constant and varied waves, the area is suitable for surfers of all abilities.

To help you prepare for your unforgettable surf holiday in Biarritz, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the area, including must-visit surf spots.

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Surfing season in Biarritz

When to surf in Biarritz

woman surfing in Biarritz

Biarritz has a humid oceanic climate throughout the year. Generally, the best time to visit Biarritz is between June and September with an average temperature of 24C. December – February are off-season and see average highs of 13 degrees.

The best time to surf in Biarritz varies depending on surf ability. Biarritz is suitable for beginners from April to October, with June and July generally offering perfect conditions and much tamer waves..

If you consider yourself an intermediate surfer, Biarritz is suitable all year round. From May to March and September to November, crowds are often quieter and the surf is much bigger.

If you’re an advanced surfer, you might want to avoid June and August when the Bay of Biscay’s waves are at their quietest. October and November generally have the best, most challenging conditions.

The best surf spots in Biarritz

man surfing the waves at Biarritz

Situated in the middle of Europe’s premier surf coastline, Biarritz offers some incredible surf spots for surfs of all abilities. Biarritz offers two iconic beaches, the Grand Plage and Cote des Basques, both great surf spots that can produce excellent hollow waves.

Beginners should visit La Cote des Basques, just south of the city, for one of the best beaches in Europe to learn how to surf. More sheltered than the majority of spots in the area, La Cote des Basques offers mellow rides ideal for beginners.

Further south of Biarritz is the town of Ilbarritz which offers multiple spots for both beginners and experts. Beginners should try Hendaye, whilst the reef breaks around Guethary and the pointbreak Lafitenia will suit those with more experience.

Biarritz Surf Schools

Looking to try your hand at surfing, or perhaps take your kids along to teach them a thing or two? As one of the best surf destinations in Europe, Biarritz has numerous surf schools catering for all levels.

We recommend the Jo Moraiz Surf School Established since 1966, the surf school is recognised by the French Surf Federation. The school offering lessons for all ages and abilities, including intensive courses.

Other surf schools in the area include Biarritz Paradise Surf School, Hastea Surf School and Lagoondy Surf Camp.

people surfing in Biarritz

Surfing events near Biarritz

  • Biarritz Surf Festival 2020 – The dates for 2020 are yet to be confirmed, but we anticipate it will be around 19th April- 27th April just like the 2019 festival. We can help you get there.

  • Quiksilver Pro France 2020 – 1st October 2020 – 11th October 2020 – Hossegor

If you’re visiting any surfing events near Biarritz, book your event transfer with us.

See which airports we offer transfers from

Essential information to help your Biarritz holiday run smoothly

  • Biarritz is located in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, Europe.

  • The language most commonly spoken in Biarritz is French.

  • The currency used in Biarritz is the Euro.

  • The timezone in Biarritz is CET (Central European Time), also known as UTC/GMT +1 hour. This time zone puts Biarritz 1 hour ahead of the UK.

  • The international dial code for Biarritz is +33.

How to get to Biarritz

All transfers can be arranged through our team here Sea Lifts, with the option of adding your surfboard as luggage.

Where to stay in Biarritz

Biarritz, France

Although Biarritz is a luxury seaside resort, the area has plenty of accommodation options for all budgets:

  • Best Western Kemaris – Located 200 metres from the popular surf spot La Cote des Basques, Best Western Kemaris has a surfboard storage area and offers wetsuit and surfboard hire. Prices from £69 per night.

  • Hotel Du Palais – A grand hotel overlooking the Bay of Biscay, Hotel Du Palais offers the most luxurious accommodation in Biarritz. Prices from £289 per night.

  • Hotel Les Alizes – Located just 50 metres from the Atlantic Ocean and 200 metres from the famous surf spot Cote des Basques, Hotel Les Alizes is perfect for surf holidays. Offering free storage for surfboards, there is a surf shop conveniently located in front of the hotel. Prices from £51 per night.

  • Hotel Marbella – Located in the centre of Biarritz’s historic quarter, Hotel Marbella is close to the Rocher de la Vierge, Prot des Pêcheurs and Cote des Basques. The hotel also offers a surfboard and wetsuit storage area. Prices from £69 per night.

Things to do in Biarritz

In addition to surfing, there are plenty of other things to do in Biarritz including:

  • Casino Barriere de Biarritz – a small casino offering machines and tables.

  • Cite de L’Ocean et du Surf – a modern ocean museum featuring interaction exhibits, animations and virtual surfing.

  • Musee Bonnat – a well-established art museum housing European paintings, sculptures and antiques.

  • Planete Musee du Chocolat Biarritz – a small museum offering an introduction to cacao and the chocolate industry.

  • The area also boasts 8 golf courses, 4 of which are ranked in the top 100 in Europe. Impressive!

  • There are also plenty of walking and bike tours on offer in the coastal town.

Where to eat & drink in Biarritz

There are countless quality restaurants and bars in Biarritz, many of which overlook the nearby beaches so you can grab a bite to eat and watch fellow surfers in action.

As a starting point, we recommend:

  1. Café du Commerce – A great choice for decadent lunches, try the sharing platter, freshly caught fish and Bayonne ham.

  2. Crampotte 30 – One of the best options for seafood, Crampotte 30 offers a small but excellent menu. An old fisherman’s hut turned into a restaurant, pair your meal with a glass of txakoli (Basque wine) to have an authentic meal.

  3. Halles-Biarritz – A visit to Biarritz’s market hall is a must to try regional produce such as dry-cured Bayonne ham, local wines or pintxos, a Basque take on tapas.

  4. Paries – One for those with a sweet-tooth, Paries is one of Biarritz’s favourite chocolateries. We recommend a box of macarons, known as mouchous, which come in five delicious flavours.

Nightlife in Biarritz

For those of you looking to explore the town in an evening, there are plenty of things to see.

  • Carre Coast – A must-visit for fans of electro or house music, this luxury venue overlooks the ocean and the Grande Plage beach.
  • Le Caveau – Entertaining visitors for 28 years, the Caveau is a favourite of both surfers and the Biarritz Olympique rugby team.
  • Le Duplex – Located in the heart of Biarritz, Le Duplex consists of two spaces which will suit all tastes. Whilst the Cotton Club room is a piano bar, the Pulp features DJs from around the world.
  • Maona Beach – One of the most popular options in Biarritz, Maona Beach often partners with the prestigious Quiksilver Maider Arosteguy Surf competition. Featuring everything from pop to electro, the dancefloor is always full.

Where to visit from Biarritz

San Sebastian

If you’re looking to head out of Biarritz for the day end explore the very best of the Basque region, here are some day trips we recommend.

  • Further down the coast and across the Spanish border, San Sebastian is one of Spain’s most beautiful city. As well as offering fantastic surf beaches right in the centre of town, the city boasts plenty of cultural activities.
  • The renowned surf towns of Hossegor and Capbreton are located just 25 minutes away from Biarritz. Featuring some of the best waves in Europe, the towns hold major contest including the annual WSL Quiksilver Pro in September.
  • One of the most important religious sites in France, Lourdes sees millions of people visit the Grotto of Massabielle each year. Transfers from Biarritz to Lourdes take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Book your Biarritz Airport transfer online today

Wherever you’re going in France, we can get you there. If you’re flying into Biarritz Airport, we can take you directly to your surf resort, meaning you can skip the hassle of public transport. 

We can also help you get around during your surfing holiday, perhaps to visit nearby towns or other surfing hotspots in the Biarritz region. Book your transfer online today and relax knowing a driver will be waiting for you in arrivals. It’s the hassle-free way to start your holiday!

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Algarve Surf Spots You Should Not Miss

A favourite amongst European surfers, the Algarve offers year-round waves in the warmest climate in Europe. Thanks to its location on the corner of the Iberian Peninsula, the Algarve enjoys the widest swell window in Portugal, making it the ideal destination for a surfing holiday. With waves suitable for all abilities, it can be difficult to know where to head so we’ve put together some of our favourite spots to get you started.

Algarve Surfer

Essential Information

Location: South Portugal
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Local Time: GMT/BST
Fly to: Faro Airport (FAO), also known as Algarve Airport
Flight time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from the UK

When to Surf in the Algarve

Boasting the warmest climate in Europe, the Algarve is a year-round destination and will have waves whenever you visit.

The peak season is considered to be between autumn and spring as a result of the extremely hot summers and long flat spells.

Although the winter months are often warm enough for t-shirts and the water around the Algarve is the warmest in Portugal, water temperatures remain cool. Wetsuits are recommended all year, with July and August being the only exceptions.

Where to Surf in The Algarve

Lagos

A popular town in the southern Algarve region, Lagos is known for its cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Conveniently located, transfers from Faro Airport to Lagos take about 1 hour making it the perfect location for a surf holiday.

Located in a quiet coastal town, Praia do Luz offers a great beach for those looking for a relaxing atmosphere close to Lagos. A long beach featuring a good reef at both ends, this best during the winter months when it is at its quietest. The predominant wind blows from the North in the winter, with swells emerging from the south.

Alternatively, visit Praia de Burgau, located in a traditional Portuguese fishing village south-east of Lagos. A great spot for beginners, the beach is surrounded by hills which protect it from the frequent north winds. Although the waves are quite mellow, there can be great lefts and rights, especially in big winter swells.

Sagres

Situated on the most westerly tip of the Algarve, Sagres comprises of magnificent cliffs, vast beaches and spectacular waves. Close to some of the best surfing beaches in Portugal, a transfer from Faro Airport to Sagres takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Located to the south of the incredible cliffs of Cabo Sao Vicente, Praia do Beliche is a victim of the powerful Atlantic swells. Best at mid-tide, the 40-metre-high cliffs provide some shelter from the notorious winds Sagres is famous for. Although a great option before or after the main summer months, Praia do Beliche has some of the hollowest peaks around during winter.

Close to the resort of Vila do Bispo, Praia da Ingrina is also worth considering whilst visiting the Algarve on a surf holiday. A peaceful but breezy beach, the tiny bay can produce lovely hollow waves if the sandbank is good but is at its best with a good winter swell.

Another beautiful and windy beach is known for its great waves is Tonel Beach. One of three beaches within walking distances of Sagres, it is capable of producing hollow waves but is unpredictable in the wind. Offering both right and lefts, it can be busy in summer and features surprising rip currents.

One of the best-known surf hotspots in Portugal, Praia do Zavial is fast and hollow but requires a sizeable swell to really come alive. Although perfect for beginners and intermediates on small swells, it gets offshore winds frequently, making even the smallest swells stand up.

Carrapateira

A village situated on the western coast of the Algarve, Continue reading “Algarve Surf Spots You Should Not Miss” →