Finding Dory – the sequel to Pixar's Finding Nemo - is set to be this summer's blockbuster animated film, following the underwater adventures of forgetful fish, Dory (voiced by Ellen De Generes) and her amphibian pals.  With a UK release date of 29 July (perfect timing for the school summer holidays) and a voiceover cast that includes Hollywood big hitters Idris Elba, Michael Sheen, Dominic West and Diane Keaton, Finding Dory is set to make the underwater world a big draw for summer 2016.  Those looking for aquatic adventures beyond the bath tub can dive in with Dory, Nemo and their chums on one of several trips from Dive Worldwide, the leading specialists in scuba diving breaks.

Little ones need not miss out as children as young as 10 years can safely learn to dive, discovering marine life on a host of family-friendly trips, all using professional, experienced local operators handpicked by Dive Worldwide. It doesn't matter if some of the party don't dive since most destinations have snorkelling opportunities and topside attractions too. Accommodation-wise, affordable villas or apartments help keep a lid on costs and each trip can be tailored to suit individual budgets and requirements.  Big and small kids alike who are inspired by the film can explore the diverse oceanic world of healthy coral and critter paradise this summer, following in the wake of the characters Dory, Nemo, Hank, Destiny and Deb. Here's how:

Hang with the cast of Finding Dory

Twin-centre diving with Dory in the Philippines – The delightful Pacific regal blue tang fish is found in a variety of dive sites from East Africa to the Pacific Islands, but arguably the best place to swim with Dory is in the Philippines, where Dive Worldwide recommends a twin centre Magic Dive Experience, exploring the Visayas region.  Spend six nights at the Magic Island Resort at Moalboal which is renowned for its colourful wall diving, turtles and resident sardine bait ball, staying in one of 10 stylish cottages. Guests then move onto Anda on the east coast of Bohol Island which, though less explored, is home to an abundance of marine life. A great dive location for underwater photography, it's a critter paradise too - expect to see pygmy seahorse, bobbit squid, pipefish and blue-ringed octopus. Stay at Magic Oceans which is set amongst tropical gardens, with 16 spacious, detached bungalows with panoramic views. Price: Adults from £1,995pp, children from £1,750pp, including return flights from the UK and transfers, 12 nights' B&B accommodation, 15 dives, tanks and weights.

Learn to dive with Nemo in the Maldives – Clownfish are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea, but are probably most prolific in areas with plenty of soft corals such as the Maldives. This world-class diving destination is the ideal setting for learning to dive, with plenty of clear, protected lagoons, teeming fish life and colourful corals.  A 50 minute hop from Malé is the Eriyadu Island Resort, a tiny island located on the north-west side of the North Malé Atoll, surrounded by a fine white sand beach and a crystal clear lagoon. Spend the first four days on an introductory PADI Open Water course after which it's possible to enjoy the reefs and quiet waters independently.  Stay in one of the 60 simple but stunning beach-front cottages. Price: Adults from £2,145pp, children from £1,595pp, including return flights from the UK and transfers, 7 nights' half board accommodation, 15 dives, tanks and weights, full PADI Open Water Course tuition and equipment.

Date with Destiny the Whale Shark in Mexico - The stunning whale shark is one of the ocean's most beautiful mammals, found in the waters off Africa, Asia and South America. For those who want to dip their toes into a diving adventure, why not begin with a snorkelling trip. One of the best ways to swim alongside these vegetarian giants is on a Snorkel the Cenotes break in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, where large numbers gather from June to September. The geological features of the cenotes make them ideal for snorkelling and local reefs teem with turtles, eagle rays and plenty of colourful marine life. The location is also ideal for families with stunning beaches and Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza and Tulum to discover. Stay at the Chac Hal Al Apartments on the beach in Fatima Bay and just a short walk from the dive and snorkelling centre. The one and two bedroom apartments have ocean or marina views with access to two swimming pools. Price: Adults from £1,295pp, children from £850pp, including return flights from the UK, 7 nights' self-catering accommodation, transfers, and 3 snorkelling trips.

Hello to Hank the Octopus in Malta – There's nothing quite as surreal as spotting the master of illusion that is the octopus, which divers are virtually guaranteed to do on a Learn to Dive in Malta break. Just a short hop by plane, yet a world apart in terms of seascape, Malta boasts year-round sunshine, exceptional visibility and calm waters. It is an ideal place to learn to dive as a family and offers exceptional value for money. The Sands Apartments in the village of St Paul's Bay has a range of one to three bedroom apartments, just a five-minute walk from the seafront and the old Roman swimming pools in Sirens Bay. The PADI Open Water course is operated by the Maltaqua family-run dive centre and takes four days to complete, with a mix of classroom, pool and open water diving in the sea in order to complete the qualification (pay locally for manuals and certification). Octopi are equally spotted in the Azores and Caribbean. Price: Adults from £795pp, children from £750pp, including return flights from the UK, 7 nights' self-catering accommodation, transfers, PADI Open Water Course, tuition and equipment.

Dance with Deb in the Seychelles - The stripe-tailed damselfish is often found in coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, throughout Asia and in the Pacific. Often spotted in shallow water, it can be seen while snorkelling or on dives up to 15 metres which makes the Seychelles one of the best spots for encountering this eye-catching fish. Join Dive Worldwide's Liveaboard Diving in the Seychelles break to embark on a week-long cruise on a modern yacht or traditional schooner along the inner islands of the Seychelles. An experienced PADI instructor leads the dive party through granite swim-throughs with marine life including turtles, eels, sharks and rays with a minimum of eight dives. On land, visit nature reserves, national parks and conservation initiatives. This break is also suitable for non divers, with plenty of focus on the natural history of the islands, as well as the option to try out snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Price: Adults from £2,075pp, children from £1,450pp, including return flights from the UK, 7 nights' full board liveaboard accommodation, 8+ dives, tanks and weights, island visits and land/water-based activities.

For further information visit Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com, 01962 302 087). 

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PRESS ENQUIRIES:     Julia Spence and Natalie Postlethwaite

                                    Julia Spence Public Relations

                                    Tel: 01491 824524 or Mobile 07802 443113

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