Join Dan’s Dive Shop in Akumal, Mexico.

We have a fantastic week planned for May 13-20, 2024, staying at the 4-Star All Inclusive Bahia Principe Grand Coba Resort and diving in Akumal, Mexico.

Akumal is one of our favourite scuba diving spots. It combines a lovely reef/wall experience with epic cenote diving in a stunning setting. The Akumal reef is incredible, with turtles, coral reefs, and marine life, as well as world-class cenote diving led by our favourite Cave Explorer, Matt Mandziuk, and friends.

The month of May is ideal for diving in this area. Akumal literally translates to “Land of Turtles,” and the turtle breeding season begins in May. Spring and summer are the best times to visit the Cenotes.

DDS AKUMAL DIVE TRIP INCLUDES:

Round trip airfare from Toronto with Air Transat

• Transfers from Cancun Airport 
• Seven nights at Bahai Principe Grand Coba All Inclusive Resort (Double Occupancy)
• Transport from Resort to Dive Shop
• Choice of Diver Package

DIVER PACKAGES

Package 1: Five Days Ocean Diving $2399

Package 2: Three Days Ocean Diving + Two Days Cenote Diving $2699

Package 3: Non-Diver/ Beach Snorkeler $1599

Package Includes 10 Dives, 1 Night Dive & Transportation

All prices quoted in Canadian

Learn more at: Akumal, Mexico with Dan’s Dive Shop

Shore diving unlocks a world of awe-inspiring beauty beneath the surface. Unlike boat dives, which can be limited by schedules and crowded dive sites, shore diving offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace, whenever you desire, and with whomever you choose as your dive buddy. In this article, we’ll unveil the top ten destinations around the globe where you can experience the magic of shore diving, each with its unique charm and allure.

Whether you’re an experienced diver seeking new spots to explore or a novice looking for accessible and captivating underwater destinations, this guide has something for you. We’ll dive deep into each location, highlighting the unique dive experiences and marine life on offer. We’ll also cover the practical information you need, so you can spend less time planning and more time diving!

Prepare to be inspired for an unforgettable journey to some of the best shore diving on our planet.

1. Bonaire, the Caribbean.

Often referred to as the ‘shore diving capital of the world’, Bonaire is a haven for underwater enthusiasts. What makes Bonaire truly special is its accessibility to breathtaking dive sites right from the shoreline. You can step in and immerse yourself in vibrant coral gardens, where you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of marine life, from colorful parrotfish to curious sea turtles.

The best time to visit is between December and April when the waters are calm, and visibility is exceptional. With dive sites suitable for all levels, including beginners, Bonaire is a must-visit destination for shore diving. 

On non-diving days, explore the island’s pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. Accommodation options range from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly apartments.

2. Roatan, Honduras.

Venture to Roatan, Honduras, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the wonders of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system. The island’s shore diving sites offer a diverse range of underwater experiences, from exploring colorful coral reefs to intriguing underwater caves. Roatan is a year-round destination with warm waters, but the best diving conditions are during April and May. 

Dive sites cater to various experience levels, making Roatan a suitable choice for both beginners and advanced divers. On your surface intervals, indulge in the island’s pristine beaches, visit Roatan’s sloth sanctuary, and join an island tour. Roatan offers a variety of accommodations, including eco-friendly resorts and charming boutique hotels.

3. Maui, Hawaii.

Maui, the jewel of the Hawaiian Islands, is a paradise for shore divers. Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, including graceful manta rays and curious green sea turtles. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the water temperature is comfortable for diving – but honestly, diving in Maui is fabulous all year. 

With calm, sheltered bays and plenty of marine life, Maui is a great place to become an Open Water Diver and start your scuba diving adventures. On dry land, explore lush rainforests, visit volcanic craters, and experience traditional Hawaiian culture. Accommodation options range from luxury beachfront resorts to cosy vacation rentals and hostels, ensuring a comfortable stay for all budgets.

4. Marsa Alam, Egypt.

For a Red Sea shore diving experience, look no further than Marsa Alam. Sharm el Sheikh is the hub of Egypt’s dive scene but Marsa Alam is just as good, if not better, and has access to some of the best diving in Egypt.

This destination is quieter than Sharm and has fantastic shore diving, with the chance to encounter dugongs and sea turtles. A little further offshore, lie Egypt’s most famous dive sites, including Elphinstone Reef, the Brothers, and Daedalus Reef; all home to an array of vibrant Red Sea reef species and pelagics.

You can enjoy diving all year in Marsa Alam but visit during spring or fall to avoid crowds. Dive conditions here are best suited to experienced divers due to the depths and currents. Beyond diving, you can explore nearby desert landscapes, visit historic temples, or unwind at luxurious beachfront resorts.

5. Bali, Indonesia.

Bali, with its stunning shore diving opportunities, is a magnet for divers. Amed, located on Bali’s northeastern coast, is known for its vibrant coral gardens and the famous USS Liberty shipwreck – which is just a two-minute swim from the beach. 

The best time for diving in Bali is from April to November when the weather is dry and the water temperature is comfortable. Dive sites cater to divers of all levels, and you’ll encounter diverse marine life, from pygmy seahorses to reef sharks. On land, discover Balinese culture, pristine beaches, and lush rice terraces. Accommodation options in Bali range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts, ensuring a place to stay for everyone.

6. Curaçao, the Caribbean.

Curaçao, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, offers an array of shore diving experiences. Explore thriving coral reefs that lie just offshore and swim with playful sea turtles. There are numerous shore diving sites off the beaches of Curaçao’s southwestern coast and drop-offs a short swim from shore.

Diving in Curaçao is great year-round, thanks to its consistently warm waters and excellent visibility. The main dive season runs from December to April. If you want to see coral spawning, visit from September to October.

Dive sites are suitable for all levels, making it an ideal destination for every diver. On non-diving days, explore the island’s vibrant culture, unique architecture, and Christoffel National Park. Accommodation options range from beachfront bungalows to upscale resorts.

7. The Philippines.

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, of which more than 5,000 are uninhabited. This stunning destination beckons divers with its diverse marine life and shore diving opportunities. Explore underwater worlds filled with vibrant corals, schools of fish, and muck diving sites that host weird and wonderful critters.

The best time to visit varies by region but generally falls during the dry season from December to May. Dive sites cater to all experience levels, making the Philippines suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike. When not diving, discover the country’s rich history and delectable street food. Accommodations vary from budget-friendly hostels to luxury beachfront resorts.

8. Malta and Gozo.

The Mediterranean waters surrounding Malta and Gozo are a treasure trove for shore divers. Explore historic shipwrecks, thriving reefs, underwater arches, and spectacular night dives. Dwejra is one of the best places for shore diving on Gozo and hosts the famous Blue Hole. 

The best time for diving is during the summer months when the water is comfortably warm. Dive sites range in difficulty, accommodating divers of various experience levels. When you’re not diving, delve into Malta’s 7,000-year-old cultural heritage, visit ancient temples, and savor some Mediterranean cuisine at Malta’s waterfront cafes. Accommodation options include charming boutique hotels and waterfront apartments.

9. Cozumel, Mexico.

Cozumel, situated off the Yucatan Peninsula, is an ever-popular dive destination with stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life. Drift along the Mesoamerican Reef and encounter nurse sharks, eagle rays, and vibrant fish species.

November to April is the best time to go diving in Cozumel; the waters are calm and its eagle ray season. Dive sites cater to various experience levels, making Cozumel suitable for all divers. On land, explore Mayan ruins, relax on pristine beaches, and savor authentic Mexican cuisine. Accommodation options range from all-inclusive resorts to beachfront bungalows.

10. Jervis Bay, Australia.

Jervis Bay, on the New South Wales coast of Australia, offers an underwater paradise for shore divers. Dive into crystal-clear waters, swim with resident dolphins, and encounter the famous Weedy Sea Dragon.

With mild water temperatures even in winter, you can dive at Jervis Bay all year, and dive sites cater to all experience levels. On land, there are white sandy beaches, national parks, and charming coastal towns to explore on your non-diving days. Accommodation options range from beachside campsites to boutique lodges.

Now that you’ve had a taste of the enchanting world of shore diving, it’s time to take the plunge. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant coral reefs, captivating marine life, or intriguing wrecks and caverns, shore diving offers an easy and fun way to explore the depths. So, pack your dive gear, choose your dream destination and enjoy!

Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI (Scuba Schools International), wrote this article.

As the sun shines brightly and summer reaches its peak, avid scuba divers around the globe eagerly anticipate July—a month brimming with diving possibilities. With warm waters, excellent visibility, and an abundance of marine life, July offers an ideal opportunity to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater landscapes. Join us as we unveil the best scuba diving spots for July, promising unforgettable experiences beneath the waves.

1. Komodo National Park, Indonesia: Embark on an exhilarating journey to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkable biodiversity. In July, the region boasts optimal diving conditions, offering crystal-clear waters, mild currents, and warm temperatures. Dive among vibrant coral reefs, encounter graceful manta rays, and witness the famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Komodo National Park promises a captivating underwater adventure for divers of all levels.
2. Socorro Islands, Mexico: Venture to the remote Socorro Islands in Mexico’s Pacific waters for a thrilling encounter with marine giants. July welcomes the arrival of humpback whales and whale sharks, making it an exceptional time to dive in this extraordinary destination. Prepare to be awestruck by close encounters with giant manta rays, playful dolphins, and hammerhead sharks. Socorro Islands’ awe-inspiring marine encounters make it a bucket-list destination for divers seeking unforgettable experiences.
3. Similan Islands, Thailand: Escape to the stunning Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea for a dive expedition like no other. July brings calm seas, excellent visibility, and warm waters, providing an ideal backdrop for underwater exploration. Dive into a wonderland of vibrant coral gardens, encounter leopard sharks, and marvel at the diverse marine life that inhabits these tropical waters. The Similan Islands offer an idyllic retreat for divers seeking natural beauty and unforgettable diving experiences.
4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Embark on a journey to the legendary Galápagos Islands, where biodiversity thrives both on land and beneath the waves. In July, this UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes divers with cooler waters, making it an ideal time to witness incredible marine encounters. Dive alongside curious sea lions, graceful marine iguanas, and schools of hammerhead sharks. The Galápagos Islands offer a unique blend of adventure and conservation, leaving divers in awe of nature’s wonders.
5. Raja Ampat, Indonesia: Uncover the wonders of Raja Ampat, an archipelago in Indonesia renowned for its unrivaled marine biodiversity. July brings optimal diving conditions with warm waters and excellent visibility, allowing divers to explore the vibrant coral reefs and encounter a vast array of marine species. From swimming with mantas to spotting pygmy seahorses, Raja Ampat promises an extraordinary diving experience in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments.

While planning your scuba diving adventures in July, remember to prioritize safety and responsible diving practices. Stay informed about local regulations, weather conditions, and conservation efforts. Prepare your gear, pack your sense of exploration, and get ready to dive into the depths this July. Happy diving!

Don’t forget to share this article with fellow diving enthusiasts, igniting their passion for underwater exploration. Dive into July’s depths and make this summer a season to remember beneath the waves.

Start planning your next getaway with our guide to 100’s of liveaboards worldwide at: https://www.thescubanews.com/liveaboards/

Prepare to dive into a world of extraordinary underwater adventures with our exclusive liveaboard deals, available for a limited time only! We’ve curated an enticing selection of offers that will ignite your passion for exploration and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Indonesia – Amaya Explorer

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Raja Ampat (Misool) and take advantage of our early bird special, saving you 15% on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book now to secure your spot!

Learn more about this offer

Maldives – Carpe Diem

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Maldives, navigating through North Male, Baa, Raa, Rasdhoo, Ari, Vaavu, and South Male. Don’t miss our exclusive early bird deal, offering a 10% discount for a limited time!

Learn more about this offer

Mexico – Cassiopeia

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Revillagigedo with the Cassiopeia liveaboard. Take advantage of our special deals and enjoy $500 off! Rates include additional discounts.

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Egypt – Emperor Asmaa

Explore the magnificent reefs and wrecks of the Red Sea, departing from Hurghada. For new bookings, we’re offering an incredible 30% off, making this an ideal opportunity to witness the underwater wonders of Egypt.

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Galapagos – Galaxy Diver

Dive into the mesmerizing depths of the Galapagos Islands with our special 20% off offer on the Galaxy Diver itinerary. Experience the unique marine life and stunning landscapes at a discounted rate.

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Dominican Republic – Turks and Caicos Aggressor II

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Providenciales, West Caicos, and French Cay. With rates that include discounts, you can save an incredible $1004 and explore the diverse underwater world of the Dominican Republic.

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Don’t miss out on these remarkable liveaboard deals, as they won’t be available for long! Each destination offers its own magical allure, promising unparalleled diving experiences that will leave you in awe.

Book now to secure your spot and embark on an adventure that will redefine your love for diving. Seize this opportunity and create lifelong memories!

View all of the latest liveaboard travel deals at: https://www.thescubanews.com/liveaboard-deals/

Check out this selection of brand new Mexico Liveaboard Holiday Deals for 27th April 2023 which have just been added to The Scuba News

9th January 2024 – Cassiopeia – Revillagigedo Cassiopeia, San Jose Del Cabo – $500 OFF

View all available Worldwide Liveaboards at: https://www.thescubanews.com/liveaboards

View all new Liveaboard Travel Deals at: https://www.thescubanews.com/liveaboard-deals/

Appearances can be deceiving and while squids and octopuses may look similar to the untrained eye, they have plenty of unique characteristics that set them apart. Features such as multiple arms, big heads, and lack of backbone are key identifiers for both species, but their habitats, behavior, and lifespan are just some of the differences which separate them. Read on for more about how these fascinating creatures differ.

Appearance

The first thing we notice about marine animals when diving is how they look. Squids and Octopuses are both cephalopods and share some similarities. If you look closer you will spot some difference in their appearance which separated these two animals.

Squids have ten appendages below their head. Eight of these are arms and two are tentacles, their arms have suckers on and their tentacles will have either hooks or suckers with teeth. Their head, known as the mantle, is a long triangular shape with fins at the top. Squids also have eyes which are placed in between their tentacles and head, their eyes are in line with their body and do not stick out. 

Other features which you can not see or are hidden include their internal shell, which is called a pen, it is like a flexible back bone rather than a hard shell typical for some cephalopods. The smallest squid is under one inch but the largest species can reach over 40ft/13m.

Octopuses have eight appendages that are all arms covered in suckers with over 2000 suckers all together. Their mantle is round and most species do not have fins on their head, though there are some deep sea exceptions. Their eyes stick out and are placed between their head and their arms, both species have excellent eyesight but scientists believe they are colourblind. 

The only hard part of an octopus is its beak, this makes it easy for octopuses to crawl through small spaces as long as their beak can fit. The smallest octopus is also under an inch and the largest species can reach up to 20ft/16m. 

Lifestyle

Both animals enjoy warm salt water but they can be found in cooler oceans on occasion. Depending on where your driving will affect your chances of spotting either of these species, it is always good to know where they like to hang out and how they can react to perceived threats. 

Squids can be found swimming in the open ocean, they can be found in schools with other squids, or living in solitude. Squids are constantly moving, when swimming at slower speeds they use the fins on their head to propel them. 

If a squid feels threatened or finds themselves in the presence of a predator they will attempt to hide. Alternatively they may try to run away or swim erratically to confuse their attacker. They can also release ink to distract their predator and make a sneaky escape. Squids can live between one to five years.

Octopuses are solitary animals, they like to live near the sea bed. They can settle into the sand or find objects to hide in, whether its natural rock formations and caves or discarded waste such as plant pots or tin cans. Octopuses use their arms to crawl on the seabed or coral, they have even been known to crawl on rocks above the water to capture prey.

As a defensive mechanism, octopuses are also able to release ink. They are one of the most intelligent sea animals so have multiple defenses including imitating other sea creatures, camouflaging themselves to match their environment, using objects as protection (such as coconut shells) and flashing bright colors to warn attackers against their venomous qualities. 

If you are a lover of small, fascinating creatures, have you thought about getting into muck diving?

Behavior

Squids and Octopuses move in similar ways, this is because both species use jet propulsion to shoot through the water. When it comes to hunting and mating their behavior varies.

Squids hunt by swimming in groups in the open ocean, when they find prey they shoot their tentacles out to hook into their food. They will gradually consume their meal by breaking pieces off and eating it bit by bit. Squid’s prey includes fish, crustaceans, and occasionally other squids. 

When mating, squids participate in a courtship display which often involves changing of color, once they have chosen a mate the male will pass a packet of sperm to the female who will then use it to fertilize the eggs which will be attached to rocks or coral. Usually both the male and female squids die after mating. Eggs are left defenseless and young must make their own way in the world, it takes around six weeks for squid eggs to hatch. This is dependent on species and environment.

Octopuses hunt on the seabed, they will hide and pounce on their prey or have the ability to chase their prey. They use their arms to grab victims and move it towards their beak where they will inject it with poison, paralyzing the creature, before consuming it in pieces. Their food includes clams, crabs, crustaceans, small fishes, and even other octopuses.

As octopuses are solitary creatures males can spend a lot of time searching for a mate, once found he may spread himself out to appear larger or show off his sucker to impress the female, though octopuses aren’t fussy. One of the male octopus’s arms is modified so it can deliver sperm to the female via her mantle cavity, this is used to fertilize the egg which the female will then lay in her den. The female octopus will guard her eggs until they hatch which can be between two to ten months, the mother will not leave the eggs meaning she will eventually starve to death before her offspring is born. 

Our 5 Favorite Places To Dive With Octopuses And Squids

Now you are all caught up on the differences between these fascinating species, it is time to get in the water and spot them in their natural habitat. Here are five of the best locations for diving with squids and octopuses:

1.Vancouver Island, British Columbia

If you are wanting to see the largest species of octopus then Vancouver Island is the spot. Here divers can find the Giant Pacific octopus, a species which can weigh up to 156 lbs, it changes color to reflect its mood and can often be found in dens and caves. Seeing these incredible mammoth creatures in the wild is truly a once in a lifetime experience. 

2. North Sulawesi, Indonesia

This dive location is thriving with species including the Coconut octopus. This species is named due to its love of hiding in sunken coconut shells. They use the shells for protection and if they find one they really like, they will carry it with them as they crawl the sea bed. These comical sea creatures can also dramatically change color making them an entertaining spot whilst in the warm Celebes Sea.

3. Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Another of the largest species of cephalopods is the Humboldt squid, with mantles reaching over 1m/4ft. It is possible to spot these large creatures on a night dive from liveaboards in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of Mexico. It is definitely a dive for the adventurous and confident as these squids can become erratic when they feel threatened but even seeing these creatures from the surface is an incredible experience. 

4. Anilao, Philippines

In one of the best muck dive locations in the world you can not only discover tiny macro critters but also the Wonderpus octopus. This species stands out with its white-striped brown body and spotted mantle. Apart from being extremely photogenic the Wunderpus has arms which are five to seven times longer than its body, ideal for catching prey, digging holes to hide in and making shelter from natural sea debris. Anilao is the ideal location to find this recently discovered species. 

5. Dominica, Caribbean 

Caribbean Reef squids can be encountered in warm coastal waters. They are usually unafraid of divers so it is a great opportunity to see squids up close. Their mantles can reach up to 20cm in size and are often found swimming in schools. They have green and brown coloring and are able to change the color pattern of their body. Caribbean reef squids have a large population meaning high possibility of spotting them on day and night dives throughout the caribbean. 

Where will you go first?

Learn more about SSI at: https://www.divessi.com

When my partner and I were trying to decide where we wanted to travel to after our sailing season was over, we made a list of priorities. First on the list was, of course, nice weather. We live in Seattle WA, which is essentially overcast and 40 degrees most of the year. There’s a reason we want to escape it in the wintertime. Next priority was that we wanted a place with plenty of opportunity to observe marine life. Whether this was scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, etc. We like to spend the majority of our time in or on the water. Lastly, we needed something affordable. In past winters we spent our time in Hawaii which was not the most budget friendly option. After doing our research and consulting with our friends who are sailors and have traveled all over the world, we decided on La Paz, Mexico.

La Paz exceeded our expectations and checked every box on our priorities list. There’s a reason Jacques Cousteau named The Gulf of California “The aquarium of the world”. The diversity of marine life is endless and viewing it is incredibly accessible.

Our first water activity was swimming with whale sharks. Talk about starting the trip off on a high note. La Paz is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. The boat ride to the sanctuary was less than 20 min from downtown La Paz. When we got there, there were a few boats but not an overwhelming amount. There’s only a certain amount of boats allowed in the sanctuary at one time and boat captains have to have permits and check in with authorities the day before. The guide gave us our briefing and jumped in the water to begin looking for the planet’s largest fish. Once he found one he’d yell “JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!”. This was our queue to jump in the water as fast we could to see the whale shark. The visibility was about 12-15ft, and even though we were in very shallow water, we could not see the bottom. We dipped our heads in with our snorkel and masks and waited. All of the sudden, a massive, graceful and slow moving whale shark glides beside us. It literally takes your breath away being within feet from an animal so gigantic. After the whale shark passes by we get back in the boat and look for more. Our last whale shark sighting was our favorite. This one was feeding right at the surface, and we got to hang out with it for about ten minutes. When it sucked water through it’s gaping mouth, you can feel the pressure pull you near it. It was incredible. We will never forget sharing the water with these gentle giants.

My partner and I are both scuba divers. We book dives at every possible destination. When we heard that La Paz was a short boat ride away from one of the world’s largest sea lion colonies, we knew we had to go. We booked our dives through Dive in La Paz located right in the downtown area. The boat ride to Los Islotes took about 1.5 hours and we ended up choosing a very blustery day. Almost every charter boat in La Paz is a panga. They are very economical but not the most comfortable for longer transport in rough weather. Once we arrived at Los Islotes we could hardly hear our dive master speak over the barks and roars of the sea lions. There were groups of snorkelers with juvenile sea lions porpoising in circles around them. It was magical. I was so excited to get in the water with these puppies of the sea. Within minutes of descending there were two curious sea lions playing with us. They were so agile underwater, swimming directly at us and then turning away at the last possible second. They blew bubbles at us, and chewed on our fins. One sea lion pup actually came up to me and gnawed on my fingers. They played just like puppies. This experience was so much fun that we ended up visiting the island again, this time snorkeling. The interactions with the sea lions were debatably even better than when we were diving. 

The owner of the dive shop I work for in Seattle advised us that if we were going to La Paz, we had to check out Cabo Pulmo. Cabo Pulmo is about a 3 hour drive from La Paz, and it is a scuba diver’s paradise. It’s a tiny little town that seems like it is solely dedicated to marine conservation and scuba diving. Cabo Pulmo is a protected area where fishing isn’t allowed and scuba diving is highly monitored. It is incredibly meaningful being surrounded by so many people who share the same passion with you. The sheer quantity of fish we observed on our dives was unimaginable. I couldn’t even count the amount of species I saw. Once we surfaced from our first dive we looked up to see dolphins frolicking in the waves and humpbacks surfacing in the distance. Our second dive was one of my favorite dives I’ve ever done. We were surrounded by a school of hundreds of Jacks. They swam in circles around us. Sometimes the school was so dense, it would block the sunshine from the surface as if they were a large cloud. Suddenly, the two dolphins we saw at the surface break through the school of Jacks. They graced us with their presence briefly and left me screaming with glee underwater. That was my first time being in the water with bottlenose dolphins and it’s an experience I will never forget.

We spent a full month in La Paz visiting the beaches and eating the local food. We visited the grey whale breeding ground in Magdalena bay and captured video of them swimming under our boat. We drove to a little artsy town called Todos Santos and visited the nearby beaches in Cerritos. We watched hundreds of kite surfers in La Ventana. The days were never dull as we packed in activity after activity. Baja California Sur quickly became one of our favorite places we have ever visited.

Reef Oasis Dive Club welcomes PADI platinum course director Kai Steinbeck to head the PADI Instructor Development Programs in the Caribbean on the island of the Dominican Republic.

We are excited to work together and develop the Instructor Development Courses out of our PADI 5 star IDC centre located on the South East Coast in Bayahibe.

Over 30 years as a PADI Pro

Kai Steinbeck has been a PADI Pro since 1992 working as an instructor, trip director, operations manager, marketing manager and course director in some of the most sought after destinations of the world such as Australia, Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, Costa Rica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Most of his diving career has been spent on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Having worked in one of the biggest dive schools in the world, where we used to run 13 learn to dive courses per week, as well as in small operations with only one other instructor has given me the experience to prepare my candidates for the real world of being a dive instructor.

I still teach Openwater courses and love it. I think it’s important to keep your fins in the game and expose yourself to the challenges the candidates face every day, teaching the full spectrum of PADI courses.

The PADI IDC programs include

We run a 14 day IDC program which includes an unparalleled IE pass guarantee, the training for Nitrox, Deep, Wreck, Boat and Oxygen provider specialty instructor ratings. We have developed our own dive theory eLearning platform which candidates can log into to prepare themselves for the IDC as well as a marine life knowledge courses which every IDC candidate has access to.

GO PRO with platinum course director Kai Steinbeck

Visit our website at www.diveinstructor.net to find out all about the PADI IDC programs in the Caribbean on the island of the Dominican Republic, or email Kai direct at kai@diveinstructor.net or WhatsApp on +61419172910

We are delighted to welcome our new PADI Course Director as the leader of Pro Dive International’s Career Development Center, Instructor Development Center, GoPro & TecRec Academy, as well as the Quality Department.

His name is Walter, Walter G. Schmit.

Over 20 years of pro diving experience 

The passion for diving has led Walter’s life since 2001, when he became a diver in his native land of Puerto Madryn, Patagonia, Argentina.

Walter started his pro career in Spain and the Canary Islands, where he got his first taste of technical diving and rebreather diving. Wanting to live the dream life that diving instructors can supposedly have, he explored the world as a PADI MSDT, gaining experience in the Caribbean, Dominican Republic and Honduras on the island of Roatan, moving after to Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, the Philippines, Greece and most recently India over the last 12 years, certifying divers in recreational and technical diving and achieving the PADI Gold Course Director rating for 4 consecutive years. 

Walter staffed some of the most talented Course Directors to become himself one in 2019. He trained in technical diving with record-holding divers and attained his Tec Instructor Trainer rating, and continued learning with a mCCR rebreather and mCCR Trimix course this year. His passion for learning about diving equals his love of sharing his knowledge. 

Mexico is one of the top diving destinations in the world for diving, and according to Walter one of the best training locations. He is thrilled to be joining the team at Pro Dive and bringing his knowledge of teaching and diving to the company’s award winning PADI CDC.

With close to 10,000 dives, over 2,000 students spread over all continents, Walter has worked in the Maldives, on liveaboards in Thailand, in Lombok’s Gili islands, with the Thresher Sharks of the Philippines’ Malapascua, and will be sure to share anecdotes of his experiences if you are curious and ask him. 

His friendly smile and joyful personality will make you feel right at ease, to relax, enjoy, and learn about diving. Now is the time for him to teach about Pro Dive’s diving, and he will offer professional diving courses like DMC, assistant instructor, OWSI, staff instructor, and a wide range of specialties, technical diving and technical instructors options.

Walter’s Philosophy 

“Make it real”, says Walter with a big, determined smile on his face. “I teach instructors to be ready for real life situations, using my comprehensive experience as an active dive instructor for over fifteen years to train my candidates and prepare them for their own students. Having worked on four different continents and in different oceans, exposed to the most diverse scenarios, means that my mind is full of examples that wait to be shared with my students. I believe that sharing those stories will help my candidates understand what can happen and prepare them for their own future students and how to use the standards.”

Walter offers packages and instructor development within Pro Dive’s GoPro IDC Mexico, and teaches in English and Spanish, and French and German assisted by his wife Dorianne. He’s looking forward to sharing his passion, experience and knowledge with you, and to turning you into a world-class Divemaster or Instructor.

Go Pro with Pro Dive in Mexico! Get in touch with PADI Course Director Walter and reserve your spot today at  their website (needs updating)!

With the striking support of their many loyal divers among those thousands who voted in Scuba Diving magazine’s annual Readers Choice survey, Pro Dive International has been awarded as one of the BEST DIVE OPERATORS – CARIBBEAN & ATLANTIC for their ninth consecutive year. This time in almost every single category, with awards won in 5 out of 7 categories, including “Best Overall”!

Best overall · Quality of Dive Boats · Quality of Facilities · Quality of Staff · Attention to Safety

About the Award

Meanwhile in its 30th year, Scuba Diving magazine’s annual Readers Choice survey has thousands of active, certified divers vote for their favorite dive destinations, operators, liveaboards, resorts, sites and more, bringing the Readers Choice Awards to life. 

Their responses are collected and analyzed by an independent agency that finally reveals the world’s best in each category. 

Why this award is so important to Pro Dive International

Throughout their twenty years of operation and with the goal and philosophy in mind of providing Excellence through Quality, Pro Dive’s expert team of diving enthusiasts has been keen on keeping the industry benchmark high in regards to customer service, safety standards and scuba diving experiences, aiming to fulfill their customers’ needs for hassle-free dive vacations, great value, fun adventures, and convenience.

“We are especially proud to receive these accolades for a period that has been exceptionally challenging, sparing no effort to navigate out of the Covid-19 crisis. It has been tougher than usual to provide excelling service and continuing to raise the bar. The more thrilled we are that Pro Dive International has received those supporting votes without encouraging the participants of the survey.” says Markus Fleischmann, President & Founder of Pro Dive International. “The Reader’s Choice Award and being featured among the World’s Best Diving & Resorts reflects that our customers notice and appreciate our constant efforts.”

Since 2003, Pro Dive International has established as a leader in the diving industry and ranks among the Caribbean’s top dive operations and PADI Career Development Centers. Their multilingual team under German management has proved to be a competent partner for dive groups, individual travelers, renowned dive tour operators worldwide, and Go Pro candidates.

Learn more about Pro Dive International at: https://www.prodiveinternational.com

The ocean is home to marine life of all sizes, colors, and shapes, which are all truly unique to anything we can see on land.

Most of these creatures are not likely to harm you at all, and most people who enter the water will never come in contact with anything harmful. However, there are a few creatures you should know about, in case you are ever unlucky enough to come face to face with them.

They might be interesting to look at, but the following marine life are some of the most venomous creatures in the sea… and should be avoided at all costs!

1.Box jellyfish

Considered the most deadly creature in the sea, the box jellyfish may be beautiful to look at, but it has enough venom to kill a human in a matter of minutes. 

Native to Australia and found in Indo-Pacific waters, the box jellyfish has around 15 tentacles that can reach lengths of upto three meters. Touching these cnidocyte covered tentacles can release a deadly venom.

This venom attacks the nervous system, the blood, and the heart of the victim, and within minutes they are likely to experience intense pain, paralysis, respiratory problems, cardiac arrest, and even death.

In many areas of Australia it is recommended to wear sting suits to protect your skin from deadly jellyfish stings.

2. Sea snake

There are 52 known species of sea snakes and they are all venomous. However, some are more venomous than others and only a few are likely to cause death.

Sea snakes come in various colors and patterns but they are often striped or spotted. Mostly found in the warm waters of the Western Pacific or the Indian Ocean, sea snakes are generally non-aggressive underwater, but are likely to bite if they are taken out of the water. If you keep a distance from them while diving, they are unlikely to try to bite you.

The most venomous sea snake is the Dubois’ sea snake, that can be found around Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. They can be found in very shallow waters and although they only have very tiny fangs, they can give a life-threatening bite.

3. Stonefish

Considered the most venomous fish in the world, stonefish have 13 sharp spines along their back which release a venom fatal to humans.

There are five species of stonefish that can be found mostly in the Red Sea, but also in Japan and Australia. Living up to its name, the stonefish is a master of disguise and is often found camouflaged on rocks and corals. 

Stonefish are not aggressive and will not go out of their way to harm a human. However, due to their camouflage, it is easy to accidentally come in contact with one by hitting it with your hand, or stepping on one on the ocean floor. If a human comes in contact with a stonefish, they are likely to experience excruciating pain that can last for days, and might even experience muscle paralysis, heart failure, and death.

To avoid coming in contact with stonefish, wear sea shoes with a thick sole, and avoid touching rocks or the ocean floor while scuba diving or snorkeling.

4. Blue ringed octopus

As small as two inches long, the blue ringed octopus may be adorably tiny, but it is the world’s most dangerous octopus. With a toxic bite of tetrodotoxin, these tiny creatures can kill a human in minutes, or leave them paralyized for upto 24 hours.

There are four species of this octopus which are found in coral reefs and tide pools in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Despite its deadly bite, the blue ringed octopus will only attack if provoked, and only three human deaths have ever been reported from them.

As you can guess from the name, the octopus has blue and black rings on its body and are quite beautiful to look at… from a distance!

5. Lionfish

Lionfish are quite beautiful to look at, with a white body and a red, or black/brown striped pattern, and feather-like spines that they spread and display when they feel threatened. These spines contain a venom that, although unlikely to kill a human, can cause intense pain if the skin is punctured.

Although they are native to the Indo-Pacific, lionfish were introduced to reef systems along the Eastern Seaboard, the gulf of Mexico, and in the Caribbean sea in the 21st century. It is suspected that people had them as pets and released them into the sea. Because they reproduce rapidly and there are no natural predators of lionfish in these areas, the lionfish has become an invasive species. Many areas in the Caribbean encourage divers to spear them to help keep the numbers down… and they are quite delicious!

6. Cone snail

There are over 600 species of cone snails, and they all secrete toxins that are extremely venomous. A gastropod mollusk, the cone snail is found in warm, tropical oceans worldwide.

The cone snail releases the venom through a long tube that comes out from its mouth when it senses prey closeby. The strength of the venom varies with the species, some might be as mild as a bee sting, whereas others can cause paralysis, blurred visions or even fatality.

Cone snails are quite attractive to look at with intricate patterns and colors. Some are tempted to take them from the ocean to add to their shell collection, not realizing that a deadly animal is living inside. Contact should be avoided at all costs, as even with the use of dive gloves they can still sting.

It is so important when diving to avoid touching anything. Not only can our touch hinder the health of some marine life, it can provoke venomous creatures, which puts you at serious risk of intense pain, or even worse! If you would like to learn more about marine life, why not sign up for the SSI Marine Ecology specialty program? You will learn all about ocean organisms and how to interact with them safely.

Buoyancy is an important skill to have in scuba diving because it can help you to control where you are in the water. Poor buoyancy control can lead you to touch the ocean floor, hit your hands on rocks or venomous sea creatures, or damage habitats. 

If you would like to improve your buoyancy control, check out the SSI Perfect Buoyancy program, where you will learn and practice buoyancy control, like a pro!

Dive Travel Guides is a growing series of new eBook guides designed to provide comprehensive information about premiere scuba diving destinations. These eBooks are available from iTunes, Amazon/Kindle and the Google Play Store. Dive Travel Guides are digital versions of print guidebooks. These comprehensive eBooks will provide everything you need to  research a destination or plan a dive trip trip. All of the guides include more than 350 high resolution images and imbedded video. These days, virtually everyone travels with some sort of electronic device. These eBooks work well on smart phones, laptops, tablets and desktops. They make the perfect travel companion for your scuba vacation.

1. There are many benefits to using our ebooks.

The guides include most of the popular dive sites, including a close up look at the marine life you are likely to encounter. You can literally review highlights of a dive just before you enter the water. They also feature chapters on Marine Life, above water activities, travel logistics and many other topics. 

2. Using the eBook. 

Upon downloading an eBook to your device, you can access most of the features without an internet connection. To  look up a specific topic,  use the electronic Table of Contents or  digital search tools.  To record  highlights from your trip,  just add  your own notes to  the text, making the dive travel guide into an interactive dive log. You can increase the size of the images or embedded video to  full screen by just tapping on the screen or using your cursor. You can also scroll through the eBooks using a horizontal or vertical orientation, change fonts, font size and/or the background color or brightness. Our Dive  Guides are less expensive than  print books, and offer so much more.

3. Social Media Capabilities and Direct Links. 

When you have an Internet connection, the eBook gives you the ability to utilize social media to share your comments and notes with others. You can also use  the live links contained in the book, such as  accessing related web pages.

4. Award-Winning Dive Travel Guides. 

Several of our guides have received prestigious awards in international Media competitions. Our guide, Dive and Travel Galapagos, which was initially published in 2017, and revised in 2022, was named the top Travel Guide in the world by the prestigious North American Travel Journalists Association. The first edition of Dive and Travel the Bay Islands of Honduras earned a Gold Medal in the eLit Awards competition in 2018. Download one of our award-winning  guides today and let us know what you think.

5. Testimonials by Dive Professionals

Dive and Travel Galapagos ★★★★★

by Marty Snyderman

“Steve Rosenberg is a highly accomplished writer and photographer, both topside and underwater. As his friend for many years, I happen to know that he has won numerous awards for his works, and that he is highly respected by his peers. 

That said, writing a comprehensive guide to the Galapagos presents quite a challenge. There is an enormous amount of expertise required to properly cover the dive sites, land tours, wildlife, and travel tips that will help others get the most out of a visit to that incredible and varied archipelago. Steve has done a superb job in accomplishing this task, and he is to be congratulated for creating such a thorough guide in a style that is perfect for diving tourists.

Hats off to you Steve! And thank you for creating Dive Galapagos, a book that is certain to help countless visitors get the most out of their visits both on land and in the water.” 

Marty Snyderman is a professional photographer, Emmy winning cinematographer and cameraman/film producer for numerous award-winning documentaries by National Geographic, the BBC, Discovery Channel and PBS Nature Series.

Dive and Travel Galapagos ★★★★★

by Amos Nachoum

“Steve’s work in journalism is superb, his research and delivery is accurate, up to date and fun to read. He has produced superb imagery that compliments his writing…Steve’s eBook Dive Galapagos is a must companion for your next trip to Galapagos.”   

Amos Nachoum is an award-winning marine and wildlife photographer, National Geographic Photo trip leader and creator of the cutting-edge adventure travel program, BIGANIMALS.com 

5. Download an eBook today! Try a free download

Go to our web site to get a link for a dive and travel eBook today. We just added the new eBook, Dive and Travel Turks and Caicos, and an updated version of Dive and Travel Galapagos. Our Cozumel eBook is currently available for free.    

Learn more at: https://www.divetravelguides.com

PADI has awarded Angel Navarro, PADI Course Director at The Go Pro Family in Mexico, Platinum status for his contributions to professional training and educational excellence during 2021. This year marks the fifteenth consecutive year he has achieved this status.

Besides being a PADI Course Director for the past fifteen years, Angel is also a PADI TecRec Instructor Trainer, Full Cave Instructor Trainer, and Instructor Trainer for Disabled Divers’ International.  
In reminiscing about his career, Angel, originally from Spain, says “Fifteen years as a Platinum Course Director is something that I never envisaged when I started my career as a PADI Pro. Training future PADI dive instructors is both a great honor and responsibility and I feel lucky to be in this position.” Having worked as an instructor around the globe, Angel credits his success to variety and continual development. “We are always striving to improve our courses and programs, and we never stop learning new things. I am fortunate to have a great team of passionate professionals around me, and our students benefit from our diverse backgrounds and strengths.” 

Angel is looking forward to another successful year teaching PADI professionals. “The last couple of years has been a wild ride for the scuba industry but I’m happy to see that the world still has an appetite for scuba diving and now more than ever there is a demand for new PADI Instructors.” said Angel.

The Go Pro Family is Course Directors Angel Navarro (from Spain) and Jo Armitage (from the UK), and their team of pros. Together, they have personally trained almost 900 PADI Instructors, and have issued over 4000 professional-level certifications. Currently celebrating their tenth year based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, The Go Pro Family offers professional-level scuba training as well as technical, cave diving and freediving. They also conduct PADI Instructor Development Courses in Mahahual and Huatulco.

For more information about their IDCs or other training options, visit https://thegoprofamily.com/en/

Wait! There’s more than that famous underwater museum in Cancun? You’ll be surprised!

Healthy reefs, large schools of fish, a variety of marine life and wrecks waiting to be explored. Cancun remains easily accessible for travelers around the world, and tops the list of destinations with best air-connectivity for 2022 with a total of 56,951 flights and over 10 million seats, according to recent data shared by Sectur Mexico. Head over and dive right in!

10 Dive Sites in Cancun

The early bird catches the worm, the best visibility and the calmest waters, before the sea traffic stirs it all up. Join Pro Dive’s morning at the stunning protected reefs of Cancun that are a fantastic choice for all levels of divers. Watch out for dolphins on the journey out to the reef!

1. Punta Negra

20 m/ 65ft A rich reef in its variety of marine species, from angelfish to nurse sharks, barracudas, pompanos, turtles, eels, large crabs, lobsters, and rays. Watch this thy ecosystem as you drift by in the mild current. An average visibility of 25 m/ 82ft lets the vibrant colors of the reef really shine.

2. Grampin – 16 m/ 52 ft

A nice and easy dive with an average depth of 10 m/ ft, a kaleidoscope of colors, brain and staghorn coral, and sea fans. You can spot parrotfish, schools of snapper, porkfish, purple creole wrasse, fluttering butterfly fish and patterned honeycomb cowfish. A gentle current brings in nutrients attracting schools of fish, barracuda and trivially.

3. Tunnels

16 m/ 52 ft Interesting reef formations and swim thoughts make this a fun site to explore. A drift dive full of big barracudas, turtles and sharks. Big schools of fish and colorful coral.

4. San Miguel

15 m/ 49 ft San Miguel is the closest reef to the coast with an average depth of 15 m/ ft. It’s a beautiful barrier with a great chance to spot nurse sharks and sea turtles, huge schools of jack and plenty of other fish species.

5. Chuchos

16-22 m/ 52-72 ft A lesser known site with two large horseshoe-shaped reefs, which provide protection from the current, meaning an incredible amount of fish shelter. There are often nurse sharks and stingrays also relaxing on the sand out of the current. A truly amazing reef and away from the crowds.

6. Herradura

16 m/ 52 ft A perfect and easy drift dive along a beautiful, healthy reef with wonderful coral formations, angelfish, barracudas, nurse sharks, parrotfish, turtles and pretty much all of the different families of Caribbean fish.

7. Aristos

16 m/ 52 ft A stunning reef with a depth of 16m, full of marine life and fun swim-throughs. See turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, big schools of fish and still colorful coral formations.

8. Chitales

6 m/ 20 ft Besides excellent visibility and a great diversity of colorful fish in this shallow, easy-to-dive reef, you will usually spot green sea turtles feeding in the seagrass area located next to it. Chitales is a perfect dive site for beginners.

9. Cañonero C-55

25 m/ 82 ft C55 USS Ransom (AM-283) is an Admirable-class minesweeper built in San Francisco for the US Navy during World War II. She was launched in 1943. After working in places like Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and the islands in the South Pacific, she was purchased by the Mexican Navy in 1962. Deliberately sunk the ship in the year 2000 to make her an artificial reef off the coast of Cancun. Since then she has been broken into four sections by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and became home to a great number of marine life. Schools of barracudas, groupers, snappers, eagle rays and green moray eels can be observed here; and from December through March, eagle rays migrate to the area and you can spot up to 100 playing in the current.

10. Cañonero C-58

26 m/ 85 ft Originally named the USS Harlequin (AM-365), this Admirable-class minesweeper was built for the US Navy during World War II as well, decommissioned in May 1946 and placed in reserve until she was sold to the Mexican Navy in 1962 who eventually converted her into an oceanographic research vessel and later sank her to create an artificial reef.

Lying in an area frequented by manta rays, barracuda, groupers and other impressive marine life, C-58 was split in two by hurricane Wilma in 2005, creating easy access for divers to see all of the ship’s rooms, and making this a captivating and exciting dive.

Did you expect such great variety and diversity of dive sites in Cancun’s underwater world? How to start your Cancun Diving Adventure? Visit https://www.prodiveinternational.com

The diving world is vast and many individuals who access it at any time in their life either have or start to have an appreciation and passion for marine life and conservation. It is not always easy to branch out into this field without support, whether that is from an educational support system including schools, colleges and universities, from family support or from an organisation like Global Vision International (GVI).

GVI offer routes to go into fields that interest you in a safe and structured way. They target areas of importance and interest and help volunteers to gain the necessary field work that they need to progress in particular areas as well as professional and local knowledge of the type of work they are engaging in. All projects are centred around making a positive impact. Each site and project has goals and targets which are communicated and settled on with local and international partners. Volunteers help to make those goals realties and to really make a difference in all sorts of areas including, environmental and cooperate sustainability, climate crisis, clean energy awareness, wild and marine life conservation and much more.

Travel is a gateway into seeing problems and successes for yourself. It is hard to describe what a human impacted reef looks like in Fiji without actually seeing it first-hand. You have to go there and witness the destruction with your own eyes to want to change it. GVI is motivated to make things better in sustainable and locally managed ways to support longevity of success.

It can be enormously daunting to set off on a trip or down a path alone and travel, especially now when travel can be complicated post Covid. I wanted to get more insight into the benefits of joining volunteer programmes from the best people to ask, the volunteers. I was not surprised by what they told me but more overwhelmed by how much they took away from their experiences. It was nothing short of a pleasure to hear from others with passions just like mine, what inspired them and continued to inspire them and hopefully how their positive experiences would spring board them into careers to help make change.

If you are thinking about contributing your time in a positive way, visit GVI and find out what they can offer you. Here are some really encouraging testimonials from various GVI volunteers and projects.

‘GVI has taught me so much from learning my open water to monitoring the 91 fish species we study here. We help out with the coral restoration project, spotted eagle ray & coral disease watch project which have all taught me so much about marine conservation. However as amazing as the science is here the people you share this experience with truly make it. You go from strangers to family within a matter of days & make incredible friendships. I cannot recommend this programme more, I’m so glad I took the plunge & booked it!’ Gabrielle Fuller
https://www.gvi.co.uk/programs/marine-conservation-expedition-mexico/

‘I am a serial GVI volunteer, having done stints on far-flung marine conservation programmes in Mexico, Fiji and the Seychelles since 2018. Last year, with all the uncertainty from the pandemic, I decided to try a base and programme much closer to home in the UK – the GVI’s sea turtle conservation programme in the Peloponnese, Greece.

I had such a rewarding two weeks in August and felt I really contributed to the important work done by GVI’s local partner, Archelon, which has been protecting loggerhead turtles since the 1980s. And as usual with GVI bases around the world, the staff were fantastic – hard-working, welcoming, motivated and always eager to share their knowledge and experience, and keeping us all safe amid Covid.

We did morning surveys where we checked on recorded nests, put protective measures around new nests (there were still turtles coming to shore to lay eggs even that late in the season), or excavated nests that had hatched to check on hatching success – where we sometimes encountered hatchlings still making their way out into the world. Watching these tiny creatures scramble out to the sea was such a heart-warming experience. There were also beach cleans and night surveys, and on one magical afternoon a swim where we saw adult loggerhead turtles, which made me feel my conservation experience had come full circle.’ CHL
https://www.gvi.co.uk/volunteer-in-greece/

‘I did an internship at the GVI hub at Tenerife. It was a great experience that I would recommend to anyone! The work you get to do is very rewarding and incredibly interesting, and three times a week, you actually go out on the boat and look for marine mammals! Seeing all these whale and dolphin species is so special, and made me even more motivated to contribute to their conservation. We also spotted some turtles and I got to see some of the beautiful nature that the island of Tenerife holds. The team is very professional and always ready to teach you new skills, but also available to relax and have some fun with! The support that GVI provides you with beforehand and afterwards is also really nice, it really helps to prepare for your trip and make the transition as easy as possible. Would recommend this experience to anyone!’ Christine Nijenhuis
https://www.gvi.co.uk/location/volunteer-in-tenerife/

‘I recently travelled to Greece with GVI to volunteer with loggerhead turtles. We participated in morning surveys where we would protect new turtle nests and we had night surveys where we would assist in tagging mother turtles. I had a great time, meeting new people and making friends. The staff were also so friendly and helpful! I also loved going into the nearby towns of Olympia and Kalamata where we learnt more about Greek culture. I 100% recommend this trip to Greece with GVI if you are into marine conservation and are ready for a good time!’ Jenna Zandstra
https://www.gvi.co.uk/programs/volunteer-turtles-greece/

Learn more about GVI at: https://www.gvi.co.uk

How often have you heard us rave about one of the most impressive cenotes on the Riviera Mayan corridor in Mexico – the Tajma Ha? But only a few are aware that there is more to it. Something so extraordinary and mysterious that will make your mind spin next time you set foot on those sacred grounds.

Cenote Tajma Ha, which translates to Hidden Water, has probably one of the most entertaining stories and urban legends attached to it. And that’s no surprise, considering its fairytale setting of a massive sinkhole in midst the lush tropical jungle that is inhabited by colorful Motmots, its breathtaking limestone formations of giant stalagmites and stalactites, its tunnels and underground bat cave with small bats hanging from the ceiling, its big open cavern called Sugarbowl with spectacular light shows on sunny days, its haloclines that create mesmerizing mirror effects, its hidden fossils, and most exciting of all a rock formation that looks like a stairway to heaven. 

Perfect for inspiring your senses, isn’t it?

Talking about cenotes in general, most of our divers already learnt that the ancient Mayans didn’t only use those wells as a freshwater source, but treated them as the entrance to Xibalba – the underworld. Their openings served as vital portals through which the deceased souls passed, and humans and deities were reborn, and as a place where the Mayan gods would visit, like Chaac the Mayan god of rain, thunder and lightning. As a place of great spiritual meaning, the Mayans worshiped their gods through sacred rituals, offerings like jade, pottery and gold, and human sacrifices including men, women and children.

Guardians of the Cenotes

1. Aluxes

“Did you see those ghost-like shapes when crossing the halocline?”, “Something was pulling my fin!”, “And I felt a slap on my head when surfacing.”

Does this sound familiar to you, or perhaps even happened to yourself during a dive in Tajma Ha? Occurrences and complaints like those were pretty common for some time and used to be subject to much laughter among diving professionals.

One of the most interesting Mayan legends involve mythical creatures known as Aluxes. They are generally described as little beings, resembling a dwarf, no more than a meter/ 3 ft in height with a comical appearance like large noses, ears and eyes, and said to be infused with magical powers. 

Aluxes were created and thought of as nature’s guardians and protectors of lands. They can be experienced in many ways. Some of its powers are invisibility or they can manifest as beings of light. Sudden noises, things moving or disappearing, laughter and child’s noises heard when no one is around, strange light reflections on the rock walls, can all be associated with Aluxes. 

Divers can enjoy even more magical experiences. Pay the entrance fee to get permission to enter, dive in its pristine waters, and notice the reflection of your light on the rocks. Strange shapes like smiling faces or little men might be seen, and good fortune will be bestowed upon you. Decide to enter the cenote without the owner’s permission, and get you scared away from the land and bad luck brought upon you.

Tajma Ha’s guardian Alux had earned its reputation as one of the naughy kind, after visitors took advantage of the aging owner’s amnesia and simply sneaked in without depositing their fee in a clay tray on a table at the entrance where the old man sat. Or the owner would suddenly forget that you paid, only moments later, causing the “lack of permission” and the Alux’s awakening. Meanwhile, visitors are asked to check in by signing a logbook.

2. Motmots (or Momotidae, Toh)

Motmots  are easily recognizable by their racket-shaped tail feathers that distinguish them from other birds, resembling a pendulum of an antique clock. This endangered colorful bird uses its decorative tail to communicate with other Motmots by wagging it forth and back.

The legend says that this bird – a relative of the bird of paradise – considered itself too beautiful and aristocratic, as to join the work efforts of the other birds to build a shelter from the upcoming storm and rain. While hummingbirds, turkeys, toucans (Panchel), woodpeckers (Chujut), parrots (Mox), chachalaca (Baax) and other birds collected construction materials and food, the Motmot preferred to hide inside the crack of a stonewall, not realizing that his royal long tail was still hanging outside when he fell asleep.

Waking up, he found his once majestic tail left with only two bare and ruffled barbs. Too proud to admit his arrogance, he decided to hide in a hole (cenotes) in the depth of the forest. 

What makes this bird a Guardian? As the legend continues, with a new responsibility assigned to the Toh (Motmot) that was now left with only 2 tail feathers, it’s deemed to overlook the cenotes sitting on surrounding tree branches and fight any evil spirit that tries to escape from the underworld. If it manages to escape, the Motmot loses one of its feathers, if it wins and the spirit returns to the underworld, it keeps it. This explains why you may come across some Motmot with only one to none feather left.

The best time to observe them and to listen to their unique whoop-sounds is during mating season in spring. 

There is an abundance of Alux-related stories. Or should we call them Karma? Treat nature well, or get pelted by little rocks when you walk in the jungle, a bird shits on you, get your fins pulled underwater, or receive a slap on the back of your head when you surface in a cavern. Who knows, next time you fall out of a hammock it might just be an Alux having some fun.

Do you have similar stories to tell? Let us know and perhaps get them even published in one of our next newsletters:  http://www.prodiveinternational.com/contact-us

How to start your Cenotes Adventure?

1. Join Pro Dive International’s Cenotes Dive Excursion as a certified diver.
2. Boost your skills and experience by becoming a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, and/ or Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialist, and/ or Cave Diver, and/ or Enriched Air Diver, as Nitrox is FREE with Pro Dive.
3. Explore the highlights of the Riviera Maya & Cozumel with the Yucatan Explorer or Yucatan Great Explorer.
4. Go cave diving as a certified cave diver.
5. Sign up for our Cenotes Snorkel Adventure, Sacred Mayan Ruins & Cenote Discovery, Mexican Snorkel Adventure, or 3 Cavern Snorkeling Tour.
6. Contact us for guidance.

Learn more at: https://www.prodiveinternational.com

Join us for a day in the life at the stunning Occidental Cozumel Hotel with the amazing team at Pro Dive International in Mexico.

The hotel has a Spanish Hacienda feel about it and is stunning in every way, but what sets it apart is the quality diving from the on-site dive centre run by Pro Dive International.

Wrecks, turtles, and sharks are what this stunning location is all about!

For more information on Pro Dive International, please visit https://www.prodiveinternational.com

Video by Black Manta Photography on YouTube

Follow Black Manta Photography on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Opening at CATALONIA COSTA MUJERES will be  on 1^st of February, 2020

Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, proudly announced the acquisition of their new dive facility in Mexico – at Catalonia Costa Mujeres, in Cancun.

 Catalonia Costa Mujeres All Suites & Spa Resort is located in the beautiful Playa Mujeres, in the most exclusive area of Cancun. Beautiful white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters are only a few among other natural privileges of this place.

An all-inclusive resort to enjoy the Caribbean to the full: spacious suites, all with a terrace or balcony, an extensive gastronomic offering, a complete entertainment programme and high-end facilities make Catalonia Costa Mujeres an ideal hotel for a memorable holiday with partner or family. A tropical paradise on one of Mexico’s loveliest beaches!

The QUINTA AVENIDA, inspired by the popular Quinta Avenida of Playa del Carmen, is the heart of the resort, harboring a great variety of innovative restaurants, bars and stores. Two large pools in different areas of the hotel, one of them designated to those who look for relaxation while the other offers a great variety of activities and fun for the whole family.

Divers and snorkelers will be amazed by the beauty of underwater world.

Cancun is located in front of Isla Contoy which is home to Sailfish (between December-March) and Whale sharks (June-September). These incredible snorkeling adventures are one of a kind.

Divers will have a perfect chance to explore vibrant dive sites and discover MUSA – The Underwater Museum of Art, full of extraordinary coral structures.

Savor the all-inclusive lushness of a paradise in an idyllic atmosphere, fused with magnificent diving! Competitive stay & dive packages can be booked with Pro Dive International’s multilingual in-house reservation team directly, or with all known dive travel agencies world-wide, shortly.

Learn more at: https://prodiveinternational.com

ScubaCaribe is excited to announce that the implementation of PADI Touch has been completed in all of their destinations worldwide, taking a giant stride towards the digitalization of their PADI Five Star dive facilities.

PADI Touch is a tablet version of PADI courses and catapults scuba diver training beyond the classroom, home or office. With more and more people choosing to view content on their mobile devices, this revolutionary tool makes it easier than ever to learn dive theory on-the-go.

Watch, listen, read, scroll, tap and interact while you learn to scuba dive with PADI TOUCH. It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s portable and it’s your entry to the underwater world as a scuba diver. It integrates the manual with the video into a powerful, tablet and smartphone based learning experience. When you dive in, you’ll:

• Learn diving facts, principles and safety concepts in preparation for your confined and open water dives.
• Watch video clips that show you the world of scuba diving.
• Take simple quizzes to make sure you understand the material as you progress.

“People are busy, so they have little time for classroom work or reading books. Our new app is the perfect way for them to learn at their own pace and enjoy an engaging, educational experience,” says Drew Richardson, CEO and President, PADI Worldwide.

With course content available offline without need for Wi-Fi access, PADI Touch is perfect for recapping dive theory in even the most remote diving destinations. The journey starts by downloading the free PADI Digital Library App available from the iTunes App Store for iOS and Android Apps on Google Play, and the content will be available offline without need for Wi-Fi access.

PADI TOUCH is currently available for the PADI Open Water Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver course with ScubaCaribe in Aruba, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico and Panama.

Learn more at: https://www.scubacaribe.com

Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, today proudly announced the acquisition of their new dive center in Mexico – at the Westin Hotel, in Cozumel.

Located in the Mexican Caribbean coastal zone, Cozumel belongs to the world´s TOP 10 dive spots. Divers will enjoy this fascinating underwater world of marvels and spectacular reefs. The perfect visibility of turquoise water, stunning coral formations and stunning white beaches are only few reasons to explore this beautiful island.

Located in the Mexican Caribbean coastal zone, Cozumel belongs to the world´s TOP 10 dive spots. Divers will enjoy this fascinating underwater world of marvels and spectacular reefs. The perfect visibility of turquoise water, stunning coral formations and stunning white beaches are only few reasons to explore this beautiful island.

The Westin Cozumel, Marriot´s chic and  minimalistic brand occupies the ideal location. This luxurious hotel is situated in the most exclusive area of the island along the Caribbean coastline. It´s located only 4,8 km from Cozumel International Airport.

The Westin Cozumel presents elegant, modern and eco-friendly style décor. This contemporary oceanfront oasis is spacious, charming and cozy at the same time. It boasts high standards of comfort, exquisite state of the art and timeless chic interior. It´s perfect for families and honeymooners. The guests will find privacy and tranquility here. All rooms have spectacular ocean view. The pristine beach and coral reef create perfect environment for first-class aquatic activities such as diving and snorkeling.

Savor the lushness of a paradise in an idyllic atmosphere, fused with magnificent diving! Competitive stay & dive packages can be booked with Pro Dive International’s multilingual in-house reservation team directly, or with all known dive travel agencies world-wide, shortly.

INAUGURATION SPECIAL OFFER!

Learn more about Pro Dive International at: http://www.prodiveinternational.com

It’s the start of a new year and the diving on offer is off the charts this month. The Maldives is the place to go for manta ray diving and picture-perfect atolls, whilst Mexico scuba diving in January is all about huge megafauna. The small African nation of Djibouti is also at its best this month, offering the chance to snorkel with numerous whale sharks.

Mobula ray jumping out of the water. Mobula munkiana, known as the manta de monk, Munk’s devil ray, pygmy devil ray, smoothtail mobula, is a species of ray in the family Myliobatida. Pacific ocean

Manta Madness in the Maldives

 January is a great time of year to visit the Maldives, as the dry season brings long sunny days just perfect for relaxed Maldives liveaboard diving. Whilst each of the different atolls have their own characteristic dive sites and marine life highlights, there are plenty of manta rays to see wherever you choose to dive:

Rasdhoo Atoll

This atoll may be tiny, consisting of just 4 islands and 3 sandbanks, but Rasdhoo Atoll scuba diving has a big reputation for large pelagics. Madifaru has almost every type of Maldives marine life on offer; including mantas, grey reef sharks, scalloped hammerheads, schools of eagle rays, mobula rays, stingrays, turtles and more. Manta Block is a great dive site for manta sightings at cleaning stations.

When you’ve had your fill of manta encounters, don’t miss out on diving Hammerhead Point for the chance to swim with hammerhead sharks.

Ari Atoll

January to April is a great time to go scuba diving in Ari Atoll and enjoy dry days and calm seas cruising among over 100 stunning islands, plus diving with mantas and whale sharks.

 Kudarah Thila and Rangali Madivaru in the south host cleaning stations with numerous mantas. There are also great manta dive sites in other parts of Ari Atoll, including the premier Ukulhas Thila cleaning station in the north and Donkalo Thila in the west. The sheer variety of cleaning stations throughout this atoll make it ideal for manta ray encounters.

The Blue Voyager visits the far north atolls, deep south and the best sites at Rasdhoo, Ari and Male atolls. Their Pelagic Encounters safaris are always a popular choice at this time of year.

Best Time for Whale Watching in Mexico

Only accessible by Socorro Islands liveaboard diving, these remote and wild islands are one to add to your wish list for 2019. Humpback whales arrive in their thousands during January, giving you the chance to see and hear them underwater.

This archipelago also attracts huge amounts of other big pelagics, including at least ten species of sharks and the renowned friendly Giant Pacific manta rays found there. It is understandably known as the ‘Galapagos of Mexico’.

There is a handful of Socorro Islands liveaboards to choose from and the Quino el Guardian is a great choice for less experienced divers, as there is no minimum logged dives requirement.

Another gentle giant can be found if you go Sea of Cortez liveaboard diving at this time of year. A large whale shark population frequents the Bay of La Paz in Baja California Sur from early winter to late spring. Scuba diving is not allowed, but free diving and snorkelling are a great way to immerse yourself in the experience, without the weight of tanks and gear. Winter is also the best time to spot grey whales, mobula whales and humpback whales in the area.

The El Duque liveaboard offers 2-night getaways to the Sea of Cortez, whilst the Valentina has 6-night Sea of Cortez safaris for those who want to spend longer there.

Dive with Whale Sharks in Djibouti

Djibouti liveaboard diving might not be on your radar yet but it soon will be. This relatively new dive destination has pristine coral reefs with large schools of Red Sea and Indian Ocean fish. It is tucked away from the crowds of Egypt and gives you the chance to enjoy peaceful dive sites. The star attraction is of course the numerous whale sharks that gather in Djibouti’s waters from November to January.

Visit Djibouti in January and you can swim in the company of juvenile whale sharks and possibly also see manta rays, grey reef sharks and nurse sharks. There are striking underwater landscapes to explore, including a dive site that allows you to descend between three tectonic plates; aptly named ‘The Crack’. It won’t be long before word gets out about this top new dive destination.

The beautiful MSY ELegante and Deli liveaboards offers whale shark safaris and the chance to sail the turquoise waters of Djibouti from November to January each year.

More Top January Dive Destinations

Read our guide to the Best Places to Dive in January to find out more about other top places to go diving in January. 

Pro Dive International, one of Latin America´s most established and fastest growing PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Develop Center since its founding in 2003, located at coveted 4* and 5* Resorts along the Riviera Maya and in Cozumel in Mexico and Bayahibe in Dominican Republic, was named one of the Best Dive Operators in the world in Scuba Diving´s 2018 Readers Choice Awards for the third year in a row.

The annual DEMA Show, the largest trade-only event in the world for companies doing business in the scuba diving, ocean water sports and adventure/dive travel industries, attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of dive and travel industry professionals from around the world. The annual event is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Las Vegas.

Markus Fleischmann, President and founder of Pro Dive International said “We are extremely proud of this award, and we want to thank the readers of Scuba DivingMagazine for voting for us. Since our company´s foundation 15 years ago, e.g. from day one of our existence, we have always strongly focused to provide our customers with a superior level of customer service, coupled with the utmost safety when conducting our diving operations. Diving should be fun, safe and something people want to come back to and repeat. The choice of vote of a vast readership like the one of a renowned magazine such as the Scuba Diving Magazine, shows us we are doing something correct in this respect, and this fills us with absolute joy and pride.”

Learn more at: https://www.scubadiving.com/best-scuba-diving-operators-resorts-dive-sites-liveaboards

Diving with manta rays is on many divers wish lists and understandably so. These graceful rays can grow up to 7 meters across and are found at a variety of top dive destinations around the world. Diving with mantas is a truly magical experience and you can watch them at manta cleaning stations, barrel-rolling as they feed, or just swimming over beautiful coral reefs. Here are our best places to dive with manta rays.

Socorro Islands, Mexico

The Socorro Islands are known for having the world’s friendliest manta rays and is the place to go for encounters with Giant Pacific manta rays. They congregate in large numbers at San Benedicto Island and use the cleaning stations at this submerged sea mount. They are known for coming close to divers, offering fantastic photographic opportunities.

The Maldives

The Maldives has long been known for its manta rays and one of the best experiences to be had is at Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll. Mantas gather in their hundreds there as they barrel-roll and feed on plankton. These manta feeding frenzies are world-famous, and it is possible to be in the water with up to 200 manta rays at any one time.  The best time to visit is between May and November to experience this phenomenon.

Manta ray filter feeding above a coral reef in the blue Komodo waters

Indonesia

Indonesia is another great destination to dive with manta rays, and Manta Alley in Komodo National Park has as many as 50 manta rays at any one time. There are other great Komodo dive sites for manta ray encounters, including Makassar reef, Batu Bulong and Golden Passage. The Nyaman liveaboard offers luxurious liveaboard diving in the Komodo National Park.

Raja Ampat is also reliable for manta encounters and they can be seen in large groups passing over reefs. Manta Ridge has several cleaning stations, with up to 25 mantas at any one time. Mansaur is another good dive site for seeing groups of manta rays. November to April is the best time to visit Raja Ampat for mantas in large numbers and the Manta Mae liveaboard has a charter departing 14^thDecember 2018 to explore Raja Ampat’s dive sites.

Thailand

Koh Bon and the Similan Islands, Thailand are two other manta hotspots well worth exploring. Koh Bon is one of the best sites for manta rays in Thailand and divers can also see reef sharks and good macro life. The Similan Islands are one of the most popular dive locations in the world and mantas can be seen at Boulder City dive site. The end of February is the best time to visit the Similan Islands to see manta rays and also whale sharks. The Whale liveaboard offers dive safaris to both destinations.

There are many other manta hotspots to discover and enjoy. Read our guide to the Best Places to Dive with Manta Rays to find out more.

Whales have held our fascination and imagination for centuries. These mysterious animals have a language all of their own, are very intelligent, and at the top of many divers wish lists.

There are more than 70 different species of whale that have been identified so far, and whales can be spotted in locations all around the globe on their annual migrations. Booking a liveaboard during whale season means you will more than likely enjoy experiences with whales, as they are inquisitive and curious and will often come over to inspect the boat.

Humpback Whales

Humpback whales can grow to be the size of a bus and usually migrate around 25 000 kilometers each year! Known best for the captivating sounds of their song (which only the male sings) these whales feed in freezing polar waters during summer, then journey to the tropical areas of the ocean to breed and calve.

You can watch these cetaceans feed in Canada and North America, but if you want some really intimate whale watching encounters the best place to see them (above and below the surface) is when they are breeding and have had their young. In places like the Kingdom of Tonga, Australia, the Silver Bank marine reserve in Dominican Republic, Hawaii and Mexico you can watch these animals in the wild as they nurture their calves and enjoy the warmer temperatures of the water. Mexico is particularly good for whale watching from December to April. Other good destinations for humpback encounters include Malpelo Island, the Namena marine reserve in Fiji, and Costa Rica.

Dwarf Minke Whales

These adorable whales may be at the smaller end of the whale scale, yet they can still grow to 8 metres and weigh several tonnes. Dwarf minke whales were only discovered during the eighties, and are thought to be descendants of the Northern Hemisphere minke whale.

You can spot these cute whales on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia during June and July every year. Liveaboards that operate in the area, such as Spoilsport and OceanQuest, offer itineraries dedicated to getting you in the water with the whales as much as possible.

Along with humpback whales, you can also spot blue whales and grey whales in Mexico during the coming months . Read our guide to where to spot whale species worldwide to find out more.

Article by https://www.liveaboard.com

Organised for more than 25 years by DIVER, Britain’s best-selling diving magazine, each event attracts hundreds of exhibitors offering the latest diving holidays, training courses, and dive gear – on display and to buy – and is visited by thousands of experienced and aspiring divers from the UK, Europe and beyond. The Dive Shows also deliver an unrivaled program of free presentations from the world’s top diving speakers.

Catch up with Markus, Sabrina & David at DIVE Birmingham, Caribbean Village, booth CV10!

SHOW SPECIALS

Book until: Nov 18, 2018

1. 15% DISCOUNT

on all of our dive & snorkeling packages in Mexico & Dominican Republic

* not combinable with group deals below

2. 10% DISCOUNT – SHARKSCHOOL 

on our next edition of SHARKSCHOOL in Riviera Maya, Dec 10-16, 2019!

* Save additional US$ 150! Not combinable with any other specials.

3. GROUP DEALS

EVERY 6th PERSON DIVES FREE IN MEXICO & DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Travel Window: September & October 2018 and 2019

EVERY 8th PERSON STAYS & DIVES FREE AT OUR OCCIDENTAL COZUMEL, ALLEGRO COZUMEL RESORT & ALLEGRO PLAYACAR

Travel Window in 2018: Aug 19 – Dec 22

*subject to availability, based on double occupancy

4. PRIZE DRAW

Visit Pro Dive at Booth #CV10 to participate in our Prize Draw to win a 1-week dream diving holiday for 2 in Mexico!

*Please note: By entering the raffle at show and on Facebook all participants agree that personal data shall be collected and stored in database and used for sending notification emails about updates to our product or marketing emails.

5. 10% OFF IDC Mexico

We run a full 2-week development program including 2 days of prep, and include special workshops on complex skills such as lift-bag exercises, CESA, descent skills and conduction of DSD’s; and with many specialties, one-on-one counseling during all our programs, cenotes and Cozumel fun dives, side-mount diving introduction and lots more included at no additional cost.

6. Awesome Nautilus Specials!

US$ 1,000 OFF Nautilus Gallant Lady combo trip!

US $500 off a Bahia de los Angeles or Cabo Pulmo trip on the Nautilus Gallant Lady!

Valid for new bookings until Nov 4, 2018!

*All clients must have attended the show to receive this offer. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Subject to availability.

FREE NITROX in Mexico & Dominican Republic!

* Terms & Conditions apply. Rooms subject to availability. Free rooms based on double occupancy. Deals above are not combinable with each other and other promotions. Excluding flights, transfers, equipment.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Pro Dive International – Mexico & Dominican Republic´s Booth CV10, at DIVE Birmingham/ UK!

ScubaCaribe, one of the most established dive and water sport operations in the Caribbean with more than 25 years of experience in the industry announces their participation in PADI AWARE WEEK to teach environmental awareness and inspire on global scale.

Besides ocean cleanup dives and beach cleaning in their destinations Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Panama, Mauritius, Jamaica together with the Rotary Club, ScubaCaribe has developed a public program in collaboration with DREAMS LA ROMANA and DREAMS DOMINICUS in the Dominican Republic:

18/09/ 7:00 PM documentary “Chasing Coral”/ Dreams La Romana hotel

19/09/ 7:00 PM documentary “Chasing Coral”/ Dreams Dominicus hotel

20/09/ 7:00 PM documentary “The Fog of the Sea”/ Dreams La Romana hotel

21/09/ 7:00 PM documentary “The Fog of the Sea”/ Dreams Dominicus hotel

Following each of the screenings, there will be a series of questions and answers between the public, employees of ScubaCaribe and FUNDEMAR, a non-government organization dedicated to the promotion of the sustainable use of marine resources and ecosystems through research, education, and the development of conservation projects. Staffed with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, ecologists, and educators capable of acting with scientific rigor and a network of service-minded local and international volunteers, the organization is able to mobilize its knowledge, resources, and efforts in support of its goals.

“All participants will be invited to sign up for the PADI AWARE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION course. There is no requirement to enter the water, and therefore any guest can join without age limit” says ScubaCaribe Dominican Republic’s Marine Biologist and Dive Team Leader Soledad de Pino. “Certified divers will be offered the opportunity to dive at ScubaCaribe’s CORAL NURSERY to DIVE AGAINST DEBRIS and support the ecological fishing of Lionfish, on 22nd and 23rd of September. Those who sign up for any of our activities will be given a themed shirt as a gift.”

AWARE Week marks the perfect time to focus on the ocean through learning, inspiring or acting. Whether it’s becoming a debris activist, saying no to single-use plastics or making responsible seafood choices, no action is too small to enforce positive benefits.

Public, hotels and other businesses are invited to join! 

Learn more at: https://www.scubacaribe.com/es/en/scubacaribe-supports-padi-aware-week/

Head to the right spot during October and you can enjoy encounters with some of the biggest animals in the ocean; from humpbacks to blue whales and more.

Meet Mexico’s Giants

October is the start of the whale watching season in Baja, Mexico, with a variety of whales visiting Mexican waters from October to April. Mexico is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales and Socorro Island is visited by thousands of these whales during their breeding season each year. The Sea of Cortez is a great diving destination for spotting numerous cetaceans; including humpback whales, pods of blue whales and also sperm whales.

Minke whales, pilot whales and orcas also make an appearance in Mexican waters at this time of year, making Mexico scuba diving an experience not to be missed.

Night Dive With Hawaii’s Mantas

Did you know 20% of Hawaii’s marine life is found nowhere else in the world? Home to numerous species of fish, rare invertebrates and large pelagics, it is scuba diving heaven. Imagine diving amongst underwater lava formations, next to steep drop-offs, and pristine coral reefs that stretch for miles. Kona is one of the few places in the world where you can dive with manta rays at night and watch them barrel-rolling and feeding in the light of your torch. It is possible to see up to 46 mantas on a single night dive! The Kona Aggressor II offers Hawaii liveaboard safaris that include the chance to night dive with the mantas.

Copyright Aggressor Fleet

It is also the best time of year to visit Australia’s best-kept secret; Rowley Shoals. The shoals are made up of three remote and pristine coral atolls and has one of the shortest dive seasons in the world. Fewer than 200 divers get to visit this special destination each year. The Odyssey liveaboard offers 7-night Rowley Shoal safaris.

Copyright Odyssey Liveaboard

Find out more about Rowley Shoals and other great October dive destinations in Best Places To Dive During October.

This article was written by divers and writers at LiveAboard.

September can be a tricky time to dive, as many destinations are transitioning between seasons. However, there are still some magical liveaboard destinations to visit at this time of year.

Mexico Is Still Amazing

From August, diving in Mexico is incredible. There are two destinations to choose from, Guadalupe Island or the Sea of Cortez, and your choice will be dictated by what marine life you most want to dive with.

Guadalupe Island, off the Baja Peninsula is a hot spot for Great white sharks. In Guadalupe, you can come face to face with these enormous ocean predators. Guadalupe is arguably the best destination for diving with these sharks, as the visibility of the crystal clear water often exceeds 35 metres and it’s not uncommon to have 6 sharks surrounding the cage on a single dive. September is the month when big females start showing up in Guadalupe, and these sharks can grow more than 5 metres in length.

The Sea of Cortez is often compared to an aquarium thanks to its incredible visibility and stunning array of marine life. From diving with curious Californian sea lions that love nothing more than coming up and sniffing a camera dome, to the macro life scattered along the coral reefs, there is life everywhere you look. The area is renowned for being one where you’re guaranteed to dive with sea lions, and you’ll encounter mantas, sharks, and even dolphins, along with huge schools or pelagic fish.

Australia’s Hidden Gem 

Australia is most well-known for its iconic Great Barrier Reef, but on the other side of the country lies Australia’s best-kept secret. Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 300 kilometers off Broome, Western Australia. This dive destination is one that is truly off the beaten track, and can only be accessed by liveaboard a few months of the year. The stunning reefs of Rowley Shoals can only be dived from very late September through until late November.

The Rowley Shoals are essentially a chain of three coral atolls at the edge of the continental shelf in Western Australia. Here you will find coral gardens covered in vibrant soft and hard corals, surrounded by colourful reef fish. The ‘Northern Wall’ located on the Mermaid Atoll features a steep drop to 80 metres, and is home to every species of reef fish imaginable. More than 200 species of coral and 600 species of fish can be found in the Rowley Shoals and only 200 people have the privilege of visiting this relatively unknown dive site a year.

The MV Odyssey offers limited diving trips to the Rowley Shoals, Australia. The advanced catamaran design ensures that the Odyssey Liveaboard is stable, relaxed and spacious and visits the best of the Rowley Shoals.

Visit The ‘Friendliest People On Earth’

Fiji is a tropical paradise with fantastic diving, and the hospitality to travellers has resulted in the country being coined as one of the friendliest in the world. During the month of September, the humidity and heat in Fiji is not overwhelming, and the water is cooler which results in phenomenal visibility.

September is the tail end of winter in Fiji, and with water temperatures rarely dropping below 24 degrees Fiji is by no means cold. You can expect visibility of around 30 metres dive after dive during winter, and the cooler air temperatures mean you won’t be sweating in the hot tropical sun during your surface intervals.

The favourable conditions of Fiji make this a destination that can be dived by those with only their Open Water Certification, and the Fiji Aggressor has no requirement for a minimum number of logged dives on its Fiji Exploration safaris. You can expect a mixture of dive types onboard a liveaboard in Fiji. Drift dives are the norm in Taveuni Island, and a site called ‘Rainbow Reef’ will have you dazzled by the stunning array of colours on both the coral reefs and fish that call it home.

This article was written by divers and writers at LiveAboard.

RESERVE NOW – to obtain CRAZY discounts:

15% OFF diving packages**

15% OFF PADI Programs & Courses***

50% OFF Dive Equipment rental

ADDITIONALLY, COMBINE TO:

Receive 1 extra tank for every 5 tanks paid!****

** 15% off ALL dive packages.

*** 15% off PADI Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Scuba Diver, PADI Open Water Diver & PADI Advanced Courses

**** 5+1 Free Package becomes 5+2 Free (pay 5 get 7 tanks)

**** 8+2 Free Package becomes 8+3 Free (pay 8 get 11 tanks)

**** 12+4 Free Package becomes 12+6 Free (pay 12 get 18 tanks)

**** Yucatan Explorer Pack with 8 tanks plus a FREE 9^th tank!

**** Great Yucatan Explorer Pack with 12 tanks plus FREE 13^th & 14^th tank!

**** Cozumel buy 3x 2tanks get 1 tank Free

**** Cozumel buy 5x 2tanks, get 2 tanks Free

**** Cozumel buy 8x 2tanks, get 3 tanks Free

 *Valid for new pre online bookings by 15/07/18, must dive in JUNE/JULY 2018 & must mention “CRAZY SUMMER DISCOUNT”at booking

Learn more about Pro Dive International at: https://www.prodiveinternational.com

Markus and Sabrina return to the US! Visit us at SCUBA SHOW LONG BEACH booth 104, to win a dive packages and grab one of our many exciting show specials and group deals for your next dive vacation in Mexico & the Dominican Republic!

Book until: July 14, 2018!

1. FREE DIVES

Cozumel: Buy 5 x 2-tank, Get 1 x 2-tank free

Riviera Maya & Dominican Republic: Buy 5 tanks, Get 2 free

* not combinable with group deals below

2. GROUP DEALS

ALLEGRO & BARCELO HOTELS

EVERY 8th PERSON STAYS & DIVES FREE Travel Window: Aug 19 – Dec 22, 2018

EVERY 10th PERSON STAYS & DIVE FREE Travel Window: Now – Aug 18, 2018

CATALONIA HOTELS IN MEXICO

EVERY 16th PERSON STAYS & DIVE FREE Travel Window April 1 – Dec 22, 2018

DIVING GROUP DEALS

EVERY 11th PERSON DIVES FREE ALL YEAR AROUND

EVERY 6th PERSON DIVES FREE IN MEXICO & DOMINICAN REPUBLIC in September & October

* Terms & Conditions apply. Rooms subject to availability. Free rooms based on double occupancy. Deals above are not combinable with each other and other promotions. Excluding flights, transfers, equipment.

3. UP TO 50% OFF HOTEL RATES

4. SHARKSCHOOL – 2019 Edition US$150 OFF

Christmas among sharks! SHARKSCHOOL Riviera Maya 2019– Dates: Dec 10-16, 2019!

5. 10% OFF IDC Mexico

for booking until July 31, 2018

Pro Dive International runs a full 2-week development program including 2 days of prep, and include special workshops on complex skills such as lift-bag exercises, CESA, descent skills and conduction of DSD’s; and with many specialties, one-on-one counseling during all our programs, cenotes and Cozumel fun dives, side-mount diving introduction and lots more included at no additional cost.

6. WIN 1-WEEK VACATION TO MEXICO!

FREE NITROX (MEXICO)!

* Terms & Conditions apply. Rooms subject to availability. Free rooms based on double occupancy. Deals above are not combinable with each other and other promotions. Excluding flights, transfers, equipment.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Pro Dive International – Mexico & Dominican Republic´s Booth 104, at Scuba Show long Beach/ SSLB 2018!

Learn more about Pro Dive International at: https://www.prodiveinternational.com/

Join Pro Dive International at Beneath The Sea 2018 and benefit from these great show specials.

Participate in our prize draw to win a 1-week dive vacation for 2 in Mexico, check out our great show specials and group deals for your next dive vacation with our Assistant Reservations Manager Sabrina Barde and learn about Mexico & Dominican Republic!

Participate in our prize draw to win a 2-week dive vacation for 2 in Mexico, check out our great show specials and group deals for your next dive vacation with our CEO Markus Fleischmann and learn about Mexico & Dominican Republic!

The fifth World Ocean Summit will be held at Riviera Maya, Mexico, on March 7th-9th 2018 and the ocean’s problems will be the forefront of discussions.

The fifth World Ocean Summit will be held at Riviera Maya, Mexico, on March 7th-9th 2018 and the ocean’s problems will be the forefront of discussions.

Our oceans are in trouble. Around the world, humans have brought dramatic changes and lived in denial for far too long. We need to balance our lifestyle and bring long-term health back to our oceans.

2017 was the year of big promises, so 2018 = delivery. World Ocean Summit will bring together political leaders, policymakers, heads of global business, scientists, NGOs and multilaterals for discussions on how to turn these promises into reality.

More than 360 global leaders are expected to attend and 34% of these leaders that are expected to attend are from North America.

TICKETS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

ScubaCaribe, one of the most established dive and watersports operations in the Caribbean with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, announces the inauguration of their five star facilities at the newly opened Hotel RIU Dunamar 5*, located on the pristine Costa Mujeres beach, about 3o km north of Cancun’s hotel zone in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

We’d like to welcome you all to the Buchwald Room at Millennium Library on January 28, 2018 to hear Natalie Gibb’s presentation on Cave Exploration of Mexico’s Cenotes.

When: Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 1:30 PM – 4 PM UTC-06

Where: Winnipeg Public Library….251 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3P5

We’d like to welcome you all to the Buchwald Room at Millennium Library on January 28, 2018 to hear Natalie Gibb’s presentation on Cave Exploration of Mexico’s Cenotes.

The presentation will begin at 1:30pm and there will be a question and answer period held afterwards.

Along with free street parking around the library, there will be coffee, tea and water available during the event.

Tickets are $20.00, plus a small service fee and are available online at  https://cavedivingmexico.brownpapertickets.com/ 

We have a limited number of seats so get your tickets early so you don’t miss out.

Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/events/259697904551971/?active_tab=about

DRT HONG KONG 2017 is calling! Meet our CEO & founder Markus Fleischmann and MSDT & Ecommerce Executive China Nichole Zhang at booth #R263.

OUR SHOW SPECIALS FOR YOU:

1.  SHOW SPECIALS

Book until: Jan 05, 2018

2. 15% DISCOUNT

15% DISCOUNT on all our dive and snorkeling packages

3. GROUP DEALS

EVERY 6th PERSON DIVES FREE IN MEXICO & DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Travel Window: September & October 2018 and 2019

EVERY 8th PERSON STAYS & DIVES FREE AT OUR OCCIDENTAL COZUMEL & ALLEGRO COZUMEL RESORT 

Travel Window in 2018: 19 AUG – 20 DEC 2018

4. 10% OFF IDC Mexico

Pro Dive International runs a full 2-week development program including 2 days of prep, and include special workshops on complex skills such as lift-bag exercises, CESA, descent skills and conduction of DSD’s; and with many specialties, one-on-one counseling during all our programs, cenotes and Cozumel fun dives, side-mount diving introduction and lots more included at no additional cost.

5. PRIZE DRAW

Visit Pro Dive at Booth #R263 to participate in our Prize Draw to win a 1-week dream diving vacation for 2 in Mexico!

6.  SHARKSCHOOL 2018 

SHARKSCHOOL Riviera Maya, starts on December 10th, 2018 -> TBC

7. US$1,000  OFF  – ANY AVAILABLE TRIP – SOCORRO & GUADALUPE TRIPS

Book until December 24th, 2017! Subject to availability.

* Terms & Conditions apply. Rooms subject to availability. Free rooms based on double occupancy. Deals above are not combinable with each other and other promotions. Excluding flights, transfers, equipment.

Check in with Pro Dive International – Mexico & Dominican Republic at Booth #R263, at DRT 2017 in Hong Kong!

For more details in Chinese please visit our website: www.prodiveinternational.org

Catch up with Markus, Patricia & David at DIVE Birmingham, Caribbean Village, booth CV4 21st and 22nd October 2017.

Coming up soon! InterDive will be opening their doors for the fifth time to present you the entire spectrum of a fascinating underwater world, whether it is equipment purchase, facets of dive training, or detailed information about almost any attractive diving destination.

Go Pro to fulfill your dream of moving your office into the ocean to enjoy endless summer and diving! Join our Platinum Course Directors Angel & Jo for a comprehensive 14-day Instructor Development Course incl. IDC Prep program, special workshops on complex skills and practical teaching techniques.

Learn more about this fantastic job opportunity with Pro Dive International in Mexico

Descend into the mystical Mayan underwater world – in one of the most sacred & mesmerizing places on earth that you’ll ever experience in your life – The CENOTES of YUCATAN!! 5-Night Dive & Relax Deal at US$ 859 only. Book before July 30!

YOUR 5-NIGHT STAY & DIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 5 nights at Allegro Playacar, 4* – only steps to the heart of Playa del Carmen
• Double Superior room
• All Inclusive meal plan
• 3 days of 2-tank diving (6 dives per person in total):

including 2 dives at local reefs + 4 dives in cenotes.

• Cenotes excursion includes: certified cavern guide, dive light, entry fee, snacks & soft drinks, transportation
• FREE Nitrox
• FREE Cenote T-Shirt

Price: $859

Valid: July 14th – December 20th, 2017
Travel must be booked by: July 30th, 2017

Learn more and book at: https://prodiveinternational.com/specials/

Get in touch with us for your unforgettable dive vacation!

We are looking forward to exploring Mexico’s underwater highlights with you.
Your Team at Pro Dive International 

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

• all service charges and taxes, excl. flight, transfer, equipment, room based on double occupancy and subject to availability, minimum OWD-license, not combinable with other specials, valid for new bookings only (not existing)
• Individual package options on request

Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers is thrilled to announce their participation in the THIRD ANNUAL PADI WOMEN’S DIVE DAY on July 15^th, 2017.

Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, today announced that it has received the TRIPADVISOR® CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE for its SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR since implementation of the award in 2011, for their dive centers in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Before we jump into these mystical formations, we need to understand their importance and the significant events contributing to their formation. Cenote comes from the mayan word Dzo Not which means ‘hole filled with water’ a main idea from the tribes in this area that all these holes were a connection with Xibalba (the underworld).

Image credit: Simon Abdul MK

The first event dates back to over 45 million years ago, when a meteorite impacted the Gulf of Mexico, changing the features of the land, and introducing different minerals to the area. Next, the tides of the ocean went down approximately 15 to 30 meters, leaving the caves empty of salt water causing the corals and other types of life to dry up and fossilize. At that time, the rain was plenty and each drop that fell on the ground had a high percentage of acidity (carbonated acid) which came from the mixture between water, fires of the nearby areas, and from the animals living in the outskirts.

Another fact is that the carbonate water reacted with other raw materials from the lands to produce calcium carbonate, which combined with the continuous flow of the rains caused the deformation of the floors; opening small holes which began to expand more and more, evolving into big sinkholes or huge entrances to underwater channels connected to the sea.

Image credit: Simon Abdul MK

Then, at the end of the Ice Age (25-30 thousand years ago), the water level went down again (+/-20 m.). and the rainwater continued to flow down creating new shapes named stalactite (stone formations grown in the ceiling at a rate of 1 cm/100 years) and stalagmite (stone formations grown in the floor, 1 cm/100+ years).  Finally, when those two met together, they formed a stalagnate or column.

As we mentioned before, inside the cenotes we may find limestone formations, fossils of corals, shells and other kind of marine stuff, as well as bones of animals and humans that were sacrificed by the tribes as an oblation to ‘Chac’ (the god of rain) to make sure he provides water to all the communities.

It is well known that all cenotes are interconnected to the sea through different systems, but the truth is that not all are discovered yet. Archaeologists, full cave divers, cenote guardians and other specialists estimate that there are more than 2400 formations within the Yucatan Peninsula.

Now with the help of our specialists we explore five cenotes for you to experience the joy of diving in one of them.

Image credit: Simon Abdul MK

Beginners or Non-experienced divers

Chac Mool

If coming from Playa del Carmen, the entrance to Chac-Mool appears on the right just as you descend the bridge beside the street that takes you to Puerto Aventuras.  A five-minute drive on a good dirty road leads you to the main area. Once you park there, you’ll find toilets and solid tables to assemble your equipment. Also prepare a sandwich if you visit this place on Sunday, because the restaurant opens from Monday to Saturday.

The maximum depth of Chac Mool is 13 m. (40 ft.). Inhale when you start descending because the views from below through the crystal water and up to the greenish sky will astonish you.  With the many sunken trees and branches, the cenote looks surreal and like something out of a fairy tale. From winter to spring, the water at the surface is quite clear and undisturbed that you literally can see the birds singing in the trees from a depth of 10m.

“Is a very easy entrance, and if you go for the first time in your life in an overhead you have no idea of how could you react. It has the best conditions to look how the people react for the first time in a cenote. You have a big covered area, so you can help your diver to go in slowly and then you can higher the level and see how your divers’ work.”  Dirk Penzel Cenote-Diving

Image credit: Simon Abdul MK

The most challenging

Dreamgate

This cenote is not for everyone, perfect buoyancy and trim are required. Most of the shops that offer diving here will take you first to an easier cenote to see if you have the skills and level to dive in this palace of 7 m. (21 ft.) depth, which is full of stalactite and stalagmite wherever you point the light. To get inside, you need to go down using a narrow ladder while your equipment is lowered with a rope. Once under the water, you have to dive smoothly through the channels. Some divers from the specialty say that diving Dreamgate is a taste of how diving is in caves, but still a cavern.

“Dreamgate is a very challenging cenote for recreational divers. You need to have certain level of buoyancy and trim to go there. Is one of the smallest and most fragile places, is fully decorated. No matter what you see you will see stalagmite or stalactite everywhere.” Matías “Mati” Lopez Cenotexperience

Image credit: Simon Abdul MK

For deep and technical divers

The Pit

To arrive to this beautiful and huge sinkhole you drive from Playa del Carmen to the park ‘Dos Ojos’. As soon as you get to the main entrance continue driving through the terrace around 10 minutes. When you finally reach the place, you will find nice tables and jungle toilets. A new platform has been installed to make it easier for scuba divers to lower their tanks.

Although the depth is of 119 m. (355 ft.), this site just allows recreational divers to dive down to 35 m. (115 ft.). When you start diving you feel the power of nature and see reminders of the mayan people who lived there many years ago. The entire wall has the force of their gods and the mystery of Xibalba.

“We have The Pit is the deepest cenote. Is a lot of technique and is very expensive to go down. You need different gases, special training.” D.P.

Image credit: Simon Abdul MK

The favorite of photographers

Ponderosa

The Eden, better known as Ponderosa (15 m. or 30 ft. max. depth), is one of the most popular and visited cenotes of the region. It welcomes swimmers, snorkelers and divers from all over the world. The divers like to go there to take breathtaking pictures of the light effects caused by diffraction and deflection of the sunlight entering through the shadows of the roof that covers the cavern. What you can see? A wide variety of fish, eels, turtles and aquatic plants, and of course, a great visibility.

“For photographers, they really like Ponderosa and Kukulkan. Because they have a lot of daylight effect, which is what they want.” M.L

Image credit: Simon Abdul MK

The sacred

Chikin Ha

Chikin Ha means “water of the west” and has a maximum depth of 13 m. (40 ft.). It features only one cavern and for that reason, is not so often dived. The line is quite long so you can easily dive up to 60 minutes here.  A tunnel leads into the halocline before you ascend into the shallower areas around Cenote Rainbow.

Before accepting this cenote as one of the most special and sacred for him, Dirk mentioned, “As the name suggests, the white sun beams are split into the different colours of the rainbow and when you look up to the untouched surface, you will see this cenote is aptly named.” And he added, “Chikin Ha has less formations, but the fragile stone so quickly dissolved that it uncovered numerous fossils of which my personal favourites are the many sea urchins that you can see there.”

Playa del Carmen’s most-trusted dive operator, Vida Aquatica – located at Mahekal Beach Resort – has been recognized for the second year in a row as Mexico’s Diving Company of the Year for the 2017 Luxury Travel Guide Awards.

Pro Dive International are a young, dynamic, international team and one of the Caribbean’s most established dive operations, located at several 4* & 5* resorts in Mexico & Dominican Republic, thriving to provide EXCELLENCE THROUGH QUALITY to our customers every day.