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

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

Do you remember that purple flower-like creature on the cover of our January newsletter? Could you name it or have you tried to figure out what you actually look at?

What phrase did you even use to look it up? Turns out that this beauty is not the only life form that’s less known among our divers, which encouraged us to write this small piece about strange-looking but awesome creatures that you may be lucky to spot during your dives in the Caribbean in Mexico and/ or the Dominican Republic.

This post is about eyeballs, spaghetti, pistols, buttons, and lots more! The ocean floor is covered in exciting wonders.

Here are 10 of those strange looking but awesome sea creatures for you that you might spot during your dives in the Caribbean:

1. Tunicates

What you’ve seen in the photo of our recent blog including Saona’s dive sites are blue tunicates. In-fact, it’s not just one, but several. There are over 3,000 species of tunicates to be found in salt water alone. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. The most common tunicates are sometimes called sea squirts because when touched or alarmed by a sudden movement, their muscles contract and the water inside the animal shoots out. They spend most of their lives sedentary, attached to hard substrate, such as dead coral, boat docks, rocks or mollusk shells. Other tunicates live floating freely in the water. They are mostly transparent and look a bit like jellyfish. Some colonial species have been known to reach 18 m/ 60 ft in length!

Tunicates get their names from the “tunic” that they have over their bodies to protect themselves from prey. They can be both solitary and colonial. The solitary animals have their own tunics, while colonials share one. Each solitary creature has two siphons, the oral siphon that receives the nutrient rich current and the atrial siphon that excretes the waste. Colonial creatures sometimes share a common waste siphon.

2. Sailor’s Eyeball

It definitely looks better than it sounds! Valonia ventricosa, known as Sailor’s Eyeball, is a shiny sphere that somewhat looks like a sea pearl but is actually an algae, found throughout the ocean in tropical and subtropical regions. What is remarkable about this algae is that it is the world’s biggest single-celled organism! Reaching up to 5 cm/ 2 inches in diameter, a cell is certainly not what comes to mind. In fact, you don’t need a microscope to see that single cell, which ranges from a ball bearing to a golf ball in size.

You can find those fascinating organisms all over the reef as singles or in groups, attached by hair-like threads to rocks.

3. Spaghetti Worm

Reminding of spaghetti, the Eupolymnia Crassicornis, or commonly called Spaghetti Worm, is a segmented worm and a marine relative of the earthworm. While its body is only 8-13 cm/ 5 to 6 in long and about cm 2.5 cm/ 1 in thick, its tentacles can reach up to 1 m/ 3 ft in length! Its segmented body is hidden underground in a tube-like structure which it creates from sand and gravel which it cements together with a mucus-like secretion from a gland just below the tentacles, generally not moving for most of its life. This creates a safe shelter from predators, while its elastic-like tentacles can extend and retract as needed and will regenerate if broken or eaten.

Spaghetti Worms are deposit feeders extending their tentacles out and along the seafloor to gather dead organic matter that originated as diatoms and other planktonic microorganisms. The collected detritus is then passed along a groove in their tentacles to their mouth, to be consumed.

4. Mermaid’s Wineglass

What looks like a field of miniature cups are in-fact Mermaid’s Wineglasses, Acetabularia crenulata, a green algae of the family of Polygonaceae. This algae is among the largest single-cell organisms and features an unusually large nucleus, because a part of one species can be grafted onto another.

Acetabularia species have an umbrella-like appearance and are anchored to their substrate with root-like rhizoids. A ring of branches, either separated or fused sits on top of the 0.5-10 cm/ 0.2-3.9 in tall, slender stalk. Some species may have rings of hair-like structures along their stalk; and a large nucleus is located near its base dividing many times as the algae matures and reproductive structures are forming.

5. Pistol Shrimp

This small invertebrate – Alpheus armatus – packs a powerful punch, with bullets of bubbles! They’re quite small, only reaching a few inches in size, but one of its claws is much bigger than the other, growing up to half its body length. This large claw holds the pistol shrimp’s superpower.

When a pistol shrimp senses prey nearby, it will open its big claw, filling a small chamber in the crook of the claw with water. Then it aims and closes the claw, a small plunger like piece on the top claw forces the water out of the chamber at speeds as fast as a car traveling down the highway. This creates a powerful bubble that kills what’s in its path.

6. Christmas Tree Worm

The Spirobranchus giganteus, Christmas tree worms are named for their bright colored plumes (fir tree-like appearance) festively protruding from their tube-like body. They live in coral and up to two-thirds of the worm is anchored inside the coral when its plumes are visible. The plumes are composed of radioles (hair-like) appendages radiating from the worm’s spines. These hairs are used for respiration and to catch dinner floating by in the water, usually microscopic plants and animals. Once anchored in its coral home the worms are sedentary. Only moving when started, rapidly retracting into its burrow to hide from predators, later poking a small number of its bristles out of the burrow to determine if the danger has passed.

Although they aren’t very big, averaging about 3.8 cm/ 1.2 inches in length, they can be easily spotted due to their bright plumes and distinctive shape. They come in a huge variety of colors and are beautiful to watch.

7. Blue Button

This amazing creature, the Porpita porpita, is superficially similar to a jellyfish, but it’s more like a Portuguese Man O’ War which is a siphonophore. They can have both female and male sex organs, means they are capable of reproducing on their own. Blue buttons can grow up to 3 cm/ 1.2 inch in diameter. They live on the surface of the sea and consist of two main parts: the float, which is hard, almost flat and responsible for vertical movement, as well as for communication, and the hydroid colony, which resembles tentacles that vary in color.

The blue button has a single mouth located beneath the float, which is used for both the intake of prey and the expulsion of wastes.

8. Flamingo Tongue

Commonly mistaken for a nudibranch by the majority of divers, the Flamingo Tongue is in fact a soft slimy snail carrying its house, or marine gastropod mollusk. With exuberant imagination, its bright, occasionally pinkish shell and the tiny size of the snail’s body could slightly remind us of the tongue of a flamingo, which is most-likely how it got its name. Diving in Mexico, there’s a saying that if you find one flamingo tongue during a dive, you will get lucky for the rest of the dive; if you find three during the same dive, you’ll get lucky for the rest of the dive trip.

Adult flamingo tongues feed on corals. They scrape the polyps off the coral with their tiny teeth, leaving a trail. Besides them not eating much, their population is being controlled by their predators, which means they don’t pose a lethal threat to the reef.

9. Sea Slugs

Speaking of Nudibranchs, they are a kind of sea slug with over 3,000 species found in all climate zones. Nudibranchia are marine mollusks without a shell. Their name means ‘naked gill’, referring to the breathing apparatus on the outside of their soft bodies. While sea slugs tend to be entirely associated with Nudibranchs, the majority of those gastropods belong to the group Opisthobranchia. There are Sap-sucking slugs, Headshield Slugs, Batwing Slugs, Bubble Snails and Sea Hares. How cool is that? Here’s a Lettuce Sea Slug for you…

A sea slug’s diet consists of algae, plankton, and jellyfish. Some are herbivores, others carnivores. And like most land snails, they are hermaphrodites, featuring male and female reproductive organs in the same individual. There’s so much diversity and interesting stuff about those peculiar creatures, that we may dedicate a separate blog to them.

10. Sponges

Sponges have been around for approximately 600 million years! There are about 8,550 currently living sponge species today, ranging from the bath sponges which are harvested for humans, to giant sponges over 2 m/ 6.5 ft tall that are found in Mexico, like at dive site Tortugas in Playa del Carmen, which is covered in huge barrel sponges. Everywhere you look on the reef you will see a huge variety of sponges in every shape, size and color imaginable, including bright purples, blues, yellows, reds and white. Their shape and unmoving nature convinced early naturalists that they were plants, not until 1795 when their feeding method was described they were finally recognized as animals.

Sponges filter feeders circulating water through a unique system of water canals to filter out food particles. They are very important inhabitants of coral reef ecosystems affecting water quality on the reef as they filter water, collect bacteria, and process carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The most incredible fact about sponges is that their cells can move and change their function. They are only animals that if broken down to the level of their cells, can reassemble themselves!

While those 10 are only a tiny fraction, there’s lots more of underwater awesomeness for you to explore in the Caribbean!

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

Check out our Group Specials and let our specialists tailor your hassle­-free dive vacation for your family, dive group or club!

• Free stay & dive package for group leaders 
• Best available rates on diving 
• Up to 60% off hotel rates
• Combos Riviera Maya & Cozumel
• Unlimited free Nitrox

1. Diving*

• Jan 06  – Apr 30, 2022 – 10 divers + 1 FREE (except blackout dates)
• May 01 – Jun 30, 2022 – 7 divers + 1 FREE
• Jul 01   – Aug 21, 2022  – 10 divers + 1 FREE
• Aug 22 – Dec 19, 2022 – 7 divers + 1 FREE

2. Hotel* 

• Jan 06 – Apr 15, 2022 – 15 guests + 1 FREE
• Apr 16 – Aug 21, 2022 – 11 guests + 1 FREE
• Aug 22 – Dec 21, 2022 – 7 guests + 1 FREE

* Blackout dates:

• Dec 20 – Jan 5, 2022 (Christmas/ New Year)
• Apr 10 – Apr 24, 2022 (Easter)

* Terms & Conditions:

• Valid for pre-booking at any of our locations in Mexico & Dominican Republic
• Best available rates
• Not combinable with other promotions
• FREE NITROX

Contact Pro Dive International’s experienced multilingual reservations team to assist you with a tailored package and all arrangements for a hassle-free vacation. 

Imagine a tropical island off the Dominican Republic’s south-east coast surrounded by impressive coral reef ecosystems rich with a diversity of marine wildlife, crystal clear turquoise waters, pristine palm-fringed mile long white sand beaches, nesting grounds for many migratory species of birds, as well as large areas with natural sandbars decorated with fields of starfish indigenous to this region. This is Saona Island. 

Each side of Saona island has its own distinct marine environment. The western side is protected from the winds creating shallower protected reefs, whereas its eastern side features stronger currents, bringing in the larger pelagic life. Wrecks, large reef systems with long swim-throughs and beautiful walls wait to be explored.

1. Saona Dive Excursion

The full-day “Caribbean Island Excursion Saona” includes 2 dives at Saona’s reefs, a local lunch buffet on the island, as well as a stop at the natural pool, where you can get off the boat, walk on the sandy bottom in midst of the deep waters, while enjoying a drink and gazing at sea stars.

Learn more…

2. Diver’s Day 

A full day reserved for divers only! As there’s no need to strictly follow a busy schedule like on other days, we can truly take our time to travel to those dive sites that are further away, do 3 dives at sites that we usually don’t visit as often, enjoy longer dive times and relaxing surface intervals.

During our surface intervals, we will remain on board, where a small buffet lunch will be provided, usually near the natural pool area.

Learn more…

2.1 Dive Sites

Some of our most popular dive sites around Saona:

La Parguera (Red Snapper) – 20-25 m/ 65-82 ft

La Parguera is suitable for our experienced divers, due to the wall’s depths and strong currents. The visibility is great throughout the year (up to 30 m/ 98 ft). Spot nurse and reef sharks sheltering from the current under the overhangs! Drift along the reef watching the beautiful corals and colorful fish go by! There are also a few small swim-throughs. We recommend to do this dive with nitrox to extend your bottom time.  

El Faro (The Lighthouse) – 18-22 m/ 59-72 ft

With a visibility of up to 25 m/ 82 ft and gentle currents this wall is the ideal place to see filter feeding sponges and soft corals to thrive, as well as massive grey stingrays burrowing in the sand at the base of the wall. Look out for tiny spider-like arrow crabs and beautiful smooth shelled turtles nibbling on the sponges. 

Punta Cacon – 9-26 m/ 30-85 ft

A beautiful coral hill on the west-side of the island that is rising from the ocean floor, suitable for all levels of divers, with a vibrant display of colors and calm sea conditions. The hill is covered in soft corals and sponges, bright yellows to deep purples. The marine life ranges from the smallest parrot fish to larger nurse sharks. Watch barracudas, stingray, trumpet fish, eagle rays, turtles and colorful angelfish enjoy their daily lives. The top hill starts at 9 m/ 30 ft and slopes all the way down to 26 m/ 85 ft.

El Peñon (The Rock) 12-18 m/ 39-91 ft

The reef is divided into three parts. You’ll find an untouched coral reef, full of reef fish like puffers, trunkfish and angelfish, eagle rays, lobsters, turtles, seahorses, nurse sharks and occasionally a hammerhead shark. You never know what you’ll encounter. A fantastic dive site for divers of all levels. 

3. Snorkeling 

3.1 Saona Island Adventure 

During this exciting full-day trip, we will snorkel at two different reefs, called Tres Piedras and Tiringo. You will be fascinated by trumpet fish trying to change their color between coral branches, puffer fish, rays and more. 

A typical local lunch buffet will be served at a secluded tropical beach, where divers and snorkelers will reunite.

On our way back to Bayahibe, we will stop at the natural pool where you can dip your feet in the shallow waters around the sandbanks, look for starfish, enjoy tropical music and just relax while sipping a beer or rum & coke.

Learn more…

3.2 Natural Pool & Snorkeling 

On this 3-hour fun trip, we will snorkel at Tiringo, and you will have the opportunity to see sea stars in the shallower waters of the natural pool. With a drink on hand and Caribbean sounds in the background, soak in the breathtaking beauty of this paradise.

Learn more…

Important Note

Please remember, while starfish, puffer fish, turtles and other gorgeous looking marine life may look inviting to chase or pick up for photos, it’s prohibited by law to take them out of the water or harass them. Not only can they cause you severe health issues like skin rashes, pain through poisoning, stings or bites, but they can actually die if you stress them or take them out of their natural habitat. Therefore, we urge you to please respect and protect them by keeping your distance, use biodegradable sunscreen or rashguards.

How to start your Saona Adventure?

1. Join Pro Dive International’s Saona Dive Excursion or Diver’s Day as a certified diver. 
2. Become a certified PADI Open Water Diver or PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.
3. Explore the highlights of Bayahibe with the Dominican Explorer or Dominican Great Explorer. (price list)
4. Contact us for guidance and reservation.

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

DEMA is back in Las Vegas and so is Pro Dive International’s show team Markus & Sabrina with unbeatable deals for groups and individual travelers, a raffle to win a stay & dive package, and tequila!

DIVE SHOW SPECIALS

Booking window: Nov 16 – Dec 10, 2021

1. INDIVIDUAL TRAVELERS 

Buy 5×2 tanks, get 1×2 FREE

2. GROUP DEALS

 Occidental & Allegro Cozumel

STAY Aug 21 – Dec 22, 2022

GET 5+1 Hotel & Diving

STAY Jan 02 – Aug 20, 2022

GET 9+1 Hotel and 7+1 Diving

 Allegro Playacar, Royal Hideaway, Occidental at Xcaret Destination

STAY Aug 21 – Dec 22, 2022

GET 7+1 Hotel & Diving  

 Catalonia Costa Mujeres, Playa Maroma, Riviera Maya, Royal Tulum 

STAY Jan 02 – Dec 22, 2022

GET 9+1 Hotel and 7+1 Diving

3. 10% OFF GoPRO IDC Mexico

We run a full 2-week instructor development program including 2 days of prep, including special workshops on complex skills, many specialties, one-on-one counseling during all our programs, cenotes and Cozumel fun dives, side-mount and freediving introduction, and lots more.

4. Nautilus Liveaboards

GET 5+1 for all trips in 2022 to Guadalupe, Socorro, Sea of Cortez, or Cabo Pulmo

FREE NITROX!

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

We are looking forward to meeting you at DEMA 2021 in Las Vegas, at booth #1130!

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

Your first time in the Dominican Republic? There’s so much to explore and you can’t decide whether to stay in Punta Cana or Bayahibe? This may help!

Punta Cana

Chosen by thousands of tourists every year, Punta Cana means tip of the cane palm tree that grows in abundance in the region. The resort town is popular with its endless beaches, palm tree alleys, turquoise waters and modern beach-front living. 

Favorite activities include golfing, recreational parks, surfing, diving, shopping, nightlife, and trips to the paradise islands Catalina and Saona located off Bayahibe.

Punta Cana is for you, if you

1. plan to stay on the beach or at the hotel pool all day sipping cocktails.
2. enjoy strolls along the endless 32-km sandy beach.
3. prefer a hotel zone along the palm-fringed coastline rather than a cultural town center.
4. don’t mind longer transfer times to the highlights of the destination like diving and snorkeling hotspots Bayahibe, Catalina and Saona Island. 
5. favor the cooler, rougher seas of the Atlantic Ocean.
6. opt for sticking to your hotel’s offerings regarding food and entertainment.
7. intend to shop at commercial centers.
8. love to party at night clubs, Coco Bongo, or Hardrock Café.
9. you can relate to the quote: “Eat, Sleep, Sunbath, Repeat”.

Bayahibe

From picture perfect Caribbean beaches to world-class golf courses, Bayahibe is nestled in natural richness, sugar cane fields, lush forests with freshwater caves and Taino rock art inside the Cotubanamá National Park, and offshore the dream islands Saona and Catalina, unspoiled coral reefs, shipwrecks and vibrant marine life making it the Dominican Republic’s hotspot for diving and snorkeling.

Just around the corner in close proximity can be found the replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village – Altos de Chavón, majestically hovering above the river Chavón, hosting an amphitheater, museum and cultural center; la Cueva de las Maravillas with ancient Taino paintings, the National Park of the East where you can follow in Taino steps surrounded by many endemic species of flora and fauna to the Cueva del Puente, the Padre Nuestro Trail with its underground spring, and the Caves of Wonders with its over 500 wall paintings and engravings.

Bayahibe is for you, if you

1. enjoy exploring the world outside of your hotel’s comfort zone.
2. prefer short distances to the highlights of your destination.
3. like relaxing strolls downtown for a more local, genuine experience.
4. indulge in soaking in a great diversity of scenery and adventures. 
5. favor the calm, warm and clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
6. desire soft, sandy beaches.
7. fancy healthy, colorful reefs with spectacular coral formations, at doorstep.
8. find smaller bays with harbors, bars, restaurants & souvenir shops more interesting than miles-long beach stretches.
9. you can relate to Hans Christian Anderson’s quote: “To Live Is To Travel”, as you simply want to make the most of your stay and to feel that you have really “been there”.

How to start your Dominican Adventure?

No matter where you decide to stay, Pro Dive International will be happy to welcome you to join their adventures directly from Bayahibe. 

1. Visit our website for more information
2. Learn more on the tourism board’s website
3. Check out our monthly Stay & Dive Package Specials
4. Stay at the Catalonia Gran Dominicus, or Catalonia Royal La Romana *adults only
5. Contact us for guidance!

Please note that activities other than diving and water sports may be limited due to Covid-19 restrictions by the Dominican Republic’s authorities.

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

Bull sharks can be found roaming the shallow warm waters of all the world’s oceans, particularly the tropical coasts. But you will be amazed at some of the places they have been spotted!

Australian Golf Course

Six bull sharks live in the lake at the centre of Carbrook Golf Club, where their fins poking through the water has become a regular sight. That Queensland golf course is located near the Logan River, which flooded several times in the 1990s when some pups were most likely washed in and stranded. First sightings were dismissed as drunken tales, but by 2003 there started to be photographic evidence. 

These sharks are living happily and even thought to be breeding! The lake is about the size of Grand Central Station and well stocked with fish. The Golf Club now celebrates their sharky inhabitants with the “Shark Lake Challenge” tournament, on the last Wednesday of every month; and a stylized shark fin adorns the club logo.

621 miles/ 1,000 kms up The Mississippi River!

On separate occasions, in 1937 and 1995 fishermen caught a bull shark up North America’s second-longest river near St. Louis/ Illinois and Rush Island/ Missouri. This shark species is one of only a few in the world and the only one in the Americas that can remain in freshwater bodies for about a year or more, thanks to its amazing ability to adapt their organs. More about their skills can be found in our recent blog TOP 10 Least Known Facts about Bull Sharks.

Hanging with the Hippos

Another common name for the bull shark is the “Zambezi Shark” or “Zambi”, as they are often found up Africa’s fourth-longest river that hosts the Victoria Falls. And it is not uncommon to see these sharks hanging around a pod of hippos, attracted by the many small fish that feed off the large amounts of poop produced by those hippos. 

The St. Lucia estuary, one of Africa’s largest tidal wetlands, a mix of shallow, warm fresh and salt water provides a suitable habitat for bull sharks.

Inhabiting Lake Nicaragua 

Lake Nicaragua’s resident bull sharks were once thought to be a new species. In 1877 a group of scientists studied a mysterious species of freshwater shark found in Lake Nicaragua, concluding that it was a rare species of freshwater shark, endemic to the lake. The Nicaraguan government was so proud that they even issued a special edition of stamps with the image of the shark as a symbol of national identity.

They believed that Lake Nicaragua had started out as a bay in the Pacific Ocean that closed up as time went by, trapping some sharks inside that evolved into a brand-new species. But in 1976 it was realized that they were actually bull sharks, which still today travel about 124 miles/ 200 km along the San Juan River, from the Caribbean Sea to Lake Nicaragua. 

2,485 miles/ 4,000 kms up The Amazon River

This shark has even been seen 2,485 miles/ 4,000 kms away from the ocean up the Amazon river. Bull sharks have been known to travel all the way from the Brazilian coast up river to Iquitos in Peru and into northern Bolivia. Add these to the anacondas, caiman, dart frogs and poisonous insects and you want to watch carefully where you swim and tread.

Have you ever come up close to bull sharks or dived with them? If you did, where was that and how did you feel? If you didn’t get the chance yet to dive with this majestic predator, every winter between November and March there’s an opportunity for you to safely dive with Pro Dive International and mainly female bull sharks in front of Playa del Carmen, on the Riviera Maya in Mexico, where they give birth.

How to dive with Bull Sharks in Mexico?

1. Join Pro Dive International’s Bull Shark Excursion to Shark Point as a certified diver.
2. Be lucky and spot them during one of your regular local dives in front of Playa del Carmen.
3. Sign up for the PADI Bull Shark Diving in Playa del Carmen Distinctive Specialty to enhance your experience.
4. Contact us for guidance.

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

What do divers do on Halloween? Dress like a zombie, trick-or-treat through the neighborhood to scare little kids, watch a horror movie on Netflix, or attend a party at a friend’s haunted house? How about swapping your traditions for some spooktacular dives?

Our favorite 5 Spooky Dives for Halloween counting down… 

5. Underwater Museum MUSA

What could be more surreal and eerie than diving amongst 100s of life size human figures sat on the seafloor, slowly being claimed by nature. 

This underwater museum in Cancun was created by a non-profit organization devoted to the art of conservation. MUSA features over 500 sculptures, most of which created by the British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, as well as five Mexican sculptors. There are three different galleries submerged between 10-20 ft/ 3-6 m deep.

The museum was created with the objective of saving the nearby coral reefs by providing an alternative destination for divers, and officially opened in November 2010. The statues provide a new type of artificial reef allowing art to save the ocean. The statues are made of pH-neutral cement and have many holes in them allowing marine wildlife to colonize easily. After only a short time under the water, the statues have begun to be transformed by nature.

4. Mama Viña Wreck

As you drift along the sandy seabed a huge dark shape starts to appear, the Mama Viña – an old shrimp boat guarded by a large fierce looking barracuda and a giant green moray eel.

This wreck was intentionally sunk in 1995 by Xcaret Park and has since developed an artificial reef. Today it belongs to one of the top dive sites on the Riviera Maya. 

Sitting at 30 meters, Mama Viña is covered in colorful sponges and corals, and is home to a large array of marine life. Peer through the windows to see the resident glassy sweepers shimmering inside and try to spot the lobsters and eels hiding in the propeller. Spend the dive circling up the boat to join the large barracuda at the mast. 

3. Night Diving in Cozumel

As darkness falls across the reef, creatures crawl in search of food, and bioluminescence starts to shimmer.

What creeps out onto the reef after the sun goes down? Join the vibrant party under the sea as huge basket stars unfurl their arms into the night, parrotfish create their mucus bubble beds, giant lobsters, king crabs and octopus prepare for hunt, and bioluminescence sparkles up the scene.

Check out our Top 5 party guests with Pro Dive’s recent blog…

2. Wreck C-53 Felipe Xicotencatl

Witness the great prow of this decaying World War II battleship looming out of the depths. Explore its empty hallways now taken over by sponges and marine life. Visit her final resting place and experience a piece of history becoming part of nature.  

This 184 ft/ 56 m long ship was built as a US Navy minesweeper in Tampa in 1944 during World War II and awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and five battle stars for her service at sea. After the war, in 1962 she was sold to the Mexican Navy. 

Originally named USS Scuffle, the ship was renamed ARM DM-05, and again in 1994 after Felipe Santiago Xicoténcatl, who served as a General in the Mexican Army. Converted into an Admiral Class Gunboat she guarded the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea in Search and Rescue operations. In addition to providing surveillance of illegal arms and drug trafficking.

In 1999 after providing 37 years of service to the Mexican Navy patrolling the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean for illegal arms and drugs, she was finally retired and sank, as an artificial reef and dive site. Sitting at 21m meters and rising up to 12m with many large openings for easy penetration. 

1. Cenote Angelita

A cenote unlike any other! Descend into the deep green waters onto an underwater island, surrounded by misty clouds from which dead tree limbs protrude. 

Enter another world on this dive, a deep circular pit surrounded by trees in the jungle, which is famous for its hydrogen sulfide cloud at 88 ft/ 27 m. This 10 ft/ 3 m thick cloud encircles the debris and trees that have fallen in over the years, creating the effect of an island rising up through the clouds.

As you sink deep into the dark waters of cenote Angelita you can start to make out massive trees looming out of the mist below, swim over the island and amongst the huge trees and branches rising out of the mist making this an unforgettable site!

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

What better prescription to rid one of their fear of sharks than diving right into a shark tank. Do you dare? With bull shark season just around the corner in the Riviera Maya in Mexico, there’s a perfect playground to boost your confidence and perspective of sharks. We have summarized ten of our favorite, less commonly known facts about bull sharks.

How many of those ten are new to you?

1. With up to 1,350psi (pounds per square inch) the average bite strength of Bull Sharks ranks among the top 10 of the most powerful bites among animals. In comparison, a Nile Crocodile can bite at 5,000psi, a Great White Shark at 4,000psi, a Hippo at 1,800psi, a Jaguar at 1,500psi, a Gorilla at 1,300psi and a Polar Bear at 1,200psi.

How about a human, do you wonder? Entire 62psi! Although the human record is held by Richard Hofmann from Florida, USA, who achieved a bite strength of 975 psi, which is that of a Grizzly Bear!

2. Bull Sharks are incredibly agile in the water, reaching speeds of up to 25 mph/ 40 kph. Humans on the other hand can swim at an average of 2 mph/ 3 kph. An Olympic champion like Caeleb Dressel who recently broke Michael Phelps’ world record can reach up to 9 mph/ 14.6 kph. 

3. Bull Sharks can grow to a length of up to 11 ft/ 3.3 m and, depending on their age, weigh between 198 and 570 lbs/ 90 and 259 kg. This is about 60 times as heavy as a domestic cat.

4. Bull Sharks’ testosterone levels are believed to be the highest in the animal kingdom. With 358 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter) one shark tested even higher than a male African Elephant in heat with 64.4 gn/ml.

But can one Bull Shark speak for them all? Are unfathomable high testosterone levels the reason for aggressive behavior? In reality, their blood contains levels almost a hundred times lower, between 2 to 10 ng/ml. In comparison, a male Rainbow Trout’s average sits at 300 ng/ml and a male human adult’s at 2.50 to 9.50 ng/ml.

5. Bull Sharks get their name from their overall appearance: Broad flat snout, large stout body, darker coloration on the back, unpredictable.

6. Young Bull Sharks can be recognized by their dark spots on their fins, which will disappear as they grow older.

7. One of their main characteristics, which differentiates Bull Sharks from all other types of sharks, is their unusual ability to adapt their organs to freshwater. This incredible animal evolved in such a way that its kidneys, liver and rectal gland can gradually adjust to the salinity of the water in which they are found.

When they change their environment, their kidneys remove less salt and more urea from the bloodstream through urine, allowing them to move where no other shark species can. Tell us! If that’s not adaptation and evolutionary perfection, what is it!? 

8. Bull Sharks can reproduce at any time of the year and are viviparous, so they give birth to live, fully developed offspring. Just like us humans.

9. Bull Sharks are so intense that competition for life begins even before they are born; it has been proven that intrauterine cannibalism occurs during gestation. As you can hear, the strongest and most developed offspring also feed on their littermates, even inside the womb! 

10. When giving birth, the female produces up to 13 embryos per litter, measuring between 56 and 81 cm/ 22 – 32 inches. Newborns are euryhaline, i.e. they are able to live in waters with a wide range of salt concentrations, e.g. in a river upstream and near the mouth, without their metabolism being affected. This makes perfect sense if you consider that these sharks give birth in estuaries and rivers, where the young can grow up protected from other predators to a larger size and go out to sea.

What fact is your favorite? Bull Sharks are fascinating creatures, and yet there is still so much more to learn about those apex predators that we are lucky to observe every winter in the tropical Mexican Caribbean waters in front of Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya.  

How to start your Bull Shark Adventure

1. Join Pro Dive International’s Bull Shark Excursion to Shark Point as a certified diver.
2. Be lucky and spot them during one of your regular local dives in front of Playa del Carmen.
3. Sign up for the PADI Bull Shark Diving in Playa del Carmen Distinctive Specialty to enhance your experience.
4. Contact us for guidance.

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

Have you ever gazed out at the open ocean at night wondering what happens down there as the sun disappears over the horizon and darkness sets in? If all marine life will be sleeping, or if there’s anything creeping along the reefs?

Here’s what really happens, including a list of our Top 5 Party Guests that make you want to add night diving in Cozumel to your bucket list.

Brief Overview

While the Caribbean Sea is not calming down at night due to the effectively constant trade-winds in the tropics that drive ocean wave trains and cause waves to break throughout day and night, a vibrant party under the sea is just about to begin, as huge basket stars unfurl their arms into the night, parrotfish create their mucus bubble beds, giant lobsters, king crabs and octopus prepare for hunt, and bioluminescence sparkles up the scene.

TOP 5 Party Guests

1. Basket Stars

These sea stars can only be observed in their true glory at night when they unfurl their many branched arms into the darkness to filter food from the water. Some reach nearly a meter in size! Shine your torch on them and watch them curl their huge arms back towards their mouths as they eat the small creatures attracted by your light. 

The perfect party costume, do you agree?

2. Cephalopods – Octopus & Squid

These fascinating creatures are rarely spotted during day dives, but at night you can see them out and about hunting the reef for their next meal. Watch as they move about changing colors and patterns in the blink of an eye! Below is a picture of an octopus spreading its body wide over the reef like a net to encircle its prey.

Did you know that octopuses were that colorful?

3. Crustaceans

Safely tucked away in the back of a crevice during the day, these creatures venture out under the cover of darkness to hunt. A fantastic opportunity to finally get a close-up look at all those king crabs and plenty of lobsters you have only seen as small eyes peering out from the back of a cave.

Up for a dance?

4. Parrotfish

Many fish only half sleep, needing to be alert to the dangers 24/7, but parrot fish have evolved an ingenious warning system so they can get their eyes shut. As night draws in, they find a nook to rest in and start to create a mucus like a bubble encircling their whole bodies. They can rest safely in this for the entire night, but if anything disturbs this veil, they are off like a shot into the dark!

How did this sleepy guy make it into our Top 5?

5. Bioluminescence

For those not familiar with this natural phenomenon, bioluminescence is a chemical process which allows living creatures like plankton, tiny crustaceans, some fish, squid and algae to produce light in their body to either attract prey, confuse predators, or lure potential mates.

As the bioluminescent sea will glow when it’s disturbed by a breaking wave or a splash in the water at night, for most of our divers the best part is covering up the torches and waving our arms about disturbing the bioluminescence into sparkling blue points of light. 

This makes the perfect party glitter!

Already in a party mood? Pack your dive gear!

How to join the underwater party in Cozumel?

1. Join Pro Dive International’s Cozumel Night Dives as a certified diver.
2. Boost your skills and make your night dive one of the 5 Adventure Dives of the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
3. Contact us for guidance.

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

September 1, 2021, marked the reopening day of AMR Collection’s luxurious oceanfront resort Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya. The hotel underwent an extensive renovation, including the change of name – formerly Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa and upgrades to their renowned exclusive Unlimited-Luxury® vacation experience.

Nestled on a secluded bay in a charming, yacht-studded marina village, Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya is an unforgettable escape to the tropics with fun for the entire family.

Enhancements include:

• 35 additional suites with pool access
• Refurbished rooms and suites
• New decor of internal and external furniture, bedding and accessories
• Elegant and cozy lobby
• Renovated a la carte restaurants, including Gohan, Seaside Grill, Oceana, El Patio, Portofino, and World Café
• Relocation and renovation of Coco Café and Gelato Factory
• An upgraded spacious Dreams Spa by Pevonia® including a beautiful new bridal suite
• Brand-new indoor gym
• Exciting new Kiddie Splash Zone
• Revamped Explorer’s Club for kids 3-12
• New Outdoor Lounge and Core Zone Teen’s Club
• New beachfront terrace designed to host weddings and events

The renovation of Pro Dive International’s PADI Five Star Dive & Water Sports Center will be completed shortly. Stay tuned!

Grand Re-Opening Special

Book before Sep 30. Stay until Dec 22, 2021!

✓ 5-night stay, All Inclusive

✓ Deluxe double room

✓ 3 days of diving (6 dives total)

✓ FREE NITROX

US$795 only per person

Based on double occupancy, and subject to availability.

BOOK NOW and enjoy unlimited adventure and excitement!

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

Follow your dreams! Go Pro with Pro Dive International in Mexico to start moving your office under water, enjoy endless summer and scuba diving!

Sign up for your 14-day life-boosting PADI Instructor Development Course with our PADI Course Director Leo, incl. hands-on IDC Prep and workshops.

10% Off + Freebies for EARLY BIRDS, until 31 OCT 2021!

IDC PROGRAM DETAILS

Your training will be hands-on, conducted by our PADI Course Director Leo Saldunbides who has already certified over 2,200 students.

You will practice at our top training facilities located at coveted four and five star resorts, and dive at some of the world’s best dive sites along the Riviera Maya and in Cozumel.

Successful candidates await an internship or job placement at one of our PADI Five Star Dive Centers, subject to availability. As Mexico remains one of the most popular and easily accessible destinations for instructors and divers alike, the chances are high that you’ll find your perfect spot in our Caribbean paradise.

1. IDC PREP (2 days)

Review and strengthen your knowledge of dive theory, and develop your demonstration skills.

2. ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING

During all our programs.

3. WITH EVERY IDC PURCHASED, WE INCLUDE 

• 2 days IDC – Dive Theory & Dive Skills Review
• 2 days I.E. Mock Simulation
• PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Course
• Cenotes dive
• Introduction to Freediving Workshop
• Sidemount TEC Demo
• Fun dives in Cozumel
• ScubaPro Resort Technician Workshop
• REAL employment opportunities

PLUS

• Seasonal special offers – Contact us for more info!
• Special rates for IDC & TEC/ CAVE combos
• Sidemount Training

4. MSDT Prep Program – Opportunity not to be missed!

Additionally to the five Specialty Instructor training courses, our MSDT Prep Program includes a technician clinic certificate for ScubaPro and a free 3-week instructor internship at one of our busy dive shops to work alongside experienced instructors to gain valuable experience in the “real world”.

5. GOPRO MEXICO IDC DATES 2022

6. YOUR GOPRO IDC MEXICO TRAINER – PRO DIVE’S COURSE DIRECTOR

Leo Saldunbides (Brazilian, speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, ) – Leo has trained and certified over 2,200 students, and earned Platinum, Gold and Silver accolades for his outstanding achievements in PADI Instructor Development. Moreover, he’s fun to work with and excited to share his passion and expertise with you, gathered over his 19 years as a PADI Instructor.

Courses are available in English & Spanish! 

Get in touch with Leo and reserve your spot today at info@idcmexico.com, call +52 984 806-4797, or visit www.idcmexico.com!

Plenty of empty shells of recently hatched turtle eggs were spotted by our divers at Sabalos. They had been washed off shore onto the reef after the baby turtles had dug out of their nest at night and swam off into the sea. 

The turtle nesting season on the Riviera Maya and in Cozumel happens between May and October, which means that you may be lucky to see some nests or even hatchlings during your stay with us.

Six! out of the seven sea turtle species worldwide visit Mexico every year. We are lucky enough to get to see Green Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles regularly during our dives, as they are in search of food and a good clean. 

The reefs and ecosystems here provide a great number of tasty snacks for a turtle, for example seagrass, sponges, crustaceans and many more. And while the turtles pass through the reef, they receive a top-notch cleaning service from many of the local fishes who feed on their parasites and algae growth.

6 Turtle Fun Facts

1. Green turtles are so named because of their green colored fat caused by their rich diet of seagrass.
2. Green Turtles are the largest hard-shell turtles in the world. The largest known green turtle weighed 395 kg/ 871 lbs, with a shell that measured more than 152 cm/ 5 ft.
3. Loggerhead Turtles are so named for their massive broad muscular heads.
4. Adult males are normally easy to distinguish from females because of their long tails visible extending past their shell.
5. Female turtles normally return to the exact same location where they were born to lay their eggs.
6. The sex of a baby turtle is determined by the temperature at which the egg is kept.

Turtles are regular visitors to many of our dive sites, but they are most commonly found at Tortuga – this dive site is even named turtle in Spanish! It’s located just off shore from our dive center at the Occidental Xcaret and easily accessible by boat from any of our Playa Del Carmen locations. 

Moreover, for those of you who are not divers, we are lucky enough to have some extensive seagrass beds where green turtles love to hang out and eat, which is an easy snorkel off shore during one of our tours with a guide who is licensed to enter those protected areas. 

Turtle Locations

Besides observing them underwater, you may be lucky to find some turtle nests in front of your resort on the Riviera Maya or in Cozumel. Hotel employees usually rope them off to ensure their protection.

Turtle conservation projects are a great alternative to learn more about their behaviors, importance for the marine environment, how you can help protect them, and to observe nests or turtles first hand:

• Centro Ecológico Akumal – an NGO with a 28-year history 
• Punta Sur Eco Beach Park – a 247-acre ecological park in Cozumel
• Sea Turtle Conservation Project Tulum by CONAP/ Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México

Turtle Protection

Every sea turtle species on earth nests on Mexico’s beaches (save one that is only found in Australia). Consequently, Mexico is known as the sea turtle capital of the world and its turtle protection laws are so important on a global scale.

Current Mexican law classifies all sea turtle species as endangered.

Regulations

• Turtles can’t be killed for their meat, skin, shell or eggs. 
• Native vegetation can’t be removed in nesting habitats, to stop erosion.
• New regulations call for moving, changing or eliminating any light sources that illuminate a nesting beach, as baby turtles can become disoriented from finding their way to the ocean.
• Vehicles can have a maximum weight of 300 kg on nesting beaches and only be used for patrolling and management of the nesting site.
• Recently outlawed were turtle release events, as many places kept the hatchlings in confinement for several days until a sufficient number of participants had signed up for this activity. Upon release, they were too weak to handle the surf and avoid predators.

All of these and many more regulations help protect beaches, nests, female sea turtles, their eggs and hatchlings to make it a safer place for them. 

How to start your Turtle Adventure

Let’s discover some turtles together during our dives! If you are not a diver, why not sign up for a PADI course; or join our Mexican Snorkeling Adventure at 15% OFF starting from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, if booked online until 16/09 & redeemed until Dec 22, with reference to this blog!

Learn more at: https://prodiveinternational.com

On the Riviera Maya, Mexico, there are located several famous Cenotes. These are underground bodies of water, which are enormously popular for both snorkeling and diving.

They are famous for their crystal clear waters, natural formations, and also for the religious and symbolic meaning they had for the pre-Columbian Mayans. Chac Mool meaning “Jaguar’s Claw” is one of these Cenotes ideal for diving through its mysterious caverns. Walk down a stone staircase through the jungle into its turquoise blue waters. 

We access the water through two openings. There is “Kukulkan” Cenote, which on sunny days provides a magnificent wall of light beams stretching along its outer wall. And then there is “Little Brother” Cenote, from which you will dive along Chac Mools otherworldy green-hued waters into an air dome. In here you can relax peacefully in the silence surrounded by stunning stalactites, accompanied by the roots of the trees and observed only by small bats that have managed to enter through a small hole in the ceiling.  Chac Mool is also one of the caverns which features a halocline, where salt and fresh water come together and creating stunning visual effects. 

With its big rooms and a maximum depth of 12 meters/36 feet, is a perfect place for novice cavern divers. And its stunning beauty still brings back even the most advanced.  

As mentioned, Cenotes are not only for Scuba Diving, obviously. There are several mindboggling Cenotes that are really great for snorkeling, too! For the non-diver, we offer several different excursions to snorkel the Cenotes. 

Also, for mixed groups, we are able to accomodate the part diver, part snorkeler group (or couples)  and introduce them on a same tour where we can dive and snorkel, so a combined experience can be enjoyed for both. Who said that divers and snorkelers cannot go on a tour together? Certainly, not us!

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

We are in peak season for the whale sharks, we always see the most of these majestic animals in July and August.  Their numbers are also greatest around the full moon when their food is drawn to the light. The next full moons are on the 23rd of July and the 22nd of August.

So book fast before these dates fill up! There are limited spaces to protect these gentle giants, so this doesn’t mean lots of people in the water, but certainly loads of whale sharks!

Now is the very best time, to encounter the largest fish in the world, eye to eye on close range.

Pro Dive International – Mexico guarantees your encounter with a whale shark from June – mid September, or you can re-schedule this trip for FREE or get a voucher for next trip to Mexico.

Learn more at: https://prodiveinternational.com/excursion/whale-shark-safari/

Located in from of the Xcaret park is the Mama Viña – an old shrimp boat that was intentionally sunk in 1995 for divers. Since then it has developed into an artificial reef and today belongs to one of the top dive sites on the Riviera Maya.

Almost intact, it lies in approx. 21-30m depth with its bow facing the predominant south-north current head on. Covered in sponges, sea fans and black coral, it is home to moray eels, barracuda and so much more. See the huge size as you drift towards it, then explore the outside looking into its many rooms and you can also experience the thrill of swimming inside a few sections.  

Plan your trip with our team at https://prodiveinternational.com/

Great news, in the heart of Playa del Carmen, a 1 minute walk from the famous “5th Avenue”, the boutique hotel The Bric is open again!

This small and charming hotel is perfectly suitable for our divers who love to stay at a very lively place but in a calm hotel facility with possibilities of going out, having dinner outside, enjoying the area, live music, artists, shops and much more.

From the Bric Hotel you can reach Pro Dive Mexico’s 5* dive center at the Occidental Royal Hideaway easily by taxi or our shuttle bus transportation. This charming hotel has only 14 rooms, each with its own en-suite, air conditioning and full services, including concierge and WiFi Internet. A green facility with swimming pool and outside breakfast restaurant, covered with a “palapa”, where you can enjoy your daily continental breakfast in a beautiful and tropical ambience.

Stepping out of the hotel you will find everything you need. The beach is only 2 blocks away and there are many shops, bars and restaurants around. The Bric hotel provides king rooms and standard double rooms, all equipped with a small terrace or balcony. There is also a massage service available at an extra cost.

Contact us for full details through our website at https://prodiveinternational.com/

According to the IUCN, the population in the Atlantic is thought to have been reduced by more than 30% and in the 63% over the past 75 years! And the populations are continuing to decrease. 

Because of this, whale sharks are classified as endangered. The main threat to whale sharks is the growth of unregulated and unsustainable fisheries to supply international trade demands and pollution. 

• Whales sharks are the largest fish in the world. They are actually sharks, not whales.
• Whale sharks can grow up to 40 feet /12 meters long and weigh 20.6 tons, that’s about the size of a school bus!!
• Each whale shark has its own unique pattern of spots, much like human fingerprints.
• Whale sharks are slow swimmers moving at speeds of no more than 4 kph/3 mph, but a single whale shark can travel 12,874km/8,000 miles, in just three years!
• The whale shark is a filter feeder and can neither bite nor chew. Its mouth can stretch up to 5 feet wide, filtering more than 6,000 litres of water an hour through its gills!
• A whale shark’s mouth is at the very front of its head, as opposed to the underside of the head like most sharks.
• Whale shark females produce eggs, but the young hatch inside of the mother instead of in the water like most fish. Then, the female gives birth to about 300 live young. Many never make it to maturity, though.

Learn more about diving with Whale Sharks at: http://www.prodiveinternational.com

Every year, whale sharks migrate all the way to Isla Contoy in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula to feed on the plankton in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. 

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel, to drive to the harbor and where we will take a boat in the direction of Contoy Island.  We will stay for about 3-4 hours in the open sea snorkeling, always accompanied by a specialized guide.

If the weather allows, we will stop at Isla Mujeres, where you can relax at the picturesque lagoon. We serve delicious ceviche (local dish) and (non-alcoholic) drinks to you on-board before taking you back to the harbor and your hotel, respectively.

Dont miss this amazing opportunity to witness these magestic creatures and swim with the gentle giants of the ocean!!

By the way, we literally guarantee the encounter with a whale shark! In case you won´t see one, well, we would offer you to do a repeat trip at no cost. Don´t worry though, it´s not going to happen! 

Obtain 15% OFF – Book now or before of May to receive this discount!

Pro Dive International has been organizing this exciting Whale Shark Safari for more than 10 years and has been awarded the prestigious NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AWARD and GREEN STAR AWARD for their commitment to conservation and the aquatic environment. 

The Whale Shark Safari is an unforgettable experience between June and September, during which you might even spot Manta Rays and Dolphins. Don’t miss this SUMMER HIGHLIGHT and swim with the largest fish in the ocean!

Contact us for full details at https://prodiveinternational.com/contact-us.

Have you experienced the crystal clear cave systems of the Rivera Maya?⁠

Mayans used cenotes as their water source, but they also considered them to be the entrance to the Xibalba, “the underworld”. They believed that Mayan gods would visit the cenotes, especially Chaac (the Mayan god of rain, lightning, and thunder) and would make him offerings. Throwing into the cenote jewels, pots, clothes, and even possibly human sacrifices.

Make a cenote part of your next dive trip! 

Book any cenote excursion (diving or snorkelling) for April, May or June and receive  a massive 20% discount.  Book by April 15th!

Learn more and contact us through our website at https://prodiveinternational.com/contact-us.

Due to new Covid travel regulations, we are creating stress free travel for all our guests. Book our stay & dive deals and get a FREE ANTIGEN COVID TEST for all those flying via or to the USA!

Some of our hotels include the antigen test for free directly, for the ones that charge a fee, we will cover the cost for you as long you book the hotel through us and stay a minimum of 3 nights!

On top of our hotels’ stringent anti-Covid measures, they are also now offering the ANTIGEN TESTING ONSITE with SAME DAY RESULTS to make your stay even easier!

If you are from a country that requires a PCR test, these are also available, for a small cost, and results are also provided within 24 hours!

And what happens if you test positive?! In the rare event that you test positive, many of our hotels are offering 10 Free nights additional stay, others are offering extra nights for as little as $15 USD a night or 50% OFF!

Contact us through our website at https://prodiveinternational.com/contact-us for full details.

Join Pro Dive for amazing dives in beautiful Cozumel, mystique Cenotes, exciting bull shark dives and many more!

DEMA 2020 GROUP SPECIALS  – COZUMEL

Allegro Cozumel 4* All-in / Occidental Cozumel 5* All-in / Melia Cozumel 5* All-In:

From 22. August – 23. December: –

• 1 DIVER FREE (HOTEL & DIVING) FOR EACH 5 PAID – NITROX FREE!

Rest of year: 

• 1 DIVER FREE FOR EACH 9 PAID (HOTEL) 
• 1 DIVER FREE FOR EACH 7 PAID (DIVING) – NITROX FREE!

DEMA 2020 GROUP SPECIALS RIVIERA MAYA & CANCUN

Catalonia Costa Mujeres Cancun  All-In / Catalonia Playa Maroma All-In / Catalonia Riviera Maya All-In / Catalonia Royal Tulum All-In:

• 1 DIVER FREE FOR EACH 9 PAID (HOTEL)
• 2 DIVER FREE FOR EACH  9 PAID (DIVING) – NITROX IS FREE

We also have great deals for our individual travelers: 

At all of our dive centers in Mexico and the Dominican Republic we offer a 20% discount on every dive & snorkel package!

Packages starting from as low as USD 339 for 5 nights all inclusive including 3 days of diving! 

Inquire now and take advantage of these ultra low rates!

Booking window 17. November – 10. December. Restrictions apply

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

In perfect timing, and in a phase where the world is getting hopeful for the arrival of a long awaited Covid vaccine, and finally travel activities around the globe are starting to increase again, Pro Dive International is welcoming PADI Course Director Leo Saldunbides, as the new leader of their prestigious IDC, GoPro & TecRec Academy.

Leo, originally from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, started freediving and scuba diving at a very young age, and has been working in the diving industry as a professional since almost 20 years.

Throughout those years, Leo has been diving, teaching and working in many locations such as Brazil, The Bahamas, Mexico, The Dominican Republic, Portugal, The Netherlands, Malaysia and finally in Cape Verde Islands, where he spent the past several years of this professional career.

Leo has been a very successful Course Director for many years now, and during his career has certified more than 2000 Students, while completing upwards of 7500 dives. He is also qualified to teach technical diving such as Sidemount, Tec Deep and many other areas.

One major achievement of Leo was him being the very first person to introduce PADI Instructor Training in a regular and structured way to the islands of Cape Verde, where his implemented training system remains until today. He also filled roles as GoPro Coordinator and in Quality Assurance, something he will also be encharged with at Pro Dive International.

Being fluent in English, Spanish and also in Portuguese, and with an imminent restructuring of Pro Dive’s  Academy, additional languages,such as German, French and Italian being added to the portfolio, Leo will be able to offer GoPro Packages and Instructor Development in more different languages than any other IDC center on the globe.

Please take note. Leo’s vision is to completely revamp and further improve what Pro Dive’s Academy has to offer. This includes not only adding more technical dive training options on top of the more “mainstream” possibilities, but also the creation of entirely new programs that will be unique and second-to-none in the entire diving industry.

An ambitious plan, but Pro Dive International’s GoPro and Instructor Academy has been one of the leading facilities in the Caribbean and Latin America since many years. Leo aims to continue and further improve this trend, always keeping the bar up highest, as Pro Dive International did so successfully in the past years as well.

If you are interested in Leo’s training, or like to learn what the Pro Dive International GoPro Academy has to offer, you can contact Leo at www.prodiveinternational.com

The Oscars are out! 

The readers of Scuba Diving Magazine, one of the leading magazines in the scuba diving industry, have spoken.

Pro Dive International, has been voted WINNER, as one of the best dive operators, now for the 6^th year running. Readers also specifically recognised Pro Dive for their Quality of Staff, and Quality of Dive Training and Courses.

Mexico, was voted No.1 in the Caribbean/Atlantic region for Cave Diving, Advanced Diving, Best Value and Best Overall. 

The Cozumel South hotels Allegro Cozumel and the Occidental, where Pro Dive International is located, were both voted among the BEST OVERALL dive hotels in Caribbean/Atlantic, with the Occidental being especially awarded for quality of rooms. 

The Melia Cozumel, also a Pro Dive location, but in Cozumel’s north, has been awarded for quality of restaurants. 

“We are very thrilled and honored to receive this coveted award again this year. Pro Dive’s philosophy has always been centered on high quality customer service combined with utmost safety while diving, and our goal is to make diving an ultimate fun experience at the same time. It is rewarding to know that our work and efforts have been noticed and appreciated by our clients. It’s a real joy to share our passion for scuba diving and the marine world with so many other diver’s around the world.”

Markus Fleischmann, President and founder of Pro Dive International

Renowned for excellent quality in providing first class adventures including diving in the CENOTES, with BULL SHARKS, wrecks and famous walls at COZUMEL, as well as Safaris with WHALE SHARKS & SAILFISH.

Pro Dive International, founded in 2003, is the official onsite water sports service provider for several 4-5* RESORTS along the RIVIERA MAYA & COZUMEL/ MEXICO, and in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

Pro Dive International has a multilingual team available to take reservations for diving, hotel accommodation, the VIP stay & dive concept ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE at Allegro Cozumel (unique in the Caribbean), transfers and cultural tours, provides services to international travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, excursions team and own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles. Also, Pro Dive offers FREE NITROX at all of its locations.

For more information, visit Pro Dive’s website www.prodiveinternational.com 

Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s premier Dive Operators and a recognized PADI Career Development Center, proudly announced the inauguration of a new diving center at the All- Inclusive Cozumeleño Beach Resort, the 1^st of December 2020.

The resort is located on the island of Cozumel, on white sandy beach facing the Caribbean Sea, at the north of the quaint city of San Miguel and just 5 minutes from downtown and the International Airport. 

With spacious rooms, all with balconies and splendid ocean views, El Cozumeleño Beach Resort is the ideal choice for families seeking comfort, fun, relaxation, and of course scuba diving. 

The resort boasts its own private beach with calm waters, perfect for snorkeling right at the property, its own pier for dive boats and the convenience of its divers, 4 outdoor and 1 indoor pool, 2 Jacuzzis, own mini-golf and tennis courts, a kids club, a convention center for up to 500 visitors, and much more. Also, the Cozumel Country Club is just around the corner for guests interested in playing golf.

The hotel is perfectly suited to receive diving groups as well, and has a reputation for being very family friendly, besides its excellent staff and service level.

“We are thrilled about the recent opening of our new facility at the Cozumeleño, and very proud that we have been chosen as the official dive and watersports provider at this magnificent hotel! Obviously, we are already working with the hotel, to be able to offer formidable and great deals on dive & stay packages, so very soon we will be able to offer these to our valued clients and guests. The Cozumeleño stands for quality and excellence, and guest satisfaction is their priority concern, which fits perfectly to our own company motto – Excellence through Quality – so I think Pro Dive and the Cozumeleño Beach Resort are a perfect match.  We look forward to a successful future as their partners… and without any doubt, the benefit of this new partnership, will be enjoyed by our future mutual guests, divers and snorkelers.”

Markus Fleischmann, President and Founder of Pro Dive International.

Cozumel is known as the premier diving destination of the Caribbean, with ultra-clear waters assuring maximum underwater visibility throughout most of the year, impressing reef formations and boasting a rich marine life protected by a National Marine Park. Cozumel was made famous for divers by none other than Mr. Jacques Cousteau himself, who back in the days declared Cozumel as one of the world’s most spectacular diving locations. 

Renowned for excellent quality in providing first class adventures including diving in the CENOTES, with BULL SHARKS, wrecks and famous walls at COZUMEL, as well as Safaris with WHALE SHARKS & SAILFISH, Pro Dive International, founded in 2003, is the official onsite water sports service provider for several 4-5* RESORTS along the RIVIERA MAYA & COZUMEL/ MEXICO, and in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

Pro Dive International has a multilingual team available to take reservations for diving, hotel accommodation, the VIP stay & dive concept ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE at Allegro Cozumel (unique in the Caribbean), transfers and cultural tours, provides services to international travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, excursions team and own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles. 

Also, Pro Dive offers FREE NITROX at all of its locations.

For more information, visit www.prodiveinternational.com

Let’s learn some facts about Playa del Carmen´s famous annual visitors, that for many years have attracted people from all over the world to the area.

• COMMON NAME: Bull Shark
• SCIENTIFIC NAME: Carcharhinus leucas
• TYPE: Fish
• AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 16 years
• SIZE: 7 to 11.5 feet
• WEIGHT: 200 to 500 pounds

10 FACTS

1. It´s one of 43 shark species that can live in both seawater and freshwater, which means they can be found even in rivers and lakes. They have been reported as far inland as 2220 miles (3700 km) up the Amazon River in Peru and more than 1800 miles (3000km) up the Mississippi River in Illinois.
2. Bull sharks are grey on top and white underneath. They have a small, short snout and small eyes.
3. They are known as Carcharhinus Leucas in the scientific world, but also depending on its whereabouts: Bull Shark, Zambezi Shark, Nicaragua Shark, or Ganges River Shark.
4. They are named this way because they have blunt snouts and habit to attack the prey by hitting it first, using the heads (just like bulls).
5. Bull sharks are active not only during the night but also during the day.
6. Females are larger than males! A typical female bull shark is 2.4 m (7.9 ft) long and weighs 130 kg (290 lb), while a male averages 2.25 m (7.4 ft) and 95 kg (209 lb).
7. The bigger size of females is the reason why they have a longer lifespan than males. Females can live for about 16 years, and males up to 12 years.
8. It takes about 10 years until they reach maturity.
9. They are generally found in water less than 100ft (30m) deep.
10. Bull sharks eat almost everything! Their diet mainly consists of bony fish, invertebrates, sea turtles, birds and dolphins.

Interested to Dive With Bull Sharks? Now our annual season starts, so get into touch with us!

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

Imagine you were diving through the swim-throughs of a Coral Garden in warm clear waters, drifting along deep walls covered with sponges, fans and macro life, surrounded by colorful schools of fish, turtles, lobsters and crabs… Stop dreaming and join our team at Pro Dive International to make it come true!!!

We are proud to be located in some of the best resorts in Cozumel, with ideal locations in the southern marine park to access true world class diving.

Wake up to the beautiful Caribbean sun, enjoy a grand breakfast buffet and slowly wander down to our dive shop on the beach, and within 10 minutes you will be diving the pristine marine park. What more could you want! Many sites are perfect for your none diving family also, to snorkel along, fun for the whole family!

Celebrating the grand reopening of 3 of our bases in Cozumel we have some fantastic deals! Cozumel South diving is finally on again!

At the Allegro Cozumel, we offer the BEST DEAL ON THE ISLAND….

3 nights all-inclusive double occupancy, 2 days of 2-tanks included, FREE NITROX – Starting at only USD 339! Or you want to stay longer? 5 nights with 4 days of 2-tanks included, start at 599 USD.

And hey, also the 5 Star Occidental Cozumel, right next door to the Allegro is now open, also for this hotel we have incredible stay & dive deals! 3 nights all-inclusive double occupancy, 2 days of 2-tanks included, FREE NITROX – Starting at only USD 359! 5 nights with 4 days of 2-tanks, start at 629 USD!

Want to stay longer, or combine with Cenotes or Bull Shark Diving, contact us for tailor made packages. You have until the 30th of November to book, so make sure you don’t miss out on theses never to be seen again low rates!!

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

Playa del Carmen is famous for its annual visitors, the bull sharks, and for many years people have come to dive with the sharks. For this reason, the PADI Bull Shark Diving Distinctive Specialty was created and designed by our team at Pro Dive, especially for diving with these majestic creatures in and around Playa del Carmen, Mexico. 

Its aim is to provide you with information about the Bull Shark, as well as dispel many myths associated with these animals and sharks in general. We also hope to raise awareness of the threats posed to sharks and what you can do to help. With the open water dives, we hope that you will get the opportunity to see these animals first hand and that this Specialty course will enrich and improve the experience.

The course consists of a classroom session and two open water dives, and successful students will receive their certification card from PADI!

The PADI Bull Shark Diving Distinctive Specialty includes certificate & manual, excl. 2 tanks which you can use from your dive package

Regular price: US$162.00
Now with 20% discount (until 31st of Oct): US$129.60!

If you need rental gear, receive 50% off on that!

Learn more at: https://prodiveinternational.com

Amazing news for everyone, due to popularity our 20% special has been increased to 25% OFF!!! Even better it’s on all snorkeling/diving products and packages. Not planning to visit right now, no problem you can use your purchase anytime in the next 5 years in any of our locations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. 

You have until the 15th of October to book so don’t take to long to decide! However, if you are concerned about the stability of your travel plans at this time we have made your booking worry free by making your purchase valid to use any time in the next 5 years and can be changed to any date and location!    

Conditions are as follows:

• 25% OFF all diving and snorkeling (includes packages and courses)
• Booking window until 15 OCT 2020.
• Must be paid by 15 OCT 2020.
• Purchases are valid for a full 5 years!
• Non refundable, but name changes allowed.

For reservations or for more information, please contact us at:  https://prodiveinternational.com/contact-us.

You have probably already seen some incredible videos of the whale sharks this year. It was an amazing extended season with large numbers of manta rays joining them in their feast of plankton here in the Caribbean. 

I would describe it as snorkelling in a thick soup of sharks and manta rays! An unforgettable experience to be surrounded by such giant majestic animals!

What’s more, as the whale sharks leave us the bull sharks are already being frequently sighted early before their season! This year would be a truly epic year for shark sightings!

Great numbers of bull sharks migrate to the shallow waters of Playa del Carmen every year, normally from Nov-Mar as the ocean temperature lowers. They are mainly pregnant females hanging around until it’s time to pup. This aggregation is an important monitoring site for bull sharks, because as with most pelagic fish they are difficult to follow and study. Help support their protection and research by booking a dive with them. For every diver we take we make a donate to Saving our Sharks.

Book now for this years bull sharks or next years whale sharks with our amazing 25% OFF, see below for more details!

Learn more about diving with sharks in Playa del Carmen with Pro Dive International at: https://prodiveinternational.com

If you are one of the many people we have hosted on our boats, you will know, we think of you as family. We love showing you the beauty of the underwater world, and to share our passion with you!

Unfortunately, COVID-19, for now has shut us down. Our company is doing everything possible to take care of us, but with operations closed and no customers diving, of course it’s difficult. With more than 150 people, we are a big bunch at Pro Dive, plus families attached. And, in our country, employment insurance is not available, nor other forms of effective government aid, to help us through this time.

So, our friends at SeaSave suggested to support us with this fundraiser. We think, it’s a great and very humble idea, for which we are grateful, and we hope you feel the same.

Needless to say, that 100% of the proceeds of this fundraiser will be received exclusively by us, the Pro Dive staff, in order to help cover our salary payments.

Please help us now, to support ourselves and our families through this rough patch.

We promise to be back, and ready to serve you again as soon as the COVID-19 crisis is over, hopefully very soon!

Stay safe and healthy, and thank you!

Your Pro Dive International Team – https://donorbox.org/prodive

Dear Friends!

We hope everyone is safe, and your families and friends are well, despite the situation in the world right now!

The Coronavirus Crisis has kept all of us in its grip, and unfortunately we know it will continue like this for a while. In the meantime, we are trying to think what we can do, to make sure our company gets through this crisis as as healthy as possible, and how our entire workforce will be able to come back to their jobs once the crisis is over. It is our objective to avoid layoff to anyone working for us, and to support our hard working staff during the upcoming weeks as much as possible. Mexico and the Dominican Republic unfortunately don’t provide safety nets provided by the governments to their companies and people, as in some others countries may be the case. So, we need to be creative and find win-win solutions and models, that help everyone involved!

In our past communication we asked our clients to please not cancel their trips with us, or request refunds right now, and rather postpone the trip into the future (we are offering vouchers valid for a full 5 years). Now, we have come up with an idea to do even more, as assistance is needed, on every level possible.

We are offering a VERY SPECIAL PROMOTION, which provides for a whopping 25% DISCOUNT for diving or snorkeling, and the reservation may be used at any time during the next 5 years, so, provides total flexibility!

In order to obtain this great discount, the payment has to be made before the 15th of April this year, it’s not refundable, but name changes are allowed. This offer is bookable directly with us, but also through any of our worldwide dive travel agency partners, so don’t hesitate! We are also negotiating with our partner hotels, to provide us with similar offers, so within a few days we probably can extend the offer to full dive and stay packages as well.

Thanks for your support, now is the time to save big $$ on your future diving trip with us, and at the same time provide great assistance to our company and its entire staff.

Stay Safe, and thank you once again!

Markus Fleischmann

President
Pro Dive International

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

Dear divers and friends, in view of the turmoils in the world due to the new Coronavirus SARS-COV-2 pandemic, we like to makefollow- ing communication:

We understand that everyone is concerned about the spread of this new virus, we obviously are as well, but we try to act calm and reasonable, and with logic applied as much as possible. Of course, the wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern, and due to the situation, we at Pro Dive International implemented some new rules and procedures, to keep everyone as safe as possible and the risk of infection with this new virus as low as possible.

Fact is, that our state Quintana Roo, until today has only registered one single case of Coronavirus, and which was registered just last night, and in all Mexico there are only 15 confirmed cases, which ranks Mexico as one of the countries with the very lowest infection numbers compared to the vast majority of other countries.

In that sense we like to think that probably you are much safer here in Mexico, with less risk of infection, than in others countries of the world! So, if you planned to travel to us in the soon future, or still are thinking about it and not sure how to decide, please know that we will be welcoming you warmly, and with us you will be in the best possible hands as we take it seriously to keep you safe and with the low risk of infection throughout your stay. Also, we also are adjusting our cancelation policy during this time of unrest, in order to provide the maximum possible flexibility to our guests for travel.

Remember, being in the water diving is probably the best thing you can do, as under water there is no risk of infection! But humoraside, in view of the current situation, we like to update you on the following, plus provide a few facts:

• Until now, the state of Quintana Roo, where most of our dive centers are located, has still only confirmed one single case of Coronavirus Covid19.
• In Mexico in total, so far there are only 15 confirmed cases.
• In the Dominican Republic, where we operate a dive center in Bayahibe, so far only 5 cases of Coronavirus have been registered in the whole country.
• Therefore both MEXICO and the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC are currently in Phase 2 as defined by the WHO (e.g. sporadic cases, more than 1, no clusters)
• The airport of Cancun, as well as other Mexican airports, as well as the airport of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, have not restricted flights from other destinations with very few exceptions.
• In this regard, we recommend to read this very interesting and most actual travel advice communication of the WHO from 29th February, which provides the WHO’s official re commendation fo r international travel and travelers, and which states that with the exception of individuals who are elderly, have chronic diseases or underlying health conditions, restriction of travel is generally NOT advised or recommended, as they are not useful in order to stop the spread or importation of new cases into a country, and consequent- ly the WHO asks the countries to NOT put unnecessary travel bans into place which only create greater damage in social and economic levels of the affected countries: https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/updated-who-recommendations-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-covid-19-outbreak

Sanitation & Disinfection

• We have, obviously, always regularly cleaned and disinfected our equipment in the past, also before the Coronavirus started to spread in the world, however we have reviewed our sanitation procedures, implemented additional regulations and therefore increased sanitation effectivity even further.
• All snorkels, regulator mouthpieces, BCD oral power inflators and masks of our rental equipment inventory, are disinfected after every single use, additionally all of our rental equipment receives complete rinse baths on ra egular basis with an adequate disin- fectingsolution.
• For adequate disinfection, we only use appropriate sanitation products that are officially approved for use against Coronavirus, according to the EPA (UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC- TION AGENCY) and which can be verified here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

• We also provide brand new snorkels (for only USD 6) as well as silicone regulator mouth pieces (USD 10) for purchase in our dive centers, for any guest who is interested in purchasing them in order to not use rental parts.
• We have placed liquid gel hand sanitizer in all of our dive centers, as well into offices for frequent use.
• Our staff has been briefed and recently received a special work- shop by clinic medical staff, to learn about and understand COVID19 and best practices to avoid its unnecessary spread, in application in our work environment which are the diving operations. They get reminded daily and frequently by our managers in the field, to remember to keep up the good practices to avoid spread of the virus. Upholding of our new procedures is constantly monitored in all our facilities by our full time Quality Manager.
• We frequently wipe and disinfect our working areas such as information desks, tables and chairs, etc., as well as items such as pens, clipboards, iPads, cellphones, keyboards , etc.
• We have also implemented stricter disinfecting procedures in our transportation vehicles, such as vans, trucks, and boats which are used for land and ocean tours or airport transports. Handrails, windows, seats and all areas that people touch are being disinfected for every single tour, also the air in the vehicles (vans and trucks) is being sanitized as part of this procedure.
• On our boats, we have stopped to rinse masks in the same buckets pre-diving, we now provide an alternative method to make sure that every mask before diving gets rinsed individually not sharing water with with other masks.

Adjusted Cancellation Policy

Until further notice: Our cancelation policy has not generally changed, but for diving, snorkeling or tours we will apply special courtesy and consideration for cases where official disposition or restriction does not allow the guest to travel as intended, always ifwe receive the cancelation earlier than 24 hours before reservation and if support can be provided that travel has become impossible.This special courte- sy applies for official dispositions imposed by governments or other legal authorities, as well as for cancelation offlights or travel arrange- ment when imposed by the specific travel provider. In such cases we will provide vouchers valid for 3 yearsor full refunds and only deduct our bank fee charge (4.5%). In the case of hotel reservations we depend on the policy of the corresponding hotel, but like to advise you that also most hotels we cooperate with, will apply special courtesy due to the current situation. We hope the above clarifies our extra efforts to keep you safe from the Coronavirus, and encourages you to come dive with us despite the situation.

Remember, the best place to be right now may just be underwater, so let’s go diving!

Warm regards from your team at Pro Dive International.

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

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

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

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

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!

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, and join seminars with our CEO Markus Fleischmann to learn more about diving in Mexico & the Dominican Republic on Sat Jan 20 at 16:05, Sun Jan 21 at 15:30 at the stage in hall 3!

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!

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