News
Dive Trip Report: Oman
On the first week of February, Twelve divers from Stratford-on-Avon dive club set off for a week on the Saman Explorer diving around the Hallaniyat islands. Two of us had been on this trip a couple of years ago and were impressed with the amount of life in the seas, hence the return trip with friends.
The travelling was effortless; we were picked up on time and arrived at the boat in the afternoon. The boat has had a recent refit and the quality is superb. We all thought it was the best liveaboard we had been on which includes several in the Red Sea and others in the Maldives and Indonesia. The refit had made it more like being in a hotel than a boat. All the cabins are a good size with separate showers rather than wet rooms so the loo rolls don’t get soaking wet. The deluxe cabin is fabulous with a huge bed, TV and lovely mood lighting (I was in two minds whether to stay there and forget the diving!).
The crew were all very helpful. Mustafa, who served the meals, was never without a big beaming smile and the food was of a high standard. It is worth noting that there was no-one who had any sort of stomach problems all week.
The first day we dived two wrecks near the coast. The visibility was poorer than we had expected but it had been – and still was – very windy, which perhaps stirred up the water. However, the fish life was phenomenal (perhaps due to the large number of plankton in the water).
The next day we went to the islands, where the water was clearer but still with huge numbers of fish. If we had seen them crammed in an aquarium like that the RSPCA would have got involved! We also noticed that they were much larger than in the Egyptian Red Sea.
We saw many varieties of rays, huge shoals of fusiliers, all sorts of reef fish, huge groupers, and we were even treated to an afternoon of Humpback whales doing a display for us.
Karim is an excellent dive guide; in fact all of the staff on the boat were all very helpful and professional. The dive platform is huge and putting fins on is still easy, even when several people have gathered at the back ready to jump in.
The diving is different from the Egyptian Red Sea with very little hard and soft corals so therefore not so much colour, but the rock formations are lovely and being among so much life was magnificent. Although we didn’t see any sharks, the rays and whales more than made up for that and I found it better than liveaboard diving in the Maldives, mainly because of the sheer volume of life. For me, although it’s a bit more expensive than the Egyptian Red Sea, it’s well worth the extra to experience something totally different.
Hilary and her club booked their trip to Oman with UK-based tour operator Ultimate Diving. to find out more about the dive holidays Ultimate Diving offer visit www.ultimatediving.co.uk.
Who We Are
BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.
- Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
- Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
- Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.
While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.
What We Do
BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:
- Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
- Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.
Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.
What Makes Us Different
We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.
- Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
- Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.
Our Mission
Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.
Find Out More
For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:
Email: info@behind-the-mask.com
Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225
Website: www.behind-the-mask.com
News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
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