News
Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2021
2021 has been an incredible year for entries into the Scubaverse monthly video competition. There has been quality as well as quantity. Judging each month has been difficult as all the films were excellent in one way or another, be it the story telling, camerawork, narration, lighting, animal behaviour, artistic flare, editing. All were great to watch and I look forward to seeing entries in 2022.
To pick an overall winner for 2021 I have had help from Sven Harms and Lindsay Lynch from SeaLife Cameras and also Jake Davies, marine biologist and videographer.
Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2021
Winner: Tiger (Shark) King by Clayton Conn
Clayton Conn, freelance journalist and film maker who won the November competition wrote: ‘It was a great experience and privilege to participate in the Scubaverse monthly video contest. There are very few dedicated places online that underwater filmmakers, novice to experienced, can share their videography and cinematography with such accessibility and receive positive yet critical feedback. No sense of negative competition here, rather a place where all underwater filmmakers can level up together’.
Jake Davies wrote of the film: ‘A very well produced video using a huge amount of production skills throughout. The video is full of high quality camera work above and below water and beautifully edited. Having an interviewee is great in telling a personal storyline and gets lots of messages across more efficiently along with keeping engagement. Top quality and very well produced – great work on creating such an informative piece with lots of important information and messaging’.
There was a special note from Sven Harms and Lindsay Lynch about ‘Breathing under the sea by Noemie Stroh’ our March winner: ‘We loved March for the really flowing and lively wildlife. The editing was very good and it kept us engaged for the entire video – this was the deciding part’.
Thanks again to all those who took part and I wish you a great filming 2022. That you to all the competition sponsors.
The winner of the 2021 competition takes away an incredible assortment of prizes:
7 Nights at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort, Indonesia
Bunaken Oasis redefines diving in Bunaken. Positioned very much at the luxury end of the spectrum, Bunaken Oasis’ aim is to provide a 5-star luxury diving experience whilst keeping its ecological footprint to a minimum.
Find out more about Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort at www.bunakenoasis.com.
Suunto D5 Dive Computer
The Suunto D5 is designed to be so clear and easy-to-use that you can just enjoy and focus on exploring the wonderful underwater world.
Find out more about the Suunto D5 dive computer here.
Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera
Paralenz Vaquita is a small and powerful underwater camera with a simple mission: to enable you to seamlessly capture and share brilliant underwater videos.
Find out more about the Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera here.
Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator
The Dual Adj 62X scuba diver regulator is the smallest and most compact first stage ever made by Mares. That’s why it’s the perfect travel companion for divers all over the world.
Find out more about the Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator here.
Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof
The Titanium Chillproof has FIR reflective technology that reflects and retains the Far Infrared Heat Energy from our bodies back into our bodies subsequently causing a rise in temperature, increased blood flow and improved metabolic function – i.e. we will be warmer.
Find out more about the Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof here.
XDEEP Radical Mask
The XDEEP Radical frameless mask allows you to take in more of what is around you, enhancing both the dive experience and your situational awareness of you, your team and the environment.
Find out more about the XDEEP Radical Mask here.
Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch
The three white light settings make the ‘Varilux Zoom’ a fantastic multi-purpose dive torch.
Find out more about the Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch here.
Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag
The Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag is made from tough and enduring heavy-duty mesh PVC and the base is double lined for durability.
Find out more about the Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag here.
Pandora-Lab Multi Tool
Pandora Multi Tool is a diver’s ‘Swiss Army knife’ designed to ease field maintenance where and when it matters.
Find out more about the Pandora-Lab Multi Tool here.
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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