News
Bimini – Wild Dolphin Day
Our tour of The Bahamas had us doing quite a bit of island hopping, using small planes to take us from one island to the next. This meant that there were a few non-diving days scheduled into our itinerary and one of these was on Bimini. So, what is there to do? Well we have always wanted to do one of the wild dolphin snorkel trips to see if we could get in the water and photograph Atlantic Spotted Dolphins that are famous residents here.
We jumped on the boat with our cameras and snorkeling gear and headed up to the top deck of the Bimini Scuba Centre boat to hear the briefing from Neal Watson, owner and our guide and skipper for the day. The trip out to the right area was going to take about 20 minutes and then it was time for everyone to start spotting.
There are actually two species of dolphin that spend their time just off the Bimini coastline, the aforementioned spotted kind and also Bottlenose Dolphins. Spotted dolphins are considered to be more “friendly” and so are the ones that can make for the best in-water experience, but when the first shout of dolphin rung out around the boat, it was for a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins. We didn’t care; we grabbed our mask, fins and snorkels, as well as our cameras, and jumped off the back of the boat.
It was incredible! As soon as we put our heads in the water, we could hear the dolphins clicking and pointing their noses at the sandy sea bed below. They were using echo-location to find their prey buried beneath the sand. We watched them hunt beneath us. We thought that, as they were busy finding food, they would not be interested in us, but every time they came up to breathe, they would buzz past us, getting very close and having a good look at us. This lasted for about half an hour and then they were suddenly gone and we jumped back on the boat to begin a new search.
In just a few minutes, we were back in the water, again with more Bottlenose Dolphins and this group was even friendlier. The group had a mother and baby, who were not worried by us at all, and in fact the mother and baby came in very close to each of us in the water, which was a real treat.
We never did find any Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, as our experience in the water with the Bottlenose Dolphins was so magical, we did not want to leave and stayed for over an hour in the water, watching them play and hunt until it was time to head back to dry land. Our time in Bimini was up. Our short time on the island had given us up-close Great Hammerhead Shark encounters, wrecks and reefs, and also this wonderful wild dolphin experience. The tiny island packs a real punch for the underwater photographer!
We now move on to Andros to dive into blue holes, along walls… and to try some coral conservation work first hand.
For more information visit the following websites:
Image & text by Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown – www.frogfishphotography.com
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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