News
Congratulations to the Fifth Point – the first and only Green Star Dive Centre in the UK!
The Fifth Point Diving Centre, based in Blyth, Northumberland, has been recognised as a leader in environmental protection with the prestigious PADI Green Star Award.
This celebrated accolade is granted to dive centres and resorts that demonstrate a dedication to conservation across a wide range of business functions, including water conservation, energy use, use of sustainable materials, and conservation leadership. The Green Star Award identifies dive businesses that care about the environment and are acting to protect it.
The Fifth Point is the first and only Green Star Dive Centre in the UK, and one of only nine in the world.
Their eco-conscious values permeate every activity in their company. Protecting the ocean is of upmost importance, and they share this passion with their fellow scuba divers.
Ocean protection is embedded in all The Fifth Point’s training. Even as a beginner, not only do participants learn how to dive during the PADI Open Water Course, but they also discover how their scuba diving skills can be used to protect fragile underwater environments. With their unique approach to diver training, The Fifth Point include the Project AWARE Specialty Course as standard in their Open Water Experience. This inaugurates new divers as ambassadors of the underwater world and sends them into the big blue as environmentally responsible divers.
Once divers progress onto their Advanced Course, they also get the opportunity to become a qualified citizen scientist with the PADI Dive Against Debris Specialty. The Fifth Point have seamlessly woven the course into their PADI Advanced Open Water Experiences. It teaches divers how to plan and conduct debris surveys at their local sites, removing trash from the ocean and reporting the data back to Project AWARE to fuel evidence for change.
In 2017, The Fifth Point founded their volunteer wing – Our Sea Trash Free. They organise regular beach and underwater clean ups. As a result of their hard work, the group was awarded “Volunteer Group of The Year” by EBPC in 2018. With the help of their volunteers, The Fifth Point has removed over 1,800kg of trash from their local coastline.
Most UK divers are renowned for filling their swag bags with lobsters and scallops. In contrast, The Fifth Point, with their “no touch, no take” philosophy, will never remove marine life or wreck artefacts from the water. In fact, they regularly assist the local lobster hatchery in Amble to release baby lobsters back into the wild – helping sustain local lobster populations.
With a busy year of environmental action planned for 2019, The Fifth Point is a dive centre with a purpose and are always looking for volunteers to help grow their army of eco-warriors.
Find out more at: www.fifthpointdiving.com.
Blogs
BTM Travel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Dive Adventures
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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