News
Cozumel here I come!
Pro Dive Mexico’s Marketing Manager Susann Seifert gets some time out of the office and gets to experience her favourite side of the business – the diving!
Who doesn´t know that feeling of sitting in the office scrolling through all those intriguing posts with stunning pictures of beautiful dive destinations… the moment you start daydreaming until you finally reach that point when you shout out loud: “That’s it! Cozumel here I come!”
The idea of packing all my dive equipment that I will need to carry through that heat is not really all that appealing, but HEY! the outlook on what awaits simply can´t hold me back any more. Deciding to leave all the heavy equipment at home and rent instead, I just grab my mask, dive computer and underwater camera before catching the next taxi to the ferry.
There are plenty of options to ferry over to the island of Cozumel for my 1pm 2-tank dive (The excursion offered by Pro Dive Mexico would have probably been the more comfy way by the way, as they take care of all the arrangements, provide transportation from your hotel, a guide, lunch and even soft drinks).
Not even 1 hour later, after a smooth 40 minute ride through the turquoise Caribbean waters and a quick trip by taxi, I arrive at our popular partner hotel Occidental Allegro Cozumel, which seems even more shiny after last year´s renovation and is surrounded by lush greenery.
Finally… the breathtaking view I´ve missed sooo much for the last 6 months!! I feel like just throwing all my stuff on that white sandy beach and running into the 28°C warm luxury bathtub of the Caribbean Sea.
I´m early, so it´s still calm and quiet before all of Pro Dive Mexico´s diving and snorkeling boats return from their morning trips. Look! My name is already on the board! Good times.
Here they are… LIONS II – Pro Dive Mexico´s fastest boat, GYPSY, 3 HERMANOS and ESTRELLA DEL MAR.
Time for me to get my equipment ready. Bodegero Alex is very friendly and helpful and already guesses my required sizes. I´ll go with a long 3mm M-size wetsuit, since I tend to freeze pretty quickly, but take another shorty to put on top… just in case.
Look how clean and neat his Bodega looks. You can even keep your equipment here if you are diving with them for a couple of days and do not want to carry it up and down from your hotel room. Having said that, the ‘Ultimate Dive Experience’ room category at the Allegro is located only a few steps from the base and even features a rack to hang your wetsuit! If you stay for at least 4 or 5 nights, you will get 1 free tank every day, and the hotel´s dive coordinator will assist you with all your dive arrangements. Sounds so comfy… I’ll definitely be checking that out next time!
I´m so excited!! Now it´s my turn to head out on 3 HERMANOS to Columbia Shallow and Palancar Gardens. Columbia Shallow is indeed pretty shallow, an aquarium-like crystal-clear vibrant dive site where it’s perfect for taking pictures, whereas Palancar Gardens as the northernmost reef of Palancar dive site is characterized by beautiful coral walls, plenty of swim-throughs, and canyons that are home to Groupers, Jacks, Turtles, large schools of Grunts, Lobsters, Nudi Branches, Spider Crabs and many more. A true wonderland – very relaxing and rewarding dives.
The crew is really helpful – they provide an informative briefing, assist with the equipment, entry and exit, and offer water and fruits. Memo, of A La Aventura Diving Films and Pro Dive Mexico´s underwater video & photographer, who had been requested by some friends from Toronto to film all their adventures, also made sure to share some beautiful marine life shots with me. That´s him on the surface on the second picture.
The end of a fantastic day in Cozumel with one of the best buddies I´ve ever had! And there is way more out there! Watch out for it and join me for my next adventures!
Thanks to Memo/A La Aventura for the wonderful underwater pictures.
For more information about Pro Dive Mexico, visit www.prodivemex.com.
Blogs
Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire
Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.
Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.
Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:
- 12 April
- 5 July,
- 20 September
- 29 November
Partnership with Casita Palma
If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.
Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.
Blogs
SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)
In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.
Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.
Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit www.thebreakers-somabay.com.
Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.
-
Blogs3 months ago
‘Simply the Best’ – Quintessential Red Sea Diving
-
News2 months ago
Hone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News2 months ago
Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs3 months ago
Creature Feature: Nurse Sharks
-
News3 months ago
Join Lembeh Resort’s Macro Photography Workshop with Scott Gutsy Tuason this April
-
Miscellaneous Blogs3 months ago
Book Review: The Lives of Seaweeds
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs2 months ago
Creature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs3 months ago
A day in the life of Marsa Shagra with Sea to Sky