News
Dive Worldwide introduces a trio of bucket list trips for 2022
Specialist operator Dive Worldwide is introducing a trio of new bucket list adventures for 2022, as divers look to return to life under the sea after the challenges of Covid. Each of the new trips promises stand-out encounters from whale sharks in the Maldives and Galapagos to an amazing aggregation of mobula rays in the Sea of Cortez.
NEW FOR 2022
Maldives Whale Shark Extravaganza
Divers might be staying at one of the Maldives’ smallest resorts, but this new trip will promise wildlife encounters on a grand scale. Led by expert Chloe Winn, this small group departure will visit some of the 50 recognised dive sites in the area, with a view to snorkelling and diving with the population of 350 whale sharks that are frequently seen there. Guests are encouraged to be a citizen scientist by taking photos and videos of the whale sharks, submitting them to the online database, the Big Fish Network, to see if they can be identified. Any new individuals encountered during the week will be named by the group. In addition, a full day safari to Manta Point cleaning station at nearby Rangali is included. This is an incredible experience and timed well – it’s peak manta season. The group stays at the small Boutique Beach Resort on the island of Dhigurah renowned for its eco-credentials.
Price: from £2,695pp sharing, including 7 nights’ accommodation, all meals, transfers from Malé, 2 daily boat dives, trip to Manta Point cleaning station and services of whale shark expert Chloe Winn. International flights extra. Depart 23 April 2022.
Galapagos Whale Shark Expedition
This unique week-long cruise seeks out the Galapagos Islands’ population of whale sharks, led by Sofía Green Iturralde, a marine biologist who has spent time working with the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. During the days, the group visits some of the world’s finest dive spots, from the ‘City of Mantas’ to the Wolf and Darwin Islands, with the highlights including eagle and marble ray encounters, hundreds of sharks and playful dolphin, and of course the mysterious whale sharks, drawn to the region as the Humboldt Current is at its strongest. During the evenings guests will enjoy presentations and talks learning more about the Galapagos’ unique ecosystems, whale sharks and the efforts to protect them.
Price: from £5,895pp sharing, including 7 nights’ accommodation on the Aqua Galapagos liveaboard, 1 night in Guayaquil hotel, all meals, domestic flights, up to 19 dives, guiding and return flights from the UK. Depart 26 September 2022.
Mobulas & Orcas Liveaboard
Witness one of nature’s greatest events as thousands of munkiana mobula rays aggregate in the southern Sea of Cortez for just a few months of the year. On this trip of a lifetime divers join their intimate liveaboard from Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas, sailing into the Sea of Cortez, where five full days are spent seeking out the aggregation. On two days, there is a spotter plane helping guests spend the maximum time snorkelling and freediving with the graceful rays, who can often be seen breaching. The final day of the itinerary is spent in Cabo Pulmo National Park, where guests can scuba dive amongst turtles and huge shoals of fish. The liveaboard, Nautilus Gallant Lady, is a luxury yacht offering just six spacious suites, all with en-suites, and there are kayaks and SUPs for guest use too.
Price: from £3,295pp sharing, including 8 nights’ accommodation (7n liveaboard, 1n hotel), most meals, 5 days’ mobula encounters, 4 dives, transfers and return flights from the UK.
For further information visit Dive Worldwide or call 01962 302087.
Header image: Basith Mohamed
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!
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News2 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
News2 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive