News
Diving at Sodwana Bay
Pillaging of coral reefs by impoverished local communities dependent on marine resources is common world-wide.
Sodwana Bay has been inside a National Park for 80 years, so the local Zulu community has only recently been given free access to the protected marine environment. Consequently, the marine resources never became part of the traditional tribal diet.The Sodwana Bay reefs remain pristine and the crayfish live to a ripe old age, while giant cowries flourish untouched, and hermit crabs grow to monstrous size using gigantic discarded conch shells.
Greg de Valle, the charismatic, controversial owner and manager of the Sodwana Bay Lodge Scuba Centre was the first to introduce the local community to the protected undersea world, and his dive operation is an iconic example of co-operation and training between the local people and the 4 x 4 owning diving community. Initially employed as a dive master by Blue Print Diving in the 90’s, Greg decided to make diving his career and life’s work. He travelled the world to various dive operations, and acquired an understanding of how the International diving operations were managed.
From 1997 Greg took over management of the dive shop at Sodwana Bay Lodge. Competition was fierce, and at one time there were 65 dive boats launching from Sodwana Bay. Dive masters were unknown. If you were prepared to tow a buoy line so that the boat could follow you, you could dive for free. New reefs were discovered.
Managing a dive operation that catered for both local and international diving visitors became Greg’s job, and he had problems keeping Dive Masters. Most Dive Staff from the cities stayed for a few years, and then just as they were becoming really world class they would leave Sodwana and travel to exotic destinations taking their training with them. Having bought the diving operation, Greg was growing more and more frustrated until one day he realised that the solution lay with the beach assistants.
These were youngsters from the local Mbila tribal group who had found short term employment on the beach washing visitors’ dive gear, carrying their equipment to and from the dive boats and generally looking after their customers. Greg realised that these guys were humble, were learning English, and understood the demands of their customers. So he started training a group of local youngsters to become dive guides, skippers and dive masters.
20 years on, Sodwana Scuba Centre offers the best service I have ever experienced in a dive operation, and that includes Bali and Mauritius whose service levels are definitive. Ben my DM takes care of my gear, and I get a dry wet-suit every morning. Prince, the skipper on my boat, makes sure my gear is loaded where I like to sit on the boat. These 2 guys are humble in their excellence. They are aware of their customer’s every need, and they make diving with them an absolute pleasure.
Greg has done a little more than just own and manage Sodwana Scuba Centre. He has invested training and no small amount of money in the local community. He has built his house here, and his children go to school here.
To own land at Sodwana Bay is not possible, as it is within the land area controlled by the Ingonyama Trust, who issue leases to approved residents. To live here, you have to become a member of the local tribal community, and Greg has done just that. He is an honorary Zulu.
[hr style=”single”]
Words: Jill Holloway
Pics: Stephen Stamp
Copyright: Crafters Lodge
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: marcel@behind-the-mask.com
Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225
Website: www.behind-the-mask.com/group-trips
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 agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
News2 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive