News
Diving with… Peter Grannum, West Side Scuba Centre, Barbados
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
Peter Grannum
What is the name of your business?
West Side Scuba Centre
What is your role within the business?
Owner
How long has the business operated for?
Since 1993, so 25 years now.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I have been diving sine 1992. I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
What is your favorite type of diving?
I love both reef and wreck diving.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
We are located on the most beautiful beach in Barbdos, called Carlisle Bay, next to the oldest wrecks in our waters. The seven wrecks lie in 20 – 55 ft of water (6 – 18m) and are spaced out in a way that can be covered in a hour long dive. We are also very close to all the reefs on the south and west of Barbados and 15 minutes away from the biggest wreck in Barbados called the SS Stavronikita. We are an eco-dive facility with high safety standards; our attention to detail with small and large groups is exceptional. All our staff are medical first aid trained and are there to assist you should the need arise.
Barbados reef and wrecks offer some of the richest variety of fish and corals found in the Caribbean and we have lots of sea turtles. We load from a dock, and not from the beach, as we leave the sand on the beach for the turtles to come up and lay their eggs.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
All the reefs and wrecks around Barbados because they are so enchanting and I never know what I will bump into.
What types of diving are available in your location?
We have plenty of reefs, wrecks and piers that attract lots of marine life.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
All the people I meet from around the world and how nice they are.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
All of them – it is too hard to choose!
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
My new location! I am back at the beach! We are at The Boatyard…come and see us.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
When to take a break from diving! As I love to dive with all of my guests…
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
Just underwater clean-ups in Carlisle Bay, as I would love to see the day it will be a marine park with no plastic on the ocean floor.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
I see it as a prime income for Barbados, as we are surrounded by water and we have beautiful reefs and wrecks and some amazing creatures that greet us every day – we never know what we will see. I would love the fishing pots to be removed and the government to ban spear fishing of fish and other creatures on the reef and make it where all fish have to be a certain size before they can be caught – if this does not happen, soon there will be no fish on our reefs.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
We are an Eco Dive Facility and West Side Scuba Centre is playing the part to protect the reefs and wrecks here, making all our divers aware of the environment. We enjoy what we do and make all of our clients happy.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Our website is www.westsidescuba.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: 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!
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