News
More information emerges regarding Pro Dive Mexico’s SHARKSCHOOL program

Pro Dive Mexico, one of the most established and recognized dive operations & CDC Centers in Latin America located at several 4-5* Resorts along the Riviera Maya and in Cozumel, have announced more details on the implementation of their first Sharkschool™ Riviera Maya, in collaboration with the world’s most renowned shark behavioural scientist Dr. Erich Ritter and WiroDive.
This unique event on the Yucatan Peninsula will take place from 15-25 Feb 2016 at the top training facilities of Pro Dive Mexico´s coveted partner hotel Occidental Allegro Playacar, located at one of the finest white sandy beaches on the Riviera Maya, provide experienced divers with the privilege to encounter bull sharks, learn about their behaviour, interpret situations, react correctly and most importantly to feel comfortable around them.
Dr. Ritter convincingly states “Once a person is capable of blocking the erroneous media created image, lets the situation develop without prejudice or fear, and solely tries to interpret the shark’s signals and the environmental factors, an encounter will be rewarding, and not just for the person but the shark as well.”
“SharkSchool™ stands for the safe interaction with sharks and the understanding of situations during encounters. That´s how SharkSchool™ connects links between humans, sharks and shark conservation. The collaboration with Dr. Ritter and WiroDive in regards to the Organization of a SharkSchool™ seminar in Playa del Carmen is an additional important step towards the conservation of ‘our’ sharks,” highlights Markus Fleischmann, CEO & Founder of Pro Dive Mexico.
The 11 days/10 nights “SHARKSCHOOL™ & SAILFISH ENCOUNTER” package for travel dates 15–25 February 2016 is available at US$ 3,299 per diver only and includes:
- Return transfers Cancun – Playacar – Cancun
- 10 nights accommodation at OCCIDENTAL ALLEGRO PLAYACAR****
- Standard Superior double room with All Inclusive meal plan
- 5 days of “BULL SHARK” diving with Dr. Erich Ritter & PRO DIVE MEXICO
incl. 2 dives, tanks, weights, Nitrox
- SHARKSCHOOL™ Dr. Erich Ritter seminar, 1.5 hours daily (6 days), held at OCCIDENTAL ALLEGRO PLAYACAR
- 3 full days of Sailfish encounters, incl. transportation, drinks & snacks, lunch,
English-speaking Guide, accompanied by Dr. Erich Ritter
- Excluding: return flights, services that are not mentioned above, personal expenses.
- Single room supplement OCCIDENTAL ALLEGRO PLAYACAR**** US$ 37/person/ night.
- Extended and shortened experiences are available on request, as well as package-specific itineraries, terms & conditions.
Pro Dive Mexico actively supports the field work of the local project savingoursharks.org by equipping their dive guides with transmitters which they use to gain data and then pass on to the organization, which focuses on the protection of Bull Sharks in the Mexican Riviera Maya.
Everything under one roof, Pro Dive Mexico provides tailor-made experiences, arranges Stay & Dive packages at preferred rates, and offers airport shuttles and combo options to explore the highlights of the Yucatan, such as the mystic Mayan Cenotes, vibrant Cozumel Marine Park, the fastest fish in the world (Sailfish), wrecks, the largest fish of the ocean (Whale Shark), and visits to world heritage sites.
Visit Pro Dive Mexico’s website or inquire by emailing info@prodivemex.com.
News
PADI Launches World’s First Scuba Technician Distinctive Specialty Course with Octo Diver

Octo Diver, in collaboration with PADI, have introduced the first-ever PADI Scuba Technician Distinctive Specialty Course, designed to raise the standard of dive equipment knowledge and safety in the scuba diving industry.
This 7-day hands-on course is open to all certified divers, dive professionals, and dive centre/resort staff, and focuses on vital life-support equipment servicing.
The course modules include:
Scuba Regulator Servicing (Diaphragm & Piston types)
2nd Stage Servicing (Balanced & Unbalanced)
K-Valve Cylinder Valve Maintenance
Scuba Cylinder Visual Inspection
Power Inflator Servicing
Oxygen Cleaning for Scuba Equipment
Scuba Compressor Service & Maintenance
Standard Service & Repair Reporting
It is developed by Octo Diver’s professional team, led by a certified PADI Scuba Technician Instructor with a background in mechanical and aerospace engineering and over 15 years of experience in the diving industry.
This professional-level course can be conducted at Octo Diver’s classroom in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, or hosted at dive centers worldwide. Hosting dive centers receive exclusive benefits, including high commission, special course rates, and free seats.
Upon completion, students will receive certification from PADI along with official technician credentials.
Octo Diver is currently looking for dive centers and resorts globally to host this course. Let’s work together to make diving safer and more professional — Be a Certified PADI Scuba Technician.
For more information, visit www.Scuba-Technician.com
Blogs
Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort – A Hidden Gem in the Northern Moluccas

Far from the usual tourist trails, on a small island in the Northern Moluccas, lies a place of extraordinary beauty: Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort. Nestled between dense tropical jungle and a powdery white sand beach, the resort offers a peaceful escape immersed in nature at its purest. With panoramic views of the turquoise sea and direct access to some of Indonesia’s most untouched reefs, it’s a dream come true for those seeking tranquility above and adventure below the surface.
The resort features just 16 spacious beachfront bungalows, each only steps from the ocean. At its heart is a beautifully designed open-air restaurant, built entirely from natural materials, where guests can enjoy a diverse selection of Indonesian and international cuisine.
But what truly sets Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort apart is the underwater world that surrounds it. The reefs of the Northern Moluccas are among the most pristine and biodiverse in all of Indonesia – and remarkably, they remain largely untouched. Thanks to the remote location, dive boats are often the only ones around, giving divers the rare privilege of exploring vibrant coral gardens, dramatic walls, and colorful drop-offs in complete solitude.
Marine life here is nothing short of spectacular. Blacktip reef sharks are spotted on nearly every dive, while nutrient-rich walls attract sea turtles, schools of jacks, and bumphead parrotfish. For macro enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove of rare and photogenic species, including pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, frogfish, leaf scorpionfish, and several types of octopus and shrimp.
One of the region’s most extraordinary highlights is the Halmahera Walking Shark, a rare species endemic to this part of Indonesia. First described by scientists only in recent years, this small shark is unlike anything else in the ocean. Rather than swimming, it uses its muscular pectoral and pelvic fins to “walk” along the seabed. These elusive yet fascinating creatures are most often encountered on night dives – and witnessing one in the wild is a truly unforgettable experience.
The reefscapes surrounding Spice Island Resort are equally impressive. Flourishing hard coral formations spread across the seabed, interspersed with vivid sponges, large sea fans, and colorful soft corals. The biodiversity is astonishing, and the visual spectacle underwater is a dream for photographers. Most importantly, the reefs here are healthy—a rare treasure in today’s marine environment. With minimal tourism and careful management, the ecosystem remains intact, vibrant, and teeming with life.
Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort is more than just a dive destination – it’s a retreat for those seeking peace and a haven for underwater explorers looking to experience the authentic magic of Indonesia’s last true frontier.
Book your next diving adventure at Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort with Extra Divers!
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