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NUPG announce 2019 splash-in and print competition winners

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The August meeting of the Northern Underwater Photography Group (NUPG) saw members judging both the splash-in competition images and the annual print competition.

Splash-In

The Splash-In saw competitors head to North Wales, where they strived to get the best shots in the condition on the day. Most members headed for the old favourite site of Trefor Pier, and even though the pier no longer stands, the winning shots all came from this excellent dive site. The splash-in has 3 categories: Close Up, Wide-Angle and Newcomer and then an overall winner is selected from the 3 category winners. Each category has a sponsor and the winner gets to take away a trophy. The results are as follows:

Wide Angle

Sponsored by Mares

Winner: Alex Tasker

Close Up

Sponsored by Scubaverse

Winner: Caroline Robertson-Brown

Newcomer

Sponsored by Dive Safari Asia

Winner: Michelle Gillian

The winner of the overall trophy, sponsored by Frogfish Photography, was Caroline Robertson-Brown.

Print Competition

The NUPG print competition always has a great display of images from the UK and around the world. Members compete in four categories: UK Macro, UK Wide-Angle, Overseas Macro & Overseas Wide-Angle. This year saw a very unusual clean sweep by John Spencer – who now has to decide what to do with his four Shark Trust sponsorships! The voting was tight in each category. The winners and runners up are as follows:

UK Macro

Winner: John Spencer

Common Shrimp, Menai Bridge

Runners-Up – both by Yo-Han Cha

Tompot Blenny, Cornwall Runnelstone

Wolfish, Eyemouth

UK Wide-Angle

Winner: John Spencer

Grey Seal Pup, Farne Islands

Runner-Up: Nick Robertson-Brown

Diver in Plane, Capernwray

Runner-Up: Yo-Han Cha

Edible Crab on the Breda

Overseas Macro

Winner: John Spencer

Shrimp, Red Sea

Runner-Up: Caroline Robertson-Brown

Christmas Tree Worm, Dominica

Runner-Up: Glynn Phillips

Crocodile Fish, Red Sea

Overseas Wide-Angle

Winner: John Spencer

Bait Fish & Trevally, Red Sea

Runner-up: Caroline Robertson-Brown

Turtle Rain, Bahamas

Joint 3rd: Nick Robertson-Brown

Tiger Shark, Bahamas

Joint 3rd: Caroline Robertson-Brown

Shark Trio on Wreck, Bahamas


For more information about the NUPG please visit their website by clicking here.

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

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BTM Travel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Dive Adventures

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dive travel

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.

dive travel


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.

dive travel


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

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Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving

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socorro

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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