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Pro Dive International Adopts Bull Shark

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Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, have recently adopted one of the world’s top predators – a bull shark.

Pro Dive’s donation of an initial 5 years adoption fee supports the research and conservation efforts of the local project SAVING OUR SHARKS (SOS), a marine and shark scientist group focusing on the protection and conservation of bull sharks at the Mexican Riviera Maya. Their work includes GPS tagging and transmitter placements in order to study their population, determine their genetic background, health status and migration patterns to help protect the species and conserve critical habitats.

To promote conservation and research, SOS cooperates closely with a few selected local dive operators that are truly dedicated to shark protection, such as Pro Dive. Besides research work, they communicate, meet and negotiate with local, municipal and federal entities to promote adaptions in the laws to drive the conservation of sharks in the state of Quintana Roo and Mexico.

SAVING OUR SHARKS

Another result of that cooperation is the development of a manual to set standards for bull shark diving in the Riviera Maya and the Mexican Caribbean – in which SOS as well as Pro Dive have been elementary – and to which local dive operators always need to adhere to provide a safe, professional and pro-shark directed experience, creating Ambassadors to the sharks and thus promoting shark conservation worldwide.

“Fittingly, and with a touch of female charm, we have named her IXCHEL, referring to the ancient Mayan Goddess of fertility, motherhood, the moon and healing. Ix means goddess of the feminine, Chel – rainbow or light. In other words, she is the goddess of the rainbow and lady of sacred light” says Maria Jose Lledo, Pro Dive’s Operations Manager. “Ixchel is always associated with bodies of water, and anywhere you would be likely to see a rainbow. Join us this winter to check her out!”

Pro Dive’s Ixchel was registered between 2015/16 for the very first time. She can be easily distinguished by her bent dorsal fin and inquisitive behavior. With a length of 250 cm, she is one of the largest females of the 23 bull sharks registered by SOS, and is indeed a big baby.

More information on the project can be found on the SAVING OUR SHARKS website: www.savingoursharks.org/home-en

Renowned for excellent quality in providing first class adventures including diving in the CENOTES, with BULL SHARKS, at WRECKS & FAMOUS WALLS at COZUMEL, SAONA & CATALINA islands, as well as Safaris with WHALE SHARKS, SAILFISH & HUMPBACK WHALES, Pro Dive International, founded in 2003, is the official onsite water sports service provider for several 4-5* RESORTS along the RIVIERA MAYA & COZUMEL/ MEXICO and in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

Everything under one roof, Pro Dive International´s head office in Playa del Carmen / Mexico features a multilingual reservations team taking direct bookings for diving, hotel accommodation, the VIP stay & dive concept ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE at Allegro Cozumel (unique in the Caribbean!), liveaboard options in collaboration with AGGRESSOR FLEET/ SILVER BANK and NAUTILUS EXPLORER/ SOCORRO & GUADALUPE, transfers and cultural tours, and also providing services to international dive travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, excursions team and own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles.

For more information, visit www.prodiveinternational.com, or enquire by emailing info@prodiveinternational.com.

For their GoPro programs contact info@idcmexico.com or visit www.idcmexico.com.

Pro Dive’s Facebook Pages with lots of pictures and info:

www.facebook.com/ProDiveMexicoOfficialFanPage

https://www.facebook.com/prodivedominicanrepublic

https://www.facebook.com/Pro-Dive-International

Pro Dive’s Twitter Account is https://twitter.com/Prodivemexico.

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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: info@behind-the-mask.com

Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225

Website: www.behind-the-mask.com

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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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