News
Pro Dive International’s Course Directors Awarded Double Platinum Award
Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, has announced that both of their Course Directors Angel Navarro Moya and Jo Armitage have been awarded the prestigious Platinum Status from PADI for their outstanding instructor development achievements during 2017.
This is Angel’s tenth and Jo’s fourth consecutive year receiving these awards since becoming Course Directors.
The Platinum Award is the highest accolade awarded to only a few Course Directors worldwide each year for their instructional achievements and commitment to professional-level educational excellence.
“Angel and I constantly strive to give the best possible training to our instructor candidates. With 14 years combined experience as Platinum Course Directors, and many more years’ teaching experience around the world, we can pass on advice, tips and knowledge which will help our students in their future careers.” says Jo.
Husband and wife team, Angel Navarro Moya from Spain and Jo Armitage from the UK, run PADI Instructor Development Programs in Spanish and English for Pro Dive International in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Their reputation is well-deserved for providing high quality training with an emphasis on thorough preparation of their candidates for careers in the scuba industry, resulting in passing rates of their candidates that are second to none. They also offer post-IDC vocational training to help new instructors gain on-the-job training.
With 8 annual IDC´s involving more than 70 candidates, Jo and Angel lead the way in Divemaster and Instructor training in the Riviera Maya, and are also looking for ways to improve and enhance their programs. Freediving programs, Disabled Diving International Pro-Training and their exclusive Bull Shark Diving Specialty are a few examples. With over 5,000 certifications between them, their experience and quality is second-to-none.
Angel states “I am honored to have achieved the milestone of ten consecutive years as a Platinum Course Director. Having trained instructors in various places around the world I am happy to call Pro Dive International and Mexico my home as this region has the best opportunities for future dive professionals in terms of career prospects, way of life, and sea-life as well as the unique cenotes and cave systems.”
“The great thing is,” adds Jo, “we absolutely love our jobs, and I hope that our passion and enthusiasm rubs off on our candidates!”
The next IDC with Jo & Angel is scheduled for April 19th, with five more planned in 2016. They are primarily held at Latin America´s leading instructor training facility featured by the coveted Allegro Playacar Resort, located at one of the finest white sandy beaches on the Riviera Maya.
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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 and CAYO LEVANTADO, 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 ISLANDS, transfers and cultural tours, and more. They also provide services to international dive travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, an excursions team and their own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles.
For more information, visit Pro Dive International’s website www.prodiveinternational.com, or enquire by email at info@prodiveinternational.com.
Pro Dive’s Facebook Pages are located at:
Pro Dive’s Twitter Account is twitter.com/Prodivemexico
For their GoPro programs, contact info@idcmexico.com, visit www.idcmexico.com, or check out their Facebook page @prodivemexicoacademy
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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