News
Cozumel here I come!
Pro Dive Mexico’s Marketing Manager Susann Seifert gets some time out of the office and gets to experience her favourite side of the business – the diving!
Who doesn´t know that feeling of sitting in the office scrolling through all those intriguing posts with stunning pictures of beautiful dive destinations… the moment you start daydreaming until you finally reach that point when you shout out loud: “That’s it! Cozumel here I come!”
The idea of packing all my dive equipment that I will need to carry through that heat is not really all that appealing, but HEY! the outlook on what awaits simply can´t hold me back any more. Deciding to leave all the heavy equipment at home and rent instead, I just grab my mask, dive computer and underwater camera before catching the next taxi to the ferry.
There are plenty of options to ferry over to the island of Cozumel for my 1pm 2-tank dive (The excursion offered by Pro Dive Mexico would have probably been the more comfy way by the way, as they take care of all the arrangements, provide transportation from your hotel, a guide, lunch and even soft drinks).
Not even 1 hour later, after a smooth 40 minute ride through the turquoise Caribbean waters and a quick trip by taxi, I arrive at our popular partner hotel Occidental Allegro Cozumel, which seems even more shiny after last year´s renovation and is surrounded by lush greenery.
Finally… the breathtaking view I´ve missed sooo much for the last 6 months!! I feel like just throwing all my stuff on that white sandy beach and running into the 28°C warm luxury bathtub of the Caribbean Sea.
I´m early, so it´s still calm and quiet before all of Pro Dive Mexico´s diving and snorkeling boats return from their morning trips. Look! My name is already on the board! Good times.
Here they are… LIONS II – Pro Dive Mexico´s fastest boat, GYPSY, 3 HERMANOS and ESTRELLA DEL MAR.
Time for me to get my equipment ready. Bodegero Alex is very friendly and helpful and already guesses my required sizes. I´ll go with a long 3mm M-size wetsuit, since I tend to freeze pretty quickly, but take another shorty to put on top… just in case.
Look how clean and neat his Bodega looks. You can even keep your equipment here if you are diving with them for a couple of days and do not want to carry it up and down from your hotel room. Having said that, the ‘Ultimate Dive Experience’ room category at the Allegro is located only a few steps from the base and even features a rack to hang your wetsuit! If you stay for at least 4 or 5 nights, you will get 1 free tank every day, and the hotel´s dive coordinator will assist you with all your dive arrangements. Sounds so comfy… I’ll definitely be checking that out next time!
I´m so excited!! Now it´s my turn to head out on 3 HERMANOS to Columbia Shallow and Palancar Gardens. Columbia Shallow is indeed pretty shallow, an aquarium-like crystal-clear vibrant dive site where it’s perfect for taking pictures, whereas Palancar Gardens as the northernmost reef of Palancar dive site is characterized by beautiful coral walls, plenty of swim-throughs, and canyons that are home to Groupers, Jacks, Turtles, large schools of Grunts, Lobsters, Nudi Branches, Spider Crabs and many more. A true wonderland – very relaxing and rewarding dives.
The crew is really helpful – they provide an informative briefing, assist with the equipment, entry and exit, and offer water and fruits. Memo, of A La Aventura Diving Films and Pro Dive Mexico´s underwater video & photographer, who had been requested by some friends from Toronto to film all their adventures, also made sure to share some beautiful marine life shots with me. That´s him on the surface on the second picture.
The end of a fantastic day in Cozumel with one of the best buddies I´ve ever had! And there is way more out there! Watch out for it and join me for my next adventures!
Thanks to Memo/A La Aventura for the wonderful underwater pictures.
For more information about Pro Dive Mexico, visit www.prodivemex.com.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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