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.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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