News
Encounter Crocs and Sharks with Pro Dive International and Avalon in Cuba
Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, are now offering shark diving and snorkelling with crocodiles in beautiful Cuba. In partnership with Avalon, Pro Dive International guarantees a real thrilling underwater experience.
Jardines de la Reina is a pristine underwater paradise that consists of abundant marine life and amazing coral reefs. This place is also called “Shark’s paradise” for a reason. Sharks are one of the main attractions and they can be encountered everywhere. It’s common to dive with six different species: Silkies, Reef, Lemon, Black tip, King Hammerhead and Nurse sharks. During the dive, divers can expect that there will be up to 30 sharks circling around them. A spectacular underwater show is guaranteed.
Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting encounters, is snorkeling with crocodiles and observing them in their natural habitat. By swimming on the surface of mangroves, it is almost guaranteed to have close interaction with these amazing creatures.
The American crocodile is one of the most common species living in this area. Like all true crocodilians, the American crocodile is a quadruped, with four short, stocky legs, a long, powerful tail and a scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down its back and tail. Its snout is elongated and includes a strong pair of jaws. Their narrow heads and long snouts is what distinguishes them from alligators. Its eyes have nictitating membranes for protection along with lacrimal glands, which produce tears.
In Jardines de la Reina Marine Park this species is protected in an example of how valuable animals are when conservation is related with tourism, as the crocodiles are one of the biggest attractions of the park.
Jardines de la Reina is home to the biggest populations of adult fish in the Caribbean – Sharks, Snappers and Groupers; Jewfish up to 400 pounds are an everyday experience. Gardens of the Queen is certainly one of the last virgin reefs known to man. Dive and snorkel sites are well protected from the winds and sea currents. Visibility is more than 40m.
Find out more information at: www.prodiveinternational.com/excursion/crocs-sharks-with-pro-dive-in-cuba
Renowned for excellent quality in providing first class adventures including diving in the CENOTES, with BULL SHARKS, at WRECKS & FAMOUS WALLS at COZUMEL, and 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, SCHOOLS OF SHARKS AND CROCODILES WITH AVALON IN CUBA and NAUTILUS EXPLORER/ SOCORRO & GUADALUPE ISLANDS, transfers and cultural tours, but 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, please visit Pro Dive International’s website www.prodiveinternational.com, or inquire by email at info@prodiveinternational.com.
Pro Dive’s Facebook Pages are located at
- @prodiveinternational
- @prodivemexico
- @prodivedominicanrepublic
Pro Dive’s Twitter Account is twitter.com/Prodivemexico
For their GoPro programs, please contact info@idcmexico.com, visit www.idcmexico.com, or check out their Facebook page @prodivemexicoacademy
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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