News
Tam has the Ultimate Dive Experience – Part 1
Spending the last month in Cozumel and Cancun has been delightful, and while I was on the island of Cozumel I had the opportunity to check out the Ultimate Dive Experience! Occidental Allegro Hotel and Resort and Pro Dive Mexico have created a diver’s haven in Cozumel.
For the diver who wants a great dive package with VIP treatment, Occidental Allegro’s Ultimate Dive Experience is really something. The divers have their own private area of the resort. There is even an exclusive Check-in and Check-out for guests of the Ultimate Dive Experience. Let me give you a glimpse of the resort, the diving, and fantastic San Francisco Beach. Carla Guardiola, Dive Coordinator of UDE, gave me the 5 star tour.
First, there is the exclusive check-in/check-out service (9:00am – 5:00pm) for divers. There is also a separate lobby and lounge for the UDE. Divers receive a special ID bracelet which identifies them as an Ultimate Dive Experience guest. The accommodations are lovely for the avid diver – it comes with a wetsuit drying rack, a 32″ Flatscreen TV and DVD player, a multi-media docking station, a stocked minibar (I love minibars!!), free internet, a private pool area and a self-service bar with complimentary afternoon snacks. UDE guests recieve 2 preferential a la carte restaurant reservations during a week’s stay… book with Carla early!
They also have an option for a romantic dinner right on the beach! Carla can make magic happen.
I would say that the UDE at Occidental Allegro is similar to a liveaboard; one of the best things about it is that the divers have a part of the resort and beach to themselves, and getting to know other divers is always a terrific bonus. To be able to meet likeminded individuals, and dive with them, is always desirable.
Pro-Dive is located conveniently on the beach of the resort and the dock is easily accessible. With the Ultimate Dive Experience you receive one free single tank boat dive per day (24 hours reservation required), and an upgrade to a two tank dive is only $37.00 per dive. Pro Dive Mexico offers free equipment storage at the dive shop so you don’t have to lug your gear back and forth to your room every day (I love that amenity!). You also receive a 15% discount at the dive shop toward apparel and retail items.
Pro Dive Mexico’s boats are nice and roomy, and for every 8 divers there is a dive master. The location of the resort is perfect for diving; right in front of the hotel is Santa Rosa Wall and Santa Rosa Shallows, two of the very best dive sites in Cozumel. No long, tiring boat rides to worry about, the beauty of the southern reefs of Cozumel is at your fingertips.
Are you a young family? The Occidental Allegro has your child’s day taken care of! The Kids Club has supervised and scheduled activities for your children or grandchildren, along with a Pirate themed water park. I think you might have trouble tearing your child away from the club!
When you need some relaxation, check out the spa, or have a massage in front of the beach and feel the ocean breezes.
There is no need choose between a “family” vacation and a “dive” vacation. The Ultimate Dive Experience with Pro-Dive Mexico at the Occidental Allegro gives you both options. The Ultimate Dive Experience is a fabulous concept, and it is done well at the Occidental Allegro. I give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up! If planning a dive vacation to Cozumel, I recommend that you seriously look into the Ultimate Dive Experience.
In Part Two, I will tell you all about my day of diving with Pro Dive Mexico. The diving was, as always in Cozumel, spectacular.
Don’t forget to tell them that Tam sent you!
For more from Tam, visit www.travelswithtam.com.
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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