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Zombie Wear or Dive Gear? 5 Spooktacular Dives for Halloween
A blog by Pro Dive International
What do divers do on Halloween? Dress like a zombie, trick-or-treat through the neighborhood to scare little kids, watch a horror movie on Netflix, or attend a party at a friend’s haunted house? How about swapping your traditions for some spooktacular dives?
Our favorite 5 Spooky Dives for Halloween counting down…
5. Underwater Museum MUSA
What could be more surreal and eerie than diving amongst 100s of life size human figures sat on the seafloor, slowly being claimed by nature.
This underwater museum in Cancun was created by a non-profit organization devoted to the art of conservation. MUSA features over 500 sculptures, most of which created by the British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, as well as five Mexican sculptors. There are three different galleries submerged between 10-20 ft/ 3-6 m deep.
The museum was created with the objective of saving the nearby coral reefs by providing an alternative destination for divers, and officially opened in November 2010. The statues provide a new type of artificial reef allowing art to save the ocean. The statues are made of pH-neutral cement and have many holes in them allowing marine wildlife to colonize easily. After only a short time under the water, the statues have begun to be transformed by nature.
Musa Cancun – copyright Jason deCaires Taylor
4. Mama Viña Wreck
As you drift along the sandy seabed a huge dark shape starts to appear, the Mama Viña – an old shrimp boat guarded by a large fierce looking barracuda and a giant green moray eel.
This wreck was intentionally sunk in 1995 by Xcaret Park and has since developed an artificial reef. Today it belongs to one of the top dive sites on the Riviera Maya.
Sitting at 30 meters, Mama Viña is covered in colorful sponges and corals, and is home to a large array of marine life. Peer through the windows to see the resident glassy sweepers shimmering inside and try to spot the lobsters and eels hiding in the propeller. Spend the dive circling up the boat to join the large barracuda at the mast.
Mama Viña – copyright Manuela Kirschner
3. Night Diving in Cozumel
As darkness falls across the reef, creatures crawl in search of food, and bioluminescence starts to shimmer.
What creeps out onto the reef after the sun goes down? Join the vibrant party under the sea as huge basket stars unfurl their arms into the night, parrotfish create their mucus bubble beds, giant lobsters, king crabs and octopus prepare for hunt, and bioluminescence sparkles up the scene.
Check out our Top 5 party guests with Pro Dive’s recent blog…
Squid – copyright Elizabeth Maleham
2. Wreck C-53 Felipe Xicotencatl
Witness the great prow of this decaying World War II battleship looming out of the depths. Explore its empty hallways now taken over by sponges and marine life. Visit her final resting place and experience a piece of history becoming part of nature.
This 184 ft/ 56 m long ship was built as a US Navy minesweeper in Tampa in 1944 during World War II and awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and five battle stars for her service at sea. After the war, in 1962 she was sold to the Mexican Navy.
Originally named USS Scuffle, the ship was renamed ARM DM-05, and again in 1994 after Felipe Santiago Xicoténcatl, who served as a General in the Mexican Army. Converted into an Admiral Class Gunboat she guarded the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea in Search and Rescue operations. In addition to providing surveillance of illegal arms and drug trafficking.
In 1999 after providing 37 years of service to the Mexican Navy patrolling the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean for illegal arms and drugs, she was finally retired and sank, as an artificial reef and dive site. Sitting at 21m meters and rising up to 12m with many large openings for easy penetration.
C-53 – copyright Larry Cohen
1. Cenote Angelita
A cenote unlike any other! Descend into the deep green waters onto an underwater island, surrounded by misty clouds from which dead tree limbs protrude.
Enter another world on this dive, a deep circular pit surrounded by trees in the jungle, which is famous for its hydrogen sulfide cloud at 88 ft/ 27 m. This 10 ft/ 3 m thick cloud encircles the debris and trees that have fallen in over the years, creating the effect of an island rising up through the clouds.
As you sink deep into the dark waters of cenote Angelita you can start to make out massive trees looming out of the mist below, swim over the island and amongst the huge trees and branches rising out of the mist making this an unforgettable site!
Angelitas – copyright Alex Lindbloom
Contact us to join!
reservations@prodiveinternational.com
www.prodiveinternational.com/contact-us
Header image: Mama Viña – copyright Manuela Kirschner
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
Welcome to Day 3 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Beuchat Voyager XL Travel Bag
info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.beuchat-diving.com/gb / Beuchat Facebook
The Beuchat Voyager XL travel bag is ideal for diving expeditions or other trips, with practical trolleys and two spacious compartments.
Large XL travel bag designed to meet all your travel needs, whether it’s a diving expedition, a scuba-hunting trip or any other adventure. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Here are the characteristics of the VOYAGER XL-BEUCHAT bag:
Big storage capacity
- Volume: 130 L
- Dimensions: 75x47x39 cm
- Weight: 3,6 KG
- Thanks to its large capacity, you can transport your equipment and personal items efficiently and comfortably when you’re on the go
- Beuchat Shell Case: semi-rigid, thermoformed EVA protective shell that combines lightness with extra protection for the contents of the bag during transport, handling and rolling.
- Padlock eyelets
- Molle system for attaching external accessories
- Inside mesh side pocket
- Two separate large interior compartments
- Backpack straps
- Telescopic pole
- Made in Ripstop, 600 denier and 1000 denier nylon/PVC: lightweight, highly resistant fabric
- Zipper protection for central compartment: shifted inwards to prevent rubbing on the ground
- Replaceable trolley wheel
info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.beuchat-diving.com/gb / Beuchat Facebook
AP Diving BCDs
sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV
Here’s some more inspiration & top-end gift ideas for the diver in your life…
Treat them (or yourself!) to a brand spanking new BCD from the AP range? Maybe a new Commando, Tekwing or Explorer? Or one from our lightweight Travel range – the Travelwing or Escape?
AP BCDs have been the gold standard for UK and northern European divers for over 40 years. They are designed by divers for divers, built to last and built for adventure and honed to perfection over the years by listening to what divers actually want.
From now until Xmas you can grab a 10% discount on any AP BCD. (see below for details)
Check out the AP BCD pages online for the full story:
https://www.apdiving.com/shop/en/bcd-open-circuit/bcds.html
GRAB A SEASONAL DISCOUNT on any AP BCD, AP Ratchet Reel or AP Surface Marker Buoy!
Enter the Voucher Code AP-XMAS-24 at the checkout online to get 10% off.
Offer ends 19th Dec. Last postage dates vary with the carrier and destination. If in doubt, please check with the AP office 01326 561040 for up-to-date delivery information.
sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV
SlipIns Swimsuits
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
The SlipIns Swimsuit is the perfect surf suit. Even in the heaviest surf or wipeout, the suit stays put. It is fabulous for all water shorts like snorkelling, paddling, kayaking, swimming or just lounging.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra swimsuit offers 4-way stretch for maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the worlds best sun protection is the most comfortable suit you will ever put on.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays
*Quick dry, breathable lycra fabric
*Flattering fit
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Icelandic Wool Gloves, Socks & Blankets
by KUBI
sales@KUBIstore.com / www.KUBIstore.com / Varma on KUBIstore / KUBI on Facebook / KUBI on Instagram
KUBI have worked closely with a quality manufacturer in Iceland to bring you a range of products made from very hardy & warm wool produced in the country.
We offer a range of Socks & Blankets, as well as our very popular Thermal Gloves from Iceland.
Socks are available in Icelandic Wool & Angora Wool in a mixture of colours & sizes to suit your requirements for winter.
We also stock the luxurious Icelandic brushed wool blankets, ideal for wrapping yourself up and snuggling in on a chilly evening.
Not forgetting as well, our outstanding Icelandic Wool KUBI Gloves, the most popular in our range
Ideal gifts for everyone this Christmas with – The Warmth of Iceland!
sales@KUBIstore.com / www.KUBIstore.com / Varma on KUBIstore / KUBI on Facebook / KUBI on Instagram
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