Pages

Sub Sea Systems — Our World is a blog dedicated to the unique experiences of Sub Sea Systems — Immerse yourself in our incredible adventures, company culture, and innovative programs and products.

Subscribe to our Blog

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Guest Blog Post by Filiberto Medina — The 1st Sea TREK Operator in Spain


Queridos amigos. 

Quisiera empezar este artículo, dando las GRACIAS (con mayúsculas) a toda la familia Sub Sea Systems. Porque consiguen día a día con sus gestiones pasadas y futuras, proyectar ILUSIÓN en todo lo que producen. Hacen que seamos capaces de redescubrirnos emocionalmente, ya sea experimentando nuevas sensaciones sobre el agua con FUN CAT o debajo de ella con SEA TREK y próximamente con CLEAR LOUNGE.

Me siento realmente AFORTUNADO de tener la oportunidad de aportar mi humilde granito de arena a esta gran empresa y es para mi un placer compartir experiencias, sentimientos y reflexiones con todos ustedes; familia, amigos, compañeros y conocidos.

Sea TREK presentation


Mi aventura personal vinculada a esta empresa comienza el 18 de mayo del año 2013, cuando un conocido me muestra varias fotos de personas adultas paseando debajo del agua… ¿pasear debajo del agua?, ¿cómo se puede hacer eso?, ¿es posible estar debajo del agua sin la necesidad de tener que nadar?. En ese momento me asaltaron muchas preguntas y ninguna me pareció tan importante como el querer descubrir realmente ¿porqué esas fotos (que estaba viendo de personas adultas), reflejaban la felicidad e ilusión que se puede ver en un niño al recibir un regalo?  Dios mío!!, me quedé fascinado por las expresiones de sus caras y sentí una necesidad imperiosa por obtener toda la información posible sobre SEA TREK. Hoy por hoy, soy consciente de que en aquel momento, Cupido, había llegado una vez más a mi corazón y me había dejado totalmente enamorado de SEA TREK. Mi mayor sorpresa después de experimentar este sentimiento, llega cuando descubro que lo que había podido ver en esas fotos, solo era la punta del iceberg, porque detrás de ese producto, se encontraba algo muy difícil de ver en el Siglo XXI… Una empresa con ALMA y CORAZÓN, capaz de transmitir ese latido en todo lo que produce. Así, que solo me quedaba compartir este sentimiento con mi familia. Mi querida madre y mi mujer, a la que agradezco enormemente su apoyo incondicional y la fe que deposita en mis gestiones, consciente de que sacrificamos parte de nuestra relación personal por el crecimiento laboral y con la que tengo la suerte de poder contar en todos los momentos. Con mi hermano Mario, al que después de varias conversaciones durante muchos años, convencidos de que íbamos en algún momento de nuestras vidas a trabajar juntos, le fue muy fácil decidir que había llegado ese momento y cerrando el círculo, nuestra querida Antonieta (enamorada igualmente de Sea Trek desde el minuto uno que lo conoció).

Sea TREK presentation


Como experiencia, destacar que durante muchos años, opté por la “suerte” que depende de uno mismo, permitiéndome fallar, porque sabía que de esa manera estaba avanzando y totalmente seguro, en que pronto llegaría el cambio. Con la única filosofía de crear y no solo consumir. Teniendo grabado a fuego, tras diversas experiencias laborales en diferentes sectores, que lo importante es el camino y no solo la meta. Pero cuando se trabaja con la constancia de cumplir tus propios objetivos y no traicionarte a ti mismo, apelando al sentido común y apoyado por el corazón, se hace muy confortable ese camino (si nunca has tenido esa sensación, te invito a que incorpores a tu vida un compromiso real y no decaigas hasta obtenerlo, estoy seguro que conseguirás cambiar tu vida).

Anfi Del Mar Sea TREK

Sea TREK Spain

Anfi Del Mar wide shot

Sea TREK entry ladder spain

Sea TREK Spain Entry Pod and POD system


Sea TREK Spain  helmet diving location


Pronto empezaron a llegar los resultados, en junio de 2013, pudimos iniciar nuestro trabajo con una Licencia de Sea Trek en Gran Canaria (Islas Canarias, España), en un lugar privilegiado y nada fácil de conseguir (la “suerte” seguía dependiendo de nuestro esfuerzo), Anfi del Mar, catalogado como el entorno con mejor clima de Europa. Hoy podemos decir orgullosos de nuestra gestión, que unos meses más tarde y desde el año 2014 representamos el ALMA y el CORAZÓN de una compañía de la cual nos sentimos inmensamente agradecidos por la confianza que depositan día a día en Sea Trek Spain. Sub Sea Systems, nos ha hecho parte de su FAMILIA y nos da la posibilidad de transmitir toda su ILUSIÓN a nuevas empresas que deseen incorporarse a vivir en primera persona, no solo el ÉXITO laboral, sino, que se siente realmente al poder transmitir con tu trabajo, la FELICIDAD de un niño al recibir un regalo (es algo muy difícil de poder describir con palabras y debes experimentarlo).

Alberto Contador does Sea TREK


Sea Trek Spain, es y será un escaparate a Europa. En menos de dos años de actividad, nos ha visitado parte de la élite del deporte español. Alberto Contador varias veces Campeón de las pruebas más importante de Ciclismo mundiales (http://www.albertocontador.org).

Moreno Twins do Sea TREK


Las hermanas Ruano campeonas mundiales de Windsurf (http://www.morenotwins.com). GRACIAS CAMPEONES, por compartir parte de vuestros mejores momentos con nuestro equipo Sea Trek.

Jose Luis Owner of Native Diving Lanzarote Sea TREK with Sponge Bob


Quiero aprovechar estás líneas, para felicitar a nuestro querido amigo Jose Luis (http://www.nativediving.com) nuevo Operador de Sea Trek para Lanzarote, por su esfuerzo y confianza en nuestras gestiones, ya que desde finales del 2014 se ha incorporado a nuestra familia dentro del programa de expansión de Sea Trek Spain.

Jorge Benidorm Sea TREK owner


Igualmente y para disfrute de toda la Costa blanca española, felicitar a Jorge (http://www.divingstones.com) nuevo Operador para Benidorm, porque comienza este año 2015 su andadura con Sea Trek y próximamente iremos desvelando algún nuevo Operador más. Así que atento a este Blog, para que estés informado mensualmente de cuantas novedades se desarrollen.


Add Sea TREK helmet diving to your business




Es un placer transmitirles desde estas líneas, que nuestro compromiso con Sub Sea Systems, va más alla de España. Nuestro programa de aperturas para los próximos años contempla otros once países (Portugal, Francia, Italia, Malta, Croacia, Montenegro, Albania, Grecia, Bulgaria, Turquía y Chipre). Países en donde se podrá disfrutar del ALMA y el CORAZÓN que transmite Sub Sea Systems en todos y cada uno de sus productos. Seleccionaremos (como hasta ahora), aquellas PERSONAS y EMPRESAS, capaces de empatizar con el esfuerzo que supone un trabajo bien hecho. Así que si estás dispuesto a crear y no solo consumir, ponte en contacto conmigo y personalmente te informaré encantado de cuantas inquietudes tengas al respecto para unirte a nuestra empresa (filiberto@subseasystems.com).


Operate a SeaTREK helmet diving business and be happy


Desde Sea Trek Spain y como representantes de Sub Sea Systems para toda Europa, les deseamos una vida llena de buenas experiencias y mejores sensaciones con nosotros (encima o debajo del agua). Si no lo has vivido todavía… No pierdas más tiempo. Entra en www.subseasystems.com y encuentra tu Centro más cercano ☺.


Helmet Dive with Sea TREK


Un FUERTE ABRAZO FAMILIA.

Filiberto A. Medina.

Continue Reading...

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Free to share — Valentine's Day ecards


Valentine's Day is coming up, and we decided to share some really fun free ecard designs! Share them with your friends and family, and enjoy!

Valentine ecard free coral is red

Valentine ecard free Puffer Up

Valentine ecard free SeaTREK love

Valentine ecard free SeaTREK iheartyou

Valentine ecard free Dolphin TREK

Valentine ecard free Clear lounge

Valentine ecard free octopus im stuck on you

Valentine ecard free sea trek so many fish in the sea

Valentine ecard free thats a moray

Valentine ecard free sea trek I love you deeply
Happy Valentine's Day from Sub Sea Systems, Sea TREK, DolphinTREK and ClearLounge!
Visit our websites to learn more about our products and programs!

Continue Reading...

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Sub Sea Systems Announces the 2014 Sea TREK Operator of the Year — Xcaret



Every year Sub Sea Systems selects a Sea TREK operator that exemplifies the core qualities that make a great Sea TREK program. Our selection is based on many factors including: tour quality, guest satisfaction, staff professionalism, conservation efforts, innovation, and overall commitment to the Sea TREK program.

 Xcaret has had an amazing year, and we are proud to announce that they are the recipient of the prestigious Sea TREK Operator of the Year Award.

In 1999, Xcaret (located south of Cancun, Mexico) became the very first operation to offer Sea TREK. The program was comprised of 8 fiberglass constructed helmets and multi-piston air compressors. It was an exciting, innovative experience that was unlike anything else in the tourism market at that time. Although it was a risk, it was one that Xcaret Director, Miguel Quintana Palí, was willing to take– and with risk, came tremendous reward. In the first month of operation, Xcaret introduced over 5,000 non-divers, non-swimmers, kids, families, grandparents and couples to the incredible beauty of the underwater world. The success of the Xcaret program helped spark an unstoppable worldwide Sea TREK phenomenon– 16 years later, Sea TREK is now offered at over 40 sites, in 25 countries on 5 continents–– and Xcaret maintains its position as the largest Sea TREK operation in the world. Last year alone, Xcaret welcomed 1.2 million guests to its park, and of those guests over 90,000 participated in Sea TREK!



 Xcaret operates two Sea TREK sites within its flagship park. The open water site of the original Sea TREK program has undergone numerous expansions, renovations and improvements– most notably is its sloped walkway entry. Xcaret also designed and meticulously maintains a beautiful trail that is lined with custom sculpted statues, including ancient Mayan men, a large ship’s wheel, and a massive bronze serpent. These statues have become home to coral and thousands of schooling reef fish, while providing a unique photo backdrop.



Xcaret also offers a new Sea TREK stingray program, which is operated in a naturally enclosed lagoon, teeming with friendly, trained stingrays. It’s a captivating, hands-on, educational experience.




Sea TREK Xcaret's staff has an excellent track record with passionate hardworking guides that use their skills to introduce people to the underwater world. Many customers share shining reviews — for example:

 “I was very impressed by how professional and helpful the crew was. 5 stars for this experience!” says TripAdvisor user Science_Cat. 



 Xcaret’s sales and marketing staff also play an instrumental role in the success of the program. Not only is Sea TREK promoted through local tour agents and hotel desks, but it is also pre-sold onboard all of Xcaret’s signature coaches that transport thousands of guests a day between hotels in the region and the park. Sea TREK is prominently advertised on social media platforms, the Xcaret website, and the home page of the Visit Mexico official tourism website.



As the demand for Sea TREK continues to rise, Xcaret and Sub Sea Systems are in collaboration to create new experiences for its clients. Jim Mayfield, president of Sub Sea Systems shares, “Xcaret is truly a partner in the development of unique experiences and constant product innovation.” 

Congratulations Xcaret and thank you for a great year!

Be sure to visit Xcaret's website to find out more about all of the amazing programs they offer.


Continue Reading...

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

A Day in the Life of a Sea TREK Guide


Sea TREK Guide Anthony St. Lucia

Our Sea TREK Guides are world renowned for their knowledge, humor and patience. They have helped millions of people who do not have any diving experience — and some that do not even have swimming capability — experience the joy of the underwater world.

Each time a Sea TREK Guide takes a novice under the sea they relive the excitement of what it’s like to take a first breath under water. They see the bright eyes and excited smiles every day. Our Guides’ passion for the sea and its creatures is shared with thousands of people everyday around the world. Without our Guides’ patient coaxing some people may have never even experienced what they call “The best moment of my life” or “Unlike anything I have ever done.” Without our Guides’ knowledge of marine life and animal behaviors, millions of people may have missed that moment of swirling sergeant majors, or the feel of the velvety wing of a stingray. Without our Guides’ sense of humor many TREKKERS might have missed the laughter that comes with catching a glimpse of Sea TREK Guides do a choreographed underwater dance or an unbelievable underwater backflip. Sea TREK Guides are one of the most important ingredients in a successful Sea TREK experience. We would like to dedicate this blog to our hundreds of talented and passionate Sea TREK Guides! Below is a brief look into a day in the life of a SeaTREK Guide. What a life!

Sea TREK Guides wake up every day with excitement for their job. Their love of the ocean and everything beneath the surface motivates their routine, as they get ready for their day.

Each workday begins with equipment setup, startup and safety checks. This is a crucial step and one that is performed with attention to detail by each and every Guide. One look at our stellar record will confirm that our Guides are good at their jobs!

Sea trek safety air lines


Prior to guests arriving, the Sea TREK helmets, air lines and floating manifold– or PODs or Backpacks– are staged for operations. The air lines are calibrated to the correct air flow rate – aka ‘c.f.m’ (cubic feet per minute); and the emergency air cylinders are double checked to be full.

Guides who use scuba gear setup their BCDs, regs and mask, and stage it at the water entry point– ready to enter the water as soon as the first guest arrives!

When guests arrive at the briefing area they are either presented a video safety briefing, or a verbal safety briefing by one of the Guides. The soon-to-be TREKKERS learn how to properly equalize, communicate with hand signals, and how to walk in the underwater world. Guides answer questions, demonstrate hand signals or equalization techniques, and quell fears and anxieties. They’ve experienced nearly every nervous ‘what if’ question and expertly use humor, eloquence, and knowledge to ease guests into their upcoming adventure.



Once guests are ready to enter the water, Guides (usually in tandem with a Surface Attendant) assist guests down a vertical ladder, where the Sea TREK helmet is placed on the guest’s shoulders. In a feat of perfect timing and strength, the Surface Attendant and Guide work together to get the guest comfortably beneath the surface without the guest ever feeling the full weight of the 70 lb. helmet.

It is these initial steps down the rungs of the ladder that Guides truly relive their first breaths underwater. Just by looking in the guest’s eyes, the Guide can immediately tell if a guest is thrilled or terrified. If it is the latter, the Guide’s training shines through, as he or she is most likely able to keep 1st timers calm with wit and compassion, and help them descend all the way to the seafloor for the start of the tour.

Sea TREK Guide with 8 year old making hand signal for ok


After repeating the ladder process several more times, the tour is ready to begin! Guides work together to monitor, manage and entertain the guests. They make sure to keep communication open with hand signals and eye contact, and receive the ultimate satisfaction through the smiles on the faces of each TREKKER.

Sea TREK with stingrays


Throughout the tour, Sea TREK Guides facilitate interactions between TREKKERs and sea creatures, all while taking incredible underwater photos.

Happy video of Sea TREK Dancers

Many Guides also perform for our guests, removing their helmets, doing flips, dancing, and creating O-ring bubbles … all for the pleasure of seeing a guest laugh under the sea.

Sea TREK Guides make sure that each guest has a memorable experience and beautiful photographs to commemorate his or her tour.

Sea TREK guide hangs loose with hand signal


After a day of repeating these tours, it’s safe to say Sea TREK Guides spend a lot of time under the sea — smiling. Not a bad job!

Sea TREK Guide Spain


At the end of the day, we’d like to think our Sea TREK Guides smile as they fall asleep, excited for the next day and the new TREKKERS they will introduce to the sea.

Do you love the sea? Want to spend your days beneath the surface, entertaining guests and interacting with sea life? Do you want to be a Sea TREK Guide? Check out our ‘where to’ page to find all of our locations. Click on the www link image for example link and see if any of our operators are hiring.

Do you love the sea, but just want to try Sea TREK? Check out our website at www.sea-trek.com


Continue Reading...

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Our Top Ten Picks for Interactive, Water-Related Cruise Excursions


We would like to share our top ten picks for water related shore excursions. Make sure to read all the way to the end for a bonus excursion activity!

FunCat electric catamaran boat cruise excursion


10. FunCat

You can rent a FunCat electric catamaran at many locations throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. The FunCat is a personal, electrically powered, chaise lounge catamaran with armrests and cup holders, a bimini shade and an adjustable seatback. The easy-to-use controls make this leisure watercraft an interactive dream. Even small children can drive the FunCat! Be sure to check out which ports of call offer this one-of-a-kind, relaxing rental. Feel the sea breeze move through your hair as you take a quiet, peaceful afternoon to relax on your own private part of the sea.

Snorkel with turtles cruise excursion

9. Snorkel with Sea Turtles

There are many beautiful creatures in the sea, and snorkeling is a great way to get close and see the colorful underwater world. The slow majesty of giant sea turtles, as they swim right beside you is hard to describe. Many locations boast an abundance of sea turtles, and can almost guarantee you will be snorkeling with the shelled creatures. What an experience — interacting with the wild beauties in their natural habitat! Check out your cruise’s shore excursions and book today!

Swimming with manatees cruise excursion

8. Swim with Manatees 

Manatees — also known as sea cows (because of their largesse and sea grass grazing habits) — are the mellow, gentle giants of the sea. Manatees love warm water, so in temperate ports of call you can see and interact with manatees all year round. The rotund beings seek interaction with people — out of curiosity. Their beauty and unexpected grace make a swim with the manatees a once in a lifetime experience. You will never forget the feel of their giant bodies and whiskered faces as you float in the water among them. Check to see if you can add this to your itinerary — you won’t regret it!

swimming with whale sharks cruise excursion

7. Swim with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are the true colossuses of the sea. Reaching up to 40 feet in length (or more), and weighing possibly more than 20 tons, the whale shark is the largest living fish on the planet. The mouth of the whale shark is 3 feet wide! Imagine snorkeling next to these massive filter feeding sharks in the turquoise waters off of the coast of Mexico — one of the only destinations in the world that offers such a magnificent interaction. Many cruise lines have ports of call all throughout Mexico. Be sure to find out if your cruise offers an excursion with these gigantic animals.

Stingray interaction cruise excursion

6. Stingray Bay

Coming soon to locations throughout the Caribbean is Stingray Bay — an interactive, educational experience that informs families about these underwater flying creatures. It is the chance of a lifetime to sit in the water with trained stingrays across your lap, as you pet their velvety wings, and feed them. You will watch your loved ones’ eyes sparkle as they snorkel and swim in a beautiful lagoon among the gliding, winged stingrays. Right now the program is offered at Xcaret, but keep looking — this amazing activity will soon be available at many more ports of call.

Sharks interactive cruise excursion

5. Sharks! Interactive

Face your fears! SHARKS! Interactive is an award winning program that allows people to get in the water with trained nurse sharks. These misunderstood creatures strike fear into the hearts of many, but through this educational and interactive program thousands of participants have faced their fears, and learned to respect and appreciate the incredible shark. Imagine sitting in the warm waters of the Caribbean with your family and friends by your side, and taking a photo of a shark resting on your lap! Be sure to look up SHARKS! Interactive and see if the program is available through your cruise.

Sea TREK Cruise Excursion

4. Sea TREK 

Sea TREK is an underwater walking tour that uses patented Sea TREK helmets to allow anyone (non-divers, and even non-swimmers) ages 8 and up to experience the underwater world. With over 40 locations worldwide you can be sure that you will be able to find a place to Sea TREK on one of your shore excursions. Each location is different. Some locations offer aquarium tours, while others allow you to walk on the floor of the sea in open water. Some sites sink boats and planes to build beautiful new reefs, some sites have resident sea creatures that always photo bomb the guests, and all sites have educated, humorous and experienced Guides to make your Sea TREK adventure the best experience of your life. Be sure to check out the Sea TREK website to find a location on your cruise ship itinerary.

Sea TREK with stingrays cruise excursion

3. Sea TREK with Stingrays

You can also Sea TREK with trained stingrays. Imagine the magnificent velveteen animals flying around your head as you walk on the floor of the stingray lagoon. These friendly, social creatures let you pet their slick wings as they swarm around you. This unique interaction will nearly take your breath away! Right now there is only one place in the world that offers this incredible experience, but more locations will be offering Sea TREK with Stingrays in the near future. Check back for updates on new locations!

Shark TREK cruise excursion

2. Shark TREK

Many locations that offer Sea TREK in an aquarium can boast that there are a few sharks in the tank, but Atlantis’ tank takes the cake. With 20 species of sharks and stingrays in the large aquarium you can be sure you will be immersed in shark infested waters. The experience is thrilling; and as you watch the sharks swim directly in front of you, you can also watch as people slide through the tank in two different waterpark slides. You feel a part of the exhibit as you show off your fearlessness during this incredible Shark TREK! Book this tour today!

Dolphin TREK cruise excursion

1. Dolphin TREK

Dolphin TREK is a Sea TREK experience that offers a truly unique and memorable dolphin interaction. Because our Sea TREK helmets are so accessible — Dolphin TREK provides interactions with dolphins underneath the water (in their own environment) to anyone; including people who may not have diving experience or even know how to swim. Imagine feeling the rush of water as one of these intelligent creatures shoots past you and jumps 20 feet above your head! You can even direct the dolphins with specific hand signals to barrel roll, sing or even pose for an underwater kiss photo! There is nothing that compares to playing with a dolphin face-to-face in their underwater world. We have several Dolphin TREK locations at various ports of call, and will be offering more in the near future. Add this fantastic experience to your itinerary today!

Bonus!


Clear Lounge Cruise Excursion

Clear Lounge

Clear Lounge is the newest, most groundbreaking, water-related experience! Set to open in February 2015 at Carnival Cruise Line’s port, Puerta Maya, in Cozumel, Mexico, Clear Lounge is an achievement in innovation and engineering. Clear Lounge is the world’s 1st underwater oxygen bar and photo booth that offers guests a whole body, multi-sensory experience. Outfitted with a transparent Sea TREK helmet, participants will descend a ladder into a state-of-the-art aquarium lounge where they will breathe aromatherapy infused oxygen, play with bubble guns and underwater tablets, dance to an underwater sound system, and pose for the most unique photo booth pictures complete with props and a video wall backdrop. After guests have felt the effervescent bubbles, heard the music, and breathed the scented O2, they will have the opportunity to download their photos and reenergize with an oxygenated smoothie! If you will be travelling on a Carnival Cruise, do not miss the opportunity to visit the world’s only underwater oxygen bar– ClearLounge Cozumel!

We look forward to hearing about all your underwater adventures… Happy Cruising!

Continue Reading...