MV Maya’s Dugong liveaboard for Aldabra in Seychelles

Aldabra - Seychelles

Aldabra
is the world’s second largest coral atoll
The UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sir David Attenborough called Aldabra
“One of the wonders of the world”

Aldabra Expedition Aboard the MV Maya’s Dugong
The sample itineraries are as per below:

Aldabra expedition 1: starts on the 11th of December, 2015.
The program includes visits to Assumption, Aldabra, Cosmoledo and Astove.

Dates: 11 to 20 December, 2015 (9-nights)
Embarkation/Disembarkation: Assumption

Day 1 December 11 Flight from Mahe to Assumption. Embarkation on MV Maya’s Dugong
Days 2-6 December 12-16 Aldabra
Days 7-8 December 17-18 Cosmoledo
Day 9 December 19 Astove
Day 10 December 20 Disembarkation at Assumption. Flight back to Mahe.

Aldabra expedition 2: starts on the 20th December, 2015.
The program includes the visits to Assumption, Aldabra, Cosmoledo and Astove.

Dates: 20 to 27 December, 2015 (7-nights)
Embarkation/Disembarkation: Assumption

Day 1 December 20 Flight from Mahe to Assumption. Embarkation on MV Maya’s Dugong
Day 2-4 December 21-23 Aldabra
Day 5-6 December 24-25 Cosmoledo
Day 7 December 26 Astove
Day 8 December 27 Disembarkation at Assumption. Flight back to Mahe.

Note: please send us an inquiry for dates and availability

MV Maya's Dugong - Seychelles Liveaboards

View MV Maya’s Dugong liveaboard information:
http://www.divediscovery.com/seychelles/liveaboards/mayas-dugong.php

For more information, contact Dive Discovery at:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

Nortada – a new liveaboard in Galapagos!

Nortada - Galapagos Liveaboards - Dive Discovery Galapagos

Nortada was built in France by Naval Builder Guy Couach in 1986. The 18 meter / 60 foot fiberglass yacht served as a naturalist cruise boat and dive live-aboard for nearly 15 years.

In early 2012 the Board of Directors of Rolf Wittmer decided to rebuild Nortada as a private charter dive live-aboard for small groups of up to 8 guests. This new live-aboard concept targets groups with specialized diving needs, maximizes the value of live-aboard dive departures and offers unprecedented privacy, even for small groups.

Nortada will regularly offer 7 night itineraries to Wolf and Darwin. Some of the specialized products Nortada will offer to her clients include full rebreather and technical diving support, photo – video oriented departures, citizen science programs maintained in partnership by leading research institutions and private celebrity expeditions. High and Low season itinerary options are available.

Nortada - Galapagos Liveaboards - Dive Discovery Galapagos

STANDARD 8 DAY / NIGHT
WOLF AND DARWIN ITINERARY

Friday:
(AM) Arrival to Galapagos
(PM) Check Dive – Punta Carrión

Saturday:
(AM) Cape Marshall / Mantarray City
(PM) Roca Redonda

Sunday:
(All Day) Wolf

Monday:
(All Day) Darwin

Tuesday:
(All Day) Wolf

Wednesday:
(AM) Bartolome / Cousing Rock
(PM) Bartolome – land visit

Thursday:
(AM) Pinzon Island
(PM) Darwin Station – land visit

Friday:
(AM) Seymour or Plazas land visit and flight out

For more information, contact Dive Discovery at:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

2015: 10 Nights Shark Diving Package – Tahiti

2015: 10 Nights Shark Diving Package - Tahiti

PACKAGE 10 NIGHTS, SHARK DIVING PACKAGE
Tahiti – Tikehau – Rangiroa
Validity: from April 01st through December 31st, 2015

Day 1 – 6 Rangiroa Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa Rangiroa – Deluxe
5 nights in a Beach Bunaglow with Jacuzzi with daily American Breakfast included
Day 6 – 11 Tikehau Hotel Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort 4*
5 nights in a Beach Bungalow with daily American Breakfast included

tahiti_shark_diving_2015_accommodation

This package includes :

  • Welcome flower lei, assistance, luggage handling
  • Round trip transfers in all islands
  • Domestic flights: The date of departure determines the season applicable for the whole trip.
  • 10 nights in hotels & room categories with the meal plans mentioned above
  • 16 Dives Gold Pass per person, nominative, can be shared among 2 Divers maximum, non-transferable (Nitrox available (at no extra charge) in all top dive centers – Booking through our services possible, complimentary, not mandatory.)
  • Handling fees
  • All taxes except the City Tax of 1.26 Euros per night and per person aged 12 years & over. The City Tax is collected by the hotel upon Check Out.

COST: Single From USD $7290.00
½ Double From USD $4670.00
*** *pricing based on current rate of exchange, subject to change. ***

http://www.divediscovery.com/tahiti/divetours/tikehau-rangiroa-diving-package-2015.php

For more information, contact Dive Discovery at:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

The Latest on Travel to Cuba

Travel to Cuba

Cuba!!!! Let’s go diving!! Since a few days ago, there has been more leniency on USA travelers to Cuba.
I am able to offer trips starting in July of this year. September thru November is the whaleshark season. Sharks are year round. It is still a bit unclear on the exact intricacies but here is an article that just came out that may shed some light. Pricing is GOOD!!
http://www.nytimes.com/…/…/the-latest-on-travel-to-cuba.html

For more information, contact Dive Discovery at:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

Great News About Cuba Travel Program

Gardens of the Queen Shark Diving - Dive Discovery

News from Ocean Doctor:

I am very happy to report that Ocean Doctor’s license from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) permitting us to take travelers to Cuba has been renewed for another two years (through the end of October 2016). This allows us to continue our program without interruption and we look forward to hosting many of you as part of our Cuba Travel Program on our trips in the weeks and months ahead.

Our trips fall under a category of license known as “people-to-people” educational programs. Travelers are required to have “a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interaction between the travelers and individuals in Cuba.” Of course, those  who have traveled with us to Cuba understand that interaction with our Cuban colleagues is one of the most memorable aspects of these trips.

Your travel helps support the important research and conservation work we are conducting with our Cuban colleagues and we are grateful for your participation. We look foward to traveling with you soon!

 

For more information, contact Dive Discovery at:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

Uprising Beach Resort ~ Beqa Island, Fiji ~ 2014 Dema Special

Uprising Beach Resort - Fiji Dive Resorts - Dive Discovery Fiji Islands

UPRISING BEACH RESORT
2014 DEMA
DIVE AND ADVENTURE PACKAGE!

Uprising Beach Resort: Look no further. Located in Pacific Harbour, Fiji’s Adventure Capital, this property offers it all; beachfront location, comfy bures, excellent diving, huge variety of activities and great food! Enjoy beautiful soft coral diving in Beqa Lagoon, the world’s #1 Shark Dive, and a host of other amazing adventures such as whitewater rafting, rainforest zipline tours, world-class surf and more!

Aqua-Trek Beqa is located down the road and provides daily transfers to the dive center.

USD $925 per person twin/dbl 5 Nights/3 Dive Days
USD $1,395 per person twin/dbl 7 Nights/5 Dive Days

Package Includes:

  • Roundtrip private ground transfers Nadi Airport/Uprising Beach Resort
  • Beach Front Bure Accommodation at Uprising Beach Resort
  • Daily Continental Breakfast
  • Daily 2-tank Boat Dives with Aqua-Trek Beqa
    *Includes World-Renowned Ultimate Shark Encounters™
  • All Resort Taxes

Group Bonus:

  • 10 paying = 2 free on accommodation, diving and transfers.
  • Free Night Dive

Upgrades, Add-ons, Etc.:

* 2-course lunch/3-course dinner meal plan for $75pp/pd

* Upgrade to Garden View Villa with kitchen, living room and television for USD$22pp/pn

* Upgrade to Beach Front Villa with kitchen, living room and television for USD$33pp/pn

* Singles add $525 for 5 Night Pkg. Add $600 for 7 Night Pkg.

* Non-divers deduct $380 for 5 Night Pkg. Deduct $600 for 7 Night Pkg.

* Add PADI Extreme Shark Diver Certification for just $100pp (Done on shark dive day)

* Add Full Day Whitewater Rafting Trip for $225 or River Kayaking for $140pp

* Add Rainforest Canopy Zip Line Tour for $125pp

* Add full day Village and Waterfall trip for $85pp

Prices are in usd per person based on cash/check discounted price. Double occupancy and space available. Packages do not include beverages. Bookings must be under deposit by march 31, 2015. Specials are valid for travel through march 2016. Rates are subject to change due to fluctuating exchange rates until paid in full.

Other restrictions may apply.

For more information, contact Dive Discovery at:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

Garden Island Resort, Taveuni ~ Fiji Islands ~ 2014 Dema Special

Garden Island Resort - Fiji Dive Resorts - Dive Discovery Fiji Islands

GARDEN ISLAND RESORT
TAVEUNI ~ FIJI ISLANDS
2014 DEMA Special

Taveuni Island offers Fiji’s best soft coral diving, true Fijian culture and excellent accommodations at the ocean front Garden Island Resort, the closest resort to the world-famous Rainbow Reef! Activities include kayaking, waterfall treks, cultural village tours and more!

USD $1,385* per person share twin/dbl

*Plus 20% VAT/HTT

Package Includes:

  • Round-trip private ground transfers to/from airport
  • 7 nights accommodation in an Ocean View Room (Upstairs w/balcony)
  • A refreshing welcome drink
  • Daily continental breakfast, 2-course lunch and 3-course dinner
  • Afternoon coffee/tea and fresh baked goodies
  • 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with refreshments
  • Unlimited shore diving during shop hours
  • Free use of kayaks

Group Bonus:

  • 10 paying = 2 free on the entire package
  • 2 Free Afternoon Dives (must be on same 2 days for whole group)
  • Free Cultural Night with Lovo Feast and Meke dance performance

Add-ons: * Upgrade to an Oceanview SPA room for $142 pp + taxes (downstairs /spa tub)

* Singles add $167 + taxes

* Non-divers deduct $450 + taxes

* Upgrade to 5 days of 3-tank dives for $250pp + taxes (groups only)

* Add Nitrox for $165 + taxes (10 tank package)

Conditions: 20% fiji government taxes must be added to all arrangements. Must be booked and deposited by March 31, 2015. Travel valid through march 31, 2016. Minimum 7 night stay. Prices are in usd per person based on cash/check discounted price. Double occupancy and space available. Packages do not include most beverages. Dives cannot be exchanged for night dives. Rates are subject to change due to fluctuating exchange rates until paid in full.

Other restrictions may apply.

For more information, contact Dive Discovery at:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

Whale Safari Camp with Gray Whales – Baja Mexico

BajaWhaleWatching_2

Christmas and New Years with the Gray Whales! What a way to start the new year. Sleep with the Gray Whales – fly down in comfort.

Don’t want to come Christmas, then what about Spring Break? We’re open with tons of whales through April 15.

Come experience Baja whale watching while enjoying a comfortable safari style camp setting. Terrific meals served in our large dining tent with views of the whales from your dining table.

This camp is different than every other camp and cabana operation at any of the Baja Lagoons. It is a new camp, but we have more than 20 years experience with Baja Gray Whale Watching. Here are some ways we excel.

1. Comfortable beds not sagging camp cots.

2. Gas powered hot water heaters for real hot water showers. Pressurized water system, not limpid low pressure gravity flow. Solar powered showers seldom provide consistent warm water at the whale watch camps because of the cool overcast conditions.

3. The closest location to the USA. 4 to 5 hours less drive time from the border (one way) than to San Ignacio Lagoon camps.

4. More whales than any other location. You want less drive time. The whales want less swim time. The largest number of gray whales stop at Laguna Ojo de Liebre and they do not swim further south. Why waste all that energy when they have already found the perfect nursery.

5. A safe and protected environment located inside the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve.

Whale Watching, Baja, Mexico - Dive Discovery

Our fly down schedule runs continuously from December 20, 2014 through April 15, 2015. You choose the exact dates to meet your busy schedule. Choose any Monday, Wednesday or Friday for departure and for return days.

3 day trips $1,895, Monday to Wednesday and Wednesday to Friday

4 day trips $2,495, Friday to Monday

5 day trips $2,495, Monday to Friday

6 day trip $2,795, Friday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Monday

8 day trips $2,995, Friday to Friday, Wednesday to Wednesday or Monday to Monday

Our combination gray whale and blue whale trips have been increasingly popular.

February 23 – March 2 $3,395, eight day combo gray and blue whales.  Fly from & return to San Diego. Gray whale watching at Laguna Ojo de Liebre and blue whales on the Sea of Cortez.

February 23 – March 4 $3,995, ten day combo gray and blue whales.  Fly from & return to San Diego. Gray whale watching at Laguna Ojo de Liebre and blue whales on the Sea of Cortez.

Combination trips that begin or end in Loreto with no time at the seaside lodge.

February 21 – March 1, $3,095, 9 days. Start point & end point is Cabo San Lucas (SJD) or La Paz (LAP) airport. Gray whales at Magdalena Bay and blue whales in the Sea of Cortez.

February 22 – 28 $2,795, Seven days. Start & end point Loreto (LTO) Airport. Gray whales at Magdalena Bay and blue whales in the Sea of Cortez.

The World’s Greatest Whale Watching Event (space now limited)
February 11 – 20, Ten days with whale watching at all three gray whale lagoons, Laguna Ojo de Liebre, San Ignacio Lagoon and Magdalena Bay PLUS Blue whales on the Sea of Cortez. This is our most popular whale watching tour.

View details: http://www.divediscovery.com/mexico/divetours/baja-whale-watching-safari.php

For more information, contact Dive Discovery at:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

Client Feedback:Tahiti – Onboard Aquatiki by Colin Kuster

Tahiti: Onboard Aquatiki by Colin Kuster - Dive Discovery

Dive Discovery Client Feedback: 
Tahiti: Onboard Aquatiki

In a word….Totally incredible…that was two!

Really, an incredible trip, boat, crew, diving, venue…everything.

Too much to say in an email. Scott ended up doing all the dives except for one day. We both brought our equipment but they did have all extra gear available and Scott ended up using one of their xs BCD’s. We arrived to find we were the only guests. Good and bad as it would have been nice to socialize with others… but a private charter is not all bad either. With just the two of us with the dive master, it was great.

Incredible life in the reefs, yes sharks, graceful manta rays, millions of grouper (spawning once per year during the full moon… after that they were all gone except a few), all live corals with endless communities of fish everywhere. The current was strong in the passes (of course) but quite manageable for both of us and we got quite comfortable with it.

Tahiti: Onboard Aquatiki by Colin Kuster - Dive Discovery

The best thing about it was the great logistics of the entire trip. They had moorings at all locations (appropriately placed for the dives as well as protected areas) which made mooring quite easy. They all worked well as a team. Even though they had only been working on this boat for 2 months, they had it mastered, quite competent and confident, despite their age, captain (Antoine) 25, 1st mate (Julie) 25 and dive instructor (Emilien) 30. The dives were very well briefed which made the navigation easy and expectations of each dive was accurate. Snacks and coffee were always provided upon returning to the boat after each dive.The meals were all served right at the appropriate times and we never felt hungry. The meals were great too. They did quite well accommodating Scott’s diet requirements. We caught a large mahi mahi which fed us for a couple of days. The meals were a highlight of the trip!

All in all, very highly recommended. The price was quite reasonable considering everything that was included.

Thanks for helping to arrange this… an incredible trip to remember forever…

Colin Kuster

Tahiti: Onboard Aquatiki by Colin Kuster - Dive DiscoveryTahiti: Onboard Aquatiki by Colin Kuster - Dive Discovery

Client Feedback: PNG – Onboard MV FeBrina, 11-19 June 2014 by Trina Vaughn

PNG: Onboard MV FeBrina - Dive Discovery

Dive Discovery Client Feedback: 
PNG – Onboard MV FeBrina,
Wednesday 11th June to Thursday 19th June, 2014

The MV FeBrina experience is a treat indeed !

Being welcomed aboard by lovely Josie and taken to my air conditioned cabin was a delight. This boat is super comfy. The cabins have all been recently updated and are clean, spacious and very well appointed. The crew was a pleasure to spend the week with. The diving was spectacular ! The array of dive sites and beasties was incredible. I felt high on sensory overload every dive. Such diversity and abundance of sea life I have never experienced before. Soft corals, hard corals, crinoids, nudibranchs, sea slugs, crabs of all kinds and the fish life !!! Seriously, the abundance of fish large, small and weird is fabulous ! Juveniles of every species is a joy to see. Clownfish protectively patrolling their anemones everywhere in many different colors. Pygmy seahorse, Titan trigger fish , Cuttle fish and of course Sharks. The silvertip sharks were my favorite. With two divemasters on critter watch every dive something special was found literally every time.

If you love diving, book this trip. I can hardly wait to get back and do it again!

Trina Vaughn

PNG: Onboard MV FeBrina - Dive Discovery PNG: Onboard MV FeBrina - Dive Discovery