Author Archives: Cindi LaRaia

Mexico: Cabo Pulmo and Bahia 2019 Trips

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Dive Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo – An Exciting New Dive Destination

We believe this is the best diving in the Sea of Cortes. Bull sharks. Big fish. Giant schools of fish. Coral reefs. Humpback whales in season through mid-January, and much more! This tightly protected marine park is a living example of a small living community transitioning from subsistence fishing to successful eco-tourism. And, we can take you there to join our liveaboard dive boat in a way that has never before been possible.

https://www.divediscovery.com/mexico/divetours/bahia-de-los-angeles-trip.php

Dive Bahía de los Ángeles

Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve

Bahía de los Ángeles is a small fishing village of 1000 people that lies nestled between the rugged Sierra San Borja Mountains and the sparkling water of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). Every summer up to 220 whale sharks gather at the south end of this bay. Snorkelling with the whale sharks is amazing and we love nothing better than getting in the water with them. The nearby scuba diving is great and local colonies of up to 1000 sea lions enhance the experience even more.

https://www.divediscovery.com/mexico/divetours/bahia-de-los-angeles-trip.php

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

Walindi & FeBrina Introduce MV Oceania – a new PNG Liveaboard

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MV Oceania - PNG Liveaboards - Dive Discovery PNG

Walindi & FeBrina introduce MV Oceania – a new PNG Liveaboard

It is with great pleasure that we introduce our new liveaboard MV Oceania, operating out of Walindi Plantation Resort, alongside MV FeBrina in the Bismarck Sea.

MV Oceania is a 27 metre catamaran who will accommodate up to 16 guests in her above deck, individually air-conditioned cabins, all with ensuite facilities. She will begin operating in January 2019 with itineraries including Kimbe Bay, Witu Islands and Fathers Reefs.

MV Oceania is a very recent addition – she arrived a few weeks ago and has just begun a full internal refit. From the administration side, we are working hard to have confirmed schedules, rates and other important information to provide for you over the coming weeks and months.

For now, we are happy to be confirming that we have added another liveaboard to the family – we will make sure to give you full detailed information, images, rates and schedules as soon as we have them ready to go!

MV Oceania - PNG Liveaboards - Dive Discovery PNG

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

Cuba!!! It is OK to go!

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Havana and the Gardens of the Queen

The best way to help the Cuban people is to travel here. It’s so sad for Cuba to see the new warning from the US State Department to not travel to Cuba. This is politically motivated.  Cuba is open for US travelers. Some news agencies are reporting inaccurate news. The US has said it will not issue visas for Cubans to visit the US, but you can still travel to Cuba and get your Visa at the airport on the way.

Havana is open and working!

Cubans are visibly discouraged with the change of attitude coming from the current US Administration.  The best way to impact change in Cuba is to visit, see the country for yourself, talk with Cubans, spend money supporting small private business owners and show solidarity and compassion.

The sharks, fish & friendly crocodiles are awaiting the divers at the Gardens of the Queen.

The difference is we cannot travel as individuals, but it is OK in groups. We have several American departures with groups. Just ask the dates and we can make this happen!

The Cuban people were just beginning to find hope in the visiting Americans! We can still help and support them!

Diving in Cuba is a great value! We are offering DEMA specials to sweeten the deal!

  • Tortuga $2890.00
  • Avalon 1 $2950.00
  • Avalon 2 $3050.00

Plus 200.00 inscription fee + 100.00 conservation fee

*Nitrox 100.00 on Avalon 2 only.
*RT airport transfers Included from Santa Clara or Camaguey airports. Do not need group departures.
*Havana transfer extra and this would need to be part of a group departure.

Valid for all bookings from July 2018 thru Dec 2019.
Tortuga from July 2018 through March 2019.
Confirm before Nov 30 2017.

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

Indonesia: Misool Named a Mission Blue Hope Spot

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We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue has designated our 300,000-acre, privately-managed Misool Marine Reserve as a Mission Blue Hope Spot.

Led by Her Deepness Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue is uniting a global coalition to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access, and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas – Hope Spots.

The Misool Marine Reserve, in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, surrounds the private resort island of Misool. This is a protected area inside which all extractive practices are prohibited, including longlining and shark-finning. The area is patrolled by a 15-person, locally-staffed and salaried Ranger Patrol who are strategically positioned at 4 Ranger Stations. The team also uses radar surveillance, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) patrols, and works directly with the marine police.

In the last decade, our team have achieved some incredible conservation wins. Data shows that ecosystem health and biodiversity is increasing: fish biomass has increased on average of 250% over a six-year period. Anecdotal reports from scuba divers reveal that the diving conditions continue to improve year-on-year. Similarly, anecdotal reports from local fishermen working just outside the Misool Marine Reserve confirm higher catch rates.

You, our guests, friends and family, make this possible. By choosing to visit Misool, generously donating to Misool Foundation and supporting our vision, we have been able to achieve incredible things. Our growing tribe of supporters and ocean warriors fills us with hope.

Carry on reading to find out what Dr. Sylvia Earle and Misool Co-founder, Marit Miners, think about this announcement.

Dr. Sylvia Earle

“Misool is a shining beacon of hope within the Coral Triangle,” commented Dr Earle. “The sheer abundance and diversity of life within the Misool Marine Reserve is unparalleled. Just over a decade ago this area was rife with shark-finners and longliners.  The Misool Marine Reserve effectively transformed the region into a sanctuary for sharks, mantas and countless other species. The Misool Marine Reserve embodies the true meaning of a Hope Spot. The team’s steadfast commitment to protection is powered by a unique partnership of responsible tourism and marine conservation.”

Marit Miners

“It is incredibly exciting to receive the news that the Misool Marine Reserve has been designated a Mission Blue Hope Spot,” said Misool Co-Founder Marit Miners. “This spectacularly beautiful region is very fragile, and we have to do everything in our power to protect it, for all life that depends on it now and for generations to come.  We are humbled by Mission Blue’s stand with us to protect Misool’s marine treasures. None of this would have been possible without the support of our guests, our team and our partners. Most importantly, we acknowledge our unique partnership with our local stakeholders and our Ranger Patrol. Their foresight, support and continued vigilance has been key to protecting the world’s richest reefs.”

Do you want to know more about Misool’s unique marriage of conservation and tourism? Then take a look at the following article.

‘What do you get when profit and passion collide? A story of love, hope and the world’s richest reefs’.

 

Launching Offer:Tiaré – New Indonesian Liveaboard

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Tiaré - Indonesia Liveaboard

LAUNCHING PROMO:

During this LAUCHING PERIOD “24 July – 12 Dec 2017” we are giving a 10% discounts to Dive Discovery’s customers.

What You Can Expect On Board Tiaré

Tiaré offers a spectacular experience for divers as well as non-divers, with bright airy cabins, spacious bathrooms and a large front deck where you can socialize, eat under the stars or just relax in the Indonesian sunshine. There is also a separate diving deck with hot water showers to warm up after a night dive.

All indoor and outdoor living areas, decks, and cabins are made with antique teak salvaged from old Joglos, which not only gives the feel of “real Indonesia”, but has helped to reduce the use of Indonesia’s disappearing rainforests.

Boat details: https://www.divediscovery.com/indonesia/liveaboards/tiare.php

Living area, Cabin - Tiaré - Indonesia Liveaboard

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

For The Well Travelled Diver- Lembeh

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Introducing a New Jewel in North Sulawesi of Indonesia.

The Aman Lembeh

The Aman Lembeh

 

The Aman Lembeh is the newest addition to the Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi of Indonesia. A Boutique Dive Resort that emphasizes in private and personalized experience of staying and relaxing in a traditional handmade bungalows, as well as a privately customized scuba diving trip from beginners up to professional Underwater Photography.Each diver and/ or dive groups are catered personally with our private butler services that handle all divers’ needs 24/7 from arrival, meals, dive programs, to your land tours.The Aman Lembeh offers unlimited dives, and unlimited fun scuba diving and exploring the Lembeh Strait and its surrounding of Bunaken National Marine Park and Bangka Archipelago.The Aman Lembeh

The Aman Lembeh Special Package Offer!

4 Days/ 3 Nights
US$ 425 Per Person TRIPLE Shared
US$ 510 Per Person TWIN Shared
US$ 785 Per Person SINGLE Room

5 Days/ 4 Nights
US$ 555 Per Person TRIPLE Shared
US$ 640 Per Person TWIN Shared
US$ 1020 Per Person SINGLE Room
Prices are quoted in US Dollars.

Unlimited Day Dives start from 8am and ends at 4.45pm.
Prices include land and sea transport from/ to Manado Airport and The Aman Lembeh (Roundtrip).
Prices exclude flights, personal expenditure, tips, dive equipment rentals, alcoholic beverages & soft drinks.

For more information and to take advantage of these special package offers, please contact

Dive Discovery
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us

South Pacific Special Offers

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**Attention scuba divers and snorkelers**

Lindblad Expeditions/ National Geographic Orion

partners with
Dive Discovery Travel for 2018

National Geographic Orion

What does this mean?

Because of this union, we are able to offer you an ‘exclusive’ $200.00 on board credit per person booked only through Dive Discovery.  (*new bookings only)

Also, SPECIAL OFFERS:

  • Book 2 or More and Save 10%
    Book two or more South Pacific voyages aboard National Geographic Orion and take 10% off each voyage. Savings is applicable to back-to-back or non-consecutive voyages.
    ***This savings is available on voyage fare only, and is not valid on airfares or extensions.

Our South Pacific & Polynesia Trips

* links to PDF files

Azure Seas from Tahiti to the Marquesas

Azure Seas from Tahiti to the Marquesas

  • 17 days Jun / Aug, from $15,680 to $33,440

Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

  • 19 days Mar / Aug, from $17,990 to $37,990

Epic Polynesia: Cook Islands to Fiji

Epic Polynesia: Cook Islands to Fiji

  • 17 days May, from $15,680 to $33,440

French Polynesia: Beyond the Postcard

French Polynesia: Beyond the Postcard

  • 10 days Apr / Jun / Jul / Aug, from $7,690 to $16,840

Isles, Atolls, and Pristine Corals: Southern Line Islands

Isles, Atolls, and Pristine Corals: Southern Line Islands

  • 10 days Apr / May / Jun / Jul / Aug, from $7,690 to $16,840

Diving / Snorkeling Note:

We have Dive Equipment onboard 24 with compressors, tanks and all equipment required. Masks/fins/snorkels/dive weights/dive computers etc. Plus, snorkel gear for all 102 guests.
***There is an additional charge of $95 per person for each dive.

Overview

Actively explore every day

Hike tropical trails to some of the most Insta-worthy waterfalls on Earth, or venture inland on a lazy bike ride. Join a glass-bottom Zodiac cruise, glide along verdant shorelines on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, then cool off with a dip in a crystal-clear lagoon. If you prefer to stay aboard to read in the stillness of the library or indulge in a massage at the Health Spa, that is equally encouraged. There’s no one-size-fits-all scheduling ever: you choose your activities, activity levels, and staff members to join daily.

Revel in the remarkable undersea experience – Diving and Snorkeling

From the Southern Line and the Pitcairn Islands, both identified as Pristine Seas sites, to fantastic Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the South Pacific offers an unparalleled opportunity: to witness intact, vibrantly healthy marine habitats unlike anywhere else on the planet. All of our itineraries take full advantage of this underwater bounty and you’ll have numerous chances to dive, snorkel, and swim among brilliantly-hued coral, playful clownfish, gentle mantas, blacktip reef sharks and much more.

Orion carries complete snorkeling gear (yours for the duration of the voyage) for every guest and scuba gear for 24 divers, plus dive masters to oversee every excursion. And, we travel with an onboard undersea specialist and an ROV which takes video images up to 1,000 feet below the surface, far beyond the range of divers. So you’ll get incomparable, up-close access to the dazzling marine environments and their inhabitants. For those who prefer to stay dry, the addition of a glass-bottom craft to our fleet of Zodiacs provides perfect undersea viewing opportunities without the need to dive or snorkel.

Connect with the Polynesian culture and people

Thanks to the nimbleness of Orion, and the commitment, logistic skills and connections of our staff, we’ll have the peerless opportunity to meet and interact with the friendly and hospitable people who inhabit these remote islands and learn much about their traditional lifestyles. As we sail into a new port we will often be greeted with festive ceremonies native to that particular island. Throughout our itineraries we’ve arranged to visit ancient archeological sites like the many maraes (sacred meeting grounds), explore intricately carved tiki’s, witness traditional dances, and delve into the distinctive cultures for which this part of the world is so well-known.

The following link will allow you to download the Video I for Orion and her voyages!
https://youtu.be/uXFbatys4TU

Call Dive Discovery and book today to explore the South Pacific & Polynesia and get your ‘exclusive’ $200.00 per person on board credit.
(415) 444-5100,
1-800-886-7321
Or email CindiLaRaia@divediscovery.com