DIVE AND AFRICA DISCOVERY NEWSLETTER
~ WINTER ESCAPES TO PLAN NOW!

Winter has taken hold in the northern hemisphere!
Time to plan to get the heck outta here into sun and warmth!!
We have some fun ideas for you to get planning and put a smile on your face!

TAHITI!
Grouper Spawn in Fakarava for July of 2025!!
We are holding 2 rooms in South Fakarava and 2 rooms in north Fakarava!
This is a must do in the life of divers ?

In French Polynesia, thousands of camouflage groupers, also known as marbled groupers, spawn in the Fakarava atoll every year between June and July.

The spawning takes place in the Fakarava South Pass
(Tetamanu Pass), a 35-mile-long rectangle of coral in a narrow channel at the south end of Fakarava Atoll.

We are holding 2 rooms in South Fakarava July 5-11 2024 for 6nts, with 4 days of diving with the Groupers. These trips sell out way in advance.

Book now if you are interested in this amazing photography experience!

We can also offer diving in Rangiroa to experience the best of diving in the Tuamotu’s in French Polynesia!

USD 4740.00 per person based on twin share
* based on current rate of exchange subject to change.

Fakarava Groupers’ Spawning, July 5-11 2025, $4,740- 5 nights at Pension Raimiti in South Fakarava

HUMPBACK WHALE SNORKEL TOUR IN TAHITI – AUGUST 19- 24 2024
5nts ~4 whale swim days
I have a secret! A lot less people, and you don’t have to go far once in Tahiti.

Each year, schools of humpback whales come to the warm waters of The Islands of Tahiti from July to November, to reproduce and nurture their young in complete security.
We will be in search of humpback whales that are calm and relaxed before we can enter the water. Share the wonder and awe of being eyeball to eyeball with these magnificent sentient
beings! Hear the song of the males as they try to win the respect of the females to reproduce.

The baby calves become very curious of the humans in the water and will come by to take a look at you!

We can add on scuba diving in the Tuamotus to Rangiroa and or Fakarava which offers the best diving in French Polynesia.
Or for non-divers, add on to Moorea or Bora Bora for more Tahitian adventures!

This books up and sells out so fast!
USD Cost 2390.00 per person Twin Share
* based on current rate of exchange, subject to change.

MOBULA & ORCA season is coming soon in Baja Mexico!

This is super fun, free diving with a tornado of Mobulas by the thousands! It’s also the Orcas favorite snack!

Mobula & Megafauna Expedition, 7 Days Baja California Sur, Mexico.

We have the possibility of encountering Giant schools of Mobulas, super pods of dolphins, Blue whales, bryde’s whales, fin whales, the elusive Orcas, large female whale sharks, sealions and many other pelagic animals.

COST: $3,700 per person
June 10-16 2 spots left
June 17-23 2024 2 spots left

BLACK WATER DIVING

Has become a thing now! Have you tried it?
If you are a keen u/w photographer you don’t want to miss this!
Even if you are not, you will enjoy a new world you did not know existed!

What is Blackwater Diving?

Blackwater diving can be broadly described as dropping in the water and looking for planktonic / larval forms of marine creatures.

Beyond that there are a few methods you can use depending on what depth of water you are prepared to hang over:

‘Bonfire’ diving is where you put some lights on the sand to attract plankton.

‘Blackwater drift’ is where you attach lights to a hang line and drift through deep water.

All going well you will not see the bottom.

‘Black ops’ this is the most difficult style where we drift without any strong lights in deep ocean water.

There are many places around the world offering this unique diving.

Anilao in Philippines, Lembeh Strait in Indonesia
are currently offering some of the wildest creatures in larval form!

Images below from Marie Tartar!

&Beyond Galapagos Explorer

GALAPAGOS Naturalist Cruise ~ 5 star, a new small boutique boat experience

&Beyond has really done it this time. A small luxury boat with 2 unique 7nt itineraries, east and west.
You are able to book back to back cruises to see the very best of all the islands!

Maximum of 12 guests on a very spacious luxury yacht!

Tread lightly, sleep deeply

Our yacht features four cabins and two suites, meticulously appointed to offer unparalleled comfort. Revel in first-class luxury, where elegant spaces and attentive service redefine expedition yacht sailing standards.

SPECIAL GREAT SALE:

Komodo in warm water! Can you leave soon?

This May – June 2024, The Seven Seas Liveaboard.
Book your adventure now and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount
on all trips in May and June 2024.

Prices start from $2,400 per person for a 7-Days Komodo Trip, including Tax, park fees, and diving!

For longer 10nt trips, 4000.00 per person.
** Komodo in warm water is out of this world!
Imagine Horseshoe Bay, clear and Warm!!

Diving Portugal Dive the Azores, and Madeira

Yes there is diving in Portugal, now is the time to plan a trip there! Great diving, beautiful wine and Port, good pricing. What more can you ask for? Something entirely unique and different! High season for diving and sightseeing is from June to October!

Portugal offers many advantages and unique experiences for divers. We have a wonderful operator who will look after you 100%! It’s time to try something different! Check out these options, we can also offer custom diving and length of a trip for you there! Azores and Madeira islands offer rich underwater environments and unforgettable topside experiences!

~GROUP TRIPS~ 2024:

Mobula & Megafauna Expedition, 7 Days

escorted by Fer Nieto
Baja California Sur, Mexico ~ Land based adventure for 6nts/ 7 days out of LaVentana in the Sea of Cortez!

We have the possibility of encountering Giant schools of Mobulas, super pods of dolphins, Blue whales, bryde’s whales, fin whales the elusive Orcas, large female whale sharks, sealions and many other pelagic animals.
COST: $3,700 per person
June 10-16, 2 spots left
June 17-23 2024 2 spots left

2025:

Papua New Guinea: 10nts ~ Milne Bay aboard Oceania Liveaboard, February 6-16 2025 Group Trip
** For birding enthusiasts, we can add on a Bird of Paradise trip out of Mnt Hagen for you!

North Spitsbergen Explorer – aboard m/v Plancius June 3-10 2025 Group Trip

2026:

Zakouma National Park with Cindi LaRaia, March 10-18, 2026 Group Trip – Africa Discovery

Kalimantan (11 Days/10 Nights), Damai 2 Liveaboard Scuba Diving, May 25-June 4 2026 Group Trip

SHARKS!!!

Mozambique Africa, operating in Ponta do Ouro, specializes in shark diving adventures.

Unbaited shark diving up close and personal.
○ For advanced divers only (no students).
○ Small groups or individuals (max 8 per launch).
Pinnacles is rated one of the top shark diving sites in the world.
The dive site is set in a marine reserve and is one of the very few places
where divers can see so many different species of shark in a single, unbaited dive.
This wonder of the ocean never disappoints and is never the same.

This is shark diving at its very best!
The best time to dive with sharks is from mid-October to mid-May.

SHARKS
Main Species seen:
Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Silvertip Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks
Other sightings:
Marlin, Sailfish, Manta Ray, Eagle Ray, Devil Ray,Pelagic game fish

ITALY

Take a slow approach and meander your way with our partner in Italy,,,

Scheduled departures (7-8days trips), short breaks (3-4days tours) or proposals that can be tailor-made for individual travelers, groups or solo travelers.

The philosophy is to travel in small groups to live an authentic experience, to enter local communities, to establish a relationship with locals, to try first-hand peculiar experiences,
to create positive feeling and be sustainable and responsible, to optimize visiting and travel times and choose unexpected cozy accommodation for the overnights.

A different way of traveling to better capture moments of ordinary everyday life of a land that has always fascinated travelers. Remote area made accessible for you, with a different story-telling, made with passion and love.
We take you to Italy, where life still flows slowly.

Thank you from the team of Dive & Africa Discovery Travel!
Cindi LaRaia

Cindi with Sperm Whales, photo by Marie Tartar

AUGUST SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2023 ~ Dive & Africa Discovery Travel

24 August 2023

I hope Summer has been great and you have had some wonderful family and friends time together! I just returned from an extraordinary trip to Kenya & Tanzania with a group of 7.

I have to say, it was one of the very best wildlife experiences I have had!

It has been a long time since I was in Kenya and it was truly remarkable.

Tanzania was equally beautiful in Tarangire National Park as well as Central Serengeti with all the big cats. Trip report coming soon; I have not even started to look at images
off my dslr camera yet and what I posted on Instagram and Facebook were all from my i-phone!!!

We have some ideas and inspiration for diving and Africa!

Diving Ideas!

Group trips 2024:
UPCOMING ADVENTURES
Dominica:
Sperm Whale in Water Encounter, January 3-9 2024 Group Trip ~ 5 days on the water with Sperm Whales! 2 spots left!
COST: $6,800 per person based on a single in each room, or for a couple.
Staying at the lovely The Champs in Portsmouth!

Indonesia:

Komodo in Warm Water Season!!!
Aboard Adelaar Liveaboard, April 21-May 1 2024 Group Trip
2 spots 1 cabin open, double or twin share on the beautiful Adelaar liveaboard for Komodo
IN THE WARM Water season!
Komodo continues to be one of the premier diving areas in Indonesia;
I finally found a boat that will be there in the WARM WATER time, yay!
I simply cannot dive that cold water any longer, even with my heated vest!
Did you know that horseshoe Bay can actually have GREAT vis with warm water? Shocking I know!
Join me on this fun adventure, the boat only takes 8 people!!

Group trips 2025:

Papua New Guinea: 10nts ~ Milne Bay aboard Oceania Liveaboard, February 6-16 2025 Group Trip
COST: $6,200 per person & $90 E&S fees.

This is a very special rare departure for the beautiful colorful reefs of Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea!

I love it here! NO other boats, the absolute pristine reefs in this magnificent Bio-Diverse area of PNG are beyond stunning! Color, life, crazy creatures and a manta cleaning station to name a few of the delights. Oceania only offers these cruises at the best time of the year for Milne Bay February till end of March.

Join me as we venture to the magic of Milne bay! One of the very special places to dive on earth!

Mexico: Mobulas and Orcas, Sea of Cortez, June 14-21 2025 Group Trip

Spotter Airplane Supported Ocean Safaris Onboard Nautilus Gallant Lady
COST: Superior Cabin: $4,200 inclusive of tax + $35 port fee
1 premium cabin at $4,830 per person + $35 port fee

Join us on this wild and crazy snorkel adventure in the Sea of Cortez! Peak season for Mobulas and Orcas! Get ready to jump and swim to be rewarded with thousands of Mobulas and Cow Nose Rays, plus a plethora of surprises only the Sea Of Cortez can offer! Hopefully Orcas!!!

Seychelles

Alphonse Island may be ‘THE’ quintessential idealic ~sublime island experience you will ever have. Imagine NO people, due to the extreme OUT THERE location in the middle of the Indian Ocean! With stunning diving that will knock your socks off. Untouched pristine reefs.

I have proof from guests who have just returned and others there in January.

You will love me forever, let me take you there…………….. can you picture yourself here?

The raw beauty of an untouched natural sanctuary in one of the prime marine environments in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean can be experienced here…

They have some space if you would like to get away in the Festive Season ~ Christmas and New Years!

NEW!

Looking for something really different? How about Portugal!!?
I have always wanted to go there, especially to the Azores! Why not?

Now there is a dive operator that is working hard to offer diving to all the different areas in Portugal!
It’s a great destination in terms of pricing, culture and diversity.
Time to try something different!

Take a diving trip to mainland Portugal, the Azores archipelago, or Madeira Islands in 2024 offers many advantages and unique experiences for divers. Here are some compelling reasons to consider:

Rich Marine Biodiversity: Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira are renowned for their diverse marine ecosystems, making them ideal diving destinations. Guests can explore various marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, whales, sharks, and rare species, providing an unforgettable underwater experience.

Email us for more information

Halmahera ~ Indonesia

Kusu Island Resort

Kusu Island is located in South Halmahera, Indonesia and is a tropical paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Kusu Island Resort is the most luxurious and exclusive Dive and Holiday Resort in this region. We are in the heart of the Coral Triangle, which is recognized as the global centre of marine biodiversity, and the reefs surrounding Kusu Island are virtually untouched and bristling with marine life.

Hot Specials

Bonus Event Weeks ~ Galapagos~
Booking window: Now until September 15, 2023
Travel window: September 30 to December 30, 2023
Humboldt Explorer – Save $2000! Double the savings!
Dive Galapagos’ best itinerary for maximizing your time underwater with hammerheads.
Now starting at $4,195 per person.
October 23 to October 30, 2023
October 30 to November 6th, 2023
November 27 to December 4, 2023
December 11 to December 18, 2023

Tiburon Explorer – Save $1600! Double the savings!
Dive with endemic marine iguanas, molas, and rare sharks in the Galapagos Islands.
Now starting at $5,395 per person.
November 4 to November 11, 2023
November 18 to November 25, 2023
December 23 to December 30, 2023

AFRICA!!

Africa is HOT! And now I have a new country to entice you with ~ Chad!

It’s in the central heart of the African continent! I will be working on offering a group here in the future once I can find a year that works. SOON! This place is special! From a friend and colleague who has been guiding safaris and worked as camp managers in the finest camps and reserves.

‘The draw is 62 different lions in a week, huge herds of Tiang and red Buffalo, subspecies of giraffes, bushbuck, duikers, gazelles, absolutely astonishing volumes of geese/pelicans/water birds, it’s remoteness and it’s association with Africa Parks.’
Read some info here: https://www.africa-discovery.com/chad/

Stay tuned, you can only get here by private charter. Its about the most remote place you can get to! Africa Parks has taken over Zakouma National Park and transformed it back to the throngs of wildlife it used to be!!! And I mean throngs!

SOUTHERN AFRICA

And of course, my favorite operator for Southern Africa in Botswana, Zimbabwe & Zambia making all my guests so happy and returning time and time again!

They offer different category types of camps for all budgets!
*current family special: kids 15 & under stay free, conditions apply.

South Africa offers a wonderful kaleidoscope of activities, wine country, safaris throughout the magnificent country, hiking the Drakensburg Mountains, the Sardine Run in June-July!
The list goes on, and pricing is excellent as the SA Rand vs the USD is approx. 16 to 1 USD. It’s an amazing value!

East Africa

Kenya & Tanzania offers a completely different visual with open plains, flat topped acacia thorn trees, it seems to go on forever. I just returned and the wildlife was out of this world!

Stay tuned for my trip report!

Namibia is about the ‘big picture’ the most incredible scenery you can ever imagine! I love this trip: https://www.africa-discovery.com/namibia/safaris/ultimate-namibia-under-canvas.php also my operator has recently finished an amazing new camp in Damaraland!

Congo ~ Odzala camps offers a wild place to see lowland gorillas and more. They are offering a super deal right now as they have rebranded:
For the 7-night Odzala Discovery package, we are extending FREE FLIGHTS, which will save each person an impressive US$ 2,070 until end of Dec 2023.
Check out this youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjZjxrVh6nU

We offer many countries in all of Africa some for amazing culture!

West Africa is renown for incredible culture, we have loads of trips here on our website.

Ethiopia as well in the north and south to see the very very unique tribes as they are today in the Omo Valley

Gabon a crazy country, visits Loango Reserve to see Lowland gorillas & forest elephant, buffalo and more. Also there are 2 reserves to see the beautiful Mandrill primates.

Thank you my dear friends and guests of Dive and Africa Discovery Travel! We cherish your continued support and friendships!

Let us know what is on your mind and where you would love to travel next!

Cindi LaRaia and the Dive and Africa Discovery team!

Email us

HAPPY NEW YEAR to 2023!!

What was the best part of 2022 for you?

We have some tasty temptations for you with Scuba Diving Adventures and Africa Safaris! Get OUT of the incessant rain out west and freezing cold and snow everywhere else!

TRAVEL SOON IDEAS:

Humpback whales of the Silver Banks!

End of January to early April

We have space in the top Whale Season dates from End of January through beginning of April! Check with me asap this is a fantastic trip to snorkel face to face with these gentle beautiful giants! Listen to the singing males entice the females with love songs!

San Ignacio Luxury Glamping ~ Kiss a Gray Whale baby and Mama!!!

End of January to early April

Lots of love to go around here!

You have not lived until you have these gorgeous loving whales blow into your face!! Giggling madly as they turn and look at you!! You can touch their Baleen also! They love it! Mama’s bring the babies to the boats for love!!!

Space in camps from end of January to early April!

Ojo de Liebre Camping ~ Fly in gray whale trips beginning in San Diego to Laguna Ojo de Liebre

Once again offering 4, 5, 6 & 8 day gray whale trips, flying to Guerrero Negro.

Flight time is only a couple hours. So smooth!

Departures & end dates can be arranged any Monday, Wednesday or Friday.                   *some space is still remaining if you are ready to go!!!

INDONESIA, May 21-30 2023 group trip, all Raja Ampat & Misool~Dive Damai 2

Cindi has space in Master cabin 6 or a lovely twin share, double cabin!

Join me on this trip.

Look at this beautiful boat!

RED SEA ~ New Red Sea Aggressor IV

3 great itineraries! Starting March 4 through April 29 2023 don’t miss this wonderful special starting at 899.00 per person!

We also offer fantastic land tours in Egypt; Cairo and Nile Cruise,

marvel at the antiquities from long ago!

It is TIME to go!!!

Something very different, Columbia- diving the wild waters of Malpelo on the Ferox! Not for the feint of heart! Thousands of hammerheads, silkie sharks and more!

If you are a shark lover, this is a must do!!

Your adventure awaits!

South Australia Great White Sharks~ The BIG ONES are here!

Winter/Spring:  The Giant Great White females come to the Neptune Islands

(which for us in the Northern Hemisphere is June thru November).

Summer/Autumn: The days are warm and long, the male Great Whites are circling

fur seals and sea lions! (December thru May).

We can combine a super fun Great white shark trip on the liveaboard which are from

3 to 5nts long as well as;  9 dive days on location with a variety of dive sites

showcasing the underwater wonders of South Australia, including Hopkins Islands,

for the playful Australian sea lions.  Kangaroo Island, for weedy sea dragons and stunning reef, often with dolphins, and local jetty dives to observe the rare and beautifully ornate leafy sea dragon.

INDONESIA ~ Kalimaya! A new dive resort on the edges of Komodo National park, on the island of Sumbawa. This is a gem, I love this area for diving!!

It’s a 5 star PADI resort, owned and operated by professional divers!

No other resorts in this area, super remote and the best of the best in this area!

Many of us have dived Komodo many times. You will recognize these amazing sights: Sangean Volcano, black sand and bubbles. Gili Banta, high voltage and mantas!

West Komodo, current and pelagics! Something for everyone here!

Baja Mexico! The best of:

Snorkel: with sharks, orcas, whales, whalesharks, humpback whales, mobulas you name it. The seasons tell the story, something different comes in with each passing month!

Dive: Cabo Pulmo with Bull sharks, and thousands of fish! Lapaz with whalesharks, mobulas and more! The Sea of Cortez remains The Aquarium of the World, words from Jacques Cousteau! It’s a water paradise!

We can arrange liveaboard diving, snorkel trips with the top operators in the area, and scuba dive land based in Cabo Marine Park and Cabo Pulmo!

Also Day trips all over for sea kayaking in sea of Cortez, swim with sea lions, hike in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve! The Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life and up to 30% of species are endemic. Stay in Todos Santos with our partner and enjoy all these wonderful day trips and more!!

Papua New Guinea ~ Raw adventure in the highlands with a rare look into festival & Ceremony called Bingla Ingu!

Not seen since 1979, not the commercial festivals that have been well marketed such as in Garoka, Mt Hagen, Rabaul Mask festival etc.

This is new, brought back to life from my partner in the highlands of PNG from her people, her language her tribe.

July & September of 2024.

It will combine well with the other festivals for extended cultural visits.

The festival is funded by European Union – SPC Cultural Grants.

Our New Festival Product is called Sipuu-Waa (Simbu) Cultural Festival.

The Festival will include the Bigla Ingu Festival ( Pig Killing & Food Ceremonial Exchanges in the Simbu province), Tumbuna Pasin Show, Kids Traditional Festival and Bilums and Bilas Festivals and you will see the main arena Singsing and Dance.

For those of you who love PNG ‘ The land of the Unexpected’ with its magnificent diving and outstanding culture, you will want to know more about this.

Its Real and Raw.

Some images from last month’s festival! I have videos and load of images just sent to me! Let me know, it’s pretty spectacular! I will have this up on our website soon.

AFRICA IS CALLING!!!!

Africa has so much to offer. For those who have been to Tanzania and Kenya;

now maybe time to venture southward to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe & Namibia! Each of these countries have so much to offer, all unique and different!

Budgets for all.

Have you ever locked eyes with a gorilla? There are not only mountain gorillas, but lowland gorillas! Did you know that? The main difference between lowland and mountain gorillas is the lowland gorillas have lighter and shorter hair whereas Mountain gorillas are darkly colored with much thicker longer fur.

We offer lowland gorilla trips in Gabon & Congo.

Uganda and Rwanda have the mountain gorillas.

Which is which?

For those of you who have been all over Africa;

something very unique is waiting for you if you can go this March!

CHAD- It’s definitely a whole new experience!!!

Zakouma National Park- ask for details.

Its not too late to plan an Africa Safari for this year- 2023! We have time!

Southern Africa is best from April- May through to November!

East Africa is best from July thru to end of October!

This is the epic migration time!

We custom create the best areas based on time and budget.

So many camps and lodges to for every budget!

West Africa~ for those who love love culture;

it is THE most epic place for so many dancing, masks and festivals, it will make you dizzy!!

Wonderful driving itineraries with our partner who has trail blazed this entire side

of West Africa for 40 years!

Ghana, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau the list goes on!

Even a 58 day Trans Sahara and West Africa for those with time!

Or pick out segments to join!

Its truly inspiring and you will never experience anything like this!!

Click the email us button below to get more information on one/many of these

awe inspiring adventures.

www.africa-discovery.com

A word from Cindi:

“Make everyday count, tomorrow is not promised!

Get out there, dream big & live like there is NO tomorrow!!!”

Cheers and Joy from the Dive and Africa Discovery Team!

Cindi LaRaia

Email us

Dive Discovery
655 Irwin St Suite B #1030, San Rafael, CA 94901
phone: 1-800-886-7321, (415) 444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

DIVE DISCOVERY & AFRICA DISCOVERY HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER 2021

Hello Dive and Adventure friends!

I do hope you are all healthy and well! We are on the back end of this very unusual, awful year of Covid-19. Here is hoping this will be the last of this kind of horror that has taken the entire globe to its knees.

I know many of you are chomping at the bit to GET OUT, ESCAPE, get on a plane and travel to a favorite Dive region or Africa or other wonderful travel destinations! The Vaccines have started shipping today as I pen this letter to you! Yipeeeee! The light is finally at the end of this very longggggggggg dark tunnel!

Enjoy your holiday time the safest way you can, feast your senses on some new thoughts and ideas to consider for the coming TRAVEL year of 2021!

Places you can start packing for in 2021!

As travel opens, we are ready to help you explore the places you have been imagining.
Whether you are yearning to get back in the water and see our underwater gems of the sea, snorkel or dive in sublime French Polynesia or you have decided the time is right for a long-awaited safari in Southern Africa, East Africa or more, here are the destinations you can travel to now and in 2021.

DIVE:
French Polynesia Tahiti; Maldives; Red Sea; Costa Rica–Cocos Island; Various Caribbean islands. Mexico– Cabo San Lucas, LaPaz, Cozumel, Cabo Pulmo.

A quote from a guest I recently sent to French Polynesia and just returned:

“Just do it. Cindi sent me for 3 weeks to Tahiti returning on December 8.

After I got my head around the idea and committed to go, I felt totally safe from the time I stepped into SFO until the time I arrived back home 3 weeks later. If you want to socially distance, this is the trip – the airport and airplanes were empty, the resorts were usually around 30% full up around 50%.  All the restaurants are outside dining, the dive boats are open air, sitting on the beach or on your porch reading or, relaxing is certainly safe. And then, of course, the rest of the time you are experiencing world class diving. My sanity and peace of mind have been rejuvenated and I’m ready to face 2021.

I’m also more than happy to talk to anybody with questions.”
Rosie H.

And here is Cindi’s trip report when she went late summer after Tahiti opened its doors:
French Polynesia: Marquesas & Moorea, August 25-September 6 2020 Trip Report

ADVENTURE:

Baja Mexico: Todos Santos Adventure & snorkel; Pacific Gray Whales San Ignacio (new LUX Glamping endless time loving babies and mama whales)

Silver Banks/Dominican Republic: Humpback whales!

Costa Rica.

AFRICA:

South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, West Africa.

RED HOT PROMOTIONS:

Nautilus Dive Expeditions San Ignacio- Mexico: Pacific Gray Whales!
A wonderful new way to spend a ton of time loving baby whales, petting their tongues and getting love and kisses and sea spray from mama and baby! You have not lived until you get baby whale spray up your nose!
1st 2 trips of the season! Yes the whales are there in late January! See video below.
Jan 25-28, 2021 – 50% off
Jan 28-31, 2021- 50% off
* Please inquire for more Feb + Mar dates
Regular 2021 Rates:
Outfitter Tent – shared facilities – $2995
Glamping Tent – $3495
Premium Tent – $3995

HOT NEW INFO JUST IN:

For any of our guests booked on a Socorro trip with Nautilus Dive Adventures you are entitled to 50% off ANY trip to San Ignacio Pacific Gray Whales for 2021. January through March 9 not just January)!

Read Cindi’s recent trip report from Socorro on Nautilus Explorer!! Nov 26-Dec 4 2020
It was such an amazing trip in many ways, a full escape, outstanding diving and wonderful new friends!!!
https://www.divediscovery.com/trip-reports/2020/socorro.php

Tahiti:

Special until end of April 2021:

• Bora Bora- Luxury 7N package USD 3119.00 per person sharing
  Included:
  Traditional Welcome Flower Lei/Meet & Greet service on arrival
  All transfers and baggage handling
  Round-trip Papeete-Bora-Bora
  1 night accommodation at the Intercontinental Tahiti resort (breakfast included) – Superior garden room
  6 night-accommodation at the gorgeous Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana (breakfast included) – Lagoon overwater Junior Suite bungalow
  Connectivity pack with our partner Tahiti-WiFi (unlimited data)
  Eco-participation for our partner Oceania (protection of the whales)
  *you can also add on 5nts in Moorea with outstanding activities; or runaway for a quick 5nts- Air Tahiti Nui is offering great air fares from LAX!
• Luxury Getaway to Moorea with Hilton 5N package USD 2608.00 per person sharing
  Included:
  Traditional Welcome Flower Lei/Meet & Greet service on arrival
  All transfers and baggage handling
  Round-trip Ferry Papeete-Moorea-Papeete
  5 nights accommodation at the gorgeous Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa (breakfast included) Panoramic Overwater Bungalow
  Connectivity pack with our partner Tahiti-WiFi (unlimited data)
  Eco-participation for our partner Oceania (protection of the whales)

Galapagos:

Tiburon Explorer & Humbolt Explorer! January thru June HOT specials!
Regular price is $5495 Humboldt plus $150 and Tiburon price is $6395 plus $150
Specials are between $1900 and $2400 off on Tiburon and between $1700 and $2200 on Humboldt

Humboldt 11-18 Jan $3295 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Tiburon 23-30 Jan $3995 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Tiburon 30 Jan- 6 Feb $4495 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Tiburon 13-20 Mar $4495 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Tiburon 20-27 Mar $4495 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Humboldt 22-29 Mar $3795 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Tiburon 3-10 Apr $4495 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Humboldt 26 Apr- 3 May $3795 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Tiburon 1-8 May $4495 per person plus $150 fuel tax
Humboldt 31 May- 7 June $3795 per person plus $150 fuel tax

Red Sea:

Grand Sea Explorer: For travel dates in March and April, 2021, you can take $200 off per person, making the already low price of this trip even lower – only $1695 per person! Our Sneak Peek offers expire January 6. How can you pass this up?

Aggressor:

Explore the World 25% off selected trips throughout the world– ask for details there is a long list. Also: Pay $750 for a $1000 Travel Voucher
Huge added value! Available to use on any Aggressor for up to two years!
Purchase Dates: Dec 17 – 31, 2020 Travel Dates: Dec 20, 2020 – Dec 31, 2022

Africa Promotions:

*Now is the time to GO to Africa, be in the bush all by yourself, if you need to run away soon, I can help you with SUPER great specials! * There are so many I cannot list them all, just ask!

Nomad Tanzania ~ one of my fav companies: 7 nights for the price of 5 across Tanzania.
2020/21: All Nomad camps in any combination. For travel from 1st December 2020 to 20th December 2021 (this is the time to get to Greystoke Mahale with the chimps, my favorite place on Lake Tanganyika!)

African Bush Camps: Botswana and Zimbabwe, Zambia~ stay 6nts pay 5; stay 10nts pay 8.
Save up to 970/night per person! 100% refundable deposit Covid T&C, book now, travel in 2021.

Namibia: Bounce Back Special!! Let’s Go and have all of Namibia to yourself safely!
ULTIMATE NAMIBIA SAFARI (MINIMUM 1 PAX – MAXIMUM 4 PAX) scheduled departures!!
16 – 25 February 2021
02 – 11 March 2021
23 March – 01 April 2021

GROUP TRIPS:
Space available and new ideas!

2021:

Damai 1 Liveaboard Scuba Diving (all Raja Ampat), May 24-June 3 2021 Group Trip ***master cabin 5 open & a single male share spot open**

October 20-26, 2021: NEW  Sperm Whale ~ Dominica, Caribbean in water snorkel encounter- expedition leader Cindi LaRaia; info coming soon.

2022:

Banda Sea, 10nts Onboard Damai 2, October 24-November 3 2022 Group Trip **master cabin 5 open & twin-double cabin.

Most countries have some sort of special, especially if you can travel soon, just ask!

Thanks so much to all our wonderful clients and friends around the world!
You know who you are, I am grateful for your trust and friendship! I sure do miss you!!

Have a most wonderful, peaceful, safe and happy Holiday Season!
With thanks and joy, happy travels, soon to come!

Cindi LaRaia and the Dive and Africa Discovery team!

Here is a special Christmas poem a very dear friend sent me, it made me feel better since I cannot go home to see my family for Christmas for the first time ever…… this poem will work for all faiths!

Pandemic Christmas Poem

T’was a month before Christmas,
And all through the town,
People wore masks,
That covered their frown.

The frown had begun
Way back in the Spring,
When a global pandemic
Changed everything.

They called it corona,
But unlike the beer,
It didn’t bring good times,
It didn’t bring cheer.

Airplanes were grounded,
Travel was banned.
Borders were closed
Across air, sea and land.

As the world entered lockdown
To flatten the curve,
The economy halted,
And folks lost their nerve.

From March to July
We rode the first wave,
People stayed home,
They tried to behave.

When summer emerged
The lockdown was lifted.
But away from caution,
Many folks drifted.

Now it’s December
And cases are spiking,
Wave two has arrived,
Much to our disliking.

It’s true that this year
Has had sadness a plenty,
We’ll never forget
The year 2020.

And just ‘round the corner –
The holiday season,
But why be merry?
Is there even one reason?

To decorate the house
And put up the tree,
Who will see it,
No one but me.

But outside my window
The snow gently falls,
And I think to myself,
Let’s deck the halls!

So, I gather the ribbon,
The garland and bows,
As I play those old carols,
My happiness grows.

Christmas is not cancelled
And neither is hope.
If we lean on each other,
I know we can cope ❤

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Tahiti Dive Package SPECIAL!

7 nights
October- November 2020

Emmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of French Polynesia.

Spend 3 nights in Moorea at the Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea in a Garden View Room. Includes American breakfast each morning.

Located only 9 miles from Tahiti, Moorea, the sister island, offers spectacular dives on the outside reef. During your dives in Moorea, you’ll meet many sharks, including the impressive Lemon Sharks who have made their diving reputation in Moorea..

Meet the stingrays and other many species of colorful fish. Some of the highlights of Moorea diving – the Moorea Shark experience, where you actually get to swim with the sharks in a safe and calm atmosphere and the deep dive in the Garden of Roses – beautiful coral roses (Montipora) are not to be missed!

Spend 4 nights in Rangiroa at Le Relais de Josephine in a bungalow.
Includes transfers, breakfast and dinner.

A small charming family hotel located along the Tiputa pass,
the Relais de Joséphine allows you to spend a pleasant
stay in a unique setting, right beside the Tiputa pass where you can
watch the ebb and flow of the tides in and out of the pass.

On drift dives and with the current flowing strongly inwards, pelagic encounters offer unforgettable moments of wonder… Dives in Rangiroa are action-packed and exhilirating, with sightings of dolphins, marlin, grey and hammerhead sharks, manta rays… A MUST DO for divers!

USD $4080.00 Per person.

Package Includes: RT air from LAX to Papeete; all internal air and ferry transfers, 10 dives to share per person (more can be booked if needed); breakfast and room at the beautiful Manava Beach resort and spa in Moorea, breakfast, dinner and room at the lovely Le Relais De Josephine in Rangiroa.

View Detailed Itinerary

For more information or to book this special,
click the email us button below.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Where can Americans travel to now?

So,,,, who is SICK TO DEATH of this Covid-19 mess? ME!! ME!! ME!!

I had to run away to French Polynesia and just returned on Labor Day weekend,
I went to check out 2 islands I have not been to before; Marquesas, Hiva Oa to check out the diving and the culture; then onto Moorea to check out the whale watching operators and diving!

The country opened July 15; I have been planning trips! They require 72 hr negative Covid test before boarding the plane, they offer a free self-test kit 4 days after arriving in the country.  Very good protocols, masks, sanitizing and spacing.  All great!
I was thoroughly impressed! I will be working on my trip report and it will be up on our website soon!  I also made 3 Facebook posts; 1 from Marquesas, 2 from Moorea with images and pictures, please have a look:

** See my French Polynesia posts on Facebook!
** French Polynesia: Marquesas & Moorea, August 25-September 6 2020 Trip Report 

It is a great place to run away to, its barely 8hrs from LAX and SFO!
If you want to swim with the whales, I was very lucky with a singing male underwater
then the other whale day I had 3 whales, mama, baby and male escort!
If you want to run away NOW, the whales are there through to mid October!!
Check this out on FB and view the video below!

Some other great ideas to travel to!

Scuba diving~ Sun and Fun & SPECIALS:
We have some great places Americans can travel to NOW!

Baja Mexico- Magdalena bay- Striped Marlin and more, October 04 -11 ,2020
12 stateroom berths available: $1795 per person before tax- plus 65/port fee paid on board.  We’re super excited to announce new 7-night Mexican Sardine Run trips on the Nautilus Under Sea. Join a trip of a lifetime to magical Magdalena Bay to snorkel/dive/photograph the sardine run, bait balls, zippy striped marlin, 2 newly discovered wrecks and a whole lot more! Intro rate of $1795. Per person. Ask me asap on this, this is a fantastic deal, close to home and FUN!!! See pictures below.

Maldives– lovely liveaboards and land-based resorts all with heavy discounts!

Red Sea– many liveaboard offers here and very well priced. We also offer Egypt touring on luxury Nile cruise ships and Cairo city touring.

Galapagos & Ecuador– You need a negative PCR from the US within 10 days of arrival in Ecuador and another PCR on arrival in Ecuador. You need 2 nights in Quito or Guayaquil to allow for this.
There are a couple dates for 2020 with 25 to 30% off!
Oct 24-31, 2020 and Nov 7-14, 2020 Tiburon Explorer only $4495 plus $150 fuel tax ($1900 savings). Specials cannot be combined with other discounts or group comp policy and do not count toward the 6th trip credit. Additional booking terms and requirements apply, contact us for details. More savings to come for Dec-March but not finalized yet. Please inquire.

Costa Rica & Coco’s island– some USA states are allowed to travel here with updates coming. As of September 1, 2020, U.S. citizen tourists who are residents of New York, New Jersey, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia may enter Costa Rica on limited flights departing from the United States. As of September 15, residents of Colorado, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania can also enter Costa Rica on limited flights departing from the United States.

Africa ~ Seeking Seclusion on an African Safari & great deals!!

ZAMBIA!!! I am all about Zambia!
Zambia is open for business! Ethiopian and Emirates are flying into Lusaka, we have limited domestic schedules and several camps that are open and operational, most importantly we are issuing tourist visas to anyone arriving with a negative COVID test that is no more than 2 weeks old.
We have several options for safari with South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue; all different price points, from budget meaning REAL BUSH experience (yes please) to more moderate priced to stunning Luxury!
This is such a game rich country, the least visited and the golden Secret of Southern Africa!
IF you really want to get the heck out and feel free and find your meaning in life again.
Just do this…! You will love me forever! ?
See some samples we have on our Africa Discovery Website.
We have so many lovely camps with outstanding game; walking safaris in the bush was invented here!
The best guiding for those who want to walk and see life as the animals do!
Stunning & beautiful landscapes! Abundant wildlife, LEOPARDS, Wild dog! Canoe the Zambezi!
NO OTHER PEOPLE! YOU do not see other people! What a concept!

Tanzania and Kenya are open and this is prime time for the annual migration! We have beautiful camps waiting to welcome you and be alone, Africa and the wildlife to yourself!

Rwanda for Gorillas is open now!
Uganda will open October 1.
Zimbabwe will open October 1.
Namibia opening soon!
Morocco is open!
West Africa opening international airports, hardly any covid there!! Excellent Culture!

South Africa is still pondering what to do, they will not look at opening until OCT 15.
We are all so disappointed in this news as of yesterday!

We are here for you to help you decide the best place you can escape to!
Trust me, my runaway trip to French Polynesia was very much needed and
what a great escape I had for 10nts.  It is worth it. The airports are very empty not many people, everything is sanitized, the airlines are doing a fine job with allowing spacing, offering sanitizer, wipes and masks!  I was extremely impressed!!
Let me help you keep your sanity and run away to some place cool!!!

Stay safe, follow the rules, wear a mask, and let me send you away!

Cheers!
Cindi

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Cocos Island
&
Silver Bank Whale Watching

2020 Discounted Trips

Been dreaming of Cocos Island? Count hammerheads instead of sheep.

Cocos Island was named one of the ten best scuba diving spots in the world by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and is a “must do” according to diving experts.

Breathtaking marine life and biodiversity.

We’re offering HUGE deals & discounts on new bookings for the following 2020 trips aboard the MV Argo! Best of all, the DeepSee submersible is scheduled to sail on all four of the following journeys,
so don’t forget to reserve your space on the sub as well.

Email us today for more info!

Apr 19-29 – Regular price: $6,445 | $2,000 discount | Special price: $4,445
May 15-25 – Regular price $6,445 | $500 discount | Special price: $5,945
May 28-June 7 Regular price is $6,445 | $1,500 discount | Special price: $4,945
June 10-20 – Regular price is $6,445 | $500 discount | Special price: $5,945

*NOTE* Offers are valid for new bookings only.
Prices listed above do not include the national park fee.
The national park fee is an additional $490.

Last chance for whales at Silver Bank!

We still have a few spaces available on our special expedition to Silver Bank, Dominican Republic aboard the Sea Hunter Mar 28 to April 4!
The whales are calling…book now and save $500 USD on new bookings!

March 28 – April 4 – Regular price: $4,395 | $500 discount | Special price: $3,895

*NOTE* Special price does not include the national park fee. The national park fee is an additional $450.

Click the email us button below to reserve your space or to get more information

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Galapagos Diving!

Aboard the brand new Tiburon Explorer
Special price in May!
Add on a land tour

Diving the Galapagos

A world class dive destination, Galapagos is listed as one of the seven underwater wonders of the world!
If you wish to dive in Galapagos with numerous schools of hammerhead, galapagos sharks, oceanic whitetip, dolphins, whale sharks and whales, you must be sure you visit the northern most islands of Wolf and Darwin. On most Galapagos dive sites you will be escorted by playful sea lions.
Other opportunities to spell bind you will be with sea turtles, penguins, eagle rays, groupers, schools of shiny bait fish, and very unusual species such as the red-lipped batfish.

Special pricing this May:

May 30-June 6 Tiburon Explorer at $5,395 per person twin share
(Regular price is $6,095)

Package includes: 7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel; up to 4 dives daily (weather permitting); 3 meals daily, except Sunday’s evening meal; between-dive snacks; towels, linens, etc.; use of tanks, weights and weight belts; all air fills; transfers within Galapagos Islands for same day arrivals & departures; local alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.
Rates may increase for existing reservations and will be confirmed no later than 12 months
before the charter departure date.

All pricing are in US Dollars, per person double occupancy.
Additional cost: Galapagos National Park Fee ($100), Chamber Support Fee ($35), Tourist card ($20) and fuel tax.
Airfare to Galapagos Islands and land options before/after cruise additional.

Price for June 2020 is $6,095
July 2020-2021 is $6,395
per person twin share

*Let us know if you would like to add on a land portion to this trip.
Click the link to see what land tours we offer.

Click the email us button below to book or for more information.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com