South Pacific Special Offers

**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

Passport to Paradise package: Bunaken, Bangka & Lembeh Diving

Passport to Paradise - Map

Visit North Sulawesi’s Most Famous Dive Sites with the Passport to Paradise

The Passport to Paradise scuba diving package allows you to explore three distinctive dive destinations (Bunaken, Bangka, & Lembeh) in one dive holiday, without missing dive days transferring by car. There is no traffic at sea, no long car rides, and no missed dives or snorkeling opportunities! That’s why our boat transfers between resorts is the perfect way to travel. Let us transfer you between our three resorts on our spacious, purpose-made dive boats, and you can just worry about having a good time relaxing, diving, and snorkeling along the way.   view details >>

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

 

Journeys Inspired by BBC PLANET EARTH II

Journeys Inspired by BBC PLANET EARTH II

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, you can experience many of the scenes that have unfolded on screen in real life with Dive and Africa Discovery. From marine iguanas in the Galapagos to great one-horned rhinos in India. To the elusive Show Leopard in Ladakh, India Himalaya’s. As well as the adorable lemurs of Madagascar!

We offer wonderful tours to see the wildlife in this selection of Planet Earth II.… more  >>

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

 

New Indonesian Liveaboards: Blue Manta Explorer & Raja Manta Explorer

Blue Manta Explorer - Liveaboard in Indonesia

The M/V Blue Manta Explorer offers itineraries through Ambon, Banda, Forgotten Islands, Komodo and Raja Ampat. Accommodating 18 to 22 guests (depending on the charter) she measures 45 meters in length (148 feet) with 14 spacious ensuite cabins situated over three decks. Blue Manta Explorer offers many advantages, but two great ones that come to mind are Single Occupancy for only a 10% surcharge on lower deck cabins and twin engines!   Blue Manta Explorer is a very spacious and luxurious steel hull vessel offering all of the amenities you expect on a quality live aboard, and more. There are even individual rinse tanks on the dive deck! You can put your mind at rest – your clients will be pampered and taken care of by a crew of 20 highly trained crew members.  more details >>

Raja Manta Explorer - Liveaboard in Indonesia

Raja Manta Explorer

With a major makeover in 2016, the M/V Raja Manta Explorer is a boat designed for divers, by divers. Offering exciting itineraries through Ambon, Banda, Sangalaki and Raja Ampat, the 37 meter (121 foot) steel-hulled vessel is stable, strong and reliable, making it perfect for extended itineraries in the fabled Coral Triangle. With 8 ensuite cabins and 3 shared-facility cabins, the Raja Manta Explorer can comfortably accommodate up to 22 guests served by her 18 crew. An enormous dive deck,  a spacious full-length sun deck, beautiful alfresco dining area, and a comfortable indoor salon all ensure plenty of opportunities for your clients to relax and enjoy in-between dive times.  more details >>

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

Scuba in Cuba Easter deals!

Garden of the Queens, Cuba, Scuba Diving

LUXURY LIVEABOARD, EXTRA COMFORT FLOATING HOTEL OR SIMPLE DIVING BOATS. WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERY TASTE!

Avalon II: $4000
Including 7 night’s accommodation, full board, all beverages, 4 dives/day

Avalon I: $3800
Tortuga floating Hotel: $300 off
Halcón & Reina: $200 off
Including 7 night’s accommodation, full board, 6 beverages and 3 dives/day

**Does not include: $200 inscription fee, $100 conservation fee – Nitrox $100 (available only on Avalon II) **Transfer included only from Santa Clara or Camaguey Airports

See the boats here:  http://www.divediscovery.com/cuba/liveaboards/

For more information or to book a trip to Cuba with these amazing deals

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

 

Malpelo: News Update From M/V Yemaya

Shark Diving in Malpelo

News update from M/V Yemaya:

It is with a heavy heart that we are informing you of our decision to cease our operation to Malpelo effective January 2018.

The Colombian government decided end of last year to change the rules for the permits to Malpelo National Park. From 2018 onwards, only boats operating from Colombian ports will be allowed to visit Malpelo, citing the need to implement and guarantee the national sovereignty of their country as the primary reason for this change.

This undoubtedly changes everything in our operation. The whole operation that we built up over the years, including our crew, logistics, permits and company in Panama as well as a steadily growing clientele, all our efforts and the results of our hard work, energy and love for what we were building up will come to naught in 2018.

We will of course operate from Panama for the rest of 2016 and 2017, until our last trip departing on December 24th, 2017.

We have limited spaces left on our trips in 2016 and a big number of our 2017 trips have been sold. So if you want to discover the place on earth with more sharks than any other, you still have a chance!

Malpelo trips for 2016 & 2017 - MV Yemaya

View itinerary : http://www.divediscovery.com/malpelo/divetours/malpelo-dive-expedition.php

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

MV Yemaya

: Mozambique Travel News: Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort

“Ananatara Medjumbe Island Resort reopened early December 2015 after an extensive renovation period.  The interiors have been freshened up and brought to life to compliment the amazing azure blues of the surrounding ocean and the white beaches of Medjumbe Island. Mozambique Voyages travelled to Medjumbe to get a first hand experience of the new look and feel of the island.

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort

The beautiful northern Quirimbas Archipelago is home to Medjumbe.  The private island offers only 12 villas which makes it the ideal romantic hideaway.  The villa interiors have been given a refreshed look and feel with touches of bright African patterned materials.  The new look and feel blends in perfectly with the natural beauty of the island.  The villas still feature en suite bathrooms with both shower and bath as well as outdoor shower.  Also available are a mini bar, Nespresso coffee machines (for the early morning java requirements), gym in a bag and beach bag with hats, flipflops and a wrap just in case you forgot yours.  Additional luxury touches include the soap menu on arrival, from which you can chose your preferred soap bar combinations for bath time, as well as a modernized rooms directory on a mini ipad.

The size of the villas have not changed but the outdoor deck area has been given new life with the addition of modern, comfortable outdoor furniture as well as a newly designed private splash pool in mosaic tile finish.  The outdoor areas of each Villa are now a lot more inviting to guests and a whole day can be spent relaxing here whilst soaking up the surrounding tranquility.

Mozambique 1

One of the most notable improvements is the dining experience at Anantara Medjumbe.  On arrival a selection of snacks is available for you to enjoy – from calamari rings, chicken and fish kebabs to fresh fruit and sweet treats.  The “Dining by Design” concept menus are new and exciting and turns meal times back into the highlight that they are meant to be.

A variety of activities are on offer to keep guests entertained.  There are some great diving to be enjoyed in the surrounding waters as well as two snorkel spots available at low tide from beach.  A visit for more snorkeling and a picnic lunch amongst the Palm trees on Quissanga island is always a must do whilst staying at Anantara Medjumbe.  The wellness centre will smooth out stress knots from tired muscles or sit back and enjoy a cocktail whilst sailing on a traditional dhow around the island at sunset.

Take note of changes for 2017 Anantara Medjumbe Special Offers:

Long Stay Special Offer

Stay 6 nights or more and receive 15% discount off your entire stay. This special offer is valid during Standard season (06/01/2017 – 31/10/2017). A minimum of a 6 night stay is applicable in order to qualify for this special offer. This special offer can NOT be combined with the Honeymoon Special Offer (see below). This special offer is not applicable to group bookings. Terms & Conditions apply.

Honeymoon Special Offer

Stay 4 nights or more in a Beach Pool Villa and the bride will receive 50% discount off her accommodation for the entire stay. A minimum of a 4 night stay is applicable in order to qualify for this special offer. This special offer may NOT be combined with the Long Stay offer. Valid for travel within 6 months of date of marriage, a copy of a valid marriage certificate will be requested upon check-in. Terms & Conditions apply.

Standard Honeymoon Added Value (applicable to stays of a minimum of 4 nights): Fruit platter and bottle of wine in room upon arrival, One three-course romantic dinner for two, including wine, either on the room patio or on the beach and One snorkeling trip for two (non-private and weather dependent)”

For more information about this beautiful place and special offers and availability, please contact

Dive Discovery at:

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

Hammerheads are taking over Malpelo, Columbia

“The sharks have taken over Malpelo and transformed the whole island into a big cleaning station.

Hammerheads are nearly everywhere and interacting with them, the first large schools of Silkies in the season, and smaller groups of Galapagos, and the first Whale sharks are showing up.

Since the beginning of May, Malpelo is booming in life, as we have never seen it in over 7 years of operation.

As if Nature is celebrating the end of EL NIÑO, with the most gigantic shark congregation ever.

Water temperatures have dropped significantly; 27°C on the surface and 17°C below. These are the coldest measurements we’ve had in 40 meters.

These are La Niña settings. As Scientists advise, it will be like this for a while and it will develop even more in early fall and will possibly last until spring 2017.

If this happens, it will be the ultimate chance to experience Malpelo at its peak, as this happens only every 6 or 7 years.

There are still a few spaces left on our trips. Book now and enjoy Malpelo at its fullest.”

Video of Malpelo trip, May 2016

Click to watch the video

Prices are between $3930.00 to $5050.00 depending on cabin choice.

For more information and to see this place booming with life, contact Dive Discovery at:

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

 

New Liveaboard in the Maldives- The Carpe Novo Explorer!

Introducing the M/V Carpe Novo Explorer, beginning service in March 2016! This new modern vessel, sister ship of Carpe Vita Explorer and Carpe Diem, is the newest member of the Explorer Ventures Fleet expanding our itinerary offerings to include longer trips to more remote areas in the Maldives. This new 22-passenger, 140-foot wooden-hull safari yacht, along with her 60-foot custom matching dhoni (dive tender), was built by one of the Maldives most accomplished boat builders. It provides guests with an exceptional yachting experience, hotel-style staterooms and unmatched open-air comfort!
M/V Carpe Novo Explorer
The Carpe Novo Explorer offers 11/10-night, 7-night and specialty itineraries which change depending on the season. Each offers a unique dive itinerary based on the seasons, current and pelagic migration patterns.

Staffed by a crew of 13, the Carpe Novo Explorer is ideally sized and equipped for divers. Three dives are conducted daily directly from a 60-foot dhoni, which is fully equipped with a bathroom, hot-water showers and air and nitrox compressors. The vessel is well-stocked with quality diving gear for those who choose not to bring all or some of their own. The crew, one of the most experience and qualified in the Maldives, is ready to take you on an adventure to one of the most amazing diving destinations in the world, whether you are a first-time or repeat visitor!

Please contact us to get a spot on this luxurious, just built liveaboard.

Galapagos Enlarged Marine Sanctuary

“The Galápagos Islands are home to the highest abundance of sharks known in the world!  In March, 2016 Ecuador’s president, Rafael Correa, announced creation of an enlarged marine sanctuary protecting over 18,000 square miles (47,000 square kilometers), or about one third of the water around the Galápagos Islands. The new sanctuary alone encompasses 15,000 square miles (40,000 square kilometers) and extends around the northern Galápagos islands of Darwin and Wolf.  Great news for sharks!”

Galapagos Marine Sanctuary, Shark Sanctuary

 

If you would like to visit this Marine Sanctuary, please contact us at

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