kscmagmarch - Family Dive Adventures
Transcription
kscmagmarch - Family Dive Adventures
FAMILY DIVE ADVENTURES WWW.FAMILYDIVERS.COM 803.419.2556 [email protected] 2016 FAMILY DIVE TRAVEL PLANNER Images appearing in this publication are courtesy of Margo Peyton, Tom Peyton, Brad Holland, Lucy Dunbar, Fraser Purdon, Ramin Sarin, Zebedee Wakely, Woody Tinsley, Allard Ven Der Graaf, Melissa Guarino, Kim Kim Foster, Cover photo by Brad Holland Special thanks to Carolyn Pascal Guarino for editing professionalism. This 2016 publication is copyrighted, all rights reserved to Kids Sea Camp Inc., P.O. Box 291030 Columbia, SC 29229. Family Dive Adventures is a Kids Sea Camp Inc. Company. “GIVE THEM A WEEK THEY WILL REMEMBER FOREVER.” ST. LUCIA BONAIRE FIJI ROATAN PALAU YAP GRAND CAYMAN INDONESIA PHILIPPINES DOMINICIA AUSTRALIA GALAPAGOS Join the adventure “Unparalleled, memorable and the most intimate family adventures imaginable” At Kids Sea Camp, you can help save sharks from extinction, restore ancient corals, explore sunken wrecks, jungle bike through a 200-year-old sugar plantation, take off on a magical cruise around Darwin’s Arch, kayak the Rock Islands of Palau and dive below the majestic Pitons of St. Lucia. Founder, Margo Peyton, chose to partner with PADI and provide a legacy of professional leadership, safety and quality of training to the next generation of divers. She has personally selected a team of PADI Pros and PADI 5 star resorts from around the globe, to provide engaging interactive opportunities to immerse your children in the underwater world. Margo has crafted unparalleled adventures, allowing families to bond together, interact with local cultures, learn history, engage wildlife and meet like-minded families from around the globe. Travel with Kids Sea Camp once and you will become a part of a world wide network of families you will never want to leave. MARGO PEYTON: CEO Kids Sea Camp Inc. & Ocean Wishes Women Divers Hall of Fame, SCUBAPRO Deep Elite Ambassador, and a PADI Elite MSDT Instructor. PADI Award of excellence in training and education with over 5,500 certified kids and zero dive accidents! www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org THE KID SEA CAMP DIFFERENCE K I D S S E A CA M P F A C T S 5,750: The number of PADI scuba Changing lives one bubble at a time certifications issued at Kid Sea Camp as of We cultivate family relationships, through authentic high quality, ocean oriented and cultural experiences that encourage kids to engage each other respectfully in the amazing underwater world . Through uniquely customized itineraries and educational programs, we accommodate a multitude of individual family needs. We pride ourselves on award winning, highly personal attention to detail, that insures safety and comfort for young divers. We inspire kids to become more confident by building trust, through training and exploration. Kids Sea Camp brings together free-spirited, adventure-minded families who want meaningful interactions connecting with each other and the outdoor world. Your Personal trip concierge We are here to serve you and make sure your vacation is the best it can be. Our Kids Sea Camp family vacations are hosted by Tom & Margo Peyton, along with our other long time team of PADI professional host families. We are here to cater to your personal needs. This may be extra support with the kids, a drive to the grocery store, a scuba tune up or a one-on-one personal dive training session, help with a camera or demonstration with dive gear. Maybe its getting over a fear, or just needing a refresher. specIAl needs We are special needs friendly. If you give us enough advance notice and the information we need, we can make most wishes come true. Kids Sea Camp has been able to cater to handicapped divers, high functioning autism, hearing impaired divers, disabled divers, and other special needs. The primary language spoken is English, however we have a pool of multilingual PADI instructors around the world and with notice almost any language can be accommodated. www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 Our moral compass 16 years of taking kids diving, without a single dive accident is not just luck, its hard work and dedication. Our record and reputation speaks for itself. We work with family friendly experienced knowledgeable professionals. Yes, we have standard PADI, travel, medical and KSC waivers, like any other adventure sport, however it does not relieve us of our moral obligation to keep you safe! Safety is our #1 and fun is #2 in order of priorities. There is no other company like Kids Sea Camp because Margo Peyton made it personal. She only works with kid friendly experts that she would trust in the water with her own family. Kids Sea Camp has grown to be one of the only tour companies in the world to take families on advanced dive adventures to the Galapagos diving with Sharks, Yap to dive with giant manta rays, Palau to dive sunken wrecks, Fiji to shark school, and the Philippines to muck dive. We include: volcano hiking, jungle biking, culinary classes and local outreach. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org Jan 2015. 0: The number dive accidents in all our years of taking kids diving. 75%: The percentage of families that return each year. Another 20% either send their kids for our PADI Pro weeks or come every other year. 16: Number of years in business. Number of countries represented with Kids Sea Camp & Family Dive Adventures: Bonaire, Galapagos, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Yap, Palau, Grenada, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Mexico, Honduras, Belize, Dominica, St. Vincent, Costa Rica Our waivers are to inform you, that we are providing authentic experiences with real wildlife and marine life interactions. It’s not Disney World, and there is no plexi-glass. We provide education to families through facts and hands on experiences, with hopes to remove fears created by false information. Our trips require participants to be respectful to each other and the underwater world we are exploring. Our rules must be followed, decisions honored and our word be final. Safety is our area of expertise when it comes to keeping families safe enjoying their scuba vacations. UNPLUGGED Enjoy your family and new found friends. From daily dives to zip-lining, jungle biking, yoga, paddle boarding, playing football, basketball or fly fishing, you are spending a complete week disconnecting from your routine world and reconnecting to each other and the underwater world. Special occasions Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries or reunions. Let us know how we can serve you better. www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 5,142: Number of dives Margo Peyton has logged as of Feb 2016. 10: The discount percentage offered to repeat customers, military, police officers, fire fighters, PADI Pros and early booking families. 15: The winds beneath our wings: 1. YOU, 2. PADI, 3. ScubaPro, 4. Sport Diver, 5. DAN, 6. DEMA, 7. LightMotion, 8. Dive Training, 9. Diver Magazine, 10. SeaLife, 11. Family Travel Association, 12. Woman Diver Hall Of Fame, 13. Scuba Diving magazine, 14. Our resorts & dive operators. 15. Robbie & Jen (our childen) email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org OUR MISSION: To inspire, to educate, and provide children and their families fun, safe, responsible and environmentally conscious family scuba diving vacations. OUR VALUES: We provide a strong focus on building lasting friendships and strengthening family bonds. THE MOM FACTOR Because every child matters “The Mom Factor” Margo Peyton, has been professionally exploring, diving and traveling the world since 1989 guiding great adventures above and below the sea. Once Margo became a mother, she wanted to fully immerse her 2 children, Robbie and Jennifer into her world. It was clear, her business would be connecting children and families around the globe together with educational dive travel adventures. www.familydivers.com The dilemma Margo could not find any family friendly dive resorts. In 1999, dive resorts did not offer much outside of baby-sitting for children travelling with their families. The creation “Kids Sea Camp”. Margo created and customized her own itineraries, menus, schedules and with the help of PADI, ScubaPro and Sport Diver Magazine, she 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] We nurture relationships and treat each other with respect. established her own kid friendly ocean oriented educational scuba program. Her goal: to connect, nurture and grow a network of family friendly PADI 5 star dive resorts around the world, who would embrace her values, standards of safety, and partner with her to host Kids Sea Camp. www.oceanwishes.org She can be quoted as saying, “Kids Sea Camp is not business it’s personal.” Only those that know Margo’s passion and tenacity would get that. similar moral compass. Fun and authenticity come next and together ensure the rest is easy. Priorities Connecting families from faraway places, longtime friendships are forged, building bonds across borders that are supported and revisited again and again, just another element of “the Mom Factor”. Margo’s first and foremost priority is always safety. She chooses non-branded locally owned resorts that allow for a direct personal trust, and strong relationships with owners whom she feels hold a www.familydivers.com Kids Sea Camp Magic 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] We consider our responsibility for both the negative and positive impact we have on land and sea ecosystems, and create projects through Ocean Wishes Foundation to give back to the many lives and communities our families touch around the globe. We strive to create more responsible, confident, well-informed and educated divers. www.oceanwishes.org A life under the sea with Kids Sea Camp fuels passion for photography Article by Zebedee Wakely, junior master scuba diver, age 13, and FDA approved FDA: Family Dive Adventures (not to be confused with the Food and Drug Administration) I just don’t know where to begin. Kids Sea Camp is just too big and too great to even attempt to write about. But here you are now, attempting to read my jumbled mess of ideas and thoughts, so I’ll give it a go (no promises though.) I should probably start with the exciting stuff, like where I backward roll into a school of 50 plus sharks in Yap (the country, not the small annoying noise made by dogs) or when I’m charging at top speed through the www.familydivers.com current of Ulong Channel in Palau, but instead I’ll start at the beginning. At the age of five, I started Kids Sea Camping, my parents signed me up in the group known as SASY. Little kids get to put on scuba gear but substitute the BCD for a life jacket, so we float on the surface while breathing through a regulator.This gave me my first experience with scuba diving. Since I was already a water baby by six months and swimming by one, I thought Kids Sea Camp was created just for me. Quickly making my way through the dive ranks, I again returned for Seal Team.This was a landmark in my interest for scuba diving. Seal Team is a program for eight- and nine-year-old kids to experience diving in confined water. However, with Kids Sea Camp, Seal Team can dive in the ocean. I just fell in love with diving. On my 10th birthday, my mom and dad chose Yap & Palau for our family adventure, and that’s where the real story 803-419-2556 begins.The experiences I had in Yap and Palau were likely some of the best I will ever have. Completing my PADI Jr. Open Water certification with manta rays overhead was surely one of the greatest moments of my life. The feeling I had when I was diving with 15-foot mantas and some 50 plus reef sharks daily was phenomenal, too amazing to fully describe. Just the idea of going there and doing that again will forever excite me. The encouragement given to me by Kids Sea Camp was amazing.The families I met became, and still are, some of my best friends and assets to my life. In Yap, Manta Ray Bay was where I properly learned photography.The support from all of my friends and family is the reason I have stuck with it (unlike a lot of other things I’ve tried). I loved every aspect of Yap, from the diving, staff and the local people. I can safely say that experience has significantly contributed to who I am email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org KSC AMBASSADOR: ZEB WAKELY today. Getting back home to Bermuda, I was so passionate about saving sharks (with Palau being a shark sanctuary) that I set up a small organization called Save our Sharks Bermuda. I collected over 1,000 signatures and met with the minister for the environment to discuss and plan how best to protect our sharks. Bermuda then signed the International Agreement on www.familydivers.com the Conservation of Pelagic Species. I was so totally delighted about this, because I had made an impact on Bermuda and the conservation of the sea. Having the privilege to be diving from a young age is exceptional. Through diving with Kids Sea Camp over the years, I have climbed the PADI ranks from SASY, Seal Team, Jr. Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and Master Scuba Diver with over 100 dives and seven specialties. This feels too good to describe. Having a place like Kids Sea Camp to go through all the ranks, all the way to the top, is what I love the most.The 803-419-2556 experience has been fantastic. I couldn’t have done what I have without it. I have made lifelong friends and have been encouraged by Margo in a way I could never repay. So thank you, Margo. Margo deserves a whole part of my story for herself. She created the best organization that I have ever known. She has influenced me, trusted me and helped me in every aspect of life. She has guided me through diving one step at a time, with each step. I am even more grateful for her and my family finding her. She is very focused on safety and an inspirational teacher who is helpful no matter what. She is the heart of Kids Sea Camp! I don’t know how to end this. So thanks to mom, dad and my sister Holly too. Our family of divers just can’t get enough. Next is Fiji Kids Sea Camp to dive with the sharks of Beqa Lagoon. See more of Zebedee’s images at: http:// instagram.com/zebwakely. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org PADI: SASY: age 5-7 Seal & Master Seal Team: age 8-9 Jr. Open Water: age 10-14 Jr. Advanced Open Water: age 12-14 Open water: age 15+ Advanced open water: age 15 + Reactivate JR. Rescue: age 12+ Rescue diver: age 15+ Master Scuba Diver NITROX: age 12+ Deep Diver: age15 Wreck Diver: age 15+ TRAINING SPecialty courses: Zombie Apocalypse, Peak Performance Bouyance, Coral Restoration, Digital Photography, Navigation, Night Fish ID, Alt Light, Sea Signs, Boy Scout Merit, Drift, Boat, DPV Project Aware, Shark, Whale shark and Manta Underwater naturalist KSC Diver KIDS ARE OUR AREA OF EXPERTISE Diving and training For 15 years parents have entrusted us to care for the most cherished people in their life - their children and grandchildren That is why we choose the highest level of quality in dive training, and instruction: PADI. The reality is in order for adults to have a stress free dive vacation they must feel confident and comfortable leaving their kids in our hands, and they do! The KSC and PADI Systems of diver education are the most instructionally solid systems in diving. Our dive programs are designed to make learning enjoyable, safe and educational. Under the guidance of professional PADI Instructors, GO PRO WITH KIDS SEA CAMP age 18+ Dive Master, AI, EFR 2017 Kids Sea Camp’s first IDC with Buddy Dive! www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org www.familydivers.com your kids will gain confidence while mastering important safety concepts and skills. At Kids Sea Camp you can trust that the PADI Instructors, in the water with your kids, are trained and held to diving’s highest standards. The kids participate in specialized age appropriate and performancebased dive activities. They progress at their own pace as they demonstrate mastery of specific skills essential to being a scuba diver. Kids will earn their PADI certifications, in an encouraging and well-supported learning environment. It is our priority to encourage families to explore the underwater 803-419-2556 world together, while experiencing and learning about marine life in a safe and respectful way. We pride ourselves on creating more aware, confident and capable divers. Our PADI programs fall under strict educational standards. PADI takes a proactive approach to quality management and randomly surveys PADI Divers to confirm courses meet PADI’s high standards and divers’ expectations. No other diver training organization works to maintain this level of professional reliability and integrity. Kids Sea Camp has achieved the PADI presidents award of excellence.. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org WeLcome to the family “WOW” factor KIDS SEA CAMP CREATES HUGE SMILES AND GREAT BIG SHAKAS ON THE SURFACE By Julie Wettstein, Kids Sea Camp mom “WOW” is all I can think now. We are a family of 5 that submerged ourselves in the beautiful turquoise waters of Yap, a tiny island off the beaten path for sure.The island is located in the Federated States of Micronesia.We live in Hawaii, so when I contacted Margo Peyton at Kids Sea Camp the bar was set pretty high for expectations in taking a family dive vacation. She personally guided us through a magical family adventure to Yap and Palau, and just like her tag line says,“Give them a week we will remember forever.” All our expectations were surpassed. Surrounded by pristine reefs, large www.familydivers.com schools of fish, and plenty of large pelagics on a daily basis in Yap. On our list were sailfish, reef sharks, manta and even a rare baby whale shark encounter. Not to make less of some of the most beautiful soft corals and amazing visibility any diver could ask for. As I descend with my family into the blue a euphoric feeling overcomes me. But, what is really on my mind, is the fact that all three of my daughters are getting this experience along with my husband and myself TOGETHER! How amazing is it to have us all be experiencing this beautiful, untouched, unspoiled, majestic destination together? Moments to remember forever: My youngest daughter, Emma floats above my head and dives down for a “high five” as she is only 7 (A sassy) right now 803-419-2556 and is still dreaming of the day she can officially dive with us. For now she is snorkeling with sharks, learning about the ocean and doing Sassy and that will have to suffice.The view she is getting is fantastic and just as great as ours is, if not better while scuba diving. She is being circled by schools of fish and small white tip reef sharks. She shoots me a huge smile and a great big Shaka from the surface and an “OK” signal. Yeah, she is totally stoked to be part of this! Sierra (age 11) is out in the blue, following in her dad’s footsteps with her camera just waiting for that chance to capture the perfect shot email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org KSC SPECIAL for her memories.Take only memories and leave the rest behind for the future. She is in her zone. Perfectly focused and ready for the shot. Smiling and happy as can be. She signals me a huge “OK” and I know all is good.Another “WOW!” Her wish granted as out of the blue comes a juvenile whale shark, he poses inches from her lens and she has the shot. Jos (age 14) is busy being Brad Holland’s diving model, Brad is the professional photographer on the Manta Ray Bay Resort. It’s a perfect fit — a teen diver that has her buoyancy and diving down like a master diver. She is so into the dive that she doesn’t even notice all of the attenwww.familydivers.com tion she is getting by the photographer.And for this short 60 minutes or so, she gets to spend with the loves of her life, manta rays and sharks. Jos is in heaven right now and there is no interrupting her. She’s just soaking in the experience.These moments at Kids Sea Camp are so magical. Jeff, my husband is taking the opportunity to spruce up his photography skills and is loving it. He has been spoiled having Brad spend a week with him and share tips of the trade. He is pumped to be using his new found skills. And I even have a few photos of him taking photos, which is rare since he is always the one shooting the photos (thanks to Brad Holland for that). And me, I’m just thrilled to share this unforgettable journey to Yap and Palau with 803-419-2556 my family.This type of experience cannot be purchased in any store or found in some prepackaged deal online and it’s not going to be on a cruise ship or in a theme park. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity created and personally hosted by Kids Sea Camp, for us to all connect and embrace the majesty of the underwater world. We don’t have to say a single word.We just look at each other and smile when we surface.We all know what each other feels, its written and plastered all over our faces. “WOW” Oh my goodness, how could it possibly get any better? Kids Sea Camp is the perfect family experience and is a trip of a lifetime. Thanks so much to Margo email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org KIDS SEA CAMP MAGIC www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Football, basketball, soccer, volleyball yoga, dance, spa, painting, poetry, horseback riding, culinary classes, fly fishing and paddle boarding! KIDS SEA CAMP IS MORE THAN DIVING We have some of the coolest surface intervals on the planet LAND & SEA: The 5th annual KSC Turkey Bowl will be played in St. Lucia THE MARRIAGE OF LAND AND SEA: Most families travel with us because of their love of the ocean and diving. However, over the years, Tom has found that families have a few other passions too. VOLLEYBALL Tom generally gets some volleying going in the afternoons before dinner on the trips he attends. The most popular game is parents vs. kids. www.familydivers.com BASKETBALL Tom is from the Midwest. He has been shooting hoops since he was six, and it’s almost a religion for him. If there’s a court around, he will get a pickup game going. It does not matter the country or the language — Tom connects the world through basketball. THE KSC TURKEY BOWL 2016 is the 5th year of The KSC Turkey Bowl. The football game was the only way Tom would agree to travel over Thanksgiving. The game is played on 803-419-2556 L A N D - BA S E D F U N Thanksgiving Day in an authentic St. Lucian soccer stadium, complete with tailgating and custom-designed team shirts for all. TOM’S PASSION & PEACE At some point during the week you will find Tom has gone fishing his happy spot for peace and passion is flyfishing. There is always an open invitation for anyone to join from beginner to expert. Tom always brings a email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org second rod fly fishing. (Catch and release only.) MUSIC, POETRY, SINGING If there is anyone in your family with a special gift, talent or passion, let us know! We love to share and learn about each other. At the end of each week, anyone can participate in the fun poetry night presentation. Contact: tom@familydivers. com www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] Photo by Margo Peyton www.oceanwishes.org Women Divers Hall of Fame for her contribution to marine education with children and diving. But the thing that swayed me to participate in this program with Jacob is that Margo and Tom are parents who created these family trips to enjoy with their own kids. Initially I was a little apprehensive. After all, we had never met and this was a week long committed to the company of strangers. But I In Jacob’s case, Margo arranged his own instructor, 1:1, this enabled him to have his needs met in order to make his week a huge success.With this level of quality care, I was able to step back and watch him earn his PADI Adventure Diving certification under the tutelage of others. It truly was a vacation for both of us, and not only because Jacob was exhausted enough to sleep ocean while I enjoyed diving with like minded parents. I was able to dive without concern for my son’s safety, a priceless gift to the parent of any child, let alone a young scuba diver with autism. Jacob and I reconnected each day at 3:30 pm where I learned all about the cool things he had discovered. He would animatedly explain, his eyes dancing and arms waving, the sights of his day including but not limited One of my favorite things about Kids Sea Camp was the feeling of community, of inclusivity, between the staff and families. The instructors went above and beyond to accommodate their charges.They were available to talk to the parents, joke with the kids, and answer any questions, even if it meant extending their day.The staff participated in the graduation past 6:30 am for the first time in his life. Each morning started with a Buddy Dive overflowing buffet breakfast. One morning Jacob grabbed some bread, at the approval of the staff, and went down to the dock to feed the fish. His smile and squeals of delight as the water erupted with schools of fish made the start of each day all the better. After breakfast we split into our own groups. Jacob connected with the other children over a mutual love of the to a small shipwreck, the crabs scuttling along the dock areas, the deep turquoise of a parrot fish, the large pincher on the lobster, the bright spots on the trunkfish, and the five turtles he saw glide by him on his dive, as if he wasn’t even there. The best adventure for Jacob was the kids night snorkel off the dock. His eyes were alight as he shared about the huge green moray eel and ‘Charlie’ the Tarpon, an under-dock resident of Buddy Dive. Due to these amazing experiences at Kids Sea Camp, Jacob discovered a deep love of underwater photography. The kids diving programs include a class on photography and a photo dive with SeaLife cameras. This opened up another door for my son to grow his love of the ocean. ceremonies and cheering their students on as they presented their poems, a Sea Camp tradition where families write a poem about their week at camp. So often Jacob’s disability makes him the odd man out, a shy outlier in a room full of children.At Kid’s Sea camp, Jacob was part of the action at every turn. Finding Kid’s Sea Camp was like finding buried treasure. I didn’t know it was there until I stumbled upon it. Now my life and the life of my son, are forever changed, so much so that I have already booked our next Kids Sea Camp to return to Buddy Dive Bonaire. Thank you, Margo and Tom. Our lives are better for having participated in your vision. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org The treasure of Kids Sea Camp Article by Alyson Herzig, writer, blogger, wife and now a Kids Sea Camp mom. My eleven-year-old son Jacob is a treasure hunter.Wherever we go, his eyes dart here and there, scanning the floor for the next piece de resistance. Money is usually his favorite prize, but anything he can find will do. Because of his autism and ADHD, any public place can become a battlefield as he races to pick up new found treasures. But no land treasure to date has compared with what we found when we attended Kid’s Sea Camp at Buddy Dive Bonaire. Jacob’s love for underwater exploration began with the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a cargo ship he tells me, which was lost in the tumultuous waters of www.familydivers.com Lake Superior in 1975. Jacob has toured every nearby museum exhibit devoted to underwater sea creatures with rapt attention. One year, his only birthday request was a giant Megalodon tooth. So it did not come as a shock that when Jacob turned ten this year, his only request was to become a scuba diver. So his dad and I supported his quest.We were well informed about the research on water and its benefit to autistic children. Water therapy is a proven program that enables children to block out the noises known to overwhelm them. It provides counter balance to help them regulate their over sensitive nervous systems, which may be one reason it decreases anxiety. Water is nature’s great equalizer to an autistic child. By extension, 803-419-2556 scuba diving provides exercise, fun and therapy, as well as a base to develop life skills and confidence. We hope Jacob Herzig that Jacob will be able to use his new found skills and knowledge of the ocean towards a long term career in Oceanography or Marine Biology, bridging his two loves together. Since Jacob and I have become PADI certified divers, We have enjoyed exploring reefs and marine life in the Caribbean Islands, however none were as kid friendly and pristine as the reefs of Bonaire. email: [email protected] I had never heard of Bonaire until I stumbled upon the website for Kids Sea Camp & Family Dive Adventures, a privately owned and operated family business that has certified over 5,400 children since it’s inception fifteen years ago. The owners, Margo and Tom Peyton, have brought their love of the ocean, scuba diving and family together to create the unique Kid’s Sea Camp program. Their list of accolades is impressive: Number one World’s Best Family Dive Vacation 2014 by Sport Diver Magazine and USA Today Reader’s Choice Award Recipient, The Travel Channel’s Traveler’s Best Family Vacation 2015 and The PADI Presidents Award of excellence. Margo was inducted into The www.oceanwishes.org have always been determined that my hesitations will not impact Jacob’s needs. I wanted him to better his world through scuba diving, to socialize, and to have fun, all while enjoying the safety provided by Kids Sea Camp and Buddy Dive. One of the best parts, I was able to participate in Jacob’s camp too. At Kids Sea Camp, the student to instructor ratio is 2:1, enabling the dive instructors to take the time to teach the kids and listen to their needs. “One of my favorite things about Kids Sea Camp is the feeling of community and inclusivity.” Alyson Herzig www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 CARIBBEAN DIVING “It always amuses me that the biggest praise for my work comes for my imagination, while the truth is that there’s not a single line in all my work that does not have a basis in reality. The problem is that Caribbean reality resembles the wildest imagination” Garbriel Garcia Marquez www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org WHY BUDDY DIVE? 1. Family owned, family operated. 2. #1 kid friendly dive staff in the Caribbean. 3. Zombie Apocalypse Diver course included 4. 1,2 & 3 bedroom ocean view villas, 2 pools, and jump off the dock diving any time. BONAIRE BUDDY DIVE, BONAIRE 2016 Weeks: 06/25 - 07/02 AND 07/30 - 08/06 THE RESORT This family-owned and operated resort has the casual relaxed atmosphere you want in a family vacation. It is an unhurried, unspoiled natural diver’s paradise that offers spectacular sunsets, easy diving and crystal clear water. THE DIVING If you really want to fall in love with diving; if you really want to become a better diver, if you want to dive safe and easy as a family, welcome to Buddy Dive Bonaire. Here you can just jump off the dock to enjoy large schools of fish, shallow wrecks and relaxed diving with newly certified kids. The water is warm, and the viz is amazing. The dive team here is the best in the Caribbean! Most are parents themselves, so, kids safety is the priority. Buddy Dive is a PADI 5 star CDC center www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 THE PACKAGE 7 nights at Buddy Dive Resort. 1,2 or 3 bedroom villas, 3 meals daily, healthy snacks and educational presentations. Dive Package Choices of: 11 or 6 boat dive packages with unlimited shore diving. Free rental truck with 6 boat dive or Unlimited shore diving only packages. What’s included: Guided night diving, pizza movie night, treasure hunt, donkey safari, Island tour and course materials for kids. Family sunset cruise, photo classes and poetry presentations kayaking and Coral restoration presentation. Zombie Apocalypse Diver, Boy Scout merit badges(August with Woody Tinsley) Free Nitrox, free online photo album, free prizes and gear. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org 2017 WEEKS (IDC training available): 08/05 - 08/12 AND 08/12 - 08/19 FROM $2,250 Based on 2 adults in a one bedroom one bath condo, 11 boat dives and unlimited shore diving. Divers education: Sasy, Seal Team, PADI: (JOW, includes SCUBAPRO BC) AOW, Coral restoration, Zombie, Rescue, Nitrox, (Intro to Tech and Tech40 for kids age 18 and up.) Additional options: Bonefish fly-fishing, wind surfing, mangrove snorkel, Free diving courses. www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org BONAIRE CORAL RESTORATION 80%: The amount of decline in hard coral in the Caribbean. 1500: The number of coral fragments transplanted on the reefs. 6000: The number of coral fragments grown at the Buddy Dive nurseries. BUDDY DIVE, BONAIRE CORAL RESTORATION Coral restoration efforts to preserve Bonaire’s greatest assets, its reefs. Since the 1980’s, coral diseases, bleaching events, loss of sea urchins, deteriorating water quality and overfishing have affected coral populations throughout the Caribbean. The Bonaire Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF Bonaire) The (CRF) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to restoring the shallow water populations of Elkhorn and Staghorn coral along the coast of Bonaire. CRF Bonaire was born in 2012, when Ken Nedimyer, founder of CRF, was invited by Buddy Dive Resort to assist Bonaire with their continued www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 CA R I B B E A N E D U CA T I O N Nurseries If you visit the nursery, you’ll notice that the growing corals are hanging in what seems like underwater Christmas trees. In these “trees,” the corals are suspended so they can optimally feed on the nutrients in the water. CRF works with marine scientists to ensure that the corals grow strong and healthy. HOW TO HELP More info about the Coral Restoration Foundation can be found on www.crfbonaire.org and their Facebook page. For more direct contact, email: info@ crfbonaire.org email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org FROM $65.00 PADI courses can include: Coral Restoration: Adventure diver certification Distinctive Specialty Coral Restoration Day A Coral Restoration week for certified PADI Coral Restoration divers www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org ST. LUCIA WHY ANSE CHASTANET? 1. Trip advisors 2015 Hall Of Fame Resort. 2. House reef offers 150 different species of fish inside the marine park. 3. Kids Sea Camp makes this 5 diamond honeymoon resort family friendly. 4. Jungle biking through 18th century ruins. ANSE CHASTANET, ST. LUCIA 2016 WEEKS: 07/09 - 07/16 AND 11/19 - 11/26 THE RESORT Nick Troubetzkoy and his wife, Karolin, had a dream to combine St. Lucia’s mountainous beauty and sweet sugar beaches with divine luxury which created Anse Chastanet Resort in St. Lucia. What a sweet vacation dream it is! Extra-large deluxe and premium hill suites underscore the visionary, innovative, sometimes whimsical side of Nick Troubetzkoy: in one suite, the balcony is built around a Red Gommier tree; in another, a flamboyant tree drapes its red blossoms around the balcony. Some have the fourth wall open entirely to pitons or ocean views. Beach rooms are the only air-conditioned rooms on the resort. THE DIVING The Anse Chastanet house reef is rated the best dive in www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 St. Lucia, and is home to more than 150 species of fish. Located inside the marine reserve this site, offers superb macro photography, and unlimited guided shore diving The night dive is always one of the highlights of the week. Pizza and movie night is offered to the younger kids while parents and teens go diving. Scuba St. Lucia is a PADI 5-star dive center and a DAN dive safety facility. THE PACKAGE 7 night stay, 12 boat dives, night dives, daily kids programs, Sasy, Seal Team(ocean dives), Digital photo class, free camera use. Yoga, culinary classes, jungle biking, 3 meals daily, tennis, chocolate tasting, sugar plantation tour, jazzy sunset cruise, guided paddle board, afternoon volleyball and the Turkey Football Bowl. (Thanksgiving.) email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org 2017 WEEK: 07/08-07/15 and Thanksgiving FROM $2,999 Based on 2 adults in a one bedroom one bath deluxe beach level room, with A/C Divers education: Sasy, Seal Team, PADI Open Water, Coral Restoration, Project Aware. Additional options: Volcano excursion Sailing lessons Spa treatments FOREVER YOU renewal of vows Culinary classes www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org ROATAN WHY TURQUOISE BAY? 1. Private 500 ft white sandy beach. 2. National Geographic PADI 5 Star IDC center. 3. Exclusive week just for Kids Sea Camp. 4. Spring break with Tom and Margo Peyton. TURQUOISE BAY DIVE & BEACH RESORT, ROATAN 2016 WEEK: 03/26 - 04/02 (SPRING BREAK) THE RESORT Welcome to Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands in Honduras. Discover an island with authentic Caribbean and Latin American lifestyles and warm, friendly islanders greeting you wherever you go. Located on the northeast shore, Turquoise Bay is the only dive resort in this lush and remote area of the island, providing you with a quiet and tranquil family dive vacation. Active guests can enjoy daily horseback riding, yoga, fishing wake boarding, and knee boarding. This resort sits on a hillside with spectacular ocean views www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 of the calm protected 500 ft white-sandy beach, set up for our afternoon volleyball games. THE DIVING The north side offers divers private, uncrowded sites, 3 boat dives daily with short rides. Subway Watersports a PADI 5 Star IDC center, offers guests valet dive service, Nitrox and Lion fish hunting THE PACKAGE 7 night stay, 6 days of diving, 3 dives daily, 3 meals daily, beverages, volleyball, zip-lining, horseback riding, PADI courses, kids gear, wake boarding, yoga beach party, West Bay tour and Zombie Apocalypse diver! email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org 2017 WEEK: 06/10 - 06/17 FROM $1,725 Based on 2 adults in a one bedroom one bath 15 boat dives Divers education: Sasy, Seal Team, JOW, Zombie diver Additional options: Afternoon volleyball Lion Fish hunting, Nitrox, rescue, PADI Project Aware, fly fishing, knee boarding, water skiing, www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org ROATAN WHY THE MAYAN PRINCESS? 1. Offers very spacious 1 & 2 bedroom villas. 2. Diving the healthiest protected reefs in Roatan with in the West End Marine Park. 3. Located one of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches, West Bay Beach. MAYAN PRINCESS DIVE RESORT, ROATAN 2016 WEEKS: 04/23 - 04/30 AND 07/02 - 07/09 THE RESORT Celebrate July 4th with us at the up-scale sister resort of Turquoise Bay. The Mayan Princess offers 4 restaurants, two huge pools running through the center of the resort and a PADI 5-star dive center. The Mayan Princess Dive Resort has spacious ocean front and garden condos that make returning from a fun day of diving at a Kids Sea Camp feel like home. This all-inclusive KSC week includes a 4th of July cruise, a unique trip to Gumbalimba Park and eco-presentations on sharks, turtles and coral restoration. www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 THE DIVING About five years ago Roatan government created a Marine Park reserve in West Bay. Diving in Roatan has always been good — the marine park made it great. The protected reefs have blossomed into a wealth of fish, turtles and diverse healthy coral. The diving is perfect for beginners or experienced divers of all ages with warm and clear water to enjoy. THE PACKAGE 7 nights stay, 6 days of diving, 3 dives daily, 3 meals daily, afternoon volleyball, zip-lining, fun in the sun beach day, drinks and West Bay shopping trip. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org 2017 WEEKS: 07/29 - 08/05 FROM $2,474 Based on 2 adults in a one bedroom one bath garden villa and 3 dives daily and drinks. Divers education: Sasy, Seal Team, JOW, OW, AOW, and Nitrox Additional options: Fly fishing for bonefish and tarpon Deep sea charters www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org GRAND CAYMAN W H Y G rand Cayman ? 1. Divetech’s 13th year with Kids Sea Camp! 2. Kittiwake, Guardian of the reef, Stingray City, Scooter dives, Digital Photography. 3. Seal Team, SASY & and new pool! LIGHT HOUSE POINT, GRAND CAYMAN 2016 WEEK: 06/18 - 06/25 THE RESORT Welcome to Grand Cayman! Divetech and Kids Sea Camp have been working together for 13 years. Divetech is one of the most trusted dive center in the Caribbean. We at Kids Sea Camp are excited about the changes Divetech has made, and know that Lighthouse Point Resort will create unique and wonderful memories for our families for years to come. The resort sits on one the best house reefs in Grand Cayman — maybe even the entire Caribbean. It is also a great place to snorkel and enjoy a wonderful sunrise. The condos are luxurious with lush stone and wood. The space is expansive but comfortable and homey. The experience is like being back in the 1800’s at an old www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 Caribbean fort, but built in 2007. THE DIVING World famous for easy diving and quality of water, Grand Cayman is a great dive spot any level of divers. But because of the warm and clear visibility we highly recommend it for beginner or intermediate divers. Divetech is a PADI 5-star dive shop. THE PACKAGE 7 nights and 6 days of diving, 2 dives a day, unlimited shore diving, breakfast and dine around package, Stingray City and Kittiwake dive. Condos will be stocked with snacks, lunches and drinks based on guest requests. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org CA R I B B E A N D I V I N G FROM $2,399 Based on 4 adults in a two bedroom two bath ocean condo with 6 days of diving. Divers education: Seal Team, JOW, OW, AOW, and Nitrox Additional options: Yoga, Boatswain water park, Stingray City and Kittiwake snorkel www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org OCEANIA DIVING “I wish I could tell you about the South Pacific. The way it actually was. The endless ocean. The infinite specks of coral called Islands. . . the full moon rising behind the volcanoes and the waiting. The timeless, repetitive waiting.” James A. Michener www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org WAKATOBI WHY WAKATOBI? 1. Wakatobi is a life style choice. 2. Incredible place that truly values conservation. 3. Exclusive access to more than 4 dozen dive sites. WAKATOBI , INDONESIA 2017 WEEKS: 07/15 - 07/29 THE RESORT Everyone’s notion of a dream dive adventure differs. And just incase you don’t dream much, welcome to your dream luxury dive vacation. At Wakatobi each dream can be catered to in order to complete your unique and perfect family vacation. Experience a unique mix of personalized service and remoteness. If your a person that is hard to be wowed, then Wakatobi is the place for you. THE DIVING PADI 5 Star Freedom to dive and explore as you like. With amazing reef life just a fin kick away, families will love exploring the 4 miles of house reef together. A one to three dive staff ratio awaits your call and will assist you with your every www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 INDONESIA DIVING need. Exclusive access to more than 4 dozen dive sites. THE PACKAGE 7 or 14 nights at Wakatobi Dive Resort 6 or 12 days of diving, 3 dives per day, unlimited shore diving. Dive valet service VIP arrival service pre-immigration at the Bali airport Round-trip air from Bali to Wakatobi. Paddle boarding, hiking in the Bamboo Forest Old colonial fortresses tour Village market tour, cooking classes, spa treatment Yoga, remote island picnics, sunset cruise, kayaking Woodcarving classes, treasure hunt, poetry presentations All meals, beverages and snacks In room internet, aromatherapy bath products email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org FROM $6,200 Based on 2 adults in a palm bungalow 7 nights Divers education: Underwater Naturalist, Digital Photo Additional Activities Wakeboarding,Yog Spa Treatments, Spelunking, Kiteboarding, Kitesurfing www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org PALAU WHY PALAU? 1. Manta, dolphin, sharks, coral spawning, aggregation sites, nautilus giant clams, mandarin fish. 2. The rock islands, Jelly Fish Lake, WW11 wrecks, caves, culture and history. 3. Activities and diving for the whole family. SAM’S TOURS & PALAU ROYAL RESORT , PALAU 2016 WEEK: 08/13 - 08/20 THE RESORT Palau Royal Resort is your oasis after a wonderful day of diving the best sites that Palau has to offer. The resort is nestled in 64 acres of lush tropical gardens with the Pacific caressing its white sand beach. THE DIVING World-famous Sam’s Tours takes you on unforgettable daily journeys. Certified divers experience Blue Corner, Jellyfish Lake, German and Ulong channels all in one week. Kids and adults dive wrecks, walls, planes and caverns. Seal Team through adults enjoy daily boat dives; including Mandarin fish dives and Jake’s Sea Plane. Enjoy daily beach lunches on secluded private islands, with time to soak up the sun before your next dive of the day. www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 THE PACKAGE 7 nights at Palau Royal Resort 5 days of the best diving Palau has to offer 2-tank diving daily, +2 afternoon dives Mandarin fish dusk dive German Channel and Ulong Channel World-famous Blue Corner dive Chandelier Cave dive 3 meals daily Photo album Milky Way excursion Airport transportations Welcome ceremony Free Nitrox Kids rental gear email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org 2017 WEEK: 07/15 - 07/22 FROM $2,799 Based on 2 adults in a standard room with one queen or two double beds and 2 dives daily Divers education: Sasy, Seal Team, JOW, OW, AOW and Nitrox Additional options: Helicopter island tour Shark diver certification Wreck diver certification Ngardmau Waterfall excursion www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org PALAU P A C I F I C E D U CA T I O N Sam’s Tours is continually working with the local government to protect sharks from being finned in the waters of Palau. Our focus is on shark conservation and education. “Palau is a global leader in protecting marine ecosystems.” Alexandra Wandel, director of the World Future Council SAM’S TOURS, PALAU SAVING SHARKS SHARK PRESERVATION & MARINE CONSERVATION A SAFE HOME FOR SHARKS Palau, a small island nation in the Pacific, has repeatedly been rated one of the world’s top diving destinations. The prime reason for that is its pristine marine ecosystems, ranging from stunning coral reefs to sea grass beds, mangroves, inner lagoons and marine lakes. Palau waters are home to over 1,300 species of reef fish including 130 species of rare sharks and stingrays, 700 species www.familydivers.com of coral and an abundance of other marine invertebrates and large pelagic mammals. The Palau government along with Sam’s Tours is taking action to conserve the nation’s valuable resources by banning destructive fishing techniques and shark finning by creating the Protected Areas Network, as well as the world’s first shark sanctuary. Former President Toribiong, during his 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] attendance at Kids Sea Camp Palau, said, “healthy shark populations are crucial to both the health of the world’s oceans and the health of Palau’s economy.” The President thanked Kids Sea Camp and Sam’s Tours for educating the young divers of today on the important role they play in preserving the oceans of tomorrow. A study conducted by Australian www.oceanwishes.org scientists showed that emphasizing the economic value of sharks as a non-harvested resource may be a more successful approach in trying to protect these threatened creatures and be an effective way to help the country’s economy to thrive. The main reason to come to Palau is to see these incredible creatures plentiful and alive! www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org PHILIPPINES WHY THE PHILIPPINES 1. Thresher feeding stations, dive with Whale sharks, turtles and big schools of fish. 2. Some of the healthiest reefs on the planet. 3. It’s the richest macro diving in the world. 4. 16 days diving the best of The Coral Triangle. PURA VIDA & AMUNINI DIVE RESORTS , PHILIPPINES 2016 WEEKS: 07/28 - 08/13(sold out) THE RESORTS July 28-31: 4 nights: Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort is the place to be in Malapascua Diving highlight is Thresher shark feeding stations. Packed with macro and muck diving, and a healthy population of dugongs, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks and whale sharks. Aug 1-7 Dauin: 7 nights Negros Island Vida Homes Resort.This area of the world contains 76% of the world’s coral species, 6 of the world’s 7 marine turtle species, and over 2,000 reef fish species. Bohol Island, located in the northern corner of the coral triangle, puts you in one of the www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 highest marine biodiversity hot spots in the world. Dauin also encompasses a plethora of great macro diving including diving Apo Island turtle sanctuary and Oslob Island diving with the whale sharks. Aug 8-13th: 5 nights Amun ini Beach Resort Oslob, this resort sits in secluded province in Bohol.The location is breathtaking and offers some of the best diving in the Philippines. . THE PACKAGE 2017 WEEKS: 07/22 - 08/05 FROM $4,600 Per adult for 16 nights, all meals, diving, transfer, dbl. Discounted group air from $1300pp Divers education: Sasy, Seal Team, JOW, OW, AOW, and Nitrox Rates vary by age starting at $1,999 for kids 16 nights, all transportation, 3 meals daily, 13 days of diving, Thresher shark dive,Whale shark dives,Whale shark snorkel, Demo SeaLife cameras, private boats, ocean view rooms, private guides, cultural tours and excursions. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org www. familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org Photo by Margo Peyton FIJI WHY BEQA LAGOON? 1. A true bucket list diving experience 2. Tiger sharks, need we say more 3. Fiji time. If you don’t know what it is, You need to have a direct experience to understand the peace of the outer islands. BEQA LAGOON RESORT , FIJI 2016 WEEKS: 07/23 - 07/30 & 07/30 - 08/06 THE RESORT Kids Sea Camp is back to Fiji and to Beqa Lagoon Resort, with 25 deluxe air-conditioned intimate bures, 12 of them beachfront, spread out beneath a lush tropical landscape. We think you may never want this magical family adventure to end. That’s why we made it a 14-night package with air included from LAX to NADI. Beqa Lagoon is consistently awarded one of the best dive resorts in the world and is on the top of our list for family friendly destinations. THE DIVING It’s a short boat ride to the amazing wonderland of marine life that is right off the resort’s shores.Visibility is www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 typically over 80 feet and water temperatures stay in the 75 to the low 80s most of the year. Beqa Lagoon Resort is a PADI 5-star resort. The diving offers an array of soft corals, sharks and abundant marine life. We are proud to announce our first ever Shark School during these two Kids Sea Camp weeks. THE PACKAGE 7 or 14 nights, 6 to 13 days of diving and activities PADI Project Aware Shark certification, night dive Family diving, 3 meals daily, welcome ceremony, cultural dances, nature hikes, village excursions. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org 2017 WEEK: THANKSGIVING FROM $3,875 Based on 2 adults in a standard room with one queen or two double beds, 2 dives daily Divers education: Sasy, Seal Team, JOW, OW, AOW, and Nitrox Additional options: The Lali Spa, Kava, Surfing Shark School www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org YAP WHY YAP 1. Mantas, Mantas and more Mantas. 2. One of the few islands that still have their traditional culture intact. 3. A true bucket list adventure with some of the greatest diving in the world. MANTRA RAY BAY, YAP 2016 WEEKS: 08/06 - 08/13 THE RESORT Manta Ray Bay Resort is family-owned and operated by Patricia, Bill, Numie and Opie Acker. Bill, a Texan who founded the Micronesian jewel some 30 years ago, has managed to create a magical, 35-room luxury resort, featuring unique marine theme rooms with waterfront views. FUN FACT: Bill Acker was inducted into the International Divers Hall Of Fame in Oct. 2014. At the end of a day of divine diving, Manta Ray Bay is the perfect place to relax and enjoy time with family sharing photos of each day’s adventures, ending with a Kids Sea Camp slide show on the deck of the Mnuw, maybe even dinner with Bill himself. www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 2017 WEEKS: 07/08 - 07/16 THE DIVING Yap divers is the only PADI 5-star dive resort and teaching facility on the island of Yap. From wild dolphins, mola mola, mantas and sharks, adults and kids alike will enjoy checking this off your list of best trips ever! THE PACKAGE 7 night stay, 3 dives daily, 3 meals daily Manta & shark dives, Mandarin fish, dusk dive, Snorkeling, Traditional cultural events All rental dive gear for kids, Free Nitrox, soft drinks, juices and snacks Late checkout and airport transfers Stone Money bank tour, Kids Sea Camp and PADI certifications email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org FROM $2,900 Per person rate based on 2 adults in double beds, all meals, transfers and 2 dives daily Divers education: Sasy, Seal Team, JOW, OW, AOW, and Nitrox Additional options: Kayaking, charter fishing, basketball game with the locals www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] Photo by Margo Peyton www.oceanwishes.org STAFF JENNIFER PEYTON Jennifer has been to almost every Kids Sea Camp since she was 4 years old. She became a PADI Dive Master in 2015. Jennifer has logged over 800 dives. OUR AMAZING DIVE PROFESSIONALS PADI PROS THAT MAKE KIDS SEA CAMP NUMBER ONE Zoe Funk joined Family Dive Adventures in 2013. Her professionalism and love of the ocean has made great impact in the office and on island. Zoe is rescue certified and working towards dive master. Husband and wife team Conrad and Celilia Rucker have been part of the team since 2011. Conrad is a PADI Course Director. Celilia is PADI Staff Instructor.. 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org Fraser & Sophie have been part of the team since 2005. Fraser is a PADI dive instructor, as well as our SeaLife, SCUBAPRO, representative. Sophie is just perfection! LUCY DUNBAR We love Lucy! Lucy Dunbar has been part of the team since 2010. She owns and operates Columbia Scuba a PADI IDC facility and is a PADI Course Director and swim school instructor. SVEN BLANC Our Kids Sea Camp German rock star, “Sven” has been traveling with us since 2011. Sven is a PADI dive instructor. Sven is also a new dad.. We love having Sven as one of our PADI professionals. OUR TEAM MELISSA GUARINO CONRAD RUCKER www.familydivers.com FRASER PURDON ZOE FUNK Melissa began her adventures with Kids Sea Camp when she was 7 years old. She started with SASY and became a dive master at age 21. She continues to assist at Kids Sea Camp, 16 years later. www.familydivers.com ROBBIE PEYTON The true dive talent of our family, Robbie has over 1,000 dives already at age 21. In 2014, Robbie became the second dive instructor in the family. 803-419-2556 CAROLYN P. GUARINO Carolyn Pascal Guarino has been a part of the team from the start. She is a diver, publisher and in the Women Divers Hall of Fame. email: [email protected] WOODY TINSLEY Woody, our “Zombie” specialist instructor, has been with us since 2008. Woody is a father, husband and a PADI, IDC, Master Instructor. www.oceanwishes.org Y E A R -RO U ND R E SE RV A T I O NS THE BEST WAY TO SAY THANK YOU IS TO REFER A FRIEND AND BOOK AGAIN! C a r i b b e an ROATAN Mayan Princess & Turquoise Bay Beach Resort BONAIRE/ DOMINICA Buddy Dive Resort ST. LUCIA Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain GRENADA The True Blue Resort & Aquanauts GRAND CAYMAN DiveTech & Lighthouse Point GALAPAGOS Galapagos Liveaboard Philippines Deep down you want what’s best for your family. . . Amunin Ini & Pura Vida Resorts Sea Explorers WELCOME TO FAMILY DIVE ADVENTURES TRAVEL EXPERTISE traveling family member. We are family owned and family operated. We are rated The Travel Channel’s Best choice for family travel in 2015. Our specialty is understanding and meeting the needs of each individual family member from age 5-75. We inspire families to travel and create memories that will last a lifetime. Family Dive Adventures was created for families that expect more from a dive vacation: education, safety personalized service and fun for each www.familydivers.com Photo by Margo Peyton TRUST Over the many years of traveling with us, families have learned that we put our focus on the safety and security of your children first. We must put our family stamp of approval on everything we provide. YEAR-ROUND RESERVATIONS We provide dive travel reservations year round to a select group of PADI resorts around the world, that have 803-419-2556 S o u t h P ac i f i c YAP Manta Ray Bay Dive Resort FIJI Beqa Lagoon Resort PALAU Sam’s Tours met our qualifications for family friendly customized vacations. OUR MISSION Family Dive Adventures mission is to inspire families to travel and learn about our big blue underwater world. We want to encourage them to become educated divers who will be enthusiastic about sharing their love of the ocean. We strive to help them to become confident divers who will protect our underwater world for decades to come. email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org Aus t r al i a Mike Ball Dive Expeditions In d on e s i a Wakaboli Dive Resort R aj a A m p at Misool Eco Resort www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org ROATAN ROATAN DOMINICA BONAIRE Mayan Princess Resort, Roatan Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort, Roatan Fort Young Hotel, Buddy Dive Dominica Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire n Full-service PADI 5-star dive shop n All-inclusive beach resort n 7 nights pool view n 3 meals daily n 15 boat dives n All beverages included n Kids dive age 10-17 from $899 n Adult diver only from$1,699pp, dbl + tax n Full-service PADI 5-star dive shop n All-inclusive beach resort n 7 nights n 3 meals daily n Airport transfers n 15 boat dives n All beverages included n As low as $949.00 pp dbl + tax n PADI 5-star dive resort n 10 boat dives package n 7 nights n Breakfast daily n Amazing land based adventures n Airport transfers n Adult diver as low as $1,287 dbl + tax n PADI 5-star dive resort n 7 nights, 3-bedroom villa n 6 boat dives package n Unlimited shore diving n Breakfast daily n Rental truck for week n Price based on 6 divers in a 3 bedroom n As low as $999 pp dbl + tax FAMILY DIVE ADVENTURE TRAVEL PACKAGES 2016/2017 BOOK THROUGH US AND SAVE FROM 5%-15% PHILIPPINES Pura Vida Resort Cabilao, & Ocean Vida Malapascua Sea Explorers n Full-service PADI 5 star dive shops n Oceanfront suites n Ideal for small groups and families n Private Island n 3 boat dives daily n Unlimited shore diving n 3 meals daily n From $1,890 pp + tax www.familydivers.com PHILIPPINES Amunini Dive Resort, Bohol Island Sea Explorers n Unlimited shore diving n 7-night luxury dive resorts n Chocolate Hills tours n 3 gourmet meals daily n 3 dives per day n Full service spa n Discounted air n Vallet diving service n PADI 5 Star IDC n From $350 per day + tax 803-419-2556 PHILIPPINES Purda Vida Dive Resort & Homes, Dauin Dumeguete, Sea Explorers n Unlimited shore diving n 3, 5 or night, dive packages available PADI 5 star CDC dive resort n Whale shark dives n 12 paid, 1 free n Apo Island dives n 3 boat dives daily n Discounted air n From $250 + tax per day email: [email protected] INDONESIA Wakatobi Dive Resort, Indonesia n True 5-star luxury n Ideal for small or large groups and family reunions n 1 and 2 bedrooms n All gourmet meals n Village tours & Spa n All-inclusive premium drinks n PADI 5 star n As low as $2,030 pp + tax n Round trip air from Bali. + tax www.oceanwishes.org ST. LUCIA Anse Chastanet Jade Mountain, St. Lucia n PADI 5-star dive resort n Let us plan your special occasions. n One-of-a-kind luxury and service n Perfect for family n Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing n Spa and yoga n from $1999+ tax GALAPAGOS AUSTRALIA Galapagos Liveaboards, Ecuador(All Dive Encounters fleet) n Galapagos Sky n Humboldt Explorer n Wolf and Darwin diving n 7 nights n Free Nitrox n Hammerheads, mantas and whale sharks n 4 dives per day n From $5500pp + tax Belize Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Australia Ramon’s Village Belize n Diving the Great Barrier reef, the Cod Hole and the Coral Sea n Menke whales n Exploration of Lizard Island n Exciting shark action n Dive with giant potato cod n 4 dives per day n From $4,150 + tax n PADI 5-star dive resort n Grand suite n 11 paid 1 free group deal n 6 days of diving 2 morning boat dives n Breakfast and dinner daily n Family of 4 $1,688 per diver in a Deluxe Grand Suite quad. n Family of 4, $1,355 per diver in a pool deluxe quad + tax GROUPS, INDIVIDUAL FAMILY TRIPS OR CUSTOMIZED TRIPS RATED #1 WORLDS BEST IN FAMILY DIVE TRAVEL. YAP Manta Ray Bay Resort,Yap, Micronesia n PADI 5-star dive resort n Guaranteed Manta Rays 3 dives per day, 3 meals daily n Free Nitrox n 7 nights ocean view rooms n Group special 8 paid, 1 free n Spa, restaurant, infinity pool and brewery n Airport transfers n Stone money bank tour n Priced from $1,595 pp + tax www.familydivers.com PALAU FIJI Sam Tours and Palau Pacific Royal Resort Koror, Palau, Micronesia n PADI 5-star dive operation n Free Nitrox n Rock Island’s tour n Oceanveiw rooms n WWI & WWII wrecks n Kayaking, Mandarin Dive, Jellyfish Lake n 7 nights, breakfast & lunch n 6 days of diving -14 dives n From $2,200 pp db+ tax 803-419-2556 Beqa Lagoon Resort, Fiji n PADI 5-star dive resort n 1 bedroom garden view n shark dives n 3 meals daily n Culture tours, kayaking n Fire walking, n Round trip air from LAX n Snorkeling, kayaking n Tiger sharks dive n From $2,899 pp dbl+ tax n KIDS FLY FREE! email: [email protected] GRAND CAYMAN Divetech & Lighthouse Point Grand Cayman n Full-service PADI dive shop n Oceanfront suites n Ideal for small groups and families n Kids programs n Free dive computer use n Unlimited shore diving n Restaurant & pool n From $1,890 pp dbl www.oceanwishes.org GEAR OUR STORE THE FAMILY DIVE STORE SCUBAPRO DIVE GEAR TECH GEAR REGULATORS COMPUTERS BAGS DAN SEABEAR FRANKO MAPS LIGHT & MOTION BLACK LIGHTS GOBE PHOTO SEALIFE CAMERAS THE FAMILY DIVE STORE: Our store provides top choices for what we consider to be the best in family and planet friendly brands. SCUBAPRO For 50 years, SCUBAPRO has been the leading brand in high-quality scuba equipment for adults and kids, making regulators, wet suits, dive computers keeping divers warmer safer and more comfortable. The biggest complaint from dive stores about Scubapro is how little Great products. Great prices. Great service. FREE SHIPPING IN THE US NO MINIMUM ORDER www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 money they make on repair. Deep down you want only the best! SEALIFE Sealife has been part of the Kids Sea Camp family for 16 years. Each year Sealife has made their product just a little bit better. The micro HD it is one of the best point and shoot underwater cameras ever.The all new HD micro can shoot both still and video simultaneously with high quality results, just like the pro’s. Check out our online photo gallery and see the tens of thousands of amazing photos and videos by Margo Peyton, Lucy Dunbar,Woody Tinsley, and Fraser Purdon have shot with their Sealife cameras. SEADRAGON Margo will personally tell you, she is in love with this new SeaLife Micro, and other than for macro, it’s what she uses most. Its lightweight, stable, durable and takes better pictures than a GoPro. KSCAPPAREL CACTUS JUICE MARINE JEWELRY We understand kids comfort, safety and value better than anyone. email: margo@familydivers. HATS/ BEANNIES MARINE ART ALL PADI PRODUCTS , COURSES & CREW PAKS REEF SAFE CALL US ABOUT SPECIAL KSC DISCOUNTS email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org OUTREACH GIVING BACK OCEAN WISHES SUPPORTS ON AVERAGE FIFTEEN DIVING SCHOLARSHIPS A YEAR OCEAN WISHES IS A 501 C3 NONFOR-PROFIT. IN 2015 OCEAN WISHES RAISED OVER $3,OOO FOR NEPAL EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS OCEAN WISHES OCEAN WISHES TO PROMOTE, PROTECT AND PRESERVE It is our wish to inspire each other to learn, to grow and to take action in our own lives that will have a positive impact on the quality of life we share with marine environments around the world. Help us educate and make people aware of the lethal threats facing our most critical marine habitats and what we can do to protect them for future generations. From fighting to save sharks, restore coral reefs and stop over fishing, we are making a difference one diver at a time. Education is the key. Ocean Wishes strives to support those pioneering the way to a better future by supporting today’s youth who wish to become tomorrow’s ambassadors. Make a wish that will change a life today. Ocean wishes provides beginner and advanced PADI training grants to underprivileged kids age, 10 and older around the world. We donate scholarships for kids each year seeking degrees in Marine Sciences, advanced diver courses and provide funds for marine conservation projects around the world. Help us educate our children and support them to protect and preserve our oceans through granting their wishes today. Yes: I want to help support Ocean Wishes Join today or make a donation online at www.oceanwishes.org or call for more details 1-803-419-2556 I have enclosed a check in the amount payable to Ocean Wishes Ocean Wishes is a nonprofit, taxexempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are taxdeductible as allowed by law. All donations to Ocean Wishes are tax-deductible according to law. . 25 100 500 1000 2000 Other Please charge my donation in the above amount to my: Visa Mastercard Discover Card number: Exp. date Name: Address: City: State Directions for the donations Code Zip Ocean Wishes is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) C15296 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Thank you for your support Ocean Wishes 209 Fallen Oak, Columbia, SC 29229 www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org AMAZING PARTNERSHIPS 2017 KI DS S EA CA M P Here’s our draft for the spring and summer weeks of 2017. Our passion of creating unforgettable and unique family dive vacations requires a team — working together for the common good of family and our oceans. We would like to say “thank you” to our resorts, sponsors, PADI and all the wonderful PADI Pros and families that travel with us each year. Thank you so much for your important part in making our vacations amazing adventures for everyone. Spring break Dominica & Roatan Summer weeks June 10 -17: Turquoise Bay, Roatan June 15- 22: and June 22-June 30: Wakatobi, Indonesia July 1-8: Dominica, Buddy Dive & Fort Young, July 8-15: St. Lucia, Anse Chastanet & Thanksgiving July 8-15: Yap Manta Ray Bay. July 15-22: Palau, Sam’s Tours July 22 – Aug. 5: Philippines, Sea Explorers: (Malapascua: Ocean Vida Dive Resort) , (Cabilao Pura Vida Resort), Amun ini Beach Resort & SPA Oslob Bohol) July 29- Aug. 5: Roatan, Mayan Princess Aug. 5-12 & Aug. 12-19: Buddy Dive Bonaire TBA: Cayman Islands From Tom and Margo Peyton OUR SPONSORS WORKING WITH THE WORLD’S BEST DIVE PARTNERS Become a PADI PRO: 16 YEARS CREATING DIVERS: We have a lineup of candidates both parents and kids ready to become divemasters and instructors. Now is your chance to become a PADI Profesional. Our first IDC week. Aug. 5-12: Bonaire, Buddy Dive Aug. 12-19th: Bonaire, Buddy Dive Sport Diver IE APOCA L SE ZOM YP B T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E P A D I D I V I N G S O C I E T Y DIVER Thanksgiving The Undersea: TitlingGothicFB Na Journal: TitlingGothicFB Cond Med Tag Line: TitlingGothicFB Cond Me Fiji, Beqa Lagoon The Undersea Portion: “The” mus Journal always and Tag Line shou Reversed logo should have “The U Keep any text or other content 3/8 BOOK TODAY A 10% discount is available for reservations deposited by August 31st, 2016 for any 2017 Kids Sea Camp weeks. www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org www.familydivers.com 803-419-2556 email: [email protected] www.oceanwishes.org