Caradonna Dive Adventures
Transcription
Caradonna Dive Adventures
2010 DIVE TRAVEL Caradonna Dive Adventures Our world underwater—worth exploring, worth protecting. Dive Into Adventure Approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Roughly 70% of the human body is comprised of water. Coincidence? We don’t think so. It seems right in line with the laws of nature for man to be drawn to explore the liquid domain of this planet, and we’ve made it our business to help you do just that. Distributed annually, this collection of the best diving destinations in the world is designed for discerning divers in search of their next underwater adventure and the best way to get there. As we have done for over two decades, Caradonna Dive Adventures represents the world’s top dive resorts, dive operators and live-aboards and packages them with airfare for the best price available. In this guide, you will find every destination that you have ever dreamed of at your fingertips. So, when you are considering your next dive trip, pick up the Dive Travel Guide, choose where you want to go and contact your local dive shop. Their expertise—combined with Caradonna’s—will ensure that you get the best possible dive vacation at the best price available. We take the hassle out of trip planning so that you can get out there and explore the other 70% of the planet. Adventure awaits! Book your next deep blue adventure. Contact your local dive travel professional, call 800-328-2288 or visit www.caradonna.com. Caradonna—Green Leaders After almost 25 years of connecting divers with the wonders of the underwater world, Caradonna Dive Adventures’ commitment to marine conservation is stronger than ever. The fragile ecosystem in which we dive needs our diligent care and protection, so we are constantly monitoring our partners to ensure that they operate in a sustainable and responsible manner. Please support, as we do, those organizations which provide research and funding to initiate sustainable projects worldwide. Take time to assess what else you can do in your daily routine to further protect our seas. Simple things such as water conservation, recycling and not buying over-fished species can make a difference in whether future generations of divers will share the experiences we are so privileged to witness today. 2 caribbean aruba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 bahamas . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 barbados . . . . . . . . . . . 10 bonaire . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 cayman Islands . . . . . . 18 curaçao . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 dominica . . . . . . . . . . . 23 dominican republic . . . 24 grenada . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 puerto rico . . . . . . . . . . 26 saba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 st. kitts & nevis . . . . . . 28 st. lucia . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 st. vincent . . . . . . . . . . . 30 caribbean (more) statia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tobago . . . . . . . . . . . . . turks & caicos . . . . . . . virgin islands . . . . . . . . mexico 30 31 32 34 exotic baja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 cozumel . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 riviera maya . . . . . . . . . 56 pacific mid-atlantic bermuda . . . . . . . . . . . 35 central america bay islands . . . . . . . . . . 38 belize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 costa rica / panama . . . 46 australia . . . . . . . . . . . . fiji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . galapagos . . . . . . . . . . hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . micronesia . . . . . . . . . . tahiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tonga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 63 66 67 68 72 76 indonesia . . . . . . . . . . . malaysia . . . . . . . . . . . . maldives . . . . . . . . . . . philippines . . . . . . . . . . papua new guinea . . . . red sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 84 85 86 90 91 more... ultimate adventures . . 94 ecological adventures . 96 terms & conditions . . . 98 ON THE COVER Often threatened by mankind but cherished by many, the ocean’s most renowned inhabitants desperately need our protection. Divers are privileged to share the underwater world that comprises over 2/3 of the Earth’s surface. Photos by Tim Rock THIS PAGE The colorful habitats under the surface of the waters surrounding Fiji are some of the most impressive watery scenes on the planet. Photo by Island Exposure 3 CARIBBEAN The Caribbean’s 7,000+ islands, islets, reefs and cays encompass some of the dive world’s most popular destinations, but there is also a plethora of hidden gems for divers to explore, from wrecks to walls and mega to macro. Culturally diverse, these islands, with their distinct laid-back ambiance, offer visitors a variety of influences from European, African, South American and indigenous native cultures which have blended to create a fascinating population of warm and welcoming islanders. The Caribbean Sea is a warm and tropical body of water where coral reefs and marine life thrive—the average air temperature hardly varies and water temperatures seldom dip below 80°F. The variety of Caribbean dive experiences is as varied as its islands, and the dive operations in the Caribbean are renowned for their professionalism and full-service capabilities where divers are pampered with “valet-style” diving, never having to transport dive gear from hotel to boat or even change tanks between dives. For those looking for more than just diving, the region provides lots of alternatives. In addition to many beautiful beaches for sun worshippers, there is great snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, kite boarding, deep sea fishing, parasailing and more. On terra firma, there is hiking, mountain biking, historical and nature tours and shopping. Many islands also offer nightlife including full-service casinos as well as a variety of nightclubs and restaurants. Cultural events are also popular in this region. From Junkanoo in the Bahamas to Carnival, there are a number of festivals and celebrations to take in as part of your vacation. Island Exposure 4 5 Aruba Dive Primer This Dutch island is home to the wreck of the Antilla, a 400’+ supply ship for a German submarine group during World War II. Sites such as Barcadera Reef, Lago Reef and Malmok Reef are packed with schooling fish and dramatic coral formations. Topside, Aruba caters to the most sophisticated traveler with state-of-the-art casinos, first-rate entertainment, five-star accommodations, an extensive array of fine restaurants and fabulous shopping in downtown Oranjestad. As sophisticated as Aruba is, there are still plenty of off-the-beatentrack options including hiking, cycle tours, jeep safaris and even rock-climbing. SH D ARUBA RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- RF E Divi Aruba Phoenix on Palm Beach • • 2 Divi Dutch Village Resort • • 6 123 • 3 348 1 354 Divi Village Golf Resort Radisson Aruba Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino • • • • • The Mill Resort & Suites 556 1 200 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN ARUBA Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Beach Resort 6 The Westin Aruba Resort De Palm Tours Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club Occidental Grand Aruba S.E. Aruba Fly ‘n Dive Red Sail Sports Aruba Unique Sports of Aruba Favorite Dive Sites • Wreck of the Antilla • Wreck of the Pedernales • Wreck of the Star Garren • Baby Beach Topside Attractions Bill Harrigan • California Lighthouse • Horseback riding • Rock climbing The Mill Resort & Suites Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino This tropical oasis of authentic island hospitality is set amid the hustle and bustle of the Aruba’s Palm Beach high-rise and casino resorts. With its casual elegance and spacious comfort, The Mill offers the best of both worlds at an outstanding value. A palm-shaded pool deck with its freeform swimming pools is a tranquil getaway at the heart of the resort. Beach facilities across the street. This new resort features two distinctive lodging options offering style and tropical elegance. The Marina Hotel is adult-exclusive and the Ocean Suites are perfect for families. Located in the heart of Aruba’s capital on a private island featuring Aruba’s only private beaches. Indulge in a treatment at the exclusive Spa Cove or dive with onsite Red Sail Sports. 101 8 Hotel RIU Palace Aruba Water Temp............. 78-80° Visibility........................100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Divi Dutch Village Resort Divi Village Golf Resort Divi Aruba Phoenix on Palm Beach Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa Nestled in a delightful tropical garden dotted with freshwater pools, the Divi Dutch Village Resort is an intimate all-suite resort in the Divi Aruba resort collection—a serene spot with oversized rooms and quiet escapes—perfect for families with all generations. Diving provided by S.E. Aruba Fly ‘n Dive. Steps from Aruba’s white sand beaches, the Divi Village Golf Resort offers three restaurants, three pools, tennis courts, oceanfront fitness center, rock climbing wall and a featured Links golf course. The resort offers large studio and one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Free shuttle to nearby casino. Diving with S.E. Aruba Fly ‘n Dive. This resort, completed in 2008, features 240 beachfront studios and one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Additional amenities include three pools, fitness center, spa, casual and gourmet dining and swim-up bar. Scuba diving offered by S.E. Aruba Fly ‘n Dive. The 14-acre Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is a sparkling oasis that beckons from the warm ivory beaches of Aruba. Surrounded by fragrant gardens, exotic lagoons and cascading waterfalls, this hotel’s guests find themselves immersed in one of the island’s most lush and luxurious Caribbean resorts. Bahamas Bahamas Disappear into a mangrove forest, explore a coral reef or escape into an undeveloped paradise. The 700 islands and 2,500 cayes of the Bahamas are a cornucopia of water sports, and the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas are a diver’s dream with dramatic walls, shallow banks and an exciting array of marine life including dolphins, sharks and turtles. Healthy and colorful coral reefs are home to large numbers of tropical fish, eels, lobsters and stingrays. The many islands that make up the Bahamas are well known for the wide variety of diving experiences—from diving with wild dolphins in the out-islands of the Abacos to diving the blue holes and plummeting walls off Andros, there are an abundance of underwater adventures here to fill a lifetime. There are sunken Spanish galleons, inland blue holes, caves and forest-like coral reefs, all teeming with marine life. The underwater beauty extends to the thousands of miles of shoreline, featuring stunningly beautiful and unsullied beaches. Further inland, gardens and National Parks are home to rare and endangered species, such as the exotic Abaco parrot and the Bahamian iguana. Although the Bahamas are incredibly diverse and numerous, the charm and hospitality of its people are consistent everywhere you go—the locals are as committed to the art of hospitality as they are committed to preserving the unique ecology of their island home. And with the archipelago lying just 75 miles east of Palm Beach, Florida, this island escape is just a quick flight away. WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN BAHAMAS Abaco Nassau Treasure Caye Hotel Resort & Marina Super Clubs Breezes Bahamas Abaco Beach Resort Sheraton Nassau Beach Abaco Dive Aventuras RIU Paradise Island Grand Bahama Wyndham Nassau Resort Pelican Bay at Lucaya Live-aboard Radisson Our Lucaya Resort Aqua Cat Our Lucaya Reef Village Columbus Isle Unexso Club Med Columbus Isle Brendals Dive Center & Water Sports and Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina Dive Primer Water Temp............. 78-80° Visibility.................. 80-100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites Topside Attractions Bill Harrigan For the past five years, a collaborative effort between the Bahamas government and private sectors has emphasized the importance of coastal resources to socioeconomic development. As part of this initiative, April is now Coastal Awareness Month, during which numerous environmental activities take place throughout the Bahamas to bring attention to these natural resources. The government is also working to allocate resources to clean up a designated area as a “green” space for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike. For more information on this initiative and others, visit www.coastalawareness.org. SH D E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S E • • Orange Hill Inn 8 • Features two custom dive boats with easy access • Two-tank morning/one-tank afternoon dives, weekly night dives • Daily meals are a combo of American and Bahamian cuisine • The Driftwood Lounge for aprés dive mix and mingle • One of only two resorts on the whole island Small Hope Bay Lodge Bay View Suites Viva Wyndham Fortuna Stuart Cove’s Andros Located on Andros Island, a short boat ride from the world’s third largest coral reef, the diving and bonefishing are nothing less than spectacular at this all-inclusive resort. What really sets Small Hope apart is its unique heritage, its simple and friendly ambiance and a special soulful energy that simply cannot be cloned or imitated. Nassau The perfect escape for those trying to get away from it all, this private tropical enclave features one- and two-bedroom suites, town houses and villas with equipped kitchens, air conditioning, TV and a private patio or balcony. Featuring four acres of tropical gardens, three pools, poolside bar and terrace. Grand Bahama Nestled on the southern coast of Grand Bahama, this 26-acre, 276room all-inclusive paradise features a pool, cocktail and snack bar, beach and disco bars, three restaurants, theater, gym and onsite Viva Dive Center. As the only all-inclusive resort on the island, surrounded by tropical forests and parklands, a stay here is like having your own private paradise. Nassau Originally opened in 1978, Stuart Cove’s has grown to a fleet of seven dive vessels, with five of the boats over 40’ in length. Located on the southwest side of New Providence Island, it’s the perfect place to explore the reefs, wrecks and coral walls of Nassau. Bahama Divers Limited Stella Maris Resort Club Orange Hill Inn Caribbean Explorer II Nassau With 40 years in the business, Bahama Divers offers high quality, personalized service. Located just five minutes from Paradise Island. Their modern, full-service facility offers a complete retail sales area with quality diving equipment. Custom dive boats make two trips daily to the best dive sites. Long Island Offering diving, kayaking, biking and more, this sophisticated retreat “at a barefoot price” is ideal for water sports enthusiasts. It has the best of the subtropical climate zones, enjoying moderate summer and fall temperatures. Underwater is clear and rich with marine life. Guests can enjoy wholesome day activities to pleasant sunset entertainment. Nassau Set on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, this hotel is 50 steps from a sandy beach and the crystal clear water of the Bahamas. The 32room hotel is the ideal place for a casual, relaxed vacation where you will quickly be adopted by your new family and friends. Live-aboard This vessel accommodates 18 guests in nine air-conditioned staterooms, all with private bath and shower. With a sun deck, carpeted bow, semi-enclosed dining and entertainment area and large dive deck, a trip aboard the Caribbean Explorer II to the remote Southern Bahamas feature some of the best diving visibility in the world. ST AU US N G P L- RF Bay View Suites Green Turtle Club & Marina • Bahamas Tourism Cacique Award for Tourism’s Finest • Platinum Pro Instructor Brendal, over 5,000 students taught • Featured on Discovery and CNN Travel Channels • Caribean’s Best 5 Dive Destinations—Frommer’s March 2009 • Over 35 years experience, world-class accommodations • Wild dolphin encounters • Biking, birding, and nature walks on Andros • Heritage Trail, Grand Bahama Bahamas—Green Leaders BAHAMAS RESORT AMENITIES San Salvador This dive-dedicated resort offers 12 standard rooms overlooking the pool area, 30 deluxe oceanfront rooms, pool and breathtaking beach. Riding Rock makes it easy to budget by including accommodations, meals, airport transfers, diving and taxes all in one package price. The more than 50 dive sites offer superb walls, healthy reefs and prolific fish populations. Shark lovers will appreciate the many shark species, the scalloped hammerheads being a particular favorite with divers. Abaco Discover the third-largest barrier reef, explore historic wrecks, mini walls and sunlit swim-through caverns, dive with dolphins, turtles and sharks, hand-feed stingrays, tropical fish and Brendal’s pet groupers, Junkanoo and Calypso—all located at the exotic Green Turtle Cay. PADI, SSI and Universal Referral location for Try Scuba and eLearning, as well as full certification programs. Enjoy fresh seafood beach picnics, treasure hunts, sailing, kayaking, wild dolphin encounters and island hopping trips. Michael Lawrence • Andros Blue Holes • Conception Island Wall • Edge of the Ledge, Grand Bahama • Shark Dive with Stuart Cove’s Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina • • • Small Hope Bay Lodge • • Stella Maris Resort Club • • Viva Wyndham Fortuna • • • • 1 25 3 30 1 32 1 42 1 21 2 29 3 276 9 Barbados Venture to the far south of the Caribbean’s Windward Island Chain to experience one of the Caribbean’s largest wreck dives, the Stavronikita. This 365’ freighter was intentionally sunk in 1978 as an artificial reef and is now home to a myriad of corals and marine life. Several other wrecks also make Barbados a popular wreck diving destination including the 165’ Pamir and four wrecks in Carlisle Bay. There are a number of reef systems along Barbados’ leeward coast where coral formations abound and marine life is plentiful. Expect to see stingrays, turtles, barracudas and plenty of tropical fish. Above the waterline, Barbados offers visitors a distinct Caribbean flavor with an air of sophistication. Many historic buildings have been restored, and their rich history includes many tales of struggles during Barbados’ settlement, including slavery and piracy. Today’s Barbadians are a friendly and fun-loving people—exceptionally proud of their heritage and anxious to share their beautiful island with all who visit. Michael Lawrence About the Shot The explosion of color on this forward funnel of the 365’ Stavronikita, the most famous wreck in Barbados, only hints at what awaits visiting divers in the waters surrounding this historic island nation. Michael Lawrence Dive Primer Water Temp............. 78-80° Visibility.................... 40-70’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Wreck of the Stavronikita • Wreck of the Eilon • Wreck of the Berwyn • Wreck of the C-Trek Topside Attractions • Barbados Wildlife Reserve to see the green monkeys • Harrison’s Cave 10 Barbados Bonaire Coconut Court Beach Hotel Divi Southwinds Beach Resort All Seasons Resort Europa Bougainvillea Beach Resort Experience Caribbean beach living at its best at Coconut Court Beach Hotel, a hotel with friendly service, a distinct Caribbean flair and great value on a lovely South Coast Beach. All rooms feature an oceanview balcony, refrigerator, TV and microwave. Diving with Barbados Blue Water Sports or Hightide Water Sports. Set on a half-mile of beach amid 20 acres of tropical gardens in the lively St. Lawrence Gap, this resort offers a host of activities. Over 130 spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens and a host of amenities make it a perfect choice for a special island vacation. Diving with Hightide Water Sports or Barbados Blue Water Sports. Nestled in the heart of Sunset Crest, this resort features 48 suites within cottages. Each 750 square-foot room includes a kitchenette, dining and living areas, private patio, cable TV and a parking space. The hotel also offers a restaurant and bar, free wireless internet access and a free shuttle service to nearby shops and beaches. Diving with Hightide Water Sports. This beachfront resort has 138 spacious suites with kitchens. Here you can do as much or as little as you like—enjoy the pools, restaurants, swim-up bar, water sports, spa services, gym or tennis. With a great south-coast location, it’s just a quick drive from the lively St. Lawrence Gap. Diving with Barbados Blue Water Sports or Hightide Water Sports. Hightide Water Sports SH D BARBADOS RESORT AMENITIES E SH O RE P AL W AT E O IV D L- RF IV IN G RO RE IN CL IV T E All Seasons Resort Europa Professional, reliable and personal service with one of Barbados’ premier PADI operators, offering programs to suit every need including speciality, wreck and night dives. Located in Folkestone Marine Park on the calm west coast, providing ideal diving conditions close to the major dive sites. Spacious, fully covered dive boat provides hasslefree diving. 48 • 3 138 Butterfly Beach Hotel • 1 94 Coconut Court Beach Hotel • 2 120 Divi Southwinds Beach Resort • • 2 130 Mango Bay Hotel • • 1 76 1 34 1 20 Yellow Bird Hotel • WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN BARBADOS Colony Club Hotel Barbados Tamarind Cove Hotel Barbados Tim Rock About the Shot Set on a beautiful beach on the west coast, 76 rooms are designed in a modern style with king beds, cable TV and more. Ideal location for families, couples and singles wanting an all-inclusive vacation combined with the personal service of an intimate resort. Diving with Hightide Water Sports. A diver explores the encrusted columns of the Salt Pier, an easy shore dive off Bonaire’s pristine coastline. Divi Heritage Beach Resort Yellow Bird Hotel Butterfly Beach Hotel Barbados Blue Water Sports Island Exposure South Gap Hotel 1 Bougainvillea Beach Resort South Gap Hotel The license plates on Bonaire may read “Diver’s Paradise” but it would be a mistake to think that great diving is the only activity for which this island is famous. Bonaire has world-renowned windsurfing, plus sea kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, kiteboarding and more. Mango Bay Hotel ST AU US N N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S Bonaire is arguably the best shore diving destination in the world, with more than 60 dive sites hardly a stone’s throw from shore and more than 80 in total including those surrounding the offshore deserted island of Klein Bonaire. Just look for the yellow stones along the coastal roads that designate dive site locations, throw on your tanks and hop in. Because the waters around Bonaire are designated as an official marine park, diving Bonaire is like diving the Caribbean the way it used to be—untouched and unspoiled. The island’s location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rainfall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm and divable year-round. The town pier is annually rated by many dive publications to be the best night dive in the world. Dive Primer Water Temp............. 78-82° Visibility........................100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites Renowned for being friendly and affordable, the 34 tastefully decorated rooms all feature oceanfront balconies. Rooms all come with air conditioning, ceiling fans, telephones and cable TV. The poolside restaurant and bar serves delicious meals all day long. South Gap offers complimentary internet access and diving with Barbados Blue Water Sports. 12 Each studio is designed to make you feel right at home—including balconies and fully-equipped kitchenettes. Relax by the refreshing pool while you sip mouthwatering cocktails and sample the famous flying fish at the poolside Flying Fish Restaurant and Bar, open daily. Yellow Bird offers complimentary internet access and diving with Barbados Blue Water Sports. This oceanfront property features 94 rooms, pool and a casual restaurant. With access to two beaches and a short walk from the attractions of the southern coast, this is an excellent hotel for those looking for a new, wellrun property in a secluded beachfront setting, yet located near to those all-important activities and amenities. Diving with Barbados Blue Water Sports or Hightide Water Sports. Offering PADI dive instruction with their on-staff marine biologists in both English and French, this fullyequipped facility is ideally located at the Hilton Hotel on the southwest corner of Barbados, offering great access to all the best dive sites. The professional staff offers fun, flexible and personalized service on daily dive excursions over wrecks, reefs, night, drift, deep and sea turtle dives. • Thousand Steps • Red Slave • Hilma Hooker • White Hole Topside Attractions • Mangrove kayaking • Windsurfing at Sorobon • Sunday afternoons at Cai • Bike Washington Park 13 Bonaire Tim Rock Den Laman Condominiums E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV BONAIRE RESORT AMENITIES This oceanfront resort is located on Bari Reef—the number one reef in the Caribbean in fish diversity— and features 16 air-conditioned apartments with kitchens, dining and living areas perched atop the waterfront Sunset Bar & Grill, adjacent to SSI and PADI 5-Star Gold Palm Bonaire Dive & Adventure and Fish-Eye Photo. Great snorkeling and diving right off the dock. SH D IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- RF E Bonaire—Green Leaders Belmar Oceanfront Apartments • • • 0 20 Buddy Dive Resort • • • 2 77 Captain Don’s Habitat • • • Caribbean Club Bonaire • • Den Laman Condominiums • • Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino • Harbour Village Beach Club • Plaza Resort Bonaire • Sand Dollar Condominium Resort 1 61 1 33 • 1 16 • 2 129 • • 1 30 • • 3 174 • • 1 65 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN BONAIRE Bellafonte Chateau De La Mar La Pura Vista Golden Reef Inn Buddy Dive Resort Belmar Oceanfront Apartments A PADI 5-Star Gold Palm Resort that keeps the needs of divers in mind, Buddy Dive Resort is known for its casual atmosphere and personable staff with hotel rooms as well as studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. Divers, snorkelers, adventurers and leisure travelers alike will feel equally at home at Buddy Dive. Save plenty of time to relax in a hammock and lounge by one of the three pools. Sand Dollar Condominiums Take leave of your everyday stress and step into an exclusive resort that refreshes your body and soul! This upscale oceanfront property features 20 luxury condos, a swimming pool and two dive docks. Independent, intimate and inspirational are words that go hand-in-hand at this place of tranquility. Personal, top-quality service make this PADI Gold Palm Resort a very special place. The onsite dive shop facility, Buddy Dive, offers a complete retail store and full gear rentals to provide for any and all diving needs during your stay. Plaza Resort Bonaire Located a stone’s throw from Bari Reef—which boasts the highest diversity of fish species (349!) in the Caribbean according to fish surveys by REEF—this resort features some of the island’s most spacious and comfortable studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom waterfront units. All units have fully-equipped kitchens, spacious dining and living areas, airconditioned bedrooms and spacious bathrooms. Bonaire Dive & Adventure offers an impressive array of shore dive and boat dive options plus adventure packages. Tranquil by nature, this is a resort where vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life just steps from one of Bonaire’s finest beaches and “18 Palms” dive sites. Accommodations include spacious suites and private villas. Dine at any of three casual restaurants and enjoy two beachside bars, an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, day spa or fitness room. Conveniently located near downtown, local dining and island attractions. • Eat, Sleep, (Buddy) Dive • Top dive operations • Full activity center with excursions and ecotours • “Drive Thru” with a two-lane air/Nitrox fill station • “Buddy Rangers” Kid’s Club • Independent, intimate and inspirational • Professional PADI 5-Star Dive Shop on property • Privacy and personal attention • Free wireless internet in every apartment • Complimentary breakfast when arriving with Continental • Ocean views from each unit’s private porch or balcony • Spacious open floor plans offer all the comforts of home • Bird watching, snorkeling, mangrove kayaking and biking • Excellent choice for singles, couples, families and groups • Tennis, pool, convenience store, day spa, internet cafe • Beachfront “everything” plus 18 Palms house reef • Onsite Toucan Diving—top-rated PADI 5-Star Dive Center • Suites feature private villas with kitchens • Outdoor freshwater pool with swim-up bar • Three restaurants, two bars, tour desk, day spa, tennis Caribbean Club Bonaire Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino Captain Don’s Habitat Harbour Village Beach Club Caribbean Club Bonaire features cottages, studios and penthouses with breathtaking ocean views from Bonaire’s west coast. Guests enjoy the onsite full-service dive shop, restaurant, bar and swimming pool. In addition to the great diving, this is the perfect place to discover the many other adventures Bonaire has to offer. Bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, cave exploration, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing and trips to the Washington Slagbaai Park or the Goto-lake are just a few of the activities to be explored. • Dive, relax and explore Bonaire • Affordable, great value • Cozy laid-back resort with full resort facilities • PADI dive shop on property • The ultimate getaway for divers and eco-adventures 14 Since its marine park was first established in 1979, Bonaire continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism. In 2008, NOAA used Bonaire as a benchmark for healthy coral reefs and proclaimed Bonaire had the healthiest reef in the Caribbean. By 2015, Bonaire plans to shift to 100% sustaintable energy, with the generators running on bio-fuel derived from algae, an organism that does not take food out of the supply chain. An integrated plan to offset carbon footprints stemming from key tourism activities is also being developed. While this project is only in its infancy stages, it nevertheless stands as an example of how the island is striving to remain at the forefront of sustainable tourism and eco-friendly initiatives. Colorful and fun, this resort is the perfect base for vacationers drawn to the sleepy island of Bonaire. Spacious oceanfront and garden view rooms and suites are decorated in bright colors. Enjoy Caribbean views from your private balcony or patio. The resort offers two restaurants, three bars, a casino, two pools, fitness center, day spa, boutique and car rental. PADI dive operation with dive shop, custom dive boats and full range of dive instruction. • Walking distance to town • Casinos feature four blackjack tables, slots and more • Fitness center and day spa • Hertz car rental, grocery store and novelty shop onsite • House reef drops to 134’ in front of resort This “home of diving freedom” is a leader in the diving industry of Bonaire. You’re sure to find what you are looking for with the many varied accommodation types. Habitat Divers is a PADI 5-Star Gold Palm Instructor Development Center, PADI National Geographic, and TDI/SDI Training Facility. In addition, Captain Don’s offers dining at Rum Runners restaurant, wireless internet and Intermezzo Day Spa, all located onsite. • Tanks available 24 hours a day • Three boat departures daily, plus night boat dives • Exclusive ScubaPro rental equipment • Rebreather/Tri-Mix training and diving available onsite • Home of Nikon School of Underwater Photography One of Bonaire’s most exclusive resorts, this property is situated on a beautiful private beach alongside a private marina amid lush landscaping. Amenities include a pool and sundeck, a spa, fitness center and tennis courts. La Balandra Beach Bar & Grill—built in the style of a Spanish galleon—offers excellent cuisine in a breathtaking oceanfront location. Choose from courtyard and marinafront rooms as well as 16 luxurious beachfront suites. Great Adventures Bonaire is onsite and offers a full menu of dive services, includng exceptional unlimited shore diving. • A private beach ensures a peaceful and relaxing experience • PADI 5-Star Gold Palm Resort offers full range of instruction • Tennis and fitness center • SASY for kids, snorkeling, kayaking and sailing available • Professional spa services and beauty salon 15 16 17 trim live Cayman Islands Top-rated for decades, the Cayman Islands cater to divers in a manner which few destinations can match. Crystal clear waters, the best wall diving in the Caribbean and encounters with the North Sound’s friendly stingray population are but a few of the reasons that divers flock to this dive mecca. Grand Cayman has more than 160 dive sites ranging from steep walls adorned with vibrantly colored sponges and corals to Stingray City, where friendly southern stingrays swim around divers waiting to be fed. Grand Cayman’s reefs are unspoiled—gorgonians and hard corals thrive in the clear, warm waters and most Michael Lawrence dive sites are just minutes offshore. Dive Primer Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman is often referred to as the best wall dive in the Caribbean. Plunging to depths of more than 6,000’, these exhilarating walls are covered with brightly colored sponges, sea fans and corals. There are spectacular formations of yellow tube, strawberry and orange vase sponges and tangled masses of scarlet rope sponges. Gracefully gliding along the wall, you may see eagle rays and other larger denizens of the deep. Water Temp............. 78-82° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Cayman Brac’s miles of shallow reefs are inhabited by a multitude of marine life, unafraid of divers. The 330’ Russian warship #356 was intentionally sunk off the island’s west end in 1996. Renamed the MV Capt. Keith Tibbetts, she is the only divable Russian warship in the Western Hemisphere. SH D CAYMAN RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- RF E • • • 1 40 Cobalt Coast Dive Resort • • • 1 18 Compass Point Dive Resort • • 0 18 • 3 53 • 1 40 • 1 53 1 127 Little Cayman Beach Resort • Sunset House • • Sunshine Suites Resort WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN CAYMAN Grand Cayman Cayman Brac Comfort Suites Grand Cayman Brac Caribbean Village Ambassador Divers Carib Sands Beach Resort Grandview Cayman Little Cayman Don Foster’s Dive Conch Club Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort Live-aboard Lacovia Condos Cayman Aggressor IV London House The Westin Casuarinas Resort & Spa Favorite Dive Sites • Bloody Bay, Little Cayman • East Shute, Little Cayman • North Wall, Grand Cayman • East End, Grand Cayman • Tibbets, Cayman Brac Topside Attractions • Hell, Grand Cayman • Boatswain’s Turtle Farm • Pedro Saint James National Historic Site soul asylum. Cayman Islands—Green Leaders Brac Reef Beach Resort Grand Cayman Beach Suites nirvana. The Cayman Islands have implemented strict measures to ensure the sustainability of their marine environment. No anchoring is permitted in any coral reef environment, and taking of corals or sponges is strictly prohibited. Divers and snorkelers are also restricted from wearing gloves to reinforce the “no contact” rule. Marine life also is highly protected—neither live nor dead marine life can be taken from Cayman waters by scuba divers, and the exportation of any live fish or marine life is prohibited. Detrimental fishing practices, such as fishing with gill nets, poison or any noxious substances, are also prohibited. Violation of any of these laws is an offence carrying a penalty of up to a Cl$500,000 fine and one year in jail and possibly the forfeiture of the vessel or other equipment used in conjunction with these violations. Fishing practices are also highly regulated, with additional measures for protected fish including groupers, tilefish, filefish and angelfish. Designated protected areas have also been established for grouper spawning from November 1 through March 31. Villas of the Galleon 18 live trim When you know the sport, you know the spot. Cayman Islands Curaçao Cobalt Coast Dive Resort Compass Point Dive Resort Grand Cayman This diver’s haven offers unlimited shore diving 24/7 a few steps from your front door. Built in the style of a Caribbean Great House, this resort has established a reputation for laid-back luxury in an upscale casual atmosphere with true island ambiance. Full bar and restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast included in all packages. Onsite dive operator Divetech is a full-service dive center offering daily two-tank boat trips with free dive computer rental included on all dive packages. Grand Cayman A tranquil setting with adventure right on your doorstep for the ultimate dive vacation. Enjoy the pristine reefs and breathtaking wall dives that the East End is renowned for with service by onsite Ocean Frontiers that will surpass your expectations. Enjoy luxury accommodations, all oceanfront condos beautifully appointed with stylish island décor and fully-equipped with all the comforts of home. If that’s not enough, sign up for kiteboarding lessons with onsite partner, The Kitehouse. • Dive Grand Cayman’s pristine North Wall and Stingray City • Two custom dive boats with dedicated camera table • Nitrox, 63, 100 available on request • Free dive computer rental included on all dive packages • Unlimited shore diving from two locations on boat diving days Grand Cayman Beach Suites Sunset House Grand Cayman Featuring 53 oceanview suites directly on Seven Mile Beach, this resort also offers guests two beautiful swimming pools and swim-up bar, along with casual and fine dining. Choose from a variety of activities such as the golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, fitness center and complete dive and water sports operation. Sunshine Suites Resort Grand Cayman Retreat to this all-suite boutique hotel located in the heart of Grand Cayman, next to the 18-hole Links Golf course and adjacent to the famous Seven Mile Beach. Enjoy free continental breakfast and wireless internet, dive storage and more. A friendly and professional team awaits to serve you. All suites feature full kitchens. Brac Reef Beach Resort • Dramatic bluff walls and over 50 dive sites with little current • Onsite Reef Photo and Video Center, valet-style diving • Reef Divers offers a variety of courses and certifications • Nights dives and day trips to Bloody Bay Wall are available • Tropical Touch Day Spa and Polly’s Landing Boutique 20 Grand Cayman With tropical Colonial furniture and Wi-Fi access throughout the beautifully landscaped property, Sunset House is located on the water’s edge with excellent diving right offshore. Sunset Divers, the onsite dive operation, offers an exciting, professional, customer service-oriented staff. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, five custom dive boats, Nitrox and underwater photo center. The infamous My Bar and the SeaHarvest Restaurant complete this diver’s paradise. • Unlimited shore diving with all dive packages • Breakfast, transfers, welcome rum punch and gift included • One mile south of George Town,10-minute drive to airport • One of the Caribbean’s most distinguished dive resorts • Frommer’s Best 5 Dive Resorts of the Caribbean 2009 Little Cayman Beach Resort Cayman Brac Experience true laid-back luxury! Kick off your shoes and bask in the beauty of this tropical paradise, painted with secluded beach vistas and hammock huts of storybook beauty. The colorful furnishings of our beachfront rooms bring your vacation spirit to life with amenities that include air-conditioning, private baths and cable TV. Most rooms have private balconies or patios overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Internationallytrained chefs prepare menus with a continental and Caribbean flair. SH D CURAÇAO RESORT AMENITIES • Valet-style diving • Full range of PADI courses available, including specialties • Full-service Underwater Photo and Video Center • Custom-built Newton dive boats • International team of professional staff SH D O IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T • • • Breezes Curacao Resort & Casino • • • Curacao Hyatt Regency • • Habitat Curacao • • Hilton Curacao • • • Kontiki Dive & Beach Resort Curacao N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- RF All West Apartments & Diving E 0 12 2 333 • 4 350 • 1 70 2 196 • • • • 1 82 Lions Dive & Beach Resort • • • 3 138 Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club • • • • 3 74 Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino • • • • 2 237 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN CURAÇAO Avila Hotel Curacao Marriott Beach Resort Caribbean Sea Sports Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa & Casino Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino Little Cayman Located on a private white sand beach, bordered by the reef of South Hole Sound, this upscale resort is an excellent retreat for those looking for world-class diving and relaxation. Reef Divers is unlike any other dive shop on the island and they are able to provide guests with first-class service and amenities. Considered some of the world’s best diving, the Bloody Bay Wall features incredible reef architecture and marine life— the sea floor stops at only 18’ and plunges down a 6,000’ vertical cliff. E RE AL W AT E O IV Bill Harrigan • Roll out of bed and onto your own waiting dive boat • Full “Dive Valet” services • Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the resort • Non-smoking, air-conditioned rooms with ceiling fans • Breathtaking wall dives with exceptional service Curaçao’s reputation as a world-class dive destination has grown to the extent that it no longer exists in the shadow of its sister island, Bonaire. Its shores are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and a number of wrecks including the Superior Producer and two sunken tugboats. As the largest of the ABC islands, Curaçao has miles of coastline dotted with isolated beaches, a bustling downtown with great shopping, historical sites, nightlife and exciting diving right offshore. The island is also known for its picturesque Dutch architecture. The west end is largely undeveloped and provides nature lovers with plenty of areas to explore and enjoy. All West Apartments & Diving Breezes Curaçao Resort & Casino Dive Primer Water Temp............. 78-80° Visibility.................. 80-100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites This new resort, located in the historic city of Willemstad, offers fun, color and entertainment for any traveler looking for the ambiance of authentic island charm combined with European sophistication. The contemporary 237-room resort is nestled in Rif Fort with uptown energy mixed with Caribbean comfort, creating a blend of atmospheres for an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by tropical hills, all of these luxury apartments offer an exciting view over the bay. Guests can enjoy the eternity beach, pool, fitness center and spa. The beach below the apartments is great for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Ocean Encounters West offers the full range of PADI courses, quality equipment rental and an air filling station as well as boat diving and shore diving. The first super-inclusive resort in the Southern Caribbean, the Dutch flavor of this island adds a new twist to the Breezes vacation that guests have enjoyed for years. This diver’s paradise is adjacent to both the pristine Undersea National Park and Sea Aquarium. Meals, drinks, tips and many activities are included. The resort also features an onsite casino and shuttle service to downtown. • Mushroom Forest • Wreck of Superior Producer • Hell’s Corner • Watamula Topside Attractions • Museum Kura Hulanda • Ostrich Farm • Floating Bridge 21 Curaçao Dominica Habitat Curaçao Lions Dive & Beach Resort Located along the western coast on the exclusive Coral Estate Resort, this dive-dedicated resort features ocean and garden view rooms as well as two-bedroom lanai villas. Enjoy Ocean’s Restaurant & Bar and take a dip in the infinity pool with a spectacular view of the Caribbean sunset. Onsite Easy Divers is a PADI Gold Palm and Instructor Development Center offering twotank boat dives daily and Nitrox. Over 35 different dive sites are within an hour by boat and a stunning house reef is accessible for shore dives. Located on a beautiful white sandy beach near historic downtown Willemstad, guests will experience the Caribbean at its best with recent upgrades, renovations and a charming and sporty demeanor. Divers will enjoy exciting wreck, wall and reef dive sites—none more than 25 minutes away. Beach lovers will find an oasis of rest and relaxation. Guests can enjoy fine or casual dining at one of the resort’s two restaurants or nearby outlets on the beach. • World-class diving 24/7 year-round • Oceanfront restaurant and Caribbean sunsets • Wireless internet for those who wish to “stay connected” • Complimentary daytime shuttle to town • Exclusive villa rentals available at very affordable rates • Oceanview and oceanfront rooms and apartments • Onsite PADI 5-Star Gold Palm IDC, IANTD, DSAT TecRec • Body Beach Wellness Club • Fine dining restaurant, Nemo • Casual beach bar and restaurant, Hemingway Easy Divers Kontiki Dive & Beach Resort Curaçao Curaçao Hyatt Regency Hilton Curaçao Dive Primer Experience the nature island of Dominica where you can snorkel and hike, explore underwater wonders and spectacular waterfalls or just relax in the soothing, wellness-inducing waters of a natural sulfurous hot spring. Like a scene from Jurassic Park, you might expect prehistoric creatures to emerge from Dominica’s lush peaks and rainforests. Topside, be sure to visit the Morne Trois Pitons UNESCO World Heritage Site and Boiling Lake. Underwater, divers will experience dramatic coral formations filled with life. If you are ready to explore your world, seeking spiritual, mental, and physical wellness in a natural retreat, and ready to defy the everyday, Dominica is the place to go. Tamarind Tree Water Temp............. 78-82° Visibility..........................80’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Soufriere Pinnacles • Champagne Reef • Dangleben’s Pinnacles • L’Abym Topside Attractions • Morne Trois Pitons • Boiling Lake • Trafalgar Falls Michael Lawrence Anchorage Hotel & Dive Center SH D DOMINICA RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O Offering views that are second-tonone, Curaçao Hyatt Regency is a full-service hotel, perfectly situated on one of the few remaining natural preserve peninsulas in the Caribbean. Amenities include a fine dining restaurant with indigenous menu creations, full-service spa, salon and fitness center, multiple pools, golf course and more. Ocean Encounters Dive Center is located onsite. Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club Hilton Curaçao is home to Ocean Encounters, a PADI 5-Star Resort and IDC, National Geographic Dive, offering boat and shore dives for certified divers as well as courses for beginners and specialty courses. A fleet of custom dive boats will take you to the best dive sites of Curaçao. Non-divers can enjoy daily snorkel trips and kayaks, wave runners, water skiing and banana rides. Ocean Encounters Breathtaking coral cliffs surrounded by a white sand beach create the ideal setting for this 5-star luxury beach resort. This tropical getaway offers the tranquility of a secluded island hideaway coupled with a relaxing and alluring beachfront retreat on the island’s west end. Enjoy great shore diving. Private pier for boat dives along with nonmotorized water sports. The resort offers diving through PADI-certified Ocean Encounters West, situated on the property. • Exclusive 5-star dive resort in Curaçao • Night dives offered • Non-motorized water sports available • Very close to most major dive sites on the island • Dive shop located on property 22 Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and a saltwater creek flowing through the property, these 82 well-appointed rooms are handcrafted from beautiful Brazilian hardwood with a true South Pacific feel. Full facilities include a restaurant and bar, Kontiki Beach Club, fitness studio, Ocean Encounters Dive Center and massage therapy for those that want to simply relax. Conveniently located in the center of Dominica’s west coast atop a 100’ cliff offering a beautiful view of the Bay of Salisbury and Morne Diablotin, this intimate hotel features 12 rooms with private baths and a large porch with ocean view for common use. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, pool and library. Four family suites are available. Conveniently located near East Carib Dive Center. On the water’s edge minutes from, Roseau, dives leave the private dock each morning at this 32-room hotel offering all modern amenities and a PADI Dive and Whale Watch center. Dive gear storage and rental, shore dives, sumptuous meals at Ocean Terrace Restaurant, sunset cocktails at the poolside bar, Body Therapy Suite, a mini gym and a professional team are ready to serve you. Fort Young Hotel With six facilities across the island and a fleet of seven boats, Ocean Encounters brings you to all the dive sites everybody talks about including Mushroom Forest, Superior Producer, Klein Curacao, East Point, Tugboat and great shore diving sites. And with Ocean Encounters you can make dolphin boat dives in open water. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to interact with dolphins in their natural environment. You can find onsite facilities at Lions Dive, Kontiki, Breezes, Hilton, Lodge Kura Hulanda and the Hyatt. • Unique dolphin boat dives twice a week • Trips to Klein Curaçao, East Point and Mushroom Forest • Every week a great night dive to Tugboat • Curaçao Now—dive five days and get sixth day for free! • Snorkel, jetski, kayaking and other non-diving activities IN RO • Castle Comfort Dive Lodge • Fort Young Hotel • RE IN CL IV • T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G Anchorage Hotel L- RF IV P Tamarind Tree Located onsite at Habitat Curacao, this PADI Gold Palm IDC Center has a friendly staff that is committed to world-class diving. They offer twotank boat dives daily, a full range of courses, gear rentals and Nitrox. Unlimited shore diving all year with coral spawning weeks near the full moon in autumn. AL W AT E O IV E • 1 32 • 1 14 • 1 71 1 12 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN DOMINICA Calibishie Lodges Cabrits Dive Center Evergreen Hotel Dominica Jungle Bay Resort & Spa Picard Beach Cottages Sunset Bay Club & Seaside Dive Resort Castle Comfort Dive Lodge Nestled at the edge of the cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and cradled in the beauty of Dominica’s mountainous landscape, this hotel features 71 air-conditioned rooms with phones, internet, cable TV and a terrace or balcony. The old world charm of Fort Young Hotel comes from the combination of unique architecture, rich history and modern convenience. The onsite Fort Young Hotel Dive Centre offers daily diving (boat leaves from the hotel’s dock) and snorkeling, certification courses, whale watching and gear rental. • 90% whale sightings year-round • Tour desk onsite for all land excursions • Dive shop on premises, minutes from world-class diving • Onsite oceanfront restaurant and cozy bar • Gym, wellness center and duty-free shops onsite This is Dominica’s only dedicated adventure lodge, nestled on the waterfront. The epitome of the small, intimate dive resort, in this traditionalstyle guest house you instantly feel like a member of the family. All 14 tropical rooms are air-conditioned. Barana Breeze Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, home of the Mohito and Sea Farer Salads. The private dock is your portal to the Marine Reserve, walls and pinnacles in custom-built dive boats. Experience Castle Comfort Reef shore dives, with flying gurnards and bat fish in abundance. • Bottled water supplied on dive boats • Dive gear is loaded, unloaded, rinsed and stored • Custom-built dive catamarans and Island Hopper • Night dives offered on request • Whale/dolphin safari, bird watching, adventure tours 23 Dominican Republic Grenada Steeped in history and culture, this tropical destination occupies more than half of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean. Evidence of the country’s prominent place in history can be seen in the abundant Spanish colonial architecture in its forts, cathedrals and government buildings. Mountainous and lush with stunning landscapes that abound with a myriad of tropical fruits, exotic plants and dense rainforests, Grenada’s beauty is unmatched in the region. Dive sites include one of the Caribbean’s most impressive wreck dives, the Bianca C, but there’s much more to diving in Grenada than this 600’ sunken cruise ship. Ride the currents over coral gardens and dive the outlying wrecks and reefs frequented by larger pelagics. Above the surface, the Spice Island offers a wealth of eco-adventures from tours to waterfalls and rainforests to volcano hikes as well as some interesting historical sights in the capital of St. George, one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque harbors. The people of Grenada are also some of the most hospitable in the Caribbean. The exuberant smiles and waves show how much they appreciate the opportunity to share their island paradise. The warm Caribbean waters offshore harbor a variety of dive experiences, from reefs and wrecks to freshwater caves and caverns. Several coastal areas are now protected such as La Caleta Marine Park located a few miles from the capitol of Santo Domingo, and the Parque Nacional del Este near La Romana. Saona Island, in particular, is reputed to have some of the best coral formations and marine life as well as wreck dives such as the Embassy and the Saint George. The island’s largest reef system can be found offshore near Punta Cana, also a popular location with beautiful beaches and many all-inclusive resorts. Between the months of January and March, the island has some very special visitors. Each year, humpback whales migrate to an area known as the Silver Bank to breed and calve. Highly protected and regulated, diving is not permitted in this area but it is one of the few areas in the world in which swimming with cetaceans is permitted. Island Exposure Dive Primer Water Temp.................. 80° Visibility.................. 60-100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • La Caleta Underwater Park • Wreck of the Limon • Wreck of the Hickory • Cabrera Caverns Topside Attractions Dive Primer Island Exposure Water Temp............. 78-80° Visibility.................... 60-80’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time.......... year-round About the Shot Atlantic humpback whale mother and calf approach with gentle curiosity during an hour-long encounter off the Silver Bank, Dominica Republic. Ethan Gordon • Hiking and cascading • Caving • Windsurfing/kiteboarding Topside Attractions • Hike Seven Sisters Waterfalls • Gouyave Nutmeg Factory Favorite Dive Sites • Wreck of the Bianca C • Wreck of the Shakem • Isle de Ronde • Purple Rain Reef • Shark Reef True Blue Bay Resort WE REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Dominicus Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Viva Diving Playa Dorado Allegro Playa Dorado Punta Cana & Puerto Plata Visit the “Ship Wreck Capital of the Caribbean” and stay at the island’s only diver-dedicated resort. Situated on the picturesque south coast, Aquanauts provides a convenient dive dock just steps from your room. The resort features two pools, Dodgy Dock Bar and waterfront dining. Each room is richly appointed using woods of the tropics, sea inspired art works and soft cool fabrics and features a balcony with bay views, kitchen, airconditioning and wireless internet. Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa Occidental Grand Punta Cana RIU Hotels & Resorts Sea Pro Divers 24 With a number of projects either underway or in the planning stages, Grenada has demonstrated its dedication to sustainable tourism. These projects include “green” certification of the accommodations sector, establishment of a parks and marine authority to closely monitor marine and land use, implementation of a marine protected areas for the popular dive and snorkel sites, redesign of the Annandale Waterfall attraction to maximize social and economic benefits for the local community and a number of projects to enhance Grenada’s cultural heritage and history. E SH RE D O • L- RF IV IN G P AL W AT E O IV True Blue Bay Resort • Free continental breakfast buffett with local fruits and juices • Free Nitrox house mix 30% • Free gear storage and battery charging station • Free DIVERSITEA on every dive trip • Easy-access dive boats with platform and photo table SH D GRENADA RESORT AMENITIES Super Clubs Breezes Puerto Plata Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana Grenada—Green Leaders RO RE IN CL US IV N T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU E • • 1 40 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN GRENADA Coyaba Beach Resort Grenada Grand Beach Resort Eco Dive Trek Grenada Grenadian by Rex Resorts 25 Puerto Rico Saba Dive Primer The secret is out—Puerto Rico has some great diving. All sides of the island have something to explore. There are a number of other activities to round out your vacation including golf, surfing, horseback riding, cave tours and the only rainforest in the U.S. Be sure to plan to spend a day exploring historic Old San Juan where quaint hotels, fine restaurants and excellent shopping offer a glimpse of Puerto Rico’s sophisticated culture and lifestyle. Water Temp............. 79-81° Visibility.................... 60-70’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time.......... year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Desecheo Islands • Culebra • Parguera • Vieques Topside Attractions Darrell Jones SH D PUERTO RICO RESORT AMENITIES E SH O RE P AL W AT E O IV D L- RF IV IN G RO RE IN CL US IV N T Copamarina Beach Resort • Rincon Beach Resort • Villa Paguera N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU E • 2 106 2 112 1 74 • Bioluminescence Bay • El Yunque Rainforest • Surfing in Rincon West Divers Rincon Beach Hotel Parguera Puerto Rico’s premier wall-diving specialists, offering a 22-mile wall and 40 dive sites to choose from. PADI certifications from open water to divemaster, as well as first-aid and oxygen-provider courses are available. All trips are guided and lunch is provided. Nitrox, gear rental and repairs are available, plus tours to the famous Bioluminiscent Bay. Rincon This four-star boutique hotel can please the most challenging traveler—serene ocean waters, countless aquatic sports, whale watching and the most impressive sunsets on the island. For the epicureans, choose from exquisite Brasas Restaurant or Pelican Grill. Copamarina Beach Resort Villa Paguera A first glimpse of this island might make you think you’ve been transported to the set of Jurassic Park as the extinct volcano rises steeply to nearly 3,000’ above sea level. Hidden from view is the equally impressive underwater pinnacles and seamounts that have made Saba famous in diving circles. The Saba Marine Park was established in 1987 to safeguard the pristine condition of the corals and reefs surrounding the island. The diving here is exhilarating and full of dramatic formations and all manner of marine life including sharks, turtles, jacks and groupers with occasional sightings of mantas and even whales. The island itself is a nature lovers’ delight. Rugged, lush and tropical, hikers can take the 1,064 steps up to Mt. Scenery’s “cloud forest” at 2,900’ for a bit of exercise. Explore the quaint village of The Bottom or head to Windwardside where you can share stories of the day’s diving at one of the cozy bars and restaurants with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN PUERTO RICO Taino Divers SH D Island Exposure SABA RESORT AMENITIES E SH O RE P AL W AT E O IV D L- RF IV IN G RO RE IN N T CL US ST AU N O .O F RA IV E Juliana’s Hotel N TS Michael Lawrence Rincon RO O M S 1 12 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN SABA El Momo Cottages Caribbean Explorer II Queens Garden Resort Juliana’s Hotel Sea Saba Dive Primer Water Temp............. 76-80° Visibility.................. 80-100’ Wetsuit.......1.5mm to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites Guanica This beautifully landscaped, 20-acre resort is situated on an isolated halfmile crescent of beachfront. It offers the finest in relaxation, dining, diving, sailing and eco-tourist wonders to create the perfect vacation experience. Copamarina has another outstanding feature—less than a mile from the resort’s shores is one of the world’s most outstanding dive sites. 26 Parguera This quaint, oceanfront hotel features a pool, two decks for sunbathing and 74 beautiful and comfortable rooms with patios offering views of the Caribbean Sea, tropical palm trees and lush gardens. Tours to the world-famous Bioluminescence Bay, boat rides, diving and snorkeling, swimming and fishing leave from the pier next door. Live-aboard This unique itinerary combines pristine diving and historic island tours with ample time to explore forts, rainforest and more on land plus plenty of diving—dramatic walls, undercut reefs, archeological sites and encrusted plate corals teeming with fish. The vessel features a sun deck, dining salon, entertainment area and an expansive dive deck. This peaceful haven in an intimate and informal atmosphere allows guests to enjoy a range of comfortable accommodations, from spacious, well-kept rooms with ocean and garden views, fullyequipped apartments and luxurious Saban-style cottages. Onsite Tropics Café, with charming terrace dining and panoramic views, is the perfect place to relax any time of the day. Sea Saba’s status as a PADI National Geographic Dive Center demonstrates their dive team’s genuine commitment to nature and exploration. In business since 1985, Sea Saba is dedicated to creating an extraordinary diving experience. Staff expertise, two 38’ dive boats, attentive service and professionalism are all found here while diving Saba’s famous pinnacles and seamounts. • Diamond Rock • Shark Shoal • Third Encounter/Eye of the Needle • New Guinea Reef Topside Attractions • Sample some Saba Spice liqueur • Hike up to the Elfin Forest on Mount Scenery 27 St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia Dive Primer SH D ST. KITTS & NEVIS RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O • Oualie Beach Resort • L- RF IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T • • • N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S E • Favorite Dive Sites • The Taw (St. Kitts) • Nag’s Head (St. Ktts) • Thermal Vents (Nevis) • Devil’s Caves (Nevis) Topside Attractions Michael Lawrence Oualie Beach Resort ST AU US N G P Bird Rock Beach Hotel Sugar Bay Club AL W AT E O IV Water Temp.................. 80° Visibility.................. 80-100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round 2 35 • 1 32 • 2 94 The twin peaks of the Pitons dominate the landscape of this lush, exotic island where the dramatic topography extends well below the surface to its submerged volcanic ridges. Large barrel sponges, black coral trees and huge gorgonians decorate the drop-offs. A number of wrecks are also available for divers to explore. • Scenic Railway (St. Kitts) • World-Class Golf (St. Kitts) • Plantation Tours Sugar Bay Club ST. LUCIA RESORT AMENITIES Scuba Safaris (Nevis) Royal St. Kitts St. Kitts Marriott Resort Michael Lawrence Nevis A favorite of water sports lovers, this gingerbread cottage resort is dotted with hammocks and set directly on the beach. The casual restaurant and bar is a popular island hangout. A perfect location with great service and comfortable accommodations. Scuba Safaris, in operation since 1984, offers superior experience of local waters, dive sites and weather. St. Kitts Sugar Bay Club and its 94 suites and rooms is set amidst five acres of landscaped gardens on the edge of a golden sand beach in the lively Frigate Bay area of St.Kitts. An informal, relaxing and sociable low-rise resort, it is ideal for divers seeking a value-conscious vacation in St. Kitts. Bird Rock Beach Hotel St. Kitts This small, exclusive hotel—set amid lush tropical gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea—is ideal for families, divers and nature lovers, offering the personal service of a family-owned resort. With a choice of tastefully furnished accommodations including one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, each room has cable TV, phone, air-conditioning, private bathroom and an oceanview patio or balcony. With two fast dive boats with 30-passenger capacity, the exceptional dive opportunities in the waters surrounding St. Kitts await. • Secluded sandy cove with beach chairs for guests • Private dock and onsite dive operator and kayaking • Two restaurants, elegant or casual • Energetic Beach bar with Caribbean and American fair • Package your accomodations, diving and dining 28 E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- RF E Anse Chastanet Resort • • • • 2 49 Jade Mountain • • • • 2 29 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN ST. LUCIA Oasis Cottages • • • 3 32 Marigot Beach Club Ti Kaye Village Resort • • • 2 33 Scuba St. Lucia Dive Fair Helen Ti Kaye Village Resort Step back in time and imagine lush mangroves bordering the pristine and turquoise Caribbean sea with breathtaking sunsets—it’s no wonder author James A. Michener described Marigot Bay as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.” This bay plays host to quaint and luxurious resorts including Marigot Beach Club, accessible only by sea, and is home to Dive Fair Helen. The dive trips take on a historic and cultural flavor with the entire island as a footprint. Visit remote islet by kayak, enjoy turtle watching, hiking and diving. WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN ST. KITTS & NEVIS Dive St. Kitts SH D Michael Lawrence You’ll find reef, wreck and drift diving on these uncrowded and unspoiled islands. Separated by only two miles of Caribbean Sea, these islands boast a rich history that dates back to the Arawak and Carib Indians. The waters off St. Kitts boast several diveable wrecks where large number of fish congregate. Underwater tunnels and canyons are filled with a wide variety of schooling fish and healthy corals that are relatively undiscovered by divers. Above the surface, St. Kitts offers a smorgasbord of activities from ecoadventures to championship golf. The enchanting island of Nevis has much to explore, including nature, historical sites, hiking trails and more. Favorite Dive Sites • Full-service PADI Dive Operation and Training Center • Custom-built dive boats with rest rooms, easy entry/exit • Prime dive sites within a 10-minute boat ride • Customized dive schedules and boat charters for groups • Snorkel and kayak trips also available as an add-on Anse Chastenet Resort Jade Mountain • Unique island wood handmade furniture • World cuisine by award-winning chefs • Kai Belté full-service spa • Onsite PADI Gold Palm/SSI Platinum scuba center • Reef-front with 150+ species at the base of the Pitons Dive Primer Water Temp.................. 80° Visibility.................. 80-100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Nestled along a cliff on the serene west coast away from the hustle and bustle of the island lies a true St. Lucian treasure. Its secluded, peaceful location is a perfect hideaway for those who seek relaxation in casual yet beautiful surroundings. Ti Kaye also offers water sports, a fitness center, a massage therapist, a pampering staff and onsite Island Divers. A spectacular scenic hideaway on a 600-acre tropical estate with two beaches bordering pristine coral reefs, this resort features 49 rooms in a unique hillside/beachside setting, two restaurants/bars, boutiques, art gallery, 42’ day sailing yacht and a full-service spa. Scuba St. Lucia, the onsite PADI Gold Palm/SSI platinum scuba center offers shore, boat, night and wreck diving. The Adventure Center offers specialty Prijon Kayaks for coastal kayaking and a mountain bike center with 12 miles of private resort trails. Island Divers of St. Lucia • Superman’s Flight • Coral Gardens • Anse La Raye • Keyhole Pinnacles Topside Attractions • Rainforest Tours • Whale Watching • Spa Services • Mountain Biking This cornucopia of organic architecture celebrates St. Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty. Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living environment and extravagantlysized private infinity pool glide into one another to form an amazing plateau floating in space. With the fourth wall missing in each of the 24 handcrafted sanctuaries, architect/ owner Nick Troubetzkoy has created a stage-like setting from which to embrace the full glory of St. Lucia’s World Heritage Pitons mountains and the shimmering Caribbean Sea. • Tropical refreshments on all dive trips • Daily gear care and storage, Nitrox available • A wide range of spa services available • Restaurants, bars, boutiques, biking and water sports • Two soft sand beaches 29 Tobago Known as the Jewels of the Caribbean, St. Vincent and the Grenadines cascade through the Caribbean like precious gems in a necklace. Each island has its own distinct character both above and below the waterline. St. Vincent has established itself as the Critter Capital of the Caribbean. Bequia offers some great drift diving and pelagic encounters. The tiny islands offer everything from shallow protected coral gardens to dramatic drop-offs. At the southern tip of the Caribbean chain and just off the South American coast, this mountainous and verdant island is as rich underwater as above. Its reefs benefit from nutrients which flow from Venezuela’s Orinoco River, bringing a rich payload of plankton and micro-organisms which attract species such as manta rays, eagle rays, hammerheads and whale sharks. Rich in topside natural beauty, its rugged terrain offers great hiking and mountain biking. The island also has an impressive array of bird life. If isolation is what you crave, the beaches are largely unpopulated making it possible to enjoy having a beach all to yourself. Bill Harrigan St. Vincent WE REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN ST. VINCENT Mariner's Hotel Bill Tewes Dive St. Vincent Sugar Apple Inn Indigo Dive Bequia Dive Adventures AquaMarine Dive Michael Lawrence Young Island Dive Primer Water Temp............. 77-82° Visibility.................... 50-80’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time......... Dec to Aug Favorite Dive Sites Statia The island of St. Eustatius, or “Statia” as it is commonly known, is a quiet and lesser known dive destination despite a respectable number of dive sites including wrecks, reefs and walls. Statia played a major role in the path leading to America’s independence and served as the only link between Europe and the fledgling colonies—it was a major center of trade with one of the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere. Archeological artifacts are still being discovered in the remains of shipwrecks centuries old. Now unhurried and unspoiled, the island’s diving, ecotourism, heritage and culture makes it a refreshing and relaxing destination to explore at your own pace. Bill Harrigan WE REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN STATIA Golden Rock Divers 30 The Old Gin House AquaMarine Dive, a PADI 5-Star facility, is located onsite at Blue Waters Inn and offers courses and amazing dives year-round from the private dock. No matter your experience level, they have something for you. Step aboard the covered dive boats and let the expert staff introduce you to the underwater world. Wash tanks and gear storage at dive shop. All new rental gear. • Cathedral, Speyside • Bookends, Speyside • Japanese Gardens • Coral Gardens Topside Attractions • Visit Argyle Waterfalls • Mountain Biking • Roti Stands • Birdwatching Mecca Blue Waters Inn SH D TOBAGO RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O L- RF IV IN G P AL W AT E O IV RO RE IN CL US ST AU IV N T N O .O F RA E N TS RO O M S Blue Waters Inn • • 1 38 Manta Lodge • • 1 20 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN TOBAGO Adventures Eco Divers Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort Grafton Beach Resort Manta Lodge Blue Waters Inn is a resort experience like no other, bringing guests close to nature. Offering a variety of nature-based activities such as bird watching, hiking, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, yoga and more. The resort is set on its own exquisite bay, nestled among lush greenery and facing Goat Island, and beyond that, the renowned bird sanctuary, Bird of Paradise Island. We are also surrounded by excellent dive sites beneath the turquoise water and have an onsite dive facility, AquaMarine Dive. • Beachfront hotel, restaurant, bar, dive shop and jetty • Many dives are just five minutes from jetty by boat • Hotel is centrally located for best dives and nature sites • Free kayaks and beach chairs • Regular guest events and local entertainment This cozy 22-room resort has all the right ingredients to make your holiday memorable and relaxing. Manta Lodge is the ideal place for divers, bird watchers, nature lovers and anyone hoping to escape from it all and just relax. Guest rooms offer private verandas with breathtaking ocean views. Onsite Tobago Dive Experience offers effortless drift diving with highlights including many species of corals, sponges, tropical fish, turtles and the “Giants of the Drift,” including schools of hammerhead and huge manta rays. • Put the adrenalin rush back into diving • Dive it mild or dive it wild, the ultimate drift diving experience • Safely south of the hurricane belt • Nutrient rich waters keep nearby reefs flourishing • Green Moray Restaurant and Bar, freshwater pool 31 Turks & Caicos The beaches and crystal clear waters of Turks & Caicos make for some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but it is the underwater scenery that draws divers to explore its surrounding depths. The largest and more developed of these islands is Providenciales, commonly called Provo. Divers flock here to explore the reefs and dramatic walls of North West Point, West Caicos, Pine Cay and French Cay. A short flight to the islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay offers pristine diving and a true out-island experience as well as a glimpse of what life was like in times past. From December through April, humpback whales pass through the islands on their way to the Silver Bank just southeast of the islands. Whale encounters can be arranged with a number of operators. During this season divers are also likely to be serenaded by whale song while exploring the islands’ dive sites. Dive Primer Water Temp............. 78-82° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • West Caicos wall • Northwest Point, Provo • French Cay • Grand Turk Wall Topside Attractions Michael Lawrence About the Shot Oasis Divers Comfort Suites Turks & Caicos Royal West Indies Turks & Caicos Explorer II Grand Turk Discover diving professionals who know how to deliver services for the vacation of a lifetime. From beginners to advanced, the friendly staff caters to your adventure requests, making the dive experience exciting, uncrowded, fun and safe. Whether diving on the breathtaking wall or exploring on a night dive, you will always be comfortable and safe. Providenciales Set amid lush gardens across from famed Grace Bay Beach, the adjacent Ports of Call Shopping Village offers a variety of restaurants, bars and shops. Spacious junior suites feature bright Caribbean decor, king or two double beds, mini-fridge, coffee maker and free Wi-Fi access. Enjoy free continental breakfast poolside daily. Golf nearby. Diving with Dive Provo. Providenciales Nestled on 12 miles of white sand beach, this intimate colonial-style retreat boasts well-appointed suites surrounded by lush foliage. Studios and deluxe one- or two-bedroom suites each feature a spacious balcony. There are two swimming pools on the property along with a restaurant and bar that overlooks Grace Bay. Diving with Dive Provo. Live-aboard Join Explorer Ventures aboard the Turks & Caicos Explorer II for a bit of luxury and amazing diving. The vessel carries a maximum of 20 guests in air-conditioned staterooms with private baths, with large common areas and an expansive dive deck. Experience the Black Coral Forest, Shark Hotel, deep-water gorgonians, eagle rays at Double D and more. Face-to-face encounters with curious, friendly groupers are only the beginning of the Turks & Caicos dive experience. Ranging from the tiniest of marine creatures to the largest pelagic wanderers, the roster of ever-present and prolific marine life will astound even the most experienced diver. About the Shot The deep channels defining the islands of Turks & Caicos are blessed with vertigo-inducing vertical and undercut walls literally dripping with sponges. While it is undeniably a world-class wall dive destination, the underwater pleasures of Turks & Caicos do not stop there. Factor in the humpback whale migration in the late winter/early spring, the tremendous shallow reefs found throughout the chain, schooling eagle rays off South Caicos and a healthy reef fish population, and you have a combination of elements just begging repeated explorations. The Sands at Grace Bay Dive Provo Michael Lawrence SH D TURKS & CAICOS RESORT AMENITIES E SH O RE P AL W AT E O IV D L- RF IV IN G RO RE IN CL IV T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N Comfort Suites Turks & Caicos E 0 98 Royal West Indies • 1 100 The Sands at Grace Bay • 1 114 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN TURKS & CAICOS Grand Turk Provodenciales Bohio Dive Resort Provo Turtle Divers Osprey Beach Hotel Turtle Cove Inn Live-aboard Sibonne Beach Hotel Turks & Caicos Aggressor II 32 • Stingray Encounter • Whale Watching (Jan-Apr) • Visit Salt Cay Providenciales Providers of unrivaled customer service, Dive Provo offers full-service features including gear setup, post dive gear rinsing and storing. Divers need never lift their bag from the day they arrive until they leave. With a full range of scuba instruction (PADI 5-Star, SSI, and NAUI) as well as hotel packages to suit your taste, Dive Provo offers the most comprehensive choice of dive sites including West Caicos, French Cay, Grace Bay, Sandbore Channel, Southwest Reef and 1/2 Mile Reef. • Comprehensive dive schedule covering eight major areas • Modern boats include showers, rinse tanks and platforms • Freedom to plan and execute your own dives • PADI 5-Star and SSI Facility offering training for all levels • Dive groups are always welcome, private charters arranged Providenciales An earthly wonder of sand and sea, this 114-suite luxury resort is nestled on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach. Only an 80-minute flight from Miami, the perfect beach and spectacular views make you feel a world away. Accommodations range from studios to one-, two-, or three-bedroom suites, each offering oversized balconies with views of the courtyard, garden or ocean. Furnished in a traditional Caribbean flavor, each suite features amenities that provide the ultimate in comfort. • Free use of kayaks, windsurfing gear, snorkel gear, Hobie Cats • Complimentary Wi-Fi in rooms, restaurant and lobby • Weekly rum punch party • Onsite spa services • Hemingway’s beachfront restaurant with open air dining 33 Virgin Islands Bermuda The British Virgin Islands have drawn divers in large numbers ever since the filming of the movie, “The Deep,” which featured the historic wreck of the Rhone. Also one of the world’s top cruising grounds, local operators offer rendezvous diving to cruising divers who want to take advantage of both the great diving and sailing that these islands have to offer. Bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream but well outside the confines of the Caribbean, this coral reeffringed island is located 650 miles west of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Drenched in history as well as stunning beaches and resorts, the surrounding waters are home to over 400 shipwrecks—some centuries old. The island’s strategic position in the mid-Atlantic has long made it a seafarer’s haven—Bermuda has played a major role in wars dating back to the Civil War up through World War II. Visit the many museums and historical sites where evidence of its tragedies and bounty can be seen. The U.S. Virgin Islands all feature great diving, from wrecks to coral-covered piers and walls. St. Thomas has its shopping and beaches, St. Croix has its laidback attitude and rugged beauty and quaint St. John has its artistic eco-environment. Dive Primer SH D E SH RE AL W AT E O IV D L- RF IV IN RO RE IN CL N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S US Dive Tortola ST AU • Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort, St. Croix, USVI • Favorite Dive Sites WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN VIRGIN ISLANDS • The Indians • The Dogs • Alice in Wonderland • Salt River Canyon • Carvel Rock St. Croix, USVI Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort St. Croix, USVI This sophisticated retreat is nestled on a secluded stretch of white sand beach in St. Croix. Guests enjoy a wide range of activities including a water sports center, freshwater pools and world-class casino. Rooms are spacious oceanfront suites with king beds, and 20 hillside villas offer full kitchens and one or two bedrooms. O VIRGIN ISLANDS RESORT AMENITIES IV N G P • T E • 0 2 • 2 180 St. Thomas, USVI St. Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures Secret Harbour Beach Resort Carambola Beach Resort Bolongo Bay Beach Resort St. John, USVI Chris Sawyer Dive Center Gallows Point Resort Admiralty Dive Center St Johns Dive Adventure Live-aboard, BVI Tortola, BVI Cuan Law Long Bay Beach Resort Sail Caribbean Divers Tortola, BVI This full-service PADI dive facility offers a wide array of experiences among the numerous islands, spits and cays in the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Dive notable wrecks, including the RMS Rhone, underwater canyons, reefs or outcroppings teeming with abundant, schooling fish. Hodges Creek Marina Hotel Cane Bay Cottages St. Croix, USVI Dive, snorkel or just relax on the Beach. Cane Bay Cottages feature one-bedroom, one-bath fullyequipped cottages on the Cane Bay Dive Shop property. Dive the Cane Bay Wall, on your schedule, with boat and shore dives daily right outside your doorstep. This is the perfect dive vacation offering everything a serious diver could want. Cane Bay Dive Shop St. Croix, USVI Established in 1990, customer service has been the top priority for this dive operation. The Cane Bay Wall is right at their doorstep, allowing unique, daily diving opportunities along the world-famous Cane Bay Wall. Fantastic partnerships with Cane Bay cottages, Carambola and Divi resorts create packages offering everything a diver could want. The relaxation of the North Shore makes this the perfect spot for St. Croix’s top dive center. Cane Bay is for the diver that likes to be in the water more than on land. • Complimentary shore diving with all packages • Complimentary gear storage • All boat dives include fresh tropical fruit, snacks and water • Full-service PADI 5-Star IDC center with training and sales • Private or group snorkel trips are available on request Michael Lawrence Cane Bay Cottages, St. Croix, USVI • Sailing in famous Drake Bay • St. Croix Rum Factory • Hike the Reef Bay Trail The south shore of Bermuda boasts lush tropical landscapes with long strands of powder-soft pink sand flowing under clear turquoise waters. Near shore, rock structures known as boilers are magnets for schooling fish, perfect for snorkeling adventures. Bill Harrigan Water Temp............. 78-82° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Topside Attractions 34 About the Shot Dive Primer Water Temp............. 78-82° Visibility................ 70-100’+ Wetsuit.......1.5mm to 5mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • The Constellation Montana • The North Carolina • The Marie Celestia Topside Attractions • Royal Navy Dockyard • Pink Beaches • Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute WE REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN BERMUDA 9 Beaches Blue Water Divers and Watersports Dive Bermuda Fairmount Southampton Princess Elbow Beach Bermuda Fantasy Dive Shop Grotto Bay Beach Resort Triangle Diving 35 Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Vendor Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Vendor CENTRAL AMERICA Copy Copy Vendor Copy Nature rules in this mega-dive region along the second largest barrier reef in the world. From wall dives to wreck dives and even shark dives, there is plenty of diversity for all levels of experience. Vendor Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Vendor Vendor Copy Copy Copy Small Hope Bay Lodge Vendor Locator Copy Copy Copy 36 Michael Lawrence • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet Vendor Vendor The offshore islands along Central America’s Caribbean coast are where most divers head for their blue water adventures, but there are plenty of topside diversions. For divers looking to round out their dive experiences, this is one of the ecoadventure capitals of the world. Jungle canopy zip line tours, jaguar preserves, rainforests, Mayan archeological sites, nature tours, river tours, kayaking, white water rafting and even active Copy Copy volcanos and hot springs are available to explore. Vendor Copy The Pacific coast of Central America offers its own unique attractions. In ultimate isolation, Cocos Island is only accessible by a 36-hour Pacific crossing via live-aboard. This renowned site attracts many well-traveled divers to experience some of nature’s most impressive underwater phenomena where hundreds of hammerheads school around remote seamounts Vendor as part Vendor of a mating ritual. Other areas along Central America’s Pacific coast include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Coiba National Park in Panama and the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Many divers come to see are the pelagics that frequent these waters. This includes mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins and even the occasional whale shark or whale. Copy Copy 37 Bay Islands Dive Primer When divers discovered the underwater treasures of the Bay Islands, Honduras went from relative obscurity to world-class notoriety. At the forefront of this transformation lies the great dive appeal, but the islands also offer many topside activities, including kayaking, horseback riding, exploring vast mangrove alleys, river rafting and stunning beaches. Kiss a dolphin, take a zip-line canopy tour or enjoy scenic tropical hikes through pockets of rainforest to dramatic vistas. Water Temp............. 78-82° Visibility.................. 70-100’ Wetsuit.......1.5mm to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Coco View Wall • Mary’s Place • Wreck of The Odyssey • CJ’s Dropoff Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, with varying topography including iron shoreline, mangroves, white-sand beaches, tropical hilltops and lush valleys. Roatan boasts the only international airport in the Bay Islands and it features posh resorts and a protected marine park. The most renowned dive site off Roatan is Mary’s Place, a maze of canyons pierced by sunlight, where octopuses, seahorses and nurse sharks shelter. Dolphins are another draw—the Institute for Marine Sciences houses more than a dozen bottlenoses, and visitors can experience these incredible animals through exciting open-water dives, snorkel sessions or even beach encounters. Topside Attractions • Dolphin Encounter at the Institute for Marine Sciences • Sante Wellness Center • Cable Slide, Gumbalima Park This tiny island has a reputation for phenomenal diving at an unbelievable value. Utila’s dive sites stretch along two sides of the island. The South Side, minutes from the dive shops, is shallow and sheltered—Ron’s Wreck is home to a jungle of crinoids and and other critters, while Black Coral Wall is one of the few places in the world where the species is visible at reasonable depths. The North Side faces out into the Caribbean, with more rugged sites and some spectacular dropoffs. Blackish Point has a gorgeous overhang, shot through with shafts of sunlight, and The Maze, as its name suggests, is a wonderland of canyons and grooves. Black Hills, near the island’s easternmost point, is a deep underwater mound swept by swift currents, known to be frequented by whale sharks and other thrilling pelagics. About the Shot An impossibly rich carpet of hard and soft corals, sponge formations and other members of the reef community jostle for space on the crowded walls of the Bay Islands. Impressive? Yes, but that is only the beginning. Inquisitive green morays, schooling black grouper, yellowtail snapper and rainbow jack are standard fare. Watch for sea turtles, whale sharks and the elusive mola-mola in the deeper waters. This is the place to keep your eyes open and your head turning, you never know what may be behind you. Michael Lawrence Bill Harrigan About the Shot Bottlenose dolphins at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences on the northwest coast of Roatan are friendly and curious. Dolphin encounters—from beachfront visits to six-day dolphin scuba camps—are a thrilling way to interact with these incredible mammals in their natural habitat. 38 SH D BAY ISLANDS RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO • Barefoot Cay Resort • Fantasy Island PADI Dive Resort • Henry Morgan Hotel & Beach Resort RE IN CL • IV T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN THE BAY ISLANDS ST AU US N G P Anthony's Key Resort L- RF E Roatan Utila Bay Islands Beach Resort Laguna Beach Resort CoCo View Resort The Mango Inn Inn of the Last Resort Utila Lodge 145 Luna Beach Resort Live-aboard 44 Media Luna Resort & Spa Utila Aggressor • • 1 56 • • 1 9 • • • 2 105 • • • • 2 104 Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort • • • • 1 Las Sirenas Hotel & Condos • • • • 1 Mayan Princess Beach Resort • • • 1 60 Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort • • • • 3 26 Utopia Village • • • • 1 16 Paradise Beach Club Paya Bay Beach Club & Dive Resort 39 Bay Islands Henry Morgan Hotel & Beach Resort Barefoot Cay Resort Roatan Experience a secluded retreat on a private cay, with luxury accommodations and exceptional service. Relax in a beachfront bungalow, villa or oceanview loft in a tropical haven on Roatan’s south shore, with premier dive sites at your doorstep. Onsite Barefoot Divers, offers valet diving, instruction, a photo studio and a retail shop. Resort amenities include full-service dining, pool, palapa, kayaks, spa, fitness center and snorkeling or diving in the guest-only house reef. Roatan Completely restored in 2004, this hotel has 112 rooms built in the local style, in charming two-story buildings. All-inclusive services include full board with buffet service, open bar, snack bar and more. Every room is very spacious, comfortable and beautifully decorated. The TGI Scuba Diving Center inside the resort has 20 years of experience. Roatan This modest resort offers 44 comfortable rooms all with airconditioning, satellite TV and private balcony to enjoy the cascading pool or ocean views. Ideal for couples, onsite Terrace Bar and Restaurant serves three buffet style meals daily and TGI Diving, located next door to the hotel, offers a complete range of PADI courses and diving excursions. • Intimate, luxurious boutique resort with exceptional service • PADI 5-Star Dive Center, courses, valet diving, small groups • Mary’s Place and other premier dive sites at your doorstep • Air conditioned beachfront bungalows and villas • Gourmet cuisine with table service, spa, fitness center, pool Anthony’s Key Resort Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort Fantasy Island Beach Resort Roatan This 21-acre natural private island features air-conditioned beachfront rooms, two brilliant beaches, two restaurants and bars, free wild living monkeys, windsurf and kayak schools and Roatan’s only Aquapark. The PADI 5-Star Dive Center features a fleet of eight custom 46’ dive boats, spacious storage, photo center, all PADI dive courses and a friendly, professional staff. Daily boat diving, incredible shore diving, superb food and oceanview rooms make this Roatan’s luxury live-aboard on land. Roatan Anthony’s Key Resort offers allinclusive dive vacations on the world’s second largest barrier reef. Three meals a day, three daily dives, two night dives, kayaking, horseback riding, pool on the key, dolphin dives and encounters and much more! PADI continuing educational programs and more than 30 dive sites within 35 minutes of the resort. Roatan Couples and families alike will enjoy the luxury of this resort’s 145 rooms. Located in the heart of West Bay Beach, you can wake up, have your coffee on the patio, walk a few feet and you’re on the beach. Swim a few minutes and you’re among the world’s second largest barrier reef. Diving from the private dock with rental gear and training available. • Seven Custom Pro 46 and one twin engine Pro Dive boats • PADI training programs, dolphin and shark dives • 50 dive sites within 25 minutes of the resort • Retail dive shop with repair workshop for most dive brands • Gear rental, dockside storage, showers and rinse tanks Mayan Princess Beach Resort Turquoise Bay Dive & Beach Resort Utopia Village Roatan Experience this beachfront hotel with first-class accommodations and service. Just steps from your door, a powdery white, sandy beach leads to sparkling, turquoise water and spectacular underwater gardens. Watch the sun slip into the sea from the veranda of your own luxurious villa, or stop by the beach bar and restaurant for sunset cocktails. 40 Las Sirenas Hotel & Condos Roatan Boasting one of Roatan’s only private beaches, this resort thrives in making every guest’s visit special by offering top notch accommodations, excellent diving, great food and personalized service. The dive shop offers gear rental, shark dives, wreck dives, excursion dives and more. Packages include lodging, three daily boat dives, one night dive and all meals. Utila This elegant and eco-friendly hotel is nestled in the lush jungle on a beautiful beach with abundant coral reefs. The owners live onsite, assuring the utmost attention to customer service. Custom-designed Caribbean-style rooms provide private baths and balconies with ocean views. All inclusive dining is top quality. Onsite amenities include beachfront bar, dive shop, spa and a host of complimentary activities such as kayaking, volleyball, snorkeling or diving the house reef. • PADI dive shop offering training courses and certifications • Valet gear service and fully-equipped dive boat • Whale shark lectures and excursions • Free night shore dive and unlimited free shore diving • Personal full-service spa Belize About the Shot Set in the middle of the second largest barrier reef in the world, it is no wonder that Belize is renowned around the globe as world-class. Whether you jump off in Ambergris Caye to the north or dive south near Placencia, you can’t help but be in the center of spectacular underwater terrain. A diver takes a closer look at the pristine reef growth off Belize’s outer reef atolls. Island Exposure Ambergris Caye is the largest, most northern island in Belize, and the main destination for travellers to this western Caribbean nation. San Pedro—the only town on the island—serves as the gateway to Belize, with a rich variety of things to do. The Belize Barrier Reef begins at the northern end and continues some 150 miles south, ending with a series of small sandy islands off the southern coast of Belize. The reef is close to shore—local dive sites are easily reached in a matter of minutes through protected waters. Topside, the island features an enchanting combination of mangrove forests, tropical savannahs, lagoons and sparkling white beaches. SH D BELIZE RESORT AMENITIES Belizean Shores Resort E SH RE D O L- RF IV IN G P AL W AT E O IV RO CL • ST AU US T N O .O F RA N IV N Coco Beach Resort The Turneffe chain offers a diverse scuba environment, including shallow coral head diving, wall diving and wrecks. Within the cluster of islands, the interior lagoon is a maze of mangrove-lined channels and over 200 tiny, uninhabited cayes—a natural nursery for a wide variety of exotic fish, including the rare whitespotted toadfish, which is endemic to Belize. A varied terrain, wrecks and an abundance of marine life make the eastern reefs on Turneffe’s southern end sensational for seasoned divers, as the currents in the area are great for pelagic sightings. Other encounters include eagle rays, playful dolphins, turtles, huge green morays, giant jewfish, nurse sharks, reef sharks, trunkfish, grouper, schools of snapper, permit and horse-eye jacks. RE IN E TS RO O M S • 1 48 • 1 30 1 23 2 12 Exotic Caye Beach Resort • • Hugh Parkey's Adventure Lodge Belize • • Ramon’s Village • • 1 61 Sunbreeze Hotel • • 1 43 • 0 20 1 20 Sunbreeze Suites Turneffe Island Resort • • • • WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN BELIZE Island Exposure Ambergris Caye Dangriga-Hopkins Banana Beach Resort Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Journeys End Resort Jaguar Reef Resort Las Terrazas Resort Placencia Mayan Princess Suites The Inn at Robert’s Grove Amigos del Mar The Placencia The Villas of Banyan Bay Turneffe Atoll Belize City Blackbird Caye Resort Radisson Ft. George Turneffe Flats Cayo Live-aboard Windy Hill Resort Peter Hughes Sundancer II Glovers Atoll Belize Aggressor II Isla Marisol Dive Primer Ramon’s Village Aqua Dives Ambergris Divers Exotic Caye Beach Resort Ambergris Caye This PADI Gold Palm IDC Resort facility features Belize’s largest dive center. Offering accommodations in true tropical style with 61 cabanas with beachfront, seaside or garden views, this resort provides a secluded hideaway for those looking for an escape from everyday life. All cabanas are air conditioned, and multi-room suites are also available. Ambergris Caye Conveniently located in San Pedro Town, Aqua Dives’ fleet of custom dive boats can accommodate individuals and groups. Swim through tunnels or glide over the spur-and-groove canyons that run perpendicular to the barrier reef. Catch a glimpse of turtles, parrotfish, angelfish, lobsters, sharks, rays, dozens of coral species and more. Ambergris Caye Locally owned by a family of divers, the environmentally-oriented crew immerses you in the intrigue of Belize’s magical reefs encompassing healthy coral, a myriad of marine life and exciting large animal encounters. Blue Hole and Turneffe Elbow day trips are tailored and uncrowded. Ambergris Caye This intimate dive resort features 23 air-conditioned oceanfront condos overlooking the sea. Crazy Canucks Beach Bar, Monkey Bites Cafe, pool and full-time concierge services are all onsite. Tropical plants and majestic palms create an atmosphere of relaxation with uninterrupted vistas of the crystal waters of the Caribbean and the Belize Barrier Reef. Water Temp............. 78-80° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit.......1.5mm to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Hol-Chan Cut, Ambergris • M&M Caverns, Ambergris • Blue Hole • Glover’s Reef Topside Attractions • Day trip to Lamanai or Tikai archaeological sites • Snorkel at Shark-Ray Alley 42 43 Belize Turneffe Island Resort Hugh Parkey’s Belize Dive Connection Turneffe Atoll This private island experience is unique due to its 47-year history and ideal location. Serene, peaceful and beautiful, the entire resort has been renovated and upgraded within the past two years. PADI dive center and over 70 unique diving sites are within minutes, and salt water flats fishing is world class due to the shallows of the atoll and hundreds of mangrove islands and the experience of our guides. All accommodations include private patio, air-conditioning and floor-to-ceiling wood. Spanish Look-Out Caye Perfectly positioned to offer some of the best underwater experiences in Belize from Hugh Parkey’s Belize Adventure Lodge. The lodge is a full-service facility offering individual cabanas over the water, restaurant and bar, gift shop, manatee museum and beach areas. Each of the 12 cabanas have two comfortable canopied double beds, ceiling fans and air-conditioning in some, private hot showers, open deck and a great view. A second shop is located at The Radisson Fort George Marina. • Located on a private Caribbean island • All rooms are ocean view and access • Rooms with mahogany and teak accents, outdoor showers • World-class valet service for diving and fishing • Two full bars, restaurant serving Belizean/American cuisine • Refreshments and snacks on all dive trips • Spacious custom dive boats • Dive instruction available • Additional dives and upgrades available • Excellent and professional staff Coco Beach Resort Belizean Shores Resort Ambergris Caye This new property features 25 luxurious suites and five casitas, and boasts one of the most incredible freeform pools on the island. Coco Beach offers luxurious accommodations in a quaint environment with breathtaking Caribbean views. Bedrooms feature a king bed, kitchens offer spacious layouts and stainless steel appliances. Each suite offers central air conditioning, a separate dining area as well as living rooms outfitted with stylish rattan furniture and Sony flat screen cable TV. Ambergris Caye Located on the beach just a short boat ride away from the shops and restaurants in the quaint village of San Pedro. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, sand pathways and fantastic views, it is also home to the island’s premiere pool featuring submerged lounges, a lap area, spa and swim-up pool bar. Each of the 48 spacious suites has central air conditioning, separate master bedroom, fully-equipped kitchen, dining and living areas and balcony. Onsite PADI dive and tour operator. • Brand new luxurious waterfront resort • Two-bedroom suites feature king beds and two baths • One-bedroom suites feature king bed and bath • Casitas offer bungalow layouts with different levels • Tuff E Nuff Tours Dive is located just north of Coco Beach • Beachfront resort with large kitchen, dining, lounge areas • Families or groups can reserve two adjoining suites • Upper-level suites have balconies with spectacular views • Beach-level suites have porches and views of the gardens • Onsite Tuff E Nuff Tour Operator Sunbreeze Hotel Sunbreeze Suites Ambergris Caye On the southern edge of the friendly town of San Pedro, this resort’s Latin-Caribbean architecture forms a wide crescent that embraces a private white sand beach and tropical gardens complete with a freshwater pool. Onsite PADI dive shop, Aqua Dives Belize, offers daily morning and afternoon dives to many of Belize’s top spots including Blue Hole, Turneffe, Lighthouse and Glovers Reef. PADI certification courses, snorkeling trips and equipment are available. • Great location for divers, families, weddings, honeymoons • Aromatherapy, reiki and massage studio • World-class diving and snorkeling • Windsurfing and variety of fishing options • Free snorkel stop with seven-night packages 44 Ambergris Caye SunBreeze Suites is located in downtown San Pedro with easy access to all the restaurants, bars and island acitivites. All suites feature private oceanview balconies, fullyequipped kitchens, living rooms and dining areas. Amenities include a freshwater pool and patio deli bar, with plenty of sunloungers on the deck, beach and pier. Aqua Dives Belize can take care of all dive needs, while the front desk can book day trips to the Mayan cities, cave tubing or golf carts for island exploration. • Oceanfront suites with private balcony • Group equipment storage at property • Patio Bar & Grill • Wireless internet available • Nitrox available Costa Rica & Panama Dive Primer (Panama) The Guanacaste region is Costa Rica’s dive and adventure capitol. Encounters with large schools of mobula and cow-nosed rays are quite common as well as occasional shark sightings. Explore Costa Rica’s rainforests on a canopy tour or bathe in hot springs at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. And if that’s not enough, add to the mix jungle treks, river rafting and surfing. Panama’s Coiba National Park encompasses 38 islands and was identified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2005. With this designation, Isla Coiba—along with the surrounding waters and island neighbors—have been given a greater degree of protection. Coiba boasts encounters with large schools of big fish and opportunities to observe healthy coral reefs, several species of shark, giant mantas, schooling rays, whales and dolphins. Last but not least, live-aboards depart from both Panama and Costa Rica to reach the remote islands of Cocos Island and Malpelo, famous for their schooling hammerheads and other pelagic encounters. IV COSTA RICA RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O RF IV IN G P L- RO RE IN CL IV T E Flamingo Marina Resort • • 1 90 Ocotal Beach Resort • • 2 59 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN COSTA RICA Arenal Osa Peninsula Arenal Lodge Aguilla de Osa Inn Flamingo Playa Hermosa Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa Villa Sol Hotel & Beach Resort Guanacaste San Jose Allegro Papagayo Best Western Irazu Hotel Diving Safaris Live-aboard (Cocos Island) Hilton Papagayo Resort Okeanos Aggressor Occidental Grand Papagayo Resort Divers de Costa Rica Aqua Center Diving 46 Topside Attractions • Visit the San Blas Islands • Day trip through the Panama Canal Coiba Dive Expeditions Water Temp............. 75-80° Visibility.................... 50-80’ Wetsuit..........3mm to 5mm Best Time..... May to March Favorite Dive Sites • Monkey Head • The Point, Catalina Islands • The Wall, Catalina Islands Live-aboard Offering charters to the spectacular islands of the Coiba National Park in Panama and Isla de Coco in Costa Rica. Each trip offers the best in safety, comfort, and adventure aboard the robust 115’ well-equipped expedition vessel, MV Yemaya, with a maximum of 16 guests. All accommodations have natural lighting with views of the sea. Topside Attractions • Canopy jumping tours • Arenal Volcano Hot Springs • River rafting • Surfing Flamingo Marina Resort Flamingo Perfectly positioned to offer divers and snorkelers some of the best underwater experiences to be found in Costa Rica, Aqua Center Diving provides easy access to exceptional dive sites for all levels of experience. Just offshore from Flamingo, enjoy the Catalina Islands swimming with abundance of manta rays and stingrays. Dive around pinnacles with spectacular variety of marine life from nudibranchs to sharks, with angel fish, jacks, grunts, octopus, eels and turtles in between. • PADI Dive Center, closest dive shop to the Catalina Islands • Three custom state-of-the-art dive boats • Complete care of you and your gear • Rinsing area and free, secure gear lockers • Kayaks, mountain bikes and boogie board rental • Cocos Island • Coiba National Park • Isla Malpelo Dive Primer (Costa Rica) N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N Favorite Dive Sites Ethan Gordon SH D Water Temp.................. 79° Visibility..........................70’ Wetsuit..........3mm to 5mm Best Time..........year-round Ocotal Beach Resort Undersea Hunter Costa Rica—Green Leaders Flamingo Located on the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, this resort offers 10 deluxe rooms, 14 captain suites and 60 condos. Scenic views abound and guests are just steps away from the most expansive white sand beaches in the country. Pool bar and restaurant, four swimming pools and large outdoor hot tub. Enjoy fishing, diving, tennis and adventure tours. Guancaste This beachfront dive resort is known for its outstanding style, comfort and service, featuring 12 bungalows, five suites and 42 standard rooms. All rooms have amazing ocean views, air conditioning and private balconies. Suites include a living room, refrigerator and spa. Food and beverage service is available to all pools, rooms and beach areas. One of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica is divided into a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers. The Costa Rica Tourism Institute has developed a Sustainable Tourist Certificate to be awarded to all tourism-related businesses whose practices have achieved sustainable tourism goals. The National Accreditation Commission is comprised of a combination of tourism and environmental organization representatives. Certificates are awarded on a scale from one to five, rating the level of sustainability achieved. Areas of evaluation include physical-biological surroundings, service plants for lodging establishments (e.g. waste management, power and water usage), management services, client integration and socio-economic interaction with the local communities. Live-aboard This 115’ vessel is a dedicated modern dive cruiser specifically built for long-range dive expeditions to destinations like Cocos Island and Malpelo. A former commercial dive support vessel, she was robustly built in 1980 to serve in the Gulf of Mexico. The Undersea Hunter was modified to include six new cabins with conveniences that surpass all expectations to accommodate 14 guests. The dive schedule includes two dives in the morning, one in the afternoon and one night dive. • Excellence in service, food and underwater excitement • Full oxygen, Nitrox and rebreather service • Dive gear and video camera rental • Two 24’ heavy-duty fiberglass dive boats • Personal EPIRB attached to the BCD of every guest 47 Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor M E X I C O Copy Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Copy Copy Copy Small Hope Bay Lodge Vendor Locator Copy Copy Island Exposure 48 Copy The Yucatan is home to the popular dive destinations of the island of Cozumel and the Riviera Maya along the Yucatan coast. The offshore reef is part of the world’s second largest barrier reef, extending as far south as Honduras. All-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels and quaint inns also line the coastline from Copy Copy north to south, many on beautiful white-sand beaches. Copy Vendor Copy On the Pacific side, San Jose del Cabo is the gateway to Mexico’s Baja where diving in the Pacific as well as the Sea of Cortez is the big attraction. A land of contrasts where the desert meets the sea—the stark landscape is accented by dramatic rock formations emerging from the blue Pacific. This is big animal territory, including sea lions, mantas, whales and sharks. Vendor Vendor Last but certainly not least, the distant offshore dive regions of Islas Revillagigedos (also known as the Socorro Islands) and Isla Guadalupe. The Socorros provide even greater opportunities for encounters with mantas, whales, whale sharks and hammerheads—or world-class cage diving with great whites. Copy • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet Copy To the typical traveler, Mexico means sun-drenched beaches, mariachis and margaritas. But with both a Caribbean and a Pacific coastline, to divers this region offers an amazing diversity of dive experiences from leisurely dives among beautiful coral reefs to adrenaline pumping encounters with great whites, whale sharks and mantas. Add to this the unique experience of cenote diving, where divers drift through underground rivers with unlimited visibilityVendor through chambers filled with stalagmite and stalactite Vendor formations—there is no place quite like it. Copy Copy 49 Baja Sandwiched between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific, Baja is famous for big animal encounters, including mantas, hammerheads and whale sharks. More than 20 species of whales are encountered in this region throughout the year as they migrate, breed and calve—whale watching is practically a year-round activity. Lively Cabo San Lucas is a hot bed of activity from water sports and world-class golf to numerous clubs and restaurants. BAJA RESORT AMENITIES E SH O RE P AL W AT E O IV D L- RF IV IN G RO RE N IN T Cabo San Lucas Amigos Del Mar Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa Presidente Los Cabos Resort RIU Hotels & Resorts Solmar Suites La Paz La Concha Beach Club Hotel The Cortez Club Club Cantamar Loreto Hotel La Mision Loreto Dolphin Dive Center N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU CL US IV Fiesta Inn WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN BAJA E 1 120 Dive Primer Fiesta Inn La Paz La Paz Fiesta Inn La Paz offers 120 rooms with high-speed internet, restaurant, bar and pool bar, gym, two heated pools and a private dock. Free shuttle service to La Paz. The location offers amazing views that contrast the desert with the Sea of Cortez. Onsite Fun Baja provides excellent diving experiences both in La Paz and the Sea of Cortez for more advanced dives. Whale watching and trips to Espiritu Santo Island for snorkeling and kayaking or swimming with the sea lions are available. Water Temp.................. 78° Visibility.................... 60-80’ Wetsuit.......1.5mm to 3mm Best Time........... Jul to Oct Favorite Dive Sites • The Pinnacle/Sea Lion Rookery • The Blowhole • Socorro Islands • Cabo Pulmo Topside Attractions • Hike in El Cayuco Canyon • Whale Watching (Dec-Mar) • Explore Isla Espiritu Santo • Sea Kayaking Nautilus Explorer • Lunch served at the beach during dive days • Daily gear care and storage free • Pick up and drop off at hotel dock • PADI certifications and Nitrox • Seven brand new fast dive boats Solmar V Live-aboard This luxury dive boat specializes in pampering small groups of divers on unique adventures up and down the west coast of North America. Experiences range from cage diving with great white sharks in clear blue water at Guadalupe Island to intimate encounters with giant mantas at Socorro Island. The ship is exceptionally comfortable with a wide, strong steel hull, and the same SOLAS passenger certificate and crew requirements as the largest ocean-going ships in the world. • Luxury vessel with legendary, contemporary service levels • Modern, custom built, stabilized steel ship • Ample water to shower as often as you want • SOLAS certified to cruise anywhere in the world • Sparkling clear hot tub to relax in after each dive 50 Carlos Minguell SH D Live-aboard This luxury yacht is a true four-season live-aboard that takes advantage of weather patterns to provide optimal diving year-round. Visiting the fabled Socorro Islands, Sea of Cortez and Guadalupe Island, divers discover some of the best big animal diving on earth while being pampered by a friendly and professional staff. Dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, whalesharks, humpback whales at Socorro or witness the apex predator of the sea, the great white shark, at Guadalupe Island. • Air-conditioned staterooms with private bathrooms • Includes meals, snacks, beer, wine, port, park and fuel fees • Seawave sat phone and computer station • Camera table, charging stations, warm water showers • New Nitrox membrane system for 32-34% fills Cozumel The names of Cozumel’s dive sites are hallowed in divers’ log books—Palancar Reef, Colombia Reef and Santa Rosa Wall to mention a few. The gentle currents that carry divers along Cozumel’s dramatic drop-offs have made this one of the world’s top dive destinations. Glassy sweepers congregate in nooks and crannies protected from the currents along with a myriad of marine life including the indigenous splendid toadfish, queen angelfish and moray eels. Turtles, rays and sharks can be seen cruising along the current swept walls. About the Shot Cozumel’s Paradise Reef is densely covered in vibrantly hued sponge growth, offering habitat and nourishment for many tropical reef fish. As many as 250 different species of fish can be seen in Cozumel’s waters—one of the most spectacular is the Queen Angelfish, possessing bright blue-and-yellow markings and the distinctive blue “crown” on the top of its head. You can even catch a glimpse of the endemic splendid Cozumel toadfish, found nowhere else in the world. Making its home in the holes along the reef, this fish grows from 12” to 16” in length and has the distinction of being one of the world’s fastest eaters: it can capture and eat a whole fish in just milliseconds—faster than the blink of an eye. In addition to the colorful fish, Cozumel boasts some of the biggest and most spectacular sponge formations in the world. Fed by a continuous current bringing a steady supply of food to the reefs, some sponges, such as the Elephant Ear sponge, can grow as large as 12’ across. There is a wide variety of shopping, dining and accommodation options—even allinclusives—which make Cozumel a popular choice for divers and non-divers alike. There are plenty of topside activities to fill the non-diving hours: beautiful beaches, dolphin encounters, nature parks and day trips to Mayan archeological sites. COZUMEL RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV RF IV IN RO Aura Cozumel Wyndham Grand Bay • Casa Del Mar Cozumel • RE IN CL IV T • N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- E • 2 87 1 106 1 88 • 4 175 • 3 224 • 3 181 • 6 252 2 50 1 50 4 402 • Casa Mexicana Cozumel Cozumel Palace • • Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort • Hotel Cozumel & Resort • • Occidental Grand Coumel • • • Scuba Club Cozumel • • • Villa Blanca Garden Beach Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa • • • WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN COZUMEL Allegro Cozumel Hotel Barracuda Aqua Safaris Park Royal Cozumel Aqua World Cozumel Playa Azul Golf, Scuba and Spa Hotel Babieca Dive Center Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Dive Palancar Scuba Du El Cid La Ceiba 52 Scuba Club Cozumel Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa Aura Wyndham Grand Bay • Dedicated dive resort • Well-run operation for divers looking for value and quality • Oceanfront and still close to town • Private piers with easy beach diving • Rinse tanks and gear lockers conveniently located Decorated in Mexican Caribbean style with fully-equipped rooms with pool or garden views, this resort features a private pier only minutes to several world-class reefs, making it an ideal location for divers. Onsite Sand Dollar Sports is one of the largest full-service dive centers in Cozumel. There is also a new “Adults Only Section” of the Wyndham Cozumel—Sabor. Blended with the natural charm of Mexican hospitality, this property features 87 guest rooms and suites, each decorated with a unique style. Designed to create a quiet and unique atmosphere, its design combines wood, stone, marble and tapestry to create a warm and inviting blend of light, space, comfort and functionality. The friendly, dedicated staff await your arrival. Cozumel Palace Villa Blanca Garden Beach Walking distance from downtown, this oceanfront dive resort features 60 air-conditioned rooms, each with ceiling fan, hair dryer, mini fridge and a private porch or balcony, just steps away from great shore diving. Finished in tile and stucco, the rooms are ready for wet divers and have drying racks for dive suits on each terrace. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and have individual character. Onsite PADI 5-Star Dive Center with a fleet of seven custom boats includes air filling station, rental gear and training courses. About the Shot A school of bluestriped grunts swim constantly into the current, just off the shore in Cozumel. Ethan Gordon SH D Island Exposure Casa Mexicana Cozumel Dive Primer Water Temp............. 78-81° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time.......... year-round In the heart of Cozumel Island near the Palancar Reef lies this oceanfront resort with 175 luxurious accommodations. Cozumel Palace features outdoor swimming pools, restaurants/bars, massage treatment rooms and more. For those certified scuba divers, guests can enjoy free scuba diving when booking a sevennight vacation at this resort. Built in an award-winning open design, Casa Mexicana welcomes you with a smiling staff, sun deck and pool overlooking the ocean. The large rooms are outfitted with beautifully polished hardwood Mayan furniture. Aqua Safari, a tradition since 1966, with a shop right outside the lobby and five dive boats at their pier in front, could hardly be more convenient. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this resort offers 50 rooms and suites. Amenities include poolside snack bar, gourmet restaurant, swimming pool, hot tub, tennis courts, dive shop and private pier. Dive into the azure blue waters of the Caribbean and you will find worldclass diving at your door. Favorite Dive Sites • Palancar Reef • Santa Rosa Wall • Columbia Reef • Punta Sur Reef Topside Attractions • Chankanaab • Punta Sur Ecological Park • Playa Bonita Beach 53 Cozumel Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort Dive House Divers find casual comfort at this resort just 10 minutes south of San Miguel and a short boat ride from the main diving reefs. Featuring 224 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with balconies, guests enjoy two pools, restaurants, bars, tennis, activity center and kid’s club. Onsite Dive House offers daily dive excursions to Cozumel’s famous reefs as well as a full selection of dive courses, snorkel tours and equipment rental. In operation since 1994, this spacious and modern facility is a full-service dive center offering a complete selection of dive tours and instruction, gear rentals, repairs and sales. Excellent beach diving is available right in front of the store. Located onsite at Fiesta Americana and operating five boats, Dive House is affiliated with PADI, NAUI and TDI certification agencies and also with the local hyperbaric chamber. • PADI Gold Palm Resort • Private beach • Onsite dive operator Dive House • Private pier • Kid’s Club • PADI Gold Palm Resort, NAUI Dream Resort • TDI Training Facility, Universal Referral Center • Rental gear, gear storage lockers, freshwater showers • Fleet of five dive boats—divers on the boat choose the site • Night dives and snorkel trips available Hotel Cozumel & Resort Dive Paradise This gorgeous resort is one mile away from the newly renovated center square with shopping, local restaurants and bars, and just minutes from the colorful and abundant coral reefs that have made Cozumel one of the world’s top snorkeling and diving destinations. It features 181 remodeled, airconditioned rooms and suites in three-story buildings with private balconies, most overlooking the largest swimming pool in town. And all are decorated in a contemporary style and bright Mexican fabrics. • Walking distance to downtown, only minutes to main reefs • Wi-Fi access in rooms, swimming pool and lobby areas • Private pier and 150+ lockers for diving equipment • Expanded beach, largest swimming pool on the island • Kid’s Club with supervised activities • Over 15 specialty courses, including better buoyancy • A fleet of 13 boats • Wide variety of dive trips • DAN oxygen on board all vessels • Wide spacious dive platforms Occidental Grand Cozumel Casa Del Mar Cozumel Enjoy all-inclusive luxury and worldclass diving at this top-notch resort on famed San Francisco Beach, offering a range of room categories, gourmet dining, daytime activities, evening entertainment, turn-down service and room service in our hacienda-style resort. Upgrade to The Royal Club, with personal concierge service, hydro-massage bathtubs, private whirlpool and other exclusive amenities. Dive packages include daily trips to the underwater caves of the world’s second largest reef system. • Upgrade to The Royal Club for enhanced amenities • Dive Palancar PADI/SSI certification, daily excursions • All-inclusive luxury, six international restaurants, four bars • Inquire about exclusive underwater wedding packages • Enjoy fitness center, hot tub and tennis courts 54 Dive Paradise has been providing safe, reliable and fun-filled scuba diving in Cozumel for over 25 years and is proud to have earned the reputation as “the name you know and trust.” With a large fleet of boats, a wide variety of dive trips and a staff of over 80 instructors, divemasters, captains, sailors, management and office staff, Dive Paradise is undoubtedly Cozumel’s largest independent dive operator. Dive Paradise will not let a reasonable client go away angry. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. This charming hideaway faces the Caribbean Sea, just across the main street with 98 comfortable rooms and eight deluxe cabanas. Surrounded by exotic gardens, the restaurant, bars and pool area invite you to relax and be enchanted by the unique Cozumel sunset. Onsite Del Mar Aquatics, a fully-equipped dive facility, always understands the needs of the diver. The large fleet of custom dive boats gets you to the reefs in less than half the time others require. Casa del Mar and Del Mar Aquatics—the perfect match for an unforgettable vacation. • Unlimited shore diving, private beach and pier • Shallow reef in front of hotel • 25% discount on diving equipment rental • Kids stay free when rooming with parents • PADI Gold Palm Resort, Universal Referral Center Riviera Maya The beautiful Mexican coastline stretching south of Cancun toward Belize is known as the Riviera Maya. In addition to great offshore diving, the Riviera Maya boasts an amazing cavern system that can be explored at various cenote dive sites. Offshore islands such as Isla Mujeres and Holbox expand the choice of local sites, and during certain seasons, offer the opportunity to snorkel with one of the ocean’s ultimate creatures, the whale shark. The entire region is characterized by a village-like, tranquil atmosphere, and yet the choice of activities is astounding. Cancun is known as the gateway to the Riviera Maya, with a thousand and one things to do. There are many world-class luxury hotels dotted all along the edge of the beautiful Caribbean Sea, and many romantic waterside restaurants and trendy bars line the Nichupte Lagoon. Located immediately south of the city of Playa del Carmen, Playacar is an upscale development housing a handsome array of large, all-inclusive resorts, a world-class 18-hole golf course and a stylish shopping mall. The hotel zone in Playacar is very new, established within the last decade. Puerto Aventuras’ central location on the Riviera Maya is perfect for excursions to the region’s best sights and activities along the coastline, including jungle cenotes for swimming and snorkeling, nature-themed eco-parks like Xcaret, Tres Rios, and Xpu-Ha and beautiful lagoons like Xel-Ha and Yal-Ku. With its warm, friendly people, Puerto Morelos offers all kinds of activities for couples, friends or families. It’s the ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation—a quiet place with a bohemian flair. The archaeological zone at Tulum is one of the most beautiful places on the Riviera Maya. Combining the mystery of the ancient civilization with the singular beauty of the Caribbean Sea which bathes its shores, the city of Tulum is the only known archaeological site located by the ocean. Island Exposure SH D RIVIERA MAYA RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO Dreams Cancun Dreams Puerto Aventuras • Island Exposure Dreams Tulum About the Shot Red and orange hues of the barrel sponge, rope sponges and star coral stand out against the blues of a deep reef ledge in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Hotel Marina El Cid • The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa • RE IN CL IV • T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- RF E • • 4 379 • • 6 305 • • 6 431 • • 4 350 • • 5 210 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN RIVIERA MAYA Allegro Playacar Occidental Grand Xcaret Aventura Spa Palace Playacar Palace Barrakuda Dive Center RIU Hotels & Resorts Cancun Palace Royal Hideaway Playacar Dressel Divers Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun Hotel Catalonia Sotavento Hotel Marina Dive Center Villas de Rosa Moon Palace Xpu Ha Palace Riviera Maya—Green Leaders As a demonstration of its commitment to environmental conservation, Mexico’s Riviera Maya has launched the Mesoamerican Tourism Reef Initiative (MARTI) to help protect the beautiful and unique flora and fauna in the area surrounding the Northern Hemisphere’s largest coral reef. The initiative was a collaborative effort of both local and international environmental organizations and the region’s hotel association to promote best practices, further the responsible use of natural resources and foster a culture of environmental sustainability among business owners and hotel operators as well as guests. After assessment by MARTI authorities, alliance members are provided with feedback to assist them in implementing recommended environmental initiatives by creating an action plan, policy handbook and training personnel. Omni Hotels 56 57 Riviera Maya Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa Puerto Aventuras This PADI 5-Star Gold Palm Resort is located in the Omni Beach Resort. Experience the lush Caribbean reefs and amazing cavern and cave diving of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula—the location is perfect for the diver and non-diver alike with white sand beaches at your doorstep, Mayan archeological sites and eco-tours just minutes away. Puerto Aventuras Set amidst the beauty of the Mayan coast, this fun-filled resort is set on a private beach in a marina community. Families can escape to Unlimited-Luxury® with shimmering pools, water sports, á la carte dining, Dreams Spa by Pevonia, fitness center and Explorer’s Club. Diving with Pro Dive Mexico. Dive Primer Island Exposure Dive Aventuras Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa Water Temp............. 78-81° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time.......... year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Ponderosa Cenote • Dos Ojos Cenotes • Xaak, Akumal Topside Attractions • Tulum Maya Ruins • Dolphin Discovery • Xcaret Eco Park • Xel-Ha Eco Park 58 Tulum Just five minutes from Tulum, this hacienda-style resort provides Unlimited-Luxury® featuring two swimming pools, one with a children’s pool and swim-up bar, full-service spa featuring Dreams Spa by Pevonia and seven gourmet á la carte restaurants plus lounges. The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa Hotel Marina El Cid Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Scuba Cancun Playacar This all-inclusive resort is a jewel in the Mayan Riviera and just steps away from downtown Playa del Carmen. Participate in the many exciting activities available or sit back and soak in the beautiful Caribbean atmosphere. A cozy boutique-style resort with a wide variety of services surrounded by lush vegetation is waiting for you at The Reef Playacar. Puerto Morales Pamper yourself at this new hotel that combines colonial and modern architectural styles. Enjoy wide expanses of silky white sand, clear waters and spectacular underwater life at the Puerto Morelos National Reef Park located in front of the hotel. Enjoy distinctive dining and a unique culinary experience with all the amenities you can dream of. Cancun Designed by renowned architect Ricardo Legorreta, this UnlimitedLuxury® resort is surrounded on three sides by the Caribbean, features Delphinus Dreams Cancun dolphin experience, Dreams Spa by Pevonia and is just steps from shops, complimentary golf and nightlife. Cancun This medium-size, family-run dive center is owned by Captain Luis Hurtado, who has more than 50 years of diving experience in commercial, military and sport diving. He was the first scuba instructor to work in Cancun when he founded his company in 1980. During this time, Scuba Cancun has taken thousands of people on safe and exciting dives. Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor PA C I F I C Copy Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Copy Copy Copy Small Hope Bay Lodge Vendor Locator Copy Copy Copy 60 Island Exposure • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet Copy Copy At over 65 million square miles and covering approximately 46% of the planet’s water surface, the Pacific Ocean is the largest of Earth’s five oceans. The island nations that are scattered across its vast expanse have long been the objects of legends—from the earliest voyages of the Polynesians to modern-day travelers in search of paradise. Scattered both north and south of the equator and separated east and west by the International Dateline, these islands all share qualities that define Pacific Vendor Vendor destinations, including volcanic origins and tropical climates. The cultural heritage of local inhabitants, while unique in many aspects, also shares a strong relationship with the surrounding sea and the life therein. This variety of life is what draws divers to explore the amazing array of dive experiences throughout the Pacific. From the Galapagos Islands and Tahiti in the eastern Pacific to Fiji and Copy Copy Micronesia in the far west, there are literally thousands of islands that are home to an incredible diversity of marine life to discover. The world’s largest reef system, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, can be found here, as well as the deepest ocean on Earth, which plummets to nearly seven miles below sea level. Copy Vendor Copy Man has left his mark in many regions of the Pacific as well—the historic wrecks of World War II are accessible to divers in many Vendor Vendor destinations where bloody battles raged in the 1940s. After more than 60 years, these wrecks are now so encrusted in corals that they are nearly indistinguishable from natural reef formations. With such amazing diversity, the responsibility to protect and preserve is now the primary focus for many island nations in this region. In welcoming divers to their waters, the opportunity to share inCopy this responsibility is yet another reason to explore the islands of the Pacific. Copy 61 Australia Fiji The Great Barrier Reef has an almost magical place in the minds of divers. Its 1,200 miles of coral atolls and islands are home to some of the world’s most renowned diving areas, filled with a wondrous collection of marine life so bizarre that no other place on earth is quite like it. Along with the usual menu of high-voltage animals such as mantas, whales and sharks, you can also find blue ring octopus, sawfish, ribbon eels, giant clams, harlequin tuskfish, wobbegong sharks and the giant potato cod. Delicate soft corals grow to the size of a Christmas tree and starfish are electric blue. While dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef are accessible on day trips out of Cairns, live-aboards provide access to more remote, pristine sites including the Coral Sea. Flexible itineraries allow divers to choose trips for three, four or seven nights. Visions of vibrantly-colored soft corals covered by dense schools of fairy basslets are just one of the mesmerizing effects that this dream destination has on divers. Prime diving areas abound all through this country of over 300 islands from Kadavu in the south to Vanua Levu and Taveuni in the north. The resorts are saturated in South Pacific ambience with strong cultural undertones that make this destination as exotic as they come. Fed by the nutrient rich waters of the Tonga Trench, the Fiji islands have an amazing biodiversity of marine life from macro creatures to large pelagics. Fiji’s cultural presence is also strong throughout the country and exists in perfect harmony with its nature. Dive Primer Spirit of Freedom Water Temp............. 78-83° Visibility.................... 75-90’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time.......... year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Cod Hole • Osprey Reef • Pixie Pinnacle Topside Attractions • Daintree National Park • Kuranda Scenic Railway • Tjapukai Aboriginal Park • Undara Lava Lodge, Queensland 62 Savusavu Namale is a luxury resort situated on 525 acres for the exclusive use of its pampered guests in only 19 bures and villas. The resort proper sits on 121 acres while the remaining property consists of rambling hills, valleys and waterfalls. This awardwinning property includes many amenities such as an amazing spa and a PADI 5-Star dive operation. From the land to the sea, Namale offers the ultimate Fijian experience with a level of quality and impeccable service exceeding expectations. Bill Harrigan Queensland has implemented Australia’s first statewide sustainable tourism program which will integrate environmental practices into the visitor experience and reward best practice achievements. Additionally, strong measures to protect the region’s marine environment are outlined in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Tourism Operator Handbook, including responsible reef practices (such as pre-dive briefings to ensure no impact to the reef or wildlife) and marine park legal requirements (such as “no take” laws and restrictions regarding interactions with whales and dolphins). Live-aboard Sleek and spacious, this 125’ vessel features electronic stabilizers, comfortable lounge areas, sun decks and 11 ensuite cabins. Enjoy gourmet meals and outstanding service. Be enchanted by clouds of tropical fish and pristine coral gardens, while Coral Sea highlights include the 3000’ walls, shark dives and some of the world’s largest soft corals. Dive Primer Namale Resort & Spa Australia—Green Leaders WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN AUSTRALIA Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cairns Colonial Club Heron Island Resort Pacific International Lizard Island Resort Undara Mike Ball Dive Expeditions • Tony Robbin’s exclusive resort and getaway • Exclusive and private, only 19 bures/villas on over 500 acres • Onsite PADI 5-Star dive operation • Access to some of Fiji’s top dive sites • Surprising amenities including a luxurious spa Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa Live-aboard The spaciousness of the 100’ Spoilsport, along with its stability and diver conveniences, ensure that access to the best sites in this world-renowned dive area is both comfortable and rewarding. Dives are exclusively at sites offering the best biodiversity north of Cairns. Swim with some of the area’s largest species including diver-size cod, have a close encounter with a shark and dive plummeting walls. • Complimentary Reef Ecology Program • Soft drinks and wine included with dinner • Underwater photography and video services, Nitrox • Hot dive deck showers and warm towels • Huge dive deck with large camera table Island Exposure Nai’a Water Temp.................. 80° Visibility........................100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Vatu-i-Ra Channel • Somosomo Strait Favorite Dive Sites • Beqa Shark Dive • Namena Marine Park Topside Attractions • Kava ceremony • Bouma Waterfalls • White water rafting SH D FIJI RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV RO IV IN RE IN US • • • Garden Island Resort • • • Koro Sun Resort • Matangi Private Island Resort • Namale Resort & Spa • Paradise Taveuni Resort • Pearl South Pacific Resort • • Qamea Resort & Spa • • Wananavu Beach Resort • • • • N O .O F RA IV T Beqa Lagoon Resort • ST AU CL N G P L- RF N E • TS RO O M S 1 25 1 30 • • 2 28 • • 1 13 • • 1 19 • • 1 10 3 78 • 1 16 • 1 34 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN FIJI Savusavu This resort offers a truly native experience, dedicated to adventure, rejuvenation and romance. The 28 enchanting bures and five Edgewater Villas are private, exclusive and fully air-conditioned, offering allencompassing views of the ocean and reefs beyond. Gourmet meals are prepared by a meticulous staff. Koro Sun Dive is located onsite. Live-aboard From manta rays to mantis shrimp, dolphins to dartfish, voracious sharks to vibrant soft corals, explore Fiji’s ultimate dive sites. Join the luxury vessel Nai’a for world-class liveaboard diving adventures throughout the alluring Fiji Islands. Ten-night charters to Tonga for humpback whale season (August to September) also available. Beqa Pacific Harbour Lalati Resort Uprising Resort Kadavu Savusavu Matana Resort Tui Tai Adventure Cruises Matava Resort Vanua Levu Mamanucas Nukubati Island Resort Castaway Island Vatulele Treasure Island Resort Vatulele Resort Nadi Live-aboard Blue Lagoon Cruises Peter Hughes Island Dancer First Landing Resort Fiji Aggressor II Namena Moody’s Namena 63 Fiji Paradise Taveuni Resort Garden Island Resort Taveuni This remote and secluded boutique resort on a panoramic five-acre oceanfront property is nestled among lush tropical gardens with Rainforest Mountain as a backdrop. Personalized service is assured with only 10 Fijian bures—traditional bure on the outside, pure luxury on the inside. The unique deep water frontage allows guests to dive and swim from the lava flow edge into pristine warm tropical waters at any time of the day. Kayak, horseback ride, snorkel, dive, fish and more. • Onsite Pro Dive Taveuni visits 30+ dive sites, Nitrox available • Oceanfront property with 24-hour access to water sports • Traditional Fijian bures with modern interior • Full service activities with day spa • Genuine Fijian hospitality and cultural experiences • Oceanview rooms, open-air restaurant, sumptuous meals • Nightly entertainment and kava tasting • Cultural village tours, waterfall treks, kayaking and fishing • Open-air spa, internet cafe, tour desk and laundry facility • Nitrox and full range of PADI dive courses Wananavu Beach Resort Qamea Resort & Spa Matangi Private Island Resort Taveuni A boutique property set on 100 acres of gardens, jungle and a milelong white sand beach, this resort hosts no more than 34 adults in 17 luxuriously appointed air-conditioned bures, each with outdoor showers and several with pools. The nearby reef was voted in the top ten worldwide. Taveuni This truly unique resort is set on a 240-acre private island with gorgeous beaches, rainforest and some of the world’s best dive sites. It offers 11 individual bungalows, all handcrafted from local materials, plus three Tree House Bures overlooking the beach and ocean. Viti Levu From beginners to braggers there’s something for everyone at Wananavu Beach Resort. Onsite Dive Wananavu serves up the area’s best sites, from thousands of fish frenzies at Sailstone Reef to the inspiring soft corals and big fish of the Vatu Passage. Wananavu Beach Resort offers 34 deluxe bures in a beautiful island setting with mainland convenience. Be captivated by the elevated views, great food, warm and wonderful staff and top dive location. • The only shore-based operation to dive Bligh Waters • Easy ground transfers from Nadi • No extra flight, no long boat ride, no hauling gear • Afternoon inland tours to villages, waterfalls, cannibal tombs • Spa onsite for massage, wraps and facials Pearl South Pacific Resort Beqa Lagoon Resort Beqa Set in the heart of Fiji’s Adventure Capital and on the doorstep of the pristine reefs of Beqa Lagoon, this resort is the perfect island escape where luxurious accommodation, gourmet cuisine and as much—or as little—adventure and relaxation as you desire awaits you. Join AquaTrek Beqa for an incredible diving experience. Embrace Fiji’s rich culture with sacred firewalking, village tours and traditional kava ceremonies. Fiji and its gentle people will hold a special place in your heart forever. • Founder of the world-renowned Ultimate Shark Encounter • Stunning reefs, wreck diving, PADI courses, 5-star service • Beachfront resort, bar and restaurant, day spa, gym • Rafting, kayaking, zip-line tours, golf, fishing, surfing • Firewalking, kava ceremonies, nightly entertainment 64 Taveuni Discover paradise on the lush tropical island of Taveuni at this award-winning, oceanfront resort which provides a fun and relaxing haven on the doorstep of exciting eco-adventures and amazing diving. Plunge into pristine waters to explore the colorful and abundant Rainbow Reef with onsite PADI 5-Star Dive Center. Relax by the oceanfront pool, indulge in a soothing massage, or enjoy a traditional village visit, waterfall trek, kayak for remote island picnic or horseback riding. Beqa The amazing dive sites of Beqa Lagoon await those who visit this island resort. Round out dive days lounging poolside or try a Hot Seashell Massage. Deluxe Fijian-style bures are air-conditioned and some also include a private sundeck with plunge pool. Experience gourmet dining in the main open-air bure and authentic cultural entertainment, from the sacred ceremonies of the ancient firewalkers to the kava rituals. The warm and hospitable people of Beqa make every stay unforgettable. • Soft coral reef dives as well as Beqa’s famous shark dives • Firewalking, village tours and nightly entertainment • Full-service spa including signature Hot Seashell Massage • Kayaking, hiking, snokeling, fishing and surfing • Wedding ceremonies, private picnics, couples massage Galapagos Hawaii The diversity of life on these remote islands over 500 miles off the Pacific coast of Ecuador inspired naturalist Charles Darwin to develop his Theory of Evolution and has since inspired its visitors with its stunning volcanic landscapes and unique terrestrial wildlife. Fortunately for divers, the diversity of its marine life is just as exciting. Located at the crossroads of the Equatorial Countercurrent and the colder Humbolt Current, the waters surrounding the island are rich with nutrients that attract whales, sharks, dolphins, sea lions and numerous other big animals. No landing is permitted on the islands of Wolf and Darwin, but it is around these more remote islands that some of the most impressive encounters occur. Land tours are a big part of any Galapagos itinerary as well as visits to several visitor centers and research stations. Hiking, helicopter tours, surfing, horseback riding, cycling, volcano treks and 4x4 drive safaris are a few of the topside options available between dives throughout the Hawaiian islands. Head to the North Shore of Oahu for a serious dose of the surfing culture. The Big Island is dominated by volcanoes and diving is along Hawaii’s Kailua-Kona coast where sightings of mantas, dolphins and whale sharks occur. In addition to the world-class whale watching on Maui, the island of Lanai and the Molokini Crater offer exciting diving within easy reach. The most popular dives of Kauai are located right offshore, but in the summer months many divers venture to the Forbidden Island of Ni’ihau for some of Hawaii’s most pristine and dramatic diving. Dive Primer Water Temp............. 74-79° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit..........5mm to 7mm Best Time......... Nov to Apr Bill Harrigan Ethan Gordon Kona Village Resort Galapagos Aggressors I & II Dive Primer David Fleetham WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN HAWAII Big Island WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING LIVE-ABOARDS IN GALAPAGOS Topside Attractions • Mt. Kilawea volcano • Road to Hana • Na Pali Coast Royal Kona Resort HAWAII RESORT AMENITIES Royal Lahaina Resort Aston at Poipu Kai Kona Aggressor II Peter Hughes Sky Dancer E SH O RE P AL W AT E O IV Maui Live-aboard SH D D L- RF IV IN G RO RE IN CL US IV N T • Aston at the Maui Banyan N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU E 0 315 0 256 Aston Kona by the Sea • 0 86 Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort • 3 309 Humbolt Explorer Aston Maui Aston Poipu Kai Aston Kona Outrigger Keauhou Live-aboard Featuring eight air-conditioned rooms, all with private bath, TV and an ocean view, this brand new vessel boasts a partially-covered sundeck, hot tub with ample seating, salon with lounge and entertainment area and a large dive deck. The highvoltage diving of the Galapagos is a dream for many—the conditions are challenging but so worth it! Maui This modern condo resort features spacious suites especially popular with groups. With access to swimming pools, outdoor BBQs and tennis courts, and close to golf and the beach, guests can truly experience the island according to their tastes. Diving with Maui Dive Shop. Kauai This property sits on 70 acres of landscaped gardens in a prime location. A community of condominiums, townhouses and private homes connected by manicured walking paths, each cluster of living areas has its own recreational facilities. Diving with Seasport Divers. Big Island Furnished island-style, this intimate condo resort provides the ideal home-away-from-home. Set on a magnificent shoreline, guests venture down the road to enjoy the quiet charm of Kailua-Kona, with one-of-akind shopping and dining. Diving with Jack’s Diving Locker. Big Island Bottom Time Hawaii is located onsite offering the famous Manta Ray Night Dive, where divers descend to 30’ and watch these huge, graceful creatures swoop and swirl, performing a mesmerizing water ballet as they dine on tiny plankton that has been illuminated by divers’ lights. Water Temp............. 70-80° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit..........5mm to 6mm Best Time..........Dec to Apr Favorite Dive Sites • Wolf Island • Darwin’s Arch • Cousin’s Rock • Gardner’s Seamount Topside Attractions • Galapagos Interpretation Center • Charles Darwin Research Station • Snorkel with penguins 66 67 Micronesia About the Shot Divers love to see sharks in the wild and Micronesia is a great place for these sought-after encounters. Yap’s Vertigo Reef and Palau’s Blue Corner are famous for congregations of gray reef sharks patrolling in the navy blue of the abyss. Here, a gray reef comes up close and personal at Vertigo Wall on western Yap to get a curious look at a diver before cruising back out into the water column. The islands that comprise the region of Micronesia are scattered over 3,000,000 square miles of the western Pacific Ocean. Rich in culture that dates back thousands of years, much of its heritage can be found on any given island. Whether you swim, snorkel, dive, kayak, sail or fish, the oceans of Micronesia touch everything. The legendary Palau was named one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World by CEDAM, an organization of divers, marine scientists and conservationists. The country consists of 328 islands, many of which are small uninhabited mushroomshaped islets called Rock Islands in an expansive lagoon. Divers not only revel in the bottom time, but also in the fantastic maze of islands that make the transit to dive sites as captivating as the underwater scenery. Jellyfish Lake is also not to be missed—a mesmerizing snorkel and otherworldly experience. Tim Rock When it comes to wreck diving, Truk Lagoon rules. On February 17, 1944, during World War II, the U.S. Navy launched a surprise attack now known as Operation Hailstone on the Japanese fleet at anchor in Truk Lagoon, sinking almost 50 ships. Now, after more than 65 years, they are havens for all sorts of marine life, covered with brilliantly colored soft corals, sponges, sea fans and whip corals. The wrecks are only minutes away in calm, warm water, making access extremely easy. Known as the island of manta rays, Yap is one of the few places in the world where divers can encounter mantas at close range on an almost daily basis. Manta Ridge is a cleaning station where dozens of these giant fish come to have parasites removed from the undersides of their bodies by small wrasses. This natural coral ridge rises to a depth of 33’, where mantas gather—often six or seven at a time—each awaiting its turn to be cleaned. Tim Rock SH D E MICRONESIA RESORT AMENITIES SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T E • Palau Pacific Resort • • Traders' Ridge Resort • Truk Blue Lagoon Resort • 2 27 1 35 • 2 160 • 0 7 0 22 1 54 68 Guam Palau Saipan Carp Island Resort Fiesta Saipan Royal Orchid Resort Landmark Marina Resort Global Ocean Divers Kosrae Palau Royal Resort Truk Kosrae Nautilus Rose Garden Resort Truk Stop Palau Located on a quiet hillside overlooking the Koror lagoon, the comfortable Cliffside Hotel is only a 10-minute drive away from the center of town. Each of the large rooms is air-conditioned and features an ocean view. There is a gift shop and two bars and restaurants on the property with spectacular ocean views and a large swimming pool with a hot tub and sunning deck. The restaurants have fresh local fish and serve international cuisine. Topside Attractions • Jellyfish Lake, Palau • Hike the Stone Paths • Explore historic WWII sites The Carolines Resort WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN MICRONESIA Fiesta Guam Big Blue Explorer • Large, quiet, oceanview rooms • Free airport shuttle • Inernational cuisine and fresh fish • Inside and outdoor bars and restaurants • Pool with sunning deck and hot tub • The Carolines Resort Cliffside Hotel Favorite Dive Sites • Blue Corner, Palau • Mi’il Channel, Yap • Shinkoku Maru, Truk N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S Cliffside Hotel Manta Ray Bay Resort Water Temp............. 78-84° Visibility................ 80-100’+ Wetsuit.......1.5mm to 3mm Best Time.......... year-round ST AU US N G P L- RF Dive Primer Kosrae Village Sam’s Tours Yap Marshall Islands Pohnpei O’Keefes Waterfront Inn Marshall Islands Hotel The Village Hotel Live-aboard Rota Palau Aggressor II Rota Coral Gardens Thorfinn Palau Air-conditioned bungalows— handcrafted from mahogany, mangrove and bamboo—are situated on a hilltop and feature ceiling fan, phone, cable TV, mini-bar, private bath and balcony with ocean view with access to the only private beach on the island. Palau Experience big fish action in exhilarating current dives Blue Corner and Ulong Channel, drift along sheer walls with dramatic swimthroughs at Siaes Tunnel, explore beautiful Chandelier Cave, visit World War II sites such as Peleliu, and dive a number of historic wrecks. Experience the wonder of Palau from the 155’ Big Blue Explorer live-aboard during her seven-day charters. • 155’ live-aboard dive vessel • Seven-night charters throughout Palau • Salon and lounge including an entertainment center • Visiting four to five dive sites per day • Unlimited non-decompression diving Neco Marine Palau Pacific Resort Palau In operation since 1985, NECO Marine is a PADI 5-Star Gold Palm National Geographic Dive Center. The state-of-the-art facility offers a wide variety of services, including topside excursions from kayaking through the Rock Islands to cultural land tours. Dive famous sites such as Blue Corner and Peleliu, do a nautilus dive and visit amazing Jellyfish Lake. PADI dive courses and specialties are also available. Relax by our pool after diving and hang out at the Drop-off Bar & Grill for great food and drinks. • Celebrating 25 years with an excellent safety record • Palauan-owned and operated, experienced staff • Personalized service, lunch and drinks included, free Nitrox • Award winning facility, training pool, bar and grill, retail • Adventure tours, boat charters and sport fishing Palau This luxury resort features 160 deluxe rooms set on a private 1,000’ stretch of pristine white sand beach. Amenities include two restaurants, a beachside bar, pool and hot tub, shops, activity center, tennis courts and spa. Lush landscaping provides a tropical setting for relaxation. Enjoy alfresco dining oceanside or try the Pacific Rim specialties in the resort’s fine dining restaurant. Dives depart daily from the private pier and excellent snorkeling can be found right off the resort’s beach. • Located on one of Koror’s most pristine beaches • Perfect for divers looking for ultimate accommodations • Elilai Spa by Mandara offers a variety of treatments • Photo Palau located onsite, offers camera rentals • Dives depart daily from the resort’s pier 69 Micronesia Fish ‘N Fins Ocean Hunter III Palau Established in 1972, Palau’s pioneer dive shop boasts uncrowded, shaded boats with some of Palau’s most knowledgeable dive guides. Discover pristine reefs, World War II wrecks, underwater caves, kayaking, sport fishing and trips to Jellyfish Lake. Popular annual events include Shark Week and Wrexpedition for afficionados of shark diving and historic wreck enthusiasts respectively. Live-aboards This latest and most luxurious addition to the Ocean Hunter Fleet, with three standard and three deluxe cabins and two master staterooms, comfortably accommodates up to 16 guests. As with all vessels in the fleet, she was designed by divers, for divers. There is a large dining room and a comfortable salon with sofas and an entertainment system. Ocean Hunter III offers the very latest of high quality liveaboard experiences. Gourmet cuisine is also a trademark of these premium live-aboards. • Lunch and drinks included on all tours • PADI/NAUI/TDI trained staff • Fully-equipped, customer service-orientated operation • Bar, restaurant and internet café • Complete technical diving services, Aqualung rental gear • Full technical diving services available including Nitrox • Local captains and divemasters • Entertainment center and internet access • Gourmet cuisine with attention to special dietary requests • Special itineraries to the South West Islands are available Truk Blue Lagoon Resort Truk Odyssey Truk This verdant, 14-acre oasis with breathtaking views of Truk Lagoon features 54 rooms that are comfortably furnished with a TV, phone and private balcony. The restaurant offers a wonderful view of the resort grounds and lagoon. The Blue Lagoon Dive Shop is a full-service dive facility located on the hotel property. A fleet of fast dive boats offer easy access with knowledgeable dive guides and personalized service. • Spacious and secluded resort • 54 rooms and suites • Located at the water’s edge • Full-service dive shop is located on the hotel property • Easy access to the best wreck diving in the world • Seven nights with six days of unlimited diving • Includes all meals and beverages, including beer and wine • Nitrox (30%) is free onboard the Odyssey • Separate dining and entertainment lounges • Staterooms have private bathroom, air-conditioning, DVD Traders’ Ridge Resort Manta Ray Bay Resort Yap This property offers the amenities of a high-end boutique resort while preserving the rich cultural traditions found in Yap. The onsite dive operation, Traders’ Ridge Dive Center, offers a full range of dive excursions and valet dive service, including towels and refreshments served on board and a maximum of 10 divers per boat. Après-diving, relax at the poolside bar, dine in the gourmet restaurant, or enjoy a traditional Yapese massage. Authentic arts and crafts are also produced onsite. • Dive services include “valet” style diving • Airy dry storage allows gear to fully dry before departure • Fully-equipped operation including free Nitrox • Non-restictive dive profiles • Fast dive boats provide short trips to the best sites 70 Truk The 132’ Odyssey has nine ensuite staterooms, many with a king size bed. Designed for up to 16 divers, she is fully air-conditioned and has separate dining and entertainment lounges. The sundeck has both covered and open areas. Diving is directly from the Odyssey rather than from tenders. The dive deck includes a large, dry, multi-tiered camera table, personal gear locker for each diver, large separate rinse tanks for photo gear and dive gear, freshwater shower and deck towels. Yap With 35 luxury hotel rooms, a fullservice dive shop, fleet of eight custom boats, digital photo center, complete spa facility, micro brewery and a luxury infinity swimming pool right on the property, Manta Ray Bay Resort is an easy choice for a great vacation. Experience reefs, walls, manta rays, sharks, Mandarin fish, drift dives, Nitrox and more—all with the expertise of Yap Divers. • Yap’s pioneer dive facility, with 24 years of great service • A full-service PADI 5-Star dive facility and Gold Palm Resort • Manta Visions Photo & Video Center • Taro Leaf Spa offers a variety of spa treatments • S/V Mnuw floating restaurant and micro brewery Tahiti The drop-dead gorgeous Society Islands and the remote archipelago of the Tuamotus offer everything from shallow lagoon dives with rays to the adrenalinepumping pass dives with walls of grey sharks. Tahiti’s fields of hard corals are also home to a wide variety of tropical Pacific fish and reef dwellers from clams with vibrantly-colored mantles to the curious Napoleon wrasse. Manta rays, hammerhead sharks and dolphins also frequent these waters which are renowned for their big animal encounters. Many areas of Tahiti are still relatively undeveloped, undiscovered and offer adventurous travelers exciting excursions on land and by sea. Hiking, surfing, 4x4 drive safaris, historical sights, Polynesian cultural shows, dolphin and stingray encounters and trips to black pearl farms are all must-do excursions. When the diving day is done, the resorts in Tahiti arguably offer the most luxurious and stunning facilities in which to kick back and pamper both the body and soul. For divers, it is truly the best of both worlds. TAHITI RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort L- RF IV IN G P AL W AT E O IV RO • Hotel Kaveka RE IN CL US IV N T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU E Dive Primer • 2 80 • 1 22 Hotel Kia Ora • • 1 63 Hotel White Sand Beach Resort Fakarava • • 1 30 InterContinental Bora Bora Resort • • 2 83 InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora • • 2 66 InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa • • 2 144 • 2 74 Maitai Polynesia Resort Moorea Pearl Beach Resort • • 2 95 Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort • • 1 80 • 1 38 Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort Hotel Kaveka Bora Bora Taha’a Bora Bora Lagoon Resort Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa Tahiti Le Meridien Bora Bora Hilton Hotel Tahiti St. Regis Bora Bora Resort InterContinental Resort Tahiti Huahine Radisson Plaza Resort Te Tiare Beach Resort Tikehau Moorea Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Hotel 72 Moorea InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa is nestled between mountains and a lagoon on a stunning French Polynesian island. Right on the resort grounds is Moorea’s widest range of activities, which includes the Moorea Dolphin Center, Bathys Diving Club, tennis, kayaking, canoeing, skiing and Jeep tours. The Arahurahu Marae temple is also worth a visit. Moorea One of Moorea’s smaller luxury hotels, this Polynesian-style hotel sits on eight acres of white sand beach facing the lagoon and outer reef and offers a variety of accommodations including overwater bungalows. Diving is offered by TOPdive Moorea, which provides transfers to its facility nearby. Moorea This family-owned and operated hotel offers a variety of bungalows in various locations and configurations, most with air-conditioning and located on beautiful Cook’s Bay. The over-water restaurant and bar is one of the island’s favorites. Diving is offered by TOPdive Moorea which provides transfers to its facility nearby. • Bathy’s Diving Center, a PADI 5-Star facility, located onsite • Free Nitrox available for Nitrox-certified divers • Conveniently located near Moorea’s best dive sites • Helene Spa offers a wide variety of luxurious spa treatment • Experience great encounters at the Moorea Dolphin Center Hotel Kia Ora The Six Passengers Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort Water Temp............. 80-82° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites Topside Attractions • Roulottes in Papeete • Bloody Mary’s, Bora Bora • Havaiki Pearl Farm, Fakarava • Gaugin Pearls, Rangiroa • Garuae Pass, Fakarava • Tiputa Pass, Rangiroa • Muri Muri, Bora Bora Rangiroa Offering 63 Polynesian bungalows nestled in tropical vegetation among coconut groves on a white sand beach, the famed Tiputa Pass of Rangiroa is practically a stone’s throw away. For a Robinson Crusoe experience, the Kia Ora Sauvage private motu is also available. Diving is available from nearby PADI 5-star TOPdive Rangiroa. Rangiroa This diving center, a Polynesianstyle bungalow is situated just a little way from the Kia Ora Hotel, on the beach of Ohutu bay, one of the most beautiful bay of Rangiroa. They specialize in pelagic, shark (eight to nine different species) and dolphin encounters. Private diving on demand. Blue Nui Dive Centers Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort Tahiti—Green Leaders WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN TAHITI InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa Rangiroa This resort is situated amid coconut palms and features 38 Polynesianstyle rooms and bungalows set among exotic gardens with some overlooking the beautiful lagoon. Rooms are well-equipped and facilities include a restaurant, bar with local entertainment and a variety of water activities. Dive services are offered by The Six Passengers with free pick-up and transfer to the nearby dive center. Ty Sawyer SH D Moorea Pearl Beach Resort Local non-profit conservation group Te Mana o te Moana—Spirit of the Ocean—has made significant contributions to Tahiti’s sustainable tourism through research, conservation efforts and education. The Sea Turtle Clinic was established in 2004 and over 16,000 children have participated in Te Mana o te Moana educational awareness programs since 2005. The Sustainable Reefs Program, an initiative of Jean Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, has been implemented as well as coral monitoring programs in conjunction with the International Reef Check Program. Bora Bora, Manihi, Taha’a, Tikehau Located onsite at each of the renowned Pearl Resorts in the above locations, Blue Nui Dive Centers will surpass your expectations in both quality and service as they share their passion for the beauty of the underwater world of French Polynesia. Bora Bora A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World located on its own private “motu” covered with palms, this resort offers an unsurpassed view of the famous Otemanu. Accommodations are in spacious garden and beach suites with private plunge pools as well as overwater bungalows. • Polynesian style air-conditioned accommodations • Restaurant and bar overlooking lagoon, live entertainment • Dive services with complimentary pick up/drop off • World-renowned Tiputa Pass dive site is nearby • Satellite/cable TV, phone, hair dryers, safe deposit boxes Maitai Polynesia Resort Bora Bora Located at the south tip of the main island, this resort is nestled against a hillside overlooking the lagoon in lush tropical gardens. Ideally located near Matira Point, the hotel offers a range of services and a variety of accommodations from overwater bungalows to air-conditioned rooms—some with a fantastic view over the lagoon and the ocean—for all budgets. The use of natural materials creates a warm and charming atmosphere. • Air-conditioned oceanview rooms • Affordable overwater bungalows with air conditioning • Mini-bars, in-room safes, hair dryers, TV • Two restaurants, one bar, breakfast included in low season • Activities/excursions desk, rentals 73 Tahiti Hotel White Sand Beach Resort Fakarava TOPdive Dive Centers Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Fakarava Full-service PADI 5-Star Dive Centers throughout Tahiti with all locations strategically located to provide easy access to the best dive sites. Boats are designed and built with both comfort and safety in mind and to suit each locations specific needs. High quality equipment is included. Nitrox is available for those who are Nitrox certified in Bora Bora, Moorea and Rangiroa. Now also operating from Pension Raimiti near Fakarava’s south pass, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fakarava Fakarava’s only resort offers an exclusive Tuamotu experience focusing on peace, quiet and comfort. Accommodations are in beautiful and well-equipped spacious bungalows offering luxury and privacy. Excellent service is offered by a welcoming Polynesian staff. The restaurant serves delicious fresh cuisine—a delicate blend of creative French recipes with innovative tropical flavors and ingredients. • Pristine marine environment • Onsite TOPdive Fakarava, direct beach and lagoon access • Cozy bar and excellent dining • Bicycles or scooters available to visit the lovely village • Spacious bungalows with indoor-outdoor bathroom • Operations in Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, Rangiroa, Fakarava • Nitrox offered in Moorea, Bora Bora and Rangiroa • Strategically located to be close to Tahiti’s best dive sites • Fast boats designed for both safety and comfort • 10-dive package can be shared between all TOPdive InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa Bora Bora Beachfront privacy on dazzling Matira Point, this resort occupies what most people say is the most beautiful site in French Polynesia. Two white sand beaches, a wide array of water sports, intriguing cultural activities and unique bungalows stationed over the water are the ingredients for the ultimate island escape. Diving Bora Bora’s famous sites can be arranged with Bathy’s Diving, a PADI 5-Star Dive Center. • Located on beautiful Matira Point • Bathy’s Diving, a PADI 5-Star Dive Center • Free shuttle to the InterContinental Bora Bora • Restaurant, bar and pool for tropical dining and relaxation • A wide variety of water sports and land excursions available • All rooms are beautifully designed overwater bungalows • PADI 5-Star Bathy’s Diving is located onsite • Private pier for convenient dive departures • Deep Ocean Spa, a stunning state-of-the-art facility • Two restaurants overlooking the lagoon and beachside Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort Bathy’s Diving Centers Bora Bora Located on the mainland, this resort has 80 stylish and well-equipped guest rooms set on the mountainside overlooking tropical gardens. The restaurant, bar and freshwater pool are situated on the beach below. Weekly entertainment and free water sports are available. Nemo World Dive Center is adjacent to the resort on the beach featuring a fleet of three dive boats including a spacious 40’ catamaran. • Nemo World Dive Center adjacent to resort on the beach • Restaurant, bar and pool overlooking azure lagoon • Air-conditioned rooms with Polynesian accents, amenities • Rooms equipped with satellite TV, phone, hair dryer, more • Watersports, massage services and other services available 74 Bora Bora An eco-friendly jewel worthy of five stars, this resort is located between the “two hearts” of Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef. Diving Bora Bora’s famous sites can be arranged with Bathy’s Diving, a PADI 5-Star Dive Center. Indulge in luxurious and unique spa treatments using deep sea water at the remarkable Deep Ocean Spa— perfect for “après dive” relaxation and pampering. Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora Tahiti’s pioneer dive center has been a PADI 5-Star Dive Center since 1993. All operations are conveniently located onsite at the InterContinental Resorts near the passes. Fast, spacious and comfortable boats take divers to the islands’ best dive sites from private piers. The dive centers are equipped with warm, comfortable lounge areas and classrooms with plasma screen for viewing dives and lessons. • Boats designed especially for diving • Free Nitrox available for Nitrox-certified divers • Retail shop, relaxing lounge area and changing rooms • A full menu of PADI certifications and specialties • All equipment thoroughly cleaned and disinfected daily Tonga The deep Tongan Trench lies east of this island nation where the big draw is whale encounters. Each year between July and November, humpback whales migrate to these warm tropical waters from the cold feeding waters south of New Zealand and Australia to mate and give birth. Their behavior is captivating as they breach, spy hop (peek their heads above the surface for a quick look-see) and slap their tails and fins. The sight of a mother humpback with her young calf is one that won’t soon be forgotten. Protective measures have been put in place to ensure that the whales’ natural behavior is not disturbed. Introducing the world’s first web site that allows you to book not only your airline tickets and accommodations, but—for the first time ever—your custom dive packages, too. The diving in Vava’u is equally exciting with dramatic underwater landscapes including caverns, caves and tunnels as well as reefs, wrecks and walls covered in soft corals and sea fans. During the humpback whale season, the waters surrounding Vava’u resonate with whale song and provide an awesome addition to any dive. While sightings of humpbacks don’t normally occur near the reefs, you never know when a rare encounter might occur. TONGA RESORT AMENITIES Tongan Beach Resort Dive Vava’u Vava’u A PADI 5-Star Resort Dive Center offering great year-round diving on healthy coral reefs, stunning caverns, and swim throughs. July to November, wonder at the magnificent humpback whale. Full-service photo and video center. Courses from Discover Scuba to Instructor. 76 E SH O RE P AL W AT E O IV D L- RF IV IN G RO RE IN CL IV T © TIM ROCK www.caradonna.com N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N 7 Days a Week, 24 Hours a Day Tim Rock SH D Dreaming of diving? E • 1 12 Dive Primer Tongan Beach Resort Vava’u This boutique island resort is nestled on the beachfront of the island of Utungake, renown for being a place where you can do it all—or nothing at all. It offers the diver the best of both worlds: the isolation of an island with the convenience of being linked to the mainland by a causeway. The 12 rooms all have inspiring views of the golden sand beach and crystal clear waters of The Port of Refuge Harbor. The rooms are only a few feet from the water’s edge and each is equipped with air-conditioning. • Experience Captain Cook’s “Friendly Isles” • Restaurant and bar serving fresh local produce • Remote island hopping with snorkeling • Also offering surfing, kayaking and big game fishing • Weekly cultural show Water Temp.................. 80° Visibility................ 60-100’+ Wetsuit....................... 3mm Best Time.......... year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Clan McWilliam • Kimmie’s Reef • Split Rock • Mariners Cave Topside Attractions • Whale watching Jul-Nov • Hike Mt. Talau National Park • Mountain biking and sailing Make it a reality right now. WORLDWIDE DIVE TRAVEL 77 Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor E X O T I C Copy Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Copy Copy Copy Small Hope Bay Lodge Vendor Locator Copy Copy Copy 78 Island Exposure • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet Copy Copy Exotic, exciting, exceptional—all of the world-renowned dive destinations in this section can be described in these terms. From Southeast Asia to Africa and the far reaches of the Indian Ocean, these locations offer some of the most sought-after dive experiences on Earth. While many divers have put off traveling to destinations such as these because they tend to be further away and considered more difficult or costly to reach, today this is oftenVendor not the case. Direct service now exists to many of these Vendor destinations at very affordable rates, so there is no need to keep these on a wish list when in fact, they can become a reality. Diversity is a key feature of the destinations in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. All of these are located within an area known as the Coral Triangle in which 75% of all known species exist—including over 600 kinds Copy Copy of corals and over 3,000 kinds of reef fish. Divers who visit these areas play a crucial role in promoting their conservation through alternative and sustainable use of these resources on which the local populations depend for their livelihood. Copy Vendor Copy Other destinations such as the Red Sea and the remote archipelago of the Maldives offer their own distinct allure with combinations of world class diving, unique landscapes and Vendor Vendor fascinating cultures. Although both of these destinations have become a mainstay of the European diver, Americans are still in the early stages of discovering them. Both offer some of the planet’s best diving and are anxious to introduce North American divers to their rich marine environments. Copy Copy 79 Indonesia With 17,000 islands within its borders and the world’s richest marine biodiversity, Indonesia is one of the dream destinations of the diving world. One way to explore this area is by live-aboard with itineraries covering Bali, Komodo, the Banda Sea and Raja Ampat. Alternatively, some of the premiere dive resorts of the world exist in the Sulawesi area of Indonesia. Rich in culture, history and nature, the Indonesia experience is as diverse as its marine environments. Fringing reefs, sea mounts, walls, canyons, sea grass beds, white- and black-sand beaches and extraordinary critters in muck. Popular dives include thrilling current-swept channels to protected lees, harboring thousands of fish. Komodo National Park, home to the famous Komodo dragon, was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. Sulawesi, north of Bali, is also an area renowned for its diving. From Wakatobi in the south to the Lembeh Strait in the north, Sulawesi has earned a reputation for its epic diving while Raja Ampat is on the cutting edge of pristine dive regions being explored. Island Exposure Island Exposure Dive Primer Water Temp............. 80-82° Visibility.................. 80-100’ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time.......... year-round About the Shot A green nembrotha nudibranch feeds on a stalk of blue colonial ascidians off the Beangabang reef in Southern Alor, Indonesia. Favorite Dive Sites • Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi • Raja Ampat, Papua • Komodo Marine Park • Wakatobi House Reef • Bunaken Marine Park Topside Attractions • Komodo National Park • Tangkoko Nature Preserve • Ubud, Bali’s Spiritual Center 80 Conservation and Community Empowerment Indonesia covers only 1.3% of the earth’s surface, yet harbors 10% of all flowering plants, 12% of the world’s mammals, 16% of the world’s reptiles and amphibians, 17% of all birds and more than a quarter of known marine and freshwater fish species. The many islands of the archipelago support a wide range and variety of habitats, from lowland rainforests, mangroves, savannah grassland, swamp forests and limestone hills to mountain forest, alpine meadows and snowcapped mountains near the equator. However, the threat to biodiversity is high with some apparent threats such as illegal logging, hunting and other forms of destructive utilization of natural resources. Hence, a sustainable form of nature utilization, for instance ecotourism, is one of the alternative options in making the most of nature potential and at the same time conserving it. Indecon, a non-profit organization established in 1995, has a mission to develop and promote ecotourism in Indonesia based on scientific studies, culture sensitivity and business estimation in order to conserve biodiversity and culture as tourism assets. 81 Indonesia Indonesia Wakatobi Dive Resort Kima Bajo Resort & Spa S/Y Siren Sulawesi Reached via private charter from Bali, this resort provides divers with access to some of the world’s most pristine reefs. Indulge in a massage, relax on the beach and savor fantastic, fresh meals. Air-conditioned bungalows are either set in tropical gardens or beachside. Suites with a private chef/butler are also available. Wakatobi was created as an environmentally sustainable resort in collaboration with locals. • Exclusive resort in a vast area of pristine dive sites • Comfortable dive boats, highly skilled dive guides • Gourmet food and a superb wine selection • Three boat dives a day plus unlimited shore diving • Nitrox as well as some rebreather provisions also available Sulawesi Located just a short distance from the world renowned dive sites of the Bunaken National Marine Park, this resort features a bar, restaurant, spa, private beach and land excursions. Luxurious accommodations include villas with sunken outdoor tubs and showers, spacious longhouse suites and an exclusive two-villa suite with its own private swimming pool. Onsite diving with Eco Divers. • Close to Bunaken National Marine Park • Eco Divers, PADI 5-Star Gold Palm IDC Resort • Mayana Spa, full-service with a wide array of treatments • Oceanfront pool with spectacular view of Manado Tua • Land excursions include treks in Tangkoko Nature Reserve Kungkungan Bay Resort SH D Sulawesi The Lembeh Strait is renowned as being the planet’s epicenter of marine biodiversity—home to rare species such as the pygmy seahorse and mimic octopus. Kungkungan Bay Resort is located within 15 minutes from over 30 dive sites. This intimate and exclusive resort is staffed by a friendly, professional team catering to every need. The restaurant provides a wide variety of local cuisine in hearty portions. INDONESIA RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO RE IN CL IV Kima Bajo Resort & Spa • Kungkungan Bay Resort • • Lembeh Resort • Minahasa Lagoon Resort • Siladen Island Resort • Wakatobi Dive Resort • T N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- RF E • • 1 32 • • 1 17 • • 1 14 • • 2 15 • • 1 16 • • 1 26 • Live-aboard Handcrafted from ironwood and teak, the Siren carries a maximum of 16 passengers. Built for the modern diver and underwater photographer with an expansive leisure deck, outdoor dining area, a spacious air-conditioned saloon with cocktail bar, 42” flat screen TV and intercabin network. The eight large airconditioned cabins each have their own personal computer and ensuite bathroom with hot water. Delicious cuisine, laundry and massage service, plus a yacht boutique. Live-aboard Sulawesi Peter Hughes Paradise Dancer Tasik Ria Resort Lembeh Resort and Minahasa Lagoon Resort Siladen Island Resort Sulawesi Two beautiful resorts combine to offer luxury, comfort and amazing North Sulawesi diving—an underwater photographer’s dream. Lembeh Resort’s tropical setting offers a boutique resort experience amid more than 40 incredible dive sites. Minahasa Lagoon’s oceanview cottages sit between virgin rainforest and Bunaken Park’s pristine waters. Enjoy international cuisine and cultural adventure tours. Laze at the beachfront infinity pool or be pampered at the Lagoon Spa. • Small guest-to-guide ratio at both resorts • Nitrox available, spacious camera centers • Knowledgeable guides, flexible schedules and site selection • Massage, pool, internet, cultural and land excursions • Fully air-conditioned cottages with open-air bathrooms 82 Peter Hughes Komodo Dancer Sulawesi Exclusively located in the heart of the Bunaken National Marine Park on a lush tropical island, this boutique resort offers guests an unforgettable experience. Placing high emphasis on the protection of the marine environment, it features 16 elegantly furnished villas, full-service PADI dive center, gourmet restaurant, day spa, gift shop, lounge bar, large salt water pool and a long stretch of white coral beach. • Refreshments and fresh fruits on all dive trips • Daily gear set up, washing, drying • Equipment available for rent • Night diving at no extra charge • Over 40 dives sites within easy reach of the resort Live-aboard This renowned luxury yacht offers unsurpassed service, comforts and amenities while cruising to some of the world’s most pristine reefs and muck diving sites. Featuring delicious cuisine, eco-participation and private air charter access. Amenities include camera facilities, comfortable lounge areas and spacious cabins. Exceptional service is provided by highly experienced Western cruise directors, dive guides and a friendly Indonesian crew. Explore the greater Wakatobi region’s outer reefs. • Itineraries in Indonesia (May-Oct) and Thailand (Nov-Apr) • Free enriched-air Nitrox for EANx certified divers • Up to four dives per day • Designed with the underwater photographer in mind • Each cabin has a personal computer with 20” flat screen • Exclusive, spacious and comfortable for only 10 divers • Up to three highly skilled instructor guides on each cruise • Four 70-minute dives daily, Nitrox • World’s highest marine biodiversity • Active contributor to Wakatobi’s conservation programs Kararu Dive Voyages Pindito Live-aboard Kararu’s new vessel, the 160’ Cheng Ho, has been customized for long range expeditions in total comfort. The spacious vessel features three decks, individually air-conditioned cabins, staterooms and dining salon, plus top quality diving and underwater photography equipment. The lounge includes a wide selection of books, music, videos and a computer, plus a cinema room with a built-in wine cellar. Itineraries include Komodo Marine Park, Irian Jaya and Raja Ampat, Alor and more. WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN INDONESIA • A PADI 5-Star Gold Palm IDC Resort • Swim-up pool bar • All rooms ocean-facing and internet access is available • Nitrox, camera storage and catering to divers of all levels • Overwater restaurant serving Western/Indonesian cuisine Pelagian Live-aboard Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the underwater world of Indonesia with the original live-aboard of Raja Ampat offering a unique combination of Indonesian ambience and comfort. Seasonal itineraries also include Komodo as well as exploratory trips. Dive virgin sites of unparalleled excellence with the breathtaking beauty of the remote regions during the best times of the season. • Nitrox available • 13 guest cabins for a maximum of 20 divers • Cinema room with DVD/CD library and wine cellar • Massage and spa services available on-board • Satellite phone, email access, laundry and gear service • The original live-aboard to cruise the Raja Ampat region • 137’ Pinisi-style Indonesian sailing vessel • Meticulously maintained and operated • Spacious air-conditioned cabins for up to 16 guests • Passengers board as guests and leave as friends Seven Seas Archipelago Adventurer II Live-aboard Comfortably accommodating 16 guests, Seven Seas was designed as a comfortable live-aboard while maintaining the original shape of traditional Buginese schooner. Offering a safe platform for exploration, itineraries include Komodo, Raja Ampat as well as more remote areas of Eastern Indonesia. The crew is extremely experienced and will adjust to your particular comfort zone. • Hidden bays, pristine reefs and secret critter spots • Four double and four twin air-conditioned rooms • Western operated with very experienced crew • Spacious dive deck, large sundeck, spa services • Family expeditions, scientific and photo/film Live-aboard Venture to the largely unexplored region of the Banda Sea—and now new itineraries to the stunning Raja Ampat islands—aboard one of the area’s most luxurious live-aboards. Voyages to Banda and Misool offer some of the most pristine diving in the world, as well as historical sites from the early days of exploration. In 1667, the island of Run in Banda was deemed significant enough for the Dutch to trade the island of New Amsterdam (now Manhattan) from the English for its wealth of nutmeg. • Expansive outdoor deck and social areas • Extensive gourmet Western and Asian menu • Hotel-standard ensuite cabins • Custom-designed aluminum dive tenders • Nitrox available 83 Malaysia Maldives Looking for some of the best diving on the planet? Look no further than Sipadan. Vast numbers of green and hawksbill turtles breed on the surrounding beaches. Huge resident schools of barracuda and trevally patrol the drop-off. The muck diving is top-notch. And no trip to Malaysia is complete without a visit to mainland Sabah to experience its jungles and rainforests—filled with wildlife including endemic and endangered species of apes, elephants and even rhinoceros. Over 1,100 tiny islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives offer some of the most scenic seascapes on Earth. Much of the diving here is current diving—big animal encounters such as sharks and manta rays. Cruising the atolls is the best way to see the archipelago’s prime dive sites. The leeward side of the pinnacles, walls and channels shelter large schools of fish in water with visibility that sometimes exceeds 200’. MALAYSIA RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV IV IN RO N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S RE IN CL ST AU US IV N G P L- RF T E Borneo Divers Mabul Resort • • • • 1 30 Favorite Dive Sites Sipadan Water Village • • • • 1 45 Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort • • • 1 41 • Lions Head • Cocoa Thila • Maaya Thila • Kuda Rha Thila Live-aboard This 115’ luxury cruiser traverses the crystalline waters of the Maldives, accommodating 18 guests in eight cabins and one king suite. The living quarters have a stocked wet bar, running movies/music collections, and on board Wi-Fi. The spacious sundeck is perfect for watching the sun go down, with drink in hand, thanks to the outdoor bar service. WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN MALAYSIA Kota Kinabalu Mataking Island Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort The Reef Dive Resort Lankayan Island Sandakan Lankayan Island Dive Resort Sepilok Nature Resort Layang Layang Island Live-aboard Layang Layang Island Resort Celebes Explorer Borneo Divers Mabul Resort Sipadan Water Village Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort Dive Primer Water Temp............. 78-82° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites Sabah Marvel at the underwater treasures of Sipadan and Mabul. This dive resort offers 30 fully air-conditioned chalets with new upgraded deluxe rooms, swimming pool, free broadband access and a relaxing beachside massage overlooking the Celebes Sea to pamper divers. 84 Water Temp.................. 84° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Island Exposure SH D Dive Primer Sabah Built entirely over the water and surrounded by coral, white sand and spectacular marine beauty, each room is an individual bungalow with a private balcony. Divers have easy access to world-class shore diving on Mabul, in addition to three boat dives daily at Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan. Sabah This over-water resort is comprised of “water chalets” on sturdy stilts above the sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs in the Celebes Sea. Meals are served in the open-air central structure which includes a sundeck where divers can enjoy a drink and after-dive chats. Diving around Kapalai is spectacular, hosting an amazing array of small, colorful creatures. • Barracuda Point, Sipadan • Turtle Cavern, Sipadan • Eel Garden, Mabul • Checkpoint, Kapalai Island Topside Attractions • Sepilok Orangutan Preserve • Climb Mount Kinabalu Michele Westmorland Ark Royal WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN MALDIVES Baa Atoll South Ari Atoll Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Dive Resort & Spa Bandos Island South Male Atoll Bandos Island Resort Olhuveli Beach & Spa Topside Attractions North Ari Atoll Live-aboard • Seaplane tours • Deserted island picnic Conrad Rangali Resort & Spa Maldives Aggressor W Retreat & Spa Peter Hughes Ocean Dancer North Male Atoll Four Seasons Kuda Huraa One & Only Reehti Rah Manthiri Live-aboard Experience the pristine Maldives from the comfort of a spacious and luxurious live-aboard dedicated to excellence in every aspect. Her experienced crew will introduce you to a sanctuary of rich and diverse marine life—dive breathtakingly beautiful pinnacles, sea mounts, walls and channels where colonies of hard and soft corals are plentiful. Whale sharks and giant manta rays are also sighted year-round. Exciting opportunities abound for underwater photographers. • A crew of 11 caters to every need from arrival to departure • Two chefs prepare delicious, sumptuous meals and snacks • 12 guests in six spacious cabins—four twin and two queen • Individually controlled air-conditioned ensuite cabins • Personal storage and minibar in each cabin Princess Lara Orion Live-aboard Built in 2009, this 116’ yacht has a total of 10 spacious air-conditioned ensuite cabins to accommodate a maximum of 20 passengers in total comfort. The sundeck has a shaded hot tub for up to six people, the main deck houses the galley and restaurant with a bar and lounge area for relaxing and the upper deck contains the spa. Live-aboard Indulge in a massage on deck, enjoy the comforts of the two fully-stocked bars or bask in the sun while relaxing in the spa after a sauna. Each of the 11 cabins has a mini-bar, plasma TV and private bathroom. The executive suite even comes with its own private open air spa. An crew with over 13,000 dives assures that the “Big Fish” action is never far away. 85 Philippines The UNESCO World Heritage site of Tubbataha in the Sulu Sea might ring a bell with well-traveled divers, but the Philippines are probably one of the least visited—but one of the most worthy—dive destinations in the world. Located north of Malaysian Borneo and Indonesia, the 7,107 islands in the Philippine archipelago offer a number of top-rated dive areas in addition to Tubbataha (only accessible between March and June), including other remote areas such as Apo Reef and Coron, which are only accessible by live-aboard. There is plenty of excellent land-based diving, such as Apo Island—accessible from Dumaguete—where shoals of jacks and giant parrotfish are often seen in addition to large pelagics. Gutsy Tuason Tim Rock SH D PHILIPPINES RESORT AMENITIES E SH RE D O AL W AT E O IV RF IV IN RO RE IN CL IV T Ananyana Beach Resort • • • Atlantis Beach Resort Dumaguete • • • Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera • • Bahura Resort & Spa • El Galleon Dive Resort • Shangri-La's Mactan Resort • • • Turtle Bay Dive Resort • • • • N O .O F RO RA O N M TS S ST AU US N G P L- E 1 12 • 1 36 • 1 40 • • 1 40 • • 1 31 5 547 1 23 • WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN PHILIPPINES Bohol Malapascua Amorita Beach Resort Malapascua Exotic Island Resort Busuanga Moalboal Club Paradise Kasai Village Resort Dumaguete Pura Vida Dive Resort 86 Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa Philippine Siren Live-aboard This 140’ traditional Indonesian Phinisi, handcrafted from ironwood and teak, accommodates only 16 guests. Features include a sun deck, spacious air-conditioned salon with cocktail bar, lounge area, 47” flat screen TV and a covered outdoor dining area. Eight large airconditioned ensuite cabins feature a personal computer and entertainment system. The experienced crew is always on hand with friendly service. Non-diving activities include kayaking, water skiing and wakeboarding. • The Philippines’ newest luxury live-aboard • Four itineraries visiting the best sites in the Philippines • Catering to photographers and videographers • Enriched-air Nitrox is free for all certified Nitrox divers • Laundry and massage service on board Dive Primer Water Temp.................. 77° Visibility..........................90’ Wetsuit.......1.5mm to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites Cebu This lush garden retreat is ideal for divers with a range of restaurants and CHI, one of the most luxurious spas in the region. The resort offers 547 luxurious, expansive guest rooms, each featuring contemporary Filipino decor with private balcony with spectacular views of the Mactan Sea and the surrounding Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary. • Tubbataha Atolls, Sulu Sea • Apo Reef, Sulu Sea • Verde Island, Puerto Galera • Apo Island, Negros Topside Attractions • Golf • Motorcross • Waterfall tours • Authentic native markets 87 Philippines Bahura Resort & Spa Atlantis Beach Resort Dumaguete Dumaguete This resort is located amid a beachside coconut plantation with 32 deluxe rooms and eight luxurious villas. Bahura’s house reef is a protected sanctuary where sea grasses give way to coral bommies filled with crinoids and ornamental fish. Underwater photographers will love the easy access to mandarin fish, frogfishes, nudibranchs and sea horses. The world-famous dive sites of Apo Island are a mere 25 minutes away. Amenities include a full-service spa and large freshwater infinity swimming pool. Dumaguete This relaxed eco-resort is located beachfront among several marine sanctuaries. Dive local islands including world famous Apo, Siquijor (Island of Witches) and even fabled Balicasag. Stunning walls, dramatic drifts and some of the best muck diving in Asia are all easily accessible. Eco-tours to mountains, caves and local markets round out a mindboggling array of available activities. Packages include first-class rooms and service, sumptuous meals and up to four day boat dives daily. • Top quality Indo-Pacific diving • Dumaguete’s dedicated dive resort pioneer • Beautiful eco-resort and activities • PADI 5-Star Career Development Center dive facility • European and American ownership and management • PADI Dive Center located onsite • Bahura’s house reef is a protected sanctuary • Gourmet alfresco dining at the resort restaurant • Spectacular infinity pool area overlooking the ocean • Bahura Spa and other activities also available El Galleon Dive Resort Ananyana Beach Resort Turtle Bay Dive Resort Stella Maris Explorer Puerto Galera PADI 5-Star Asia Divers departs directly from the resort’s private pier for easy access to the regions many dive sites. The 30-room beachfront property offers a pool, two bars and a popular waterfront restaurant. Asia Divers also specializes in tech diving and offers a variety of specialized instruction for divers. Bohol With an idyllic location on the white sands of Panglao Island, Bohol, this boutique resort radiates a zen-like atmosphere with breathtaking views of the neighboring Islands. All units are designed in traditional Asian style. A first-class dive operation provides access to nearby sites including the famous Balicasag. Moalboal Cebu Away from the crowd, here you can find a boutique dive resort that offers a truly unique vacation experience. Turtle Bay Dive Resort gives you an unforgettable encounter with the beauty of the coral seas and the laid-back atmosphere of a deluxe resort—spacious and complete with all the amenities for a truly enjoyable dive vacation. Live-aboard This 117’ vessel has 10 cabins with private baths for up to 22 guests. Fully air-conditioned, the vessel is also equipped with an enclosed dining saloon and lounge as well as an entertainment center and sundeck. Two 27’ tenders provide access to nearby dive sites while an experienced crew caters to all levels of dive experience. Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera Atlantis Azores Live-aboard The newest addition to the Atlantis Dive Resorts, this vessel offers the same high level of service, quality accommodations, gourmet meals and world-class diving. The Azores offers a full range of PADI Programs. Popular specialties such as Nitrox, Underwater Photography and Naturalist can be easily completed around the dive schedule. The Azores offers itineraries to some of the top dive destinations in the Philippines such as Tubbataha Reef, Anilao, Bohol and Southern Leyte. Puerto Galera Located on over six miles of marine reserves featuring pristine coral reefs, beautiful walls and some of the best muck dives in the Philippines—this is a macro photographer’s paradise. Forty world-class dives are located within 10 minutes of this beachfront resort. An incredible party atmosphere exists for those who have the energy after diving. Packages include firstclass accommodations, exceptional service, sumptuous meals and up to four boat dives per day. • Incredible Indo-Pacific diving • One of the Philippine’s premier dedicated dive resorts • Surrounded by tropical rain forests • PADI 5-Star Career Development Center • European and American ownership and management 88 • 110’ long, 18’ beam • Private bath and shower in each stateroom • Air-conditioned staterooms and salon area • Large camera table on the dive deck • Onboard western management Papua New Guinea One of Earth’s last frontiers, this wild and primitive island country is at the top of most divers’ dream lists. The epic diving in the areas of Kimbe Bay, the Solomon Sea, Bootless Bay and Milne Bay offer a diversity of experiences that few other destinations can match. From pass diving in Kavieng to diving with Orcas in Kimbe, there is enough to fill countless dive expeditions. Dive experiences range from amazing muck and macro to sweeping panoramic wide angle and pelagics on remote pinnacles. World-class diving is equally accessible from land or live-aboards. The country itself is just as culturally diverse—over 800 languages are spoken and village life is much like it was 100 years ago. This destination is one of the most exciting, adventurous and unexplored destinations on Earth. Red Sea Dive Primer Cousteau’s explorations of the Red Sea earned it the moniker “corridor of marvels.” Its rich, vibrant reefs and clear, pristine waters have been a favorite destination of European divers for decades, but few North Americans have ventured to this land of antiquities and underwater wonders. Diving is based out of three main areas, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Safaga and Marsa Alam. Experience Egypt’s ancient civilization on extension tours including Nile cruises, the pyramids, archeological sites and museums. Water Temp............. 78-84° Visibility................ 60-100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 3mm Best Time..........year-round Favorite Dive Sites • Hanging Gardens, Walindi • Inglis Shoal, Kimbe Bay • Veale Reef, Solomon Sea • Pinnacles, Bootless Bay Topside Attractions • Hot River Trip, New Britain • PNG Art, Port Moresby • Kofure Village • Mt. Hagen Highlands Expeditions Bill Harrigan Bill Harrigan PNG RESORT AMENITIES N SH AL RE O W .O LO AT ST D IN RE AU IV ER F C RO E D FR LU RA SH IV O O S N I N IV O M N TS G P E S T Tufi Dive Resort • Walindi Plantation • • • • 1 12 • 1 16 WE ALSO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES IN PNG Bootless Bay Live-aboard Loloata Island Resort Peter Hughes Star Dancer Kavieng Golden Dawn Lissenung Island Resort Spirit of Niugini Milne Bay Telita Tawali Resort Port Moresby Papua New Guinea—Green Leaders Dive Primer Two local initiatives which embody sustainable tourism practices are worthy of recognition in PNG. The owners of Walindi Plantation, Max and Cecile Benjamin, have developed an educational program for local youth, Mahonia Na Dari, which means “Guardians of the Sea,” in which participants are educated in marine ecology and instilled with a value for the marine environment. The owners of Tufi Dive Resort, Tony and Linda Honey, provide much-needed supplies and services to local villages while passionately encouraging interaction between guests and local villagers, including overnight stays and cultural exchange. Water Temp............. 72-85° Visibility..................... 100’+ Wetsuit............skin to 5mm Best Time..........year-round Tufi Dive Resort Tufi Nestled in the only fjord country in Papua New Guinea, this boutique upmarket resort offers macro diving at its best along with great outer reef diving. Tufi Dive Resort also offers snorkeling, cultural trips, fishing, outrigger safaris and trekking. 90 Febrina Live-aboard Professionalism, passion and pride combine to make the perfect package aboard this live-aboard steeped in the diving folklore of Papua New Guinea. Febrina has attracted a dedicated and enthusiastic band of followers from around the world. Walindi Plantation Kimbe Bay Stunning vistas above the water are surpassed by the profusion of corals and sheer abundance of marine life beneath the sun-drenched turquoise waters of Kimbe Bay. Twelve charming bures are nestled in tropical landscaping, and the main house offers informal dining and after-dive socializing. The resort’s exclusivity ensures each guest has their needs anticipated. • Beachfront tropical bungalows • World-class diving • Day trips to hot springs and hot river • Nestled in a tropical rainforest • Small numbers, friendly staff • Ras Mohammed • Jackson Reef • The Thistlegorm • The Brothers Bill Harrigan Airways Hotel Favorite Dive Sites Topside Attractions • Egyptian Museum of Antiquities • Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx • Temple of Ramses • Valley of the Kings Emperor Divers Live-aboard Over 15 years of providing premier dive services in the Red Sea. Emperor Fleet Live-aboards offers one- or two-week itineraries covering an impressive choice of routes including Ras Mohammed, Thistlegorm WWII wreck, Elphinstone and Daedalus. The dive guides, crew and chefs are trained to a high standard and dedicated to first-class customer service—from knowledgeable dive briefings to fabulous meals. • Boat, night and shore diving from five locations • Wrecks galore steeped in fabulous, awe-inspring history • First-rate service and professional, knowledgeable crews • Nitrox and technical diving available • Encounters include dolphins, dugongs or hammerheads 91 Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor Vendor ADVENTURE Copy Copy Copy Copy Copy Copy Copy Copy One man’s adventure may be another man’s daily routine, but there are some experiences that simply surpass all expectations. These are the experiences that will be not only remembered but recounted for a lifetime—the ones that are documented and prominently displayed on walls and in photo collections that elicit awe and admiration and maybe a tad of envy from friends, family and acquaintances. Vendor Vendor Copy Copy Vendor Vendor Vendor Copy Vendor Copy Copy Small Hope Bay Lodge Vendor Locator Copy Copy Copy 92 Ethan Gordon • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet • Bullet Vendor All of these experiences have one thing in common—big animal encounters. Encounters in which man has found a way to safely and successfully get up and close to creatures that are, more often than not, unapproachable. A lot depends on timing—along with a good measure of luck—but much has been done to reduce the risks and impact to both man and wildlife while maximizing the potential benefits of these encounters. Research, historical Copy Copy data, methodology and no small amount of exploratory effort have resulted in these operations being able to offer adventure seekers the best possible odds for successful encounters. Vendor Copy These are expeditions that attract intrepid travelers. Travelers that defy the traditional definition of travel experiences or “vacations” in exchange for the opportunity to experience something extraordinary. And yet, all it takes to become an Vendor Vendor intrepid traveler is desire—so what are you waiting for? Check out some of the extraordinary adventures on the following pages that won’t just change your status from tourist to traveler, but very possibly even change your life. Copy Copy 93 Ultimate Adventures Ethan Gordon Ethan Gordon Ethan Gordon Ethan Gordon Ethan Gordon Great White Expeditions Photography Expeditions Sardine Run Expeditions Neither words nor photos can convey the sensation that occurs when you catch your first glimpse of a great white shark. With any luck, this is from the deck of one of the cage-equipped live-aboards that transport divers 20 hours out of Ensenada, Mexico to Guadalupe Island each year between August and November. When you see a fin slice through the glassy surface in the early morning light, the reason these animals are considered Earth’s apex predator becomes very apparent—once in the cage, the confirmation is complete. With the first slow, deliberate swim-by and direct eye contact that is unquestionably intimidating, the experience is riveting. Join renowned underwater and wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum on expeditions specifically designed to help you capture images that rival those of top photo pros through personal mentoring and experiential encounters in exotic locales worldwide. Whether it’s diving with sailfish in Mexico, polar bears and narwhales in the Canadian High Arctic, humpback whales in the South Pacific, striped marlins and brutus whales off Cabo San Lucas or leopard seals in Antarctica, these are trips of a lifetime that take you where few others venture—far from the realm of tourists and into the world of the explorer. Expeditions are intimate, some departing with only four guests, and itineraries range from five to 30 days. The Sardine Run is often referred to as The Greatest Shoal on Earth—shoal of sardines, that is. Witness this event of nature off the east coast of South Africa as marine predators of all kinds pursue this migrating feast during June and July each year. For the brave of heart, the Sardine Run Expedition offers what National Geographic’s chief underwater photographer, David Doubilet, has called “the most exciting dive in the world.” Trips to experience this natural phenomenon attempt to intercept the intense feeding frenzy by thousands of predators on massive shoals of migrating sardines. Ten-night expeditions depart in June and July from Transkei on the North Eastern Cape of South Africa and include transfers from Durban, accommodations, meals, all diving, ultralight flight, land tours and more. A hookah-style air system provides a constant supply for divers in cages submerged up to 40’ deep. Surface-level cages allow divers to easily enter and exit, with room for up to three divers in each one. For photographers, getting great shots couldn’t be easier with amazing visibility, impressive subjects, generous open ports for cameras and boats equipped with large camera tables and charging stations. Ethan Gordon While a number of live-aboards are now available and licensed to provide cage diving trips to Guadalupe, Caradonna Dive Adventures works exclusively with Nautilus Explorer and MV Horizon. As experienced personally by our staff, these vessels have demonstrated their dedication to operating at both the highest safety levels and in a sustainable manner. q q Amos Nachoum Doug Perrine Amos Nachoum Doug Perrine Ethan Gordon Ethan Gordon 2010 Guadalupe Departure Dates Nautilus Explorer MV Horizon Aug 5-10 Aug 17-21 Aug 20-30 Aug 22-26 Aug 30-Sep 4 Aug 27-31 Sep 4-9 Sep 7-11 Sep 9-14 Sep 12-16 Sep 19-24 Sep 17-21 Sep 24-Oct 4 Sep 27-Oct 1 Oct 14-19 Oct 10-14 Oct 24-29 Oct 18-22 Oct 23-27 Oct 28-31 94 95 Ecological Adventures This year, dive with friends who share your passion. REEF is a non-profit organization since 1990. For two decades, REEF Volunteer Divers have compiled the largest fish sighting database in the world, led the way in lionfish invasion intervention and pioneered research for the preservation of Nassau grouper populations. Why not fill your next vacation with diving that counts? Learn, discover, have fun and make a difference. REEF—the best eco-tours under the sea, since 1993. REEF Field Surveys Spend a week in paradise learning the names of the fishes you encounter on every reef dive with local fish experts and become a REEF Level II Surveyor. Coral Spawning Witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles while participating in hands-on gamete collecting and coral nursery gardening with Anna and Ned DeLoach. Fish Behavior Tour Learn the secret ways of reef fishes with marine life writers and photographers Ned and Anna DeLoach, authors of Reef Fish Behavior. Exotic Fish Tour Join REEF Board member Heather George and friends in Dominica—the exotic fish capitol of the Caribbean. Lionfish Control Study Help document the natural history of invasive lionfish with Lad Akins and Peter Hughes, in REEF’s ongoing effort to minimize the Indo-Pacific predators’ impact on native fish populations. Advanced Fishwatching with Paul Humann The man who wrote the book. 2010 T R I P SCHEDULE 877-295-REEF q REEF Field Surveys Lionfish Control Study Advanced Fishwatching Coral Spawning Fish Behavior Tour Exotic Fish Tour Cozumel: Aqua Safari Inn August 14-21, 2010 $575 + $250 REEF Fee Belize: Sun Dancer II Roatan: Turquoise Bay Resort Key Largo: Amoray Dive Center Bahamas: Aqua Cat May 1-8, 2010 $1,895 to $2,095 + $150 REEF Fee July 17-24, 2010 $1,079 to $1,229 + $300 REEF Fee August 26-Sept. 2, 2010 $915 to $1,120 + $300 REEF Fee June 12-19, 2010 $1,795 to $2,295 + $300 REEF Fee Dominica: Ft. Young Hotel and Dive Dominica Depart Belize City Prepare to become a Level 3, 4, or 5 surveyor. Led by Paul Humann, marine life photographer and author of Reef Fish Identification. Led by Ned and Anna DeLoach, marine life photographers and authors. Depart Nassau Sea of Cortez: Rocio del Mar October 9-16, 2010 $2,195 + $300 REEF Fee Depart Puerto Penasco Bonaire: Buddy Dive Resort September 25 - October 2, 2010 $851 to $1,129 + $250 REEF Fee 96 Led by Lad Akins, REEF Special Projects Director, and Peter Hughes. Led by Ned and Anna DeLoach, marine life photographers and authors. April 17-24, 2010 $1,141 to $1,419 + $250 REEF Fee Led by Heather George, REEF Board Trustee and fish identification expert. 97 Terms & Conditions THIS DOCUMENT CREATES A CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CARADONNA DIVE ADVENTURES, INC., AND YOU, THE “CUSTOMER.” AFTER READING THIS ENTIRE CUSTOMER AGREEMENT (THE “AGREEMENT”), IN ORDER FOR YOUR DIVE TRAVEL PACKAGE (“VACATION PACKAGE” OR “TRIP”) RESERVATION TO BE COMPLETED, YOU MUST INDICATE YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOUND IN THIS AGREEMENT EITHER BY ACCEPTING THEM ONLINE OR BY SIGNING AND RETURNING YOUR CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM. PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT: Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., (herein referred to as “CDA, ”we,” “our,” or “us”) has arranged the Dive Travel Package described within this brochure. The traveler (herein referred to as “Customer,” “I,” “you,” or “your”) who has reserved a Dive Travel Package as described in this brochure/ flier/website/invoice/ confirmation, and who intends to participate in the Dive Travel Package so reserved, and by such participation and payment as provided for in this Customer Agreement (“Customer Agreement” or “Agreement”) hereby agrees to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. BOOKING PROCEDURES: To make a booking you must send us either a signed, completed Credit Card Authorization Form, or acknowledge acceptance of the Customer Agreement in the manner provided for on our website, and a deposit of US $200.00 per person or more as required by supplier. We will then invoice you for the remainder of the cost, which you must pay no later than 60 days before departure. If you book less than 60 days before departure, full payment must be made on booking by certified check or credit card. The booking is not accepted and no contract exists until the date shown on the confirmation issued by CDA. Bookings made over the telephone, by email, or by credit card more than 60 days before departure will not be deemed accepted until we have received either a signed Credit Card Authorization Form or Customer Agreement in our office, or in the case of an internet booking, you have acknowledged your acceptance of the Customer Agreement, in the manner provided for on our website. If you do not pay the balance of your Dive Travel Package cost within 60 days of departure, your booking will be terminated and you will lose your deposit. A fee of US $25.00 will be added to the Dive Travel Package price for the second and subsequent revisions. In addition, a fee of US $25.00 per person will be charged should a new set of travel documents be required because of any revision. Bookings made within 30 days or less prior to departure will be subject to a US $25.00 non-refundable fee to cover administration costs and express delivery of documents. We reserve the right to refuse a reservation made by: (i) a person under the age of eighteen (18) without the written consent of a parent or legal guardian first having been obtained, and (ii) a person not certified by an internationally recognized SCUBA diving certification association, acceptable to us. No charge will be made for the first revision to any booking. CANCELLATION PROCEDURES: Notification of cancellation must be made to CDA in writing. If you cancel your package booking, the following cancellation charges will be made: (i) Written notification of cancellation received at our offices between 60 and 45 days before departure: $100.00 per person; (ii) Written notification of cancellation received at our offices between 45 and 30 days before departure: $200.00 per person; (iii) Written notification of cancellation received at our offices less than 30 days before departure (or failure to join the Trip): 100% of the package cost; (iv) These fees are in addition to any vendor fee that may be assessed, (up to 100%). CDA STRONGLY ADVISES YOU TO PURCHASE TRAVEL/BAGGAGE AND TRAVEL CANCELLATION INSURANCE. ACCURACY OF INFORMATION: The information contained in our brochure, pricing documentation, and on our website, is correct to the best of our belief, but we accept no liability for any inaccuracies contained therein. Any information or advice provided by us on matters such as permits, visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on our part, and you accept responsibility for obtaining any necessary visas and travel documents required for the Dive Travel Package. MISCELLANEOUS: Any flights forming part of the Dive Travel Package arrangements are subject to the conditions of the carrying airline, which in most cases limit the airline’s liability to the passenger in accordance with international law and conventions. Any likeness or image of you secured or taken during your participation in a Trip may be used by us without charge in all media (whether now existing or in the future invented) for promotional or marketing purposes, including, without limitations, promotional materials of any kind, such as brochures, slides, video shows and the internet. By accepting the Customer Agreement, you agree that, if necessary, we may pass your contact details and numbers to any third party connected with the operation of the specific Dive Travel Package which you have booked. This information will not be used for any other purpose by the third party, nor will it be passed to any other parties. Please note that international airlines are required by applicable laws to give border control agencies access to passenger data. Accordingly, any information we hold about you, and your travel arrangements, may be disclosed to the customs and immigration authorities of any country in your itinerary, or to which you may be diverted. This Customer Agreement may only be waived or amended by written mutual consent. When you accept this Customer Agreement, you agree with all these conditions. DOCUMENTATION: You must carry valid proof of citizenship and proper identification (current Passport or certified copy of Birth Certificate and Driver’s License). If you are traveling with children, some countries require specific travel permissions from both birth parents. Since proof varies with each country, contact our office about your specific destination. All persons on Dive Travel Packages must have a current, valid scuba certification card issued by an internationally recognized SCUBA diving certification association acceptable to CDA. Without proper identification, a passport and necessary visas, you will not be permitted to depart. It is your responsibility to verify your necessary travel documents. RISKS AND WARNINGS: For information regarding possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the US State Department at (202) 647-5225 or visit www.travel.state.gov/ travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. For medical information, contact the Center for Disease Control at (404) 332-4559 or visit www.cdc.gov/travel. ARBITRATION: You agree that any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure/ flier/website/invoice or any other literature concerning your Trip, the Trip itself or any claim for damages due to injury or death which occurs during, or in connection with, the Trip shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association in an arbitration conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive Delaware law. The dispute will be resolved by a single arbitrator, who must be a lawyer admitted to practice in the courts of at least one state in the United States, and have a minimum of fifteen years of experience in civil litigation. The arbitrator so described will be selected by the American Arbitration Association. Each party to the dispute shall have the right, on a single occasion, to veto the designation of an arbitrator so selected. There will be judicial review of the arbitrator’s decision if either side can show plain error in the application of law, or be able to show an abuse of discretion with respect to factual findings. The parties waive the right to rely on any state law or statute which creates an exception to enforcement of the requirement that disputes be resolved pursuant to arbitration in the manner set forth herein. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTION OR LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES HEREBY SPECIFICALLY AND KNOWINGLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS 98 THAT EITHER PARTY MIGHT HAVE TO DEMAND A JURY TRIAL. EXCLUSIVE GOVERNING LAW AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION: THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES. IF THE RIGHT TO SEEK ARBITRATION IS FOR ANY REASON WAIVED BY BOTH PARTIES, OR IF JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ANY ARBITRATION DECISION IS SOUGHT, ANY ACTION OR LEGAL PROCEEDING TO ENFORCE ANY PROVISION HEREOF, OR BASED ON ANY RIGHT ARISING OUT OF, THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT EXCLUSIVELY IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, OR, IF IT HAS OR CAN ACQUIRE JURISDICTION, IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE, AND ALL OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY CONSENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND OF THE APPROPRIATE APPELLATE COURTS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR LEGAL PROCEEDING AND WAIVE ANY OBJECTION TO VENUE OR JURISDICTION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. SEVERABILITY: The invalidity or unenforceability of any part of this Agreement, or the invalidity of its application to a specific situation or circumstance, shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement, or its application to other situations or circumstances. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable. WAIVER: Any failure by either party at any time, or from time to time, to enforce or to require the strict keeping and performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any such terms or conditions and shall not affect or impair such terms and conditions in any way or the right of such party at any time to avail itself of such remedies as it has for the breach or breaches of such terms and conditions. EXCLUSIVITY: Except as otherwise expressly provided to the contrary, the rights herein granted and this Agreement are for the benefit of the parties hereto. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be exclusive of any advertising, marketing or other sales literature or activities of CDA and nothing contained in any of such materials shall be construed to create any rights as a result of or in connection with this Agreement. RESPONSIBILITY: YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT ALL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP ARE MADE ON YOUR BEHALF UPON THE EXPRESS CONDITION THAT NEITHER CDA NOR ITS OWNER, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AGENTS, CONTRACTORS OR SUBCONTRACTORS SHALL BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY NEGLIGENT OR WILLFUL ACT OR FAILURE TO ACT OF ANY THIRD PARTY, SUCH AS OPERATORS OF AIRCRAFT, TRAINS, MOTORCOACHES, PRIVATE CARS, CRUISE VESSELS, BOATS, SHIPS OR ANY OTHER CONVEYANCE, HOTELS, SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS, LOCAL GROUND HANDLING, ETC. WHICH ARE TO OR DO SUPPLY ANY GOODS OR SERVICES FOR YOUR TRIP. YOU FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT CDA NEITHER OWNS NOR OPERATES SUCH THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS AND ACCORDINGLY AGREE TO SEEK REMEDIES DIRECTLY AND ONLY AGAINST THOSE SUPPLIERS AND NOT HOLD CDA RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTS OR OMISSIONS. WITHOUT LIMITATION, CDA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY NEGLIGENT OR WILLFUL ACTS OF OTHERS OR FOR ACTS OF GOD OR FORCE MAJEURE, WEATHER EMERGENCIES, BREAKDOWN, OR FAILURE OF DIVING OR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, GOVERNMENT ACTIONS, INCLEMENT WEATHER, SICKNESS, ATTACKS BY ANIMALS, AVAILABILITY OF MEDICAL CARE OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE SAME, CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OF ANY KIND, TERRORISM, WAR, CIVIL DISTURBANCE, SANITARY CONDITIONS, QUALITY OR SANITATION OF FOOD, QUARANTINE, CUSTOMS REGULATIONS, EPIDEMICS, STRIKES, HOTEL OVERBOOKING, SAFETY AND/OR SECURITY STANDARDS AT HOTELS OR OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS, ANY PROBLEMS OR INJURIES WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM SWIMMING OR SCUBA DIVING OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON BEYOND THE CONTROL OF CDA, AND YOU UNDERSTAND, AGREE WITH, AND AGREE TO BE LEGALLY BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THE RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY SET FORTH HEREIN. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK: I understand and acknowledge that my travel in connection with and participation in the Dive Travel Package arranged at my request by CDA may involve risk and potential exposure to injury and possibly death. I specifically acknowledge and recognize the potential for injury and death which can result from swimming or SCUBA diving, including the malfunction of dive equipment, the natural environment, animal or sea life, currents and other changing conditions, decompression sickness, embolism or other hyperbaric injuries. I realize and acknowledge that diving with compressed air, Nitrox, tri-mix, or other gases involves certain risks and requires specific training. I certify that I have been properly trained for the breathing mixture(s) I will use and understand the risks involved. I also realize and acknowledge that risk and dangers may be caused by the negligence of the owner, directors, employees, contractors, subcontractors, officers or agents of CDA or the negligence or participation of other participants, contractors and/or subcontractors to CDA. I also recognize and acknowledge that risk and dangers may arise from foreseeable and unforeseeable causes, including weather and other acts of nature. I fully understand and acknowledge that the aforementioned risks, dangers and hazards are a potential in connection with recreational activities which may take place during my Trip. EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY: In recognition of the inherent risk of the travels and related activities in which I am intending to engage, I confirm that I am physically and mentally capable of participating in the activity, and that I alone am responsible for my own activities while engaged in SCUBA diving. I am willingly and knowingly electing to participate in this Dive Travel Package in spite of the potential risk of danger, and I willingly and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any injury, loss or damage suffered by me or caused by me, whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the owner, directors, agents, officers, employees, contractors or subcontractors of CDA. RELEASE OF LIABILITY: In consideration of the services and arrangements provided by CDA, I, for myself and for my heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, hold harmless and agree to indemnify CDA, and its owner, officers, directors, agents, contractors, subcontractors and employees from any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services, lost profits, consequential, exemplary, indirect or punitive damages or otherwise, which may arise out of, or occur during my travel in connection with the scheduled Dive Travel Package and any activities conducted in conjunction therewith. I SPECIFICALLY UNDERSTAND THAT I AM RELEASING, DISCHARGING AND WAIVING ANY CLAIMS OR ACTIONS THAT I MAY HAVE PRESENTLY OR IN THE FUTURE FOR THE NEGLIGENT ACTS OR CONDUCT OF THE OWNER, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS OR SUBCONTRACTORS OF CDA. EXPRESS WAIVER OF ANY RIGHT TO SEEK CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES: Regardless of the situation or circumstances giving rise to a claim, I waive any right to seek consequential, punitive or exemplary damages against CDA, its owner, officers, directors, agents, contractors, subcontractors and employees, for any reason whatsoever. CARADONNA DIVE ADVENTURES 2101 West State Road 434, Suite 221, Longwood, FL 32779 Phone 407-774-9000 • Fax 407-682-6000 • USA/Canada: 800-328-2288 E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.caradonna.com FST-36173 • CST-2063948-40 Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc. shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of TUI Travel PLC who, as an Active Member of the USTOA is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc. customers in the unlikely event of TUI Travel PLC bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by TUI Travel PLC may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program and a list of affiliates may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, New York, New York 10016, or by email to [email protected] or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com. Caradonna Dive Adventures is part of the TUI Travel PLC Group of companies, a UK FTSE 100 company and one of the largest and most successful travel and tourism companies in the world. Trust in TUI—your holiday is in safe hands. Printed by American Web, a Colorado printer distinguished by the Forest Stewardship Council as an exemplary steward of socially beneficial and economically viable management practices of the world’s forests. 99