Florida Springs Training & Dive Trip

Trip number: #294

Todd is going down to Florida for a weekend of certification and fun dives. The way this year's been going it's a good idea to go with him as it will probably snow up here that weekend. Dives are going to be at Devil's Den and Blue Grotto, both located just outside Williston, FL and in the Gainesville area.

Devil's Den is a unique dive site suitable for training or for fun dives. The dive site is underground in a huge, open air cavern. It is just like diving in a swimming pool. Except it has fish in the water and fossils in the walls. Neat.

Blue Grotto is another fun place to dive. Here there are platforms out in the open water plus a huge opening in the wall for divers to look into a cavern area. It looks like someone cut the front off a warehouse. There is even a diving bell inside that you can swim into and talk to your buddy.

Todd will be collecting $100.00 for entrance fees and expenses.
Book your own rooms in Williston or the Gainesville area.

You can register through the store and we will tell Todd you are going.

Wreck Diving in North Carolina, May 29 & 30

Trip number: #288

Our first wreck trip of the year.  We will update the info when we have assigned the trip.

The link below is to Chris O'Riley's page.  Specifically, his picture of the U-352 German Submarine off N.C. that was sunk in 1942.  We may or may not visit this sub on one of our wreck trips, but this picture gives a good idea of what conditions can be like on a "perfect" day.   Great visibility, warm blue water for a great wreck dive in 110 feet of water.  We never know what conditions will dictate on our wreck trips...but we sure love it when it is like this picture.

U-352 picture

Wreck Diving in North Carolina, July 24 & 25

Trip number: #289

Wreck trip #2.  Look for details in a few weeks.

Nekton Rorqual - October 2010

Trip number: #293

We are booking a trip on the Nekton Rorqual for the week of October 30 to November 6th. Come with us on our St. Croix itinerary and see what the Caribbean has to offer, all without leaving American waters.

You will join the Nekton vessel as it departs from Fajardo, PR and make the 65 mile journey south east to St. Croix. At approximately 80 square miles in size, St. Croix is the largest of the four U.S. Virgin islands. It is also an incredibly diverse area for diving, including rich, unspoiled reefs, a plethora of sunken wrecks and artificial reefs, as well as a vibrant wall in exemplary condition. ?The trip begins on the calm leeward West side of the island. Here, surface intervals can be enjoyed on the sundeck, taking in the scenic view of Sprat Hall Plantation which includes plush, green hills, a French Great House from the 1600's as well as guest cottages and equestrian areas. These dive areas are characterized by vast areas of mixed coral reef and abundant amounts of marine life. Wreck dives in Butler Bay will offer opportunities to swim-through and visit sponge and coral encrusted artificial reefs. While still on the West side, you will dock at the Fredriksted pier for an opportunity to do an exceptional pier dive as well as stretch your legs while exploring the island. In addition to the great diving on the West side, the boat will move to the North side of the island, home to "The Wall" which runs parallel along the island for about 7 miles. This area is center stage to a forest of massive sea fans, giant sea whip plumes, and a plethora of dense soft corals. The North Shore has an especially diverse underwater environment including classic spur and groove reefs that are rich in brain, star, elkhorn and gorgonian corals. It also homes colorful sponge colonies on the spectacular wall that can plummet to depths of 3,200 feet.

FACTS: ?* The natives of St. Croix are called Cruicians, sometimes spelled "Cruzan." Cruzans are very friendly but are reserved people. ?* Local currency in both Puerto Rico and the USVI is US Currency. ?* St. Croix is the largest of the USVI at 28 miles long and 7 miles wide. ?* The temperature generally stays within the range of 77F - 80F, but can reach well into 90's in the summer. The months with the least humidity and lowest temperatures are December through April, with March being the most temperate month of the year. ?* There is very little change in the water temperature during the year, the average water temperature being between 78F - 85F. The majority of the year the temperature stays in the 80's.

Never done a live aboard before? Nekton uses "Swath" technology to maintain superb stability. Even non-sailors find these to be extremely comfortable with almost no motion. This is a great trip to find out how much you would enjoy live aboard diving.

This trip regularly costs $1895 but for this trip it is $1375.?Book with us by June 1st and get $50.00 off. ?Pay with check or cash and get $30.00 off. (Note: Nekton is charging a $50.00 surcharge for payment by credit card on direct bookings)?Final price $1295.00 (plus taxes and fees, see below)

Book by May 1st and get the Underwater Digital Photography course at 1/2 off! If you don't have a camera we have a special discount on SeaLife Digital cameras for this trip.

Nekton cruises do not include taxes, government fees, airfare, fuel surcharges, ground transfer fess, port fees, nitrox, onboard purchases or gratuity. Currently the estimated taxes and fees are $190.00. This amount is determined by Nekton and subject to change. They also require proof of purchase of travel insurance and dive accident insurance. ?We have travel insurance available through the store. Estimated taxes are $190.00 as of the date of posting.

The cost includes round trip transfer to the boat but you need to arrive by 4:30.

Right now (March 10) flights from Roanoke are $596 with taxes and fees; From Greensboro $426; or Charlotte $423. Flight 1568 from Charlotte, which you can connect to from Roanoke on flight 4567 or Greensboro flight 3060 will connect. I personally am going to drive to Greensboro! Cathy and I are not coming back until Wednesday the 10th so we can do some more diving in Puerto Rico and do some sight seeing.

Hope you can join us on this trip, make sure to see the above discounts and get your deposit in soon so we can firm up the numbers with the Nekton. Booking directly with them will cost you more!

SYUW

Mickey and Cathy

PS Go to http://www.nektoncruises.com/Destinations/EasternPuertoRicoandStCroix/tabid/61/Default.aspx for more info on the Nekton

Thanksgiving in Bonaire 2010

Trip number: #290

We are going back to Bonaire for 2010.  This is consistently rated the best diving in the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico. 18 of the top 25 reefs are on the island of Bonaire. Rated #1 year after year by divers worldwide. All with a Dutch Caribbean flavor. What a great trip!

After looking at all the options and prices on air we decided to not include air on this year's trip. This gives you a chance to find the best deal for you to get to Bonaire. check out the options, decide on what is best for you, and book your flights. Check all the options for airports, airlines, and seat class. For example, Mary and I booked our flight to Bonaire and upgraded to First/Business Class for less than $75.00 each! For that little difference I definitely want to sit up front in wide seat luxury and be pampered. We may be able to get that same rate for anyone else interested, just give Ken a call at the store.

Included in the trip:
Double occupancy per room in a 2 Br condo with full kitchen, 2 full baths, dining area, living room, porch or patio, & air conditioning. Even a dishwasher and microwave.

We have unlimited shore diving, unlimited Nitrox (premix), night dives, and more.

For each condo there is a rental vehicle. We have 4 door pickups reserved as they are best for both gear and passengers.

Ken & Mary will offer guided dives all week.  Or go do your own thing.  It's all ok!

Bonaire Web Cams