Oh My Gosh its WhaleSharks in Holbox!!! Cozumel, Cenotes & Holbox, Mexico August 16-23, 2007 Join this amazing diving excursion arriving in Cozumel for 3 full days of fabulous diving, traveling to Cancun to dive the Cenotes in Talum for a day and then driving to Southern Mexico to be whisked away to the unspoiled quiet island of Holbox (pronounced Olebosh) for 2 days of Whalesharks and Dolphin and Manta encounters! From big animals to spectacular underwater caverns to one of the most diverse marine environments...Mexico has it ALL!!! This will be a trip to remember! Two (2) full days of Whaleshark encounters in Holbox preceded by 3 days of diving in Cozumel and a day of diving the Cenotes makes this a one of kind trip! But hurry...the whalesharks are practically guaranteed and the spots are very limited! Last year we counted over 20 whalesharks EACH DAY!
Holbox/Cozumel AI/Cenotes for $1391 d/o plus air to Cozumel or Cancun (less $100 early booking & payment discount if paid in full by Feb 20, 2007) and (see us for bulk and charter air rates) you'll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to see such a large variety of marine life, underwater caverns and WHALESHARKS!!! This trip is limited to 24 people maximum (4 of whom can be s/o in Holbox) and we are taking every hotel room in Holbox that has air conditioning! Non-Diver Pricing: TBA NOTE: Many want to arrive in Cozumel for a few extra days of diving before the trip starts. Let us help you make those arrangements. Price is $ for each extra day of hotel and $ for each extra day of 2 tank am diving.If you are seeking the ultimate shark diving adventure, then come join us swimming among whale sharks on an unspoiled Mexican Island. Better yet, how about very long encounters in an area where dozens of whale sharks and breaching manta rays come to feed on the plankton blooms at the edge of the Yucatan Peninsula? Hidden within the sleepy little fishing village of Holbox, Mexico is shark diving's Holy Grail. This is your opportunity to visit this rare gem of an island and experience the Mexican Island culture in a very simple and lovely setting as well as spend your mornings swimming with one of the most exciting sharks on the planet!
Who's Going:
1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench - Dallas, TX d/o (pd - Holbox) Nitrox yes Waiver/Survey
2. Sylvia aka catfish - Pa.- d/o (pd less $100 early payment discount $100) arrive 13th US811 CUN @ 12:35 pm; depart 23rd US812 @ 1:40 pm/ Nitrox Yes/D/O,Survey - Wants A Plan No extra dives, but will do night dive if needed.
3. Paula aka Travelgal - FL d/o (pd less $100 early payment discount $100) D/O/Nitrox No/arrive 10th, depart CUN AA2186 @ 1:50 pmWaiver/Survey - No Extra Dives
4. Pam aka purple starfish - TN d/o (pd in time for chance free nitrox); arrive 16th AA 1873 10:10 am; depart 23rd AA1222 CZY @ 1:45 pm/Nitrox Maybe/Survey
5. Wyndel aka pamwyn- TN d/o (pd in time for chance free nitrox); Nitrox Maybe; arrive AA705 @12:45; depart AA0364 @ 1:45
6. Don aka DandyDon - TX d/o (pd) - Waiver/Survey Arrive 16th, CZM on Cont @ 11:38 am; depart 23nd CUN on Cont @ 1:55pm. 100 cf tank 3 days, 1 Nitrox each first 2 days, night dive on 18th and island & ruins afternoon tour on 19th - Extra dive on day 1 and 2.
7. Deb aka DivingDeb - Nitrox Yes, d/o 100 tank & 3rd dive for $30, arrive 15th on Sprit @ 11:29; depart 23rd CUN on Spirit at 3:50 pm,Waiver/Survey - Plan B (3 extra dives)
8. Barbara aka DiverBabs - (pd) D/O; arrive 16th on AA at 2:20 pm; depart on 23rd on AA at 1:45pm; Nitrox yes (pd 9 tanks) + 3rd tank w/lunch all 3 days $90 (pd)Survey/Waiver - Plan B (3 extra dives)
9. Sally aka ScubaSally (pd) s/o arrive 16th AA @ 2:20 pm; depart 23rd AA 4:35 pm; No Nitrox;SurveyNo extra dives
10. George aka Georoc01 - (pd) d/o, request 100cf and Nitrox, (pd for 3 3 tank dives & private DM) arrive 16th on AA FT#705 @ 12:45pm; depart 24th on United @ 12:30 pm (staying extra day in Cancun) - Survey/Waiver
11. Drew aka ScubaDrew - (pd) d/o, No Nitrox; arrive 15th on AA FT# 705 @ 12:45; depart 23rd on AA at 1:45pm Waiver/Survey Wants extra dives on day 1 and 2.
12. Lynette aka FLStarfish d/o (pd),arrive on 16th on AA FT705 @ 12:45; depart 23d on AA1011 @ 1:50 pm, No Nitrox; Survey - Plan B (3 extra dives)
13. Paula aka ScubaChick84- Ma (pd) d/o, arrive 16th on CO1642 at CZM @ 2:12 pm; depart 23rd on USAirways812 from CUN @ 1:40 pm; No Nitrox, Waiver/Survey
14. Phyllis aka stingray1 - (pd) Nitrox No; Arrive 8/16 CO1696 in CZM @ 11:33, Depart CO 465 CUN at 1:55 on 8/23 - Survey/Waiver - Plan B (3 extra dives)
15. Barb aka 1Scubadiver - (pd) Not sure about Nitrox yet; arrive 16th on Delta @ 1:50 at CZM;depart 23rd or 24th on Spirit at 3:50 pm - Not yet decided about extra dives.
16.Jim aka tgnjim - (pd) d/o arrive 8/14 on United01388 COZ @ 12:45 pm; depart 8/23 CUN @ 1:50 pm; Nitrox No; Survey& WaiverPlan B (3 extra dives)
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Check's In The Mail:
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Those Wanting a Night Dive:
1. Silvia aka catfish - maybe. Will do it if needed to fill a boat.
2. Drew aka Scubadrew
Those Wanting to do 3 Dives a Day:
1. Kamala aka WreckWench 3 3rd dives $90 total
2. Deb aka DivingDeb 1 3rd dive $30
3. Don aka DandyDon - Day 1 and 2
4. Barb aka DiverBabs - All three days
5. George aka georoc01 - On two days
6. Drew aka ScubaDrew - Days 1 and 2
7. Lynette aka FlStarfish - All three days
8. Phyllis aka Stingray1 - All three days
9. Jim aka tgnjim - All three days
Those Wanting Nitrox:
1. Kamala aka WreckWench yes all dives $90
2. Silvia aka catfish yes
3. Pam aka PurpleStarfish maybe
4. Wyndel aka PamWyn maybe
5. Don aka DandyDon - 1 nitrox tank for Friday and 1 on Saturday.
6. Deb aka Diving Deb
7. Barb aka DiverBabs
8. Barb aka 1Scubadiver maybe
Those Wanting 100cf tanks if available:
1. Don Dandy Don - Day 1 & 2: 100 cf Air on dive 1 and 80 cf Nitrox on Dive 2 and 80 cf Air on Dive
3. Day 3: 100 cf Air on dive 1, and 80 cf Air on Dive 2.
2. ScubaDrew
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Those Going Sightseeing with DandyDon on Sunday to see Ruins & Island:
1. Don aka DandyDon
2. Drew aka ScubaDrew
3. Lynette aka FLStarfish
4. Sylvia aka Catfish
Interested but can't quite commit:
1. ScubaShafer
2. Captain Morgan
3. Scuba2Much
4. Scuba1fun
5. diversitea
6. parrotman aka Jim
7. Divegirl412 aka Rosa
8. fairybasslet
OVERVIEW:
Hey gang...the whalesharks in Holbox were soooooooooooo fabulous that once is not enough! We are going back to see them again this year and our trip will have a great twist! We have negotiated a kick of a deal with our favorite resort in Cozumel for both divers and non-divers for 4 nights and 3 days of diving. We are adding a day of diving the Cenotes to this awesome trip! This day is optional so you can sightsee if you do not want to dive the Cenotes! Then we are off to Holbox for 2 days with the whalesharks! We'll offer standard accommodations at Casa Coral & Careyas and for those who don't mind being away from the group...more upscale accommodations at Puerto Holbox overlooking the ocean.
This trip was one of the best and most economical trips all year as we swam and snorkeled with over 45 whalesharks last year plus countless mantas and dolphins! (This place is still very rustic and undiscovered but won't be for long!)
SCHEDULED ITINERARY
Aug 16: Arrive in Cozumel or Cancun & Stay at Casa del Mar in Cozumel (You can arrive anytime, take a taxi/shuttle to the hotel, get checked in, have some lunch and you'll be able to do a 'day of arrival' shore dive if you like.)
Days Prior to start of our trip: Ask me for special pricing to extend the Cozumel portion of the trip!
Aug 17: Dive in Cozumel & Stay at Casa del Mar in Cozumel
Aug 18: Dive in Cozumel & Stay at Casa del Mar in Cozumel
Aug 19: Dive in Cozumel & Stay at Casa del Mar in Cozumel
Aug 20: Depart hotel early, travel via ferry to Playa, drive to Talum, Dive 2 dives fresh water Cenotes, transfer to Holbox
Aug 21: Whaleshark and Manta and Dolphin encounters & Stay at either Casa Coral, Careyes or upgrade to Puerto Holbox (all rooms have a/c and Puerto Holbox has 4 rooms only)
Aug 22: Whaleshark and Manta and Dolphin encounters & Stay at either Casa Coral, Careyes or upgrade to Puerto Holbox (all rooms have a/c and Puerto Holbox has 4 rooms only)
Aug 23: Travel to Cancun airport for departures after 1pm. (If the only flight option is prior to 1pm let me know as we can probably work it out if its close.)
WHAT YOU'LL SEE:
Suddenly, excited hoops and hollers echoed across the water. The surface boiled, while as many as sixty whale sharks, moved slowly, mouths agape, through the plankton rich waters. Entering the water directly in a whale shark’s path, I peered into its approaching mouth. A few feet away, its eyes appeared to check me
out (though that may be anthropomorphic). Some fed in circles, giving me a second or even a third encounter, where I could see attached remoras dining on parasites. Schools of sardines, a frenetic bait ball breaking the surface, gobbled anything escaping the gaping mouth. Cobia, playing the roles of pilot fish, kept pace with the shark’s strong strokes. Two of us would slide into the 79-degree water with one or two whale sharks to observe and photograph them. Visibility ranged from 25-30 feet, enough to give me a great view, but not enough to capture the shark’s full length with my digital and video equipment. I made at least half a dozen entries, lasting up to fifteen minutes each. As two of us came out, the mate helped us up a side ladder as the boat idled. We never had to wait to find the next whale shark.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Holbox:
• 3 nights/2 days snorkeling with Whalesharks, Mantas & Dolphins in a double occupancy room on the island (upgrade to Puerto Holbox 4* hotel available to limited number of people)
• SD Famous 'Meet & Greet Get To Know Everyone' Parties
• Lunch on the boat each day of snorkeling
• 2 snorkel dives daily
• Transfers from Talum to Holbox and back to Cancun Airport
• Private Water Ferry to the island and back
• Private Taxis to hotel and boat and back
• SD T-Shirt commemorating the trip!
Cozumel:
• 4 nights/3 days 2 tank am boat dives in a double occupancy room at newly rebuilt beautiful Casa del Mar beach resort
• All Inclusive 'off the menu' including meals, snacks and domestic alcohol
• 3 days diving 2 tanks dives with Del Mar Aquatics Dive Operation on premises (additional dives available daily)
• Unlimited Shore Diving...easy and beautiful!
• All taxes included
• $2 per day diving park fees included
• Free Day of Arrival Shore Diving
• Welcome Cocktail
• Daily SD.com H20 Happy Hours
• Diving Gifts and Giveaways from various SD Vendor Partners as available
• Meals: Meals are included including alcohol. We will do all of our meals at the hotel however several nights we will have the option of eating in town at one of Cozy'd world renown restaurants.
Talum Cenotes - Click here for overview and pictures of this part of our exciting trip!:
• 2 Cenotes Dives with guided leader no more than 4 divers max per group (do not need to be cavern certified but you will be in overhead environment)
• Lunch in between Cenotes Dives
• Transport to Talum and then back to Cancun Airport at the end of the trip
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Airfare to Cozumel or Cancun
• Transfer to Casa del Mar from airport unless we book you on charter air. Typically $10 from Cozumel airport.
• Transfer from Casa del Mar to Cozumel Ferry to Playa del Carmen Ferry approx $10-$20 total (We will work on the hotel getting us to the ferry station) + tips for porters carrying your bags
• Dinner Aug 20th Talum Diving Day/day we transfer to Holbox
• Food in Holbox other than snack/lunch on the boat
• Additional boat dives in Cozumel
• Nitrox upgrade
• Rental, instruction and retail charges
• Crew gratuities
• Trip Insurance (see the end of this post for 2 great insurance links)
OPTIONAL:
Extra afternoon Dives in Cozumel $30 for a 3rd tank AND lunch on the beach!
Price of 4th afternoon Dive $TBA
Night Boat Dive in Cozumel $TBA
Nitrox Upgrade Cozumel $10 per tank
Single Supplement Cozumel: $55 per night
*Single Supplement Hotel Carayes/Coral: $40 per night
Upgrade to Puerto Holbox D/O: $150
*Upgrade to Puerto Holbox S/O: $250 *(We are limited to 4 single room upgrades in Holbox if you want a room with air conditioning.)
DISCOUNTS:
•$100 discount if booked and paid in full by Feb 20, 2007
•Chance for (1) FREE NITROX upgrade for anyone booked and deposited by Feb 20, 2007
•$25 rebate eligible after trip for SD premier and above memberships
•Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via paypal or credit card.
TRANSFERS:
Cozumel: Upon arrival take a taxi or transfer to Casa del Mar hotel. If your transfers are booked as part of your airfare via our contract air system, then your name will be on the list from Lomas Travel. If you book your own air then take a taxi usually $10-$15 per person to the hotel. The hotel is zone 1 so the cheapest taxi rates apply. Cenotes: We will all take the ferry early on the 20th to Cancun to catch our ride to Talum for the Cenotes. (If anyone is not diving the cenotes we may be able to let you do another day of diving in Cozumel if our transport to Holbox is not the same transport company taking us to Talum. We will know this shortly and post accordingly.) Holbox: The bus will leave for Holbox after we are done diving in Talum's fresh water Cenotes.
Holbox/Cenotes/Cozumel Availability Update:
SD honors a first come and first served premise that is driven by posting in our community. Once a trip appears to have filled up from the "My Check is in the Mail" and the confirmed deposits/pymnts we will open an official waiting list for the trip. As openings occur or deposit checks are not received, we'll open up the Waiting List for trip participants.
Please note that while you may send pm and email requests for availability, the official availability is always available in the main trip post. Thank You! -ww
Trip Instructor:
Trip Videographer: Larry aka Orcaman
TEMPS & CONDITIONS:
The weather in Mexico is remarkably consistent year-round. The temperatures range in the high 80's during this time of year and the water temps are in the mid 80's making this truly diving in paradise.
AIRFARE:
We have some availability for discounted air via Funjet, Adventure Tours, etc. Otherwise you are more than welcome to make your own arrangements.
ARRIVAL:
Day 1 is our arrival day and you can arrive anytime. The only thing planned for day 1 is a day of arrival shore dive, getting settled in and having fun! You should plan to fly into Cozumel and out of Cancun. Or you can go in and out of Cancun (cheaper) and take the ferry to Cozumel. This will run about $70 or so extra. If we have 8 people or more arriving via Cancun we can have the hotel pick us up as a group.
How to Book a Spot on this Trip:
1. Post in this thread that you plan to join us and your check or payment is in the mail or on it's way. We'll then put your name on the 'check's in the mail' list. (Please send your pymt asap as we'll only hold your spot for 7 days.) - To post on the site you need to register as a member of the site. Registration is free or if you want to upgrade premier membership levels are available for as little as $25 a year. Click here to learn more.
2. Fill out the Trip Rooming & Diving Survey plus the SingleDivers.com Medical Liability Release which you'll find under "Stuff you need to know for ALL SingleDivers.com trips & activities!" or click here to link to it. (Send a PM or an email to ScubaPunk@singledivers.com for the password.)
3. Send your deposit for the trip and/or monies due based upon the payment schedule posted below and payment options. If you need to make special arrangements about payments with me please contact me and I'll gladly work with you. See below for our credit card authorization form.
4. If we need to know what time you are arriving, if you need rental gear, if driving or flying or how much lead you need, you MUST include this with your initial reservation.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Please add 3% if paying via paypal or credit card.
If paying via paypal go to www.PayPal.com and send payment to kamala@singledivers.com Be sure to include your address, contact number and screen name in the details section.
If paying via check or money order, please send payment to:
Kamala Shadduck
SingleDivers.com
3957 Gaspar Ste#200
Dallas, TX 75220
214-350-7003
kamala@singledivers.com
If paying via credit card (Visa, MC, Diners) download the SD Credit Card Authorization Form, complete and fax to 214-350-2558. Click here for the form.
PAYMENT TERMS & SCHEDULE:
ASAP: $300 deposit immediately
PROGRESS PAYMENTS:
a. $300 due at booking
b. April 14, 2007: $500
c. June 14, 2007: $591
Note: Trip must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure.
Hotel Information:
Casa del Mar Resort is an all-inclusive newly remodeled 2+ star resort situated across the street from the beach, two miles from downtown San Miguel, and approximately 2.5 miles from Cozumel Airport. This location is also a few minutes by boat to all of the island's main reefs and right in front of excellent shore diving!
The property's amenities include the one swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court, gym, gift shop, dive shop, and beach club with private pier. The property is home to a hacienda-style restaurant, and snack bar by the pool with exclusive swim up pool bar. Hotel services include room service, full-service dive center, car and scooter rental, medical services, money exchange, FREE Lobby Internet access, and valet laundry service. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals and snacks, unlimited domestic drinks, daily activities, non-motorized watersports (kayaks and snorkeling equipment), free scuba demos in the pool, bicycle tours, nightly entertainment, and all taxes and tips.
All rooms feature terraces, air-conditioning, cable TV, telephones, bathtubs and showers, and safety deposit box (free of charge).
Hotel Amenities
• Babysitting services
• Baggage Check
• Business Center
• Beach - Across the road from a private beach
• Courtesy room
• Gift Shop
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi
• Laundry facilities - Valet , fees may apply
• Lounges/Bars - 1
• Pets Allowed - contact hotel for restrictions
• Restaurants on premises -1
• Room service - limited service
• Safety deposit box - complimentary
• Swim-up pool bar
Recreation:
• Activities desk/Concierge
• Game Room/Arcade
• Moped rental - fees may apply
• Swimming pools - 0 indoor, 1 outdoor, 0 children's
• Tennis courts - fees may apply
• Water sports available on premises - Additional fee for motorized sports
• Onsite Full Service Dive Shop
• Boat pick up at the dock at the Dive Shop
Location/Transportation:
• Downtown location - 2 miles from downtown or $3 taxi
• Miles from airport - 2.5 miles
• Miles from beach - Across the street from the beach, accessible by a Private walkway
IMPORTANT TRIP UPDATES:
1. As is our tradition we take school supplies on our trips to the under priviledged children of the countries we visit while diving. Mexico is no exception and we will have many orphanages to bring relief to. One of the non-diving afternoons we will take whoever would like to join us and drop off the school supplies to the kids. I have seen grown men tear up at the look on their faces when they see us.
So PLEASE keep your eye out for school supplies on sale as these items are extremely expensive in the countries we visit. Remember a child can play with a can or a box and use great imagination pretending it is a castle, fort, car or space capsule. But they can not make do as well when they need school supplies so that they can learn and better themselves.
2. Check out these reviews: Centotes
FAQ:
Q. What is the cost of extra dives both a 3rd and 4th afternoon tank in Cozumel?
A. We can do a special 3rd tank dive including lunch for $30 a person extra for your group. I am checking with the dive shop on the price of the 4th dive. And you have unlimited shore diving.
Q. What is the cost of nitrox in Cozumel?
A. $10.00 per tank per person paid in advance as a group.
Q. How many 100cf tanks you all have and if there is an extra charge for them. (In Cozumel)
A. We have about 10 but if you let them know in advance then we can try to set them aside for you at no extra charge for your group. You know we love your group!
Q. Is your compressor working? (Cozumel)
A. The compressor right now is not working but they tell me with in a month that it should be working. This is Mexican time, however by summer it should be working.
Q. And is the dive shop finished? (Cozumel)
A. The shop is finished and the boat is picking up from the pier.
Q. Do you have storage lockers in Cozumel or will we need to do the closet thing or boat thing like we did last time?
A. We have 30 lockers tip: once you get here have everybody bring their own locks and get a locker when they arrive. If you do not have enough we can get you a room
PLEASE obtain trip insurance ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. You can purchase it right online as well as check quotes etc. It is very economical and averages about $ for this trip.
Click here for a free quote or to purchase online!
or
Click here for another provider that provides excellent rates and coverage!
Attached Images
Edited by ScubaPunk, 14 August 2007 - 05:37 PM.
