This trip departs from St Maarten (sxm) and ends at St Kitts (skb)
Hey gang we have had so many rave reviews for Saba, St Kitts, Statia and St Maarten that we are going back in February! We'll sail into the sunset doing a very unique liveaboard that combines the best of diving, land based touring and the WORLD'S BEST FOOD from our very own private chef "Tony" !!!
The prices have been held at $1595 (plus approx $120 for all extra fees) for all staterooms and SingleDivers.com will have a very special booking deal for anyone paying in full! So see below for full details! (NOTE: Next year's price has not raised from the pricing we had 3 years ago!)
Hey gang...here goes...we have booked the Explorer Ventures Liveaboard for an all inclusive INCLUDING alcohol and sodas multi-island tour February 2-9, 2008 of all different types of diving...reefs, wall, pinnacles, wrecks and we'll have land based sight seeing tours at no extra charge OR you can stay on the boat and dive dive dive some more! Up to 5 dives a day for 8 days and 7 nights of which we can dive 5.5 days or up to 27-28 dives!
For $1595* d/o plus air (see us for bulk options or book your own) you'll have a unique dive vacation unlike any other AND you'll be diving on very pristine sites! And if you book and pay in full before Dec 1, 2007 you'll get a chance to win free Nitrox for the week worth $150 if certified OR if you want to get certified you'll dive it free for the week! (We hope to have a reduced rate for the nitrox certification on the trip!) This is in addition to your $25 SD.com premier or above membership rebate!
Click here for some awesome video footage of the trip to Saba! (You may need to wait a few minutes to download but worth it!) (Note that this is optimized for dsl or cable so will be slow on dial up. And we have full permission to use the clip.)
Who's Going ONLY 9 Spots Available:
1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench - Dallas, TX (pd)- Nitrox pd Arrive: 2-2 - Depart: 2-9 - Waiver/Survey/EV Boat App
2. Rebecca aka Divingwahine (PAID IN FULL) d/o, nitrox pd - eligible for FREE NITROX pd before 12-1-07 - Survey/Waiver/EP App Rec'd
3. Mike aka MikeT - d/o - PAID IN FULL Nitrox PD Survey/Waiver/EV App Rec'd
4. Jim aka Parrotman - PAID IN FULL, eligible for FREE NITROX pd before 12-1-07, Survey/Waiver Rec'd
5. Liz aka Liz - d/o - Nitrox ($500 dep & pmt for Air, $800 pmt)Survey/Waiver/EV App Rec'd
Here is the full information on the trip:
The Northeast Caribbean is an intriguing area offering a blend of Dutch, British, French and native cultures on some of the most scenic islands of the Caribbean. Departing each Saturday on her 8 day/7 night diving expeditions, Caribbean Explorer II boards alternately in either St. Maarten or St. Kitts. Our trip starts at St. Maarten and ends at St. Kitts. Itineraries include 5 1/2 days of diving, including 2 to 2 1/2 days within the Saba Marine Park, a day within the St. Eustatius Marine Park, and 2 to 2 1/2 days at St. Kitts. 5 dives daily are normally offered, including night dives; the schedule also provides for up to 3 island tours during the week, providing ample time for our guests to explore forts, rainforests, duty-free shops and museums. Plus a special visit to see the gentleman who OWNS AN ORIGINAL COPY OF THE US DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE!
The Cribbean Explorer II's combination of diving and optional island access has always been unique within the liveaboard diving industry. As a dedicated dive liveaboard, all diving is done directly off of the vessel, using the expansive dive deck covering the aft third of the main deck. Each diver has his or her own dive gear bin; a large camera table, as well as rinse tanks, wetsuit drying racks, charging stations and the like are available for all to use. Nitrox is available for $150 for the week; tanks are filled in place between each dive, so that there is never any need to disassemble your gear. If some guests are interested in touring the islands, the other guests wont have their diving schedule disrupted; with some notice, we can also arrange additional time ashore to hike the rainforest-covered mountains, horseback ride on the beach, or even play golf.
Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Link Click Here
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Since the inception in 1995 of Rodale's Scuba Diving's Reader Survey Awards, the Caribbean Explorer rated in the top ten liveaboard dive boats worldwide in terms of customer service, and was ranked the best dive operation in the world in 1996 - we're very much looking forward to the new, upgraded vessel continuing this excellent tradition!
Caribbean Explorer II features private ensuite bathrooms in each of the nine air-conditioned double staterooms, as well as nitrox, a larger dive deck, and more on-board space. A crew of seven, including 4 dive instructors, caters to the needs of our 18 guests each week. Each stateroom has a private lavatory, toilet and shower; most have queen beds with a twin bed option, as well. Five dives are scheduled every day, in addition to optional island tours. All diving is done directly off of the vessel, using the expansive dive deck which covers the aft third of the main deck. Each diver has his or her own dive gear bin; a large camera table, as well as rinse tanks, wetsuit drying racks, charging stations and the like are available for all to use. Nitrox is available for $150 for the week; tanks are filled in place between each dive, so that there is never any need to disassemble your gear. A large semi-enclosed salon serves as the main gathering place for meals, slide shows and movies; aft of the salon, the sundeck provides a large area and lounge chairs to relax and soak up the rays. E-6 processing is available, as is additional training via SD.com, scuba courses via SD.com and dive gear and computer rental.
Airfare:
Travel to the area is easy, with St. Maarten (SXM) served by direct flights on American Airlines, USAir, Delta and Continental from New York, Newark, Miami, Atlanta and San Juan. St. Kitts (SKB) is easily reached via either American, American Eagle (from San Juan) or USAir. You will fly into St. Maarten (SXM) and our of St. Kitts (SKB).
TIP: Buy a multi-city ticket vs. 2 one ways...its several hundred dollars cheaper!
We can usually get bulk round trip air fares or airfare discounts for you on either USAir or American.
Airfares as of 11-13-07:
Fares are running as low as $600 and as high as $750. Fingrabber can help you get a rate. PM her at fingrabber or email her at fingrabber@singledivers.com
SAMPLE ITINERARY For Our Trip:
This trip will begin in St. Marteen and end in St Kitts. Days aboard Caribbean Explorer II generally involve breakfast from 7 to 8 am (cold breakfasts are available for late risers), followed by two morning dives, lunch at 12:30 pm, two afternoon dives, dinner at 6:30 pm, and a night dive. Island tours will be arranged at each island visited for those interested; further island access is available daily upon request.
Please note that these itineraries are examples only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain's discretion.
St Marteen Departures
Saturday: St. Maarten
1500: Guests board the Caribbean Explorer II
1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
2000: Captain's Briefing, documents, etc.
2200: Depart for Saba (2 1/2 hours; departure may be delayed for late arrivals)
Sunday - Tuesday: Saba , 5 dives daily; optional island tour on Monday. Nights spent at mooring; Tuesday night crossing to Statia (2 hours).
Wednesday: Statia, 5 dives daily; optional island tour. Night crossing to St. Kitts (2 1/2 hours).
Thursday: St. Kitts, 5 dives. Night at mooring.
Friday: St. Kitts, 2 dives and lunch; return to Port Zante. Afternoon island tour and dinner ashore, with night spent aboard vessel at dock.
Saturday: St. Kitts,
0700-0830: Continental breakfast
0900: Depart the Caribbean Explorer II. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, feel free to leave your luggage on the Caribbean Explorer (or on the dock alongside) until you depart.
If meeting the Caribbean Explorer II at St. Kitts, simply take any waiting taxi from the airport to Port Zante in downtown Basseterre.
Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 9am departure deadline.
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Water temps in February:
Water temp about 78-80.
Air Temps in February:
Air temp mid to high 80's.
Visibility in February:
Viz about 80 - 100 ft.
* Double Occupancy Price includes:
7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel
3 meals daily, plus between-dive
snacks
5 dives daily (weather and itinerary
permitting)
Use of tanks, weights and belts
All air fills (excluding nitrox)
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages
Port and Immigration Fees
SD T-shirt
Price Does Not Include:
Airfare (we have bulk air or you can do your own!)
Airport transfers (averages $10-$15 each way)
Friday evening dinner on the 17th
Rental, instruction and retail charges
Crew gratuities (usually 10-15% of trip for a liveaboard)
Trip Cancellation Insurance (we have great pricing on trip insurance see below)
Nitrox Upgrade of $150 per week
Fuel surcharge of $65 (subject to change 30 days prior to departure)
Departure taxes (approx US$25)
Marine park diving fees, Port Fees Caribbean
Explorer II (approx $3/dive at Saba, $15 pp at
Statia)
Single Supplement:
The Single Room Rate is $2,342.50 vs. $1595.00 for the double occupancy.
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.)
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 fingrabber@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.
Discounts:
$25 membership rebate after the trip for SD premier members and above
Chance to win FREE Nitrox for the week ($150) for every person paid in full by Dec. 1
Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via paypal.
Payment Information:
Please add 3% if paying via paypal or credit card.
If paying via credit card (Visa, MC) download the SD Credit Card Authorization Form, complete and fax to 214-350-2558. Click here for the form.
If paying via paypal go to www.PayPal.com and send payment to kamala@singledivers.com Be sure to include your address, contact number, screen name and trip 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
We must have your name, address, screen name and trip name in the memo section of the check to be credited properly for this trip OR include an itemized summary of what you are paying for to ensure proper credit to your account. Please do not combine payments for different trips however multiple payments can be combined for the same trip.
Payment Terms & Schedule:
If not taking advantage of our 'Early Bird' Full booking and payment specials then payments are due as follows:
ASAP: $500 deposit required to reserve a spot on the trip.
Progress Payments:
Immediately to Hold Spot: $500 Deposit
Dec 15, 2007: $600
Jan 1, 2008: $595 Balance of trip payment.
Note: Trip Normally must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure but the boat has given us some slack due to shortlead time. (If this is a problem let me know and I may be able to work with you!)
Cancellation Terms:
90 or more days before departure 15%
89 to 60 days before departure 25%
59 to 30 days before departure 35% of package
29 days or less before departure Non-refundable
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 $77 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!
How to be reached on the boat while traveling:
You can be reached aboard the Caribbean Explorer II from North America via satellite phone at +1.787.990.6089. Outgoing calls may also be made. Please be aware that a charge is assessed for both incoming and outgoing calls. (Not sure what the charge is but it is to be considered for emergencies only.)
IMPORTANT TRIP UPDATES SUMMARY:
Happy Holidays from SingleDivers.com! Here's a chance to get a Christmas present for yourself! Recruit another person to go on this trip and you'll both get $100 off! That's right! If you are not on the trip but have been wanting to go then its $100 off the price if you get someone to go with you! If are already on the trip and get someone to go then you get $100 and they get $100 off!
Its called "Buddy Bucks" and you can learn more about them here!
