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00: SOLD OUT!!! Grenada & The Grenadines for New Year's Eve!


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#1 WreckWench

WreckWench

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Posted 13 September 2008 - 10:19 PM

Bahamas NOW Grenada & the Grenedines New Year's Island Dream & Celebration...Grenada Dec 27th, 2008 to Jan 3rd, 2009!! (Consider adding the 26th at TrueBlueBay Resort to ensure not missing the boat!) ONLY 10 spots!
Posted Image

Join our diving excursion from Grenada (GND) to the extremely pristine walls and reefs of the Grenedines! Posted Image We have NOW booked the Peter Hughes liveaboard for an all inclusive INCLUDING local alcohol and sodas ...... Grenada & Grenadines's New Year's Eve Island Dream...Dec 27 or 26th if you add an extra day to ensure you don't miss the boat to Jan 3, 2009. Scheduling 5 dives daily, including night dives, the vessel boards at TrueBlueBay Resort in Grenada each Saturday and offers 5 ½ days of diving each week on this recently updated and renown liveaboard! DUE TO HOLIDAY TIMEFRAME ... We recommend you add an extra day prior to the start of the trip on the 26th to avoid missing the boat! Plus we'll start the party early and do some landtours of the area! We'll be staying at True Blue Bay Resort a small, family owned resort the night before. Spaces are limited...see below for details and to get a room there if you wish to arrive early or if vacation time is tight you can plan to arrive the 27th. Posted Image

Experience Caribbean diving still the way it was 20 years ago when you explore this eastern Caribbean destination. Here, divers will discover volcanic island formations with cliffs that rise above the waters and plummet beneath the seas where underwater walls are covered with vibrant coral growth and inhabited by abundant marine life. Sharks, rays, turtles, and even the occasional manta or seahorse can all be seen.Posted Image

The Wind Dancer's Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines itinerary is truly an international voyage. Embarkation and disembarkation occurs in Grenada, a colorful, hearty travel destination, dubbed the "Spice Island" for its impressive production of nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. It has a rugged, mountainous terrain and interior of rain forests and waterfalls and an indented coastline with protected bays and beaches. St. George's is the capital of Grenada, boasting one of the prettiest harbor settings in the Caribbean.

Then it is on to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This country is blessed with lush mountains, volcanic-rich soil and unspoiled landscapes of brilliant flora and beautiful crystal clear waters. Add to this the idyllic islands and deserted cays of the Grenadines, and the entire country emerges as a prime eco-playground. This country is known as one of the hotspots for yachting due the many lush tropical islands, secluded bays and coves, crystal clear waters, and pristine beaches. Non-divers and divers alike will enjoy cruising through this scenic panorama as the Wind Dancer winds itself through the island chain.

Grenada is an independent nation formed by three islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. The island chain continues to the north and then becomes the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both of these countries are
located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward Islands, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Grenada is located only 100 miles north of Venezuela and at exactly 12° north of the equator. To the south of Grenada the country of Trinidad and Tobago is found.

Posted Image The Wind Dancer visits dive sites around Grenada and into St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There's a great variety of diving adventure to be enjoyed. While there are some easy excursions on shallow reefs, most of the dives offer more
challenging drift dive opportunities. Marine life, while typically Caribbean, is found in great abundance and photographers will find wide angle to macro photographic opportunities to rival the best the Caribbean has to offer. This destination offers new diving grounds for those tired of sites that have been visited by thousands before, it's definitely a place yet to be discovered! A typical one-week diving cruise aboard the Wind Dancer will commence in Grenada with an easy startup dive, then head north to Isle De Rhonde and its group of small volcanic islands for a day and a half diving sites such as Rhonde Reef and Sisters Rocks. The next day Wind Dancer will proceed to the island of Carriacou for afternoon dives and will travel north to Bequia that evening. After a day of diving around Bequia, the cruise will start back south and dive Isle de Quatre. The magnificent and stunningly beautiful National Park of the Tobago Cays ill be included as well. Then back to Carriacou with a dive at Frigate Island and on o Isle De Rhonde for the evening. On the return trip south the grand finale of the week will be diving on the "Titanic of the Caribbean," the wreck of the cruise ship "Bianca C," arguably the largest ship wreck in the Caribbean and one that was NOT intentionally sunk as an artificial reef! The waters surrounding these islands feature extensive reefs teeming with large and small fish, turtles, lobster, barracudas, jacks, rays, nurse sharks, reef sharks and occasional Atlantic Spade Fish, rich, prolific and extremely healthy hard & soft corals, sponges, crustaceans, dramatic volcanic formations around offshore islets and rocks. Visiting the "Titanic of the Caribbean" is a major attraction. Bianca C is a 600 ft. long ship considered the largest ship wreck in the Caribbean.
Bianca caught fire in Oct. 1961 and sank in 165 ft. of water where she still lays today. The top deck/ sides of the boat are at 90/110 ft. with the central structure having collapsed downward and to starboard.


SD's Rent-A-Buddy: Have your own private DM as your dive buddy and coach. Want to polish your skills? Reinforce what you just learned in your certification dives? Improve your air consumption? Then hire a dive coach/private guide for your trip! $50 per day or $125 for 5 days diving.

Package Overview:
The 7 day all inclusive liveaboard IS the way to SEE THE GRENADINES & GRENADA!!! For only $1595* d/o (private sink/vanity/shower/head) or for $1795* d/o Queen Sized Bed for 2... (luxurious private queen sized bed with in suite sink/vanity, shower, head, bath) plus airfare (see new service from Miami to Grenada) you'll have a unique dive vacation unlike any other AND you'll be diving on very pristine sites reachable only by a liveaboard! And if you book and pay in full before June 1, 2008 you'll get an add'l $25 cash Early Bird Booking Discount as well as your $25 SD.com premier or charter membership rebate that you can apply for after the trip! NOTE: If arriving a day early to avoid flight mishaps and to start the party early, we booked Dec 26th at True Blue Bay Resort (Limited number of rooms available so please reserve early!) It will be an add'l $130 per night per person d/o or $260 s/o and the rooms are limited. See below for sign up sheet and availability.

Standard Cabins: 10 spots total with 9 requested 9 paid for and 1 available. All standard cabins are 2 bed d/o configuration
Deluxe Cabin with (1) Queen Bed Only for 2 people per cabin (Available by Special Request): 2 total with 0 requested 0 paid for and 0 available

*$1595 d/o standard cabins with in suite private shower, sink/vanity, & toilet. $1795 d/o deluxe queen bed suite with in suite sink/vanity/private shower/toilet. This cabin available upon special request only.

Who's Going...only 10 or possibly 12 spots:
1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench - TX - PAID TRIP IN FULL: (pd $1595)Standard Cabin - CONFIRMED(Nitrox pd $150) Dec 26th-Jan3 (arriving Friday 26th Staying at TrueBlueBay) - no instruction -alum 80 tank -no rental gear - waiver/survey rec'd (TrueBlueBay $$$) - AIRFARE CHANGES Rec'd
2.Bill aka OTWDiver (SC) - (Dep $500) Standard Cabin - CONFIRMED, Nitrox PD, TrueBlueBay Resort, Arr 12/26 Dpt Jan 3 - Fuel Surcharge $160 Pd, Port Fees $65 Pd Survey/Waiver/PH App Rec'd - AIRFARE CHANGES Rec'd
3. Heidi aka uwfan: D/O, (Paid in full), Standard Room d/o CONFIRMED, Nitrox PD, Hotel room PD $130, Fuel Surcharge $160 Pd, Port Fees $65 Pd, Deep & Night Speciality Classes Pd, Arr 12/27, Dpt 1/4, Survey/Waiver/PH App Rec'd - AIRFARE CHANGES Rec'd
4. George aka Octoeight: D/O, Standard Room, PAID IN FULL, (Nitrox pd $150), Arr 12/26, Need 1 nights at TrueBlue 12/26, Survey/Waiver/PH App Rec'd - AIRFARE CHANGES Rec'd, $226 pmt rec'd.
5. Scott aka Cmdr Clownfish D/o (single bed), arriving on the 26th, leaving on the 3rd. - FLIGHT CHANGES Rec'd, PD $1896, Nitrox PD $150, $54 credit towards TrueBlue Room on 26th, Deep and Night Classes Pd, Survey/Waiver/PH App Rec'd
6. Tammie aka SeaSeaker (AB) - (Paid in Full), Nitrox, UPPER Deck CONFIRMED - Standard 2 Bed Room, Arr 12/26 Dpt 1/5 Survey/Waiver/PH App Rec'd
7. Ed aka Knighthawk (OK) - UPPER Deck CONFIRMED - (TRIP PAID IN FULL, Port fees & Surcharges pd) (Nitrox PD $150), Survey/Waiver/PH App Rec'd
8. Theresa aka TryingDiving: D/O, Paid $1595, (Nitrox pd $150), (Fuel Surchg & Port Fees Pd $355), Standard 2 Bed Room, Arrive 26th Dpt the 3rd, Survey/Waiver/PH Form Rec'd
9. Donna aka Scuba Donna CO - D/O, Pd $1595, Standard Room, Nitrox, True Blue on 12/26, Dpt 1/3, Survey/Waiver/PH App Rec'd
10.Jeanette aka nodogs2cats: D/O, Pd $1595, Standard 2 Bed Room, (Nitrox Pd $150), True Blue on 12/26 as d/o Pd $130, Fuel Surcharge & Port Fee Pd, arriving AA 2171 on dec 25 9:45PM leaving on AA 2174 Jan 3 9:45AM, WANTS PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE Survey/Waiver Rec'd

~~~~~~
Waiting On Documents (Waiver & Survey) to FINALIZE & CONFIRM Booking:

2.


Check's (Payment) & Documents "In the Mail":

1.
2.

(IF FULL!!! Please consider another SD Trip!)

Classes:
1. Scott aka Cmdr. Clownfish: Deep Diver $200 pd, Night Speciality $150 pd.
2. Heidi aka uwfan: Deep Diver $200 pd, Night Speciality $150 pd.
3.

Trip Instructor: Bill aka OTWDiver
Trip Videographer: TBD



Waitlist (Only Applies If Trip Full)
1.
2.

Those arriving on Friday Dec 26th & Wanting to share a room at True Blue Bay Resort ($TBD pp):
1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench d/o - PAID
2. Bill aka OTWDiver - PAID

Waiting to Confirm if needing extra day on the 26th $130 d/o and $260 s/o, staying later on the 3rd or even adding add'l days on the backend:

3. Tammie aka SeaSeaker d/o - 1/3 / s/o 1/4
4. ED aka Knighthawk - 12/26 - PAID $54
5. Heidi aka uwfan - 1/3 - PAID $130
6. George aka Octoeight - 12/26 - Pd $130
7. Scott aka Cmdr. Clownfish - 12/26 PAID $130
8. Jeanette aka nodogs2cats - 12/26 PAID $130

Those staying over Saturday Jan 3rd & Wanting to share a room at True Blue Bay Resort $130 per night d/o or $260 s/o :
1. Heidi aka uwfan - d/o
2.

Those Celebrating a Milestone on this Trip (Birthday, Significant Dive, Etc):

1. Theresa aka TryinDiving - Will reach dive 100 on this trip!


Get your TRIP DOCUMENTS here: Trip Documents


Full Details:

Price Includes:
• SD "Meet & Greet Get To Know Everyone Parties"
• 7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel
• 3 meals daily, plus between-meal dive snacks
• 5 dives daily (weather and itinerary permitting)
• All alcoholic (wine, beer and hard alcohol) and non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, juices, etc)
• SD.com T-Shirt commemorating the trip!
• Use of tanks (80cf), weights, and belts (Limited number of shorter 63cf tanks also available)
• Diving Gifts and Giveaways from various SD Vendor Partners (when avail)


Price Does Not Include:
• Airfare (we can do it for you for $25, help you with air or you can do your own. This does not apply if we are offering a group charter booking.)
• Airport Transfers
• Friday evening dinner
• Rental, instruction and retail charges
• Crew/staff gratuities (usually 10-20% of your non air pkg cost)
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (we have great pricing on trip insurance see the end of this post)
• Nitrox Upgrade of $150 per week - payable before departure
• Upgrade to Single Room $2632 for Standard Cabin or $2962 for Queen Deluxe Cabin
• Departure taxes (approximately US$20) - payable at airport
• Grenada Port Fee (US$65-$75) – payable on board
• $160 Fuel surcharge - payable on board (Notice fuel surcharge may be changed 30 days prior to departure.)
SD's Rent-A-Buddy: Have your own private DM as your dive buddy and coach. Want to polish your skills? Reinforce what you just learned in your certification dives? Improve your air consumption? Then hire a dive coach/private guide for your trip! $50 per day or $150 for 5 days diving.

Optional Services:

• Nitrox $150 - payable by last progress payment date for this trip
• Single Room Upgrade $972 for Upper Deck and $842 for Lower Deck payable before departure
• SD.com air booking service (we pass the savings onto you for a $25 service fee or you can book your own air. This does not apply to group charter if available for this trip.)
• Extra night hotel Dec 26th, Jan 3rd or add'l days: $130 d/o and $260 s/o

Note: To request air assistance or bulk air send either trips@singledivers.com or kamala@singledivers.com and we'll request it from our brokers. Please allow approx 1-2 business days for this reply back.

Airfare & Getting There:

Guests will fly into Grenada's Point Salines Airport in St. George (airport code GND) from which transfers are arranged to the True Blue Bay Resort or to the Wind Dancer in the L'ance Aux Epines area. Commercial airlines with service to Grenada are: British West Indies Airlines, Jamaica Airlines (Miami, NY and Jamaica), American Eagle (Puerto Rico), Condor (Munich), Monarch and British Airways (London). If you need assistance with your flight arrangements, let us know and we'll assist you.

Port Salines International Airport is just a 20 minute ride to Tru Blue Bay Resort where the Wind Dancer is located. Airport transfers are included in the Wind Dancer package as long as the arrival and departure date are on the charter dates. If you arrive early you WILL BE AT THE BOAT when you are at True Blue Bay Resort. True Blue Bay usually offers free transfer service as part of the hotel rates...however I am confirming the rate due to the holiday. A transfer company has been hired to meet and greet the M/V Wind Dancer guests on the day of departure ie. the 27th. The representative will identify himself with a Wind Dancer sign and/or sign with guest names. In the unlikely event that the transfer agent fails to connect with you, feel free to call Gerlinde or Peter Seupel at True Blue Bay Resort 444-1126 (this is how it is dialed locally in Grenada).

After flights and baggage arrival, you usually board The M/V Wind Dancer after 5:00PM on Saturday and depart early next morning, depending on sea and weather conditions. Your Wind Dancer provides package includes two transfers; one on the day of embarkation between the airport and the ship or your hotel and the ship and a second on one the day of disembarkation from the ship to the airport or the ship to your hotel. (Only select hotels near the airport are eligible for transfers. Other hotels further away from the airport will require guests to make their own transportation arrangements.)

Schedule:

Arrival:
Meeting the Peter Hughes Wind Dancer in Grenada is simple. Though transfers are usually included in the package depending on the day you arrive, if for some reason you are not met simply catch a cab for the short ride to the True Blue Bay Resort, where the vessel will be located. The fare is less than $25 per person, plus a small additional charge for anything over 2 bags per person and tip. If you experience travel difficulties and are delayed, please call Gerlinde or Peter Seupel at True Blue Bay Resort 444-1126 (this is how it is dialed locally in Grenada).

Days aboard Caribbean Explorer I generally involve breakfast from 7 am 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.
Please note also that this itinerary is an example only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain's discretion.

Saturday:
APROXIMATELY 1700 Guests board the Wind Dancer
1830 Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
2000 Captain's Briefing, documents, etc.
2100 Shore leave or simply relax aboard.

Sunday to Friday: A typical one-week diving cruise aboard the Wind Dancer will commence in Grenada heading to Isle De Ronde, diving the Sisters, and weather permitting, the offshore sites of Bird Rock or London Bridge. Then on to Carriacou w/ stops to dive Bonaparte Rocks & Frigate Island on the edge of the submarine volcanic site of "Kickemjenny," an active underwater volcano, requiring constant monitoring for the safety of ships at sea. From here, it is on past Union Island to the magnificent & stunningly beautiful National Park of the Tobago Cays and the offshore site, weather permitting, of Sail Rock. On the return trip South those sites missed on the journey North will be visited w/ the Grande Finale of the week, weather permitting, being a dive on the "Titanic of the Caribbean," the wreck of the cruise ship "Bianca C," arguably the largest ship wreck in the Caribbean and one NOT intentionally sunk, as an artificial reef!

Saturday:
0700/0830 Continental breakfast
0900 Depart the Wind Dancer. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, feel free to leave your luggage on the dock alongside the vessel or at True Blue Bay Resort until you depart; we will watch over it. Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 9 am departure time.

Departure:
The Wind Dancer arrives in port midday Friday, depending on the tides. Passengers spend Friday night out on their own for dinner in some of Grenada's wonderful restaurants or even travel to the other side of the island for the FAMOUS FISH FRY and have Saturday breakfast on board; there will be sufficient time to catch a flight out at any time on Saturday. If you have a flight on Saturday afternoon, you are welcome to leave your luggage on board the vessel OR at True Blue Bay Resort until time to go to the airport. There is a departure tax, payable in cash, of US$15-20 upon leaving.

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. Tell us what style of room you want if there is a choice for example on this trip if you want upper or lower cabins; single or double occupancy, if you need rental gear, are diving nitrox or want any instruction on the trip. Also tell us if arriving a day early or if taking your chances and arriving the day of departure. Then tell us if you are departing on Saturday or staying later. 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.) Once we receive your deposit we'll move you to the "Who's Going List."
2. Fill out the Trip Rooming & Diving Survey and send it to TRIPS@SINGLEDIVERS.COM plus the SingleDivers.com Medical Liability Release and send it via fax to 214-350-2558 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 trips@singledivers.com for the password.) PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR SURVEYS TO KAMALA.
3. Send your deposit for the trip and/or monies due based upon the payment schedule posted in the thread/topic. If you need to make special arrangements about payments with me please contact me and I'll gladly work with you. See the forms link for our credit card authorization form. Ask for the password via trips@singledivers.com
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 post or shortly thereafter.
5. As you make progress payments we will post them in the Thread and update this first post to show we've rec'd your payment. As we receive your waivers, surveys and flight details we'll post them in the thread and then update this main post.
6. Please check the first post for trip highlights and the thread/topic for ongoing trip updates.

Discounts:

$25 after trip rebate for SD premier or charter membership to be applied for after the trip
$25 Add'l Active Member of Armed Services Discount Please be prepared to prove you are active duty.
Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via paypal or credit card.


Payment Information:

If paying via credit card (Visa or MC) download the SD Credit Card Authorization Form, complete including the 3% service charge 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 the 3% fee along with 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 and what you are paying for in the memo section of the check and/or enclosed with the check to be credited properly for this trip

Payment Terms & Schedule:

ASAP: $500 deposit required to reserve a spot on the trip.

Progress Payments:

Trip Price $1595
Immediately to Hold Spot: $500 Deposit (Normally $600)
Aug 20, 2008: $600
Oct 20, 2008: $495 plus any extras ie. Nitrox, Instruction, S/O Upgrade, etc


Note: Trip must be paid in full at least 60 days prior to departure.

PHD Cancellation policy is as follows:
All cancellations must be made in writing and received by
90 or more days before departure 15%
89 to 60 days before departure 25%
Less than 60 days before departure Non-refundable

PLEASE obtain trip insurance ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. If you have to cancel this will be the only way to get your money back as long as you cancel for covered reasons. If your flight is delayed this will pay for add'l costs to get to the boat or your trip if you can't. If you lose your luggage this will pay for rentals or replacements. You can purchase it right online as well as check quotes etc. It is very economical and you can get a free quote or purchase via the links below.

Click here for a free quote or to purchase online!

or

Click here for another provider that provides excellent rates and coverage!


Peter Hughes Liveaboard Link Click Here

_______________________________________________________________

HOW TO BE REACHED ON THE BOAT WHILE TRAVELING:

Please be sure to keep us informed as to the changes in your travel plans. The Peter Hughes Diving's Emergency Number gives you one point of contact. In turn, we will relay your information to all the necessary parties involved. Once you are in country, you can also use our local contact numbers.
Peter Hughes Emergency Cell: 305-778-8004
For after hours emergency use.
Peter Hughes Diving: 800-932-6237
M-F 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm 305-669-9391
Insight Planning 473-444-3697 off
Bentley Skeete 473-407-2527 cell (Local Ground Agent)

Your family may contact you in the case of a medical emergency by calling our Miami office at 1-800-932-6237 or 305-669-9391 during business hours (8 am –6 pm EST weekdays and 9 am – 5 pm EST on Saturdays). If outside of our
operating hours, you may call our emergency cell phone number, 305-778-8004. Please reserve calling this number for emergencies ONLY. Our local agent in Grenada is Aquanauts Dive Center (473-444-1126) located at the True Blue Resort (473-443-8783).

The M/V Wind Dancer is equipped Satellite based phone and email
communications. Pre-paid cards satellite cards are available while on board.
_______________________________________________________________

OTHER INFORMATION:

WHAT IS THE GENERAL SKILL / EXPERIENCE LEVEL OF DIVING REQUIRED FOR THIS DESTINATION?:
Grenada is not a beginner's destination. There is drift diving with currents varying from calm, to moderate and even to strong. Divers should be comfortable in the water and have near perfect buoyancy. Rapid descents are
required to reach the reef when currents are present. Divers should be comfortable in open water and performing drift dives where the current may be moderate to strong. At the end of your dive – you should be comfortable doing
an open water safety stop meaning with no safety line under the boat.

ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON THE DIVING?
All diving on board the Wind Dancer should be within the limits and standards of the training of your certifying agency. All dives on should be planned nodecompression dives. This is drift diving where divers will remain in a group
together with other divers from their tender. Bottom times are limited to 50 minutes per dive, including the safety stop.
Solo diving is not permitted on tender based drift dives. Solo diving is at the captains discretion at all other times. Please see our Solo Diving information sheet posted on the PHD website for further details.

HOW WILL WE DIVE FROM THE WIND DANCER?
TENDER DIVING IS THE RULE RATHER THAN THE EXCEPTION. All dives will be made from 2 dive tenders (95% of all diving will be done from a custom designed 25 ft. dive tender with twin outboard motors). The trips aboard the dive tender from Wind Dancer to the dive sites run between 5 and 10 minutes. Our experienced crew will be available to assist with the boarding and disembarking process to and from the dive tenders. Guests get on board
without full dive gear. Our crew will hand down cameras and other peripheral equipment. Guests will then don gear at the dive site. For divers who require special assistance we will endeavor to provide it. Backward roll entry from the tender is the most convenient way to enter the water. To re- board the tenders, guests may remove their gear in the water and hand it up to our staff and simply climb onboard by way of a ladder secured to the gunwale of the tender. All tanks and gear will then be "restored" on the tender. Please be advised that due to frequently strong currents, it is MANDATORY for each diver to carry a Safety Sausage, mini-strobe, and Dive Alert (personal air horn). If you do not bring any one of these devices with you, they are available for rent while on board the Wind Dancer, however, quantities may be limited. If you do not possess these items, please notify our office at least 3 weeks prior to departure.

Temperatures and Conditions:
Wind Dancer visits Grenada from April – January when it's the warmest. You might have a few clouds and some rain, but the rain usually only lasts an hour or two (and it makes the air fragrant with spices). Because of areas remarkable
topography, the islands also experiences climate changes according to altitude. Average daytime temperatures are in the mid 80's to mid 90's yearround, with night-time temperatures in the 80's tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds making Grenada a great place to visit anytime of the year.

Money Matters:
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops. Travelers checks are accepted everywhere. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar, linked to the US Dollar, is the local currency. Banks will exchange $2.67 XCD for $1.00 USD cash, and $2.68 XCD for $1.00 USD in travelers checks. It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favorable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere. Most banks are open Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 2 pm and 8 am – 4 pm on Fridays. It is recommended that you exchange approx. $100.00 USD to the local currency for island tipping and small pocket change.

HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY EXPENSES AND PURCHASES ONBOARD?
The Wind Dancer has a small, on board "Boatique" which sells a selection of logo clothing, custom jewelry, sundries, diving accessories, batteries, logbooks, etc. A crew member will gladly assist you with your purchases at any time
during the week. The US Dollar is the only currency accepted on board. Traveler's Checks or credit cards (MasterCard, AMEX, or Visa) are accepted on board. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED.

Meals & Beverages:
Meals prepared by your on board chef consist of an international mix with West Indian flair. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise our US office as soon as possible so we can adequately prepare to meet your needs. Please understand that certain special dietary and beverage requests may not be available on a consistent basis in Grenada due to the remote nature of this location. The Wind Dancer's beverage selection includes fruit juices, soft drinks, plenty of iced water, tea and coffee and a limited selection of local beer, wine and alcoholic beverages. Fresh milk may not be available, although UHT long life milk is provided on board. Herbal teas are not always available. We recommend that you purchase any special brands of alcoholic beverages that you may want to
consume on board Wind Dancer at the Duty Free Shop at any airport. We encourage you to consume lots of non-alcoholic liquids during the week to avoid dehydration. REMEMBER: ALCOHOL AND DIVING DO NOT MIX. For
your safety, we recommend that the consumption of any alcoholic beverage be delayed until your dive day is complete. FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRINK AND DIVE!

Electrical Concerns:
The electrical current on the Wind Dancer is 110 volts including cabin outlets (American standards). There is a charging station in the salon which offers access to 110 V power. While the True Blue Bay Resort is equipped for both 110 volts (American Standards) and 220 volts, the standard for the country of Grenada is 220 Volts, 50Hz and type G plugs
(British three pole plugs). If staying at locations other than Wind Dancer and the True Blue Bay Resort, you will need a transformer to convert power to 110 volts and a plug adapter to fit the slot.

What to Bring
Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. The climate doesn't require much more than shorts, T-shirts, and swimsuits (you may consider slacks, dress shorts or sundresses for dinner ashore). In the winter months, a sweater, long pants and windbreaker for the evenings can be a good idea. Soft luggage is recommended as it takes up very little space when empty. Sun screens, sunglasses, a visor or hat is recommended. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency towards seasickness, come prepared with motion sickness medications or Transderm patches from your doctor. If you have favorite CD's or DVD's, feel free to bring them. All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels, dive towels, and wash cloths) are provided on board. Hair Dryers are provided in the rooms.
If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, a swimsuit, change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these few items with you will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.

WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY ON BOARD?
The Wind Dancer crew is trained in first aid and diving accident management. The boat is equipped with a complete first aid kit and a high capacity oxygen system. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE CLOSEST HYPERBARIC CHAMBER IS IN BARBADOS, A 20 MINUTE FLIGHT FROM GRENADA AND THE GRENADINES. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each guest, we strongly recommend that you obtain special insurance for divers DAN OR DIVE ASSURE and dive conservatively.

FAQ's & ONGOING INFORMATION FROM THE THREAD:

This section is new and will capture the info you need from the thread as it evolves. PLEASE check the next post periodically to stay updated!

Edited by ScubaPunk, 23 December 2008 - 01:41 PM.


Contact me directly at Kamala@SingleDivers.com for your private or group travel needs or 864-557-6079 AND don't miss SD's 2018-2021 Trips! ....here! Most are once in a lifetime opportunities...don't miss the chance to go!!
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#2 uwfan

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Posted 13 September 2008 - 11:26 PM

Kamala, thanks for doing all this work with the change.

Please confirm me for the trip in Grenada. My flight change routes me through Port of Spain, Trinidad...anyone out there know of a modest hotel near the airport - I'll need to do the 26th in Trinidad. :birthday:

#3 WreckWench

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Posted 13 September 2008 - 11:32 PM

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Anyone who was on the Bahamas New Year's trip will need to reconfirm that they wish to change to the new venue. Logistical discussions on the change are located in a special discussion forum HERE for which all members signed up for this trip have rec'd information on how to access. :birthday:

Contact me directly at Kamala@SingleDivers.com for your private or group travel needs or 864-557-6079 AND don't miss SD's 2018-2021 Trips! ....here! Most are once in a lifetime opportunities...don't miss the chance to go!!
SD LEGACY/OLD/MANUAL Forms & Documents.... here !

Click here TO PAY for Merchandise, Membership, or Travel
"Imitation is the sincerest flattery." - Gandhi
"Imitation is proof that originality is rare." - ScubaHawk
SingleDivers.com...often imitated...never duplicated!

Kamala Shadduck c/o SingleDivers.com LLC
2234 North Federal Hwy, #1010 Boca Raton, FL 33431
formerly...
710 Dive Buddy Lane; Salem, SC 29676
864-557-6079 tel/celfone/office or tollfree fax 888-480-0906

#4 WreckWench

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Posted 13 September 2008 - 11:32 PM

Kamala, thanks for doing all this work with the change.

Please confirm me for the trip in Grenada. My flight change routes me through Port of Spain, Trinidad...anyone out there know of a modest hotel near the airport - I'll need to do the 26th in Trinidad. :birthday:



You are welcome! While certainly not on my list of preferred things to do...I guess if it were easy EVERYONE would be doing it! :birthday:

I'll get you moved up the list. Do send us your new travel details as soon as you can! :birthday:

Contact me directly at Kamala@SingleDivers.com for your private or group travel needs or 864-557-6079 AND don't miss SD's 2018-2021 Trips! ....here! Most are once in a lifetime opportunities...don't miss the chance to go!!
SD LEGACY/OLD/MANUAL Forms & Documents.... here !

Click here TO PAY for Merchandise, Membership, or Travel
"Imitation is the sincerest flattery." - Gandhi
"Imitation is proof that originality is rare." - ScubaHawk
SingleDivers.com...often imitated...never duplicated!

Kamala Shadduck c/o SingleDivers.com LLC
2234 North Federal Hwy, #1010 Boca Raton, FL 33431
formerly...
710 Dive Buddy Lane; Salem, SC 29676
864-557-6079 tel/celfone/office or tollfree fax 888-480-0906

#5 Bubbles

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Posted 14 September 2008 - 09:19 AM

Please put me down as interested. I just now noticed the trip changed from the Bahamas to Grenada. I really enjoyed last year's trip to Grenada, and would love to go back again.
"If life gives you limes, make margaritas." – Jimmy Buffett

#6 WreckWench

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Posted 14 September 2008 - 10:17 AM

Please put me down as interested. I just now noticed the trip changed from the Bahamas to Grenada. I really enjoyed last year's trip to Grenada, and would love to go back again.


Great! We are going PAST Grenada into the pristine Grenadines... :cool2:

Contact me directly at Kamala@SingleDivers.com for your private or group travel needs or 864-557-6079 AND don't miss SD's 2018-2021 Trips! ....here! Most are once in a lifetime opportunities...don't miss the chance to go!!
SD LEGACY/OLD/MANUAL Forms & Documents.... here !

Click here TO PAY for Merchandise, Membership, or Travel
"Imitation is the sincerest flattery." - Gandhi
"Imitation is proof that originality is rare." - ScubaHawk
SingleDivers.com...often imitated...never duplicated!

Kamala Shadduck c/o SingleDivers.com LLC
2234 North Federal Hwy, #1010 Boca Raton, FL 33431
formerly...
710 Dive Buddy Lane; Salem, SC 29676
864-557-6079 tel/celfone/office or tollfree fax 888-480-0906

#7 CaptainMorgan

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Posted 14 September 2008 - 10:37 AM

Kamala, thanks for doing all this work with the change.

Please confirm me for the trip in Grenada. My flight change routes me through Port of Spain, Trinidad...anyone out there know of a modest hotel near the airport - I'll need to do the 26th in Trinidad. :cool2:


I spent a few nights on Trinidad before and after SDs trip to Grenada last year. I stayed at a couple of different places and will give you my opinion of each.

Par May Las Inn-- Affordable ($40/night single) and worth that rate. Friendly staff, nice open air breakfast area (continental breakfast included). About 35 mins from airport in downtown Port-of-Spain so a taxi is about $20-25 each way. I'd stay there again if I was planning to see downtown PoS.

Bel Air Hotel-- Right (I mean right) next to the airport. $80/night single. It did have an airport shuttle (heck, if the airport didn't have a fence around the runways you could probably walk there faster than drive) and there was hot water and a bed. That's about all I can say that was positive. Pretty run down and dreary. The restaurant on site was not very good. But if you want convenience and just looking for a place to crash this could be it.

Asa Wright Nature Center-- Located a little over an hour away up in the mountains. A birder's paradise. Looks like $275/night w/ three meals, tea, and rum punch provided along with nature tours. Transfer to/from airport provided. I went in more of the off season and the price was much more reasonable (about $150) excellent food and lots of it. Quiet and relaxing. A beautiful eco-lodge. Highly recommended if you have a few days and want to learn about the natural side of the islands. Probably not worth it for just an overnight at that price.

So those are the places I stayed at. While I was looking up the names of those I came across this place
which might be worth checking out. Looks like only about 5 mins from airport and reasonable rates. And new as of last year. Wish I had seen it then.

If you have time to do it, an evening tour to the Caroni Swamp to see the Scarlet ibises is definitely worth it. I'd check to see if they are there in the winter (they should be), but they go to Venezuela during the day to eat and come back in the evenings to roost. Seeing whole trees turn from green to pink as they come in is supposed to be amazing (when I was there it was during nesting season, so we weren't allowed to get close to the nesting area; you shouldn't have that restriction when you're there). Just seeing them flying through the skies was amazing enough. Plus the boat guides point out other birds, caimans, etc. Watch out for bugs.

I personally wasn't too impressed with Port of Spain (I think POS is a good abbreviation). It'a a little too developed and busy to put you in the right frame of mind for going on an island vacation. Of course I was coming from a very rural area not Denver (which is where you're from?), so it might be a better transition for you. I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to drive there (wrong side of the road, very busy 4 lane (they treat them like 6) roads).

If you ever have the chance, Tobago was much more relaxing.

Enjoy Grenada and the liveaboard. The Grenada trip last year was great.

Kelly

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Posted 14 September 2008 - 12:50 PM

I don't feel really comfortable with this trip for several reasons. How should I go about getting the money I have already paid back?

thanks

#9 WreckWench

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Posted 15 September 2008 - 04:17 PM

I don't feel really comfortable with this trip for several reasons. How should I go about getting the money I have already paid back?

thanks



No worries Scott. There is no penalty for cancelling so I will work with you on your refund. Kamala

Contact me directly at Kamala@SingleDivers.com for your private or group travel needs or 864-557-6079 AND don't miss SD's 2018-2021 Trips! ....here! Most are once in a lifetime opportunities...don't miss the chance to go!!
SD LEGACY/OLD/MANUAL Forms & Documents.... here !

Click here TO PAY for Merchandise, Membership, or Travel
"Imitation is the sincerest flattery." - Gandhi
"Imitation is proof that originality is rare." - ScubaHawk
SingleDivers.com...often imitated...never duplicated!

Kamala Shadduck c/o SingleDivers.com LLC
2234 North Federal Hwy, #1010 Boca Raton, FL 33431
formerly...
710 Dive Buddy Lane; Salem, SC 29676
864-557-6079 tel/celfone/office or tollfree fax 888-480-0906

#10 uwfan

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Posted 15 September 2008 - 07:22 PM

Thanks for the information on hotels in the POS area. Although the hotel next to the airport was run down, would you say it was clean (clean sheets)? how comfortable were the beds? and did the AC work? I'm looking for cheap accomodations, but might try the newer hotel since it isn't too far from the airport (less taxi fare) yet looks clean and comfortable. Do you know if US Dollars are accepted by taxis?

I will be arriving POS on the 26th, and arriving Grenada on the 27th. I will leave Grenada on the 4th (need room on the 3rd in Grenada) and attempt to fly out of POS on the 4th ... hoping to get back in time for start of school. :birthday:

Where do I send more detailed info on flights? :cool1:

#11 CaptainMorgan

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Posted 15 September 2008 - 08:28 PM

Thanks for the information on hotels in the POS area. Although the hotel next to the airport was run down, would you say it was clean (clean sheets)? how comfortable were the beds? and did the AC work? I'm looking for cheap accomodations, but might try the newer hotel since it isn't too far from the airport (less taxi fare) yet looks clean and comfortable. Do you know if US Dollars are accepted by taxis?

I will be arriving POS on the 26th, and arriving Grenada on the 27th. I will leave Grenada on the 4th (need room on the 3rd in Grenada) and attempt to fly out of POS on the 4th ... hoping to get back in time for start of school. :birthday:

Where do I send more detailed info on flights? :cool1:


I'm not the best person to ask about quality accomodations as I'm about to start living out of the back of my truck for the next few months...but, I would rate the Bel Aire at about or just below a Motel 6. The sheets though very threadbare were clean, they did have towels in the shower that were clean, and the AC worked fine.

The one taxi I took (and it seemed most anywhere else I went) accepted US Dollars, but made change in local currency. I can't really remember what the exhchange rate was. You'll be approached by someone when you're waiting for your luggage to see if you need a taxi.

Hope this helps.

kelly

#12 uwfan

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Posted 15 September 2008 - 08:39 PM

Thanks for the information on hotels in the POS area. Although the hotel next to the airport was run down, would you say it was clean (clean sheets)? how comfortable were the beds? and did the AC work? I'm looking for cheap accomodations, but might try the newer hotel since it isn't too far from the airport (less taxi fare) yet looks clean and comfortable. Do you know if US Dollars are accepted by taxis?

I will be arriving POS on the 26th, and arriving Grenada on the 27th. I will leave Grenada on the 4th (need room on the 3rd in Grenada) and attempt to fly out of POS on the 4th ... hoping to get back in time for start of school. :birthday:

Where do I send more detailed info on flights? :cool1:


I'm not the best person to ask about quality accomodations as I'm about to start living out of the back of my truck for the next few months...but, I would rate the Bel Aire at about or just below a Motel 6. The sheets though very threadbare were clean, they did have towels in the shower that were clean, and the AC worked fine.

The one taxi I took (and it seemed most anywhere else I went) accepted US Dollars, but made change in local currency. I can't really remember what the exhchange rate was. You'll be approached by someone when you're waiting for your luggage to see if you need a taxi.

Hope this helps.

kelly


Yes, it helps a LOT! Thank you...the Motel 6 comparison gives me a good measuring stick. Wish I could afford more time to travel over to Tobago, but this was an unintentional layover that I'll do with what I can...while I live in the Denver metro area...I prefer forest area or beaches (grew up rural and would be now if I could...) Double :birthday:

#13 WreckWench

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Posted 16 September 2008 - 09:50 AM

I will be arriving POS on the 26th, and arriving Grenada on the 27th. I will leave Grenada on the 4th (need room on the 3rd in Grenada) and attempt to fly out of POS on the 4th ... hoping to get back in time for start of school. :o

Where do I send more detailed info on flights? :tears:



First :D Kelly for all your AWESOME information! :respect:

Heidi I think Tammy is going to stay an extra week so unless someone else stays the extra week you may be able to room with her for the 3rd.

Please send your NEW flight details to trips@singledivers.com. CLEARLY mark in the title what they are saying REVISED GRENADA New Year's Eve Flights and include proof of the cost of the change fee, cancellation fee and/or fare increase. Thank you! kamala

Contact me directly at Kamala@SingleDivers.com for your private or group travel needs or 864-557-6079 AND don't miss SD's 2018-2021 Trips! ....here! Most are once in a lifetime opportunities...don't miss the chance to go!!
SD LEGACY/OLD/MANUAL Forms & Documents.... here !

Click here TO PAY for Merchandise, Membership, or Travel
"Imitation is the sincerest flattery." - Gandhi
"Imitation is proof that originality is rare." - ScubaHawk
SingleDivers.com...often imitated...never duplicated!

Kamala Shadduck c/o SingleDivers.com LLC
2234 North Federal Hwy, #1010 Boca Raton, FL 33431
formerly...
710 Dive Buddy Lane; Salem, SC 29676
864-557-6079 tel/celfone/office or tollfree fax 888-480-0906

#14 uwfan

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Posted 16 September 2008 - 12:57 PM

I will be arriving POS on the 26th, and arriving Grenada on the 27th. I will leave Grenada on the 4th (need room on the 3rd in Grenada) and attempt to fly out of POS on the 4th ... hoping to get back in time for start of school. :o

Where do I send more detailed info on flights? :thankyou:



First :thankyou: Kelly for all your AWESOME information! :thankyou:

Heidi I think Tammy is going to stay an extra week so unless someone else stays the extra week you may be able to room with her for the 3rd.

Please send your NEW flight details to trips@singledivers.com. CLEARLY mark in the title what they are saying REVISED GRENADA New Year's Eve Flights and include proof of the cost of the change fee, cancellation fee and/or fare increase. Thank you! kamala


THANK YOU!! If I did what I intended the Revised info has been sent. :D

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Posted 18 September 2008 - 05:21 AM

I don't feel really comfortable with this trip for several reasons. How should I go about getting the money I have already paid back?

thanks



No worries Scott. There is no penalty for cancelling so I will work with you on your refund. Kamala


Thanks Wenchie,

I'm not sure my concerns are valid and I haven't even tried to handle my air tickets yet. Its been 2 months to the day since my dad's emergency 2am qaudruple bypass and he is now walking 1 mile a day consisently. My concerns there have pretty much ended. My grandmother took a turn for the worse and is near the end. She has signed papers to not be treated anymore so she should be gone by this trip for sure. That will end my family concerns. I've changed my diet and consistently feel like a different person also. I've got this entire period off from work anyway so maybe it is doable. Also I would rather not spend another birfday at home.

When read the post you described Grenada as an advanced location. The current dives in Roatan were fine for me but I was thinking about the shark dive when I read that. Is grenada more like the current dive off the "A" boat or like the shark dive? It seems like you wanted to call off the shark dive and I can't imagine anyone doing 5 of those dives a day for a week!!!

thanks,
Scott




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