I have a question. If I were able to swing this trip and at this point it is a big IF I would like to know what the incidentals are going to cost. How much for a 3rd dive per day? How much for the Manta dive if I don't substitute two days of diving? And in regards to the tip, I get that it is not customary to tip the individuals, and I read that the tips would be collected by SD. Don't hate me for saying this but I can not afford to do this trip if I have to fork out $450 for a tip on top of the package. Is the 15% gratuity going to be expected and collected?
I would love to dive the south pacific this year but money is tight and I have to make every penny and every dive count.
Jim
Jim I will verify the extra price for a 3rd dive but it is approx $55 if bought individually or $46 per dive if you buy a pkg of 2 dives etc. Truth is most people did not do a 3rd boat dive as incredible as that sounds because the shorediving was quite lovely and people actually started to relax and enjoy other aspects of being on a isolated eco island by ourselves. Others went sight seeing or exploring in the afternoons. At first it seemed to be nothing to do and then we realized we had filled the days and still needed more time.
The manta dive is weather dependent and will cost $
AWAITING THIS PRICE if you do not substitute daily dives which I don't think anyone did in our last group either.
As for tip Starfish Sandy is right...this tip goes to the schools on the island by choice of the resort. They want their children to be educated as well as the islanders. As a result the island is NOT commercialized and is like going back in time. The level of service is exceptional because the Fijian people want to help others...it is part of their culture...not because they are hoping for a big tip.
In this instance we will not collect the tip however I will have extra cash that you can buy should you fall short.
Deb is right the price inclues airfare which you would not tip on. An approx price for the land based portion would be roughly $1500. So 10% would be $150 and 15% would be $225. So budget approx $175 to $200 for tips and you should be good to go.
And I hope you can join us!