IMPORTANT UPDATE AS OF 1:30PM 4-1-10...NO NOT A JOKE:Ok the office was able to talk to the boat for me and we have a few changes to even the changes Jeff told you about. The critical ones are:
1. Water temps are now reading 78 degrees. So Craig showed a range of 70 to 74 so hopefully if the high has increased to 78 we'll be looking at a range of 74 to 78. STILL BRING VESTS OR ANOTHER SUIT TO LAYER WITH as the boat's supply of rental suits is limited not to mention $.
2. The land tour allows us to meet some of the characters of the island and them to meet us. It is unvarnished and pure...it will not be politically correct in many ways but who would want it if it were. The tour is WHY the boat got the license to moor in Mayaguana and run these trips so it is not optional. However if you really do not wish to do the tour, the $30 price also includes dinner so you MAY be able to do dinner and hang out at the hotel which has free wifi. I'm not sure we can do that but it MAY be an option. Please note that the tour price is NOW $30 vs. $25.
3. Note the NEW BOARDING TIME IS NOW 7:30pm and NOT 7pm.
4. Since this is SUCH A NEW DESTINATION the logistics are still being worked out. That is ALSO why I waited a few weeks to do the trip...they would work out most of the kinks before we did it.
Here is the LATEST ON THE TIMES WE CAN DROP LUGGAGE AS WELL AS ANOTHER OPTION FOR LUGGAGE.
a, USUALLY you can start dropping luggage at 1:30pm as the boat is USUALLY NOW docked from 1:30pm onward. (The first trip that Craig was on they did not know the harbor so when the tide was out they could not navigate properly but they now have that worked out.)
b. I say USUALLY because unless a big ferry is docked we can off load luggage at 1:30 onward. IF THE FERRY is there it will be 3:30pm and there is no way to know.
OPTIONS:a. If you wish to bypass the whole 1:30 or 3:30 deal then head to Turtle Cove Marina where you can go to either the Tiki Hut or the Shark Bite both of which serve good casual food and will let you store your luggage in the corner while you relax, eat and drink.
b. Or you can take your chances on the boat being there at 1:30 and if it is not then tell your taxi driver to take you to a VERY NEARBY beach bar called Las Brisas which is on the beach, has a pool and bar and they have been greeting Nekton Clients as if they are old friends. They will also let you store your luggage while you drink, eat and relax. Tel # is 649.946.5306
c. MAKE SURE YOU STOP FOR ADULT BEVERAGES AND SODAS ETC BEFORE YOU GET TO THE BOAT. The boat does not sell such things so you need to bring your own.
OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER:
The boat will cut you lose between 8 and 9am. You will want to head to the airport before noon to avoid 2 hr lines like Craig aka TexasDiver encountered. BUT GET FOOD FIRST as once you go into the secure area there is NO FOOD and its very difficult to get out and go back in again.
MAKE SURE YOU STOP FOR ADULT BEVERAGES AND SODAS ETC BEFORE YOU GET TO THE BOAT. The boat does not sell such things so you need to bring your own. There is a liquor store NEAR the boat so get your taxi driver to take you to it on the way to the boat.
Ok gang...see you soon! I will get one more temp reading after the trip this week! kamala
I arrive on Friday April 9th - Staying at The Sands at Grace Bay http://www.thesandsresort.com/ - Located middle of the Island about 10 minutes away from the Airport
Might catch a dive or snorkel that day and early Sat morning. ( Just Chillin & Grillin)
I talked to Nekton today and they said after 1:30pm on Saturday you can load your gear on board. Hang around if you want and get something to eat before boarding at 7:00pm Boat departs at 8;00pm. Me - I am not hanging around no commercial pier for hours I will be at the resort to at least 5:30 pm
The boat "Nekton Rorqual " will not be at the Nikki Beach Marina per their website It will be located at the commercial pier (south dock) near the airport. The Boat cell number is 954-253-5574 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 954-253-5574 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Not sure if I will rent a car for the day or not. Have a friend that goes to Provo a lot and said if you need a good taxi service that is reasonable try:
Tina Taxi - 649-344-2018 or 649-243-1672 you can e-mail her also at Tinawalkinwalkin26@yahoo.com
I called her already, she told me it would be $26.00 for a ride to my hotel.
My cell will be on also ** - Jeff Hayden's Cell
Jeff aka JHeyNow
** Moderator edit to remove personal cell phone number. Contact ScubaPunk if you need to contact Jeff