When: July 20-27th, 2013
Boynton/Delray Beach with Starfish Charters and then a couple of dips on the world famous Blue Heron Bridge and then to Jupiter we go with Emerald Charters.
Why:
South Florida diving offers some of the most biologically diverse diving in the world, and it is full of large sea life including plenty of turtles (on any given dive, you will see Green, Leatherback, AND Loggerhead turtles), abundant fish, as well as lots of sharks. Macro lovers will also enjoy diving in the area. We will enjoy a variety of dives including reefs, shipwrecks, night dives, drift dives, and shore dives. Scuba Diving Magazine rated Southeast Florida top ten in "World's best wreck diving, marine life, and value destination". Reefs are teaming with the same tropical fish species seen throughout the Caribbean. There are also larger pelagic species that migrate and different times of the year. Because of the close proximity of the Gulf Stream, Southeast Florida reefs are known for warm water with excellent visibility and lots of BIG sea life year round. There are also over 100 shipwrecks in all depth ranges. The reef system begins less than 1/4 mile offshore, so this also means considerably shorter boat rides than other places. For MORE Pictures click HERE!!
Requirements for Certification and Experience - Plus Optional Training Certifications during the Trip:
We'll start the week off doing some easy but extremely great dives out of the Boynton and Delray Beach area. This helps to get your gills back and/or do some training if you wish to participate in the Jupiter Diving. Due to the currents and depths of the second half of the trip, we are limiting the trip to experienced divers who are Advanced Open Water** and Enriched Air Nitrox* certified.
*If you are not yet Nitrox certified, you have plenty of time to do so online before the trip, then a short practicum will be given in person so you can start diving Nitrox on your first dive. (Nitrox has many benefits including shorter surface interval times and reduced levels of nitrogen in the body. Many people feel less tired after diving and seem to have more energy.)
**If you are not yet Advanced certified but do have plenty of dive experience under your belt, we can offer that certification on the trip as well. PM wreckwench or sunshinediver or email kamala@singledivers.com with questions.
PRICING:
So it looks like we will be at $1075 double occupancy or $1575 single occupancy
We'll be offering a $50 member discount and $100 early payment in full discount plus an add'l $50 off a single room during the early booking period if paid in full by June 6th, 2013 SEE BELOW FOR FULL DISCOUNT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION
INCLUDED:
- 7 nites hotel at beautiful DoubleTree Hotel in Deerfield/Boca Raton Beach and Palm Beach Gardens
- FULL Delicious Breakfast Buffet Daily $17 value per person daily or $119 for the week (thanks to SunshineDiver)
- Gourmet Lunch each day of diving with Emerald Charters (thanks to SunshineDiver) - Let us know if you desire a vegetarian option or have other dietary requirements
- FREE DoubleTree famous chocolate chip cookies throughout the week
- 6 days of diving to include 18 scheduled dives on Starfish, Emerald Charters and 1 afternoon at Blue Heron Bridge (Maybe more)
- Tanks for (1)BHB (Blue Heron Bridge) scheduled dive
- Other perks we are still working out!
- Transfers to/from airport to hotel nor from hotel to hotel. (We'll help with car pooling and/or rental cars if needed. Let us know if you can drive or need a ride.)
- Rental Car expenses or gas for car pooling with other members
- Meals other than breakfast and Gourmet Lunch with Emerald Charters (We'll plan a cook out for one night if people are interested ESPECIALLY SINCE ITS LOBSTER SEASON or just enjoy the fabulous eating venues in fabulous South Florida)
- Rental Gear (Typically about $$$ per day)..... TBD
- Lead (Typically $10 per day BUT OUR PRICE IS $10 for the WEEK. Let us know and we'll arrange. Any extra lead you have and can bring is welcome!)
- Tank RENTAL Nitrox: $252 for the trip
- Tank FILLS $TBA (The dive op will handle all tanks if we rent them but if you wish fills for your own tanks we can certainly arrange to get them filled and ready to dive the next day but you'll have to drop them off and pick them back up. Due to the logistics we don't recommend this option as fills are about the same as rentals.)
- Dive Instruction and Dive Tips
OPTIONAL:
- Extra night of hotel either before or after the trip $ TBA
- Nitrox Class $ TBA (you can do online via our corporate partner and then do the practicum in Florida on the trip i.e. how to anaylize your tank, use various nitrox analyizers, fill out the forms, etc.)
- AOW - $ TBA SunshineDiver has agreed to teach an AOW class if you basically have the skills and just need the card. Let us know and we'll get you set up.
Itinerary:
20 July - arrive in South Florida. Check in at DoubleTree by Hilton Deerfield Beach-Boca Raton, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441, (866) 629-9282 HERE. Not only will we be treated to DoubleTree cookies, but we will also enjoy a fabulous $17 full breakfast buffet (up to two breakfasts per room). There is also free WiFi, free parking and free shuttle service among other amenities all which have been negotiated by our lovely co-Trip coordinator Ms. Gabrielle aka SunshineDiver.
If you arrive early and would like to dive that day, consider some shore diving at Deerfield Beach Ledges HERE.
or check out any local attractions HERE.
21 July - 2-tank morning dive (8am) with Starfish Enterprise http://www.idivestarfish.com We'll figure out where we will dive based upon the group going any training we are providing.
The afternoon will be shore diving at Blue Heron Bridge (a macro lover's dream with seahorses, pipefish, decorator crabs, batfish, and other rare and exotic species of sea life, all in a relatively small area and all at depths less than 24 feet). Bring a dive flag if you have one (we will have some, too) since diving with a flag is required in navigable waters in Florida.
22 July - 3-tank morning dive (9am) with Starfish Enterprise then optional afternoon excursion. Let us know what on the list interests you HERE. And if the tides permit...I'll be doing more diving at the world famous Blue Heron Bridge!
23 July - 3-tank dive morning dive (9am) with Starfish Enterprise (Again boat choice of sites combined with needs for training if any.)
Tentatively this will be a free afternoon to get ready to head to our next diving venue. However if tides permit...I may sneak back over to the World Famous Blue Heron Bridge!!!
24 July - Check out of hotel and head north to check in to hotel at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, 4431 PGA Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens , Florida 33410, (561) 622-2260 HERE. We will have the same excellent amenities as at the previous hotel since they are sister properties, including free WiFi, free parking, included hot buffet breakfast, and more (thanks to our uber talented co-Trip Leader SunshineDiver for negotiating so many bennies at a top rated hotel!!)
Then we'll do a 3-tank afternoon and night dive (3:30pm) with Emerald Charters HERE , Blowing Rocks Marina, 18487 S.E. Federal Highway, Jupiter, FL 33469. Note: to save time, please complete the boat waiver in advance: HERE Please send a copy to trips@singledivers.com so we can help ensure your docs are rec'd inhouse and we can 'jump start' the second half of our trip!
25 July - 3-tank afternoon and night dive (3:30pm) with Emerald Charters
26 July - 3-tank morning dive (8am) with Emerald Charters then optional afternoon excursion or just chill at the hotel. Let us know what on the list interests you most! HERE!
27 July - check out from hotel and head home with some fabulous memories and even better pictures!
AIRPORT AND FLYING INFO:
We suggest you leave on Sunday July 28th as flights are cheaper and you can dive all day Friday and still have a full day off for offgassing.
Suggested airports are PBI Palm Beach International and FLL Ft Lauderdale. Of course you can fly into MIA if you like but the other two will be closer. Let us know which airport and we'll help with car pooling and/or shared rentals.
Its LOBSTER SEASON!!!
Who wants to join in for the catch! (Yes pun intended!!!)
Here are the details. There are non-resident passes as well as Florida annual or 5-year licenses:
http://myfwc.com/lic...ltwater-fishing
MORE INFO FROM STARFISH ENTERPRISES:
Starfish Rules and Other Info
RULES: (Having fun is No. 1! Here's the rest.)
QUESTIONS: PLEASE CALL CAPT. CRAIG AT (561) 212-2954 IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!!!
DAILY DIVE TRIP SCHEDULE:
Monday-Friday
9:00 am
Saturday & Sunday & Holidays
8:00 am & 1:30 pm
The diver should bring any gear that they have, a c-card, any medications that could be necessary, and of course things like a towel or a jacket, if the conditions require.
TEMPERATURE FACTS:
Water temperature do exceed 80 degrees in the summer to the low seventies in the winter. If you can see it in the Caribbean waters, you can see it here...Honest!! Our depths run from 45'- 65' on the west side of the reef, and 50'-80' on the east side of the reef. Since you asked about wrecks, we feature wrecks that sit in anything from 80' - 110'.
ABOUT STARFISH ENTERPRISES:
Owner/operator Captain Craig Smart has over 25 years of diving experience in these local waters and holds numerous diving and diving related certifications. Our crew members are also local divers with an emphasis on safety. Each crew member is trained in CPR/First-aid and certified as an Oxygen provider. Our Vessel "STARFISH ENTERPRISE" is a Coastguard certified, 34 foot Crusader decked out for your comfort. The "FISH", as we so lovingly call her, is certified to carry 22 divers, but 14 is all that you will find. (No cattle-boats here!)
With a wide beam, large dive platform, and a center rail to stabilize all of your movements, the "FISH" is the perfect transport to the best diving South Florida has to offer.
DIVE SITES FOR STARFISH DIVING DAYS:
Scuba Diving Sites
Our dive sites are well suited to scuba divers of all experience levels with coral reefs ranging from 45-85 feet deep, and shipwrecks from 85-110 feet. Inhabitants include just about every fish and critter in the Atlantic Ocean.
Wrecks
* Captain Tony
Depth: 85 feet
Length: 167 feet
The Captain Tony a.k.a. M/V Becks was sunk on October 22, 1996 in 85 feet of water where she sits upright with her bow to the South. Originally named the M/V Becks, this Dutch freighter was renamed the Captain Tony in memory of Captain Tony Townsend a local dive charter captain. There are numerous opportunities to penetrate the wreck with reasonable safety. Look for several large Jewfish that sometimes hangout in the engine room.
* Budweiser Barge
Depth: 95 feet
Length: 169 feet
This coastal freighter was built in Germany in 1968 and used to transport dry goods between Florida, the Bahamas, and Haiti. She was sunk on 7/16/87 where she sits today, upright with her bow facing South. Formerly named the M/S Havel, she was renamed the Budweiser Bar after Budweiser donated money to sink her as an artificial reef. Before sinking, the aluminum wheelhouse and Deutz diesel engine were salvaged for scrap metal. There are two swim-throughs cut into the hold.
* Castor
Depth: 110 feet
Length: 285 feet
Width: 37 feet
Height: 50 feet
The M/V Castor was sunk on December 14, 2001 in 110 feet of water where she sits upright with her bow to the South within 60 feet of the surface. For safety reasons, all hatches and doors have been removed.
Reefs
On reef dives, you drift dive in small groups, each group carrying it's own flag and float. Captain Craig and the Starfish crew are waiting for you when you surface. Cool! Here are a few of our favorites:
* Gulfstream
This reef features alternating 2 to 3 foot high ledges that occasionally jut up to 10 feet high. Another distinguishing feature is the soft sand that bounds the reef to the West. The soft sand is a favorite resting place for Southern Stingrays.
* Delray Ledges
The Delray Ledges are located South of the Boynton Reef system off the coast from the city of Delray Beach. The reef structure is spectacular! There are long stretches of 15-20 foot high ledges with room-size chunks of broken reef in the sand. There are also several vertical cracks and tunnels in the reef that provide a great background for photo ops. Diving this reef is easy. Just follow the ledge along the top edge or explore the broken reef area just West of the reef.
* Horseshoe
Horse Shoe Reef is named for its hooked shape. You have the choice of diving along the very inside edge of the reef or on top of the ledge about 50 feet to the East. While the top of the ledge is an attractive alternative, you run the risk of missing the Horse Shoe if you stay on top of the ledge too long. If you are new to this dive, stay on the very inside edge until you get to the Horse Shoe. You?ll see huge schools of Grunts and Yellow Tails. Sometimes there are so many fish, you?ll forget you?re diving on a reef. This is the dive where you?ll see one of everything!
* Gazebo
Gazebo is named for its gazebo landmark. It is a favorite among locals. Just West of the main reef at 60 feet you will find numerous scattered coral heads and low-lying ledges. This is a great place to look for Nurse Sharks. Go East of the main ledge and at 45 feet you will find a 2 to 3 foot high step ledge that runs parallel to the main ledge. Here you will find a wide variety of marine life including Jacks, Squid, Angelfish, Trumpet fish, and Moray Eels.
MORE INFO FROM EMERALD CHARTERS:
Coming soon!
DISCOUNTS:
• EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS for PREMIER MEMBERS until June 6th!
[/color]• Price discounts if paid in full by Jun 6th: $100 d/o or $150 s/o.
• $25 Mail-In Rebate for SD premier or charter membership redeemable after the trip if filed within 30 days (Click here for the form & details!
• Additional $50 Active Duty Military Discount for any active duty military of any country that fights for freedom.
• $50 member discount!
• Deposit is a $500 per person non-refundable deposit. (Deposit can be refunded via claims on your trip insurance if you have to cancel or by selling your spot to a non-SD.com member. Ask SD for help.)
• Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via credit card or PayPal. Echecks via SD's Payment Link in my signature incur NO additional charge.
PAYMENT TERMS & SCHEDULE:
PROGRESS PAYMENTS:
a. $500 due at booking to lock in a spot (payment must be rec'd within 7 days to be valid or your spot will be released)
b. Jun 6, 2013: Last Day for $100 payment in full d/o or $150 s/o
c. Jul 6, 2013: $575 or any remaining balance due
Note: Trip must be paid in full
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
SingleDivers.com uses a secure payment gateway that allows you to pay for trips or merchandise using either an e-check which debits your checking account directly without having to mail in a check or debits your credit card without having to fill out a SD.com credit card authorization form. (Please note that many non-US bank originating credit card must still use the paper credit card authorization form as different processing procedures must be followed to process international/non-US credit cards. YOU CAN TRY YOUR CARD BY ENTERING AA AS YOUR STATE AND THE CHARGE MAY GO THRU OK. If you need to use the form you'll find this form in the Forms Forum link in my signature. - PLEASE email trips@singledivers.com for the password to the forms forum.)
SingleDivers.com provides its members with pricing that reflects all possible cash discounts so any payments via credit card or PayPal will still incur a 3% non-cash convenience fee. Our SECURE payment gateway which you can access using the Link in my Signature Line OR using the Link found on Every Page of Forums. It is not a shopping cart BUT it will total your trip choices AND add the 3% non-cash convenience fee if you are paying via credit card.
ONLY PAYMENTS RECEIVED VIA OUR SECURE ONLINE PAYMENT GATEWAY WILL BE ACCEPTED AND WILL QUALIFY FOR THE EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS
If you are unable to use the gateway please provide a complete description of the problem/error you are encountering and contact kamala@singledivers.com immediately to manually process your payment for you.
Please add a 3% non-cash convenience fee if paying via PayPal (either via credit card or check payment) or any credit card or any non-cash option. Checks, money orders and real cash are discounted already and do not incur a 3% non-cash convenience fee.
International/ Non-US Clients: Please use the traditional written credit authorization form to submit credit card payments. Click here for the form and ask trips@singledivers.com for the password.
HOW TO BOOK A SPOT ON THIS TRIP:
1. Post in this thread that you plan to join us and advise your check or credit card payment is on its way via our NEW SECURE ONLINE PAYMENT GATEWAY. (SEE PAYMENT LINK AT THE TOP OF EACH PAGE OF THE FORUMS OR ON THE HOMEPAGE OR USE THE LINK IN MY SIGNATURE.) You MUST tell us which OPTIONS you want. We'll then put your name on the 'checks in the mail' list. (Please send your payment asap as we can NOT hold any spots on this trip. Your spot will ONLY BE CONFIRMED when we receive your $500 non-refundable deposit. - 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 $35 a year and you can get $25 back after the trip as a member rebate if you file for it AND YOU WILL QUALIFY FOR THE EARLY BIRD BOOKING WINDOW & DISCOUNTS ON FUTURE TRIPS. PLEASE NOTE THAT TO FACILITATE THE BOOKING PROCESS & PRE-TRIP COORESPONDENCE ALL TRIP GOERS NEED TO BE PREMIER MEMBERS. Click here to learn more.
2. Fill out the Trip Rooming & Diving Survey plus the SingleDivers.com Medical Liability Release & Insurance Summary form 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.)
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 try to work with you.
4. We need to know if you need rental gear, will be diving nitrox and if you want d/o or s/o for the trip. You MUST include as much of this information as possible with your initial reservation.
5. [/size]All participants must have Current Dive Insurance. THIS TRIP DOES NOT REQUIRE TRIP INSURANCE. You will need to verify if you have trip insurance, or will be procuring trip insurance, or conversely not procuring trip insurance. - .and state one of the following:
a. I have trip insurance that covers this trip already.
b. I will purchase trip insurance to cover this trip.
c. I will not purchase trip insurance and will accept all losses accordingly. THIS TRIP DOES NOT REQUIRE TRIP INSURANCE, BUT IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
6. You are responsible for all info in the thread. We try to keep our FAQ and Important Updates posts #2 & #3 updated to make it easier for you but you are responsible for monitoring the thread for all updates. As the trip gets closer we'll open a private forum for all trip goers to answer last minute questions & provide last minute details. For sure monitor the thread the last 30 days prior to your trip for last minute updates and information.
7. Only requests posted in this trip topic/thread are considered official especially for limited options such as use of a computer, or going on a tour, etc.
8. Please note that while you may send pm and email requests for availability, the "official" availability is only accurate in the main trip post. For more information on SingleDivers.com, booking policies, etc please read here.
9. Also note that for FASTER service please email trips@singledivers.com for all general questions and kamala@singledivers.com for custom questions or special requests.
10. PLEASE SEND ALL DOCUMENTS ONLY TO TRIPS@SINGLEDIVERS.COM as I do not regularly check trip documentation emails, rather leaving it to our awesome volunteers who help me with our trips.
11. Save $75 by getting your documents in house within 3 weeks of booking your trip. If you miss the 21 day timeline we'll simply add the $75 document fee to your invoice total. If signing up within 3 weeks or 21 days of the trip, documents must be submitted within 3 days to avoid the document fee.
PLEASE obtain TRIP insurance - IT IS OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR THIS TRIP ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. REMEMBER IF YOU MISS THE BOAT….YOU MISS THE TRIP! You can purchase it right online as well as check quotes etc .
Click here for a free quote or to purchase online!
or
Click here for Dive Assure for either a 'one time' policy OR an annual policy that is BOTH Dive & Trip Insurance, providing PRIMARY COVERAGE with excellent rates & coverage!
PLEASE obtain DIVE insurance - IT IS MANDATORY FOR THIS TRIP ...it is VERY inexpensive and will protect your investment. Even if you have insurance that you think covers DIVING ACCIDENTS and air lifts…it is CHEAP to get a supplemental policy to ensure you are cared for.
Click here for Diver's Alert Network and use our reference ID 1603080.
or
DIVE ASSURE ... get BOTH TRIP & DIVE insurance in one convenient package
TRIP INSURANCE VS GAMBLING LOSSES:
Hey folks if you are gamblers and opt to NOT take out trip insurance that is your decision! However, please understand that neither our dive or resort/hotel operators nor SingleDivers.com can help you out with your gambling losses. SD.com accepts a huge amount of liability to fill ALL the trips we run OR EAT THE SPOTS. I can assure you that I have paid plenty of gambling losses over the years. But I won't gamble with my life (I have both DAN and DIVE ASSURE for Dive Insurance) and I won't gamble with my trips...(I have the annual policy by DIVE ASSURE which covers ALL MY DIVE TRIPS!)
So the choice is yours....bet on no hurricanes, no accidents, no illness, no deaths in the family, no job loss, no immediate death/injury to yourself* ...and laugh in the end when your bet pays off. But when it does not...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not expect Explorer Ventures or SingleDivers.com to refund your money because your bet did not pan out.
NOTE: One of the reason's we have you finalize your extras and pay for everything by 90 days out is so you have more flexibility getting trip insurance. Please take a moment TODAY to do this important task. *If you think it can't happen to you please think again...sadly it happens A LOT!!