11 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

 INVENTORY

 

Aug 25 - Sept 01 

• Drive In D/O =  4 spots  -  2 spots sold   =  2 available (Kamala, Brad)
• Drive In S/O = 1 spots  -  0 spots sold   =  1 available
• Fly In D/O    = 4 spots  -  0 spots sold  =  0 available
• Fly In S/O    = 1 spots  -  0 spots =  1 available
• 2 DAY SPOTS per day set up for day spots..SEE BELOW FOR WHICH DAYS!!!

 

FLORIDA HERE WE COME for our 3rd BEST OF FLORIDA DIVING EXTRAVAGANZA!!! Join our Third Annual "Best of Florida" Diving Extravaganza (for the same price as 2013)...it truly is...come see for yourself! You've heard it said and now its true!! SingleDivers.com does the BEST OF FLORIDA ANNUALLY! This year's trip duplicates our fantastic first trip and starts in the Boynton/Delray Beach area and then moves to the Jupiter area and the icing of this trip will be some world class diving at the Blue Heron Bridge.


When: Jul 3-11, 2015 (6) full days of diving either am or pm and/or both! We dive Boynton/Delray Beach with Starfish Charters for 3 days and 3 days in Jupiter with Emerald Charters including a couple of dips on the world famous Blue Heron Bridge as the tides allow. Oh yeah...did I mention SHARKS???? We'll see them in Jupiter along with massive schools of Goliath Groupers...nearly extinct everywhere but FLORIDA!!!



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 with LOADS of photo ops for you as well! (Check our our nudie love!) 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 we STRONGLY SUGGEST 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 due to the increase 02 in your system.)

**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 email kamala@singledivers.com with questions.

 

Transfers from Airport & Dive Boats etc

 

Hey everyone... This is what has worked out the past few years....

1. Brad aka dive_sail_etc has been our TC and Co-Trip Leader for this trip 2013/14. He helps with airport pickups as long as they are in the realm of the normal travel windows.

2. Local awesome members often volunteer to help out!

3. Members joining the trip who prefer to rent a car do so and people help out with gas/the rental and they offer to pick up people and/or carry them from the hotel to the dive boat and/or airport. (Yes this requires a bit of coordination in the associated trip SD Forum.)

4. In the event no one rents a car and we are light on local help then we'll help arrange one or more rental cars and divide amongst the people using it.

So while we don't know the full answer to your question... the range of answers in our arsenal are pretty good!

I hope you'll join us! kamala

HOW THE WEEK WILL WORK:
We will dive with our friends Craig of Starfish in Boynton/Delray Beach/WPB area for the first 3 days Jul 4-6 and Randy of Emerald Charters in Jupiter for the last 3 days Jul 7-9 with Jul 10th to offgas and July 11 as the departure day.

Each operator will take a max of 13 bookings on each boat. (Emerald normally takes 15 divers but has pre-sold two spots to Terri and Diego...friends of SingleDivers.com but uber regulars of Emerald Charters so they can join us in Jupiter!)

We will run a morning track of 2 dives in both Boynton & Jupiter and an afternoon optional track of 2 dives in Boynton and 3 dives in Jupiter ...the 3rd dive being a dusk/night dive. Assuming the tides are cooperative we'll do a dusk dive at BHB (Blue Heron Bridge) during the first part of trip so that would give you a potentially 5th dive one add'l day.

NOTE: If we can not fill 2 tracks of divers we will revert to 2 dives in Boynton and 3 in Jupiter and refund anyone who has paid for add'l dives. Anyone not getting the afternoon boat dives in Boynton, we will head to BHB and work to get in 1-2 dives and we'll refund you the price of the afternoon boat charter.

We are hoping to increase the number of people able to join our trip by offering essentially 2 trips in one...i.e. morning or afternoon BUT we also understand that people LOVE the idea of getting in 4-5 dives a day...after all...we are DIVERS so who wouldn't want to do liveaboard diving even if not on a liveaboard!!!

In order to keep utter chaos from ensuing...we are going to fill the am track first THEN add the afternoon track as either an option or as your main pkg sign up IF the am spots are filled. This will ensure we fill the boat in the am solidly before proceeding to the afternoon where the number of spots varies on a couple of days. If you TRULY ONLY want to dive the afternoon we can work with that but we can't let you choose to do am for 1 day then pm for 1 day and mix it up randomly like that.

So start thinking about if you want to do only 2 dives or if you want to do 4-5 dives.

One more thought....

Most dive operators REQUIRE advanced open water or similar when diving on wrecks or when diving Jupiter soooooooo we will once again offer a STEAL OF A DEAL for anyone needing to get Advanced Open Water certified (must be done during the first 3 days) or for anyone wanting to get Nitrox certified...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if doing more than 2 dives a day AND REQUIRED if doing more than 2 dives in Jupiter as the nitrox loading at the average dive depths will prevent you from getting in a 3rd dive is only diving air.

So DON'T be scared off if you don't have your advanced c-card or nitrox card...BUT NOW IS THE TIME TO GET IT!!!

So remember...if doing more than 2 dives a day then you MUST DIVE NITROX.
If diving the wrecks in Boynton especially the Castor you'll need to be AOW or equivalent or if diving Jupiter you MUST have your AOW or similar or of course a higher certification level.

This will keep you safe and ensure you are NOT in over your head....literally!

PRICING (Same as 2013):

FLY IN Half Day Diving Pkg: 8 nites + 6 days diving $999 d/o $1439 s/o

• 2 dives am (3 days in Boynton + 3 days in Jupiter +1 BHB)
• Air Rentals or Fills Included
• Lead included
• Tanks available at the boat ... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!!

DRIVE IN Half Day Diving Pkg: 7 nites + 6 days diving $944 d/o $1384 s/o

• 2 dives am (3 days in Boynton + 3 daysin Jupiter +1 BHB)
• Air Rentals or Fills Included
• Lead included
• Tanks available at the boat ... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!!

FLY IN Full Day Diving Pkg: 8 nites + 6 days diving $1596 d/o $2036 s/o

• 2 dives am for 3 days in Boynton + 3 days in Jupiter +1 BHB
• 2 dives pm for 3 days in Boynton + 3 dives pm in Jupiter +1 BHB
• Air Rentals or Fills Included
• Lead included
• Tanks available at the boat ... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!!

DRIVE IN Full Day Diving Pkg: 7 nites + 6 days diving $1541 d/o $1926 s/o

• 2 dives am for 3 days in Boynton + 3 days in Jupiter +1 BHB
• 2 dives pm for 3 days in Boynton + 3 dives pm in Jupiter +1 BHB
• Air Rentals or Fills Included
• Lead included
• Tanks available at the boat ... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!!

We'll be offering a $25 d/o and $50 s/o early payment in full discount if paid in full by April 17th, 2015 SEE BELOW FOR FULL DISCOUNT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

INCLUDED:

• 8 or 7 nites hotel at beautiful DoubleTree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens
• FULL Delicious Breakfast Buffet Daily $17 value per person daily or $119 for the week
• Gourmet Lunch each day of diving with Emerald Charters - 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 13 scheduled dives on Starfish, Emerald Charters and 1 afternoon at Blue Heron Bridge (Maybe more) if doing the HALF DAY OPTION or 16 dives if doing the FULL DAY OPTION
• Tanks for (1)BHB (Blue Heron Bridge) scheduled dive
• Tank delivery to and from the boat... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!
• Other perks we are still working out!

NOT INCLUDED:

• 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 or just enjoy the fabulous eating venues in fabulous South Florida)
• Rental Gear (Typically about $$$ per day)..... TBD
• Tank RENTAL Nitrox HALF DAY OPTION: $72 for the trip
• Tank RENTAL Nitrox FULL DAY OPTION: $159 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 $ 55 d/o or $110 s/o
• 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:
3 July Friday - arrive in South Florida. Check into DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, 4431 PGA Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens , Florida 33410, (561) 622-2260 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 some of the many local attractions.

4 July Saturday- 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 and any training we are providing.

The afternoon will either be 2 more dives (1:30pm) if you are doing the FULL DAY OPTION or possibly 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. 

 

The evening we'll find FIREWORKS someplace! Florida is home to many of our members so we'll have a great time!

5 July Sunday - 2tank morning dive (8am) with Starfish Enterprise then optional 2 tank dives in the afternoon (1:30pm) if doing FULL DAY OPTION or afternoon excursion. And if interested and the tides permit...we'll do a dusk/night diver at the world famous Blue Heron Bridge!

6 July Monday - 2-tank morning dive (8am) with Starfish Enterprise (Again boat choice of sites combined with needs for training if any.) then optional 2 tank dives in the afternoon (1:30pm) if doing FULL DAY OPTION or afternoon excursion. And if interested and the tides permit...we'll do a dusk/night diver at the world famous Blue Heron Bridge!

7 July Tuesday - Diving Jupiter we'll do a 2 tank morning dive (8am)including lunch and an optional 3 tank afternoon (1:30) dive including night dive if doing FULL DAY OPTION 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!

8 July Wednesday - Diving Jupiter we'll do a 2 tank morning dive (8am)including lunch and an optional 3 tank afternoon dive (1:30pm) including night dive if doing FULL DAY OPTION with Emerald Charters

9 July Thursday - - Diving Jupiter we'll do a 2 tank morning dive (8am)including lunch and an optional 3 tank afternoon dive (1:30pm) including night dive if doing FULL DAY OPTION with Emerald Charters

10 July Friday - Check out day for drive in divers (NOTE if an uneven number sign up for the 7 day pkg we'll honor d/o rooming requests based upon when you signed up as one person may have to do a single room to allow this to work out)
FLY IN DIVERS can off gas anyway they like including numerous local attractions HERE!

11 July Saturday - FLY IN's check out from hotel and head home with some fabulous memories and even better pictures! (NOTE if an uneven number sign up for the 8 day pkg we'll honor d/o rooming requests based upon when you signed up as one person may have to do a single room to allow this to work out)

AIRPORT AND FLYING INFO:
We suggest you leave on Saturday July 11th (perhaps join us in Cayman Brac afterwards) or Sunday July 12 as flights are cheaper and you can dive all day Thursday and still have a full day off for offgassing on Friday.

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. (Shared rides will be easiest flying into PBI then FLL and least easy into MIA unless several people plan to fly into MIA together and they can carpool.)


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 FOR OUR TRIP:
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 April 17th!

• Price discounts if paid in full by April 17th: $25 d/o or $50 s/o.
• $25 Mail-In Rebate for SD premier or charter membership redeemable after the trip if filed within 30 days

• Additional $50 Active Duty Military Discount for any active duty military of any country that fights for freedom.
• 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. April 17, 2015: Last Day for payment in full Discount ($25 d/o or $50 s/o)
c. May 20, 2015: ALL remaining balance due
Note: Trip must be paid in full 45 days prior to departure. Extras must also be paid in full 30 days prior i.e., Nitrox, extra nights etc.

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. 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. (Note the $75 is an add'l fee...it is not part of the price already)

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.

DIVE ASSURE ... get BOTH TRIP & DIVE insurance in one convenient package

 

or

 

Click here for Diver's Alert Network and use our reference ID 1603080.

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 45 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!!

Edited by WreckWench, 04 April 2018 - 12:20 AM.

[WreckWench]

The old link only shows our modifications for day divers after all the pkgs were sold. Not sure we have the content from 2016 to use as a template. We need it to avoid doing all from scratch again.    

 

 

 

This is the link for our trip last year. We will have exactly the same trip this year except for pricing and discounts. I will review this asap.

 

Brad...pls add any insight and input that we learned from last year's trip to the trip details OR for the Trip PM updates. I recall you and I speaking about things we wanted to be more pro active about during the trip last year for when this year came around. Thank you!

 

 

Florida

https://www.singledi...me/florida-2017

 

 

This was Brad's forum info.... HERE

 

 

WE NEED THE PURPLE TAB INFO FROM THE ARTICLES FOR PREVIOUS TRIPS.

 

 

BEST OF FLORIDA, AUG 25-SEPT 1, 2017 - FULL PKGS SOLD OUT BUT INDIVIDUAL DAY SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE on Starfish, Pura Vida & Emerald Charters!

Spots available are:

Aug 26 - Sept 01

• Pura Vida AM 2 tank trip Aug 26 5 spots for day trips - 3 spots sold = 2 available 
• Pura Vida AM 2 tank trip Aug 27 5 spots for day trips - 3 spots sold = 2 available
• Starfish AM 2 tank trip Aug 28   5 spots for day trips - 3 spots sold = 2 available 
• Starfish AM 2 tank trip Aug 29    5 spots for day trips - 2 spots sold = 2 available 
• Emerald AM 3 tank trip Aug 30   7 spots for day trips - 1 spots sold = 3 available 
• Emerald AM 3 tank trip Aug 31   7 spots for day trips - 2 spots sold = 3 available 

To book add the $0 Day Trip pkg to your cart and then choose your add-ons by day. You will need to choose each day of diving even if with the same operator to sign up for it. Need help? Email trips@singledivers.com  (Note as with all SD trips you need to be a premium member to join the fun.)

  ABOUT THIS TRIP

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 and GOLIATH GROUPERS. 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.  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. AND WE CAN HUNT AND KILL LIONFISH!

 

AVAILABLE PACKAGES AND COSTS  

Fly in D/O

Fly in S/O

Drive In D/O

Drive In S/O

2 days of 2 tank diving Pura Vida Divers - Incredible Wrecks and Goliath Groupers       2 days of 2 tank diving Starfish Enterprises - Beautiful 'secret' reefs of South Florida 2 days of 3 tank diving Emerald Charters - Hammerheads, Lemons, Reefs, Silkies, Bulls and TONS of Goliath Groupers 1 dive at Blue Heron Bridge     All hotel and dive charter state and local sales taxes

Full Price*

Cash Price****

 $1002

$972

$1450

$1407

 $940

$912

$1326

$1287

Click the purple headers below for full trip details

*All prices are per person.
**Cash Discounted Price is given when you select e-check at final checkout.

 

 

FULL TRIP Booking Summary of 12 spots TOTAL in combo of full package and/or individual days (some suppliers have a few extra spots but 12 is max for full week packages):

 

Aug 25 - Sept 01 - SOLD OUT FOR FULL PKGS BUT DAY SPOTS AVAILABLE BELOW!!!!

• Drive In D/O =  6 spots  -  2 spots sold   =  4 available (Kamala, Brad)
• Drive In S/O = 1 spots  -  0 spots sold   =  1 available
• Fly In D/O    = 4 spots  -  0 spots sold  =  0 available
• Fly In S/O    = 1 spots  -  0 spots =  1 available
• 0 DAY SPOTS per day set up for day spots...MANY STILL AVAILABLE...SEE BELOW FOR WHICH DAYS!!!

NOTE: 12 spots total except for Jupiter which has 13 spots per day for sale (Randy keeps one spot for regulars)

 

 

 

When: Aug 25-Sept 1, 2017 - (6) full days of diving.  We dive with Starfish Charters for 2 days,  Pura Vida Divers for 2 days and 3 days in Jupiter with Emerald Charters including a DIVE on the world famous Blue Heron Bridge as the tides allow. Oh yeah...did I mention SHARKS???? We'll see them in Jupiter along with massive schools of Goliath Groupers...nearly extinct everywhere but FLORIDA!!!

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 with LOADS of photo ops for you as well! (Check our our nudie love!) 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!!

Edited by WreckWench, 04 April 2018 - 12:01 AM.

[WreckWench]

I can not find the purple tab info in the link from last year's trip. We apparently chg'd it when we got to the single daily bookings. Hopefully we can find and recycle for this year. I will see if I can work with what I did find regarding spots and get this going asap.

[WreckWench]

FOUND 2016 info. WOULD LOVE TO NOT HAVE TO TOTALLY UPDATE CUZ WE DID NOT USE PURA VIDA THEN.

 

Scott can you find this similar info from last year? Thank you!

 

FLORIDA HERE WE COME for our 3rd BEST OF FLORIDA DIVING EXTRAVAGANZA!!! Join our Third Annual "Best of Florida" Diving Extravaganza (for the same price as 2013)...it truly is...come see for yourself! You've heard it said and now its true!! SingleDivers.com does the BEST OF FLORIDA ANNUALLY! This year's trip duplicates our fantastic first trip and starts in the Boynton/Delray Beach area and then moves to the Jupiter area and the icing of this trip will be some world class diving at the Blue Heron Bridge.


When: Jul 3-11, 2015 (6) full days of diving either am or pm and/or both! We dive Boynton/Delray Beach with Starfish Charters for 3 days and 3 days in Jupiter with Emerald Charters including a couple of dips on the world famous Blue Heron Bridge as the tides allow. Oh yeah...did I mention SHARKS???? We'll see them in Jupiter along with massive schools of Goliath Groupers...nearly extinct everywhere but FLORIDA!!!



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 with LOADS of photo ops for you as well! (Check our our nudie love!) 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 we STRONGLY SUGGEST 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 due to the increase 02 in your system.)

**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 email kamala@singledivers.com with questions.

 

Transfers from Airport & Dive Boats etc

 

Hey everyone... This is what has worked out the past few years....

1. Brad aka dive_sail_etc has been our TC and Co-Trip Leader for this trip 2013/14. He helps with airport pickups as long as they are in the realm of the normal travel windows.

2. Local awesome members often volunteer to help out!

3. Members joining the trip who prefer to rent a car do so and people help out with gas/the rental and they offer to pick up people and/or carry them from the hotel to the dive boat and/or airport. (Yes this requires a bit of coordination in the associated trip SD Forum.)

4. In the event no one rents a car and we are light on local help then we'll help arrange one or more rental cars and divide amongst the people using it.

So while we don't know the full answer to your question... the range of answers in our arsenal are pretty good!

I hope you'll join us! kamala

HOW THE WEEK WILL WORK:
We will dive with our friends Craig of Starfish in Boynton/Delray Beach/WPB area for the first 3 days Jul 4-6 and Randy of Emerald Charters in Jupiter for the last 3 days Jul 7-9 with Jul 10th to offgas and July 11 as the departure day.

Each operator will take a max of 13 bookings on each boat. (Emerald normally takes 15 divers but has pre-sold two spots to Terri and Diego...friends of SingleDivers.com but uber regulars of Emerald Charters so they can join us in Jupiter!)

We will run a morning track of 2 dives in both Boynton & Jupiter and an afternoon optional track of 2 dives in Boynton and 3 dives in Jupiter ...the 3rd dive being a dusk/night dive. Assuming the tides are cooperative we'll do a dusk dive at BHB (Blue Heron Bridge) during the first part of trip so that would give you a potentially 5th dive one add'l day.

NOTE: If we can not fill 2 tracks of divers we will revert to 2 dives in Boynton and 3 in Jupiter and refund anyone who has paid for add'l dives. Anyone not getting the afternoon boat dives in Boynton, we will head to BHB and work to get in 1-2 dives and we'll refund you the price of the afternoon boat charter.

We are hoping to increase the number of people able to join our trip by offering essentially 2 trips in one...i.e. morning or afternoon BUT we also understand that people LOVE the idea of getting in 4-5 dives a day...after all...we are DIVERS so who wouldn't want to do liveaboard diving even if not on a liveaboard!!!

In order to keep utter chaos from ensuing...we are going to fill the am track first THEN add the afternoon track as either an option or as your main pkg sign up IF the am spots are filled. This will ensure we fill the boat in the am solidly before proceeding to the afternoon where the number of spots varies on a couple of days. If you TRULY ONLY want to dive the afternoon we can work with that but we can't let you choose to do am for 1 day then pm for 1 day and mix it up randomly like that.

So start thinking about if you want to do only 2 dives or if you want to do 4-5 dives.

One more thought....

Most dive operators REQUIRE advanced open water or similar when diving on wrecks or when diving Jupiter soooooooo we will once again offer a STEAL OF A DEAL for anyone needing to get Advanced Open Water certified (must be done during the first 3 days) or for anyone wanting to get Nitrox certified...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if doing more than 2 dives a day AND REQUIRED if doing more than 2 dives in Jupiter as the nitrox loading at the average dive depths will prevent you from getting in a 3rd dive is only diving air.

So DON'T be scared off if you don't have your advanced c-card or nitrox card...BUT NOW IS THE TIME TO GET IT!!!

So remember...if doing more than 2 dives a day then you MUST DIVE NITROX.
If diving the wrecks in Boynton especially the Castor you'll need to be AOW or equivalent or if diving Jupiter you MUST have your AOW or similar or of course a higher certification level.

This will keep you safe and ensure you are NOT in over your head....literally!

PRICING (Same as 2013):

FLY IN Half Day Diving Pkg: 8 nites + 6 days diving $999 d/o $1439 s/o

• 2 dives am (3 days in Boynton + 3 days in Jupiter +1 BHB)
• Air Rentals or Fills Included
• Lead included
• Tanks available at the boat ... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!!

DRIVE IN Half Day Diving Pkg: 7 nites + 6 days diving $944 d/o $1384 s/o

• 2 dives am (3 days in Boynton + 3 daysin Jupiter +1 BHB)
• Air Rentals or Fills Included
• Lead included
• Tanks available at the boat ... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!!

FLY IN Full Day Diving Pkg: 8 nites + 6 days diving $1596 d/o $2036 s/o

• 2 dives am for 3 days in Boynton + 3 days in Jupiter +1 BHB
• 2 dives pm for 3 days in Boynton + 3 dives pm in Jupiter +1 BHB
• Air Rentals or Fills Included
• Lead included
• Tanks available at the boat ... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!!

DRIVE IN Full Day Diving Pkg: 7 nites + 6 days diving $1541 d/o $1926 s/o

• 2 dives am for 3 days in Boynton + 3 days in Jupiter +1 BHB
• 2 dives pm for 3 days in Boynton + 3 dives pm in Jupiter +1 BHB
• Air Rentals or Fills Included
• Lead included
• Tanks available at the boat ... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!!

We'll be offering a $25 d/o and $50 s/o early payment in full discount if paid in full by April 17th, 2015 SEE BELOW FOR FULL DISCOUNT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

INCLUDED:

• 8 or 7 nites hotel at beautiful DoubleTree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens
• FULL Delicious Breakfast Buffet Daily $17 value per person daily or $119 for the week
• Gourmet Lunch each day of diving with Emerald Charters - 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 13 scheduled dives on Starfish, Emerald Charters and 1 afternoon at Blue Heron Bridge (Maybe more) if doing the HALF DAY OPTION or 16 dives if doing the FULL DAY OPTION
• Tanks for (1)BHB (Blue Heron Bridge) scheduled dive
• Tank delivery to and from the boat... NO DIVE SHOP RUNS!!
• Other perks we are still working out!

NOT INCLUDED:

• 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 or just enjoy the fabulous eating venues in fabulous South Florida)
• Rental Gear (Typically about $$$ per day)..... TBD
• Tank RENTAL Nitrox HALF DAY OPTION: $72 for the trip
• Tank RENTAL Nitrox FULL DAY OPTION: $159 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 $ 55 d/o or $110 s/o
• 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:
3 July Friday - arrive in South Florida. Check into DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, 4431 PGA Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens , Florida 33410, (561) 622-2260 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 some of the many local attractions.

4 July Saturday- 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 and any training we are providing.

The afternoon will either be 2 more dives (1:30pm) if you are doing the FULL DAY OPTION or possibly 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. 

 

The evening we'll find FIREWORKS someplace! Florida is home to many of our members so we'll have a great time!

5 July Sunday - 2tank morning dive (8am) with Starfish Enterprise then optional 2 tank dives in the afternoon (1:30pm) if doing FULL DAY OPTION or afternoon excursion. And if interested and the tides permit...we'll do a dusk/night diver at the world famous Blue Heron Bridge!

6 July Monday - 2-tank morning dive (8am) with Starfish Enterprise (Again boat choice of sites combined with needs for training if any.) then optional 2 tank dives in the afternoon (1:30pm) if doing FULL DAY OPTION or afternoon excursion. And if interested and the tides permit...we'll do a dusk/night diver at the world famous Blue Heron Bridge!

7 July Tuesday - Diving Jupiter we'll do a 2 tank morning dive (8am)including lunch and an optional 3 tank afternoon (1:30) dive including night dive if doing FULL DAY OPTION 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!

8 July Wednesday - Diving Jupiter we'll do a 2 tank morning dive (8am)including lunch and an optional 3 tank afternoon dive (1:30pm) including night dive if doing FULL DAY OPTION with Emerald Charters

9 July Thursday - - Diving Jupiter we'll do a 2 tank morning dive (8am)including lunch and an optional 3 tank afternoon dive (1:30pm) including night dive if doing FULL DAY OPTION with Emerald Charters

10 July Friday - Check out day for drive in divers (NOTE if an uneven number sign up for the 7 day pkg we'll honor d/o rooming requests based upon when you signed up as one person may have to do a single room to allow this to work out)
FLY IN DIVERS can off gas anyway they like including numerous local attractions HERE!

11 July Saturday - FLY IN's check out from hotel and head home with some fabulous memories and even better pictures! (NOTE if an uneven number sign up for the 8 day pkg we'll honor d/o rooming requests based upon when you signed up as one person may have to do a single room to allow this to work out)

AIRPORT AND FLYING INFO:
We suggest you leave on Saturday July 11th (perhaps join us in Cayman Brac afterwards) or Sunday July 12 as flights are cheaper and you can dive all day Thursday and still have a full day off for offgassing on Friday.

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. (Shared rides will be easiest flying into PBI then FLL and least easy into MIA unless several people plan to fly into MIA together and they can carpool.)


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 FOR OUR TRIP:
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 April 17th!

• Price discounts if paid in full by April 17th: $25 d/o or $50 s/o.
• $25 Mail-In Rebate for SD premier or charter membership redeemable after the trip if filed within 30 days

• Additional $50 Active Duty Military Discount for any active duty military of any country that fights for freedom.
• 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. April 17, 2015: Last Day for payment in full Discount ($25 d/o or $50 s/o)
c. May 20, 2015: ALL remaining balance due
Note: Trip must be paid in full 45 days prior to departure. Extras must also be paid in full 30 days prior i.e., Nitrox, extra nights etc.

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. 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. (Note the $75 is an add'l fee...it is not part of the price already)

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.

DIVE ASSURE ... get BOTH TRIP & DIVE insurance in one convenient package

 

or

 

Click here for Diver's Alert Network and use our reference ID 1603080.

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 45 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!!

[Cmdr. Clownfish]

These were hosed up really badly and I am pretty sure I did not do this since I would have had to have been drunk at the time and that only happens rarely on vacation.

 

https://www.singledi...me/florida-2017

 

purple tabs have been returned home.

 

FYI, all articles previous to 2017 appear to have been deleted.  I can find a scattered debris field, but no actual articles or archive location.  You lucked out on this one.

[WreckWench]

These were hosed up really badly and I am pretty sure I did not do this since I would have had to have been drunk at the time and that only happens rarely on vacation.

 

https://www.singledi...me/florida-2017

 

purple tabs have been returned home.

 

FYI, all articles previous to 2017 appear to have been deleted.  I can find a scattered debris field, but no actual articles or archive location.  You lucked out on this one.

 

 

SCOTT I LOVE YOU!!!   

My prayers have been answered!!!

 

THIS IS HUGE!!!

 

I'll take luck any day!!!  GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!! 

 

 

 

Now we do not have to rebuild all of this again. YEA!!!!!! 

 

I will get the pricing inputs done as quickly as I can factor in the new pricing.... YEA!!!!!!

[WreckWench]

Pam what will the code structure be for this trip?

 

This is another problem of different people using different language between our discount codes.

 

The standard should be (without the dashes) 18 - 3 letter airport code - amount - EBD,  For example:

 

St Croix: 18STX75EBD, for a $75 Early Booking Discount

Bahamas: 18NAS300EBD, for a $300 Early Booking Discount

 

I have updated the codes in St Croix please do not change them in the Forums -- they currently match.  I think we just need to use the proper structure from here on.  The Bahama codes were a similar problem.  From a process perspective, if we all use the same standard for every trip it will eliminate this problem.

 

Posting the specifics as well in the St. Croix forum recommend we issue him a refund for the EBD.

 

[Blue151]

Pam what will the code structure be for this trip?
 

This is another problem of different people using different language between our discount codes.

 
The standard should be (without the dashes) 18 - 3 letter airport code - amount - EBD,  For example:
 
St Croix: 18STX75EBD, for a $75 Early Booking Discount
Bahamas: 18NAS300EBD, for a $300 Early Booking Discount
 



If possible, the discount codes for this trip should all start with "18FLL" followed by the amount and reason for discount. For example:
- 18FLL300EBD would be a $300 early booking discount.
I have updated the codes in St Croix please do not change them in the Forums -- they currently match.  I think we just need to use the proper structure from here on.  The Bahama codes were a similar problem.  From a process perspective, if we all use the same standard for every trip it will eliminate this problem.
 
Posting the specifics as well in the St. Croix forum recommend we issue him a refund for the EBD.

[Blue151]

The codes should be "18FLL" for this trip.

I know Florida is a very different trip from the rest. So I trying to understand how it will work so I can build the Hika Structure, and have a couple of high level questions.

1. Is there only 1 hotel that everyone books with SD? Or multiple options?
2. I assume there is a hotel package for the whole week, but what about individual days, and/or extra days?
3. Is diving done with 3 operators this year - Pura Vida, Starfish, & Emerald Charters?
4. There will only be 4 "Package options" right? Half or Full day of diving and of course variations for Double or Single Occupancy???
5. How do you plan to handle the local people who might just join SD for a couple days?
6. What is the difference between "Fly in and Drive In"?

Thanks! I am sure I will have lots more questions as we build this trip.

[WreckWench]

Here is a picture of last year's table for reference

 

[Blue151]

Based on the email I received today, there is some missing data for Florida as follows.  I guessed on what you would want in there.  Please let me know if you would like it changed.

1.      The 12 available “Spots” the breakdown was not listed:  I need to know how to break them up.  I set it up for:

Fly/DO -- 4

Fly/SO  -- 2

Drive/DO -- 4

Drive/SO -- 2

2.      The 6/1/18 Progress payment amount was left blank.  I set it up for $500 for all

3.      I still need prices for rental gear, extra nights etc if you would like them to be add ons.

4.      Trip Post #1 does not seem to be updated with correct information.

5.      Coupon Code standard not followed:  They should be “18FLL50EBD” not “18FLL50-1”

a.      EBD – Early Booking Discount is not indicated

b.      The “-1” is not required if there is only one trip in 2018

c.      Please correct when updating trip post 1 with the rest of the correct information.

6.      Trip is ready for Hika QC:

https://www.singledi...home/fll-1-2018

[WreckWench]

Based on the email I received today, there is some missing data for Florida as follows.  I guessed on what you would want in there.  Please let me know if you would like it changed.

1.      The 12 available “Spots” the breakdown was not listed:  I need to know how to break them up.  I set it up for:

Fly/DO -- 4

Fly/SO  -- 2

Drive/DO -- 4

Drive/SO -- 2

 

That PERFECT for now. We will see how bookings go and adjust as needed.

 

2.      The 6/1/18 Progress payment amount was left blank.  I set it up for $500 for all   - Perfect! Thank you!

3.      I still need prices for rental gear, extra nights etc if you would like them to be add ons.

4.      Trip Post #1 does not seem to be updated with correct information.  The vendors chg'd and I had to redo all the pricing I had done so focused on that and re-verifying all price inputs directly with the suppliers via the phone. A bit tedious and time consuming but DONE!! And I would have made a critical error had I not done it as my pricing was wrong on one of the suppliers.   I will update the forums before opening.

5.      Coupon Code standard not followed:  They should be “18FLL50EBD” not “18FLL50-1”

a.      EBD – Early Booking Discount is not indicated

b.      The “-1” is not required if there is only one trip in 2018

c.      Please correct when updating trip post 1 with the rest of the correct information.  - Yes I will. Thank you. I just cut and pasted and somehow I found a template with the -1 on it...must have been a throw back to the Roatan 1 trip or something like that. Your methodology makes sense so I will do a better job following it BUT WILL NEVER HAVE AN ISSUE WITH YOU FIXING OR TWEAKING. Just let me know so I can update accordingly.

6.      Trip is ready for Hika QC:  - AWESOME!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! 

https://www.singledi...home/fll-1-2018