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10: SOLD OUT!! Galapagos...the APEX of Diving! Oct 10-20th INCLUDING EXTRA DAYS!


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#1 WreckWench

WreckWench

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Posted 19 February 2009 - 10:25 AM

The apex of diving...the Galapagos! October 10-20, 2009 Including our "Don't Miss the Boat Pre-Trip Touring & Sightseeing" TRIP Itinerary! Now Booking See Below for Full Details!!!

The LiveAboard dates are...October 12-19th. (Yes the dates run Mon to Mon BUT the full extended trip is from October 10-20th, 2009 to include sightseeing and tours...see below for details.) The full details are below the pictures in this post. The price is $3695 per person (same price as 2008) PLUS THE PRICE OF THE TOURING/LAND/COMMUTER FLIGHT package of $780 d/o or $900 s/o or $4475 d/o boat and land pkg or $4595 d/o boat and s/o land pkg To ensure everyone makes the boat we have added the following sightseeing, tours and overnight land package to the front end of this trip:

CONFIRMED 10 DAY "Don't Miss the Boat Pre-Trip Touring & Sightseeing" Trip Itinerary (Quito arrival & departure)

Saturday October 10th: Quito Airport Arrival & transfer to Rio Amazonas Hotel
Sunday October 11th: Full day tour of Ecuador Overnight at Rio Amazonas Hotel
Monday October 12th Transferred for A.M. flight to Galapagos via Aero Gal
Mon-Mon October 12-19th: World class diving on the Galapagos Estrella del Mar
Monday October 19th Return to Quito via Aero Gal for ½ day tour & overnight at Rio Amazonas Hotel (You may leave Quito on the 19th if you can book a flight after 10pm on the 19th)
Tuesday October 20th: Transfer to airport for flight home. Flights can be as early as 5am.

Additional price add-on includes:

$780 for d/o or $900 for s/o PLUS the base trip price of $3695 for standard twin room for a total of $4475 d/o boat and land pkg or $4595 d/o boat and s/o land pkg

All add'l transfers required ($10 per transfer x 4 transfers): US$40.00 per person
3 nights at the Rio Amazonas: US 90.00 double occ ($45 per person) or $US 85 single occ per night or total of $135 d/o or $255 s/o
Tours: (1) Full day US$90.00 per person and (1) ½ day US$65.00 per person
Aero Gal Flight: $450 (subject to change)
Galapagos Explorer: Week onboard the Galapagos Estrella del Mar see below for what is included and not included


The diving is magnificent centering on large animals such as Whalesharks, Hammer Heads, Eagle Rays, Sea Lions as well as marvelous macro life.
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Join this exciting diving excursion from either Guayaquil or Quito, (THE GROUP IS GOING VIA QUITO but if you wish to book your own flights from Guayaquil you may do so) starting on mainland Ecuador and culminating in the big-animal action and pristine diving of Darwin, Wolf, Isabela Island, Cabo Marshall as well as the Sea Lions & Penguins of Cousin's Rock! We have booked the Explorer Ventures Estrella del Mar Liveaboard for an all inclusive INCLUDING alcohol and sodas Galapagos first class adventure...October 10-20th, 2009 (includes land pkg and tours). LiveAboard Dates are October 12-19th. Scheduling 2-4 dives daily, including night dives, the vessel boards each Monday and offers 4½ days of diving each day on one of only 5 vessels approved to dive the Galapagos! DUE TO FREQUENT FLIGHT AND LUGGAGE DELAYS...we are arriving 2 days early on the 10th to avoid missing the boat! We will do some land tours of the area while we wait enjoying the local scenery and culture! The boat also recommends that we stay at least 1 extra night as well whether departing from either Quito or Guayaquil. The earliest time a guest can reliably expect to connect to another flight is 10 p.m however you can fly out at any time including 6am the 20th without any problems. Ticket holders are required to check-in a minimum of two hours prior to flight time for all international departures, even when connecting from an Aerogal flight.

The wonders of the Galapagos diving experience will be with you for a lifetime. Few will have the opportunity of diving some of the most remote and pristine seas in the world. No other place on earth boasts such a variety of sea and land life. Your seven nights and eight days will be filled with memories to last a lifetime - thrilling shark dives, diving with turtles and sea lions, informative shore-based naturalist guided tours, exotic vistas – and these will be only a small part of your experience aboard the Galapagos Estrella del Mar. The crew of ten, plus 2 naturalist/dive guides, has a wealth of knowledge about these unique volcanic islands and are ready to share their experience with every guest, as well as provide you with the customer service and all of the amenities for which the Explorer Ventures Fleet is known.

The marine community of Galapagos is one of the most unique and exotic in the world. You will see penguins swimming with tropical fish and iguanas that feed underwater. The creatures of the sea exhibit the same bold curiosity and lack of fear characteristic of the terrestrial wildlife. Almost one quarter of the marine life in Galapagos is endemic to this archipielago-17% of its fish and 35% of its marine invertebrates are native and found nowhere else in the world. The underwater scene is rich in nutrients and teems with colorful life. Great schools of fish cruise the open water, at times so thick they nearly block out the sun. The reefs are an amazing profusion of invertebrate life. Swept by both cold-water currents from Antarctica and warm currents from the tropical Pacific, the marine life is a bizarre mixture of cold and warm water species.

Package Overview:
The 7 day all inclusive liveaboard IS the economical way to SEE THE GALAPAGOS for 2008 PRICING!!! For $3695* pp d/o plus airfare (see us for possible bulk airfares) *PLUS OUR UNIQUE "DON'T MISS THE BOAT" LANDBASED TOURS AND LODGING FOR ONLY $733 d/o or $853 s/o...you'll have a unique dive vacation unlike any other AND you'll be diving on very pristine sites reachable only by a liveaboard! And if you book and pay in full before Feb 25, 2009 you'll get an add'l $50 cash Early Bird Booking Discount as well as your $25 SD.com premier or charter membership rebate that you can apply for after the trip! NOTE: Early arrival and late departure accommodation options. See below for sign up sheet and availability.

CONFIRMED 10 DAY "Don't Miss the Boat Pre-Trip Touring & Sightseeing" Trip Itinerary (Quito arrival & departure)

Saturday October 10th: Quito Airport Arrival & transfer to Rio Amazonas Hotel
Sunday October 11th: Full day tour of Ecuador Overnight at Rio Amazonas Hotel
Monday October 12th Transferred for A.M. flight to Galapagos via Aero Gal
Mon-Mon October 12-19th: World class diving on the Galapagos Estrella del Mar
Monday October 19th Return to Quito via Aero Gal for ½ day tour & overnight at Rio Amazonas Hotel (You may leave Quito on the 19th if you can book a flight after 10pm on the 19th)
Tuesday October 20th: Transfer to airport for flight home. Flights can be as early as 5am.

Additional price add-on includes:

$780 for d/o or $900 for s/o PLUS the base trip price of $3695 for standard twin room for a total of $4475 d/o boat and land pkg or $4595 d/o boat and s/o land pkg

All add'l transfers required ($10 per transfer x 4 transfers): US$40.00 per person
3 nights at the Rio Amazonas: US 90.00 double occ ($45 per person) or $US 85 single occ per night or total of $135 d/o or $255 s/o
Tours: (1) Full day US$90.00 per person and (1) ½ day US$65.00 per person
Aero Gal Flight: $450 (subject to change)
Galapagos Explorer: Week onboard the Galapagos Estrella del Mar see below for what is included and not included



*$3695 d/o Stateroom with in suite private shower, sink/vanity, & toilet, queen bed or 2 twins along with ocean view PLUS 780 Land Pkg for d/o or $900 Land Pkg for s/o for a total of $4475 d/o boat and land pkg or $4595 d/o boat and s/o land pkg.

Who's Going...only 16 spots:
1. Kamala aka Wreck Wench - TX -(PAID TRIP) STATEROOM - (NITROX PD) (arriving October 9th Departing October 20th- no instruction -alum 80 tank -no rental gear - (PAID Land/Tour/LocalAir Pkg $780) waiver/survey& EV app rec'd by EV
2. Bill aka OTWDiver - SC -(PAID TRIP) STATEROOM - (NITROX PD) - TRIP INSTRUCTOR - (PAID Land/Tour/LocalAir Pkg $780
3. Bill aka Grayfins - D/O, (Paid $3945 in 08), (PAID Land/Tour Pkg $733 so far+47LocalAir AeroGal balance=$780), d/o, StateRoom - (NITROX PD), Survey/Waiver/EV App Rec'd by EV, Need Hotel for 10/10, 10/11, and 10/19 (Arr 10/10, Dpt 10/20)
4. Liz aka Liz - (Paid $3625 + Pmt in 08, Tour $125 Pd), - d/o -StateRoom (NITROX PD), (PAID Land/Tour/LocalAir Pkg $780 ,Survey/Waiver/EV App, NOT Rec'd by EV
5. Deb aka Deb4diving - d/o, $4750 Dep, Nitrox, Rent 7mm suit, Survey/Waiver/EV Waiver Rec'd RESENT 9-17
6. Stu aka Stu - d/o,Paid $3845, Nitrox PD, Survey/Waiver Rec'd
7. Christine aka christib - d/o, Pmt $4750, rent-a-buddy PD, need rental gear, land tour, Survey/Waiver/EV App Rec'd
8. Barbara aka Texan_in_China - $4565 dep, Land/Tour/LocalAir Pkg, Survey/Waiver/EV App Rec'd and sent by SP on 9/19
9. Paul aka Pault - D/O - Paid $4,475, Received Survey/Waiver & EV App RESENT 9-17
10. Gabrielle aka sunshinediver - $4600 pmt Island Tour $125 Pd, Survey/Waiver Rec'd
11. Chad aka Chad - D/O, Paid $4750, Nitrox, No Gear, Survey/Waiver/EV App Rec'd by EV
12. Sue aka btu911 - D/O, Dep $4475, Tour $125 Pd, Nitrox, (PAID Land/Tour Pkg), Survey/Waiver Rec'd
13. Tom aka SpaceDiver - d/o, Paid $3600, Nitrox Pd, No rental Gear, Survey & Waiver & EV app Rec'd by EV,
14. Stephane aka Clicksteve: D/O, Paid $4475, Tour $125 Pd, Nitrox Pd, Survey/Waiver Rec'd
15. Pam aka Blue151 - D/O, Pd $4275 for trip, nitrox, island tour + fees! Survey/SD Waiver/EV App Rec'd & sent to EV


Trip Instructor: Bill aka OTWDiver
Trip Videographer:
Trip Photographer: Gabrielle aka sunshinediver

Deposit made, Waiting on Documents:

16. Jamee aka diver_j - d/o, Dep $4638.85, Nitrox, Survey Rec'd, Need Waiver





Those doing DAN Research and using a Cochran Computer:

1. Barbara aka Texan_in_China


Those Wanting to do the Galapagos Island Tours and overnight stay vs all the time in Quito for $100-$125 extra (price being determined need 12+ to make it work):

1. Kamala aka WreckWench
2. Bill aka OTWDiver
3. Gabrielle aka sunshinediver
4. Chad aka Chad
5. Jamee aka jdiver
6. Debra aka deb4diving
7. Barb aka Texan_In_China
8. Liz aka Liz
9. Tom aka SpaceDiver
10. Stephane aka ClickSteve
11. Paul aka Pault (can go either way)
12. Bill aka Grayfins
13. Christine aka christib
14. Sue aka btu911
15. Pam aka Blue151

Need a few more.... :angry:


Underwater Photography/ Videography Course with Dr. Gabrielle- SD reduced price of $100


By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Be Familiar with Camera Specifics
• Achieve Excellent Composition
• Frame the Shot
• Use White Balance
• Use Strobes and Flashes
• Determine the Best Format and Size Options for Needs
• Employ Color Correction
• Use Exposure to Your Advantage
• Determine the Appropriate Use of Lenses
• Apply Breathing and Other Techniques Unique to Underwater Environment
• Time Permitting: Using Effective Post-Production Techniques including Photoshop and Digital Editing

Lessons will include instruction by a photography/ videography and SCUBA diving professional with many published photographs as well as award-winning documentaries. There will be photo/video sesssions within the marine environment, the application of photographic principles, and end-of-day reviews of skills learned. Topics will also include equipment orientation, care and maintenance, camera controls, the use of different underwater lens and port systems, strobe lighting techniques, accessories, the use of ambient light, and marine life identification. Whether you have an inexpensive underwater disposable camera or a professional setup with strobes, you will learn principles to make you a better photographer and videographer above and below the ocean!

Those interested in a photo workshop from a photo pro (price and details being determined):

1. Kamala aka WreckWench (if camera arrives in time)
2. Chad aka Chad (if the price is right, sees the details and fixes some flooded equipment)
3. Barb aka Texan_In_China if she can find her camera and the price is right
4. Pam aka Blue151

Waitlist

None at this time the trip is still open!


Very Interested but Can't Quite Commit:



Get your TRIP DOCUMENTS here NOTE you must have TRIP INSURANCE for this trip and supply policy info on EV Application: Trip Documents

Full Details:

Base Price of $3695 Includes Below: (Plus $780 Land Pkg for d/o or $900 Land Pkg for s/o for a total of $4475 d/o boat and land pkg or $4595 d/o boat and s/o land pkg)
• SD "Meet & Greet Get To Know Everyone Parties"
• 7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel
• 3 meals daily, plus between-meal dive snacks
• 2-4 dives daily
• All alcoholic (wine, beer and hard alcohol) and non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, juices, etc)
• SD.com T-Shirt commemorating the trip!
• Use of tanks (80cf), weights, and belts (Limited number of shorter 63cf tanks also available)
• Diving Gifts and Giveaways from various SD Vendor Partners (when avail)
• Port and Immigration Fees

CONFIRMED 10 DAY "Don't Miss the Boat Pre-Trip Touring & Sightseeing" Trip Itinerary (Quito arrival & departure)

Saturday October 10th: Quito Airport Arrival & transfer to Rio Amazonas Hotel
Sunday October 11th: Full day tour of Ecuador Overnight at Rio Amazonas Hotel
Monday October 12th Transferred for A.M. flight to Galapagos via Aero Gal
Mon-Mon October 12-19th: World class diving on the Galapagos Estrella del Mar
Monday October 19th Return to Quito via Aero Gal for ½ day tour & overnight at Rio Amazonas Hotel (You may leave Quito on the 19th if you can book a flight after 10pm on the 19th)
Tuesday October 20th: Transfer to airport for flight home. Flights can be as early as 5am.

Additional price add-on includes:

$780 for d/o or $900 for s/o PLUS the base trip price of $3695 for standard twin room for a total of $4475 d/o boat and land pkg or $4595 d/o boat and s/o land pkg

All add'l transfers required ($10 per transfer x 4 transfers): US$40.00 per person
3 nights at the Rio Amazonas: US 90.00 double occ ($45 per person) or $US 85 single occ per night or total of $135 d/o or $255 s/o
Tours: (1) Full day US$90.00 per person and (1) ½ day US$65.00 per person
Aero Gal Flight: $450 (subject to change)
Galapagos Explorer: Week onboard the Galapagos Estrella del Mar see below for what is included and not included


Base Price of $3695 + 780 Land Pkg for d/o or $900 Land Pkg for s/o Does Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Quito (we can do it for you or help you with air for $25 or you can do your own.)
• Rental, instruction and retail charges
• Hotel(s) OTHER THAN THE 10 DAY SPECIAL PACKAGE from Oct 10-20th
• Last night dinner
• Crew/staff gratuities (usually 10-15% of your non air pkg cost)
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance MANDITORY FOR THIS TRIP (we have great pricing on trip insurance see the end of this post)
• Nitrox Upgrade: $150 per week (payable to SD 30 days before departure)
• Upgrade to Single Occupancy StateRoom: $TBD
• Departure taxes: US$40.80 in Quito, US$26 in Guayaquil - both subject to change – (payable at airport)
• Galapagos National Park Fee ($100 CASH ONLY payable on trip)
• Chamber Fee ($35 payable on board)
• $TBD Fuel surcharge – (payable on board if there is one)
• TRIP Insurance is MANADATORY FOR THIS TRIP. (see the end of this post for 2 great insurance links)
• DIVE Insurance is MANDATORY! DIVE insurance is VERY inexpensive. 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. (see the end of this post for 2 great insurance links)

Optional Services:

• Nitrox $150 - payable prior to departure
• Single Room Upgrade $TBD for Stateroom payable before departure
• SD.com air booking service (we pass the savings onto you for a $25 service fee or you can book your own air)

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

Airfare:

You will fly into Quito or Guayaquil Ecuador. THE GROUP IS DOING A COMBINED HOTEL/TOUR PACKAGE VIA QUITO. AeroGal flight times, prices and the Galapgos airport of arrival are all subject to change with little or no notification, and flights often run late. The boat strongly encourages all guests to plan on arriving at least one and preferably two days prior to your flight to the Galapagos Islands, to ensure that your luggage is with you or to make up for any travel delays. They also recommend that guests plan on an extra night in Quito or Guayaquil upon departing Ecuador. The earliest time a guest can reliably expect to connect to another flight is 10 p.m MONDAY night which means that Tuesday the 20th is the only realistic flights you can make. However any flight on the 20th including 6am will work. Ticket holders are required to check-in a minimum of two hours prior to flight time for all international departures, even when connecting from an Aerogal flight.

Miles are available for this trip. American offers flights to Quito for only $30k miles as this is 'offseason' but primetime whaleshark season. Do not forget that your 10 day pkg includes the Aerogal flight from Quito to Galapagos. While you can fly into either Quito or Guayaquil …the group is flying into Quito.

Baggage Limits:

There is a weight limit on checked-in luggage for flights to and from Quito and/or Guayaquil to the Galapagos of 44 pounds (20 kilos). An additional fee of up to US$1.70* per 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) to and from Quito will be charged for luggage over the limit and US$1.50* per 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) to and from Guayaquil. In addition, passengers are allowed a carry-on bag weighing no more than 17.6 pounds (8 kilos). This additional fee must be paid in cash at flight time. *These prices could change at anytime.

Schedule:

Arrival: Transfers within the Galapagos are included in your package, and you will be met at the airport by our tour operator. If you miss any of your flights and are not able to make it to Ecuador or the Galapagos on schedule, please contact Galasam, our Ecuadorian partner, at 011-593-9703-1382 and notify them of your updated arrival time should you have that information, and where you may be reached in the meantime. The Galapagos Estrella del Mar will leave port on Monday at approximately 1:00pm.
(See contact numbers at end of this post.)

Days aboard the Explorer generally involve a 6:30 am dive followed by breakfast, a dive at 9:30, lunch at 12:00, and afternoon dives at dive at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. Dinner is served at approximately 7:00 p.m. Under current National Parks guidelines no night dives are allowed.
Please note that these itineraries are examples only, and will change depending on local regulation, weather and logistics at the Captain's discretion. Currently each week the itinerary includes the same islands. The order of the islands, however, is dictated by the National Parks Foundation and may vary weekly.

San Cristobal/BALTRA Departures
All departures are expected to be out of Baltra, Galapagos Islands for 2009. A guide will meet you upon exiting the baggage claim area for transfer to the vessel. If the departure island changes, your airlines tickets from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands will automatically be changed to San Cristobal (so long as the tickets have been purchased through our partners).

Monday: Baltra/North Seymour
Guests fly to the Galapagos Islands from Mainland Ecuador, arriving in the late morning. Guests are met at the airport and taken to the Estrella del Mar. After boarding the vessel by 1:00pm, guests will depart for a short crossing to North Seymour for a check out dive and safety orientation briefing Lunch will be served during the crossing and dinner will be served after the check out dive. The vessel will make a late day departure to the next destination.

Tuesday: North Seymour Island
6:30, 9:30, dives. Sightings include turtles, hammerheads, sea lions. Afternoon/overnight transit to Darwin (20 hours).

Wednesday: Darwin Island
6:30, 9:30, 1:30 and 4:00 dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Night at anchor. Considered by many experienced divers as the very best dive site in the world, The Arch at Darwin Island honors its reputation. It is warmer by a few degrees than the central islands. In one single dive you can find schooling hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, large pods of dolphins, thick schools of skipjack and yellow fin tuna, big eye jacks, Mobula rays, and silky sharks. From June to November, whale sharks can almost be guaranteed in numbers of up to 8 different individuals in one single dive. The presence of occasional tiger sharks, black and blue marlin and killer whales adds on to this amazing diving experience. If you still have time to look for smaller stuff, you'll find octopus, flounders, and an enormous variety and abundance of tropical fish. Darwin Island is the biggest jewel on the Galapagos Crown.

Thursday: Darwin Island
6:30, 9:30, 1:30 and 4:00 dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Evening crossing to Wolf Island (2.5 hrs). Experienced divers agree Wolf & Darwin offer some of the world's best diving. No land visits here, just some serious diving. At Darwin`s Northern Arch, the northern most point of the two Islands, schools of hammerhead sharks and groups of bottle nose dolphins often swim in clear view of divers. Divers often see whale sharks and giant manta rays.

Friday: Wolf Island
6:30, 9:30, 1:30 and 4:00 dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, turtles and silky sharks. Overnight transit to Isabela Island (15 hours). One of those magical islands, with several dive sites to choose from, Wolf will astound dive visitors. If you want to see sharks, you are at the right spot. This is a place for schooling hammerhead sharks, large aggregations of Galapagos sharks, and occasionally whale sharks. Seeing dolphins, large schools of tuna, spotted eagle rays, barracudas, sea lions and sea turtles is common. The ocean floor here is peppered with hundreds of moray eels, many of them free swimming. Being several degrees warmer than the central islands, you can look for many representatives of the Indo-Pacific underwater fauna.

Saturday: Isabela Island, Cabo Marshall
6:30, 9:30, 11:30 and 3:00 dives. Sightings include giant manta rays, turtles, hammerheads, Mola Mola (ocean sunfish), black-striped salema. Evening or overnight transit to Cousin's Rock (6 hours). At Cape Marshall, on the eastern side of Isabela island, you encounter rocky volcanic cliffs, that drops down to the ocean floor as an almost vertical wall. You might see large animals like manta rays, marbled rays, hammerhead sharks mola mola (sun fish) and marine turtles, but also Chevron barracuda, snappers, yellow fin tuna, rainbow runners, wahoo and groupers. There are also a lot of smaller fishes like creole fishes, parrot fishes, scrawled filefishes, pacific box fishes and tiger snake eels.

Sunday: Cousin's Rock
6:30 dive – macro diving with excellent chance of seeing sea horses, frog fish, sea lions and fur seals. . Lunch and transit back to Santa Cruz (3 hrs). Land trip to see the giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz and possible visit to the town of Puerto Ayora. Possible dinner ashore

Monday: Baltra
Early morning panga ride in the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove. Breakfast; depart the vessel by 9 am . Transfer back to the airport for flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

Departure:The Galapagos Estrella del Mar arrives at its final destination port on Sunday afternoon and passengers spend Sunday night and have Monday breakfast on board. Transportation is organized and included for transfer to the airport. There is a departure tax, payable in cash, of approx. US$40.80 in Quito, US$26 in Guayaquil (both subject to change) upon leaving on a flight from either Quito or Guayaquil. NOTE: The group is leaving via Quito.

How to Book a Spot on this Trip:

1. Post in this thread that you plan to join us and your check or payment is in the mail or on it's way. Tell us what style of room you want if there is a choice; single or double occupancy, if you need rental gear, are diving nitrox or want any instruction on the trip. Also tell us if arriving a day or two early or if taking your chances and arriving the day of departure. Then tell us if you are departing on Monday or staying later. We'll then put your name on the 'check's in the mail' list. (Please send your pymt asap as we'll only hold your spot for 7 days. NOTE: If we receive payment from someone else before you and the spots are limited on the trip then the first person's cash/payment will be honored first and they will get the spot. If the trip is nearly full please use one of our instant payment options remembering to pay the 3% convenience fee.) Once we receive your deposit of $1000 we'll move you to the "Who's Going List."
2. Fill out the Trip Rooming & Diving Survey and send it to TRIPS@SINGLEDIVERS.COM plus the SingleDivers.com Medical Liability Release along with the Explorer Ventures Application form and send it via fax to 864-944-6869 [note: this is our new fax number, and is effective May 14] which you'll find under "Stuff you need to know for ALL SingleDivers.com trips & activities!" or click here to link to it. (Send a PM or an email to trips@singledivers.com for the password.) PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR SURVEYS TO KAMALA...SEND THEM TO TRIPS@SINGLEDIVERS.COM. Also read the thread 'Everything you need to know about SingleDivers.com trips" including our cancellation policies located here.
3. Send your deposit of $1000 for the trip and/or monies due based upon the payment schedule posted in this trip thread and payment options. If you need to make special arrangements about payments with me please contact me and I'll gladly work with you. See below for our credit card authorization form.
4. If we need to know what time you are arriving, if you need rental gear, if driving or flying or how much lead you need, you MUST include this with your initial reservation post or shortly thereafter.
5. As you make progress payments we will post them in the thread/trip topic and update this first post to show we've rec'd your payment. As we receive your waivers, surveys and flight details we'll post them in the thread and then update this main post.

Discounts:

$25 rebate for SD premier, Diver in Uniform or charter/above membership to be applied for after the trip
$50 EARLY BIRD Discount if paid in full by Feb 25st, 2009
$50 Add'l Active Member of Armed Services Discount Please be prepared to prove you are active duty.
Early Booking Special: Anyone who booked in 2008 for this trip and waited patiently for the governmental turmoil to flesh out regarding permits in the Galapagos only need to deposit $500 vs $1000 and this deposit is on file. Also IF you book before Feb 25th you can also secure your spot with a $500 deposit.
Price includes cash discount. Please add 3% if paying via ANY non-cash methods such as paypal or credit card.


Payment Information:

REMINDER.... We have moved our headquarters from Texas to SOUTH CAROLINA!! The Address below and FAX numbers have been changed to show our new information. For Wreck Wench's post about the move information, see here.

If paying via check or money order: Please make PAYABLE TO SINGLEDIVERS.COM LLC. We must have your name, address,what you are paying for, screen name & trip name as well as payment summary in the memo section of the check to be credited properly for this trip. Then, send payment along with payment details to:
c/o Kamala Shadduck
SingleDivers.com
732 Dive Buddy Lane
Salem, SC 29676 -- Note: this is our new address!
214-350-7003
kamala@singledivers.com

Please add 3% if paying via paypal or credit card.

If paying via credit card (Visa, MC): Download the SD Credit Card Form, complete including the 3% service charge and fax to 864-944-6769 --NOTE! This is our new fax number, effective MAY 14/09. Click here for the form and ask trips@singledivers.com for the password.

If paying via paypal: Go to www.PayPal.com and send payment to kamala@singledivers.com Be sure to include the 3% fee along with your address, contact number, screen name, trip name & payment details in the detail or notes section.

Payment Terms & Schedule:

ASAP: $1000 deposit required to reserve a spot on the trip UNLESS you deposited in 2008 or you deposit BEFORE Feb 25th, 2009!

Progress Payments:

Immediately to Hold Spot: $1000 Deposit ($500 if depositing before 2/25/09)
Apr 10, 2009: $1400
Jun 10, 2009: $1295
Aug 10, 2009: Land/Tour pkg of $780 d/o or $900 s/o plus any extras ie. Nitrox $150, Instruction, Rental gear, S/O Upgrade, etc PLUS $500 balance of deposit if deposit was nnly $500 vs the normal $1000

Note: Trip must be paid in full at least 60 days prior to departure. Payments can be combined for future payments. If you are late on payments you could lose your spot so please contact kamala@singledivers.com to work out a new payment schedule asap.


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

Click here for a free quote or to purchase online!

or

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


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

Click here for Dive Assure where you can get BOTH TRIP & DIVE insurance in one convenient package!
_______________________________________________________________

HOW TO BE REACHED ON THE BOAT WHILE TRAVELING:

You can be reached aboard the Estrella del Mar from North America via satellite phone at +(TBA). Outgoing calls may also be made. Please be aware that a charge is assessed for both incoming and outgoing calls. (Not sure what the charge is.)

_______________________________________________________________

OTHER INFORMATION:

Boat Amenities:
The Estrella del Mar is a well-appointed and comfortable yacht, and is equipped with dual compressors, watermakers and nitrox system. This 16-passenger vessel has 8 comfortable air-conditioned rooms located on the upper and lower decks; each has a private bathrooms. The yacht features sun decks, bar and a comfortable dining/lounge area. Diving operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders), easily boarded from the dive deck.
Vessel: Estrtella del Mar
Registry: Pto Baquerizo Moreno Galapagos Islands
Length overall: 75 ft
Beam: 21.3 ft
Maximum Speed: 9 knots
Accommodations: 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned rooms on upper and lower decks, all with private bathrooms and showers. Up to 7 crew and 2 guides in crews' quarters.
Safety Equipment: Life rafts (2), life rings/strobes, life vests/strobes, emergency position locator, flares, oxygen and first aid equipment
Tenders: Rigid hull inflatables (2), used for passenger transport and diver pickup
Accessories: Diving Equipment

Temperatures and Conditions and Qualifications for these dives:
The weather in the Galapagos has water temperatures ranging from 70 – 85 degrees F from December through May and 60 – 75 (F) June through November. Water temperatures are slightly warmer in both Darwin and Wolf. Air temperatures range from 75 (F) or higher in the rainy season (December-May) to the mid 60's (F) during the dry season (June – November), with nearly constant sea breezes. Currents can range from 1 to 5 knots at the sites we visit, and visibility is generally between 30 and 80 feet. Most divers are comfortable with a 7mm wetsuit June - November and a minimum 5 mm wetsuit December - May. Gloves and hood are recommended. Your dives will be done from the pangas(dingys) with an easy backward roll in to the water. After your dive, your tank will be lifted back in to the panga and you will board via its stern ladders. All divers must be experienced divers (we recommend that you have more than 100 logged dives) and have logged at least one dive within the 6 months prior to boarding the vessel. To dive Galapagos, one must be an experienced diver with adequate skills. Galapagos is not suitable for novice or infrequent divers due to strong current, sea (swell), surges, cool waters, upwelling, poor visibility (at times), and large animals including the harmless Galapagos shark. Divers must have excellent buoyancy control and be totally self-sufficient to handle all gear. All dives are guided by an instructor/naturalist guide. All divers must log in and out of the water with a member of the diving staff. All divers must have a submersible console and a computer. On night dives, a cyalume lightstick or marker beacon must be worn by each diver. Decompression diving is not allowed under any conditions. The maximum allowed depth is 130' (110' on nitrox). All divers must carry a DiveAlert, a surface signaling device, and a electronic beacon while diving (all available for rent on board).

Money Matters:
Though all meals, most beverages, transportation between islands, and much more has been taken care of with your trip payment, there are additional items which you may charge to your on board bill. These include retail items (shirts, scuba accessories, etc.), incoming and outgoing telephone calls, photographic and scuba instruction, rentals, nitrox, premium alcoholic beverages, and crew gratuities.
The bill may be paid at the end of the trip using cash, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Diner's Club; traveler's checks are not accepted. Diner's Club is preferred. Personal checks are not accepted on board, and we are unable to advance cash on credit card charges. The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador; therefore, it is not necessary to purchase currency before arriving. Most major credit cards are accepted widely when shopping ashore.

Meals
Aboard the Estrella del Mar, evening meals usually consist of lots of fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, chicken, beef, turkey, pork, and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast, muffins, danish and fresh fruits. Lunches vary from soup and sandwiches, burgers, pasta, assorted salads, and quiche. Homemade baked breads, cookies and brownies are offered between dives. If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate so on your application form. Please note that specific brands of drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in the islands, and that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, fish, and other items common elsewhere. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic and consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk.

What to Bring
Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. The climate doesn't require much more than shorts, T-shirts, and swimsuits (you may consider slacks, dress shorts or sundresses for dinner ashore). In the winter months, a sweater, long pants and windbreaker for the evenings can be a good idea. Soft luggage is recommended as it takes up very little space when empty and fits more readily under the bed. Sun screens, sunglasses, a visor or hat is recommended. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency towards seasickness, come prepared with motion sickness medications or Transderm patches from your doctor. If you have favorite CD's or DVD's, feel free to bring them.

All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels, dive towels, and wash cloths) are provided on board.

If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, a swimsuit, change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these few items with you will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.


More about Darwin's Galapagos:

The Galapagos Islands were discovered in 1535 by Fray Tomas de Berlanga, bishop of Panama who drifted across them while on a voyage from Panama to Lima, Peru. They were given their current name by Abraham Ortelier in 1574 after the giant tortoises. Galapagos is Spanish for a saddle a reference to the shape of the carapace (shell) of the saddleback tortoises found on some of the islands.

The Islands had been called Las Encantadas or bewitched islands. This was because of the strong currents that flow through and around them, so making navigation difficult and also due to the gaura or mists making it difficult at times to tell whether it was the islands or the ship that was moving. This name was in continued use by whalers and pirates for some time after the title of Galapagos was generally accepted.

There were no native peoples, though doubtless sea-faring races in pre-history had come across the islands, but kept on going for more hospitable places to build their communities.

Because of their isolation, the Galapagos quickly became a refuge for pirates and castaways. Treasures were buried, and stories grew up around them. By 1792, British whalers had reached the Galapagos and began to hunt for whales around them. Like many oceanic islands, the topography of the ocean floor suddenly sweeping upwards causes upwellings of deep nutrient-laden currents so resulting in a bloom of phytoplankton and so of animals that are a part of the food chain. The Galapagos are an excellent feeding ground for whales, with the Islands of Isabela and Fernandina being a calving place.

The whaling business was lucrative and unregulated, whalers took whatever they could until their holds were full. They also took the giant tortoises as living larders to provide fresh meat on the cruise. A typical whaling ship would take 500-600 giant tortoises in this way to be stored upside down in the holds to be slaughtered and eaten when fresh meat was needed. It is thought that the whalers caused the extinction of tortoise subspecies on the islands of Floreana, Santa Fe and Rabida. In total it is estimated that whaling ships removed 200,000 tortoises from the Galapagos.

One interesting relic of whaling days is still preserved on the islands, that is the whalers post-boxes. Whaling ships were away from port for usually at least 2 years and commonly more, so post-boxes were erected on islands where they might be seen by other whaling ships. Letters left in the boxes, often little more than a small barrel raised on a pole with a roof to keep the rain out, were left with a request that ships on their homeward journey would take the mail back with them and post them on arrival.

The whalers also caused further problems that would be around long after they left in the form of feral non-native animals. Black rats, cats, cattle, donkeys, goats, pigs and dogs are a legacy of whaling and other ships that called by. Sometimes the animals escaped, sometimes in the case of goats and pigs, they were deliberately let free to breed and establish a population that could be used for food by ship wrecked sailors in the future. These feral animals then competed with native fauna for food and habitat.

Author Herman Melville (of Moby Dick fame) visited the Galapagos aboard a whaler and later wrote about this visit in the story The Encantadas in 1855.

The Galapagos were largely ignored and considered unremarkable except to the occasional ship's naturalist until Charles Darwin landed in 1835 aboard HMS Beagle. Darwin was at the time a young man who had embarked on the exploratory voyage while in the midst of studying for the clergy. The voyage and especially the experience and collection of animal specimens from the Galapagos led to the development and crystallization of a set of ideas that would lead to Darwin's theory of evolution. Surprisingly perhaps, when Darwin arrived at the Galapagos, he was more interested in their geology than biology, though this changed when he started to look at what there was to be found there.

What fascinated Darwin the most was the geographical isolation and distribution of species. In Voyage of the Beagle, published in 1845, he documented his epic natural history journey. His discourse on the subject of evolution was not published until 1859, when the first edition of On the Origin of Species emerged in England and forever changed the study of evolutionary biology.

There were two to three hundred people living on Floreana at the time of Darwin's visit, he wrote:

"The staple article of animal food is supplied by the tortoises. Their numbers have of course been greatly reduced in this island, but the people yet count on two days' hunting giving them food for the rest of the week. It is said that formerly single vessels have taken away as many as seven hundred, and that the ship's company of a frigate some years since brought down in one day two hundred tortoises to the beach."

The Ecuadorian government used the Galapagos for penal colonies until the middle of the twentieth century. There were plans to further exploit the islands for their mineral resources such as coal and guano, but these foundered for the simple reason that there was insufficient for it to be viable. Salt was mined from a salt lake on Santiago and was used for salting locally caught fish and tortoise meat.

The oldest colony on the Galapagos was established on San Cristobal in 1869 and remains the seat of government in the Galapagos today. Other towns that are still in existence were established in the later years of the 19th century. Villamil on Isabela where coral was mined and burned to produce lime. Santo Tomas, 20 km inland also on Isabela was established to mine sulphur from the volcanic fumeroles in the area. These activities were supplemented by fishing and cattle ranching on the moist windward slopes of Sierra Negra.

Ecuador declared the Galapagos Archipelago a wildlife sanctuary in 1935. From about this time, eco-tourism began in the Galapagos, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, visited in 1938 for instance.

In 1942, the United States was permitted to construct a major air base on one of the islands, Baltra, to protect and defend the Panama Canal. After World War II, the United States returned this base and its airstrip to Ecuador. Legislation to protect the archipelago had begun in 1934, but war and politics prevented official protection to take place until 1959, when Ecuador established Galapagos National Park. In that same year, 100 years after the publication of On the Origin of Species, the Charles Darwin Foundation was established under the auspices of UNESCO and the World Conservation Union. The Foundation's stated goal is "to provide knowledge and support to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos Archipelago through scientific research and complementary actions." To achieve this goal, in 1964 the Foundation opened the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz.

The principal partner of the Charles Darwin Foundation is the Galapagos National Park Service, the government agency that manages the National Park, and, since the passing of the Special Law for Galapagos in 1998, the Galapagos Marine Reserve. The Charles Darwin Foundation helped to establish the GNPS in 1968, and over the years, the Park-Station partnership has become a model for how conservation science and management can work together.

TRIP INSURANCE IS OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR THIS TRIP. PLEASE obtain TRIP insurance as 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 another provider that provides excellent rates and coverage!

DIVE INSURANCE IS MANDATORY FOR THIS TRIP. DIVE insurance is VERY inexpensive. 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--
Click here for Dive Assure where you can get BOTH TRIP & DIVE insurance in one convenient package!

FAQ's & ONGOING INFORMATION FROM THE THREAD:

[size=2]This section is new and will capture the info you need from the thread as it evolves. Check HERE periodically to stay updated! (Or simply go to the next post for ALL THE UPDATES! This will prevent you from having to read all the pages of this trip blog and allow you to concentrate on only 1 or 2 posts!)

Attached Files


Edited by ScubaPunk, 09 October 2009 - 02:49 PM.


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

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

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

#2 WreckWench

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Posted 19 February 2009 - 11:25 AM

FAQ's & ONGOING INFORMATION FROM THE THREAD:

This section is new and will capture the info you need from the thread as it evolves. Check HERE periodically to stay updated! (This will prevent you from having to read all the pages of this trip blog and allow you to concentrate on only 1 or 2 posts!)

Q. Is the boat leaving from the harbor in Puerta Ayora? I would like to schedule some land based diving either
before or after the boat trip. This should be easy as long as the flight is into Baltra.


A. The flights arrive in Baltra definitely. Your trip will start in Baltra and finish in San Cristobal. The boat does not leave form Puerto Ayora. It leaves from the canal near Baltra. The options for land based diving are good. I can recommend 2 operators and will send them to you - would not touch the rest!!! Since the trip finishes in San Cristobal there are 2 options for your client. He can dive locally first i.e. fly in early or he can get off the boat on the Sunday night when everyone goes into Puerto AYora for dinner and stay there. Either will work. I will get you the info on land based
operators there. Puerto Ayora is definitely where he wants to stay for land based diving. I am working on putting a package together for some other clients and can pass on the info to you.

2. CONFIRMED IMPORTANT TRIP UPDATE:

I have just spoken with the boat and they have offered us a really cool opportunity WHICH IS NOW CONFIRMED. We need 12 people to make it happen and it looks like we have them! :usflag:

Background:
The drawback to our itinerary is that we do not get any TIME ON GALAPAGOS proper meaning no sightseeing and no land tours etc. With some special effort on our part...we have asked our contacts in Galapagos to help us create a land tour and sightseeing pkg IN GALAPAGOS PROPER! :teeth: And they have! :2cool:

Here is what it will entail:

Arrive Quito evening time as normal and stay the first night in Quito at Rio Amazones.
Depart for Galapagos the next morning instead of touring Quito and upon arrival be met by a private guide and bus which will take us to the lava tunnels, craters and to see the HUGE TORTOISES! We'll then go into the countryside and have a traditional homemade lunch/dinner ( food included) with lots of local specialties. After eating we'll tour back to town and the hotel we'll stay at which is also 1 block away from the dive shop. If you need to try on a wetsuit or check out your gear you can do so at the dive shop which stays open until 8pm. YOU WILL PAY THE DIVE SHOP FOR YOUR RENTAL GEAR AND MAKE ANY LAST MINUTE GEAR TWEAKS. Dinner will be on our own but you should be stuffed from lunch. We will also go to the Darwin Center which is essentially a self-guided tour that is a 'must see'. Those who wish to skip the Darwin Center and/or the dive shop can easily retire to the hotel. (I will see what a single room will be for those who opted to go this route.)

The next morning is usually the day reserved to get to Galapagos and get to the boat. Essentially it is shot. Since we'll be in Galapagos already, we are hiring a private guide and bus to take us to North Seymour (which is the BEST day tour offered) and our bags will be sent to the boat while we enjoy the day sightseeing. Upon the conclusion we'll end up at the boat ready to board and start our exciting water portion of our trip!

When we leave we'll still spend the last night in Quito at the Rio Amazones to facilitate the two departing that night and the balance departing the next morning.

PRICE: $125 per person more than the $780 land add-on and local AeroGal flight from Quito to Galapagos and back.

HOW IT WILL WORK:

We have at least 12 people interested from those who did the pre-sign up for the trip. You will be contacted by our accountant shortly to confirm the add-on price to any balance you may owe on your trip. :cool1: for clearing your balances expeditiously.

If you do not want to do the Galapagos add-on (currently we have one member who is not Paul aka pault...then let us know and you can just do the Quito layover & tours and local flight.

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

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

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

#3 deb4diving

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Posted 20 February 2009 - 02:16 PM

Kamala,
Hope you are having fun. Check and papers are in the mail today. Have a nice day
Deb

#4 deb4diving

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Posted 20 February 2009 - 02:31 PM

Kamala,
PS--I want nitrox, double occ., rental of 7mm suit. Will leave N.O. Sat. 10/10.
Deb

#5 WreckWench

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Posted 22 February 2009 - 11:31 AM

Kamala,
PS--I want nitrox, double occ., rental of 7mm suit. Will leave N.O. Sat. 10/10.
Deb


AWESOME THAT IS GREAT NEWS! We'll get you on the list! :wakawaka:

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

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

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

#6 stu

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Posted 23 February 2009 - 07:16 AM

Hi,

I would like to go, d/o, nitrox and boat only. I will take care
of my flights and hotels. Payment and other documents one
the way sometime later today.

Is the boat leaving from the harbor in Puerta Ayora?
I would like to schedule some land based diving either
before or after the boat trip. This should be easy as long
as the flight is into Baltra. When will you know for sure?

Thanks,

Stu

#7 WreckWench

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Posted 23 February 2009 - 07:21 AM

Hi,

I would like to go, d/o, nitrox and boat only. I will take care
of my flights and hotels. Payment and other documents one
the way sometime later today.

Is the boat leaving from the harbor in Puerta Ayora?
I would like to schedule some land based diving either
before or after the boat trip. This should be easy as long
as the flight is into Baltra. When will you know for sure?

Thanks,

Stu


Stu I will need to check to get you specific answers. If I understand you correctly you will be responsible for getting yourself to the boat, arranging your own hotel and sightseeing and possibly some land based diving. This is a new schedule from last year so I'll verify and let you know by tomorrow!

Do not forget that trip insurance is MANDATORY for this trip...as is Dive Insurance. We have several links near the end of the post to DiveAssure and CSA. The latter is only trip insurance and the former is trip and dive insurance together. We also have a link to DAN for dive insurance!

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

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

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

#8 ScubaPunk

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Posted 23 February 2009 - 08:03 AM

Hi,

I would like to go, d/o, nitrox and boat only. I will take care
of my flights and hotels. Payment and other documents one
the way sometime later today.

Is the boat leaving from the harbor in Puerta Ayora?
I would like to schedule some land based diving either
before or after the boat trip. This should be easy as long
as the flight is into Baltra. When will you know for sure?

Thanks,

Stu


:thankyou: Welcome Stu! I have sent you the password for the trip documents.

#9 peterbj7

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Posted 23 February 2009 - 09:26 AM

I REALLY want to go on this trip but at present can't see my way financially. I should know within a couple of months whether it's a go or not, so I'll just have to hope there's still a spot left.

Can anyone suggest how to get to Quito from Belize?

#10 WreckWench

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Posted 23 February 2009 - 09:54 AM

I REALLY want to go on this trip but at present can't see my way financially. I should know within a couple of months whether it's a go or not, so I'll just have to hope there's still a spot left.

Can anyone suggest how to get to Quito from Belize?


Peter we would LOVE to have you on the trip! I'll keep my fingers crossed you can join us and I think there will be a spot...as much as I would love for this trip to fill up quickly...times are tough so I'm just hoping it fills out before the trip. As long as miles are available...that helps tremendously!

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

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

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

#11 georoc01

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Posted 23 February 2009 - 11:14 AM

I REALLY want to go on this trip but at present can't see my way financially. I should know within a couple of months whether it's a go or not, so I'll just have to hope there's still a spot left.

Can anyone suggest how to get to Quito from Belize?


Just for kicks I threw it into a couple of sites like www.kayak.com and all of the routing was either on American through Miami or Continental through Houston. The American flight is running about $400 cheaper at the moment, $900 vs $1300.

I would hope there is a more direct routing, but not sure as these are US based websites.

#12 WreckWench

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Posted 24 February 2009 - 11:09 AM

Hi,

I would like to go, d/o, nitrox and boat only. I will take care
of my flights and hotels. Payment and other documents one
the way sometime later today.

Is the boat leaving from the harbor in Puerta Ayora?
I would like to schedule some land based diving either
before or after the boat trip. This should be easy as long
as the flight is into Baltra. When will you know for sure?

Thanks,

Stu


ANSWERS:

The flights arrive in Baltra definitely. Your trip will start in Baltra and
finish in San Cristobal. The boat does not leave form Puerto Ayora. It
leaves from the canal near Baltra.
The options for land based diving are good. I can recommend 2 operators -
would not touch the rest!!!
Since the trip finishes in San Cristobal there are 2 options for your
client. He can dive locally first i.e. fly in early or he can get off the
boat on the Sunday night when everyone goes into Puerto AYora for dinner
and stay there. Either will work. I will get you the info on land based
operators there. Puerto Ayora is definitely where he wants to stay for land
based diving. I am working on putting a package together for some other
clients and can pass on the info to you.
Let me know if I can answer any other questions.



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

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

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

#13 ScubaPunk

ScubaPunk

    Houston HH Planner + Angel

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Posted 24 February 2009 - 06:45 PM

Document Update:

1. Deb aka Deb4diving: Received your Survey and Waiver! :thankyou:
Please resend a copy of the Waiver with your handwritten signature. You can either fax it, or scan the page with your signature and then email it. :respect:

#14 grayfins

grayfins

    Meeting folks

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Posted 25 February 2009 - 07:37 AM

Kamala, Sandy, or Debbie,

I would like to be signed up on this trip. Again d/o, the land package and tours, and NITROX.

My flight details are as follows:
Depart OKC, 10/10/09, AA 2065, 6:40 AM, Arrive DFW, 7:35 AM
Depart DFW, 10/10/09, AA 1976, 9:05 AM, Arrive MIA, 12:55 PM
Depart MIA, 10/10/09, AA 931, 3:35 PM, Arrive UIO, 6:30 PM

Depart UIO, 10/20/09, AA 966, 8:35 AM, Arrive MIA, 1:40 PM
Depart MIA, 10/20/09, AA 1880, 5:05 PM, Arrive DFW, 7:15 PM
Depart DFW, 10/20/09, AA 1224, 8:40 PM, Arrive OKC 9:35 PM.

I am sending a check for $197.00 to cover the NITROX ($150) and the delta cost ($47).

I have faxed my Trip and Medical Liability Release.

Is the trip insurance I purchased last year for the Galapagos trip, still good, policy number 08026W0561, or do I need to get new trip insurance? If so what do I need to do if anything to reactivate it?

Bill aka grayfins

#15 WreckWench

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Posted 25 February 2009 - 08:26 AM

I am sending a check for $197.00 to cover the NITROX ($150) and the delta cost ($47).

I have faxed my Trip and Medical Liability Release.

Is the trip insurance I purchased last year for the Galapagos trip, still good, policy number 08026W0561, or do I need to get new trip insurance? If so what do I need to do if anything to reactivate it?

Bill aka grayfins



Hey Bill...your math is perfect! You will need to call CSA and have them switch the policy. If you need anything from me to show the trip was cancelled let me know. Fortunately a number of people reassigned the policy so they should be able to cross check that the trip was in fact cancelled. (Another perk of many people using the same company.) You should NOT need new insurance but you may have to pay a reactivation fee. Let me know if you have any issues. Thank you! kamala

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

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

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




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