Travel

AUGUST 5 – 12, 2023
NORTHERN RED SEA – BEST WRECK DIVING

1 spot left (male passenger)

The Red Sea is known as having one of the most important waterways in the world even before the Suez Canal. It was an important trade route between Africa, Arabia, and others. With the Suez Canal being built in 1869 and joining the Red Sea to the Mediterranean and Europe to Asia, the Red Sea became one of the most important trade routes in the world. With the offshore reefs almost invisible at times, as the shipping lane increase, many ships were lost.

• Boarding on the Aggressor II begins Saturday at 3pm in Hurghada; Checkout is Saturday at 8am
• Diving begins Sunday morning and ends Friday when the Aggressor returns to port
• Average of up to 22 dives total including night diving when possible
• Snorkeling and exploration of secluded beaches where possible
• 3-5 mm wetsuit recommended for summer; 7 mm wetsuit recommended for winter
• Average water temperatures: 74 – 82F

Itinerary Dive Sites:
El Minya/El Mina Wreck – The Russian-built minesweeper El Minya was sunk in 1970 during military tension between Egypt and Israel following Israel’s capture of the Sinai Peninsula in 1967. In retaliation to Egypt attempting to regain control of the Sinai Peninsula, Israel launched a bomb on the starboard side of her bow and she was sunk. The 58 meters (190 feet) ship now lies on her port side at a maximum depth of 32 meters (104 feet). The anti-aircraft guns are still in place towards the rear of the ship. The ship is home to large schools of glassfish and many other species of fish.

MV Salem Express Wreck – The Salem Express is the most controversial wreck in the Red Sea due to the tragic loss of life that occurred when she sank. The Salem Express was built in 1964 and was a roll-on, roll-off ferry for vehicles and passengers. She operated between the ports of Safaga in Egypt and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. In 1991, she departed Jeddah with over 700 passengers with pilgrims returning from the holy city of Mecca and collided with Hyndman Reef during an unexpected storm and sank. Tragically, most lost their lives. Divers will be in awe because of the large size of the wreck. There are few hard corals growing on the wreck but divers will see jacks, pipefish, etc. The ship is resting at a depth of 12 – 30 meters (39 – 100 feet) on its starboard side with its bow doors wide open. The lifeboats with the distinct “S” emblem are indications that it sank so fast, the crew didn’t even get the chance to lower them. The twin-propeller blades and the smokestacks are other external attractions of the Salem Express.

El Khafain Wreck – El Khafain is one of the newer shipwrecks in the Red Sea and sank in 2005. She was a roll-on, roll-off ferry for vehicles and passengers and similar in appearance to the Salem Express. The ship departed Hurghada en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia when an explosion occurred in the engine room and started a fire which spread quickly. There was an attempt to tow the ship to port but it capsized while in tow, drifted, and sank in 25 meters (82 feet) of water with the top of the wreck at 6 meters (20 feet).

Abu Nuhas Location (4 wrecks) – In 1869, the Suez Canal established the Red Sea as the most important stretch of water near Egypt. Known as the Red Sea ‘graveyard’, Abu Nuhas is located north of Shadwan Island (the Egyptian Red Sea’s largest island). The submerged reef has claimed more vessels than any other in the Red Sea with at least four complete wrecks and other wreckage scattered throughout the area. The wrecks are laying in a chain on a sandy bottom of a steep sloping reef covered with table corals. Some of the items the wrecks carried were copper, port wine, and gold. The four wrecks the Red Sea Aggressor II dives are the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M:

Ghiannis D is a 100 meter (328 feet) long cargo ship originally built in Japan then bought by a Greek shipping company and renamed the Giannis D in 1980. She was en route from now known as Croatia bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia carrying a cargo of wood. After passing through the Suez Canal and into the Strait of Gubal, the ship ran aground into the reef of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. The stern is partly intact at around 25 meters (82 feet) and the bow at about 18 meters (60 feet).

The rear half of the wreck lies on the port side. At the front of the funnel is the large letter “D” signifying the name of the shipping company, Danae. Crocodile fish, scorpionfish, parrotfish, and grouper call the vessel home. This wreck is located at a depth of 10 – 27 meters (30 – 88 feet).

Carnatic is thought to be the oldest wreck found at Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. Steam and sail-powered clipper, the Carnatic was sailing from Suez to India when she struck the reef in 1869. The ship broke in half when the crew and passengers were abandoning it resulting in the loss of 31 lives. The ship’s cargo included cotton, copper, and a huge load of gold. Salvage operations claim to have recovered the gold, however, rumors still exist that there still might be gold hidden on the wreck. The wreck lies at a depth of 10 – 27 meters (65 – 88 feet) with the hull covered in hard and leather corals.

Chrisoula K was originally built in Germany and christened the Dora Olendorff. The 100-meter long cargo ship was bound for Jeddah, Saudia Arabia carrying a cargo of Italian floor tiles. After leaving the Gulf of Suez, a navigational error saw the ship run full speed into the Abu Nuhas reef. The crew was safely rescued but the ship sank and now lies between 5 – 25 meters (16 – 80 feet).

The Kimon M cargo ship sunk in 1978 after hitting the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas Reef. It was carrying lentils and is also known as the ‘Lentil Wreck’ and lies in 32 meters of water at the stern. It initially was stuck on the reef until the storm and waves pushed the ship breaking the bow then the main body which sank in 10 – 29 meters (32 – 95 feet) depth. The stern with the huge propeller is still intact and easy to dive into. Due to its size, it is impressive to swim around from the outside and is home to schools of batfish and a huge napoleon.

Dunraven – The Dunraven was a Victorian sail and steam-powered ship that was carrying spices, cotton, and timber from India. In 1876, the Dunraven hit the reef during a dispute between the Captain with his wife and caught fire and sank. The wreck is broken into three parts and much of the hull remains intact with a swim-through by two huge boilers and the massive prop shaft. Inside the wreck are schools of glassfish, and yellow goatfish, and giant morays. The hull is covered with corals and full of marine life, like schools of batfish, nudibranchs, pipefish, and the rare ghost pipefish. Many other varieties of animal life can be found here. The wreck rests at 15 – 30 meters (50 – 95 feet).

SS Thistlegorm – The SS Thistlegorm is the most famous of the Red Sea wrecks. A freighter on a voyage to resupply the British Army in North Africa, the Thistlegorm was sunk in 1941. The English cargo ship was 129 meters long (423 feet) and was bombed by German aviation on October 6, 1941, in the area of Shaab Ali. She was transporting supplies destined for the British fifth army based in Alexandria as well as armored MGs vehicles, motorcycles, jeeps, trucks, rolling stock, airplane parts, stacks of rifles, radio equipment, munitions, and a plentiful supply of Wellington boots. Now the wreck is an artificial reef on a sandy bottom at 32 meters (104 feet) and is home to an enormous variety of marine life with large schooling fish. Additionally, the wreck provides a hunting ground for giant tuna and snappers.

Ulysses – The Ulysses was a 95 meter (311 feet) long steamship also rigged for a sail that sank at Gubal Seghir, an island in the Strait of Gubal over several days. The ship’s voyage was from England to China and after passing through the Mediterranean and Suez Canal, the ship ran aground on the northern side of Gubal Seghir. After several days of inclement weather, the ship sank. The propeller, shaft, and engine remain in place as well as some of the loading equipment on the deck.

Rosalie Moller – The Rosalie Moeller is the sister ship of the world-famous SS Thistlegorm. This former 108 meter (357-feet) long cargo ship was transporting coal, was bombed and sunk in 1941 by a German air attack during World War II. Now the wreck lies upright in 55 meters (188 feet) on a sandy bottom. The main deck is located at 35 meters (114 feet) and the mast rises up to 16 feet/18 meters depth. In the deeper parts of the wreck, the huge rudder and propeller are found as well as the ladders and handrails all along the main deck. Hard and soft corals cover the hull. This artificial reef attracts an interesting variety of marine life including barracudas, tunas, jacks, trevallies, glassfish, scorpionfish, and grouper.

Guests will spend the week diving up to 12 wrecks in the northern Red Sea. Up to 19 wreck dives and 2 reef dives will be offered; weather permitting. In between dives, guests may snorkel, explore secluded beaches, or just relax with a cold drink and mid-morning/mid-afternoon snack. Guests may dive up to 4 dives per day including night diving when possible.

INCLUDED:

• • 7 nights on the Red Sea Aggressor II
  • Up to 22 dives 
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Airport transfers and fees
  • Taxes (except for VAT)

ROOM AMENITIES:

• • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bath robes
  • 32 inch flat screen TV w/selection of over 400 movies, TV  shows, & documentaries

NOT INCLUDED:

• • R/T air to Hurghada
  • Dive crew tips (10-15% of the trip cost)
  • Marine Park fees ($100)
  • Fuel surcharge ($50)
  • Port fee ($50)
  • VAT 14% tax ($28)
  • Egyptian Visa ($25)
  • Nitrox ($100)

Note: All fees subject to change

DIVER RATES:

• • Double Occupancy Side by Side Twin Beds (8 cabins)     $1,699 pp
  • Double Occupancy Queen Bed (3 cabins)     $1,799 pp 

SEPTEMBER 23 – 30, 2023
ST LUCIA

SOLD OUT!

Location, location, location! This is the fundamental attraction ANSE CHASTANET resort has for traveling divers. It is in the heart of St.Lucia’s very best diving: the entire region surrounding ANSE CHASTANET is vested into an award winning marine reserve (SMMA) which has been established since 1995 to protect the pristine beauty of St.Lucia’s coral reefs.

Perfectly set up for both beach and boat dives, Scuba St. Lucia offers guests gear storage, a well equipped scuba store. three compressors, rental dive gear, and an underwater Photo and Video center.

All dives offered by Scuba St Lucia are guided by an instructor or dive master to maximize diver safety and enjoyment. The marine reserve policy is to “look but don’t touch”. Even empty shells should be left on the sea bed, and great care taken not to touch or kick the corals so hopefully the reef can be preserved for future generations of divers to enjoy.

While you are there, make time to visit the terrestrial delights of the island, including nearby wonders such as the Sulphur Springs, Diamond Waterfall and Mineral Baths, the Rain Forest and, of course, a closer view of the twin volcanic spires known as the Pitons.

The Diving

The Anse Chastanet reef starts just 10 yards beyond the water’s edge. The reef’s remarkable ecosystem offers an amazing profusion of unusual tropical marine life, in 20 to 140 feet of calm, clear water. Anse Chastanet Reef, which is home to more than 150 different species of fish, makes for an amazing dive day or night. In the shallow areas be sure to keep your eyes open for peacock flounders, octopus, needle fish and turtles. Or drop down a little deeper over dense coral growth to see puffers, moray eels, parrot fish, lobsters and even sea horses. A unique dive site for all abilities and especially good for macro photography

The shore dive is a required “first” dive for dive guests. It allows divers to feel ensured that all equipment is functioning properly, that their buoyancy skills are adequate for entering the marine reserve and to provide an orientation to the type of diving for which St Lucia is known. This reef is a favorite of most professional underwater photographers and videographers who visit Anse Chastanet.

For the boat dives, dramatic walls beneath the majestic Piton Mountains, Superman’s flight, a drift dive in the shadow of the Petit Piton, Coral Gardens and Jalousie under the Gros Piton, Piton Wall, the wreck of the “Lesleen M”, Anse La Raye, and Anse Cochon. Closer to home for the afternoon boat trips but no less spectacular sites, the diver can explore Fairyland, Turtle Reef, Grand Caille, Trou Diable, the Pinnacles and much more…

Night dives are offered at least twice per week.

The Rooms

All of Anse Chastanet’s beachside rooms are deluxe category rooms. The beachside deluxe rooms are generous in space, with coralina or clay tiles and wooden jalousie louvre windows and large balconies or patios. All beachside rooms offer a tropical garden view and are just a few feet away from the beach and water’s edge.

The beachside deluxe rooms at Anse Chastanet are air-conditioned. This is an optional feature as louvres can instead be opened for natural air flow. Average size: 750 sq ft

All rooms have king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms with 2 sinks, shower and toilet. Upon request, extra bed or twin beds can be provided.

The Resort

ANSE CHASTANET emphasizes the use of local woods and other local products in the room decor and furnishings. Cushions and bedspreads are made from colorful cotton fabrics called madras, the island’s “national cloth.” Even the resort bathrobes are locally made and have become a popular souvenir item!

The furniture has been individually designed and handmade in the region with the exclusive use of the island woods such as teak, mahogany, green heart, red cedar and wild breadfruit. 

Please note that there are approximately 100 stairs leading from beach level to mid-hillside level, thus making the property unsuitable for those with walking difficulties or cardiac problems. This is never a question of age. A complimentary shuttle service from beachside to hillside level is provided any time it is requested.

Facilities at our 600 acre resort include two soft sand beaches, 12 miles of jungle biking, walking and hiking trails in the Anse Mamin valley with excellent birdwatching options, 3 restaurant locations serving a variety of menus including modern Caribbbean, East India-St.Lucia fusion and vegetarian. There are 2 bars plus the Jungle Grill and Bar at Anse Mamin, an excursions and car rental desk, 2 beachside boutiques and art gallery, the Kai Belte Spa, Scuba St. Lucia, a watersports center with complimentary snorkeling gear, windsurfers, sunfish sailboats, paddleboards, Bike St. Lucia with bike rental, Kayak St. Lucia with complimentary sit on top kayaks and Prijon kayaks at a rental fee. There is wi-fi available in our rooms and also, near our reception area and there are also computers for guest usage.

Our dress code in the evenings is smart casual. Gentlemen usually wear collared shirts and Bermuda shorts or trousers in the evenings. Light cotton or linen clothing is the most comfortable. At lunch, we request dry clothing in the beach restaurant and a light cover up.

INCLUDED:

• • 7 nights at Anse Chastanet Resort
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Afternoon tea
  • Airport transfers and fees
  • Taxes, including 20% VAT, resort fee, tourism fee
  • Resort gratuities
  • 12 boat dives, 2 night dives, scheduled shore diving
  • Tennis court / equipment
  • Water sports equipment (kayaking, paddle board, mini-sailing, wind-surfing)
  • Sunrise and sunset yoga
  • Beach chairs and towels

ROOM AMENITIES:

• • Air conditioning (in beach deluxe rooms only)
  • Fridge
  • Electric tea / coffee maker
  • Mounted hair dryer
  • In-room electronic safe
  • Iron / ironing board
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Hand-made bathrobes
  • Slippers
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Twice-daily housekeeping

NOT INCLUDED:

• • R/T air
  • Nitrox ($90 for the week)
  • Marine Park Fees ($15)
  • Dive Crew Tips

DIVER RATES:

• • Double Occupancy Hillside Superior Room (Diver)     $3,095 pp
  • Single Occupancy Hillside Superior Room (Diver)     $4,549 pp
  • Double Occupancy Beach Deluxe Room (Diver)     $3,495 pp
  • Single Occupancy Beach Deluxe Room (Diver)     $5,454 pp

NOVEMBER 4 – 11, 2023
COZUMEL

TAKING DEPOSITS

**** Current CDC guidelines for Mexico ****

This annual pilgrimage to dive in costumes is always fun and very popular. We stay at the Casa Del Mar – our “home on the water”. With a startling number of gorgeous dive sites, it’s hard to choose where to dive first! Add to that all the fantastic food you could ever want, high end beer and booze, a pool bar, and a bunch of good dive buddies. It doesn’t get any better!

ALL-INCLUSIVE:

• • 7 nights at the Casa Del Mar – includes food, snacks, and beverages (high end liquors and ice cold bottled beer)
  • 5 days of 2-tank dives with Dive House
  • Jeeps for Friday island tour (3-4 people per Jeep)

NOT INCLUDED:

• • R/T air
  • Airport transfers (approx $20)
  • Marine Park fee (approx $15)
  • Gas and insurance for the Jeep
  • Tips

DIVING FACILITIES:

• • Onsite dive store
  • Private dock
  • Short distance from your room to the dive shop
  • Rooms designed for divers’ needs
  • Gear storage lockers
  • Fresh water to rinse your gear
  • Fresh water for cameras
  • Fresh water shower

RATES:

• • Double Occupancy (Diver)     $1,875 pp
  • Single Occupancy (Diver)      $2,375 pp

JANUARY 13 – 20, 2024
LITTLE CAYMAN

TAKING DEPOSITS

Located about 80 miles northeast of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman is the smallest of the three islands—about 10 square miles and the highest point is only 40 feet in elevation. Our undeveloped island has lagoons, secluded beaches, salt ponds, undeveloped shorelines, and areas of dense vegetation that are home to land, sea, and air creatures waiting to be discovered.

Little Cayman Beach Resort is an intimate, oceanfront resort with only 40 rooms. Our friendly staff immediately make you feel at home as you settle into a casual lifestyle with a relaxed atmosphere, great diving, and dining on sumptuous Caribbean-inspired meals in our dining room or al fresco on our screened porch.

The iconic Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park, year-round warm tropical waters, and lush coral reefs teeming with marine life make the Little Cayman Beach Resort experience a must for divers. Reef Divers’ personalized valet services take the work out of diving so guests can enjoy underwater experiences at their own pace.

INCLUDED:

• • 7 nights at Little Cayman Beach Resort (pool view room)
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 21 drink package (house beer, house wine, house well drinks, soft drinks)
  • Welcome rum punch
  • Manager’s cocktail reception
  • Airport transfers and fees
  • Hotel taxes & fees
  • Boat dives

ROOM AMENITIES:

• • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • In-room safe
  • Iron / ironing board
  • Free Wi-Fi

NOT INCLUDED:

• • R/T air
  • Nitrox
  • Dive Crew Tips
  • Marine Park Fees (if any required)

DIVER RATES:

• • Double Occupancy Pool View     $2,995 pp
  • Single Occupancy Pool View     $3,850 pp
  • Double Occupancy Ocean View (on beach)     $3,495 pp

APRIL 20 – 27, 2024
BONAIRE

TAKING DEPOSITS

Founded in 1976, by renowned underwater environmentalist Captain Don Stewart, Captain Don’s Habitat has been in the forefront of environmentally sound developments on the island of Bonaire. His vision is also reflected in the design of the resort. From the low impact construction methods to the use of solar water heaters and energy-saving devices. Every detail has been designed to have the least possible impact on the local environment. The rooms and facilities are nestled in lush landscaping carefully designed to eliminate harmful runoff into the fragile marine Ecosystem thriving right in front of Captain Don’s Habitat. Walking through the resort, one can truly appreciate a broad spectrum of the flora and fauna of Bonaire. Iguanas, lizards, over 50 species of birds, and a wide variety of indigenous and imported species of plants and trees, create the perfect balance between world-class accommodations and nature. The lush landscaping takes care of the remaining nutrients. At Captain Don’s Habitat, we’re very proud of our environmental legacy and we continue to play a very active role by assisting environmental groups and the local government in ensuring sound conservation policies and maintaining the natural resources.

INCLUDED:

• • 7 nights at Captain Don’s Habitat
  • Breakfast
  • Airport transfers and fees
  • Taxes
  • Energy surcharge
  • Green fee
  • 10 boat dives + 6 days of unlimited shore diving
  • Nitrox
  • Note: First morning shore orientation required

ROOM AMENITIES:

• • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • In-room safe
  • Iron / ironing board
  • Free Wi-Fi

NOT INCLUDED:

• • R/T air
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Dive Crew Tips
  • Tourist entry tax ($75 pp)
  • Marine Park Fee

DIVER RATES:

• • Double Occupancy Ocean View     $1,699 pp
  • Single Occupancy Ocean View     $2,099 pp

SEPTEMBER 8 – 22, 2024
PALAU / TRUK (CHUUK) LAGOON

TAKING DEPOSITS – DETAILS PENDING

With its intriguing blue holes, spectacular drop-offs, caverns, caves and channels, it’s no wonder Palau is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most thrilling dive destinations.

With more than 1400 species of fish, 500 species of healthy coral and its large pelagic action, diving in Palau should be at the very top of anyone’s list. Whale sharks, eagle rays, turtles reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead are a few examples of the astonishing spectrum of marine life this Micronesian archipelago has to offer.

One of the biggest thrills you can have as a diver is watching a manta gently swoop in from above. Within the German Channel, manta rays gather in their numbers to feed on plankton and visit the cleaning stations. Cleaner wrasse and butterflyfish get to work, much to the delight of the winged beauties and divers alike.

Truk Lagoon (actually Chuuk Lagoon) is an atoll in the central Pacific, approximately 1,800km northwest of Papua New Guinea. It is situated within Chuuk State, part of Micronesia, and is renowned as one of the best wreck diving destinations in the world. Diving Chuuk Lagoon is a highlight of many recreational and technical divers’ careers, and the wrecks can be explored from either a liveaboard or land-based resort.

Truk Lagoon scuba diving is best known for its 60+ World War II wrecks, which easily makes Chuuk Lagoon one of the world’s best wreck diving destinations. Due to its strategic location, Truk Island used to be a Japanese Naval Base during WWII. Today the shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon offer a good amount of marine life, with many soft corals and schools of small fish. Some of the wrecks are quite deep, with the bottoms in the 100 to 150 feet (30 to 45 meters) range, which makes Chuuk Lagoon an excellent destination for technical diving.

INCLUDED:

• • 7 nights aboard the Palau Aggressor II (September 8 – 15)
  • 7 nights at Truk Blue Lagoon Dive Resort (September 15 – 22)
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Airport transfers and fees
  • Taxes
  • Boat dives

ROOM AMENITIES:

• • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • In-room safe
  • Iron / ironing board
  • Free Wi-Fi

NOT INCLUDED:

• • R/T air
  • Nitrox
  • Dive Crew Tips
  • Marine Park Fees (if any required)

DIVER RATES:

• • Double Occupancy     TBD

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024
COZUMEL

DETAILS PENDING

**** Current CDC guidelines for Mexico ****

This annual pilgrimage to dive in costumes is always fun and very popular. We stay at the Casa Del Mar – our “home on the water”. With a startling number of gorgeous dive sites, it’s hard to choose where to dive first! Add to that all the fantastic food you could ever want, high end beer and booze, a pool bar, and a bunch of good dive buddies. It doesn’t get any better!

ALL-INCLUSIVE:

• • 7 nights at the Casa Del Mar – includes food, snacks, and beverages (high end liquors and ice cold bottled beer)
  • 5 days of 2-tank dives with Dive House
  • Jeeps for Friday island tour (3-4 people per Jeep)

NOT INCLUDED:

• • R/T air
  • Airport transfers (approx $20)
  • Marine Park fee (approx $15)
  • Gas and insurance for the Jeep
  • Tips

DIVING FACILITIES:

• • Onsite dive store
  • Private dock
  • Short distance from your room to the dive shop
  • Rooms designed for divers’ needs
  • Gear storage lockers
  • Fresh water to rinse your gear
  • Fresh water for cameras
  • Fresh water shower

RATES:

• • Double Occupancy (Diver)     TBD
  • Single Occupancy (Diver)      TBD
  • Double Occupancy (Non-Diver)      TBD

Additional trips are being added!!! Check back often!