Upcoming Trips & Trip Reports ...
BONAIRE
June 13-21, 2008
ANNUAL LOBSTER TRIP to the DRY TORTUGAS, aboard the "ULTIMATE GETAWAY"
August 25-28, 2008 - BOOK EARLY, SPOTS ARE LIMITED!
If you have never been on this trip, you won't want to miss it! Hunting for lobster is a blast and loads of fun!
TURKS & CAICOS AGGRESSOR
November 22-29, 2008
BONAIRE • Bring in the New Year with Us!
BUDDY'S DIVE RESORT December 27-January 3, 2009 (Space is limited – SIGN UP NOW!) 8 Days, 7 Nights Breakfast Daily ... Transfers ... 6 Days Unlimited Shore Diving Tanks, Weights & Rental Vehicle
GALAPAGOS AGGRESSOR
August 27-September 3, 2009
Even though some of these trips are far out, it is never too early to plan ahead to make sure you have a spot reserved as well as the time off to make the trip!!!
If you see trips posted here one day and gone the next ... well, that is because they have already sold out and no more space is available – GOOD REASON TO BOOK EARLY!!!
YAP & PALAU, MICRONESIA
February 2008
A trip of a lifetime ... three years in the planning ... finally became a reality!
A group of 15 made the L-O-N-G trip to Yap and Palau to dive with the manta rays, see the mandarinfish, lionfish, crocodilefish, anemonefish, and all the other creatures and fish that are common in the Pacific. For most of us (yours truly included), this was our first trip to the Pacific ... it was well worth the wait, as well as the trials and tribulations associated with such a trip.
Day 1, Feb. 13th, we arrived in Yap, Manta Ray Bay Resort, around 7:30 a.m. ... by 10:30 a.m. we were in the water on our first dive! By 11:00 a.m. we had seen at least 25 manta rays, numerous clownfish, lionfish, nudibranchs, crocodilefish, pipefish, and more ....
Day 2, Feb. 14th, was a repeat experience with an added mandarinfish dive. Just before the sun sets, 3 to 5 females will make their way to a particular region of the reef and gather where males visit and display courtship behaviour, hoping to attract the females. The visiting males tour around various sites in one evening spreading their sperm among a number of different females.
They are highly reclusive during the day, but may be seen perched on or hopping between coral branches. They swim with a rapid pulsating of their fins which tends to make them look like they are hovering like a hummingbird.
Photographing the mandarinfish was extremely challenging due to lack of light and fast movement ... out of approximately 100 shots, only five were keepers!
Day 3, Feb. 15th, two more great dives in the morning and then early afternoon, an awesome "Shark Feed" dive on a wall with 300+ visibility.
I highly recommend the dive operation at Manta Ray Bay Resort; these guys run a first-class operation and could not have been more accommodating.
The resort was also outstanding. It was evident they took pride in the overall appearance, cleanliness and upkeep.
I almost forgot the "Mnuw" Ship's Bar and Restaurant, a 100-year-old South Seas Schooner ... a place where everybody knows your name! No lie ... after you told your waitress your name at breakfast the first morning, the entire staff knew everyone by first name for the rest of our stay ... how awesome does that get?
Day 4, Feb. 16th, following the 24-hour-no-diving-before-flying rule, we planned a tour to the "Kadai Village". Mary, our guide, was great ... considering she put up with answering all our questions. If in Yap, you should definitely take this tour.
... the end of Yap and now we're off to board the Palau Aggressor II for a fabulous week of luxury liveaboard diving!
Sunday, Feb. 17th, we board the boat at 5:30 p.m. After getting settled in our rooms and setting up our gear, we have a great dinner, followed by crew introductions and boat briefing ... now time for a good night's sleep ....
Monday, Feb. 18th thru Thursday, Feb. 21st, included intense and exciting dives to Blue Corner, Peleliu Tip (Corner), Turtle Cove, The Blue Holes, Ngemelis Wall, Siaes Tunnel, German Channel, Big Dropoff, Ulong Channel and more ....
Peleliu Tip ... an awesome dive, where you dive in 2 different oceans - the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean! I always heard of Blue Corner being so awesome ... it was! but I really enjoyed Peleliu Tip! I thought it was more action packed!
Thursday afternoon included a WWII land tour of the Rock Islands.
Friday, Feb. 22nd, included snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake and diving Chandelier Caves.
... sad, but true, this ends an awesome two weeks in Yap and Palau ....
Until next time ....
S. Scott
BONAIRE at BUDDY'S DIVE RESORT
New Years 2008
As always, Bonaire was great! You can dive as little or as much as you want, it's your choice! We had a great group of people with us (several regulars who always make the Bonaire trip, and several newbies who fell in love with Bonaire and plan on becoming regulars)!
Bonaire takes New Years seriously and show it in their fireworks displays ... some of the best I have seen!
... and diving, what can I say, Bonaire is known as the "Macro Capital of the World", so if you are into photography and like to take photos of the little stuff, Bonaire is the place to go!
,,, and variety of fish ... and quantity of fish ... I could go on and on ....
The dive site "Atlantis" became my most favorite site on this trip! I have never seen so many good things to take photos of ... huge moray eels, schools of fish, flamingo tongues, turtles, different species hanging out together, congregations of grouper ....
DON'T FORGET ABOUT RIDING THE BLOKARTS the last day before flying home. For more information on the Blokarts of Bonaire, go to this link: http://www.landsailingbonaire.com/
Hopefully in a few days I will have time to post photos from this trip as well as previous trip to Belize!
Until next time ....
S. Scott
BELIZE AGGRESSOR III
Thanksgiving, 2007
Absolutely the best way to dive in Belize is the BELIZE AGGRESSOR! They take you to the best dive sites and clearest water in Belize, which is around Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Diving was awesome to say the least ... huge barrel sponges, spotted eels, flamingo tongues, TARPON, TARPON and more TARPON ... queen angels, big eye squirrel fish, and more ....
CREW ... I have never been on an Aggressor boat and been disappointed with the crew! They are always most accomodating and help you any way they can.
... and for the first time I made a dive in the "Blue Hole"! I have been to Belize three other times ... the first time I could not clear my ears, the other two times, majority vote ruled it out ... unless you are fascinated by stalagtites, I must say ... "it looks better from the air! ... and you see alot more on the regular dive sites ... but, I can now say I have been there and got that T-shirt ....
Until next time ....
S. Scott
CURACAO
February 4-11, 2007
Captain Don's Habitat and Easy Divers – A small group of us (only four!) recently went on an incredible trip to Curacao. Diving in Curacao is much like that of Bonaire ... you can either dive by boat or be adventuresome and go shore diving! Our package had alot of boat dives, so we only made three shore dives – the "Superior Producer" wreck and two dives at "Playa Kalki".
I highly recommend both! The "Superior Producer" was an awesome dive ... clear water and no current and just a short swim from shore. The story goes ... the boat was loaded with Christmas goods and clothes; shortly after leaving the dock the cargo began to shift and the boat sank. The islanders received word of this and within a few days, all of the goods were gone! The Decompression Chamber had never treated so many cases of the bends. The T-shirts were highly identifiable, easy to spot, and became known as "Salty Clothes". The wreck was loaded with fish life and growth. It was tricky finding exactly where the entry was, but it was well worth it!
"Playa Kalki" was also an awesome dive. The reefs were pristeen with huge sponges, wire coral, black coral, etc. Not to mention I have never seen so many lettuce leaf slugs on one dive site before! The entry was jumping off a pier in front of a dive shop, so it could not have been any better! Afterwards we had a primo spot to watch the sunset!
Curacao is about 38 miles long and varies between 1.5 to 7.5 miles wide. Unlike Bonaire, there is one main road that runs through the center of the island and fingers off, so it is harder to get around and takes you a little longer to get to the dive sites if you are shore diving. Like Bonaire, Curacao is harder to get to than most other destinations, but it is well worth making the effort!
I hope to have photos posted soon, so check back.
Until next time ...
S. Scott
BONAIRE
Dec. 29, 2006 - Jan. 6, 2007 bringing in the New Year!
Buddy Dive Resort and Sand Dollar – What originally started out as being a small group planning to go to beautiful Bonaire, turned into a large group of more than 25! Thus the reason for some people staying at Sand Dollar. These resorts are being booked at least a year in advance ... so when you decide to go on a trip at the last minute, there is not always room, not to mention the better rate on airfare. But we are SO GLAD that people decide they CAN go and we do everything humanly possible to make it happen! WE APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S SUPPORT!
... and as usual diving in Bonaire was awesome! Visibility was great ... weather was nice ... prolific fish life – sharp nose eels, morays, spotted eagle rays, anemonies, christmas tree worms, grouper, colorful corals, and more.
Bonaire is one of the best destinations for macro photography. This trip Walter had the privilege of trying out the new Sea Life 6.1 camera ... and wow, does it do an awesome job! I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who wants to get into underwater photography at a reasonable price.
A NEW FUN THING TO DO IN BONAIRE the last day before flying out is landsailing!!! It was a blast; if you go to Bonaire, you should put it on your list of things to do! For more information on the Blokarts of Bonaire, go to this link: http://www.landsailingbonaire.com/
Until next time ....
S. Scott
COZUMEL
Nov. 19-25, 2006
Hotel Cozumel – Just got back this past Sunday and already I wish I were back diving! The week began with winds preventing us from diving the first few days on the Leeward side of Cozumel. The Harbormaster closed the port to boats and swimmers/divers Monday-Wednesday, but much gratitude to Walter at Deep South Scuba and his continuing extensive research into diving options at different destinations, we were able to get some dives in on the Windward side (when the Leeward side is rough, it is calm on the Windward side!).
We contacted "Aldora Divers", a small dive operation with two small boats, who worked with us to get a few dives in Tuesday and Wednesday. They normally deal with no more than 3-4 divers, but our THANKS to them in working with our large group of 25+! They could only take 10-11 divers out at a time; we alternated between diving and surface intervals on beach to get everyone in the water. The water was clear and we all got wet!
One of the dive sites was the remains of a Spanish Galleon that was uncovered by recent storms, with 17 canons and two anchors. Another very interesting dive site was the unique and spectacular micro atolls (mushroom-like reef formations) fringing Hanan Beach, Tortuga and Ventanas Reef to the south, and El Castillo in the far north. A very nice service of "Aldora Divers" was a warm hooded parker to warm you up between dives (we all needed it too!).
It would benefit you to check them out next time you go to Cozumel, you won't go wrong – ask for "Memo"! The staff, captain and divemasters were great and we would not hesitate to dive with them again!
Thursday, we were able to ride to the marina and made four dives with "Dive Paradise" – awesome dives of course ... spotted eagle rays, turtles, eels, seahorses ... more splendid toadfishes than I have ever seen!
Friday, back on course with pickup at hotel and four more great dives! Since we were not flying out until Sunday afternoon, we managed two more dives Saturday morning. All in all, it was a great trip despite weather and what a great group to dive with!!!
S. Scott
ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Aug. 19-Sept. 1, 2006
A few very lucky people recently returned from an awesome trip! The trip started off with a few land excursions in Quito, Ecuador – including a ride on the CHIVA EXPRESS through the countryside, lunch and tour at the very exclusive LA MIRAGE RESORT & SPA, lunch and tour at the 300-year-old LA CIENEGA HOTEL / HACIENDA, a ride on the AERIAL TRAMWAY, hiking, relaxing in the Hot Springs and lunch at the TERMAS DE PAPALLACTA SPA AND RESORT, and other tours of centuries-old churches depicting intricate architecture, beautiful stained glass, gold leaf, and more ... you should have been there!
Next, we boarded the GALAPAGOS AGGRESSOR for some of the best diving to be had! We had encounters with 20-30 Whale Sharks ... spent entire dives watching walls of Hammerhead Sharks swim by (in front of us, behind us, above us!) ... Galapagos Sharks ... schools of Spotted Eagle Rays ... Golden Cownose Rays ... Bull Rays ... Manta Rays ... Red Lipped Batfish ... HUGE bait balls ... Yellow-Tailed Surgeonfish ... schools of Dolphin ... Sea Lions ... Seals ... Penguins ... and more! Turtles ... I seen more turtles here in one day than I have seen in an entire week of diving in the Caribbean!
If you have never snorkeled with Sea Lions and Seals, you must put this on your list of things to do! They are not afraid of you and will swim and dart right in front of you. They love to play and check you out!
Along with awesome diving, we also toured the Darwin Research Station – a must when you go to the Galapagos.
Other tours included land encounters with the Sea Lions. Adult males known as Bulls can grow to be up to 7 feet in length and 800 lbs. If they were in your path, you did not keep walking, you motioned with your hands and had to tell them several times to move ....
Other encounters included the Blue-Footed Booby Birds, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Iguanas, and more ....
DO NOT LET ALL YOU READ ABOUT DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS KEEP YOU FROM GOING! I had read horror stories about the currents and how cold it was. We went in the prime time of year to see the Whale Sharks, and we were perfectly fine in a 3mm wetsuit (JJ ended up wearing her Polartec); there were a couple of dives that were a little cooler, so we added a hooded vest, but unless you were 90 lbs, or very cold-natured, a 5 to 7mm suit was not necessary. Other stories I read included – "Take an extra pair of gloves, because you will tear them up holding on ...." – I took one pair of new Oceanic gloves and came back with NO holes in them! ... and currents, you roll off the panga, go down and hold on at Darwin and Wolf, then when the dive is over, you let go and gradually go up and the panga picks you up; you don't have to swim against the current on the dive unless you want to. (I should add the water was a little warmer than it usually is according to the Captain.) A good thing to do – I did – is get online and read the recent Captain's Log of the location you are going to before you go on a trip. Usually they tell you the water temperature and conditions; this proves to be very helpful and give you an insight about conditions ahead of time.
PHOTOGRAPHY ... what can I say, it was challenging underwater! I had also read to not worry with strobes – they create a lot of drag in current and don't reach past 8 feet anyway; this was true, and because of the rich nutrients which attract the huge number of sharks, etc., backscatter is a problem – so you shoot using ambient light, which was a new thing for me! So, needless to say I only used my strobes on one dive, leaving me with photos that needed help in an image editor. I have put a few on the PHOTOS page, so please check them out.
Until next time ....
S. Scott
GULF COAST aboard the SALVA VIDA • July 8-9, 2006
Good news, the water is getting BLUER! The SALVA VIDA once again provided us with transportation to dive the oil rigs along the Continental Shelf. We seen Trumpet Fish, Squirrel Fish, Butterfly Fish, Parrot Fish, Queen Angels, baby Lobsters, large schools of Amberjack, Grouper, Lookdowns ... need I say more?
Oh, and did I mention there was no current?!? The conditions were great ... 1-2 feet, with just enough breeze to keep from getting too hot .... The surface murck is getting less with each trip. If you paid attention to the species of fish I mentioned above, you would know most of these are not common to the Gulf and mainly seen in the Caribbean. I personally would like to believe that is a sign the rest of the season will keep getting better!
Even though the trips are not listed above due to sell-out, you can still contact us and be put on standby for those times when unforeseen circumstances prevent one from being able to go the dates they scheduled for.
Until next time ....
S. Scott
GULF COAST aboard the SALVA VIDA • June 10-11, 2006
Once again we had a great dive trip aboard the SALVA VIDA, diving the oil rigs. Weather could not have been any better; seas were less than 1 foot! One only hopes for those conditions a few times a year, and we have been fortunate to have them two trips in a row!
The water is warming up ... first 20-30 feet is still a little murcky, but as always opens up to blue. On one rig, the middle band of water was the bluest I've seen in a long time! A couple of divers found a nest of LOBSTER (but don't get too excited, the season won't open until late July-early August).
There were alot of Yellow Tangs, some Rock Beauties ... HUGE Queen Angels, and of course an abundance of Blenies, Arrow Crabs, Amberjack, Grouper, etc.
It is so good to be diving the Gulf again ... we look forward to many more trips this Summer and Fall and hope you cease any opportunity to dive which comes your way ....
Until next time ....
S. Scott
GULF COAST aboard the SALVA VIDA • May 28-29, 2006
A few lucky divers ... myself included ... were fortunate enough to experience some great dives at the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico this past Memorial Day weekend! We boarded the SALVA VIDA in Biloxi, Mississippi, Saturday night , waking up Sunday morning to a gorgeous sunny day with CALM seas! The top 30 feet was a little murcky, but underneath there was blue water and visibility ranging from 100-200 feet with very minimal current. Those divers wanting to spearfish had plenty of fish to choose from (Amberjack were PLENTIFUL!) and those wanting simply to dive in blue water had plenty to see. Orange Cup Coral has become prolific, covering 75% of all the rigs we dove ... Queen Angels ... Yellow Tangs ... Hawk Fish ... Look Downs ... and more!
Those of you on the coast – Mississippi and Louisiana – be assured, the Gulf is alive with fish and still providing us with enjoyment – you only have to make the effort to go every chance you can ....
Until next time ... be safe, and DIVE EVERY CHANCE YOU GET!
S. Scott
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