Explore the famous kelp beds of the Channel Islands. Dive the magical surroundings of these islands and venture back in time to what our unspoiled coastline was like over a century ago.
A Channel Islands trip offers you the opportunity to discover a variety of underwater landscapes. Water visibility in these waters can range from 40 to 100 feet and on rare occasions sometimes even up to 150 feet. There are untold opportunities for viewing and photographing a panorama of underwater vistas. Unlike the coral reefs of tropical waters, the reefs in the Channel Islands are comprised of varied types of rock structures and kelp forests. Like coral reefs, the cracks and crevices provide ideal living quarters for many species. The rocks are overlaid with brightly colored bouquets of starfish, and garlands of hydrocoral. Moray eels, octopus, abalone, rock scallops, California spiny lobsters, and a host of others inhabit rock fissures and crevices. Divers may chance upon giant black sea bass weighing in at 500 pounds, or a halibut, lingcod, vermilion rockfish, calico bass and more. Migrating gray whales, blue whales, hump back whales, schools of dolphins, seals and sea lions are familiar sightings in the Channel Islands during crossings.
If you would like to try your hand at spear fishing this is the trip for you. A California Fishing License is required and can be purchased prior to leaving shore. If you are interested in taking a class prior to going please contact Terry @ 385-8518.
We will be sailing on the Conception which is operated by Truth Aquatics out of Santa Barbara, California.
Cost of $1,275: Includes 3 Days unlimited diving, airfare from Albuquerque, breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, tanks, weights, hotel in Santa Barbara Prices valid as of 2/24/08 and are subject to change due to fuel increases and taxes.
Guest are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages on board.
Gratuity is not included in price.
Curacao has a warm sunny climate all year round, with an average temperature in the mid-80's. The average rainfall is less than 20 inches. In general, cooling trade winds make the days pleasant and temperate and the evenings very comfortable and enjoyable. Curacao's location in the leeward west portion of the southern Caribbean Sea places it outside the hurricane belt; only four hurricanes have come near the island in the last hundred years. Occasionally, a tropical storm brewing elsewhere in the Caribbean can cause uncharacteristically cloudy weather and rain for a day or two.
Curacao Diving at a Premium All-Inclusive Resort!
Our host will be Sunset Waters Beach Resort. This intimate boutique Curacao hotel is your perfect island retreat! Sunset Waters All Inclusive Beach Resort is renowned for its beautiful crescent shaped beach, serene and secluded location, easiest access to Curacao's premier diving sites, including the one and only Mushroom Forest, and spectacular snorkeling and Curacao scuba diving in the lagoon and on the teeming house reef.
Scuba diving, either from the beach or by boat from the dive shop at Sunset Waters, is available. Referred to as "the best kept secret of the Caribbean", Curacao offers outstanding diving for all skill levels. Thriving reefs, beautiful coral gardens, abundant marine life, steep drop-offs, crystal clear visibility, and warm tropical waters make this a diver's paradise. There are over forty dive sites on the island and Sunset Divers, located on the property, provides easy access to the premier dive locations on the island. For the non-divers, Sunset Waters also offers some of the best snorkeling in Curacao, literally a stone's throw away from your room. There is also a marked snorkel trail. Snorkel equipment is available for use at the kiosk on the beach.
Sunset Waters has a full schedule of exciting trips and tours to fascinating attractions all around Curacao. You'll never be bored while on vacation here. Trips to the Hato Caves, Sea Aquarium and Ostrich Farm are just a few of the places you can visit. There is also a downtown shuttle (free) five days a week.
Cost of $2,550: Includes 7 nights lodging, all meals, drinks, 6 days of two boat dives, unlimited shore dives, unlimited Nitrox, transfers from airport, all taxes and services. $2,200 for non-divers. Prices valid as of 4/18/08 and are subject to change due to airline ticket increase (subject to change until purchased) and taxes. Prices are based on 20 travelers double occupancy. Single occupancy extra.