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(The
E-Newsletter of Aqua Dreams Travel, Inc.)
June
3, 2004
In
this issue of Nitrogen News we will talk about when
to go on your trip and what are the general advantages
and disadvantages of different times/locations.
We will also share with you our plans for our June
Sale and report on some very special deals.
Air
Jamaica
Lovebird Caribbean Fall Sale
Air Jamaica has announced a Fall and early winter
sale to all of their destinations in the Caribbean.
Air Jamaica flies to Barbados, Bahamas, Bonaire,
Curacao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, St. Lucia and Turks
and Caicos. The sale is valid for travel September
1 to February 16, 2005. The Christmas and Thanksgiving
times are blacked out. You will receive savings
of as much as 35% off our regular fares. You
must ticket by June 18, 2004.
Here are some sample packages:
Sand Dollar Condominium Resort - Bonaire
Special with airfare from Miami on Air Jamaica traveling
midweek, 7 nights in a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo,
Double cab pick up truck, breakfast daily, 6 single
tank boat dives and unlimited shore diving, taxes
and service charges, $975.00 per person based on
quad occupancy, midweek travel, Book by June 18
and travel September 1 - Dec. 15. Based on availability.
Buddy Dive Resort-Bonaire
$1239.00 per person quad occupancy includes round
trip airfare on Air Jamaica from Los Angeles, 7
nights accommodations in a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom
condo, 6 days of unlimited shore diving and 6 single
tank boat dives, breakfast daily and a pick up truck
per condo. All taxes and service charges, except
Bonaire departure taxes and Marine Fee.
Grand Cayman - Cobalt Coast/Divetech
$1339.00 per person double occupancy includes round
trip airfare on Air Jamaica from Los Angeles, 7
nights in a new Garden Suite room, 6 days of 2-tank
boat diving, unlimited shore diving at Cobalt Coast
and at the Turtle Farm, tanks, weights, belts, breakfast
daily all taxes and service charges except Cayman
departure taxes Valid Sept 7 - Oct. 15th, Must book
and deposit by June 18th. May upgrade to full meal
plan for $350.00 per person. Other Air Jamaica departure
cities available, call for pricing.
Curacao- Sunset Waters Beach Resort/Sunset Divers
$1789.00 per person double occupancy includes Air
Jamaica from Los Angeles 7 nights in a Superior
Oceanview room, 6 days of 2-tank diving and unlimited
shore diving, 3 meals daily, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages (top shelf extra), round trip airport
transfers, daily shuttle to town, all taxes and
service charges. (except departure taxes. Valid
for travel Sept. 1 - Dec. 14th, must book and deposit
by June 18th
Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia
Airfare from Miami on Air Jamaica, 7 nights in a
ROH room, airport transfers, breakfast, lunch, afternoon
tea and dinner, all tax/service charges, welcome
drink and fruit basket on arrival, 12 beach or boat
dives. Rates are based on double occupancy traveling
midweek. Book by June 18 and travel Sept. 1 - October
31. for $1799.00 $1999.00 for
travel Nov. 1 - Dec. 19th. Based on availability.
Dive
Travel and Expectations
There was a great article in Dive Center Business
which addressed the issue of customer's expectations
while taking their initial training to become a
Scuba Diver. Dive Center Business is a dive industry/retailer
oriented magazine published 6 times a year by the
publishers of Dive Training. The magazine provides
helpful information for dive store owners and managers
regarding the "business" of diving. After
reading the article, "Managing your Dive Student's
Expectations," it occurred to me that one of
the most valuable services we provide our customer's
when booking a trip is to help them set "appropriate"
expectations for their trip.
What do I mean, "Set appropriate expectations?"
Let me explain. We like the diving off the northwestern
coast of Costa Rica in the Gulf of Papagayo. There
are a ton of schooling fish, white tips sharks,
rays, bull sharks and more! It is really good diving
if you like a lot of fish. Now, if you were expecting
pretty coral reefs as found in the Caribbean, gin
clear water and seas that are always calm with little
or no current or surge, you would be very disappointed.
These waters are plankton rich which attracts fish,
but reduces visibility. It is our responsibility
to let you know what you can reasonably expect and
not expect from a dive destination.
Most divers' expectations are based upon their previous
experience or upon the advice and information from
their instructor. For example, if you did a lot
of Cozumel diving, you would be used to "two
tank dive trips" where you go out for 3 to
5 hours and do two dives with an hour long surface
interval. If you were to dive with Aquamarine Dive
Center in Tobago, however, you would typically do
one dive per boat trip with the surface interval
at the dive shop. Now most people like this since
they see how close the dive sites are to the dock,
but if you were expecting a leisurely boat ride
out to the dive site while you are sunning on the
top deck of the boat, you would be disappointed.
Having the most realistic expectation for your dive
adventure is central to having a good experience.
Our advice: Thoroughly ask all of your questions
before you book your next trip. Since we have visited
and dived every destination that we actively promote,
we should have the answers for you and if not, we
will get them. Please remember, though, keep your
expectations realistic: Weather and sea conditions
change. Your long anticipated whale shark or manta
may be visiting another island. Your flight may
be late or delayed. It all happens. That is why
dive travel is always an adventure. Expect the unexpected!
PLAZA LAS GLORIAS (PLG) has been sold to the owners
of Palace Resorts. Palace Resorts is a family of
all-inclusive resorts located between the Cancun
Hotel Zone and Tulum. Each of the Palace Resorts
was designed with a different theme in mind. Along
with the purchase of Plaza Las Glorias Palace Resorts
also picked up the Sierra Cancun, Continental Plaza
Playacar and Hotel Sierra Nuevo Vallarta. While
we have not been advised about the plans for PLG,
we do know that it will become an all-inclusive
property beginning December 24, 2004. In addition,
PLG will be closed for renovations August 29, 2004
until December 23, 2004. We look forward to the
improvements which will occur with the property,
but are saddened to see PLG change. While PLG has
needed some improvements in the past, it has been
an outstanding value with good size rooms all of
which were ocean front. We are sure that the improvements
will go along with a higher price tag.
Book and travel by August 29, 2004 and take 10%
OFF any PLG/Aqua Safari Package. For example, a
4 night, three days of diving package is normally
$349.00. Now, it is $314.00
Specials
June
Specials
June 3 - June 30, 2004
(Specials
are combinable with the Air Jamaica sale)
Our June sale is valid for travel: September, 2004
and January, 2005
Here it is:
$25
off
Any land/dive package
$500-$999.00
$50
off
Any land/dive package
$1,000 - 1,499.00
And
$100
off
Any land/dive package
$1,500.00+
Plus, take an additional $25.00 off on the
following packages:
Utila:
Mango
Inn/Utila Dive Centre
St.
Croix:
St. Croix
Ultimate Blue Water Adventures
Bonaire:
Sand
Dollar Condominium Resort
Curacao:
Holiday
Beach Resort
St.
Lucia:
Jalouise
Hilton
Cozumel:
Any
Villablanca or Allegro package
Barbados:
Little
Arches/High Tide Water Sports
BVI:
Dive
Tortola
Here are the details: You MUST mention "JUNE
SALE" at the time of booking. You must book
and deposit between June 3 and June 30, 2004. This
is not valid for previous reservations. Previous
reservations that are cancelled and re-booked are
not eligible for the discount. A very few resorts
prohibit us from discounting. Discount is NOT combinable
with any other Aqua Dreams Special, but may be applied
to Supplier specials. Does not apply to airfare
or air only reservations. This is only valid for
Aqua Dreams Travel packages. Please let us know
If you have any questions at the time of booking.
Valid for travel SEPTEMBER, 2004 and JANUARY, 2005.
When
to go on your dive trip?
In our last issue of the Nitrogen News, we discussed
where to go with non-divers. In this issue we will
take a look at when is the best time to go on you
Caribbean/Central America dive trip. The first obvious
answer is when you have the time and money to go!
Beyond the obvious answer, there are some considerations
about when and where you travel in the Caribbean:
Let's start with Spring.
Travel to the Caribbean in Spring is ideal. Your
water temperature is beginning to increase from
the lows in the winter. Florida and the Bahamas
will have water temperature in the upper 70s and
the air will be in the low 80s. The northern Caribbean,
Bahamas and Florida often get strong winds during
this time, so sometimes the seas can get a little
rough. The Western Caribbean from Cozumel on south
to the Bay Islands of Honduras will also have some
winds, but fortunately, the diving tends, though
not always, to occur on the lee side of each island.
Be aware that in April, the Western Caribbean tends
to have thimble jellies; so beware if you are sensitive
to stings. It is also Whale Shark season in the
Gulf of Honduras, that crook in Central America
that occupies Belize, Honduras and the small Caribbean
coast of Guatemala. Trips to the Bay Islands and
Southern Belize during late April to mid June are
ideal if your goal is to see Whale Sharks.
Water temperature does not vary as much in the mid
to southern part of the Caribbean between the lows
of winter to the highs of summer. Water temp in
destinations like Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and
Curacao will be closer to 80 degrees in the late
spring. Spring tends to be the dry time of year
in most of the Caribbean and Central America. So,
if you travel in Costa Rica in the Guanacaste area,
you will see dry, brown hills. The inland rainforest
area is still green, but the coast browns out in
the Spring.
No matter where you go in the Spring, you will still
probably want some thermal protection for diving
and a light sweater or jacket in the evening, particularly
in the early part of Spring. Spring is the transition
time for many destinations between low and high
seasons. The change is typically around the middle
of April, making travel in May and June, ideal weather
and price wise!
Summer
is my favorite time of the year to travel in the
Caribbean. The winds in the north tend to die down,
water temperature is pretty consistently between
81 and 84 throughout the Caribbean and the air is
hot, hot, hot! There is generally more room on the
dive boats and the hotels, restaurants, bars and
stores tend to be less crowded.
Summer also harkens the beginning of rainy season
in June and along with the rain, the chance for
hurricanes. Destinations that have a lot of rain
and run-off (typically, Central America, with the
exception of the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica)
will have a slight reduction of visibility due to
the rain, but still viz will be quite good. Hurricanes
that develop in June and July tend to develop in
the Gulf of Honduras, northern Caribbean and Gulf
of Mexico. Mid-season hurricanes (August through
mid October) tend to develop in the Eastern Atlantic
and move west/Northwest towards the Caribbean and
North America. Late Season, Fall hurricanes develop
like the early ones, in the Caribbean and Gulf of
Mexico. . Destinations such as Costa Rica, Bonaire,
Curacao, Tobago, Grenada and Barbados are south
of the hurricane belt; so these are safe destinations
to visit. The bottom line through the map above
shows where the "hurricane belt "lies.
Some resorts above the hurricane belt close for
some part or all of September for renovations; so
be sure to ask well in advance.
Should you avoid other parts of the Caribbean during
hurricane season? I wouldn't. While hurricanes can
occur, the chance of having your vacation spoiled
from one is very slim. With that said, you should
probably consider travel insurance if you are planning
a trip during the prime hurricane time of August
15- October 15.
Fall
is my second most favorite time to travel in the
Caribbean. Fall is even slower and deals are more
plentiful since resorts are typically hungry for
business. Water stays warm until late November and
the air temperature in the Southern Caribbean will
stay in the upper 80s. The Northern Caribbean will
stay warm as well up to about mid November. At that
point, destinations like the Bahamas, Cozumel, Turks
& Caicos and to a lesser extent Belize and the
Cayman Islands will begin to cool off and become
subject to cold fronts that move down from North
America. The upper line on the map above shows the
part of the Caribbean subject to cold fronts from
North America. These cold fronts will often bring
rain and wind from mid November to the middle of
February. Like anything else with the weather, little
is certain. We had several years of very warm weather
in the Southern USA and few, if any cold fronts
made there way to the Caribbean. These past two
years have seen more fronts impact Cozumel and the
other northern destinations. Should you avoid this
time? No, but you may have a little windier weather
and some colder temperatures; so you should plan
accordingly.
Travel between Thanksgiving and Christmas is always
nice. Christmas decorations are usually up and there
generally is a more festive atmosphere. Water temp
is dropping in the Northern Caribbean, but still
in the upper 70's to low 80's, still a thoroughly
delightful time to travel. Get away from the crowds
and enjoy the Caribbean when few people are traveling.
Winter
Caribbean travel is the most expensive and most
crowded time of the year, with the exception of
January. You will have the greatest chance of winds,
rain or rough conditions in the Northern Caribbean
and Central America. Water temp and air temperatures
will be at their lowest with daytime air highs in
the upper 70's to low 80's Water temp will be in
the low 70's in the Bahamas and Florida, mid to
low 70's in the Northern Caribbean and upper 70's
to low 80's in the Southern Caribbean. Water and
air begin to warm-up in March.
Now this report of "cool" air and water
sounds pretty good for many folks located in snow
country. 80 degrees in Cozumel
or Bonaire sounds pretty darn hot when compared
to three feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures!
The key, as mentioned before is to know what to
expect of your winter dive trip and to book early.
We are already booking for Winter 2005; so to insure
your best airfare and availability at you preferred
resort, now is the time to book.
Group
Trips
Wakatobi
Nov.
1 - 11, 2005
Cost is $2890.00 per person
double occupancy and includes Air charter from Bali
to the resort, 10 nights in a Grand Bungalow, 2
tank boat dive and unlimited shore diving daily,
all
meals, Marine Park development contribution and
all local taxes.
15% non refundable deposit is due immediately and
then in 60 days, a 10% non refundable deposit is
due and final payment will be due October 20, 2005.
Airfare is not available yet, but will be approx.
$1500.00 from Chicago to Bali on Continental. Travel
insurance is based on total cost of trip (so it
can change once airfare is added on) and is $194.00.
It is recommended to purchase that at the same time
as the first deposit is made.
St.
Lucia
August 7-14, 2004
We still have one more room left on our St. Lucia
Anse Chastenet group trip this August 7-14. Call
Terri for details. Price: $1,299 per person plus
air. Includes all meals, accommodations and 12 dives.
We have one more retail dive show for 2004. We look
forward to seeing our Texas friends this weekend
(June 5-6). Come by and visit us in booth #607 at
the Reliant Center in Houston.
Seaspace
(Houston, TX)
Booth
#607
June
4-6, 2004
DEMA
(Trade show)
(Houston, TX)
Booth
#3042
October
13-16, 2004
One last note, keep checking back to our web site
for more information on Family/Kid friendly dive
resorts and resorts that are well prepared to serve
the needs of those divers that require wheel chair
accessibility on land and dive boats.
Terri, Dani, Yvonne, Nancy, Niki & Gene
June 3, 2004 © Aqua Dreams Travel, Inc. ---Fl
Seller of Travel # ST-22259
__________________________________
Aqua Dreams Travel, Inc.
4708 SE 8th Ct. #3
Cape Coral, FL 33904
(1-888-322-DIVE)
info@aquadreams.com
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