Houston's Premier Scuba and Dive Shop Oceanic Ventures Inc.

(713) 523-3483 (dive)
5808 Newcastle Drive
Houston, TX 77401

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Underway, the South Pacific Bekons and a Dream of a Lifetime begins (#4)

29 May 2002 – Underway to the Marquesas 02 22S / 092 37 W  

A large swell started curving into the anchorage off the tiny town of Puerto Villamil, Galapagos. The small anchorage was fairly crowded inside the broken rim of a small volcano top. The fringing volcanic rock broke the swell when exposed, but at high tide the waves came right over the rocks and we rolled worse than at sea. Of course, high tide came in the middle of the night and we slept fitfully, spread eagle and hanging onto our pillows to keep from rolling out of bed. We tolerated these conditions and await the weekly supply ship to bring fresh vegetables. Thankfully, the ship arrived on schedule, and Monday was spent shopping and storing. Noon Tuesday, we escaped the anchorage for the relatively calm of the open ocean.
 
Clearing an island with the surrounding reefs and rocks, keeps all of us on deck. The helm area is cluttered with a chart, dividers, triangles and a hand bearing compass. We carefully plot our course and shoot bearings on obvious landmarks. GPS is accurate to a handful of meters these days but the charts haven’t all been corrected yet – especially the old, out-of-date charts most cruisers carry. It does little good to know exactly where you are if the island is a mile from where it’s charted. The winds were light and the sea calm so we had great conditions for spotting sea life around the Galapagos. Over a period of a couple of hours we saw numerous turtles, a couple of sharks including a small hammerhead. Near the current line we spied the usual collection of plastic bottles, sticks and a large black plastic tarp. We noticed a few more tarps as we motored and worried about wrapping one around the prop. As we neared a group of three, one raised a wing revealing a white underbody. Just as we realized these were huge Manta Rays the wing slapped on the water splashing the boat and us. It was wonderful watching the rays swim as we passed.
 
It’s now Wednesday morning. S/V Enchante’ is moving along nicely in perfect sailing conditions – a cool breeze of 12-15 knots, clear skies, broad reaching in a long gentle swell with a knot of a favorable current, making 7 – 7.5 knots over the ground. Our favorite lure is trolling behind us but no fish yet. Thank goodness since the ice box and freezer are full of prepared meals for the first few days.
 
We meet twice daily on a SSB radio net with boats in the area. Several of them departed days ahead of us, one on the same day and more to follow. The spread of boats will share weather information, lie about the fish they’ve caught and offer help should someone have a problem. It’s also nice to know others are sitting in their cockpits at 4 AM going through the same struggle to stay awake.
 
Our sleep periods will soon adjust to the two hour watch schedules and even I will fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. The daily routine continues and Rebecca still has school five days a week. This is a long, 20-25 day voyage that we’ve dreamed about for years. Making this trip is a dream come true!

29 May 2002 – Underway to the Marquesas 02 22S / 092 37 W

A large swell started curving into the anchorage off the tiny town of Puerto Villamil, Galapagos. The small anchorage, inside the broken rim of a small volcano top, was fairly crowded. The fringing volcanic rock broke the swell when exposed, but at high tide the waves came right over the rocks and we rolled worse than at sea. Of course, high tide came in the middle of the night and we slept fitfully, spread eagle and hanging onto our pillows to keep from rolling out of bed. We tolerated these conditions, waiting for the weekly supply ship to bring fresh vegetables. Thankfully, the ship arrived on schedule, and Monday was spent shopping and storing. Noon Tuesday we escaped the anchorage for the relatively calm of the open ocean.
 
Clearing an island with the surrounding reefs and rocks, keeps all of us on deck. The helm area is cluttered with a chart, dividers, triangles and a hand bearing compass. We carefully plot our course and shoot bearings on obvious landmarks. GPS is accurate to a handful of meters these days but the charts haven’t all been corrected yet – especially the old, out-of-date charts most cruisers carry. It does little good to know exactly where you are if the island is a mile from where it’s charted. The winds were light and the sea calm so we had great conditions for spotting sea life around the Galapagos. Over a period of a couple of hours we saw numerous turtles, a couple of sharks including a small hammerhead. Near the current line we spied the usual collection of plastic bottles, sticks and a large black plastic tarp. We noticed a few more tarps as we motored and worried about wrapping one around the prop. As we neared a group of three, one raised a wing revealing a white underbody. Just as we realized these were huge Manta Rays the wing slapped on the water splashing the boat and us. It was wonderful watching the rays swim as we passed.
 
It’s now Wednesday morning. S/V Enchante’ is moving along nicely in perfect sailing conditions – a cool breeze of 12-15 knots, clear skies, broad reaching in a long gentle swell with a knot of a favorable current, making 7 – 7.5 knots over the ground. Our favorite lure is trolling behind us, but no fish yet. Thank goodness, since the ice box and freezer are full of prepared meals for the first few days.
 
We meet twice daily on a SSB radio net with boats in the area. Several of them departed days ahead of us, one on the same day and more to follow. The spread of boats will share weather information, lie about the fish they’ve caught, and offer help should someone have a problem. It’s also nice to know others are sitting in their cockpits at 4 AM, going through the same struggle to stay awake.
 
Our sleep periods will soon adjust to the two-hour watch schedules, and even I will fall asleep when my head hits the pillow. The daily routine continues, and Rebecca still has school five days a week. This is a long, 20-25 day voyage we’ve dreamed about for years. Making this trip is a dream come true!

31 May 2002

[In a conversation with Carl about his current sail, he had some words of advice for some mutual friends planning on joining the cruising life in the next year as well as for Ann and me] You could fly to the Society Islands (think Bora Bora) and charter a boat for a week or so. It would give you a taste of the South Pacific and motivate you not to fool around too long in the US, Bahamas, or Caribbean. I know this sounds odd coming from us [remember Carl spent 3 years in the Bonaire and Venezuela region of the Caribbean], but remember we were headed for the Canal when we first learned about Rebecca almost six years ago. Thank goodness we’re finally here!
 
Sailing conditions couldn’t be better – broad reaching with 12-15 knots and a gentle swell. We’re hundreds of miles from any significant land mass, and the winds have settled into a consistent pattern undisturbed by thermals, mountains, etc.
 
Three days out and on schedule for a 20-day passage – 25 is more likely when it’s all over with.
 
 

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How About Spearfishing?

If Charles had it his way, he would be diving and spearfishing three or four times a week.  “I have been scuba diving since 1989 and have seen some amazing sights and places.  And while I still enjoy seeing the beauty of the oceans, I also enjoy the change in dive profile and objectives that come with spearfishing.  It is much more active diving, with a touch of adrenaline that ends with a good meal.  For me, that is a win!”

Charles was introduced to spearfishing with a lionfish hunting course.  He found that it an easy way to learn how to hunt.  Lionfish is how I started spearfishing.  They represent a great way to experience the changes to your dive profile and objectives without the adrenaline rush of a fighting fish.  They are an invasive species that cause significant damage to local fish populations and represent a risk to larger gamefish as they compete for food sources.  Lionfish hunting turns your dive into a game of underwater hide and seek, and always creates a bit of a competition amongst the hunters.

With this experience, it is easier to move onto hunting larger fish. One thing to recognize is spearfishing is a different type of dive profile.  The objective is to locate game fish to shoot, and we go where the fish are.  We typically dive structure on a sand bottom (wrecks, artificial reefs like concrete pyramids or bridge rubble, etc.)  It is also a little more aggressive diving than a slow drift down a gentle reef slope.  Comfort with free descents and ascents to depths of 100’ and back rolling from a boat holding equipment is important.  This helps keep diving interesting, challenging and fun.

When asked about what he likes to hunt, Charles said “My favorite are the Jacks; Almaco and Greater Amberjack.  They represent great eating and an exciting experience underwater.  But really, I hunt for dinner.  I don’t shoot what I don’t plan to eat and I try and be a responsible diver and don’t hunt non-sustainable fish.”  The largest fish he has speared to date was a Greater Amberjack that was about 44” long and weighed 55 pounds.

If you have met Charles, you will find that he also loves introducing others to the world underwater — just ask his brother-in-law or the many Open Water Divers that he has trained.  I love watching people experience new things and igniting passion in others.  I think my desire to teach spearfishing is to provide people additional reasons to get out and dive.  My youngest daughter was my best dive buddy and we enjoyed diving WWII planes and Mantas in Hawaii, wrecks in the Gulf of Mexico and other great dive profiles, but she told me one day that diving was becoming “just another underwater tour.”  Then I introduced her to lionfishing, and the new dive objectives and profile gave her something to “DO” underwater.  I watched as her love of diving renewed and have video of her stalking a lionfish around and through the pilot house of the Pete Tide II.  That was all I needed to decide that others may want a chance to do more than just watch and photograph reef fish.

Charles is teaching a Spearfishing course in June and then taking a group of divers out to try their hand at shooting lionfish or larger fish. But you may be wondering about taking a class.

What do I do with the fish I spear?

According to Charles, “I turn lionfish into tacos!  I’m not a fan of heavy sauces and typically grill my fish with a little olive oil and maybe a dash of seafood seasoning.  But my goal is to have the flavor of the fish come through. I have found the best portion of the Jacks to be the throat, the portion behind the gills.  I discovered that most people throw this portion out in ignorance.  I leave the skin on and place the fish in pie dish with lemon juice in the bottom.  I rub it down with olive oil and let it sit for an hour.  Then, I place it skin down on a hot grill and let it cook.  The skin protects the meat from the flame and holds all the juice from the fish to prevent it from drying out.  When done, the meat just peels right off the skin.  I typically will serve this with a rice dish and vegetable. There are dozens of wonderful recipes depending upon the fish.  I personally prefer to stuff my flounder with a crawfish or crab stuffing before baking, and my slipper lobster I bake in the shell.

Why enroll in a course?

I am often asked why should I take a spearfishing course?  Can’t I just go?  Charles has a good answer, you could go buy a gun and jump in the water.  I wouldn’t recommend it though; the same way I wouldn’t recommend just buying a motorcycle and jumping on the freeway with no training. Like any sport, understanding the mechanics is important.  Proper aim, fish identification, equipment use and more go into enjoying your experience vs. becoming frustrated with all the new ‘stuff’ underwater. In addition, I am a HUGE fan of safety.  Spearfishing introduces new equipment with pointy ends that present potential hazards to divers and their buddies.  It also introduces fishing line which represents an entanglement hazard for which divers must be taught to manage safely.In the end, you will have more fun and dive much safer if you take the short time in class / pool / lake to practice how to use the equipment, how to carry and trim out with the new gear, and what types of species you can actually shoot.

Why Florida?

I started my spearfishing career in Florida, and I guess I am a creature of habit.  But there are a couple really practical reasons why I still go back to Florida for my fish.

  • Distance and Travel:  When people hear “Florida” they typically think of Miami or Tampa or some other Peninsula city.  I go to Pensacola, specifically Perdido Key.  It is an 8 hour drive from Houston and just a few miles past the Alabama boarder.   This is roughly the time I would spend going to the airport, getting on a plane, getting a taxi/rental, etc. to other destinations.  Staying in Texas, I would mostly likely drive to Corpus Christi or even to South Padre Island which is 6 hours.
  • Safety and visibility:  Visibility in West Florida ranges from 25’ – 80’ year round.  As anywhere, weather and currents make a difference.  To get to blue water in in Texas, you’ve got to drive several hundred miles south or take a long boat ride out to the rigs. I’m not a fan of taking newer divers or divers people just learning to spearfish out to the rigs in Texas.  These often drop to depths of 200’-300’ and present an unnecessary risk for the inexperienced.  While there are techniques for spearfishing these structures safely, the simple fact that a sounding fish can drag a diver to those depths rules them out for me as a place to teach. The Pensacola depths where we teach range from 60-110’, well within the recreational limits.  The sand bottom provides a safety deck for new divers, and there is still an abundance of gamefish that present challenges for both the newer diver looking for smaller gamefish for the freezer and the thrill seeker looking for a 40” Greater Amberjack or Red Snapper for a wall trophy.
  • Community:  Pensacola offers a wide range of post-dive activities or entertainment for non-diving family members.  The sugar sand beaches, and Pensacola boardwalk provide numerous options for dining and entertainment, and the famous Florabama bar is just a few miles from the marina.

How do I learn more?

The best way to find out about spearfishing it to enroll in a class and experience shooting a speargun in the pool and later on a spearfishing trip, You can find out more about the class at

Learn More About Spearfishing…
Dive Mom, I am ready! Sign Me up!

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Belize Turneff Atoll – July 2022

Turneff Flats Resort

July 16 -July 23 2022

Overview

As the most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean, Turneffe Atoll is a truly incredible place.  It is a combination of healthy coral reef (both fringing reef and patch corals), expansive back reef flats, large lagoon systems, sea grass beds, and extensive mangrove forest. Turneffe is home to 260 fish species, 77 plant species and five fish spawning aggregation sites.  The atoll has great economic and sociological significance in Belize as a major commercial fishery and ecotourism center.  In addition, the atoll provides Belize City and the mainland coast with essential protection from hurricanes.

Turneffe Atoll is one of only four coral atolls in the Caribbean. Two others (Lighthouse Atoll and Glover’s Atoll) are also located in Belize and the fourth is in southern Mexico.  Formation of these coral atolls was accomplished through years of coral buildup rather than by volcanic activity – the more common way of atoll formation.  The entire atoll is surrounded by a fringe coral reef with waters inside the reef varying from less than a foot to 30 feet deep.  Ocean depths around the atoll are thought to reach 10,000 feet.

Approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles across, Turneffe has evolved as a globally significant coastal marine ecosystem. This involves the following intimately interrelated habitats: the coral reef, the back reef flats, the sea grass beds, the mangroves and the littoral forest.  During your visit you will learn how all of these varied habitats are both interrelated and interdependent.  You will learn what is required to sustain healthy coral reefs, the functions of the back reef flats, the importance of healthy sea grass beds, and the reasons why mangroves are vital to the entire ecosystem. Turneffe Flats resort sits in the center of the Atoll with easy access to diving North and South on the outer barrier, diving inside the atoll, or even the backside of the Atoll.  And is close to Lighthouse Reef for the Tuesday dive to the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye,

What is included?

  • * 8 days/ 7 nights/6 days of diving or adventure activities
  • * Blue Hole, Half-Moon Caye, Bird Sanctuary on Tuesday
  • * Beach Front Cabana Room
  • * Taxes
  • * Three Meals daily
  • * Pool, internet, sea kayaks, gym
  • * transfers on arrival to the hotel, if arrive with group
  • * trip brochure and packet,

Special Oceanic Ventures Connoisseur Club Benefit

  • * Special Trip Brochure

Other activities that can be arranged… 

When you are in Belize City or stay a little longer and visit the jungle. If you depart on Monday, July 25 (or longer) you can stay two nights, three days at Chaa Creek Adventure and Eco lodge in the Mayan Mountains.  Ask Ann or Eric about how amazing and peaceful a location. https://www.chaacreek.com/

What is not included?

air fare, equipment systems rentals, tips for the local dive guides, tips for bar staff, bar and boutique tab, other activities not listed, marine reserve fee $25 and park entrance fee for Blue Hole dives ($40) paid in cash on Island, fishing licenses if fishing ($25), cave tubing Saturday in Belize City.  Please note fishing is not included unless booked as a fishing/diving client, ask for a quote.  

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COVID Information

For Resort’s COVID Operations and Vaccination policy see https://www.tflats.com/scuba-diving-belizes-turneffe-atoll-belizes-best-scuba-diving-resort-turneffe-flats-belize

The Fine Print…

Please see the Terms & Conditions page for a listing of our travel policies. All prices are subject to change until booked and ticketed. All moneys are due in full on deposit even if not paid in full and some penalties may ably for cancellations based on the operators policies and group penalties.  As with most small island properties and vessels, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces.  We highly recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems.  No refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Trip insurance and diving insurance can be found at http://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure/DAN and Travel Guard have a family plan.  Diving Accident and Medical Insurance is required. Vessel and OVI travel releases are required.  Please plan to bring a copy of your logbook, c-card, and diving insurance.  

Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration.  No refunds for missed flights or boats.

Note: All guests spaces are reserved upon deposit.  But unless a minimum number of guest sign up for the trip by the deadline dates, an Oceanic Ventures trip leader will not be attending.

Adventure Date

August 7-14July 16 -July 23 2022

Airfare

Airfare is not included in this trip. Your destination is Belize City, Belize

Air details :  Saturday airport pickup and transfer by boat to the lodge (Flights must arrive before 3:30PM). Saturday return transfer to airport also included (Flights must depart Belize City no earlier than 11AM).  Joe booked this flight:

Flight 1 of 2 UA1569            Sat, Jul 16, 2022             11:58 AM – 01:30 PM Houston, TX, US (IAH)           Belize City, BZ (BZE)

Flight 2 of 2 UA1405            Sat, Jul 23, 2022               12:50 PM – 04:29 PM Belize City, BZ (BZE                 Houston, TX, US (IAH)

Transit Arrangements

We can assist you with transit hotels if needed.

Fare

All per person double discounted for cash and Club membership. Except the single cabin which is for one person. First booked, first choice.

  • * $3,395 pp/Club
  • * $3,295 PP/Club/Cash
  • All prices per person, based on double occupancy and Club Membership

Deposit & Final Payment

  • * $1,500 plus trip insurance
  • * Final payment due – May 1, 2021
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Travel Notes

  • * An Oceanic Ventures Application/Travel Release is required at time of booking
  • * A resort Release is required by the final payment date
  • * We cannot guarantee a roommate unless you are booking together with someone, so plan on a single supplement
  • * As with most small operations, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces. We always recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems. There are no refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Travel Insurance (ie: comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance) purchased at the time their reservation is made, may help protect guests from financial disappointment if they are prevented from making their scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip.
  • * The United States is requiring a COVID test prior to re-entering the country. The boat will handle getting everyone COVID tested prior to boarding your return flight.
  • * Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration
  • * We require diving accident insurance. For your convenience below are links to Dive Assure . Both organizations offer Travel Insurance and Dive Accident Insurance and be purchased via our web site at https://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure and Travel Guard have a family plan. Dive Assure is diving insurance and also has a travel insurance option.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance to help cover you for unknown events that may occur. We also recommend that you have coverage to help you in the event you need to leave for weather or other emergencies.

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Announcing a New Line of Sunscreens, Haircare and more

Oceanic Ventures is proud to be a dealer for Tropical Seas Products.

Tropical Seas is a family owned company based in Florida producing a line of reef safe sunscreens for children and adults, tanning lotions skin and hair care products and soaps. They also produce a line of defogs and mask scrubs.

They take pride in always being on the leading edge of technology by offering innovative formulations resulting in unique out of the box products like their Itzazu® Color Changing Hand Soap, which teaches kids and adults how to wash their hands properly per the CDC 15-20 second guidelines.

They also believe that quality counts in the creation of all their products. Beginning at the foundation by researching and selecting only the finest raw materials based on the integrity of the ingredient, as well as the reliability and quality of the manufacturer.

They strive for excellence; therefore, all products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art FDA Licensed facility in Daytona Beach, Florida. To meet their high-quality standards, each batch of product undergoes strict testing in their laboratory. These tests ensure that every batch of product meets the same quality and specifications of the original batch produced.

Dive mom loves the new hand soaps and the sunscreens and she knows you will too.

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Special Sale – July 3 2021

During the COVID shutdown, it seems a lot of our divers cleaned out their closets, garages, storage facilities, card and where ever else they kept their old diving equipment and they brought it over to us to find it a new home. We just kept putting it with the other things we had been given in the past. Well, it is time to move it from storage to a new home!

Edouard and the staff have been working hard and have pulled out all of the bins of used and traded-in equipment as well as some equipment from around the store. Edouard would love for you to come by Saturday morning (ok, all of the staff would love for you to come over) and find a hidden diving treasure! Here are some of the things you might find…

  • $5.00 Bin – used full foot fins & boots
  • $10.00 Wetsuits – may not be the best for lots of diving but you can use them for boating, training, abrasion protection, etc.
  • $10.00 boots
  • $2500 fins
  • $150 BCD’s
  • $150+ Air Delivery Systems
  • lots of diving accessories
  • $50.00 SMB’s
  • $25.00 safety sausages
  • $10-25 Lights (most are Halogen)
  • $0.50 Spare halogen bulbs
  • Almost free wetsuits and snorkeling vests
  • Older camera equipment and housings
  • $1-10 – SSI DVD’s
  • $1 – 10 SSI Text books
  • $15 – Travel guides

We are still finding more so you will just have to come and see what you can find for a special deal! And remember, Dive Mom is known to deal so the more you find the bigger your savings!

Much of this equipment was donated to the Oceanic Ventures Foundation to sell so we can support the Foundations gifts around the world. Other items were donated to us to help support our Club Social events. So, the proceeds of this sale will benefit both causes.

Remember it is only on Saturday July 3 from 10:00 – 3:00 so come early for the best selection!

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Cozumel – Annual Holiday Trip 2023

Overview

Join us for our Cozumel Adventure trip.  This is a perfect get away for before all your holiday parties start and when we get that first blast of cold northern air in Houston.  There is lots of great diving, beautiful relaxing setting, with other fun things to do.  Your trip leader will be happy to share the underwater experience and topside adventures from start to finish.  We will even start the day of arrival with a quick check-dive, so we are ready for the rest of the diving days.  Maybe even do some holiday shopping while you are there!!!

What is included?

  • * 5 days/ 4 nights/3 days of boat diving 
  • * Luxurious garden view rooms at the  El Presidenté Intercontinental Hotel, (upgrades to beach-front rooms are available)
  • * American breakfast (served),
  • * transfers on arrival to the hotel, if arrive with group
  • * unlimited beach cylinders, weights,
  • * water on board the boats,
  • * hotel taxes/resort fee,
  • * trip brochure and packet,
  • * trip shirt, and travel leader.
  • * Two tank morning dives and optional add-on for two in the afternoon dives, night dives if planned in advance

Special Oceanic Ventures Connoisseur Club Benefit

  • * Scuba Du water bottle,
  • * $100.00US Resort Credit per room (this credit can be used for food and beverages in the restaurants and bars and spa treatments
  • * 30 minutes of Kayak or Paddle Board rental per diving day
  • * Dinner on the beach with Ann & Eric on the last evening

Other Diving Activities…

Optional Diving – (booked and paid in advance – so we can schedule the boats)

  • * Two tank afternoon dives will be offered on Thursday to Monday. $108 per two tank dive (min 4 persons needed – we have sold at least 1 space)
  • * Night Dives offered on Friday, Sat, Sunday. $64 per person (min 4 person needed)

Other activities that can be arranged… 

Shopping in town, Mayan Ruin Tours, Island Tour

What is not included?

Airfare to/from Cozumel, Departure transfers to the airport, Room Upgrades, Nitrox, Extra boat diving, Victor’s Valet Equipment Service, Bar tab, Lunch & dinner, Taxi fares to/from town, Airport tax above the estimated rate when ticketed, Additional land tours, Other activities, Diving equipment system, Trip insurance and shopping, Tips for local dive staff or tour staff, Environmental Fee ($1.35 per day per room to help with reef and island protection. This is collected on site when check-in the hotel)

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COVID Information

The traveler must be free from COVID before departure. A Covid test is required before departure (with in 5 days prior) and a test is required to return to the United States. These requirements are subject to change

The Fine Print…

Please see the Terms & Conditions page for a listing of our travel policies. All prices are subject to change until booked and ticketed. All moneys are due in full on deposit even if not paid in full and some penalties may ably for cancellations based on the operators policies and group penalties.  As with most small island properties and vessels, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces.  We highly recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems.  No refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Trip insurance and diving insurance can be found at http://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure/DAN and Travel Guard have a family plan.  Diving Accident and Medical Insurance is required. Vessel and OVI travel releases are required.  Please plan to bring a copy of your logbook, c-card, and diving insurance.  

Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration.  No refunds for missed flights or boats.

Note: All guests spaces are reserved upon deposit.  But unless a minimum number of guest sign up for the trip by the deadline dates, an Oceanic Ventures trip leader will not be attending.

Adventure Date

December 1-5, 2023

Airfare

Airfare is not included in this trip

Transit Arrangements

We can assist you with transit hotels if needed.

Fare

All per person double discounted for cash and Club membership. Except the single cabin which is for one person. First booked, first choice.

  • * TBA pp/Club/cash ($TBA full rate) for the 5-day adventure
  • * $TBA pp/club/cash ($TBA full rate) for a week adventure
  • * Private Upgrade add $TBA for 5-day, $TBA for week
  • * Non diver: less $TBA for 5-day, $TBA for week
  • * Beach Front Room: add $TBA for 5-day, $TBA for week

Deposit & Final Payment

  • * $500 plus trip insurance
  • * Final payment due – October 31, 2021
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You can also contact Dive Mom!

Travel Notes

  • * An Oceanic Ventures Application/Travel Release is required at time of booking
  • * A Resort Release is required by the final payment date
  • * We cannot guarantee a roommate unless you are booking together with someone, so plan on a single supplement
  • * As with most small island properties, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces. We always recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems. There are no refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Travel Insurance (ie: comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance) purchased at the time their reservation is made, may help protect guests from financial disappointment if they are prevented from making their scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip.
  • * The United States is requiring a COVID test prior to re-entering the country. The resort will handle getting everyone COVID tested prior to boarding your return flight.
  • * Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration
  • * We require diving accident insurance. For your convenience below are links to Dive Assure . Both organizations offer Travel Insurance and Dive Accident Insurance and be purchased via our web site at https://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/.  Both Dive Assure and Travel Guard have a family plan. Dive Assure is diving insurance and also has a travel insurance option.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance to help cover you for unknown events that may occur. We also recommend that you have coverage to help you in the event you need to leave for weather or other emergencies.