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Winter 2005
News for the New Year
The holidays are over and you have found that you didn’t get
everything you wanted on your list. Not to worry, we can help. Our
biggest SALE of the year is coming up! Mark your calendar for the
first
weekend in February and then be sure to stop in. You
won’t want to miss out on entering our raffle. The prizes this year
are
awesome and plentiful.
New Year means new developments with gear. Aqua Lung has come out
with a double hose
regulator! No, we’re not going back in time to the days of Lloyd
Bridges and the Sea Hunter. We’re stepping into the world of digital
photography and videography. Using the Mistral regulator means
that
the photographer will no longer have to worry about those troublesome
bubbles, as the exhaust is behind his head.
Another hot item is the D-9 computer. Finally a computer that has
a
digital compass built in. These are just a few items that are new
for
2005, come by the shop and we’ll share other new and exciting gear
for
2005.
What else is new for 2005, we’d be crazy if we didn’t mention
our
new rental gear! We now have both Scubapro and Aqua Lung regulators
for
rent. We’ve also included high performance regulators so that
you can
now “test dive” more than one type of regulator before
you buy. While
trying out one of the regulators, why not add the experience of
diving
DRY! Remember we offer a full line of DUI drysuits in our rental
department.
Lastly, we welcome Abigail, our newest sales associate, to our
team. She comes to us with 9 years of diving experience and still
has
the excitement of a new diver. Her goals include becoming an instructor
and leading a dive
adventure abroad. Next time you’re in, be sure to say hello to her.
SCUBA Socials
Being a diver, you'd have to agree that divers are good people and
fun to be around. That’s why we’ve started our SCUBA socials. We’ve
met a few times for a movie and dinner. It’s been great fun, (actually
the movies have been flops—but the company rocks!). We promise
to
pick a winner for the next flick. We’re currently planning a trip
to
the Aquarium to visit the White Shark. Keep your eyes on the look
out
for the emails “SCUBA SOCIAL”. We’ll tell you where
and when we are
meeting. No need to RSVP, just show up if it works for your schedule.
If you haven’t received an invite, it’s because we don't have your
email. Give us a call and we’ll be sure to get you on the list for
the
next SOCIAL! It's a fun way to get to know other divers and share
some
stories along the way.
Valentines Day Dive
Are you looking for a special gift for your Valentine? How about
two dives in Monterey aboard the Escapade? We've charted the Escapade
again and this year we’re looking for those diving couples as well
as
“Swinging Singles”. The dive is scheduled for Saturday,
February 13th—call today to get signed up.
If you can't make this special dive, don”t worry. We”re continuing
to make monthly charters. Take a look at the calendar.
or call the shop and we’ll get you on board. Also, as an added service
to you, we’d be happy to book you on the boat anytime your dive
schedule
doesn’t match up with our charter. Simply give us a call and we’ll
be
sure to get you wet!
Leadership Training
Interested in taking your hobby of SCUBA diving a step further?
Why not sign up for our Dive Master or Instructor course? Participating
in the NAUI leadership classes will open many doors for you. Whether
you simply want to improve your own diving skills or have an interest
in
leading dive tours or teaching SCUBA, we can help you achieve your
goal
(see calendar).
A Special Thank You
It was very special to receive phone calls and emails from
friends around the world concerned that our holiday travelers may
have
been in the path of the Tsunami. We want to thank all of you who
were
concerned and sent their warm wishes and positive thoughts. Fortunately
for us, our group was in Fiji and Tonga for the holidays and did
not
experience even a ripple.
Tsunami Recovery
As with many disasters, it was hard to
comprehend the magnitude of the damages. It didn’t matter how many
times we saw the photos on CNN, it was slow to sink in. However,
it
quickly became more real as we received emails from friends who
own and
operate dive resorts & centers that experienced the tragic event
first
hand. One underlying theme that was found in all the communications
was
that they have
suffered, but have a greater fear that the impact of the Tsunami
will
have lasting effects in the form of “financial blows”.
Much of the area
struck is already impoverished and depends greatly, if not exclusively
on tourism. They fear that divers will cancel scheduled trips or
avoid
making plans to travel to this area completely causing even more
devastation. In many cases entire families survive day-to-day on
dive-related work. Many fear
losing their meager way of life on top of the hardships and loss
they
have already suffered resulting from this disaster.
We want to let it be known that we will
continue to lead diving trips to these areas and make recommendations
to
others to do the same. There are a great many ways that one can
contribute to the recovery of those who have
suffered, but one clear and logical way is to offer continued financial
income through tourism. Help diminish their fears and make tourism
strong once again.
Wheelchair Dive
Aqua
Safaris was thrilled to be a supporter of the wheelchair dive last
September. Not only did we train some of the dive buddies but we
also hosted a celebration BBQ. The day was a big success and thanks
to all who helped.
We’re excited to share that another dive is in the planning
for
February 12th! Two more
physically challenged divers are needed to join the group at no
charge.
If you know of someone or would like to help out, please contact
DeDe.
In addition, if you missed out on the “dive buddy” or
“handicapped
instructor” training, we have another training scheduled for
the third
week in July. Contact DeDe for details.
Memorial Day to Remember
We’ve chartered the Vision for a three-day adventure over Memorial
Day Weekend. This trip is filling fast and space is limited, so
don’t
wait to get yourself on board. See calendar for other charters for
2005. We’re also currently working on a charter to the Flower Gardens
in the Gulf of Texas. Give us a call if you’re interested and we’ll
be
sure to get you the information. This too will be limited space
and
will fill up fast.
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Baja Mexico—March 18th–27th
Aqua Safaris will be making its regular trip to Mulege, Baja
California. Come celebrate spring, join us on an adventure to Mexico’s
Baja Peninsula and play in the sunny Bay of Conception. Come and
enjoy
camping on beautiful sandy beaches, eat hearty and make life-long
friends! Drive down and enjoy 10 days of travel, diving, skin diving,
windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and fun in the sun! Only
$499
per
person (all inclusive), stay and extra week for only $199 more!
So much
fun in the sun in beautiful Baja Mexico can be packed into 10 days
plus
and only 7 days off work.
Don’t be left behind, come play. A $100
non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Don’t
miss out.
Pressed for time? You can fly down for about $450 and we will
pick
you up at the Loreto
airport.
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Galapagos June 12th–19th, ’05 $2795 + Air
Come visit the site were the theory of evolution evolved, where
change is almost tangible. A place where uniqueness can be witnessed
both above and below the water. We’ve planned this 8 day,
world class live-aboard trip for June to almost ensure encountering
whale sharks. In addition, you’re almost guaranteed to swim
with hammerheads and huge schools of pelagic fish. The sights around
Darwin Island will impress even the most experienced diver. Not
to mention the attractions you’ll observe from above. After
7 days of remarkable diving, 5 star service and gourmet food, you
can visit the mainland of Ecuador.
Amazon Add-On
After you get off the boat, come play with us for an extra week
in
Ecuador. Explore the history and
culture of this beautiful country. Cruise down the headwaters of
the
Amazon on a liveaboard river boat. Fish for piranha and check out
the
wildlife with a naturalist guide in the largest jungle in the world.
All
for only $1600 which includes intercountry flights, hotels, tours
and
the Amazon riverboat adventure.
If you want to join this adventure, sign up today, only three
spots
remain. Cost of the liveaboard dive excursion is $2795 (excluding
air.). This will be a trip to remember, call to hold your spot today!
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Hawaii Kona Aggressor Liveaboard Diving August 20th -27th $2095
+ Air
“Eat, dive, sleep” is the motto of liveaboards. Could
there be
anything better? We don’t think so, that’s why we’ve chartered the
Kona
Aggressor II for seven days of diving, eating, sleeping, and more
diving! We’re excited to announce that Corey, our store manager,
will
be leading this trip. She’s fondly known by many as “flipper
chic”.
Kona is known for dolphins, and she isn’t going to miss out on the
opportunity to snorkel with the spinners!
Most divers find themselves in the water 4 or 5
times a day. Remember you are on a floating resort, only one giant
stride away from colorful reefs crowded with spectacular life. Water
temperature is around 80°. The lava that oozed for decades
has
created remarkable arches and underwater
formations that is now home for many indigenous critters found only
in
these waters. It’s a
photographer’s haven.
A highlight of the trip includes a visit to “Manta Ray Village”,
where the crew lowers large lights into the water to attract plankton,
which in turn attracts the manta rays. This night dive will be like
no
other you’ve ever done.
So don’t delay in signing up for this trip, you could be swimming
with spinner dolphins, cruising with turtles and enjoying the end
of
your summer as you live the life style of the rich and famous! Cost
is
only $2,095 (excluding air), and space is limited.
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Maldives—The Indian Ocean
December 17th–27th, ’05 $3,200 Incl Air
The Maldives draws divers from all corners of the world. Emerald
lagoons
and perfectly white beaches, all surrounded by a deep blue sea are
unique features. A diver’s paradise located off the coast
of India. Come
help support this Tsunami swept nation in need of our tourist
dollars. Let’s enjoy this world-class diving
destination and in doing so help reduce the impact of the disaster.
We will be diving from a liveaboard and fully explore this
beautiful, exciting location far off the beaten path. A Christmas
Adventure to be remembered. If you have the time, come play with
us in
India for a second week of cultural adventure.
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Wakatobi Indonesia
May 2006 $2240 + Air to Bali
Come with us on this exquisite dive destination to one of the top
rated dive resorts in the world. Private beach, bungalows and unlimited
world-class easy diving and great food. First we arrive in Bali
and are
whisked away on a private airplane to Wakatobi. In a distant corner
of
Indonesia, about 2 hours by air from Bali, on a small island the
locals
call Onemobaa, you’ll find yourself in one of the most extraordinary
marine parks in the world. Spend a week enthralled with some of
the
world’s best diving. Pamper
yourself at this year’s #1 rated dive resort.
The Epicenter of biodiversity.
Situated at the core of the ocean’s highest coral reef
biodiversity, the 372 square-miles that comprise the Wakatobi National
Marine Park was considered to be “probably the finest diving
site in the
world” by underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. Today, it
is ranked as
one of the premier coral reefs in the world. With 85% of the world’s
coral reef species located in the region, the display of diverse
marine
life is unparalleled.
Marine Life.
The adventure begins only 80 meters from the resort’s powder
white
beach where a lush drop-off stretches along several distinct dive
sites.
Lionfish, clownfish, rays, batfish, crocodile fish, jawfish, ghost
pipefish, waspfish, schooling jacks, turtles, mandarin fish, leaf
fish,
and four species of pygmy
seahorses inhabit the reef. Even the elusive blue-ringed octopus
makes a
rare
appearance. Brilliant soft corals, oversized gorgonians, vibrant
sponges
and delicate tunicates in every hue create an intricately woven
tapestry
of color and texture. Shallow depths enable divers to enjoy unusually
long bottom times during which they may explore a thriving marine
environment. At night, the resort’s famous “House Reef”,
one of the
world’s best shore dives, explodes with riotous color.
Bali Add-On
Since you’re so close come with us for five more days in Bali.
Enjoy the splendor and hospitality of the
legendary Balinese culture: 2-hour massages, fantastic restaurants
and
shopping at unbelievable prices. Stay with us at a wondrous resort
immersed in local
culture. This Bali add-on trip is only $685 additional.
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