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Overseas Diving

Upcoming Overseas Dive Trips

    • March 04, 2023
    • (UTC+09:00)
    • April 01, 2023
    • (UTC+09:00)
    • Indonesia, W Papua

    Indonesia: Raja Ampat to Triton Bay

     Damai I, Live aboard – Mar 13-24, 2023

    Trip #1 - full - Please inquire for waitlist

    Raja Ampat is an interesting tropical destination inside the Triangle of Diversity. Biodiversity is through the roof; one author said “it feels like the Nudies are throwing themselves in your face”. Indonesia is the biggest country in Southeast Asia. West Papua is the East-most Island in the Indonesian Archipelago, located just south of Equator (the other end of that island is PNG - Papua New Guinea). The latitude is very similar to that of Solomon Islands and located about 2000 miles West of Solomon. This is a “trip of a lifetime.” Our club in our 51 year history has never been there – we tried in 2005, but the Pelagian got sold to Wakatobi and our trip got rerouted.

    Our Trip is highly seasonal and only done a few times a year

    The diving is diverse: Plenty of soft coral like Fiji and PNG, hard coral like Kosrae, big animals: Mantas, Sharks, even Whale sharks, Wobbegongs, Napoleons, Turtles, Cuddle Fish, gigantic schools of Jack and Barracudas. There is also plenty of small stuff: Ghost Pipefish, Nudibranchs, and Pygmy Seahorses and of course “Nemo” …

    Getting there: One of the best routings – for comfort and jetlag management - is from New York (JFK) via Frankfurt to Singapore and then to Manado (for either a short “safety stop” or for a full week of land based diving – Lembeh, Bunaken, etc.). Return is from Kaimana, via Sulawesi to Bali.

    Details – Damai 1 is a typical wooden Indonesian dive boat, very spacious – even the smallest room is bigger than the suites we are used to in the Caribean. The staff is very experienced and has been fully retained during the Covid-19 period. There is a dive guide for each 3 (maybe 4) divers

    • 11 nights on the boat – double occupancy
    • 10 days of diving – night dives when possible
    • All taxes and tips included
    • All ground transfers
    • Nitrox, Dive/Snorkel Gear Rental
    • Massage and Laundry Service.
    • Beer, soda, 1 daily glass of wine  

    Not Included:

    • Fuel surcharge (none at the moments)
    • Airfare and hotels and/or land based diving inbound or homebound
    • Park fees - $230 – subject to change

    The priority signup period starts Nov 4 and end Nov 25 (checks will not be cashed until a spot is confirmed; please call for Zelle payments). Single Supplements might be offered based on space available

    Trip insurance, I have a detailed write-up that I can share. Note: due to the remote location the boat requires a minimal level of medical travel insurance. Also note that most likely the Indonesian government will require insurance for “acquired” Covid-19. Please only signup for this trip if you are fully vaccinated – both to protect your fellow divers as well as your own economic interest as there is always a risk that the government can add vaccination as an entry criteria at any moment (this did happen to us travelling to Turks and Caicos – with no impact – because everybody was well prepared. It is also highly likely that airlines will require vaccinations

    Links:

    https://dive-damai.com/ be sure to check out the picture gallery

    Replays from the meeting 11/4/2021 - members, only - https://usadiveclub.org/members

    Rob Myers presentation (11/4/21): Click here to view the 1st part of Rob's presentation in Google Photos.

    My trip introduction: Click here for Nils' trip presentation - Damai I - 3/13-24, 2023

    Rob Myers 2nd – photos from our trip: Click here to view the 2nd part of Rob's presentation in Google Photos.


    The first article is “our TRIP” on “our boat”

    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/mags/X-Ray107_protected.pdf or at least section (pg 15-27)

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/raja-ampat-papuan-odyssey


    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/mags/X-Ray69_locked.pdf or at least section (pg 88-93)

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/shooting-wide-raja-ampat


    http://xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray74/X-Ray74_locked.pdf or at least section (pg 51-60)

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/indonesias-dampier-strait


    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray55/X-Ray55_iBook_locked.pdf

    at least section (pages: 26-34: 35-40; 41-52;)

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/ecologist-mark-erdmann-raja-ampat

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/indonesias-raja-ampat

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/raja-ampat-four-kings


    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray54/X-Ray54_iBook_locked.pdf or at least section (pg 70-71)

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/wobbegongs-raja-ampat


    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/mags/X-Ray06_locked.pdf or at least section (pg 28-39)

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/raja-ampat


    Questions? Contact VP of Overseas Diving Nils by e-mail. overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com


    We will have to wait until the ticketing window opens up – in April or later – and schedules gets back to normal “after Covid-19”. PS I have retained a local agent for Airfare inside Indonesia – that is the best way to protect against any late schedule changes


    Click here to see full details of the trip. 

    Click here to download the signup form.


    • March 17, 2023
    • (UTC+09:00)
    • April 14, 2023
    • (UTC+09:00)
    • Indonesia, W Papua

    Indonesia: Triton Bay - Forgotten Islands - Banda Sea - Trip #2

     Damai I, Live aboard – Mar 24 - April 06, 2023

    trip is full - wait list only


    Triton Bay, Banda Sea is an interesting tropical destination inside the Triangle of Diversity (Green circle). Biodiversity is through the roof; one author said “it feels like the Nudies are throwing themselves in your face”. Indonesia is the biggest country in Southeast Asia. West Papua is the East-most Island in the Indonesian Archipelago, located just south of Equator (the other end of that island is PNG - Papua New Guinea). The latitude is very similar to that of Solomon Islands and located about 2000 miles West of Solomon (Blue Circle). This is a “trip of a lifetime.” Our club in our 51 year history has never been there – we tried in 2005, but the Pelagian got sold to Wakatobi and our trip got rerouted.

    Our Trip is highly seasonal and only done a few times a year

    The diving is diverse: Plenty of soft coral like Fiji and PNG, hard coral like Kosrae, big animals: Mantas, Sharks, even Whale sharks, Wobbegongs, Napoleons, Turtles, Cuddle Fish, gigantic schools of Jack and Barracudas. There is also plenty of small stuff: Ghost Pipefish, Nudibranchs, and Pygmy Seahorses and of course “Nemo” …Getting there: One of the best routings – for comfort and jetlag management - is from New York (JFK) via Frankfurt to Singapore and then to Manado (for either a short “safety stop” or for a full week of land based diving – Lembeh, Bunaken, etc.). From Manado we connect via Sorong to Kaimana. Return is from Ambon directly to Bali (this routing has less flying than trip 1).

    Details – Damai 1 is a typical wooden Indonesian dive boat, very spacious – even the smallest room is bigger than the suites we are used to in the Caribean. The staff is very experienced and has been fully retained during the Covid-19 period. There is a dive guide for each 3 (maybe 4) divers

    • 11 nights on the boat – double occupancy
    • 10 days of diving – night dives when possible
    • All taxes and tips included
    • All ground transfers
    • Nitrox, Dive/Snorkel Gear Rental
    • Massage and Laundry Service.
    • Beer, soda, 1 daily glass of wine  

    Not Included:

    • Fuel surcharge (none at the moments)
    • Airfare and hotels and/or land based diving inbound or homebound
    • Park fees - $230 – subject to change


    The priority signup period is expired - first come first serve. Single Supplements might be offered based on space available

    Trip insurance, I have a detailed write-up that I can share. Note: due to the remote location the boat requires a minimal level of medical travel insurance. Also note that most likely the Indonesian government will require insurance for “acquired” Covid-19. Please only signup for this trip if you are fully vaccinated – both to protect your fellow divers as well as your own economic interest as there is always a risk that the government can add vaccination as an entry criteria at any moment (this did happen to us travelling to Turks and Caicos – with no impact – because everybody was well prepared. It is also highly likely that airlines will require vaccinations

    Links:

    https://dive-damai.com/ be sure to check out the picture gallery

    Replays from the meeting 11/4/2021 - members, only - https://usadiveclub.org/members

    Rob Myers presentation (11/4/21): Click here to view the 1st part of Rob's presentation

    My trip introduction: Click here for Nils' trip presentation - Damai I - Trip #1 - 3/13-24, 2023

    Rob Myers 2nd – photos from our trip: Click here to view the 2nd part of Rob's presentation

    Note: Rob talks about several destinations from Trip #2: Banda Sea, Manuk, Nils Desparandum and Ambon


    The primary article on Banda Sea:

    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/mags/X-Ray100_protected.pdf or at least section (pg 12-25)

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/articles/Travel_BandaSea_MatthewMeier_100_protected.pdf


    Read about Triton Bay…

    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/mags/X-Ray107_protected.pdf or at least section (pg 12-27)

    Webpage: https://xray-mag.com/content/raja-ampat-papuan-odysse


    Read about Ambon…

    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/mags/X-Ray51_locked.pdf  or at least section (pg 56-64)

    https://xray-mag.com/pdfs/mags/X-Ray16_locked.pdf  or at least section (pg 35-46)

    webpage: https://pdfs.xray-mag.com/articles/Travel_Ambon_ScottBennett_16_locked.pdf


    Questions? Contact your trip lead Chris Hardham - president@usadiveclub.com

    Or VP of Overseas Diving Nils by e-mail. overseasdiving@usadiveclub.com

    We will have to wait until the ticketing window opens up – in April or later – and schedules gets back to normal “after Covid-19”. PS I have retained a local agent for Airfare inside Indonesia – that is the best way to protect against any late schedule changes


    Click here to see full details of the trip. 

    Click here to download the signup form.


    • May 20, 2023
    • May 27, 2023
    • Little Cayman Beach Resort

    LITTLE CAYMAN!

    2023, May 20 – 27!

    DEMA Special: 5 Free Afternoon Dives

    Spend a relaxing week at the premier, deluxe, full-service resort(s) on Little Cayman Island.  We have been there multiple times, and we’re going back again after four years away.  Rated as the number one destination in the Caribbean for wall diving, number two for favorite reef diving, the sea life and underwater photography, the dive sites, water temps and visibility are outstanding, never to be forgotten by those who have experienced them.  For those of you who have not experienced the diving at Little Cayman, it’s everything you can dream about, dramatic vistas, amazing photo opportunities/views, wildlife that must be seen to be believed (like the friendly groupers that follow you like a puppy everywhere)!

    Divers don’t have to lug gear every day from their rooms or even onto the boat. Your gear will be collected once you arrive and stored at the shop next to the dock. You set up your gear the first day on the boat and after that, the Reef Diver crew set up your gear and change your tanks for you. You need only to stroll down the dock, jump on a boat (the large, comfortable, covered boats!) and go diving. The four boats are 42 to 46 ft long and 16 ft. wide and have freshwater showers and restrooms.  Rinse tanks and a drying room are on the dock for mask, fins and wet suits.

    Roger Cooper will be your trip leader (newsletter@usadiveclub.org).  The trip starts at Miami airport, flying Cayman Airways international economy class to the islands, then catching their domestic travel propeller flight to Little Cayman. Check https://www.caymanairways.com/baggage-policy for baggage fees.

    Once there, we dive, eat, relax, and just generally have a fantastic time for the whole week!  There is a pool, wi-fi, beach chairs and hammocks, and you can rent kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards as well.  All diving and dining will be done at the Little Cayman Beach Resort.

    • Five afternoon dives are included!
    • The Nitrox upgrade is $120 for 12 morning boat dives or $170 for 17 morning and afternoon dives.
    • You have a choice to use the group Cayman Airways tickets or schedule your own flights.
    • If you are a non-diver, subtract $250.

    It’s always wise to purchase travel insurance for any trip. Here are a few links you can use if interested:

    Trip Prices / payment schedule:

    Click here to download the sign-up form.
    • June 24, 2023
    • July 01, 2023
    • Little Cayman Beach Resort

    Bonaire - Divi Flamingo Beach Resort

    2023, June 24 - July 1

    DEMA Special: 5 Free Afternoon Dives

    Above or below the water, Bonaire offers a total experience for vacationers, and as one of the top diving destinations in the world, the island is truly a diver’s paradise. Explore the pristine waters and coral reefs by day, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere by night. Colorful, laid back, and fun, our resort serves as the perfect home base for divers and vacationers drawn to explore the unpretentious island and stunning waters surrounding Bonaire.

    Discover the amazing snorkeling & diving offered on Bonaire with Divi Dive Bonaire. This PADI five-star dive resort is conveniently located on our property to provide you with everything you need to explore the beautiful waters of Bonaire. Enjoy custom dive boats, gear storage, a fully equipped dive shop, and an experienced dive crew with more than 100 years of collective diving experience.

    Bonaire is known for its award-winning shore diving, and as such, Divi Dive Bonaire offers you an amazing house reef to explore just a few feet from your room 24 hours a day. Prefer boat dives? Divi Dive Bonaire offers morning and afternoon boat dives with its fleet of custom dive boats so you can explore the island’s numerous dive sites.

    Package includes 6 days of 2-tank morning boat dives,  (first dive is a check-up dive), 5 afternoon boat dives, and unlimited tanks for shore diving. 

    Two beautiful pools, 3 ocean front restaurants, 5-star dive center, beach and casino. 

    Included:

    • Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
    • Welcome cocktail
    • Wi-Fi
    • Full breakfast daily
    • Taxes and service charges
    • ·Diving Tip

    Not Included:

    • Airfare
    • Nitrox $100
    • Lunch and Dinner
    • Tourist Tax - $75

    • Natura Stinapa Fee - $40

    PACKAGE PRICE $1,600 double, $2,200 single, $1,000 non-diver. Trip Prices / payment schedule:

    Links:

    Notes: Your passport needs to be valid for the entire 2023. The club currently requires all travelers to be vaccinated

    Questions: Trip Lead, Nancy (email: Bonaire2023@usadiveclub.org) – or Nils

    Click here to download the sign-up form.

    Travel Insurance:

    • July 23, 2024
    • August 02, 2024
    • Solomon Islands

    Solomon Islands

    Rescheduled - spots available

    Bilikiki Live aboard – Jul 23 - August 2, 2024

    The Solomon Islands is an interesting tropical destination inside the Triangle of Diversity. Biodiversity example – they have 50 species of seahorses. Solomon is located south of Equator, closer to PNG than to Fiji. The latitude is very similar to Micronesia. This is in more ways than one a “trip of a lifetime” Our club in our 51 year history has never been there. And if you look at a list of places that might not be here in another 100 years due to sea level raising Solomon is on top of that list! Solomon Islands are the third largest group of islands in the Pacific. We are going there in the dry season – for visibility.

    Click here to see full details of the trip. - outdated

    Click here to download the signup form. - outdated

    PS - we will advertise later - based on the new dates 

Club Logo on Your Clothing

Nils Jacobsen has found a local embroidery shop that has scanned our logo and will embroider it on pieces of new clothing for $20 + sales tax. Nils drives by the embroidery shop on his way to work. If you get clothing to Nils at one meeting, he can return it by the next meeting with the embroidery done. For clothes made of an atypical material. please check with Nils before sending them off to be embroidered.


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