Island Dreams Dive Travel Island Dreams Spa Travel
Island Dreams
"Dive Deals"

October 2008 Edition

Wakatobi Report: Ken Knezick's Latest Review

Photo Gallery: Super Macro - Making the Minscule Appear Mighty!

Plus: Destination Photo Galleries, Travel Reports, and World-Wide Dive Deals



Hot Dive Deals CARIBBEAN Dive Deals


PACIFIC Dive Deals

OTHER Info and Resources Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams



Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort COZUMEL --- Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort

Cozumel Quality and Value -- Enjoy a great deal at this excellent oceanfront 5-star, luxury hotel while making the most of multiple swimming pools, restaurants, a beautiful beach club, even an exercise room and jogging trail. The in-house dive operation, Juan Leca's Dive House, is top-notch. Check out the closest hotel to Palancar Reef, and one of the over-all best values in Cozumel.

Dive Deal Discounts -- These excellent rates apply for visits April 16 - December 21, 2008. But please do not delay, availability is limited.


Fall Early Booking Special
Valid September 1 - December 21, 2008
Book now - availability is limited

Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort

European Plan
(No meals included)
Room Style Diver
Single occ.
Scuba Diver
Double occupancy
Vacationer
Double occ.
3 nights lodging
with 2 days boat diving
Garden View $ 407 $ 281 $ 147
Ocean View $ 489 $ 322 $ 188
4 nights lodging
with 3 days boat diving
Garden View $ 557 $ 390 $ 189
Ocean View $ 667 $ 445 $ 244
5 nights lodging
with 4 days boat diving
Garden View $ 708 $ 499 $ 231
Ocean View $ 845 $ 567 $ 299
6 nights lodging
with 5 days boat diving
Garden View $ 858 $ 608 $ 273
Ocean View $1023 $ 690 $ 355
7 nights lodging
with 6 days boat diving
Garden View $1009 $ 716 $ 314
Ocean View $1201 $ 812 $ 410
Packages include: Lodging, scuba diving, 12% hotel tax, and round-trip airport/hotel transfers.
Dive packages include 2-tank boat trips, and unlimited shore tanks on boat diving days.
Meals are not included, airfare is not included, call for pricing options.
Rates are per person, based on the occupancy indicated.
All prices and inclusions are subject to change.


Find plenty more info and options here:
Explore Cozumel

Fiesta Americana is ready! Phone Rae at 1-800-568-2350 -or- email to: Rae@divetrip.com




COZUMEL --- 2009 Pricing for Presidente InterContinental Cozumel


Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort & Spa

The Very Best of Cozumel -- If you are looking for Cozumel's ultimate hotel lodging, this is the place. Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa indeed provides Cozumel's most beautiful, upscale, and service-oriented accommodations for guests who want the very best.

2009 Rates Now Online -- Winter rates are shown below. Link to our Presidente page and find all rates periods now through December 2009.


Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa
Winter 2009:   January 5 - April 4, 2009
Package Duration Room Category Diver
Single occ.
Scuba Diver
Double occupancy
Vacationer
Double occ.
3 nights lodging
with
2 days boat diving
Pool View $1297 $ 721 $ 575
Ocean View $1498 $ 822 $ 676
Ocean Suite $2234 $1190 $1044
 
4 nights lodging
with
3 days boat diving
Pool View $1753 $ 986 $ 767
Ocean View $2022 $1120 $ 901
Ocean Suite $3003 $1611 $1392
 
5 nights lodging
with
4 days boat diving
Pool View $2210 $1251 $ 959
Ocean View $2546 $1419 $1127
Ocean Suite $3772 $2032 $1740
 
6 nights lodging
with
5 days boat diving
Pool View $2667 $1516 $1151
Ocean View $3069 $1717 $1352
Ocean Suite $4541 $2453 $4088
 
7 nights lodging
with
6 days boat diving
Pool View $3123 $1781 $1343
Ocean View $3593 $2016 $1578
Ocean Suite $5310 $2874 $2436
Packages include: Lodging in seclected room category, two-tank boat diving, and 12% hotel tax.
Meals are not included. Airfare is not included. Please call for pricing options.
Rates are per person, based on the occupancy indicated.
All prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Find additional information and rates:
Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel

Experience Cozumel's finest accommodation...and the lowest rates of the year. Call Yvonne toll free at 1-866-684-1874 -or- email to: Yvonne@divetrip.com




Scuba Club Cozumel COZUMEL --- November/December Special Scuba Club Cozumel

Scuba Club Cozumel is simply one of Cozumel's longest serving and most well respected dive resorts. Due to the personalized quality of its service, and the excellent price point, Scuba Club enjoys one of the highest repeat customer ratios of ANY dive resort in the world.

Meals are included in the package, but there is no attempt to compete with the large, all-inclusive tourist hotel. Scuba Club has always been dedicated to one thing -- giving serious scuba divers the best of Cozumel at a great price. We suggest you make use this excellent special and experience it for yourself.


Scuba Club Cozumel - Half Price Special

In September and October 2008
Second guest pays Half Price
Share the Savings!

Package pricing includes: Lodging,
diving, meals, and 12% tax
Single
Occupancy
Double Occupancy
First guest pays Second guest pays
3 nights / 2 days diving: $ 571 $ 470 $ 235
Non-diver: $ 492 $ 403 $ 203
4 nights / 3 days diving: $ 811 $ 679 $ 340
Non-diver: $ 665 $ 544 $ 272
5 nights / 3 days diving: $ 927 $ 773 $ 387
Non-diver: $ 809 $ 655 $ 328
6 nights / 4 days diving: $1167 $ 982 $ 491
Non-diver: $ 983 $ 796 $ 398
7 nights / 5 days diving: $1327 $1098 $ 549
Non-diver: $1118 $ 902 $ 451
Price includes lodging at Scuba Club Cozumel, 12% hotel tax, three meals daily,
two-tank boat diving, and unlimited shore diving. Half price valid Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2008.
Not included are beverages, airport transfers, gratuities, rentals, and expenses of a personal nature.
Availability is limited. No other discounts apply. Airfare to Cozumel is additional. Call Island Dreams for details.


Scuba Club Cozumel
November/December Special

Five nights lodging, four days of boat diving,
three meals daily, and unlimited shore diving

valid November 1 - December 19, 2008
Special includes:
three meals daily
four days of diving
and unlimited shore tanks
Single Double occupancy Triple occupancy
Diver Diver non-diver Diver non-diver
5 nights lodging
with 4 days diving
$690 + tax =
$773
$575 + tax =
$644
$480 + tax =
$538
$545 + tax =
$610
$450 + tax =
$504
Price includes lodging at Scuba Club Cozumel, 12% hotel tax, three meals daily,
two-tank boat diving, and unlimited shore diving. Special is valid November 1 - December 19, 2008.
Not included are beverages, airport transfers, gratuities, rentals, and expenses of a personal nature.
Availability is limited. No other discounts apply. Airfare to Cozumel is additional. Call Island Dreams for details.

Find more info and pricing data here:
Scuba Club Cozumel

Like to see Scuba Club for yourself? Phone Rae at 1-800-568-2350 -or- email to: Rae@divetrip.com




Occidental Grand Cozumel Dive Travel Scuba Trips

Occidental Grand Cozumel COZUMEL --- Save 30% off All-Inclusive Cozumel

Occidental Grand Cozumel -- At the Occidental Grand Cozumel, you'll enjoy all-inclusive luxury accommodations and diving at one of the world's most amazing coral reefs systems. Located on Cozumel's finest white sand beach, Playa San Francisco, the Occidental Grand Cozumel offers a range of room categories, gourmet dining, and activities options in our hacienda-style resort just steps from the sea.

Booking Deadline October 15 -- Occidental Grand Cozumel is offering a powerful incentive for those divers ready to schedule their year end diving holiday...but you must act now to get these great rates. Book prior to October 15, 2008, and you will save 30% off the regular package rates. Availability is limited...please do not delay.


Early Booking Bonus:   September 1 - October 31, 2008
Frog Line
SAVE 30% -- Must be booked and paid by October 15, 2008
Occidental Grand Cozumel
All-Inclusive Packages
Diver
Single occ.
Scuba Diver
Double occupancy
Vacationer
Double occ.
3 nights lodging / 2 days boat diving $ 543 $ 403 $ 283
4 nights lodging / 3 days boat diving $ 744 $ 557 $ 377
5 nights lodging / 4 days boat diving $ 945 $ 711 $ 471
6 nights lodging / 5 days boat diving $1146 $ 866 $ 566
7 nights lodging / 6 days boat diving $1347 $1020 $ 660
Includes: Lodging, hotel tax, meals, drinks, diving, resort activities, and non-motorized water sports.
Rates are per person, based on the occupancy indicated. Airfare is not included, call for a quote.
Pricing based on Deluxe Room category. All prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Early Booking Bonus:   November 1 - December 19, 2008
Frog Line
SAVE 31% -- Must be booked and paid by October 15, 2008
Occidental Grand Cozumel
All-Inclusive Packages
Diver
Single occ.
Scuba Diver
Double occupancy
Vacationer
Double occ.
3 nights lodging / 2 days boat diving $ 562 $ 424 $ 304
4 nights lodging / 3 days boat diving $ 769 $ 585 $ 405
5 nights lodging / 4 days boat diving $ 976 $ 746 $ 506
6 nights lodging / 5 days boat diving $1183 $ 907 $ 607
7 nights lodging / 6 days boat diving $1390 $1068 $ 708
Includes: Lodging, hotel tax, meals, drinks, diving, resort activities, and non-motorized water sports.
Rates are per person, based on the occupancy indicated. Airfare is not included, call for a quote.
Pricing based on Deluxe Room category. All prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Follow this link to learn more about:
Occidental Grand Cozumel

Ready to make the most of this Early Booking Discount? Call Christy at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Christy@divetrip.com




Cobalt Coast Resort, Grand Cayman Island GRAND CAYMAN --- Lowest Prices of the Year at Cobalt Coast Resort

Cobalt Coast Resort & Suites -- Cobalt Coast is Grand Cayman's finest dedicated divers' resort. Located on the northwest shore of Boatswains Bay, near the Turtle Farm, it is just a few miles north and removed from the hustle and bustle of Seven Mile Beach. Set on a secluded, oceanfront, the resort provides spectacular views overlooking the inviting waters of the Caribbean Sea.

A Divers Best Bet -- Cobalt Coast Resort gets Island Dreams' vote as the best dive resort on Grand Cayman Island. We've stayed there ourselves, and have had many satisfied customers coming back for more. So why not enjoy Cobalt Coast for yourself?

  
Fall Discounts:   September 6 - December 20, 2008

These prices include airport transfers, lodging, diving, taxes, and daily breakfast
Add lunch and 3-course dinner, $55 per person per day (includes tax and 15% gratuity)

** These are the lowest prices of the year! **
  

Lodging Style 4 nights lodging
3 days diving
5 nights lodging
4 days diving
6 nights lodging
5 days diving
7 nights lodging
6 days diving
Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler
Ocean Front Room
(double occupancy)
$ 820 $ 565 $1040 $ 690 $1175 $ 815 $1245 $ 815
One-Bedroom Suite
(double occupancy)
$ 905 $ 650 $1085 $ 800 $1285 $ 940 $1355 $ 940
Prices are per person, based on the occupancy indicated. Daily breakfast is included, with optional upgrade to a full meal plan available.
Dive packages include two daily boat dives plus unlimited shore diving, including complimentary tank and weights on day of arrival.
Unlimited shore diving at two locations: Cobalt Coast Resort’s pristine 6000 ft wall, plus another spot near the Turtle Farm.
Gratuities for the meals, room tax and service charges included. (Dive staff gratuities are not included in packages.)
You will also enjoy complimentary round-trip airport transfers, welcome drink, and daily maid service.


Read Ken Knezick's:
Cobalt Coast Resort Report

Find more info and pricing data here: Cobalt Coast Resort

Agent Susan Young lived in Grand Cayman for 15 years. Phone her at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Susan@divetrip.com




Little Cayman Beach Resort LITTLE CAYMAN --- Fall Fantasy & December Promo at Little Cayman Beach Resort

"Thanks again for arranging my trip to Little Cayman Beach Resort. I had a great time at a great place. The diving was fabulous. Lots of big free swimming nurse sharks, two very curious reef sharks, tons of turtles, its a cornucopia of life, I am so glad I made that trip. Loved the resort, the people were absolutely the best I have dealt with at any resort, and the food was fantastic. I can't say enough other than had a GREAT time and will be going back!"
Bob Dougherty, Mountain Top, PA.

Special Pricing for December -- The December promo is a brand new opportunity. Use this great special to experience the best of Little Cayman for yourself!

"December 2008 Travel Promotion"
Valid for visits December 4 - 24, 2008
Full American Plan (FAP) with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily
Includes airport ground transfers, hotel taxes, and service charge
7 nights lodging
with 17 boat dives
$1395 per diver -- in Pool View Room $1679 per diver -- in Ocean Front Room
December Promo package includes: 7 nights Pool View or Ocean Front room lodging,
breakfast, lunch & dinner daily, 17 boat dives,
airport transfers, hotel taxes, and service charges.
Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy lodging, and subject to availability.


Little Cayman Beach Resort

Learn more here:
Little Cayman Beacn Resort and Conch Club Condos

Details? Call our Cayman Islands expert, Susan Young, at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Susan@divetrip.com





BELIZE --- Low Season Special at Hamanasi Resort

Hamanasi Dive & Adventure Resort
Hamanasi Dive & Adventure Resort
Hamanasi Dive & Adventure Resort

Hamanasi is located on a beautiful beach south of Dangriga near the Garifuna fishing village of Hopkins. Its unique location has convenient access to the best dive locations and the best onshore sites in Belize. Hamanasi offers you Belize's best soft adventures, both on land and off shore in the beautiful Caribbean sea.

LOW Season Special for 2008
7-night Reef & Rainforest package
From $1527 per person, double occ.

Valid: May 24 - December 19, 2008
(except Thanksgiving)


Reef and Rainforest Package -- Hamanasi's finest offering is its "Reef and Rainforest" Package, for which you will find complete pricing at the link below. The Reef and Rainforest option enables guests to mix and match from a wide menu of adventure options; diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, touring, and more.

Learn more here: Hamanasi Adventure Resort

Your Hamanasi Adventure awaits you. Call Christy at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Christy@divetrip.com




RSD Reader's Choice Award BONAIRE --- Suite Seventh Heaven Special

Plaza Resort Bonaire -- This highly dive-friendly property features 200 suites with lagoon or ocean view, beautiful white sand beach, pool, restaurants, water sports, in-house dive operation, and a new casino. For larger parties, one and two-bedroom villas (condominiums) add even more function and comfort. See below for descriptions and pricing of the interesting array of lodging options available to you.

Suite Seventh Heaven -- Seven (7) nights lodging in spacious suite accommodations, six (6) days of unlimited shore diving, your choice of boat diving options, round-trip airport transfers, welcome drink, tax and service charges.

Suite Seventh Heaven:   April 5 - December 19, 2008
7 nights lodging with 6 days of diving
Lodging Style Occupancy 11 boat dives 6 boat dives shore diving only non-diver
Standard Suite
(Pool View)
Single $1565 $1482 $1363 n/a
Double $ 973 $ 890 $ 771 $ 667
Triple $ 838 $ 755 $ 636 $ 531
Grand Suite
(Ocean View)
Single $1752 $1669 $1550 n/a
Double $1066 $ 983 $ 864 $ 759
Triple $ 900 $ 817 $ 698 $ 593
Prices are per person, based on occupancy indicated.
Upgrade to seven days of buffet breakfast -- Add $111 per guest.
Package includes: seven (7) nights lodging in spacious suite accommodations, six (6) days of unlimited shore diving,
your choice of six or eleven boat dives per week, round-trip airport transfers, welcome drink, tax and service charges.

Additional pricing and info:
Bonaire Dive Package Options

Bonaire awaits you. Call Tina at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Tina@divetrip.com




El Galleon Dive Resort, Puerto Galera, Philippines El Galleon Dive Resort -- Renowned for its peaceful beachfront surroundings El Galleon is on Small Lalaguna Beach, Puerto Galera. Thirty air-conditioned rooms have been constructed on the tropical hillside all in keeping with the areas natural beauty. With views of Sabang Bay and Small Lalaguna beach, each room is complete with a fully stocked mini-bar, hot & water, and hotel amenities. All rooms have both a a/c unit and a ceiling fan.

Lodging, Meals, and Diving -- Best of all, Island Dreams' packages at El Galleon Dive Resort include your lodging, three daily meals, and up to four boat dives per day. You can even add a night boat dive for only $9 more.


El Galleon Dive Resort
Puerto Princessa, Philippines

Pricing valid now through December 19, 2009

Includes Lodging, Three Meals Daily, and up to Four Boat Dives per Day

* Add a boat night dive for just $9 USD per night *

From a Seaview Room at El Galleon Dive Resort - Puerto Princessa, Philippines

Select your duration of stay
and preferred lodging style
Room Style Diver
Single occ.
Scuba Diver
Double occupancy
Vacationer
Double occ.
7 nights lodging and meals,

with 6 days of boat diving

Budget Room $1030 $ 854 $ 494
Poolside Room $1204 $ 945 $ 585
Seaview Room $1344 $1015 $ 655
Family Room $1239 $ 959 $ 599
Penthouse $1694 $1190 $ 830
10 nights lodging and meals,

with 9 days of boat diving

Budget Room $1471 $1220 $ 680
Poolside Room $1720 $1350 $ 810
Seaview Room $1920 $1450 $ 910
Family Room $1770 $1370 $ 830
Penthouse $2420 $1700 $1160
Packages include: Lodging, hotel tax, three meals daily, and up to four boat dives per day with Asia Divers.
Rates are per person, based on the occupancy indicated. No refund for unused portions of package.
Airfare is not included. Airport/hotel transfers are additional. Call for pricing options.
Beverages, bar bill, and other items of a personal nature are at additional expense.
All prices and inclusions are subject to change.


Find complete pricing and details:
El Galleon Dive Resort

Read Ken Knezick's: Philippines Dive Report

Philippines are fabulous! Discuss it with Ken at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Ken@divetrip.com




Matangi Island Resort, Matagi Island, Fiji FIJI --- "Two Nights Free plus an Upgrade at Matangi Island Resort

Matangi Island Resort -- Matagi Island is the smallest of a cluster of volcanic islands off the eastern tip of Taveuni. Wrapped around a submerged crater, the entire Matangi area is a Scuba divers mecca. Matangi Island Resort offers 14 private cottages set within lovely tropical gardens, along with a main dining and lounge area, a fleet of boats and a dive facility, plus three tree house honeymoon cottages built 30 feet off the ground in the embrace of ancient almond trees. In addition to offering some of Fiji's best diving, Matagi's also great for its beautiful white sand beaches, hiking through lush rainforest, or a cultural visit to one of the local native villages.

Matangi Island Resort, Fiji

Free Night Special plus a Room Category Upgrade -- The team at Matangi Private Island Resort are excited about their property and want to share it with you. So they have created the following specials to encourage you to visit. These are great opportunties, so don't miss out. Availability is limited, and these special must be booked in advance. Call or email Island Dreams now for complete details.


Free Night Specials

Pay for 5 nights -- stay for 7 (all room categories)
November 15, 2008 - March 31, 2009

Pay for 6 nights -- stay for 7 (all room categories)
July 1- November 14, 2008

Pay for 8 nights -- stay for 10 (Beachfront Bures Only)
Applies All Year Round!

YES -- Free Night Specials are combinable with Upgrade Specials!
$299 Upgrade Special

Book an Island Bure -- get a Beachfront Bure
Book the Beachfront Bure -- get a Treehouse!

Upgrade fee is USD $299 per room. Applies to bookings of seven nights and longer.
Valid for travel through March 31, 2009. Black out dates: June 1-November 14, 2008
Subject to availability...please do not delay. Contact Island Dreams for complete details.



Find complete:
Matangi Resort Pricing

Read Tina's new: Fiji Dive Resort Update

Also consider Ken Knezick's: Fiji Dive and Travel Report

Fiji is fine! Discuss the details with Rae at 1-800-568-2350 -or- email to: Rae@divetrip.com




MANADO & LEMBEH --- Best of Both World's Combination Packages

Lembeh Bunaken Combo - photo montage copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams Travel

Lembeh & Bunaken Combination Packages -- Island Dreams customized combo packages include all transfers forward from Manado International Airport, lodging and diving as indicated, hotel taxes, and three meals daily. Lodging at KBR in Traditional House room; and in Deluxe room at Hotel Santika. Upgraded room categories are available. On the day you transfer from one resort to the next, you will have three days of boat diving, so no time is wasted. Drinks, souvenirs, rental equipment, etc. are at the guest's additional expense, as is airfare to Manado. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Kungkungan Bay Resort + Hotel Santika Manado
Lembeh / Bunaken Combo Packages
Valid through March 31, 2009
Suggested Combo Package Options Double Occupancy Single Occupancy
9 nights lodging / with 8 days of diving
5 nights at Kungkungan Bay Resort
plus 4 nights at Hotel Santika
$1661 $1853
11 nights lodging / with 10 days of diving
6 nights at Kungkungan Bay Resort
plus 5 nights at Hotel Santika
$2101 $2341
14 nights lodging / with 13 days of diving
7 nights at Kungkungan Bay Resort
plus 7 nights at Hotel Santika
$2563 $2899
Combination packages include round-trip airport/hotel transfers, 3 meals daily, and 3-tank boat diving daily.
Pricing based is on Traditional room or Cottage Suite at Kungkungan, and Deluxe Room at Hotel Santika.
Room-style uprades are available. Please note that only two boat dives are included on transfer days.
All scuba diving pricing is based on air fills. Upgrade to Nitrox fills may be arranged.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, include all hotel taxes, and are subject to change.
Package inclusions are subject to change. No refund for unused portion of packages.

Find further details here:  
Best of Lembeh and Manado Combo Packages

Or simply speak with Tina at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Tina@divetrip.com




El Ocotal Beach Resort COSTA RICA --- Special Dive Packages at El Ocotal Resort


Costa Rica is known today as a unique dive destination, and not only for its marine life, but because of its many other attractions. Divers have the opportunity to visit national parks, go white water rafting, big game fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, swim on secluded beaches, enjoy breathtaking sunsets and warm star-filled nights and feel welcomed by friendly Costa Rican people.

Bungalow at El Ocotal Resort Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast is the diving world’s newest discovery. Few places in the world have waters with such varies and plentiful marine life.

Couple this glory of nature with El Ocotal Beach Resort’s luxurious resort facilities, new dive boats and equipment; the resorts highly-trained, dedicated staff and Costa Rica’s most experienced dive masters; the country’s natural beauty and its warm, friendly people, and you have the most exciting alternative to traditional dive destinations.

El Ocotal's dive packages are now ready to bring you the best of Costa Rica!

Find pricing and details here: El Ocotal Resort

Costa Rica awaits you. Phone Christy at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Christy@divetrip.com




Aggressor Fleet AGGRESSOR FLEET --- Announcing the North Sulawesi Aggressor

Manado and North Sulawesi -- North Sulawesi, and specifically Lembeh Strait is home to the greatest marine bio-diversity on our planet. That means this is the place for truly unique and unusual diving and photography opportunities. With the coming of Aggressor Fleet, there is now a quality live-aboard boat to complement the excellent dive resorts in the region such as Kungkungan Bay Resort, Lembeh Resort, and Hotel Santika Manado.

North Sulawesi Aggressor -- The North Sulawesi Aggressor sails Saturday-to-Saturday, departing from Kungkungan Bay Resort. Guests will enjoy spectacular wall dives near Bangka Island and Bunaken Island. From two inch long flamboyant cuttlefish to mating Blue Ring octopuses, North Sulawesi has a variety of marine life like no other place in the world. The week long itinerary includes Lembeh Strait, Bangka Island and Bunaken Manado Tua Marine National Park.

  North Sulawesi Aggressor  

North Sulawesi Aggressor

Jan. 5, 2008 - Jan. 3, 2009 ... Deluxe Cabin $2,495 * Quad Cabin $2,295
Jan. 3, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010 ... Deluxe Cabin $2,595 * Quad Cabin $2,395



Explore other destinations and pricing here:
Aggressor Fleet - Live Aboard Diving at its Best

Ready to experience the newest Aggressors? Sail over to Susan at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Susan@divetrip.com




Copyright Susan Young FIJI UPDATE -- Susan Young's Dispatches from Fiji

Island Dreams' dive travel specialist Susan Young has just returned from another familiarization trip to Fiji. A scuba instructor with her 100-ton ship captain's ticket, Susan lived for 15 years on the island of Grand Cayman, where she worked as a manager for Red Sail Sports.

When she travels on behalf of Island Dreams, Susan stays in touch with the office via emails which describe her experiences along the way. A compilation of her messages are reproduced in this report.
We hope that you will find Susan Young's unique insight and boundless enthusiasm helpful as you plan your own Fiji adventure.

Find it here: Susan Young's Dispatches from Fiji




Where's the kitchen sink? SAFE TRAVELS -- Travel Tips for the 21st Century

ALERT to New Baggage Weight Limitations -- This is an aspect of air travel that is currently experiencing immense change...and they are assuredly not making it any easier for the traveler.

Be advised that most domestic flights are now limiting passengers to a single checked bag, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds. A second bag may be checked, but at an additional charge of $25 to $100 or more per bag.

Some, but not all, international flights may still allow two bags at 50 pounds each. Overweight bags will be charged a penalty, or with increasing frequency simply denied loading aboard the aircraft. Carry-on bags are also being limited in both quantity and weight.

Don't be surprised at the gate. Phone your airline in advance, and/or check with their web site, and ascertain current baggage allowances. Then pack accordingly, or be prepared to pay extra.

Read the entire report here: Travel Tips for the 21st Century




NEW LIFT -- Singapore Airlines Now Flying from Houston

Singapore Airlines In an exciting turn of events, Singapore Airlines (airline code SQ) has just announced new service from Houston, Texas to Singapore, via Moscow. Now it will be possible to fly to Asia directly from Houston, making use of the world's top-rated airline.

This is an excellent new opportunity, affording easier travel to world-class diving destinations such as Bali, Manado, Raja Ampat, Wakatobi, and points beyond.

Find details here: SQ Begins Service from IAH




COMMENTS -- Guests Speak Out on Wakatobi

Wakatobi Dive Resort Island Dreams Ken Knezick has had plenty to say about Wakatobi...yes, he loves the place. But for another opinion, you can hear what a group of recent Wakatobi guests had to say for themselves.

Read the guest comments here: Wakatobi Guests Speak Out

Enjoy photos my Wakatobi guests: Wakatobi Guest Photo Gallery

Also see Ken Knezick's most recent Wakatobi Report: Wakatobi Update




TRAVEL REPORT -- Little Cayman Beach Resort

Jawfish with Eggs, copyright Tom Collier Thomas Collier, Travel Coordinator for the Houston Underwater Photographic Society, reports on the recent HUPS trip to Little Cayman Beach Reosort

"Bloody Bay Wall is an awesome dive location with many dive sites. The water was crystal clear with very little current - a perfect location for underwater photography. The corals were in good shape with plenty of the usual tropical fish. No large marine life to speak of with the exception of turtles, rays and the resident groupers (who are extremely friendly). A couple of reef sharks were spotted and an eagle ray was also seen several times. Sailfin blennies, jawfish (many with eggs), lobsters, sting rays and turtles were seen and photographed on most dives.

"A morning boat trip to the Tibbets, a Russian destroyer, sunk off Cayman Brac was another highlight of our trip. There is an modest additional charge for this excursion but well worth it. The wreck is an excellent location for wide-angle photography; although so is all of Bloody Bay Wall. Our only dilemma was what to shoot - Wide-angle or Macro? This dive trip to Little Cayman certainly offered up an abundance of both."

Read Tom Collier's complete story here: Little Cayman Report




Island Dreams Tours & Travel GROUP TRIPS -- Don't Miss the Dive Boat!

Our 2008 trips are filling quickly. If you'd like to join in a exciting group conducted tour, with new friends, good fun, and great diving...don't miss the boat! Now is the time to act.

Enjoy the world's finest diving with Island Dreams’ experienced divemasters and instructors. Our trips are designed for enjoyment, safety, and fun. Single diver?...no worries, we'll find you a dive buddy. A deposit of $500 per person guarantees your space; final payment is due 60 days prior to trip departure. You may pay with MC, VISA, AMEX, DISCOVER, or check. But remember that availability is limited, and please be advised that all dates of travel and prices are subject to change. Let's go diving!

Groups for 2008 and 2009:   Island Dreams' Conducted Group Tours




Scuba World's Tim Gregory & friends at Balicasag Island - Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams PHOTOS of the MONTH -- Underwater Philippines
a Photo Essay by Island Dreams' Ken Knezick

Island Dreams' owner Ken Knezick spent most of the month of June on a one-man whirlwind tour exploring Philippines' diving hot spots. Ken writes, "From Dumagete and Dauin on Negros Island, I enjoyed diving world-renowned Apo Island. Another favorite was the great critter dive at Ducom Pier. At Bohol, diving from Alona Beach on Panglao Island, my favorite dives were around nearby Balicasag Island. With sunny days and beautiful blue water, it was truly "aquarium diving."

"Another high point of my trip was a visit to Puerto Galera, diving with the pros of El Galleon Resort and Asia Divers. While this area is known for its critter and muck diving, I was excited to find great wide-angle photo opportunities at the Canyons and all around Verde Island."

Photos from all of these sites are represented in the gallery presented below. Ken points out that a multi-island trip like this sounds exciting, but packing up a mass of scuba and camera gear every third day was not the fun part. Will he get any sympathy? Not!!!

In any event, we hope you enjoy these photos, and will also have a look at Ken's Philippines Dive Report. Mabuhay!


Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Barnacle Blenny
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Sea Perch
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Yellow Boxfish
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Clownfish Family
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Gaimard Wrasse
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Map Puffer
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Striped Catfish
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Nembrotha Nudibranch
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Sabre Tooth Blenny
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Anemonefish
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Camouflage Master
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Let's Eat
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Sea Snake
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Schooling Anthias
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Mantis Shrimp
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams
Flatworm
Copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams -- All rights reserved.
Do not copy these images without prior explicit written permission.


Learn more about Philippines Diving:   Philippines Dive Report

Book a dive trip to the Philippines:   Philippines Scuba Diving Packages

Dive the world from your desk. Explore Island Dreams':   Destination Photo Galleries

Make some pictures of your own:   Join Ken Knezick on an upcoming Conducted Group Tour




Island Dreams Tours and Travel: We are a full service, wholesale travel agency, specializing in scuba diving and adventure travel. With a broad range of contacts and bulk airline contracts, we can help you with discount airfares and excellent travel values worldwide. But please also be advised that modern travel is a constantly changing environment. All prices, schedules, package inclusions, and product descriptions in this website are subject to availability and subject to change without further notice.

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It is our pleasure to serve you!


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