We are here to help and answer any questions you may have. If you do not find the information you are looking for in the FAQs below, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Please speak to your travel consultant who will be able to advise you if an entry visa is required for the destination you will be travelling to and if we can assist in arranging this for you. Ultimately the responsibility to source a visa for any destinations where it is required remains with the individual - please ensure that you have yours pre-booked or organised prior to departure. We are able to prearrange visas for Egypt (at the HRG, RMF and CAI airports).
When the trip is more than nine months away we will require an initial 10% deposit per person*. Nine months prior to departure, we will require a further 15% per person, making the total deposit payable 25%.
If the trip is within nine months, the full 25% deposit** will still be required (or full balance if within 12 weeks of departure).
However, if you would like to provisionally hold your package for 24 - 48 hours whilst you decide, we can see if this is possible. *These terms and conditions are only applicable to blue o two fleet vessels in the Egyptian Red Sea (M/Y blue Fin, M/Y blue Horizon, M/Y blue Melody and M/Y Red Sea Adventurer) and M/Y blue Voyager in the Maldives. ** Unless stated otherwise
We can organise flights from all over the world however when we are unable to organise flights, we will provide you with a quote for a package minus the flights. If you organise your own flights, we will need the details of these so that we can inform our ground crew and organise your transfers.
Travelling to the Red Sea:
Travelling from Denmark We can supply flights from Copenhagen and possibly Billund where charters or scheduled flights allow.
Travelling from Sweden We can supply flights from Copenhagen, Stockholm and possibly Gothenburg where charters or scheduled flights allow.
Travelling from Norway We can supply flights from Oslo or Swedish Airports where charters or scheduled flights allow.
Travelling to the Maldives:
Travelling from Denmark We can supply flights from Copenhagen where charters or scheduled flights allow.
Travelling from Sweden We can supply flights from Copenhagen or Stockholm where charters or scheduled flights allow.
Travelling from Norway We can supply flights from Oslo where charters or scheduled flights allow.
The flight to Male takes approximately 10 hours when flying direct from the UK, 13 hours when flying direct from Scandinavia, 18 hours from the USA (East Coast) with a stop-over in Dubai and 16 hours from South Africa with a stop-over in Dubai.
Introduced as a new security measure, HRG airport now require that batteries be removed from items such as torches and dive computers etc, if they are being carried as hand luggage. If you travel with such items in your hand luggage and batteries are not removed, there is a chance that they will be removed by airport security and disposed of. We therefore recommend that you pack battery operated items and their batteries in your hold luggage.
Egypt: We have an allocation between London Gatwick and Hurghada with Thomas Cook and Monarch Airlines. When this allocation is full we will purchase flights from Thomson and Easy Jet.
Maldives: We purchase flights from a number of airlines including; Thomson, BA and Sri Lankan for flights originating from the UK
Malta: We purchase flights through various airlines including Air Malta and Ryan Air from the UK.
Other worldwide destinations: We purchase flights from a number of airlines, depending on the final destination.
Yes, you will require travel insurance that also covers you for diving to your maximum planned depth as a minimum.
You can purchase travel insurance HERE Close
From 1st April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). British passports issued since October 2006 are ePassports and carry the internationally recognised symbol on the front cover. If you're in any doubt about whether you qualify for the VWP, or if you're concerned that an existing ESTA may have been cancelled due to the new rules, please contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
If you already have a manual, you must contact the dive centre you purchased your manual from and purchase from them a paper PIC. If you have purchased a manual from a friend or platform, PADI quotes that this is not a legitimate way of purchase.
If you are unable to return to the dive centre that you purchased the PADI manual from, you can purchase a PIC only from blue o two, providing you sign the student liability form. Please contact a member of the sales team for more information on 01752 480808.
We are now able to offer technical courses in the Red Sea, for more information please see HERE Close
Upon your return into the marina on Thursday afternoon, our representatives will advise you of your precise departure arrangements for the following day. Normally you will be expected to vacate the vessel between 9am and 10am on the following morning. On leaving the liveaboard and depending on your return flight times, you will be provided with local day use facilities. Please note this does not include the use of a hotel room although these may be available to book at an additional cost. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a hotel room for your last night or for day use. Please note that after breakfast no meals are provided so for late flights a lunch provision may be necessary. If you decide to upgrade to a hotel room on the final night of your trip, check in will be available from 2pm and check out will be at 12pm.
The Muck Stick, Pointer Stick or Lobster Tickle Stick is usually made of solid stainless steel or aluminum and is 12 to 18 inches long. Recent reports claim this device is being used - mostly by UW photographers - on coral reefs to stabilize themselves when close to the reef.
CDWS investigation concluded the following:
"The use of such rods to touch corals and marine organisms in order to stabilize photographers or divers negatively impacts the reefs, especially if widely used. Therefore, CDWS strongly forbids scuba divers and photographers to use these sticks in an attempt to promote an eco-friendly marine environment in the Red Sea."
Please see suggested wetsuit thicknesses below...
JAN: Full 5mm (2 pieces) to a dry suit
FEB: Full 5mm (2 pieces) to a dry suit
MAR: Full 5mm (1 or 2 pieces) to a 7mm
APR: Full 5mm to a 7mm (1 piece)
MAY: Full 3mm to a 5mm (1 piece)
JUN: 5mm shorty to a full 5mm (1 piece)
JUL: Shorty or a full 3mm (1 piece)
AUG: Shorty or a full 3mm (1 piece)
SEPT: Shorty or a full 5mm (1 piece)
OCT: Full 3mm to a 7mm (1 piece)
NOV: Full 5mm (1 or pieces)
DEC: Full 5mm (2 pieces) to a dry suit
blue o two provides a pre-arranged Visa Meet & Greet service, available at the Hurghada HRG, RMF Marsa Alam and Cairo CAI airports. In Hurghada and Marsa Alam, it is a flat fee (depending on exchange rates) and we have a blue o two representative at a booth in the immigration hall. In Cairo, the fee depends on the number of passengers booking the service together and there will be a representative with a blue o two sign before you reach the immigration counters.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Egypt.
We are able to pre-arrange for most nationalities including UK, EU and USA. Please visit the following website of the Egpytian Consulate for current visa eligibility including visa upon arrival: http://www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk/visas.php
We require all passengers arriving into Hurghada on the same day as embarkation to use our pre-arranged visa service in order to avoid lengthy delays that may affect your transfer and other passengers. If you have booked our pre-arranged Visa Meet & Greet service please do not purchase another visa on arrival from a local agent - if you are harassed by a local agent, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.
On some of our vessels, we do have the added bonus of a Jacuzzi, which guests are free to use at any time when the vessel is moored up. If you would like to use the Jacuzzi, we ask that you make a request to a crew member 30mins prior, so that they can prepare the tub for you. The Jacuzzi should not be used during crossings and will be emptied at these times.
You are able to select your favourite cabin on one of our blue o two fleet vessels ahead of departure, subject to availability, for a small charge. Contact your dive travel consultant to check availability. Current charges can be found on the vessel 'Extras' page, for example HERE
Cabins: M/Y blue Fin & M/Y blue Horizon
Every cabin boasts a mini bar, en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with a hard drive containing movies and TV series'. In addition the saloon is equipped with a large plasma screen with a HDMI lead to enable you to connect devices. Bath towels and dressing gowns are provided for every guest so don't feel you need to bring these.
Cabins: M/Y blue Melody & M/Y Red Sea Adventurer
Every cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with a hard drive containing movies and TV series'. In addition the saloon is equipped with a large plasma screen with a HDMI lead, to enable you to connect devices. Bath towels and dressing gowns are provided for every guest so don't feel you need to bring these.
We have a hot water system on board all of our vessels, which provide an ample amount of hot water for all guests to shower. Please note you should be prepared for a drop in water pressure or a breakdown in supplies, particularly when everybody is trying to shower at the same time. You should also be aware that the plumbing & water heating systems on-board vessels are not as efficient & sophisticated as those which we are used to in hotels or at home.
The electricity supply onboard all four of our Egyptian Red Sea fleet vessels is European two-pin 220V/50Hz.
We have designated charging points for charging camera and torch batteries on-board the vessel. We ask that you do not charge batteries in your cabin whilst not present for fire safety reasons.
All four blue o two fleet vessels, M/Y blue Fin, M/Y blue Horizon, M/Y blue Melody and M/Y Red Sea Adventurer have been kitted out with wireless internet access.
The Wi-Fi can be used onboard FREE OF CHARGE and will be available where there is a signal for email and web browsing. Please note that Egyptian internet is not of European standard and access will be limited (mainly available when closer to land).
Mobile phones can be used onboard the vessels but please note that there may not be mobile phone reception at certain dive sites on certain itineraries. There is more reception in the North.
TVs in the communal areas are equipped with an Apple TV and a hard drive containing movies and TV series. The Apple TV is a digital media player allowing you to wirelessly stream your own digital library (photos, music, movies, etc…) onto the main TV or watch content from our library on your own device. If you have an IOS device, ensure that it is up-to-date and has AirPlay capabilities. No further setups will be needed. If you have an Android device, you can download an appropriate application (such as All Cast) to make both devices communicate.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct vaccines for a given destination and if there is any doubt, then you should consult your doctor. We cannot give specific advice on what vaccines or other medical precautions you should consider as this information should be provided by a doctor.
Hyperbaric facilities are located in:
- Dahab - El Gouna - Hamata - Hurghada - Marsa Alam - Safaga - Sharm el Sheikh
Please note that this list is subject to unnannouced changes.
For up to date information please contact the CDWS (Chamber of Diving and Watersports)
We are now able to offer technical courses in the Red Sea, for more information please see our Technical Diving page HERE Close
Before travelling, check that blue o two offers the correct grade scrubber for your unit. We recommend you provide us with the model and brand of rebreather you use, so that we can ensure the cylinders will fit and that there is enough oxygen onboard to fill them. If you decide to rent from blue o two, we will cater for all your needs; however, if you decide to travel with your own cylinders and scrubber, please ensure you follow the current airlines regulations on transport.
While packing, make sure that you have spare cells, batteries and o-rings for your unit as these are virtually impossible to find in Egypt. Pack your unit carefully so that it will withstand harsh luggage handling and, if possible, we recommend that all electronic components go into your hand luggage.
Check with your airline about their weight allowance. All airlines have different rules and it is often better paying for any extra luggage in advance to save money. If you have paid for extra luggage, make sure you print your confirmation and all the terms and conditions relating to the extra weight to take to check in with your diving license.
You will find advice about the transfer timings for your particular trip on your blue o two Booking Confirmation. However, if you are unsure, please don't hesitate to ask your blue o two Dive travel consultant prior to your departure. The following should be used as a guide: - Hurghada Airport - Hurghada Marina (vessel departing from Hurghada) = 15mins - Hurghada Airport - Port Ghalib (vessel departing from Port Ghalib) = 4 hours - Hurghada Airport - Marsa Alam (vessel departing from Marsa Alam) = 4.5 hours
On longer transfers, snacks and water will be provided. The times quoted are direct travelling times and do not take into account stops on route to allow guests to stretch their legs. You will be transferred from the airport to your vessel upon arrival and from your vessel back to the airport on your departure. Wherever possible, a blue o two representative will accompany you. Please note that due to the nature of the roads in holiday resorts, it is not always possible for our coaches to drive all the way to the docking point of our vessels within the marina. For the marinas which are set back from the main road, the coaches will drop passengers off at the nearest point on the main road and passengers will disembark and walk the remainder of the way to the vessel. blue o two crews will take care of your luggage and ensure that it is safely delivered to the vessel. Please note that if you are making your own travel arrangements you will be able to check in on the vessel after 6pm. We will always try our best to welcome your beforehand whenever possible, but the vessels need time to be properly stocked and cleaned before your arrival.
When packing for a diving holiday, we all know how important it is to keep your weight down, so here are some handy hints on useful things you might want to consider packing and others that are not necessary!
What to pack (apart from the obvious!)...
- A warm top - it can get a bit windy and chilly out at sea in the evenings. - There are no hairdryers onboard and so bring one if this is something you want. - SUNCREAM!!! - protect your skin! The Egyptian sun is very strong - don't get burnt! - SUNGLASSES!!! - protect your eyes! It is sunny almost all year in Egypt and as the boats are white, it can be very bright! - Any medication you may need - there are well stocked medical kits onboard, but if you know you are prone to ear problems or sea sickness, it is best to come prepared!
What not to pack...
- Towels - shower towels and a large beach towel are provided for every guest as well as a flannel robe which can be very useful on deck after a night dive! - Adapters - although plugs are European 2 pin, there are plenty of extension leads with UK sockets on deck for guest use. - Smart clothes - liveaboards are informal places and you will almost certainly find yourself wearing the same pair of shorts and t-shirt all week! - Shoes - it is not permitted to wear shoes onboard for safety reasons and so you really only need the pair you travel in.
You can leave feedback about your holiday on board our Red Sea vessels by clicking on the appropriate vessel link below:
M/Y blue Fin M/Y blue Horizon M/Y blue Melody
For itineraries that include marine park dives, you must be a PADI Open Water diver or equivalent and have logged a minimum of 30 dives.
For itineraries that do not include marine park dives, we recommend a minimum 30 logged dives for your enjoyment. On some occasions we do accept divers with less than 30 dives, however for safety reasons they must understand that depending on conditions, the dive guide may ask them to sit some dives out.
The use of reef hooks is permitted in the Maldives. Guests onboard M/Y blue Voyager can purchase reef hooks on board for US $25. Guests onboard M/V Sachika, would need to bring their own reef hooks as they are not available to rent or purchase.
Yes there are currents (ranging from gentle to strong) in the Maldives and some atolls offer more 'channel' diving such as Felidhu/Vaavu, Meemu, Laamu.
The Maldivian government (MOT) states that decompression diving is prohibited in the Maldives. Only no decompression diving is allowed.
The Maldivian government (MOT) states that the maximum depth for all recreational diving in the Maldives is 30 metres.
According to the Maldivian government (MOT), all divers should carry the following with them during all recreation diving activities:
a) Mask, snorkel & fins b) Regulator with submersible pressure gauge and alternative air source or redundant air supply c) Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) vest with oral and low pressure inflator d) Time and depth measuring device e) Emergency signalling device comprising inflatable surface balloon and whistle
During all night diving activities divers should be equipped with:
f) Underwater torch and night signalling device (per diver) g) Surface marker buoy (SMB)
From January 2012, diving will no longer be permitted in Hanifaru Bay, only snorkelling will be allowed. This is a Marine Protected Area, snorkeling is regulated with regarding to number of people and length of time snorkeling and requires a fee which will be paid locally.
Technical diving is not offered on any of our liveaboards in the Maldives because the Maldivian government does not allow decompression diving.
We offer a wide range of exciting diving itineraries from the far north to the deep south of the stunning Maldives. We also offer specialty itineraries including our 'In Focus' photography and 'Project Shark' safaris. To see all of our current itineraries in more detail please click HERE.
Diving in the Maldives, especially from liveaboards, is for more experienced divers that are certified to a depth of at least 30 meters and are comfortable with moderate to strong currents. For your comfort, we recommend that divers have a minimum of 30 logged dives for most itineraries. Negative entries and drift dives are to be expected. For southern itineraries the currents tend to be strong and the water is deeper so we recommend that divers have a minimum of 100 logged dives.
Night diving in the Maldives is more difficult due to the currents and it is not always possible. In the Central and Northern Maldives, there is often one or two night dives offered per week, at the discretion of the captain and dive guides. In the Southern Maldives, night dives are not possible due to the strong currents.
Nitrox is available onboard M/Y blue Voyager, M/V Sea Spirit and M/V Sachika.
We can usually cater for rebreather divers on board M/Y blue Voyager and M/V Sea Spirit but we must have advanced notice as the extra cylinders and Sofnolime have extremely limited availability.
There are five recompression chambers are available in Maldives. The largest and longest operating recompression chamber is on Bandos Island (15 minutes by speedboat from Malé). The others are located on Cinnamon Alidhoo Resort, Villingili Resort in Addu, Kuramathi Resort, and Kandholhudhoo Islands.
The Maldives is tropical all year round and water temperatures range from 27°C to 29°C.
The Maldivian government (MOT) states that solo diving in the Maldives is prohibited.
Once you have disembarked the liveaboard vessel, you may have some time before your flight home in which you may want to explore the local area. There is the option to store your luggage at Male Airport in a luggage room at the cost of $5 per item or $10 per oversized/heavy item. This can be found by visiting the main information desk in the airport.
We recommend that guests bring along any overnight essentials in their hand luggage. This ensures that in case of any unexpected luggage delays, guests will at least have the essentials on hand making any delay far more bearable.
Alcohol is available for purchase onboard M/V Sachika, however it is not permitted to take duty free into the Maldives.
Hairdryers are available on request.
Internet is available on request onboard M/V Sachika for $0.50 per min, however your own personal laptop or mobile phone will be required.
-All payments onboard are possible in cash USD$ only or by Credit Cards (MasterCard and VISA, with a 4% fee).
Plug sockets onboard M/V Sachika are European 3pin.
The recommended tip onboard M/V Sachika is $7 - $8 per day.
Alcohol is available for purchase onboard M/V Sea Spirit, however it is not permitted to bring alcohol into the Maldives so please do not buy any duty free alcohol in the airports.
Dive equipement available for hire on board the M/V Sea Spirit includes: BCD, Regulator, Computer, Torch (including batteries), Nitrox fills, 3ltr 100% O2, 130 Bar. 15ltr tank and 3ltr tank - Rebreather are also available for hire on board but must be booked in advance. Please note, wetsuits, mask/fins/snorkel are not available for hire, so please make sure you have your own.
Click HERE for a full M/V Sea Spirit extras and equipment price list.
Internet is available on board for $10 per person for the duration of your trip. Signal may be intermittent throughout the course of your liveaboard trip. E-mailing is generally not a problem but streaming TV or uploading large files may not be possible depending on the signal strength. No refunds will be given for any service interruption due to network overload of service providers.
Payments on board can be made in US dollars cash or credit / debit cards. We are currently unable to take Switch/Solo/Maestro cards, and travellers cheques are not accepted. Should you have any questions about onboard payment methods, please contact your blue o two representative.
Plug sockets on board the M/V Sea Spirit are standard UK three pin with 220V output. Should you require an adaptor, please inform the crew. However, we recommend that guests bring adaptors with them to ensure that they have one readily available.
The recommended tip is U$D10 per night spent on board per guest. Tips are greatly appreciated if you feel that you received a great service and can only be paid in cash.
Bed sheets and bath towels are provided and changed regularly. However, guests should bring their own beach towels.
Wine, beer and spirits are available for purchase on board. Please be aware that it is illegal to take alcohol into the country so please do not purchase any in duty free.
Most people like to indulge during holidays. There are times however, when alcohol is best avoided. We will not allow guests to dive after consuming alcohol. Therefore, if you are planning to enjoy an afternoon or night dive, we recommend that you avoid alcohol with lunch. Similarly, diving with a hangover can seriously impair your judgement and increase the risk of decompression sickness. If we feel that you are not fit to dive, you will be asked politely to sit out of the morning dive. It is important for you to acknowledge that we will only ever do this to protect your safety. We will not tolerate anti-social or aggressive behaviour onboard and individuals who cause a disturbance to other guests may be removed from the vessel.
You are able to select your favourite cabin ahead of departure, subject to availability, for a small charge. Contact your dive travel consultant to check availability. Current charges can be found on the vessel 'Extras' page, for example HERE
For every dive, you will use the "pangas". They are tenders from where you will roll backwards in to the water. After your dive, your tank will be lifted back into the "panga" and you will board via its stern ladders or with assistance from the side.
While night dives are permitted in the Galapagos, due to conditions it is not often possible. The 4th day dive may be substituted for a night dive, but as this is only possible within a sheltered cove with minimal current, this averages about 1 night dive per itinerary.
Decompression dives or technical dives are not allowed due to the remoteness of the Galapagos, local diving regulations and insurance requirements.
There is no depth limits set by law or the National Park authorities, however, you will be restricted by your qualification and dive insurance depth limit. You will also have to dive at all times with a Galapagos National Park dive guide.
You must have a proof of diving and travel insurance due to the nature of this trip.
All the dives will be guided by an instructor/naturalist guide and due to Galapagos National Park regulations, all divers must dive with a guide at ALL TIMES.
The flights to the Galapagos originate in Quito, making a quick stop at Guayaquil, then carrying on to the islands. The flights do the reverse on the way back. The flights to and from the Galapagos is are often delayed and that is why at least an overnight stay is strongly advised at the end of your trip in order not to miss your international flight home.
There are two companies operating this route and they have daily flight. (TAME & Aerogal) We will primarily use TAME as we have strong relationship with them. Both of these companies use airports in Galapgos, Baltra and San Cristobal. Should the National Park authorities request a change of itinerary, we will not have a problem flying you to another other airport. The seats are held in bulk by the ground agent and the tickets will not be issued until a week before the liveaboard's departure. The schedule and prices of these flights change very often and, unfortunately, this is beyond our control. Should the price increase after you've paid your balance, the difference will have to be paid by you.
The nearest Recompression Chamber is actually on the Galapagos Islands, located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz and can be reached within 5 minutes by car from the harbour
This will vary according to the National Park authorities. As a rule of thumb, any inhabited island is open to visitors, while the un-inhabited are off-limit.
If possible, try to pack your regulator, your mask, your medications and a swimsuit change. In addition, we recommend that guests bring along any overnight essentials in their hand luggage. This ensures that in case of any unexpected luggage delays, guests will at least have the essentials on hand making any delay far more bearable.
The luggage allowance on your flight from the UK to Ecuador will vary according to the airline. Please contact us for queries on this subject. However, there is a strict weight limit on checked-in and hand luggage on the flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos:
" Each passenger is allowed ONE checked bag of 20kg (approx. 44 pounds) " Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag up to 8kg (approx. 17 pounds)
Each additional kilogram from Guayaquil is charged at U$ 1.75 and must be paid in CASH upon check in. *Prices are subject to change at very short notice.*
The M/V Galapagos Master is fit with both 220 V and 110 V US style sockets. Although universal adaptors will be available onboard, we recommend that you bring your own along with you to ensure that you will have access to an adaptor whenever you require.
Beer, wine and a selection of sprits and cocktails are available for purchase on board the M/V Galapagos Master.
No children under the age of 16 (unless full charter) and 16 - 18 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Guests are advised to bring with them T-shirts, shorts, swimwear, sensible footwear for any island visits, as well as long trousers / skirt / sarong and pullover / jacket for cooler nights.
The following equipment is available on board the M/V Galapagos Master for rental. Please refer to our extras page for additional information on pricing. The use of a dive computer is compulsory on the M/VGalapagos Master.
The M/V Galapagos Master is stocked with a fully equipped medical first aid kit, designed to treat minor ailments and injuries. In addition, our kit can assist in helping trained medical professionals in remote locations. Medical grade oxygen is in place in the vessel. An AED is also on board.
Guests on board the M/V Galapagos Master will have a choice of International and Asian cuisine. All food is served in the dining area as a buffet spread.
Mobile phones that have a roaming option will likely function while you're onboard the M/V Galapagos Master. However, some remote areas may have very weak coverage or no coverage at all. Due to the remote locations that the M/V Galapagos Master sails, Internet connection is not available on board. A satellite phone which is present on board can be used in case of any emergency.
Each guest on board the M/V Galapagos Master must pay a $35 Hyperbaric fee. This is payable on board the vessel. In addition, the $100 Galapagos National Park Tax is due upon arrival at the San Cristobal Airport and must be paid in cash. The $10 Ingala Transfer Card must be paid upon your arrival at Guayaquil Airport, and again must be paid in cash. We advise that guests bring $250-400, on top of the $35 Hyperbaric fees, should they wish to purchase any optional extras while on board the Galapagos Master. Please note that we cannot currently accept credit card payments on Galapagos Master. We accept payment in USD, Euro, GBP, AUD and NZD. In addition to hyperbaric chamber fees, guests are advised to bring enough USD (or equivalent currency) for any optional extras and tips.
All special dietary requirements, whether allergy or simply personal preference, can be catered to. Please inform us prior to arrival to ensure there are plenty of dishes to suit your needs.
Crew gratuities are not included in your package. Tips are at your discretion; should you feel that the crew on board have gone above and beyond in making your trip as memorable and comfortable as possible, tips would be greatly appreciated. If you woul like to show your thanks for all their hard work, then you can leave a tip in the envelope provided. Please hand this directly to the Captain. Please note that all gratuities are divided equally between the eleven members of crew, including the guides. If you are unsure how much to tip, other liveaboards in the Galapagos typically propose a figure around 10% of the cost of your cruise, or just $60-$70/day in our case. Please note that we cannot currently accept credit card payments on Galapagos Master. We accept payment/cash in USD, Euro, GBP, AUD and NZD.
All linens and towels are provided on board. Hairdryers will be provided in your cabin. Shower gel will be provided, however you should bring any additional beauty products you may require such as shampoo and sunscreen on board with you.
Our vessels are specially equipped for photographers and videographers. The M/V Galapagos Master includes camera tables both inside and outside for preparation of equipment. In addition, guests have access to large storage drawers and large fresh water rinsing tanks which are frequently changed.
The voltage onboard is 110V, but the charging station also has 220V. The plugs onboard are of type A or B and the vessel does not have adaptors.
You are allowed to bring your own duty free alcohol onboard the vessel. The ship is also stocked with a choice of local Ecuadorian alcoholic beverages. Premium and imported alcohol can be arranged with notice and prices will vary.
Tank valves: Tanks onboard are INT fittings only. DIN adaptors can be hired for additional costs but this must be prebooked.
Lunch and dinner will usually consist of lots of fresh vegetables, rice, chicken, beef, pork and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, ham, cereal, toast and fresh fruits. Snacks are available between the dives. If you have any dietary restrictions and/or requests, please let us know in advance. Please note that specific brands of soft drinks, dressings and food are often unavailable in the islands, and that it can be VERY difficult to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruits, fish and other items common elsewhere.
Please make sure to inform us and we will try the best to accommodate your dietary requirements, but be aware that you may have to bring some of your own food if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk or seriously compromise your holidays.
You may pay your final bill at the end of the week using cash or credit cards (VISA or Mastercard). American Express, traveller's cheques and personal cheques are not accepted. Gratuities are best paid in cash, as this avoids any additional Ecuadorian taxes and service fees. Please note there will be an 8% surcharge to use credit cards.
Personal Locator Beacons (or Personal EPIRB's) are to be worn on ALL dives in the Galapagos. Humboldt Explorer offers free hire, but they should be reserved in advance.
Crew gratuities are not included in your package. The crew work very hard in order to provide you with the best service. The standard for crew tips (if you are happy with the service) is between 10% and 15% of the package price per passenger and your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
All linens and towels are provided onboard. Soaps will be supplied, but no hairdryers are available.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct vaccines for a given destination and if there is any doubt then you should consult your doctor. We cannot give specific advice on what vaccines or other medical precautions you should consider as this information should be provided by a doctor.
Bali's hyperbaric chamber is at Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar. Tasik Divers Bali carries Medical oxygen as well as a Medical First Aid Kit and as much Mineral water as needed (we advice minimum 4L/pax/day) to all of the dive sites we visit.
Bali is located close to the equator in the tropics. It is generally humid and there are mosquitoes, however malaria Prophylaxis is not necessary for your visit. Another disease transmitted through mosquitoes is the Dengue Fever. Unlike Malaria, there are no tablets available that prevent you from catching this and it is important that you check for the most recent information concerning the Dengue Fever. These mosquitoes are also active during the day and breed around stagnant water such as puddles, water tanks, used tires and flower pots. Malaria and dengue can be prevented by using a mosquito net, applying plenty of repellent and covering up with appropriate clothing. It is always good to contact your local health facility for the latest updated advice before travelling.
Your diving and resort bill will be added up together and the method of payments accepted for paying this bill are: all major credit cards, U$D cash, EUR cash and IDR cash.
Manado airport is serviced four times per week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat) direct from Singapore by Silk Air, the regional carrier of Singapore Airlines. There are also several daily flights from Jakarta and Bali. Our staff will greet you at the airport terminal. If you are flying from Jakarta, Bali or another Indonesian city, domestic flights typically impose a weight restriction of 20kg per person. Excess luggage is charged per kilo and is payable in Indonesian Rupiah at the airport. We can assist in securing domestic flight reservations if you are planning an extended vacation in Indonesia.
The resort is located on Lembeh Island, approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Manado airport, followed by a 10-minute boat ride.
There are plenty of chemists and dentists in close by Bitung and the general hospital in Manado has a good recompression chamber.
The electrical supply is 220-240 volts but the camera room has sockets with both 110 and 220 volts. The plugs used in resort are the same as those used in continental Europe.
Tipping is optional and is up to you to decide the amount you think is suitable for the service you have you received. Tips are greatly appreciated by all of the staff and as a guideline we recommend U$D 15 per day / per person for the diving centre staff and U$D 15 per person / per day for the resort staff.
For daily clothing, it's normally shorts and T-shirt by day (even if it rains, because it's warm tropical rain) and at night the dress code is casual. For diving, we suggest a 3mm or 5mm one-piece (or dive-skin for those who don't get easily chilled). We recommend a full suit over a shorty to protect you against any stinging hydroids.
North Sulawesi is located close to the equator in the tropics. It is generally humid and there are mosquitoes. There are cases of malaria and dengue fever, so we do recommend you bring plenty of repellent and appropriate clothing and that you consult with your doctor before your trip for the most up-to-date advice on anti-malarial drugs, as well as other recommended vaccinations.
Generally speaking, the "official" rainy season begins in November and continues through March. However, it is unusual to have continuous rain during the day. The norm is for it to rain at night, ending by early morning. Occasionally rain showers begin in the afternoon but typically do not last long. The rain should not therefore interfere with any diving.
Local brand beer is free of charge and a range of other alcohol is available for purchase.
Dress code on board our yacht is very casual and most guests feel comfortable in little more than swim wear, shorts and t-shirts. However, we ask our guests to put a t-shirt over the swimwear while seated at the dining area. A sweater is advised for cooler nights, particularly after multiple dives. Guests prefer bare feet on board the yacht; however island visits will require sturdy sandals or trainers.
All special food requirements whether allergy or simply personal preference can be catered for. Please inform us prior to arrival to ensure there are plenty of dishes to suit your needs.
The following equipment is for rental at an extra charge of €5 per day. - Underwater torch - Dive computer* * Please note that the use of a dive computer is compulsory.
The following equipment is available free of charge: - 12Ltr cylinders (15Ltr cylinder by special request, depending on availability) - Weight belt and weights - BCD - not weight-integrated - Regulator - complete with alternate air source and depth/pressure gauge - Wetsuits - 3mm shorty only - Mask - Fins - full foot or open heel and boots
On board the yacht are both 220V and 110V with 2 round pin sockets. (European style) Please make sure you bring universal adapter with you if necessary. On land 220/250 volts AC, 50Hz but 110 volts is still used in some areas. Plugs used are European-style with two circular metal pins.
The S/Y Indo Siren is equipped with basic first aid supplies and emergency oxygen. The Komodo area is very remote and there are no hospitals in the area that can deal with a diving emergency. The nearest recompression chamber is on Bali at the hospital in Denpasar and to reach it requires the use of private emergency air evacuation. With this in mind it is mandatory that our guests purchase dive specific insurance, such as DAN, before their trips.
- Passport valid 6 months from date of entry with one completely empty page for Indonesian visa sticker. - 25 USD (must be new crisp notes) or Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) equivalent in cash if you need a tourist visa on arrival (there are NO ATMs inside immigration, so you will need to bring it with you from home) - ticket departing Indonesia within 30 days of arrival to prove - approx 50,000 IDR in cash for domestic departure airport tax - approx200,00 IDR in cash for international departure airport taxes - copy of the ID page of passport x 3 - Marine park & Port fees in cash (the currencies we accept on the boat are EUR, GBP, USD & IDR) - approx 200-300EUR spending money on the boat & tips in cash - all toiletries/medications - sunscreen - insect repellent - hat - sunglasses - light coloured/light weight top for bright afternoons or breezy evenings - 5mm full length wetsuit. - dive certification card - proof of diving insurance which covers emergency evacuation & recompression chamber costs - Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend guests to obtain travel insurance as we cannot be held liable for any delays which occur during the cruise, nor delays / cancellations of the flights & transfers we organised on your behalf.
Smoking onboard is only permitted in designated (outdoor) areas.
Meals onboard range from mild local dishes to Western cuisine. There is a variety of fresh fruit available at all times and all dishes are served with the freshest vegetables and highest quality seafood and meats available. There is always a range of dishes served at each meal time to ensure that all guests are satisfied and full! Guests may help themselves throughout the day and night to a variety of soft drinks, purified water, juices, teas and fresh brewed coffee. Rehydration/ mineral salts are available free of charge and recommended to all divers.
S/Y Indo Siren offers special features for underwater photographers and videographers including: - Each cabin is fitted with an individual computer and multiple power sources for editing and charging needs. The computer features a 20" high definition flat screen which is integrated with the yacht's network server in the saloon. - Work stations for the preparation and maintenance of cameras including prep and storage areas. - Large rinsing tanks with fresh water changed frequently.
Your diving and resort bills are to be paid separately - diving direct with the dive centre and resort bill with the resort. Methods accepted for paying these bill are: credit cards (VISA, MASTER & AMEX) and cash (Rupiah, U$D and EUR).
The resort is located just outside from Manado and is approximately 30 minutes' drive from Manado airport.
There are plenty of chemists, dentists and doctors in Manado and also a recompression chamber.
Officially Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), however U$D is the most widely used. The Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. The approximate exchange rate is 14,000IDR for £1GBP (Nov 2011). Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops. ATM machines are plentiful around the airports, resort areas and ports.
Applicable to ALL departures. For domestic flights it is 30,000 Rupiah and for International it is 100,000 Rupiah.
Voltage is 220v or 240v AC with a rounded-type two pin (Type C, E and F) and in some remote locations, 110-130v AC are still in use.
There are around 580 languages and dialects in use in Indonesia, but Bahasa Indonesian is the official language. English is widely spoken, in all the major touristic destinations.
All travellers must be in possession of a passport that is valid at least for six months from the date of arrival, with at least 2 blank pages left, and must have proof of onward/return journey. An entry visa is arranged upon arrival for most nationalities, and is valid for 30 days. The visa can be purchased at the airport for a cost of 35 US$ - please ensure that you have clean notes and correct change.
With 8 providers, Indonesia has excellent mobile phone coverage and a great telephone system, however, in less populated areas; you may find that there is no mobile coverage. The country code is +62 or 0062. To call the UK from Indonesia, dial +44 or 0044 and remove the first 0 from the area code of the number you are calling.
There are 3 time zones in Indonesia from UTC+7 to UTC+9.
Indonesia's climate is tropical. There is no autumn or winter but there are distinctive wet and dry seasons each year. The East Monsoon, from June to September, brings dry weather while the West Monsoon, from December to March is moisture-laden, bringing rain. Temperatures range from 21°C - 33°C, except at higher altitudes which can be much cooler. Heaviest rainfalls are usually recorded in December and January and humidity is generally between 75% and 100%.
You will need a tourist visa to enter Indonesia, which can be issued on arrival at the airport for citizens of most nationalities. A 30 day visa costs US$25. Clean, crisp $20 & $5 notes will help speed up the transaction at the airport (Rupiah also is accepted). Alternatively, you may apply for a visa before you leave home by contacting the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your country. For further up-to-date information about travel matters, please visit Indonesia's Department of Foreign Affairs website at www.deplu.go.id to find the embassy or consulate nearest to you.
Currently there are re-compression facilities in: Batangas, Manila, Cebu and Subic. Generally private emergency air evacuation is needed to access these facilities in the unlikely event of an accident. We strongly urge that all guests dive well within recognised limits, follow Dive Guides advice and purchase adaquete dive insurance before their trips.
Dress code onboard is very casual and most guests feel comfortable in little more than swim wear, shorts and t-shirts. However, guests are asked to put a t-shirt over the swimwear while seated at the dining area. A sweater is advised for cooler nights, particularly after multiple dives. Guests prefer bare feet on board the yacht; however island visits will require sturdy sandals or cross-trainers.
For each dives a guide is offered to enhance your enjoyment. Dive guides can often point out the small critter subjects that you might otherwise miss and guided groups are organised dependent on experience and diver needs. The Cruise Directors provides a detailed briefing before every dive allowing those with more experience the option to plan your dive with your buddy and dive independently from the guides. Tenders remain out on standby keeping watch until the last divers have returned.
On board the yacht we have both 220V and 110V with 2 round pin sockets. (European style) Please make sure you bring universal adapter with you if necessary. Electrical current on land is 220 Volts with the US-style flat 2-pin sockets.
The S/Y Philippine Siren is equipped with a thorough first aid kit and emergency oxygen.
Port and marine park fees vary. Please see S/Y Philippine Siren Extras for more information.
- Most foreign nationals do not need to obtain a visa before entering the Philippines for stays up to 21days. Please go to the following link for more information: http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/consularservices/visa - Passport valid for 6 months beyond the contemplated period of stay in the Philippines - Ticket departing from the Philippines within 21 days of arrival - Approx. 200 PHP in cash for domestic departure airport tax - Approx 800 PHP in cash for international departure airport taxes - Overweight baggage fees. Varies from 100 – 1500 PHP per kilo depending on route and airline. Please check with the airline or your travel agent - Marine park & Port fees (the currencies accepted on the boat are EUR,GBP, USD & PHP) - Approx. 200-300EUR spending money on the boat and tips.Visa and Master Cards are accepted but 3% surcharge applies - All toiletries/medications - Sunscreen - Insect repellent - Hat - Light coloured/light weight top for bright afternoons or breezy evenings - 5mm long wetsuit if you feel the cold easily. Our rental suit is 3mm shorties only. Predicted Average Water Temperatures in the Philippines: 26-28C / 79-82F - Dive certification card - Proof of diving insurance which covers emergency evacuation and recompression chamber costs - Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that properly covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking.
S/Y Philippine Siren offers special features for underwater photographers and videographers including: - Each cabin is fitted with an individual computer and multiple power sources for editing and charging needs. The computer features a 20" high definition flat screen which is integrated with the yacht's network server in the saloon. - Work stations for the preparation and maintenance of cameras including prep and storage areas. - Large rinsing tanks with fresh water changed frequently.
S/Y Philippine Siren: Clothing and Footwear
Water temperatures are broadly similar throughout the region; the coolest waters are usually to be found in January – March with an average of approximately 24 C – 26 C. Warmer waters are common in May – July with averages of approximately 26 °C – 28 °C. Most guests find that a 3mm shorty and possibly a rash vest is suitable for the water temperature in the warmer months, and 3mm – 5mm long for the rest of the year. However, for guests who feel the cold easily, especially with repeated diving, then we recommend to bring an extra vest / hood. In short bring what you feel most comfortable in!
Passengers travelling within the Philippines are required to pay airport terminal fees. These can be from 20PHP - 200PHP for domestic flights and 750PHP for outbound international flights. Please ensure that you retain enough cash to pay these fees upon departure.
The Philippines is a tropical country and the weather is fairly even all year round. The year is roughly divided into two seasons; 'rainy' and 'dry'. The rainy season generally begins in early June and can extend through to November. In general the months with greatest rainfall tend to be July and August. The rainy season often brings days of uninterrupted sunshine punctuated by occasional thunderstorms and rain. The dry season runs from November through to May but there is always the chance of light rainfall during this period. The warmest months are usually March through to May and the highest humidity is in June, July and August. Year round coastal and inland temperatures range from 27°C - 28°C, up to 33°C - 34°C, with an average of approximately 31 °C. Evenings are marginally cooler.
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (Php). The vast majority of all hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants will accept a wide range of credit and debit cards. Please note that in some cases away from the major cities you may be asked to pay a service charge for credit card handling. This can range from 3.5 - 6.0%. ATM's are easily found throughout the Philippines in airports and in any major centre of population (Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete, Puerto Princesa, Boracay etc). Normal banking hours are 09.00am - 15.00pm. Traveller's cheques are not very popular as they are not very easy to exchange so most guests prefer to carry cash and / or use credit cards. There are also money changers at airports and in the cities.
Approximate flight duration time from London, UK to Malia, Philippines is 15 hours.
Current studies show that you should wait at least 24 hours after multiple repetitive dives before you fly. Please have this in mind before you book your onwards international or domestic flights.
Health standards vary throughout the country depending on location. In some cases they do not meet Western Standards but in some cases they exceed them. Manila and Cebu have international class hospitals whilst the hospitals in other parts of the country will ensure that you receive more than adequate care. All major towns have hospitals and doctors available. However, it is advisable to obtain Travel Insurance in addition to Health Insurance before you travel. We advise all guests to ensure that vaccinations are up to date. We recommend that travelers follow normal precautions with food in order to prevent stomach upsets, and be sure to drink either boiled or bottled water only. Please consult your doctor or nearest health authorities for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure.
Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday. It is mandatory that you purchase travel insurance that properly covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking.
There are over 170 different languages and dialects spoken in the Philippines, however, Tagalog (aka Filipino) is the most widely spoken language in the archipelago. Nearly all Filipinos who work in the tourism industry speak good English, and English road and street signs are found nationwide. Almost 90% of the population is Christian. The largest religious minority is Muslim, and they make up about 5% of the population.
The Philippines has excellent mobile phone coverage and telephone system, however, in less populated areas; you may find that there is no mobile coverage. The country code is +63 or 0063. To call the UK from the Philippines, dial +44 or 0044 and remove the first 0 from the area code of the number you are calling.
The local time is 8 hours ahead of UTC (GMT).
All travellers must be in possession of a passport that is valid at least for six months from the date of departure. Most foreign nationals do not need to obtain a visa before entering the Philippines for stays up to 21days and it is possible to extend your stay beyond this by visiting an Immigration Office while in the country and obtaining a visa extension. Visa and Passport regulations are in a constant state of flux and we always advise guests to check for updates and changes at your local Filipino Embassy. You will be required to show a confirmed onward ticket out of the Philippines (within the maximum number of days you are allowed to stay in the country) upon arrival.
There is a recompression chamber located in Koror that is able to provide emergency treatment for decompression illness in the unlikely event of an accident. All guests are requested to dive well within recreational dive limits and follow Dive Guides instructions. Guests must also purchase specific dive insurance before their trips (DAN or PADI).
Dress code onboard our yacht is very casual and most guests feel comfortable in little more than swim wear, shorts and t-shirts, particularly in tropical Palau. However, we ask our guests to put a t-shirt over the swimwear while seated at the dining area. Since Palau is a tropical island a rain jacket is recommended for the brief showers that sometimes pass through. For cooler nights a sweater is advised, particularly after multiple dives. While many guests prefer bare feet on board the yacht; some tours like Jellyfish Lake require hard soled sandals (like Teva's) or cross-trainers.
On board the yacht there are both 220V and 110V with 2 round pin sockets (European style). Please make sure you bring a universal adapter with you if necessary. On land, Palau uses 110V with the US style 2 pin outlets.
The S/Y Palau Siren is equipped with a thorough first aid kit and equipment for emergency oxygen administration. They yacht also is equipped with VHF radio and cell phone to maintain contact with the Sam's Tours (local operator). Yacht staff are trained Emergency First Responders able to handle all boat and diving emergencies. There is a recompression chamber located in Koror that is able to provide emergency treatment for decompression illness in the unlikely event of an accident. All guests are requested to dive well within recreational dive limits and follow Dive Guides instructions. Guests must also purchase specific dive insurance before their trips (DAN or PADI).
As data roaming is not available in Palau, we provide an internet connection on board via satellite which can be used by your WIFI devices. WIFI packages can be purchased on board but you can also organise and pre-pay for these in advance. You will need to visit the following link and ask your travel consultant for your trip code.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of exit from into Palau and ticket departing Palau within VISA allowance. - Airport terminal fee ($35) in cash. There is an ATM at the airport. - Marine park and port fees (€170) in cash to pay onboard (currencies accepted onboard are EUR, GBP, USD and THB) - Approx 200-300EUR in cash spending money for optional extras onboard and tips (Currencies accepted onboard are GBP, EUR and USD. - All toiletries/medications - Sunscreen - Insect repellent - Hat/sunglasses - Light coloured/light weight top for bright afternoons or breezy evenings - 3mm long or shorty wetsuit (most guests are find this suitable). If you feel the cold easily you may want to bring a 5mm, however average water temperatures in Palau are 27°C year round and so it's pretty tropical! Rental suits are 3mm shorty only. - Dive certification card and log book - Proof of diving insurance which covers emergency evacuation and recompression chamber costs - Proof of travel insurance. Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that properly covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking.
S/Y Palau Siren offers special features for underwater photographers and videographers including: - Each cabin is fitted with an individual computer and multiple power sources for editing and charging needs. The computer features a 20" high definition flat screen which is integrated with the yacht's network server in the saloon. - Work stations for the preparation and maintenance of cameras including prep and storage areas. - Large rinsing tanks with fresh water changed frequently.
The warm tropical waters of Palau average a pleasant 27°C throughout the year. Most guests find that a 3mm wetsuit or shorty is suitable and many dive with just a skin. For guests who tend to get cold easily, especially after repetitive dives, we recommend bringing whatever you feel most comfortable in.
A departure tax of $20.00 USD and a $15.00 "Green Fee" is required for each person departing Palau. The "Green Fee" is used to fund Palau's Protected Area Network's for conservation purposes. The $35 is required to be paid in cash prior to exiting the ticketing area. There is an ATM at the airport in case you forget.
Palau is 7 degrees north of the equator and enjoys a warm tropical climate year round. Temperatures average 27°C, while water temperatures average a pleasant 27°C as well. As a tropical island Palau is subject to rainfall throughout the year though more frequently between July and October. Diving, however, is excellent year around with high season considered to be November through May.
The US Dollar is the official currency of Palau. The majority of established hotels, shops and restaurants accept major credit cards or travellers checks. Occasionally smaller, family-run business will only accept cash. There are several US operated banks and plenty of ATMs so cash is readily accessible.
Onboard S/Y Palau Siren there are both 220V and 110V with 2 round pin sockets (European style). Please make sure you take a universal adapter with you if necessary. On land, Palau uses 110V with the US style 2 pin outlets.
Approximate flight duration from London, UK to Melekeok, Palau is approximately 16 hours.
Health care is readily available in Palau. The Belau National Hospital is a professionally staffed hospital with an experienced barotraumas team. It is situated in the capital city of Koror along with several other private health clinics. To prevent stomach ailments we recommend travellers follow normal precautions with food and drink bottled water only. Please consult your doctor or nearest health care professional for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. Visitors arriving from countries which are affected by Cholera or Yellow Fever must show proof of immunization upon arrival.
Palauan and English are the official languages of the Republic of Palau and both are widely spoken. Tagalog, Japanese and Mandarin are also quite common. The population is predominantly Christian - with 70% following either the Roman Catholic or Protestant faiths. Modekngei is a mix of Christianity and ancient Palauan customs practiced by around 10% of the population. Islam and Judaism are also found in Palau.
All travellers must be in possession of a passport that is valid at least for six months from the date of departure and a return airline ticket. Citizens of the United States are granted a 1 year visa upon arrival while passport holders of most other western countries obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival. For non U.S. citizens intending to stay longer than 30 days, you may obtain two 30 day extensions for a total of 90 days. Applications for an extension must be approved at least 7 days prior to visa expiry and there is a charge of $50 for each 30 day extension. For visa updates please visit the Palau Visitors Authority website - http://www.visit-palau.com/
When booking a trip to Palau it is more than likely that you will transit in the USA. It is essential to ensure you are able to obtain a visa for entering USA.
If your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program: From 1st April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). British passports issued since October 2006 are ePassports and carry the internationally recognised symbol on the front cover. You must also have proof of onward/return passage. You must then complete the I-94W form (obtainable from the airline upon check in) and must have received authorization to travel under ESTA. Please complete this form before travelling.
If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program: You will need to apply for a visa with the USA embassy in your country of residence. ***Please be informed that this process can be lengthy*** Close
Telephone: The mobile phone coverage in Palau is with AT&T which is not compatible with most international mobile phone system and if it is, is very expensive. To use your mobile phone in Palau we would therefore advise you to purchase a Palau sim card which should work fine in your phone as long as it is unlocked. The country code is +680 or 00680. To call the UK from Palau, dial +44 or 0044 and remove the first 0 from the area code of the number you are calling.
The local time is 9 hours ahead of UTC (GMT).
In the unlikely event a dive accident occurs, there are hyperbaric facilities at the Colonial War Memorial hospital, situated in Suva, south Viti Levu. They operate a 24hour emergency line and there is a helicopter service which provides emergency evacuation should distance require. We strongly urge that all guests dive well within recognised limits, follow Dive Guides' advice and purchase specific dive insurance before their trips.
Onboard the yacht there are both 220V and 110V with 2 round pin sockets (European style). Please make sure you bring a universal adapter with you if necessary.
The S/Y Fiji Siren is equipped with basic first aid supplies and emergency oxygen. There are no recompression chamber facilities on the Island of Timor. The closest recompression chambers can be found in Darwin and Bali and will require emergency medical evacuation. As a result proof of diving insurance, including medical evacuation, is required by all guests and should be submitted to the office before departure. We strongly urge that all guests dive well within recognised limits, to use nitrox where certified and follow the advice of your cruise director and dive guides.
- Passport that is valid at least for six months beyond the period you plan to stay. - Onward ticket departing within the maximum number of days you are allowed to stay in the country. -Marine park and port fees in cash - TBC EURO (currencies accepted onboard are EUR, GBP and USD) - Approx 200-300EUR spending money on the boat and tips in cash. - All toiletries/medications - Sunscreen - Insect repellent - Hat/sunglasses - Light coloured/light weight top for bright afternoons or breezy evenings - Wetsuit. Water temperatures in Fiji generally range between 26 -28°C. The rental suit is 3mm shorty only and most guests find that this, but those who feel the cold easily, especially with repeated diving may wish to bring a 5mm long wetsuit. The sun can be particularly strong, as such we advise guests to bring a long sleeve UV shirt and to wear sunscreen if using a shorty. - Dive certification card and log book - Proof of diving insurance which covers emergency evacuation and recompression chamber costs - Proof of travel insurance. Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that properly covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking.
S/Y Fiji Siren offers special features for underwater photographers and videographers including: - Each cabin is fitted with an individual computer and multiple power sources for editing and charging needs. The computer features a 20" high definition flat screen which is integrated with the yacht's network server in the saloon. - Work stations for the preparation and maintenance of cameras including prep and storage areas. - Large rinsing tanks with fresh water changed frequently.
Water temperatures in Fiji generally range between 26 -28°C. The rental suit is 3mm shorty only and most guests find that this, but those who feel the cold easily, especially with repeated diving may wish to bring a 5mm long wetsuit. The sun can be particularly strong, as such we advise guests to bring a long sleeve UV shirt and to wear sunscreen if using a shorty.
Please book your international flight to fly into and out of Nadi Airport, Viti Levu. We recommend that you arrive in Fiji 1 day before your safari departure so you're well rested before the start of the trip. Alternatively please book your international flight to arrive into Fiji by 10am to transfer to the Volivoli Beach Resort by 1pm on the day of safari departure. The transfer from airport to resort is approximately 2.5 hours and this time should be taken into account to ensure you arrive in good time for boarding. Disembarkation at the end of the cruise will be just before 10am. If you are not remaining in Fiji for additional nights after your cruise, please allow plenty of time for the transfer to the airport and for check-in.
Passengers travelling within Fiji are not required to pay additional airport terminal fees or departure tax, all costs are included within your flight ticket.
Fiji is a tropical country with a maritime climate and the weather is fairly even all year round. The year is roughly divided into two seasons; 'wet' and 'dry'. The wet season, characterized by heavy brief local showers, generally begins in November and can extend through to April. Typically rainfall is lower in the coastal regions and on the smaller islands. Cyclones do occur in Fiji, with an average of 12 per decade and they are usually confined to the wet season. The dry season, which runs from May to November, has cooler temperatures and slight to moderate winds. Daytime temperatures range from an average of 25°C during the dry season, to up to 31°C in the wetter months and evenings are marginally cooler and can drop to just 21°C.
The local currency is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). The vast majority of all hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants will accept a wide range of credit and debit cards. Please note that in some cases you may be asked to pay a service charge for credit card handling. This can ranges from 3.5 - 6.0%.
Onboard the yacht there are both 220V and 110V with 2 round pin sockets (European style). Electrical current on land is 240 Volts with three pin power points - the same as Australia and New Zealand. Please make sure you bring a universal adapter with you if necessary.
Approximate flight duration from the UK to Fiji is 21 hours.
There are numerous hospitals, nursing stations and health centres throughout Fiji and all major towns have hospitals and doctors available. Whilst the standard of health care is considered good the facilities are by no means sophisticated. We advise all guests to ensure that general vaccinations such as for diphtheria, polio and tetanus are up to date prior to travel whilst vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid fever. If you have been in a country affected by yellow fever within six days of arriving in Fiji, you will need an International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever to be allowed entry into the country. Dengue fever does occur in wet areas during the wet season. Visitors should exercise caution when travelling inland - cover up and use repellent sprays or cream. We recommend that travellers follow normal precautions with food in order to prevent stomach upsets and be sure to drink either boiled or bottled water only whilst on land. On board the S/Y Fiji Siren purified water is provided and we recommend the use of electrolyte powders daily to ensure adequate hydration.
The primary language is Fijian (Vosa Vakaviti) but the majority of the local people speak English, which is now the primary language used in all schools across the nation. The Fijian population follows a mix of religions, with more than half being Christian ,52.9%, whilst Hindus make up 38%, Islam and Sikhism are also practiced and throughout Fiji visitors will see numerous churches, temples and mosques.
All travellers must be in possession of a passport that is valid at least for six months beyond the period you plan to stay. Passport holders of most Western and Asian countries will be issued with a visa on arrival that allows a stay of up to 4 months. However we always advise guests to check for updates and changes on the Fijian government website - http://www.fiji.gov.fj/
Fiji has excellent mobile phone coverage and telephone system, however, in less populated areas; you may find that there is no mobile coverage. The country code is +679 or 00679. To call the UK from Fiji, dial +44 or 0044 and remove the first 0 from the area code of the number you are calling.
Sports and partying are Cabo's main attractions, but there are also a few cultural and historical points of interests, such as the Spanish Missionary Nicolás Tamaral and the neighbourhood buildings which are slowly renovated.
For the party-lovers, loads of bars and restaurants can take you through the night and for the sport-lovers a golf course, surfing on big curls and snorkelling from pristine beaches are a must.
There will be four cages in the water the whole time the boat is on station. Two cages (one on either side of the stern) will go down to 12m for 30 minutes and then return to the surface so that divers can safely exit the cages. The other two cages are floating just below the surface off the stern of the boat and can be utilized at any time by any diver, allowing for nearly unlimited opportunities to get in the water.
The cages are designed for your safety and are made as photographer friendly as possible. They are also designed in such a way as to avoid injury to the great white sharks. Air is pumped down to the cage from the surface, but bailouts are also available in the cages for your safety.
The vessel is licensed as a Class A Liquor establishment, which means that only ship's alcohol can be consumed on the main deck, in the lounge and the dining room. Therefore, please do not bring your own alcohol with you. The ship is stocked with a large choice of beers, liquor & wines and the bar prices are extremely reasonable.
The sockets onboard and in the cabins are standard 120 volts Type A. Please make sure you take your adaptors with you.
If you are suitably experienced and are willing to take responsibility for your own actions, you will be able to dive with your buddy only after attending the dive briefings. The dive guides are always there to help you and it might be worth doing a few dives with them so that they can show you all the amazing marine life.
M/V Belle Amie offers nitrox fills up to 36%. The cost is U$D20 per day for unlimited single cylinder fills.
Your safety is their primary concern. The dive guides onboard M/V Belle Amie will require that you do a 3 - 5 minute safety stop on every dive, be on the surface at the "pool closed time" and arrive at 5m with a minimum of 50 bar in your tank. If you conceal important medical information from us or ignore any of the above "rules", they reserve the right to limit or cancel your diving privileges without reimbursement or credit. In the worst case situation, the vessel carries medical oxygen onboard, a satellite phone for communication as well as an AED. The crew members are trained as oxygen providers as well as marine first aiders.
Crew gratuities are not included in the price. The recommended amount is 10-15% of the trip fee if you feel that the crew really worked hard to go way above and beyond expectations.
Cash and card payments are accepted. Most currencies such as U$ dollar, CAD$, Mexican Pesos, Euro & GBP will be accepted. For card payments, only VISA (credit card) and Mastercard will be taken.
Every cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom, A/C with individual controls and come in a choice of single or doubles. You are able to select your favourite cabin ahead of departure, subject to availability, for a small charge. Contact your dive travel consultant to check availability. Current charges can be found on the vessel 'Extras' page, for example HERE
When booking the Nautilus Explorer for "Great White Sharks of Guadalupe Island" and "Guadalupe & San Benito Islands", you will fly into San Diego, USA. It is essential to ensure you are able to obtain a visa for entering USA.
If your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program: You must be in possession of a valid passport and it must be an e-passport or a machine-readable passport with an electronic chip. ). British passports issued since October 2006 are ePassports and carry the internationally recognised symbol on the front cover. If you're in any doubt about whether you qualify for the VWP, or if you're concerned that an existing ESTA may have been cancelled due to the new rules, please contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate. You must also have proof of onward/return passage. You must then complete the I-94W form (obtainable from the airline upon check in) and must have received authorization to travel under ESTA. Please complete this form before travelling.
Yes it is safe to dive in Bikini Atoll. While there were a number of nuclear bombs detonated during tests by the US military between 1946 and 1958, water is an excellent insulator and the area has been open to diving since 1996. The amount of radiation to which divers are exposed from the shipwrecks is negligible. In over six decades since the bombs were tested, the marine life has recovered and is flourishing in terms of abundance and diversity. However, it is not possible to visit the land of Bikini Atoll, nor should you attempt to bring wreckage up to the surface. Pilfering is hazardous and forbidden.
The Marshall Islands are very remote with limited medical facilities. The nearest recompression chamber is in either Hawaii or Australia. M/V Truk Master will be equipped with a deck hyperbaric decompression chamber for emergency treatment. For follow-up recompression treatment, emergency air evacuation to Hawaii or Australia is required. It is therefore imperative to have proper dive and liveaboard specific insurance according to your level of certification, and to adhere to safe diving protocols.
The wrecks of Bikini Atoll all lie at depths beyond recreational dive limits, with most starting around 50 meters. Required certification is ''Tec 50'' or equivalent. As most of the diving in Bikini Atoll will be extended range, there will be a minimum of 2 dives offered per day. Each diver is responsible for planning their own dive with their dive buddy, with the assistance of the Cruise Director who is familiar with diving the wrecks of Bikini Atoll.
Decompression diving is common in Truk Lagoon and mandatory at Bikini Atoll. M/V Truk Master is equipped with a ''Deco Bar'' under the dive platform. There is a range of technical cylinders available to hire, as well as Sofnolime, helium and oxygen to purchase. Cylinders and Sofnolime are very limited and MUST be requested in advance.
Guests wishing to take on board dive courses will be able to with our PADI certified dive instructor. Courses that are available are Advanced Open water and diver specialty courses, such as Wreck and Deep water. If you are interested in a dive course please book in advance to ensure that we have all the equipment necessary on board for your arrival. Entry level courses are not available on our M/V Truk Master.
We have standard 12 litre tanks aluminium tanks on board the M/V Truk Master. Should you wish to use a 15 litre tanks, these are also available. Manifold twin-tanks are available to rent on board. We recommend that you book in advance to ensure that your preferred tank configuration will be available on board for you.
On board we have a fully stocked first aid kit, medical grade oxygen and an AED. As water movement within Truk Lagoon is minimal, divers are recommended to fully clean their ears after each dive to avoid any risk of infection.
All guests on board the M/V Truk Master must have diver's grade insurance.
High speed Wi-Fi satellite internet is available to purchase. A satellite phone is available to use in case of an emergency.
Any extra costs you may have onboard must be paid in cash (GBP, EUR and USD, AU$ and NZ$). Although other currencies will be accepted onboard, the banking restrictions make exchange rates unfavourable and it is therefore highly recommended that guests bring USD for use on board. Unfortunately, credit card payments cannot currently be accepted. Trips often finish in remote locations, it is best to bring extra cash in case there is no ATM or other method of withdrawing or exchanging money. Guests are advised to bring between 200-300Euros, in addition to marine park and port fees, for any incidental expenses such as massage, waterskiing/wakeboarding, wine, cocktails, laundry, dive course and torch or computer rental.
Tipping is a matter of personal choice. You may wish to leave a tip if you feel the crew has made your holiday extra special. Tips are divided equally amongst all the crew including dive guides.
Meals on the M/V Truk Master are served in a buffet layout in the dining area. Guests will start their day with eggs cooked to order. Lunch will generally offer a few choices of chicken, red meat or fish accompanied by salads or a vegetable dish. Evening meals are 3 courses, and guests will have a choice between 3 entrees and numerous side dishes. For snacking during the day, fresh fruit, cookies and other snacks are available on board. Sodas, water and fruit juices are available at all times, as are teas, coffee and hot chocolate.
Water temperatures in Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll generally range between 28-30°C. Most guests feel more than comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit. We do however recommend that a full length exposure suit for wreck divers to avoid incurring any injuries from the wreckage. Tec divers should bring sufficient exposure protection for prolonged deco-stops.
Being a tropical country, the climate in Truk is fairly consistent year-round. Truk has an average high of 30°C and an average low of 25°C year-round. The summer months of June - September will see the most rainfall. From December to June trade winds from the northwest will blow through region.
The local currency for both Truk Lagoon and the Marshall Islands (Bikini Atoll) is the US Dollar (USD). The majority of all hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants will accept a wide range of credit and debit cards. Smaller businesses may only deal in cash. Although there are ATMs available throughout Truk, we recommend that guests exchange their money prior to arriving in Truk. The Marshall Islands has limited ATMs and it is recommended to bring sufficient USD cash, preferably in smaller denominations for convenience.
Guests travelling to Chuuk will be required to pay an airport departure tax of 15 USD. This can be paid upon departure at the airport. Guests travelling to the Marshall Islands will be required to pay an airport departure tax of 20 USD. This can be paid upon departure at the airport.
The national language of Truk is English, however there is a mix of Micronesian languages and local dialects. No particular religion is dominant in Truk. The Marshall Islands official languages are English and Marshallese, and Christianity is the predominant religion.
When booking a trip to Micronesia it is more than likely that you will transit in the United States or a US Territory (such as Guam). It is essential to ensure you are able to obtain a visa, or ESTA through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for entering the US.
From 1st April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). British passports issued since October 2006 are ePassports and carry the internationally recognised symbol on the front cover.
You must also have proof of onward/return passage.
If you cannot get an ESTA through the Visa Waiver Program: This might be the case if your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program or if you have travelled to Sudan since 2011. You will need to apply for a visa with the USA embassy in your country of residence. ***Please be informed that this process can be lengthy***
For more information and to apply for an ESTA please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
Please not that UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) aren't valid for entry into the United States or transit through the United States under the Visa Waiver Program; if you're planning to enter or transit through the US using an ETD you must apply for a visa from the nearest US embassy or consulate before you travel, or hold a valid lawful permanent resident card (often referred to as a 'green card'), which you must have with you on arrival; you can leave the US using an ETD that has been issued in the United States.
The transfer time between Weno Airport and M/V Truk Master is approximately one hour. Transfer is provided free of charge. Note however, that as the roads in Chuuk are not the same standard as roads in the West, delays may be expected.
With over 61 wrecks, Truk Lagoon has a plethora of dive sites. However a number of these dive sites are beyond the entry level depth limitations of 18 metres. We advise guests are advanced level divers. Some wrecks may require deep diver or tec diver qualifications; check with your dive travel consultant when booking your trip if you have further questions.
The Cruise Director will usually schedule up to 4 dives per day; 3 day dives and either a sunset or a night dive (dependant upon conditions). The final full day aboard will have 2 morning dives to allow plenty of time for off-gassing before disembarkation the following morning and your flight home.
Chuuk Islands have limited recompression chambers; it may be necessary for guests to be transferred to Guam via emergency air evacuation for treatment.
The following equipment is available on board the M/V French Polynesia Master for rental. The use of a dive computer is compulsory on the M/V French Polynesia Master. - Aqualung BCD - Regulator - Wetsuit - Mask / snorkel - Fins - Dive computer - Torch
Guests on board the M/V French Polynesia Master will have a choice of International and local cuisine. All food is served in the dining area as a buffet spread.
Crew gratuities are not included in your package. Tips are at your discretion; should you feel that the crew on board have gone above and beyond in making your trip as memorable and comfortable as possible, tips would be greatly appreciated. Your cruise director will provide you with an envelope that you can place your tips into, which will then be divided equally amongst the crew including captain and dive guides.
