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Africa Dive Tours | Africa Safaris | Africa Live Aboards

Bassas Da India

Bassas Da India is a tiny coral atoll situated in the Mozambique channel about 50 miles to the north of Europa Islands and is likewise a French possession. This atoll is only visible once the tide is out and therefore is littered with wrecks. Some of these are centuries old like the SANTIAGO that went down in 1585, and some are more recent.

The Bas is infrequently visited and then only by ocean going yachts or motorized vessels. We would like to introduce the live-aboard Ocean Explorer 1 to you, which is one of few dedicated diving, live-aboard vessels to facilitate these trips. This boat is a Simonis design 54ft motorized catamaran, which can accommodate 10 guests with a crew of 4 comprising of a skipper, dive master, chef and general boat hand.

· It has a large deck space both for and aft under shade from the sun.
· Two front cabins each sleep 3 guest and two aft cabins 2 each.
· Two heads with showers, one on each side, plus 2 outdoor fresh water showers.
· A 600L main tank supplemented by a onboard water maker with the capacity of 80L/hr supplies fresh water.
· She carries a 6m dive duck & 2 x 3.8m tenders powered by 75 & 15 horsepower outboard engines respectively.
· Onboard air compressors with a combined capacity of 400L/min, as well as a galley with large fridge and freezer capacity is available.

The Ocean Explorer 1 will operate out of Vilanculos in Mozambique with an approximate sailing time of 24 30 hours to Bassas da India to approach the Bas in daylight. During the journey fishing from the boat is always good!

· Diving while moored at the Bas is unlimited with prolific reef or pelagic fish life.
· Sharks like Oceanic White tips, reef sharks and Hammerheads together with shoals of Barracuda, Kingfish and Tuna can often be encountered.
· Please note that in the interest of safety, a required minimum dive qualification of PADI Master Scuba Diver (or equivalent), with a minimum of 50 logged ocean dives only, will be accepted.
· As the Bas is a long way from medical facility only diving on computer will be allowed.
· Ocean Explorer 1 will carry an extensive medical, first aid an a full DAN oxygen kit.
· Divers will be interviewed by the dive master and required to sign a liability waiver.
· Only weightbelts & cylinders will be provided, all other diving equipment can be rented

Fixed departure dates will take in a new or full moon to enhance the best chance of stable seas and weather conditions, but is subject to change for any reason that may be necessary.

For now we have:
25 May 2002 - 4 June 2002 (10 nights) 10 places available
8 June 2002 - 18 June 2002 (10 nights) 2 places available
6 July 2002 - 16 July 2002 (10 nights) 10 places available

Cost:
US$ 2240.00 per person

Includes:
· Accommodation for 10 nights on board Ocean Explorer 1 on a full board basis.
· Bottled drinking water and cordials.
· Airport transfers to and from Ocean Explorer 1

Excludes
· Transfer to and from Vilanculos
· Liquor, beer or wine consumed on board
· Mozambique Visas
· Airport security and departure taxes.

Africa Dive Tours | Africa Safaris | Africa Live Aboards