Discover Sri Lanka!

3 new packages to choose from:
Wildlife, Romance, Culture

Sri Lanka

The island has a rich cultural heritage that dates back over 2,000 years, with magnificently constructed stupas and the ruins of ancient kingdoms. The influences of colonial powers remain visible in architecture and several forts across the country.

Sri Lanka is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot with a rich variety of endemic flora and fauna. Incredibly, for a small island, it boasts large iconic animals such as the Asian Elephant, Leopard and the largest animal to have inhabited our planet, the Blue Whale.

With its golden sandy beaches, azure blue waters and warm tropical climate, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination for holidaymakers seeking sun, sand and sea.

From palm fringed beaches to scrub jungles and numerous man-made lakes in the lowlands to tropical rainforests, cloud forests and highlands laden with waterfalls at its center, this resplendent isle is abundant in natural beauty.

3 new packages to choose from:
The Best of Sri Lanka
Perfect Romance
Wildlife, Culture & Hill Country

Click the links or the email us button below for more information.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Holiday Newsletter
December 2019

Wishing all our friends around the world, a most joyful, happy, healthy Festive Holiday Season!

As this year winds down and the planning for the next Travel Season amps up, reflecting on where we have been and where we want to go next, I have some thoughts……

Travel is in our blood; our wanderlust grows in new directions.
I started Dive Discovery and Africa Discovery Travel in 1992. Scuba diving around the world, offering beautiful underwater realms; Africa Discovery was next after I ventured to South Africa shortly after Apartheid ended, I was hooked!
We are growing our company and reaching new highs; we will soon offer Adventure Discovery in the near future! Watch this space!

We have grown deeply into Africa, offering 23 countries and every kind of Wildlife, active and Cultural adventure I can think of!

I have journeyed to the far corners of the globe, enjoying the company of friends around the world.

Just to name a few;

• Antarctica base camp active cruises  [view trip report],
• The Himalaya in search of Snow Leopard (yes we saw 4) and mating snow leopards on our last day!  [view trip report]
• India; will venture back next year for our 3rd go with our specialist naturalist guide to 4 little known parks to photograph the ‘secrets’ of India. A hint, no tigers this time! Ever hear of Red Panda’s?
• Morocco was a wonderful surprise; I toured all over after being invited to attend PURE experiential trade show. A diverse, exotic, beautiful country filled with vibrant colors, sights, sounds, Kasbahs, riads and history! The joy I found was in the people; they are friendly and welcoming!  [view trip report]
• I spent over 3 weeks traversing Namibia in March and April with a friend. I was on an agent Recce to check out many new camps and a new safari program called Namibia Under Canvas which was OUTSTANDING! I love Namibia, it is diverse with the most incredible landscapes on earth!  [view trip report]
• In May we went back to Indonesia diving Triton Bay and Raja Ampat on Damai liveabaord; another wonderful diving experience.  [view trip report]
• Recently in Sept/Oct I escorted a group to French Polynesia which was a long-awaited trip for me as I had never been there before. We traveled to 4 different islands, swimming with Humpback whales in Rurutu which was a beautiful time to see mama and baby and singing male escorts! Diving in the cuts in Rangiroa with playful dolphins and walls of shark and fish in Fakarava! This was a busy but wonderful experience! I will work on another trip in the future to dive the Marquesas islands also! Stay tuned!  [view trip report]

We have an expedition trip planned in 2020 to Mongolia for our dear friend for her 60th birthday! An 18nt journey across the country in mobile luxury Yurts; walking and riding the gorgeous ponies, sharing time with the semi nomadic people learning their culture, the golden Eagle hunters in the west and surprises along the way!

If you are on our Newsletter list, you have been receiving many inspirational ideas of places around the world we are promoting! Scuba diving, Africa, trekking and exciting offers around the world! Along with our group trip updates!

The more we travel, the more we learn about new destinations we must visit!
The world is getting bigger in my mind!! As you know, I travel a lot, sometimes with groups, and sometimes to do an agent recce to check out new places!

On my list:

• CHAD in north central Africa: Africa Parks has done an amazing job protecting this environmentally rich Zacouma National Park and bringing the wildlife back in a big way, and empowering the local people! Stay tuned.  [view trip]
• West Africa for incredible culture has been a new successful destination for us!  [view trips]
• All things Africa; it is a continent that beckons you back once you have been; it seeps into your blood and under your skin.
• Adventure is the name of the game!
• Trek across Costa Rica from Caribbean to Ocean, visit places off the tourist grid!
• The Inca trail trek in Peru, visit Cusco, The Sacred Valley, trek the trail for 4 days and 3nts in tents, reward; the awe of Machu Picchu as you enter the Sun Gate as the Incas did!  [view trips]
• Baja Mexico: Todos Santos stunning Pacific retreat; glamping in the mountains and on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, kayaking and snorkeling! I Love this trip!  [view trip]
• The Gray whales in the various bays from end of January to end of March, you have not lived until you pet a baby gray whale as mama brings him to you and you get covered in whale love!!!  Scuba dive and snorkel LaPaz and Bahia del los Angeles and Cabo Pulmo!  [view trips]
• Not to mention outstanding Socorro islands with giant playful friendly Pacific Mantas! We have a group trip there in 2021!  [view trip]
• Brazil photographing Jaguars in the Pantanal! We will be offering this for 2020! Watch this space!  [view trip]
• Sri Lanka is very popular and full of beautiful wildlife and culture, a new destination to consider!  [view trips]
• Ethiopia offers stunning ancient religious history in the north, nature and wildlife heading south in the Bale mountains, and the rich culture of the Omo people of the south.  [view trips]

Feeling inspired for the Holidays! Nothing like giving the gift of travel!
We can create a lovely Gift Card for your loved one or travel partner to get the travel juices flowing!

What are you waiting for!?

WE have LOADS of wonderful inspirational ideas on our web sites: www.DiveDiscovery.com & www.Africa-Discovery.com as well as group trips for you to join!

We thank you for your ongoing patronage and look forward to assisting you and being of service in the coming year!

Many thanks to all our friends and guests around the world,
we wish you all the happiness and joy for this special Holiday Season!
Cheers to Health, Happiness, friendship and really fun travel plans for 2020 and beyond!!

Live, Love, LIFE!!!
Cindi LaRaia
And the Dive Discovery and Africa Discovery team!

GLAMPING THE SEAS AND SIERRAS OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

Explore Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez
and the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve

Stay in Luxury tent camps in two of Baja California’s most beautiful nature reserves as well as boutique hotels.

Experience the luxury of Baja Sur’s pristine wilderness
while also enjoying the luxury of “camping” with real beds, soft linens, lovely furnishings, chef-prepared meals and daily happy hour.

It is truly the best of both worlds!

Spend a little time at boutique hotels in Todos Santos
to experience more of the adventures that Baja is famous for-
surfing, swimming with whale sharks and Mexican cooking classes.

November 2019-April 2020

USD COST: 2940.00 per person based on 2 people sharing.
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities

Included

• All transportation including roundtrip airport transfer.
• All accommodations in hotels and camps as indicated in itinerary.
• All meals from welcome dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day.
• Daily happy hour and two drinks with dinner at Camp Cecil de la Sierra and Camp Cecil de la Isla; drinks at welcome dinner and cooking class.
• All adventures and related equipment as indicated in the itinerary.
• Bilingual naturalist guide(s) who is a certified Wilderness First Responder.
• Entrance fees and permits.

Excluded

• International airfare.
• Travel insurance.
• Gratuities.
• Any activities, meals or drinks not explicitly identified in the itinerary.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Swim with Whales!
In the Silver Banks, Dominican Republic
Jan-Mar 2020
This 7 night/6 day voyage takes you to experience one of the premier congregations
of humpback whales found anywhere, in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic. With thousands of whales gathering here every winter to mate and calve, you will see a dazzling display
of behaviors from the deck of our tenders and eye to eye as you slip quietly into the sea
to interact with these graceful giants in their ocean home.

Swimming with humpback whales in their natural environment, on their terms,
during a Soft-In-Water Encounter, is an ultimate wild animal interaction.

The humpback whale behaviors you witness from above and the face to face experiences you have with them will leave you feeling joy, awe, humility, gratitude, and respect.

Dates available in 2020:

Jan 25-Feb 1: two berths in Standard Cabin 3
Feb 1-8: four berths in Deluxe Queen Cabins 7 & 8
Feb 15-22: one berth, a single male share, in Standard Cabin 6
Feb 29-Mar 7: one berth, a single female share, in Deluxe Twin Cabin 2; four berths in Standard Cabins 3 & 6
Mar 7-14: six berths in Standard Cabins 1, 3 & 6
Mar 14-21: one berth, a single female share, in Deluxe Twin Cabin 5
Mar 21-28: two berths in Standard Cabin 3

Click the link to view the cabins on the Sea Hunter.

Cost per person, 2020 rates:

Standard: $4,295
Deluxe: $4,395

Sanctuary Access & Port Fee: $450
Fuel Surcharge: tbd

Click the email us button below to reserve your space on this breathtaking adventure.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

El Camino Trek Costa Rica
Trek across the country from the Caribbean to the Pacific!!

A WONDERFUL way to see this country!
10 Days / 9 Nights
Best travel time for this tour: January through end of March

Experience and celebrate the diversity of Costa Rica!

El Camino Costa Rica Trek:
San Jose – Pacuare Nature Reserve – Pacuare River – Turrialba – Orosi – Costa Rica – Manuel Antonio
10 days-9 nights

El Camino de Costa Rica is a remote and unique experience
that connects the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean with worldclass trekking
through the beautiful mountains of Costa Rica.

Designed to attract adventurers looking to immerse themselves in this tropical destination,
off the beaten path.
Rural community involvement is integral to the experience
and cultural exchanges are a daily occurrence through food, conversation,
and the warm welcome at the comfortable lodgings.

On this 10-day tour, professional local guides will lead guests along routes
through breathtaking locations from sea to sea!
The hikes (many of which are moderate to challenging) crisscross the mountains
through rain and cloud forest reserves, coffee, sugarcane, and banana plantations
and past private fincas and ranchlands, deep valleys, rushing rivers and waterfalls.

Experience and celebrate the diversity of Costa Rica!

Price 2020:
$2,995.00 USD per person
Price based on group size of at least 4 participants

Included:
Accommodations, bilingual guide services, local transportation,
meals and drinks as specified in the itinerary, airport
transfers on Day 1 and final day, all permits, entrance fees and taxes.

Click the email us button below to request more information or to book this beautiful experience.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Peru Adventures!
2 itineraries to choose from and 2 add on excursions

MOUNTAIN LODGES OF PERU TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
9 days – 8 nights

Dynamic terrain, inspiring vistas, and diverse ecosystems — follow the road less traveled!

Deluxe option for discerning traveller’s

Day 1- Arrival in CUSCO

Day 2- CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA
Visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi, trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path).

Day 3- SORAYPAMPA
Hike on the slopes above the lodge to Lake Humantay, fed by the hanging glaciers of Mt. Humantay.
Afternoon leisure.

Day 4- SORAYPAMA – WAYRACCMACHAY
Hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak.

Day 5- WAYRACCMACHAY-COLPAPAMPA
Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail.

Day 6- COLCAPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA
Hike along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas.
Pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations.

Day 7- LUCMABAMBA – MACHU PICCHU
Llactapata Ruins. Lunch is served in a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu.
Descend to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations.
Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu.

Day 8- MACHU PICCHU – SACRED VALLEY – CUSCO
Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Two-hour guided tour of the ruins,
after which you have the rest of the morning to explore the site on your own.

Day 9- CUSCO – LIMA – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE FLIGHT

$5099.00 per person twin share

View more details

CUSCO & INCA TREK PERU
8 days- 7 nights

For budget minded adventurers

Day 1/2- CUSCO
Visit the surrounding ruins of the city of Cusco: Sacsayhuaman,
Cusco’s Historical Inca and Spanish Colonial Monuments.
San Pedro Market to admire the day-to-day activities of the locals.
Visit the neighborhood of San Blas, streets lined with famous artisans.

Day 3- CUSCO KM 82 – LLACTAPATA – HUAYLLABAMBA
Hike the Inca Trail to the Machu Picchu National Park.

Day 4- HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYO
Hiking to rainforest and great panoramic views. Will see domesticated llamas and alpacas.

Day 5- PACAYMAYO – WIÑAYWAYNA
Climb and hike to several archaeological sites and pass through some amazing cloud forest.

Day 6- WIÑAYWAYNA- MACHUPICCHU
Walk to Inti Punku “The Sun Gate” (the front door to Machu Picchu) and view the Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu guided tour of the ruins.
Tour the town of Aguas Calientes, to relax and visit the hot springs.

Day 7- MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO
Cloudforest bird watching, walk the Orchid Trail, and visit an organic tea plantation and tea house.

$2750.00 per person twin share.

View more details

3 Day- Add On Excursions

TITICACA LAKE EXTENTION
by bus
Cusco – Puno – Lima
3 days-2 nights

$1915.00 per person twin share

TITICACA LAKE EXTENTION
with TRAIN OPTION
3 days – 2 nights

The unforgettable experience of crossing the Peruvian Andes between Cusco and Puno,
and visiting the world’s highest navigable lake, is made even more magical aboard PeruRail Titicaca.

$2225.00 per person twin share

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Spend your Christmas Holiday in Costa Rica
9 Days / 8 Nights
23 December 2019 – 31 December 2019

Alajuela – Corcovado National Park – Naranjo – Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Not your typical Holiday

Costa Rica Itinerary:

Alajuela– 1 Night
Alajuela is known for its rich history, laid-back charm and provides an excellent base
from which to explore the countryside to the north.

Corcovado National Park– 3 Nights
National Geographic quoted: Corcovado is “the most biologically intense place on Earth”.
This unique site in Costa Rica used to be an island that years ago drifted to the main land.
It is one of the last places for Jaguars, Tapirs and White-lipped Peccaries in Central America.
Corcovado also has hundreds of animals, plants and birds.
Wonderful snorkelling and scuba diving can be done here!

Naranjo– 2 Nights
Naranjo is a tiny agricultural town. With more than two hundred years of coffee cultivation under its belt, the town has become a coffee lovers’ mecca with ever increasing numbers of visitors touring the area’s coffee plantations, sampling some in the finest coffees of the world, and learning about the local brew.
Other popular activities in the area include discovering the lush tropical landscape via a canopy tour or a jungle hike.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve– 2 Nights
Known as the ‘Forest in the Clouds’, Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s key conservation areas, taking in six different ecological zones and home to a kaleidoscopic array of flora and fauna.
Breathtaking walking trails traverse this mountainous reserve, while a network of canopy bridges are suspended in the tree tops overhead – both offering visitors the chance to experience its astonishing biodiversity.
The park’s menagerie of exotic wildlife includes jaguars, ocelots, three-wattled bell birds, bare-necked umbrella birds, and elusive, vividly coloured quetzals, while its botanical offerings range from woodlands and rainforests,
to exquisite orchids, delicate ferns, jungle vines and mosses.

View detailed itinerary

COST: $3960.00 PER PERSON TWIN SHARING

For more information or to book this breathtaking adventure
click the link or the email us button below.

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Swim With Humpback Whales
Silver Bank, Dominican Republic

Experience one of the premier congregations of humpback whales found anywhere,
in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic.

With thousands of whales gathering here every winter to mate and calve,
you will see a dazzling display of behaviors from the deck of the tenders
and eye to eye as you slip quietly into the sea to interact with
these graceful giants in their ocean home.

Swimming with humpback whales in their natural environment,
on their terms, during a Soft-In-Water Encounter,
is an ultimate wild animal interaction and spending a week
in this exceptional sanctuary is a journey unlike any other.

Each trip is a week-long liveaboard cruise that boards in
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic on Saturday afternoon
and disembarks the following Saturday morning.
The daily schedule on the Silver Bank is designed to maximize the time
available for boat-based whale watching and soft-in-water whale encounters.

2020 spaces are still available.
Click here to view availability.

COST:
For the standard seven night, six day itinerary, the costs are as follows:
$4,295 per person for a berth in a Standard Stateroom
$4,395.00 per person for a berth in a Deluxe Stateroom.
$4,595.00 per person for a berth in a Master Stateroom.

Access & Port Fees: $450 per person
Fuel Surcharge: no Fuel Surcharge anticipated
*** Fees & Surcharges are subject to change.

For more information or to reserve your space,
Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com

Explore Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez
and
the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve

Stay in Luxury tent camps in two of Baja California’s most beautiful nature reserves
as well as boutique hotels.

Experience the luxury of Baja Sur’s pristine wilderness
while also enjoying the luxury of “camping” with real beds, soft linens, lovely furnishings,
chef-prepared meals and daily happy hour.

It is truly the best of both worlds!

Spend a little time at boutique hotels in Todos Santos
to experience more of the adventures that Baja is famous for-
surfing, swimming with whale sharks and Mexican cooking classes.

November 2019-April 2020

USD COST: 2940.00 per person based on 2 people sharing.
Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities

Included
All transportation including roundtrip airport transfer.
All accommodations in hotels and camps as indicated in itinerary.
All meals from welcome dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day.
Daily happy hour and two drinks with dinner at Camp Cecil de la Sierra and Camp Cecil de la Isla;
drinks at welcome dinner and cooking class.
All adventures and related equipment as indicated in the itinerary.
Bilingual naturalist guide(s) who is a certified Wilderness First Responder.
Entrance fees and permits.

Excluded
International airfare.
Travel insurance.
Gratuities.
Any activities, meals or drinks not explicitly identified in the itinerary.

Click the email us button for more information or to book this diverse adventure!

Email us

Dive Discovery
P.O. Box 9807
San Rafael, CA 94925
(800)886-7321
(415)444-5100
www.divediscovery.com