Dive, snorkel and culture in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Snorkel, Scuba Diving and Culture!

MV Oceania - PNG Liveaboards - Dive Discovery PNG

Papua New Guinea offers something for everyone.

Land and underwater photographers will be spell bound with the abundance of opportunities to fill their palette. PNG is truly a land of untouched splendor and diversity to touch the hearts and souls of the most intrepid traveler.

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Stay at a dive resort or on a liveaboard and explore PNG’s culture.

The cultural shows and festivals of Papua New Guinea are a way for the proud local people to showcase their traditional customs and beliefs through dance and “sing sings”. This also provides a wonderful opportunity for tourists to see the many different cultures of Papua New Guinea all come together in an array of colour and passion.

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To learn more or to book an amazing adventure to Papua New Guinea,
click the email us button below.

Email us

In the forest - Shaggy Ridge Trek, 9 Days - PNG Land Tours - Dive Discovery PNG

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

Sardine Run 2020- An experience of a lifetime!

Sardine Run
June 10th, 2020 to July 30th, 2020

This is by far one of the greatest congregations of ocean predators known to man!

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What is the Sardine Run?

The “Sardine Run” is the annual migration of Sardine from the Agulhas Bank of the Cape, past the Wild Coast and up to the southern portions of KwaZulu Natal to spawn and then return.  Huge shoals travel up the coastline feeding in nutrient rich waters with literally thousands of sharks, dolphins, game fish and oceanic birds following the sardines up the coast.

This phenomenon is a truly incredible and exciting experience, whether you are capturing the action on camera or memory from above or below the water.

This experience is a MUST DO for all nature & ocean lovers.

SARDINE RUN 2020 PACKAGES:
June 10th, 2020 to July 30th, 2020

Port St John’s River Lodge, 3*** rated
Dinner + Bed + Breakfast
7 Nights / 6 Days Sardine Run Diving Package
USD 2,770 twin share
USD 2,945 single

6 Nights / 5 Days Sardine Run Diving Package
USD 2,400 twin share
USD 2,475 single

*** Rate subject to change, based on current rate of exchange.
*** Family room and twin bed rooms are available.

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Add on a 4 night Safari?

Excellent game-viewing and home-grown hospitality.

We highly recommend a visit to the renowned Sabi Sand Game reserve at Kruger National Park after (or before) your adrenaline pumping Sardine Run ocean safari in South Africa!
Our guests rave about Inyati Private game reserve! The lodge is situated on the banks of the Sand River allowing for fantastic game viewing without leaving the camp!

Diversity of species and relaxed big game allows for close-up game viewing and photography.

With no boundary fences between the Sabi Sands and the Kruger National Park,
this reserve benefits from the great diversity of wildlife found in one of the richest wilderness areas on the African continent along, with the additional benefits experienced on a private game reserve.

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USD Costs
23 Jun – 31 Jul 2020:
USD 4099.00 per person sharing
Single supplement USD 935.00
Rate based on current rate of exchange, subject to change at final payment.

Click the email us button below to book one or both of these trips!

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Email us

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

Join us! Socorro Group Trip 2021!

Socorro Island, in the Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico!
April 22-30 2021 Group Trip

Escorted by: Cindi LaRaia
Aboard the Naultius Undersea

8 nights, 5 days of diving, 4 dives per day plus 1 night snorkel with the silkies
Bait ball season!!!

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Socorro is all about amazing interaction with our favourite giant mantas. No other mantas in the world behave like this. We don’t know why but we love it!! And the mantas clearly love us back.
Research indicates that there are more giant mantas and more biomass at Socorro during bait ball season than any other time of year.

Everything intensifies with more sharks – including schooling silky sharks – schooling hammerheads, whale sharks, friendly dancing bottlenose dolphins, lots of tuna and other pelagic fish and even pilot whales. You can expect water temps in the mid – high 70’s.

COST:
Twin share staterooms $3,460 per person
*$65 port fee paid on board

Click the email us button below to get more details or to book this adventure.

Email us

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

Discover Sri Lanka: Wildlife, Romance, Culture

Discover Sri Lanka!

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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

Holiday Newsletter- 2019 summary

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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……

Penguins in Antarctic

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!

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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]

Giraffes seen in Etosha National Park in Namibia

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]

Machu Picchu

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 sierra’s of Baja California Sur

GLAMPING THE SEAS AND SIERRAS OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

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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

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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

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

Swim with Whales! Silver Banks- Dominican Republic

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.

Humpback whale breaching

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

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

Expeditions With a Purpose, ‘PEMCO’ (Planetary Earth Mission Clean the Ocean)

Expeditions With a Purpose

‘PEMCO’ (Planetary Earth Mission Clean the Ocean)

'PEMCO' (Planetary Earth Mission Clean the Ocean)

THE PURPOSE

CLEAN UP THE PLASTIC FROM OUR OCEANS

Globally, humans have polluted the oceans with over 5 trillion tons of plastic waste. Marine life, corals, in fact, our entire ecosystem is under threat. We MUST act now to keep our planet in balance.

Throughout YOUR cruise itinerary, our vessel, MV. VOYAGER collects plastic from the ocean and recycles it. Designed to recover up to 5 tons of plastic per day, while cruising, MV. VOYAGER funnels floating waste into a boom system, processes it on board and recycles it in port. Our satellite partners stream realtime live data updates to our system assisting us to pinpoint the greatest areas to clean up.

Each guest can choose to incorporate as much or as little participation in ocean clean up as desired. Guests with a greater passion to clean up the oceans can assist with removing trash from the water while diving/snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and visiting beaches. Don’t feel like assisting to collect plastic waste? Not a problem, by simply joining a cruise and having a life-altering vacation, you are contributing to help us remove plastics from the seas by keeping our cruises full.

Pioneers in liveaboard cruising, ship charter and oceanic surveys in Indonesia & around the globe.

Having witnessed the increasing amount of plastic waste in our oceans first hand, we designed our flagship vessel, MV. VOYAGER‘s waste collection system (TM) to coincide with fabulous guest cruises for up to 27 people.

Are YOU ready to make a difference? Welcome on board.

THE EXPERIENCE

Imagine, cruising in freedom while we take you to indulge in Indonesia’s best marine & terrestrial regions as well as exploring unchartered underwater territory.

Step onto unforgettable shores, exhilarate or relax your soul, dive, swim, snorkel, adventure, all while helping solve the current world ocean trash accumulation. Our mission is to accelerate earth into a more all-encompassing future.

THE AIM

Inspire humanity collectively to take action, all while having the best time imaginable!

Click the email us button below to book or for more information.

Email us

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

El Camino Trek in Costa Rica!

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!

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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!

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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

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

Damai DEMA Special 15% off

Damai DEMA Special
15% off select bookings
Aboard Damai 1 or Damai 2
Book before Nov 30th, 2019.

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Damai DEMA Special: 15% off select trips.
Individual bookings only.

Damai 1
4-Feb-20 to 12-Feb-20 8 nights
Sorong-Raja Ampat- Sorong
12 spaces available

Damai 2
27-Feb-20 to 11-Mar-20 13 nights
Sorong-Raja Ampat / Triton Bay- Kaimana
3 spaces available

Damai 1
3-Mar-20 to 18-Mar-20 15 nights
Sorong-Raja Ampat / Triton Bay / Asmat- Timika
2 spaces available

Damai 2
26-Mar-20 to 5-Apr-20 10 nights
Sorong-Raja Ampat / Triton Bay- Kaimana
11 spaces available

Damai 1
4-Apr-20 to 15-Apr-20 11 nights
Sorong-Raja Ampat / Halmahera- Ternate
10 spaces available

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Pricing:
Rates for 2020
(not including the 15% off)

DAMAI I
US$ 575 per person twin share

DAMAI II
US$ 625 per person twin share

Rates are per person per night, based upon two people sharing a twin or double cabin.
Each boat has two double cabins that could be used as SINGLE CABIN for an additional US$175 per night,
and two MASTER CABINS that have a supplement of US$50 per person and night.

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Email us

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