SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2025 AUTUMN NEWSLETTER
Autumn in the northern hemisphere is here!
Spring in the southern hemisphere for my friends on the lower side!
It has been a very busy travel season for me!
I have just returned from a beautiful 3 weeks in New Zealand!!
I visited my friend Quentin in Napier, we visited some iconic spots in the North Island like Rotorua! Beautiful thermals, beautiful snow covered mountains, it was end of winter early spring. Flowers sprouting on trees and bushes, gorgeous happy daffodils, tulips and more!
I will have my trip report on our website soon with pictures.
I stayed in Wellington (south of the north island) for a few days;
Lord of the Rings tour was a highlight for Middle Earth lovers like me!
Ferried across Cook Strait, stayed in Picton visited the famous Marlborough region
for Sauvignon blanc and more yummy wines.
I would have had the best dolphin pics of my life!
They are beautiful also,, they are super acrobatic and just want to have fun!!!
Onto Christchurch which I loved!
I also flew to Queenstown for 2 days to see what that was about and Wow,
it is truly the Adventure Capital of the world.
Absolutely everything and anything you can think of to raise your adrenaline is here!
I did the shotover Jet boat in the canyon river, my goodness these guys are crazy yet safe
and just so fun!!! Also the longest ziplining over beautiful forests with snow covered mountains surrounding you. It’s a fantastic place to have fun, tons of skiing and snow boarding, lake trips. Absolutely everything is here, there is something for everyone no matter your activity level!
I took the Tranzalpine train across the Alps to the west side of NZ, stunning scenery.
Lots of beautiful nature, hiking and more. New Zealand is spectacular and beautiful!
The people are the friendliest I have ever met!
Even the security airline people, are so friendly,,, what? Crazy I know!
WELLNESS IN THE WILD
WE have a new website we are working on called Wellness in the Wild!
Here is the temporary weblink, we are working on getting the domain name now: https://advdisc.scuba-divers.org/
This is very exciting for me! This is about our hectic, overworked over stressed lifestyles,
we need to carve out time to make our souls happy and healthy again.
Many of these itineraries involve beautiful camps & lodges in Africa.
Meditation, spa treatments, yoga, mindfulness and holistic approaches to regain our healthy spirit while on safari in beautiful Africa.
These sample itineraries are in South Africa, with some in Botswana, Victoria Falls
and Zimbabwe & Zambia. We also have some 4 day add-on ideas
as you will see on our site as well.
We have chosen places that have created spaces with holistic health practitioners
to guide and serve.
We will also be offering these in East Africa and around the world!
**These are lovely sample itineraries that can be booked with us as is, so you can see how amazing this can be. We of course offer custom wellness safaris as we do with all our other safaris! You will see we are offering 4 & 5 star accommodations.
Just ask us, we are happy to create something special for you **
Bring a bestie with you and enjoy your new peace and wellbeing!!!
Trust me,,, its worth it. And it works! Read through what we have thus far and enjoy!!
AFRICA ~ A Love story written in the Wild!
Those of us who have been to Africa understand the love story that is written in and on our hearts. It seeps in ever so slowly as you are out on game drives in the bush.
The smells, the sounds, the stunning light in the early hours and as the sun starts to set.
The sounds in the deep wilds of Africa isn’t something I can explain to people when I speak of Africa. It’s a silent love story written only for you. As you know, Africa is where my heart lies!
Introducing something a bit different, you have heard of the Sardine Run
off the east coast of South Africa.
It’s a short lived phenomenon that can be full on with chaos when the bait balls are formed
by the white sided dolphins with the sardines.
I call it the ‘Sardine Convention, everyone shows up!
Brydes whales, super pods of dolphins up to 5000 in a pod, diving cape gannet birds
(this is to me a most incredible site to see when snorkeling with the bait balls)!
Seven species of Sharks! It’s truly something to see and do at least 1 time in your life.
Now we have a luxury option alongside the way we have offered it for years.
Experience the Greatest Ocean Safari- on the Wild Coast in South Africa for 2026.
GweGwe beach lodge now offers Guaranteed set departures for 3 dates!
This is a very special place in the middle of nowhere!
We handle the charter flights and transfers from Durban.
So much to do here if you want or unplug and dissolve into nature!
~Watch this beautiful video of GweGwe and the Sardine Run~
Departure Dates:
12- 18 June 2026
01 – 05 July 2026
10 – 17 July 2026
Epic action on our doorstep – Experience the Sardine Run, it happens right here at GweGwe literally right in front of the resort!
The natural shoal where the sardines follow is super close to the shore here!
Departure Dates Detail:
12 – 18 June (7 days, 6 nights)
All-inclusive Retail Rate, Durban-to-Durban:
USD 9,750 per person
Inclusions:
Return flights to GweGwe Beach Lodge from Durban’s Virginia Airport
5 days of boating
Luxury accommodation in a deluxe, sea-facing suite
All meals, choice of 10 house wines, local beers & spirits
All lagoon and land-based activities. Run, hike, mountain bike, kayak, canoe, surf and SUP in Mkambati Nature Reserve.
01 – 05 July (5 days, 4 nights)
All-inclusive Retail Rate, Durban-to-Durban:
USD 7,515 per person
Inclusions:
Return flights to GweGwe Beach Lodge from Durban’s Virginia Airport
3 days of boating
Luxury accommodation in a deluxe, sea-facing suite
All meals, choice of 10 house wines, local beers & spirits
All lagoon and land-based activities. Run, hike, mountain bike, kayak, canoe, surf and SUP in Mkambati Nature Reserve.
10 – 17 July (8 days, 7 nights)
All-inclusive Retail Rate, Durban-to-Durban:
USD 12,385 per person
Inclusions:
Return flights to GweGwe Beach Lodge from Durban’s Virginia Airport
6 days of boating
Luxury accommodation in a deluxe, sea-facing suite
All meals, choice of 10 house wines, local beers & spirits
All lagoon and land-based activities. Run, hike, mountain bike, kayak, canoe, surf and SUP in Mkambati Nature Reserve.
Exclusions
Single supplements
Fully comprehensive travel insurance
Premium wines and spirits from the reserve list
Gratuities to guides and staff
Spa treatments
~Other Africa ideas to consider~
Last minute safari idea? No problem, just ask, we have a lot of last minute well priced options for you if you just need to be in the bush, NOW!
Which Gorilla safari is right for you?
Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
or pure Lux in Rwanda?
Or Western Lowland Gorillas in Republic of the Congo (the good Congo)
See You Tube video below
CONGO BRAZZAVILLE | KAMBA
Guided Baï Walks in Odzala
A baï is a natural forest clearing where wildlife like forest elephants, gorillas, and
sitatungas gather—often in full view.
Guided walks through the Congo Basin around Lango and other baïs are surprisingly peaceful and completely safe, offering a front-row seat to the rhythms of the rainforest.
It’s a gentle yet thrilling way to connect with nature and walk in an untouched part of Africa.
Baï walks are included for all Kamba guests.
I will be offering a small group trip here this March 8-16 2026, we have space available! We were going to Chad, but our government ended that. We are now going to Kamba in Congo instead.
Let me know if you are interested!
Namibia
Namibia is a land of infinite horizons, where deserts, dunes, and savannas
stretch as far as the eye can see.
Its vastness is not emptiness, but a profound sense of freedom and space.
The NAMIBIA UNTOLD SAFARI affords you the chance to experience this magnificent
and memorable country in a very personal way.
You will have your own professional and experienced safari guide who will enhance your enjoyment of this unique country by making it a fascinating and stress-free journey of discovery
amidst very dramatic scenery.
Land on the Moon in Namibia…
SOMETHING NEW!
Saint Helena & Kruger Safari- South Africa
Picture floating 30 meters deep in crystal-clear Atlantic waters, watching a 12-meter whale shark glide past in pristine blue.
Seeing colorful reef fish dart between volcanic rock, and historic shipwrecks rest silently on the ocean floor & Manta Rays fly by.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
7 Scuba Dives: 1 night dive and guided whale shark/snorkeling excursion (seasonal).
Saint Helena Island: untouched reefs, rare endemic marine life & coastal scenery.
Historic Shipwrecks: explore WWII wrecks and centuries-old vessels.
Guided Island Tour: uncover St Helena’s rich history, from Napoleon’s exile to unique local culture.
Kruger National Park (Mluwati Concession): private game drives with expert guides in search of the Big Five.
Luxury Accommodation: boutique hotel in St Helena and authentic safari lodge in Kruger.
FROM US$ 4,389.00
~DEMA SPECIALS INDONESIA ~
Pindito Liveaboard Specials
5% OFF:* All new bookings confirmed between Nov 5th and Dec 31, 2025.
15% OFF:*
Raja Ampat | Jan 26 – Feb 6, 2026 | Sorong to Sorong
Raja Ampat | Apr 6 – 17, 2026 (special offer of 10 Paid+2 FOC also available)
Bali-Maumere | July 20-31, 2026
Samambaia Liveaboard Specials
5% OFF off all new bookings made after November 5, 2025 and confirmed by December 31, 2025.
Alam Batu Resort Specials
Note: Announcing our new “all-in with drinks*” packages! Take advantage of these exciting new package rates for all new bookings for 2026 and 2027!
The new packages include accommodation in chosen room category, full board meals and snacks, water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, fruit juices, health drinks, beer, house wine, guided boat and house reef dives with Nitrox, spa treatments, cultural tours, round trip transfers, and government taxes
Siladen Resort & Spa Specials
10% OFF
Accommodation when staying 7 or Valid for new bookings made after November 5th 2025 and confirmed by December 31st, 2025.
Coral Eye Marine Outpost Specials
10% OFF
Accommodation when staying 7 or more nights
Accommodation when booking a combination of 5 or more nights at Coral Eye and 5 or
more nights at Siladen
Siladen & Coral Eye Combination Special
Includes boat transfer between the two resorts (weather and conditions permitting) with two dives along the way, as well as other inclusions stated in the package.
** Ask about our different room category specials
NEW!
Coralia Dua! All new and ready for bookings!
Very exciting as we have been following the birth of Coralia Dua,
she will be a shining star like her older sister!
Let us know when you want to go!
Rates 2026
The below rates are valid from 1st July 2026 to 31st December 2026.
There is a 10% early bird discount on all
Coralia Dua cruises in 2026.
Master Cabin on Main/Upper Deck(double): 785USD /discount now 707USD per person per night
Lower Deck Cabin (double or twin): 705USD/ discount now 635USD per person per night
Single Cabin Surcharge: above rates plus 55% (percent)
** 5% discount for 2027**
Like her sister ship Coralia, she was designed with eight spacious cabins, inviting lounge areas, and the same world-class diving experience you have come to expect.
Her itineraries for 2026 and 2027 will take you to some of the most breathtaking
diving destinations across Indonesia.
MEXICO
Mobula’s and Orcas in the Sea of Cortez!
Camp Cuevas and the Mobula Migration!
Available only in the month of June, this Baja exploration offers not only incredible adventures that are available only at this time of year, but also the chance to engage with the families and organizations that are leading the effort to protect Baja’s natural heritage
and cultural patrimony for the generations to come.
It’s a truly exceptional journey into the Sea of Cortez, lead by some of its
most passionate protectors!
Available 2026 dates:
June 10-16
June 14-20
June 18-24
June 22-28
Camp Cuevas and the Mobula Migration is USD 3,300/person. The price includes:
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 on the island
All adventures and related equipment as indicated in the itinerary including adventures with the Cuevas brothers, swimming with mobula rays, swimming with Guadalupe fur seals, kayaking remote island waters, hiking, birding and star gazing
Bilingual naturalist guide(s) who is a certified Wilderness First Responder + the Cuevas family
Entrance fees and permits
Your airport options are San Jose del Cabo (SJD) and La Paz (LAP).
Thank you for reading, we so appreciate your loyalty and patronage!
Live deliberately!
Cheers!
From the Dive & Africa Discovery team!
Cindi LaRaia
