Date: 22-29 November 2015

Your subjects: Some of the most exciting tropical critters side by side with some great wide angle scenery and action scenarios.

Group size: limited to 8 participants max
(4 minimum)

Cost: AUD 2575.00/person twin share

Season: November is the best month for visibility and accessibility of dive sites in Milne Bay.

The Destination:
Milne Bay is the “cradle” of pioneer tropical underwater photography. Big names like Bob Halstead, Franco Banfi, David Doubilet have captured award winning images here in a time when Portable E6 processing was state of the art. First images in the diving world of many “muck-diving” icons like Rhinopius Arphanes or Flamboyant Cuttle Fish have been taken in Milne Bay.

The Activities:
In November 2015 Stuart Ireland leads a small group of interested underwater photographers in those waters. The aim will be to capture some of those spectacular images and to optimise the shooting results and techniques. The training will encompass theoretical principles of digital underwater photography as well as practical application in this amazing underwater paradise. With the small group size the training will be delivered in a personal way which takes into account the participants prior experience as well as the equipment used. Suitable for SLR and high end compact users.

The Resort:
Tawali Resort is a luxurious resort in the Milne Bay, accessible through Alotau. The resort is ideal land base to explore Milne Bay diving. Some of the very best dive sites are just a few minutes away from the resort. The main building and the bungalows are connected by an undercover boardwalk which runs all the way through to the dive shed and a small beach. The resort also features a swimming pool and poolside bar where guests can relax and unwind after a busy day of diving.
Perched on the edge of the cliff is the big verandah with spectacular views out to the ocean.The restaurant serves a lavish mix of local seafood, vegetables and real tropical fruits.

Your guide and Photopro: Stuart Ireland
Your picture, our passion. Stuart established Calypso Productions in Cairns in 1996 and has become the leader in underwater event photography. During these 18 years he has trained over 100 new photographers, capturing the day of tourists on the Great Barrier Reef. During the past 4 years an underwater and entry level photography course designed specifically for amateur photographers has been extremely popular. He has international awards from Antibes and other highly esteemed competitions.
As a professional filmmaker, photographer and marine biologist, Stuart shares his image making knowledge and passion for the marine world. Having dived extensively around the world in many varied environs, Stuart has particular interest in the marine biodiversity of Papua New Guinea.
INCLUDED: 7 nights deluxe room twin share with oceanview and balcony, all meals at resort, return airport transfers from/to Gurney/Alotau, up to 18 boat dives and unlimited shore diving on the house reef, tanks, weights, boat, dive guide, reef & chamber fees and fuel surcharges, 6 day photo workshop** by Stuart Ireland

Optional extras payable locally:
Nitrox fills (per week) 100.00 AUD
Full set of dive gear rental incl. computer (per day) 70.00 AUD
Full set of dive gear rental without computer (per day) 55.00 AUD
NOTE: All local purchases attract 10% GST!

NOT INCLUDED: airfares, travel insurance, items of personal nature. For bookings and further information please contact DIVERSION DIVE TRAVEL: dirk@diversiondivetravel.com.au

** Photo Workshop outline:
Teaching will take the form of 6 modules ( Show me the Light / It’s all about Composition / Mindset of Photographer / Gear Lust / Up Close and Personal / Developing images in Lightroom ). This will be delivered informally around a computer, scheduled around diving / eating / sleeping.
Practical/ Over the Shoulder. This will be casual one-on one tuition on vessel before/ after dives, and underwater.
Critiquing on Computer. Once again, informal gatherings around computer, looking at daily photos, and suggestions to improve results. A workshop handbook will be issued during trip, which highlights main areas of study.

The Ferry

This trip isn’t for everyone – that’s why they offer adventurous souls a 25% discount on accommodation and diving.Because of the variability of conditions, they do not operate their regular transfer boat during the shoulder season. Instead, transport between Sorong and Misool is on a public ferry. It’s a big steel ship, and guests will have their own cabin with bunk beds. It’s a safe and comfortable 8-hour journey, but it’s still very much a local experience.

Twin cabin on Ferry

Here is more adventure for you! The ferry leaves Sorong on 4th September (Friday night), sleep on the ferry in your twin cabin,  and you’ll arrive at a pearl farm location called ‘Tiga Lima’ at about 8:00 am the following morning. Misool’s transfer boat will collect you there to make the final 1-hour journey to the resort island. Please note that the transfer boats are covered, but not enclosed. The crew will bring tarpaulins to cover your baggage from rain or sea spray, but we highly recommend packing your valuables and electronics in a seal-able dry bag.

The return trip is during the day, departing the resort at about 7:00 am

and arriving back in Sorong in the evening. The cost of transport, including all ground handling, ferry ticket, a private double occupancy cabin, and speed boat transfer between ‘Tiga Lima’ and the resort is 175 Euros per person round trip.

7 night packages is 9 nights altogether: 1 night on the Ferry, 7 nights Misool Resort + 1 night Sorong. All guests return to Sorong after 7 nights and stay 1 additional night at a local hotel (inclusive in accommodation package incl. breakfast). Guests can then depart at any time the following day (13th September). In case you are keen, contact us, we are happy to email you a full quote and handle book it for you.

The Galapagos Marine Park Authority has changed the maximum number of dives per day from 3 to 4 and even 1 night dive per seven week cruise is now allowed. Diving in the Galapagos is always an exceptional experience. With changing water temperatures, the highlights shift:

• June – November: The water is cooler, 16-24C (60-75F); Whale Shark sightings are greater.
• December – May: The water is warmer, clearer 21-30C (70-86F); Larger schools of Hammerhead Sharks, Manta Rays and Eagle Rays.

Check our our dive site Map for Wolf and Darwin Islands

Here a quick overview how the different yachts are adjusting their itineraries to maximise the benefits for you:

Galapagos Sky
Sunday – Sunday
from/to San Cristobal

Galapagos Sky is the leading liveaboard in the Galapagos, owned and managed by diving veteran, Peter Hughes. GS is part of the Diveencounter Alliance which provides you with attractive rewards on the best liveaboards around the world.

Galapagos Sky has announced that they will take advantage of the new regulation by offering a night dive at Wolf Island – offering up to 5 dives at this most amazing dive region. They have 2 days scheduled here and have a much broader variety of dive sites in their programme then any other liveaboard.

During Mar – May 2013, they will visit Cousins Rock, City of Mantas, Cabo Marshall, Punta Vincente Roca, Roca Redondo, and Isla Pinzon (Islote Dumb).

During June, 2013 – Feb., 2014 – they will visit Bartolome, Cousins Rock, Cabo Marshall, Punta Vicente Roca, and Isla Pinzon (Islote Dumb).

They will dive the Isla Pinzon area on our last diving day. Islote Dumb is a tiny rock outcropping off the northeast tip of Isla Pinzon. The dive is packed with the same dynamic diving that they’ve found at Roca Blanca in 2012.

There will be three – four land/sea excursions per trip, and the very populuar Santa Cruz Highlands / Giant Tortoise tour is included in both.

Galapagos Aggressor I & II
Thursday-Thursday
from/to Baltra

The Galapagos Aggressor I (16 pax) & II (14 pax) are sister ships and depart from Baltra every Thursday afternoon.
Starting February 1, 2013, their new itinerary includes Wolf and Darwin, Baltra, Punta Carrion, Bartolome, Cabo Marshall, Cousins Rocks and a brand new addition, Cabo Douglas where guests will have the opportunity to interact with marine iguanas as they feed in the water.
Both boats spend between 2 and 3 days at Wolf and Darwin. Land tours will be at Bartolome and Santa Cruz Highlands.

Current Special:
Save $1000 for departures between February 28 – July 4, 2013

M/V Humboldt Explorer
Monday – Monday
from/to San Cristobal

Humboldt Explorers new permits kick in on 1 April 2013. They have gained the necessary permits to dive up to 4 times a day, including 4 dive days at Wolf & Darwin Islands, plus an additional land tour on North Seymour Island and will be offering a night dive! If Wolf/Darwin is your main goal – Humboldt Explorer is the best choice.

M.Y Darwin Buddy and M.Y Wolf Buddy
Saturday-Saturday
from/to San Cristobal

The two newest additions to the group of quality dive liveaboards are following a similar approach with trying to maximise diving at Wolf and Darwin Islands. Their boats plan 3 dive days at Darwin an Wolf islands.

For more info: info@diversiondivetravel.com.au

STOP PRESS!!   2012 Dates are still available – Check online or  FREECALL in Australia 1800 607 913 or email Info@diversiondivetravel.com.au for details

We have berths available on Mike Balls super livebaoard vessel, Spoilsport! This is a rare chance for an adventure of a life time in Australia. June and July each year is the season to encounter the Minke Whales. These excursions are for snorkelers and divers!

There are not many people in the world lucky enough to experience this but now this week you can be one of them!

The species that we will be observing is the Dwarf Minke Whale, which grows to a maximum length of about 8 metres. As soon as the whales get close to the boat, the skipper will disengage the engine and the boat will silently along with the current. Two ropes will be hanging from the back deck and you will be gliding in the water, wearing your mask fins and snorkel and a wetsuit. You just hang on to that rope, wait and see. The scene is set: Showtime!

Click to watch video

The whales  are very curious by nature and will continue to come closer to have a look at you.

For unknown reasons, they are interested in contact with people! They like to show of acrobatics like the belly loop for example, right in front of snorkelers!  If previous people’s whale encounter experience is any indication, there are no words for it. You’re going to be profoundly glad for the experience. Be quick, we have only a few berths to sell!

This is THE ultimate thrill for everyone who admires whales. The success rate of whale encounters is very high. Contact us: info@diversiondivetravel.com.au

FREECALL in Australia 1800 607 913

or email Info@diversiondivetravel.com.au for reservations

Divers with young kids often face a challenge if they want to take the family on a great holiday and experience excellent diving.

There are no age restrictions, babies, toddler or teenage children, these family excursions are for everyone. Children under 10 years are Free of Charge and children up 15 years old pay half price!

Siren’s family diving trips are dedicated to families with kids and every aspect of what makes a family holiday relaxing and fun is taken care of. This trip is designed to allow both parents and their children to dive together (dependant on age and qualifications), to try scuba diving if not qualified yet and to enjoy many other activities.

Some of the activities on offer during family excursions are sea-kayaking, water skiing, treasure hunts, visits to stunning beaches and much more.  Food is included in the excursion and there is nothing to worry about, as children will get healthy but favourite and familiar food on board. Soft drinks & juices are included in the price as well. There is an extensive movie selection on board of kids favourites’ such as Disney movies and these can be viewed in the saloon on the large plasma screen whilst munching some pop corn or on each cabin’s personal computer!

•  7 nights excursion*
•  Price per adult (16 years +) 1850 Euro (approx. AUD 2499)
• 10-15 year olds half price (per full paying adult)
• Children under 10 years are Free of Charge !!!

*Inclusions: 7 night excursion, airport transfers (domestic airport and boat/return, accommodation for family of 3-4 in a double & twin beeded share ensuite cabin, all delicious meals and snacks, coffee, tea,  fruit juice, soft drinks and beer, fresh fruit ( special dietary requirements catered for), on diving days up to 3-4 dives for certified divers with all essential dive equipment provided.

 FREE PADI Discover Scuba Dive* for all non-diving guests
3 day PADI Scuba Diver* course ONLY 75 Euro per person

Onboard PADI instructors will be available to conduct scuba diving courses for those guests who never dived but would like to try! Take this fantastic opportunity to encourage the rest of your family members to enjoy your diving hobby as well! For 8 & 9 year old kids the Bubblemaker program will be offered if weather conditions and other circumstances allow.

*  Participants for any diving course or activity must be aged 10 or above

 Please contact us now for bookings of these special 7-night trips:

• 3-10 August 2012 (Visayas, Philippines from Cebu to Dauin)
• 28 July-4 August 2013 (Komodo, Indonesia from/to Birma)

 More about the boats on our website: Philippine Siren  and Indo Siren. 
Note: The Philippine Siren excursion is almost sold out, only a few berths left. Contact as soon!

Special Features of Family Diving Trips:

• Nannies to look after children.
• Baby cot if required*.
• Children’s size snorkeling equipment*.
• Specially catered children’s menu.
• Fancy dress pirate night with prize for best dressed (make the crew walk the plank).
• Fun but educational talks on the marine environment.

 *Limited numbers. Cot should be ordered at time of booking. It is advised parents purchase their child(rens) snorkel equipment prior to the trip to ensure a perfect fit.

Contact us!!
info@diversiondivetravel.com.au

www.diversiondivetravel.com.au
Phone     + 61 ( 7 ) 40 390 200
Freecall  1800 607 913 (within Australia)

It is with great pleasure that we can offer you an authentic Maldivian diving experience. We are offering two unique 10 days trips starting from Male (no additional transfer costs for Airtaxi) aboard our safari boat “MY Sheena” to the northern region of the Maldives. We will start the tour towards North Male Atoll, which features some of the most spectacular channels. Spots such as “Finger Point”, Blue Canyon”, “Lucky Express” and “Werner Special” etc. will be included in this special trip.

 Hanifaru Bay located in Baa Atoll, is undoubtedly the highlight of this tour. During the south-west monsoon season, countless manta rays are attracted to this small bay by its’ plankton-rich waters. It’s not unusual to see hundreds of manta rays together at one time! Furthermore, numerous whale sharks often join the show!  This site will be included on the list of “World Heritage Sites” in the near future!!!

  To conclude this spectacular tour, we will also dive the sites “Sharks & More” and “Caribbean Tail” located in the Noonu Atoll and will also making a planned stop in the Lhaviyani Atoll on our way back to Male to dive „Ship Yard“– a dive site which features two wrecks.

 The tour is suitable for advanced divers only, due to expected strong current conditions & channel crossings. We therefore require a minimum number of 60 logged divers.

To put it in a nutshell: Maldivian diving in its’ purest form!

 Schedule:
01.– 11. September 2011 (10 nights)
11. – 21. September 2011 (10 nights)

Prices per person:
Lower deck cabin   Euro 1.250,- + 3,5% GST
Owners cabin            Euro 1.350,- + 3,5% GST

 Services included:
From Male, accommodation in a double cabin with AC and en-suite bathroom (shower/toilet). Full board including tea, coffee and water. Up to 3 dives a day (including cylinders & weights).

Please contact us if you want to be part of this!

Papuan Barrier Reef photo: Craig DeWitt

The Golden Dawn has been pioneering diving in PNG since 1990. Craig DeWitt, veteran diver and skipper of the MV Golden Dawn, offers now some awesome diving at the Papuan Barrier Reef, south of Port Moresby.
The Papuan Barrier Reef is a substantial rival to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia running 1000 km from Port Moresby to Rossel Island at the tip of the Louisiade Archipelago, and has the advantage for much of its length of being much closer to shore. Craig has recently been exploring the section between Port Moresby and slightly beyond Hood point 100km to the south-east. The Barrier reef shelters a lagoon with many small isolated coral reefs commonly called “Bommies” and has a multitude of passes cutting through the reef and allowing Coral Sea waters to flush the lagoon.

While there are some well known dive sites on the Papuan Barrier, which are close to Port Moresby such as Suzies Bommie the majority of the trip will be spent “finning the reef less travelled”…to coin a term by PNG Dive Pioneer Bob Halstead.
 
The passes are adorned with colorful sea fans, sea whips and barrel sponges. On the outer walls Silvertips, Grey Reef Sharks and White Tips are commonly sited with occasional sightings of Java Sharks (Pig Eyes) and Great Hammerheads. Inside the passages Eagle Rays, Mobula Rays, Blotched Sting rays (Cow Rays), Tasseled Wobbegongs, Leopard Sharks, Tawney Sharks are common.

Well, Dirk and Claudia from Diversion Dive Travel will be on the first excursion to this awesome destination. Would be great if you join us!

Join us exploring!

Date: 15-21 August 2011 from/to Port Moresby ,
Package: 6 nights Diving Papuan Barrier Reef, twin accommodation, all meals, tanks, weights. Up to 5 dives on dive days,  return airfares on Airniugini from Cairns  from AUD 2599.00
 Other excursion dates are available for August/September. Please email us!
More information on our Golden Dawn Website

This trip is dedicated to families who up until now may have been put off joining such a trip. The trip will allow both parents and their children to dive together (dependant on age and qualifications), to try scuba diving if not qualified and to enjoy many other activities. We have kayaks, water skiing, wakeboarding, treasure hunts, visits to stunning beaches and much much more. On board the yacht children will be able to eat healthy but favourite and familiar food such as burgers, fish fingers and more. Soft drinks are included in the price. We have many films that kids love such as Disney films and these can be viewed on each cabins personal computer or in the saloon on the large plasma screen whilst enjoying pop corn.

The dates are:
3rd August to 13th August 2011 – South Visayas on the Philippine Siren.

Price per adult (16years and over) 2,400 Euro (~ AUD 3,499.00)
price per child (up to 15 years) 1,200 Euro  (~ AUD 1,74900)
(when accompanied by full paying adult).
Please note: Children are only charged if they require a bed for themselves. If they are at an age where they do not need a bed there is no charge.

Special features of the family trip include:
Nannies to look after children.
Baby cot if required*.
Children’s size snorkeling equipment*.
Specially catered children’s menu.
Fancy dress pirate night with prize for best dressed (make the crew walk the plank).
Fun but educational talks on the marine environment.

* = Limited numbers. Cot should be ordered at time of booking. It is advised parents purchase their child(rens) snorkel equipment prior to the trip to ensure a perfect fit.

PS: If liveabords are not your family’s thing – the Philippines have a wide range of great dive resorts which are perfect for an fun, affordable family dive vacation, with excellent diving. Please ask our consultants for details

includes:
direct flights from Coolangatta on Pacific Flier,
air taxes,7 nights twin share accommodation at Seapassion Hotel in Korror, roundtrip airport transfers in Korror, daily breakfast, lunch & drink on dive days,
5 dive days with two dives each (10 dives) with Fish’n Fins, tanks, weights, Free Nitrox.
for travel between June to September 2010. Please email for details

 Jan, Nov, & Dec 2011 just $2,995 per person

 Save up to $932 per person.

• Pay no taxes   We pay the 11% Mexican IVA tax (value USD 330)
•  No Port fees or National Park fees
•  FREE upgrade to Superior cabin (  while supply lasts)
•  FREE Nitrox
•  FREE hotel night in Cab 
• FREE roundtrip airport transfers

Just $2995 per person

 Must be Booked by May 31, 2010 NEW bookings only