DIVE ADVICE TRAVEL - What's HOT

A Note from Dom

DOM'S HOT DIVES newsletter is produced about 5 - 6 times per year.   It includes industry news, updates about top destinations, resorts & live-aboards. We also produce extensive availability lists, which used to be distributed with the newsletter, but are now live on the website and we endeavor to update weekly. If you wish the most current availability, you can contact us for the latest list.   Just visit our sign-up page to be added to the list or contact us by email.

Below you will find our current Hot Dives favorites. But don't forget, you can also find some great trips on our other popular pages: Last Minute Options, Great Deals and Special Expeditions.

Now, sit back, scroll down . . . and dream !

Cheers, Dom

BAHAMAS TIGER SHARKS 2010

In November 2009, I was diving with the Tigers in the Bahamas aboard the Dolphin Dream. Suffice it to say that the experience was breathtaking!

We have dates for 2010 & are planning to repeat the success of 2008 & 2009, with renowned tiger shark photographer, Wolfgang Leander, accompanying the trips.

We have 3 charters this year of 7 & 8 days:
Nov 6 - 13, Nov 14 - 20 & Nov 21 - 27
2010 Rates:

7 night trip - $2795

6 night trips - $2395

You can join us for this
Ultimate Tiger Shark Experience
Contact us for availability

First, check out the fabulous video shot on the 2008 trip by David Ulloa of Valleo Films . Then, for details about the Tiger Shark trips, click here.

TIGER BEACH, BAHAMAS

Thanks to David Ulloa for this beautiful Tiger Shark image

GALAPAGOS

GALAPAGOS
2010

STILL HOT

You'll find all your "old favorites" still providing excellent diving in the highly sought-after northern islands of Darwin & Wolf:

Deep Blue - Sky Dancer -
Aggressor I - Aggressor II - Estrella del Mar

Plus, the fabulous sailing yacht,

Alta
has once again been granted a permit to dive Darwin & Wolf
during the prime months of July through November
and she's offering fabulous rates. Click for details >>>

Also, the brand new Humboldt Explorer, to be launched in May 2010, joins this elite group doing diving cruises at Darwin and Wolf.

And last, but certainly not least, the beautiful 85 foot SY Nautilus dives the southern islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Each night you stay on a different island in lovely ocean-front hotel accommodation.

Visit our Galapagos page for details of the diving & for links to details of the boats, then view Special Expeditions, Last Minute Options and check our Availability pages for dates and availability of all the boats.

PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES aboard new Philippine Siren
Diving Southern Leyte and Bohol.

See our Great Deals Page for current specials.

With a lack of infrastructure in the past to support quality diving operations, we were hesitant to promote this region of the world. We're delighted now to offer you a choice of experienced and professional resorts and liveaboards in the Philippines - and to open up to you the opportunity to experience diving in waters equally as diverse and rich as those you already know in Indonesia

One of the 2 liveaboards we recommend is The Philippine Siren. You probably already know the reputation of her sister ship which dives the waters of Komodo, Thailand and the Andaman Islands. This new vessel is escorting divers to some of the finest dive sites that exist in the entire Philippines Archipelago.

Her rate of 2400 Euros includes deluxe cabins, 4 dives per day, free nitrox, soft drinks and beers, and even free use of all essential dive equipment. Click here for more info on the boat, see dates on our Availability page or check with us for details.

MALDIVES

These islands have long been a European destination, but in recent years with an influx of luxurious modern yachts, and many island resorts being upgraded, this has become a hot destination offering world class diving for all divers.

Beautiful coral reefs and frequent pelagic encounters with whale sharks, mantas, dolphins and sharks are getting rave reviews from all our clients.

Even the perception of best time to go has changed as we run extended charters to the most southern atolls of Huvadhoo during the months from May to August. Check with me regarding details of some of the best Liveaboards in the Maldives.

And see dates on our Availability page or check with us for details.

Now, an assortment of temptations . . . in approximate date order . . . with more destination info following.

AUSTRALIA aboard SPIRIT OF FREEDOM 2010 Take advantage of the Buddy Special of 50% off on select dates for 3, 4 + 7 night departures to Cod Hole and Coral Sea during February, March & April. Check with me for dates & more info >>>

RED SEA 2010 This is where I got started in 1982 and although there are a few more vessels and divers since that time – it still offers superb world class diving with incredible corals, colorful reef fish and exciting pelagic encounters. The Brothers Islands offers some of the most exciting diving of the Red Sea and for March 25-Apr 1, we have a special trip aboard the HEAVEN HARMONY from Marsa Ghaleb. Luxuriously appointed, with a top professional crew, this program has a few spaces at 995 Euros + permit fee of 70 Euros pp. We have many options in the Red Sea but this would be a high recommendation.

SUDAN aboard new ANDROMEDA - 2010 - Dive some of the best the Red Sea has to offer. Few if any other boats or divers around you. Sudan still offers pristine reefs and amazing fish life which competes with the best in the world. Contact us for dates from Feb thru May, and then again in Oct, Nov & Dec.

ANDAMANS aboard THE SIREN - Mar 29-Apr 7, 2010 - 10 nights from Port Blair aboard the fabulous S/Y Siren. Rate 3300 Euros includes deluxe cabin, 4 dives per day, free nitrox, soft drinks and beers, and even free use of all essential dive equipment.

VELASCO REEFS aboard PALAU AGGRESSOR II May 2-16, 2010 NEW two-week northern itinerary to the Velasco reef area May 2-16, 2010, for $5,795 double stateroom and $5,995 deluxe stateroom. April 3-17, 2011 for $6,095.

SIPADAN ISLAND aboard CELEBES EXPLORER 2010 - May 16-28 - this 12 night private charter includes a full seven days of Liveaboard diving at the incredible Sipadan Island off Borneo. Rate is 1860 Euros + 70 euros taxes. Special rate flights from Europe available.

MANTA RESEARCH EXPEDITION to Ecuador June thru October 2010

Manta Rays are one of our Ocean’s most charismatic residents and few divers will ever forget their first encounters with these giant graceful creatures. Much mystery surrounds the lives of these winged gods of the oceans and Project Elasmo offers individuals to learn more about them. Check with me for more details.

SARDINE RUN, SOUTH AFRICA - 7 nights/6 days at sea - Jun 8-15, 2010 from East London includes accommodations, 6 full days on the water and a micro-lite spotter aircraft. At $4025 and open to divers and non-divers, the Sardine Run is a once in a lifetime adventure - what could be a better addition to the FIFA World Cup.

BASKING SHARKS of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides 2010 - June + July are the prime months for encounters with the 2nd largest shark in our oceans. This free diving expedition will include 5 full days of in-water encounters with these most elusive of the shark family. Check with me for details of this small group adventure.

HOLBOX ISLAND, MEXICO – WHALE SHARKS 2010 - July is also the prime month for encounters with the spectacular whale shark population on this island in the Yucatan. On this years trip they filmed what may have been the largest conflagration of whale sharks ever recorded, with an averaged over 100 sharks per day for four days, feeding at the surface in blue water. A typical day maybe upward of 10-15 whale sharks and 20-30 manta rays. Join us in 2010.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA aboard GOLDEN DAWN – Jun 10-24, 2010 A special 14 night expedition from Alotau to Walindi. The itinerary is not fixed but dependant on weather. You will spend a few days in Milne Bay proper doing some of the famous sites there but from then on it is exploration... Maybe Black Jack the B17 Flying Fortress off Cape Vogel, some of the new reefs Craig has discovered of the Star reefs north of Tufi and then Tami Island, Siassi Islands near Umboi, from there if wind no blowing you will go north to a reef system where you'll find aggregations of Sailfish, before turning east to Vitu Islands and into Kimbe Bay. If the wind is blowing the boat will stick to the north coast of West New Britain and go around that way to Kimbe... So as you can see its weather dependant but it will be varied and some amazing coastal scenery and diversity of dive sites.

BAHAMAS DOLPHINS 2010 - Jul 17-23, Jul 24-30, Jul 31-Aug 6 & Aug 7-13. 6 + 7 day trips aboard the Dolphin Dream from West Palm Beach to the best of the Bahamas. 7 days @ $1995 pp.

CALIFORNIA CHANNEL ISLAND July 10-16, 2010 Six night special trip aboard the fabulous Nautilus Explorer @ $1245 per person.

CALIFORNIA CHANNEL ISLAND / GUADALUPE GREAT WHITES COMBO

July 23-Aug 4, 2010 eleven night special trip aboard the fabulous Nautilus Explorer for amazing diving in the Channel Islands followed by cage diving with the Ocean’s most awesome predator in clear blue waters. 6 spaces – contact me for details.

BAHAMAS DOLPHINS 2010 - Jul 17-23, Jul 24-30, Jul 31-Aug 6 & Aug 7-13. 6 + 7 day trips aboard the Dolphin Dream from West Palm Beach to the best of the Bahamas. 7 days @ $1995 pp.

CALIFORNIA CHANNEL ISLAND July 10-16, 2010 Six night special trip aboard the fabulous Nautilus Explorer @ $1245 per person.

CALIFORNIA CHANNEL ISLAND / GUADALUPE GREAT WHITES COMBO

NAI’A FIJI – Special 14 night Expedition to Lau Group – August 7-21, 2010 diving the best of Fiji and remote areas in the North Lau Group where the diving is awesome and where few boats have ever dived.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS aboard ALTA 2010 the luxurious 140ft Alta has permits for Darwin + Wolf itineraries from May thru November 2010 and is offering fabulous rates of $3550 and $3750 per person. No fuel surcharge and free nitrox if booked before March 15, 2010. After March 15, fuel surcharge is $150 and nitrox is $100 per person. Prime dates are August 14-21 and August 21-28.

GUADALUPE GREAT WHITES on NAUTILUS EXPLORER - August through October - Cage diving with the world’s most awesome predator in clear blue waters. One of the ultimate pelagic encounters. Contact us for more information.

MANDARIN SIREN /MISOOL ECO RESORT Combo – Nov 4-18, 2010 – Special 14 night combination with 7 nights aboard the new Mandarin Siren and 7 nights at Misool Eco Resort. The price is 3985 Euros for the full 14 nights + unlimited Nitrox diving, with Water Cottage accommodation at Misool Eco Resort. The same package with Deluxe Villa accommodation at Misool Eco Resort is 4150 Euros.

BAHAMAS TIGER SHARKS 2010 - Nov 6-12, Nov 13-19 and Nov 20-27, 2010 aboard the Dolphin Dream with renowned shark photographer Wolfgang Leander. 8 day and 7 day trips - the Ultimate Tiger shark experience. Early bookings pay 2009 rate of $2795.

SOLOMONS aboard BILIKIKI 2010 - Dec 7-21, 2010 – Special trips escorted by Sonia Goggel, renowned Red Sea guide who many may remember from the Nai’a. Join her fun group to this most spectacular destination.

MANDARIN SIREN /MISOOL ECO RESORT Combo – Nov 4-18, 2010 – special 14 night combination with 7 nighst aboard the new Mandarin Siren and 7 nights at Misool Eco Resort. The price is 3985 Euros for the full 14 nights + unlimited Nitrox diving, with Water Cottage accommodation at Misool Eco Resort. The same package with Deluxe Villa Tabisasu accommodation at Misool Eco Resort is 4150 Euros.

BAHAMAS TIGER SHARKS 2010 - Nov 6-13, Nov 14-20 and Nov 21-27, 2010 aboard the Dolphin Dream with renowned shark photographer Wolfgang Leander. 7 days @ $2395 and 8 days @ $2795 pp- for the Ultimate Tiger shark experience.

SOLOMONS aboard BILIKIKI 2010 - Dec 7-21, 2010 – special trips escorted by Sonia Goggel – renowned Red Sea guide who many may remember from the Nai’a. Join her fun group to this most spectacular destination.

ANTARCTICA 2011 - Feb 4-15 and Feb 15-26, 2011 aboard the modern Polar research vessel POLAR PIONEER. A unique Antarctic experience with only a small group of divers exploring the South Western Antarctic Peninsula – giving flexibility to take advantage of incredible wildlife opportunities and the most beautiful light for amazing photography. Cabins from 4335 euros plus Diver Package of 825 euros.

PALAU on OCEAN HUNTER I 2011 - Feb 13-25, 2011 – special 12 night photo tour through the fabulous Rock Islands aboard this lovely 65ft motor yacht, designed and built for diving and photography, with maximum 6 divers.

RAJA AMPAT on KARARU’S SEA HORSE 2011 - Feb 26-Mar 9, 2011 – join me on this amazing 11 night dive adventure from Ambon to Sorong on the newly refitted Sea Horse, now operated by Kararu Dive Voyages. This will be a very special trip diving some remote and fabulous sites.

ALASKA on NAUTILUS EXPLORER 2011 - Jun 23-Jul 5, 2011 – 12 nights special dive and photo Tour from Ketchikan to Sitka. 2 spaces available for this incredible trip with its awesome scenery above and below the surface.

SIREN – SPECIAL FAMILY TRIP – 21st August to 27th August 2011 - Borneo Outer Islands - SY Siren - Price per adult (16years and over) 1,260 Euro price per child (up to 15 years) 630 Euro (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

PHILIPPINES SIREN – SPECIAL FAMILY TRIP – 3rd August to 13th August 2011 - South Visayas on the SY Philippine Siren. Price per adult (16years and over) 2,400 Euro price per child (up to 15 years) 1,200 Euro (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.

GALAPAGOS SPECIAL ITINERARY aboard DEEP BLUE 2011 - Special extended itinerary to Wolf + Darwin for 10 nights. We have managed to get permits for a ten night charter that include 5 nights in the northern islands of Darwin + Wolf at prime time. Dates are Sep 12-22, 2011. Check with me for details.

DAMAI – ALOR SPECIAL EXPEDITION 2012 - March 2-13, 2012 - special expedition to dive and explore some very unique sites East of Komodo where few have gone before. This very special vessel with maximum 8 pax offers everything included. The ultimate boutique live-aboard.

RAJA AMPAT on PINDITO 2012 - November 26-December 7, 2012 – join me on this amazing 11 night adventure from Ambon to Sorong on the classic Phinisi Pindito. Edi knows these waters better than most as he was the pioneers of dive cruises to these remote areas of Indonesia. He is also a renowned videographer so you can be sure that you will get to share « Edi’s Paradise » for yourself on this adventure.

INDONESIA

Still absolutely in the forefront of the world's finest diving, from Komodo to Ambon from Manado to Raja Ampat, with Bali in the mix, too, Indonesia offers a dizzying array of live-aboard options and some of the all-time finest first class resorts. The diving is an exhilarating a mix of pelagics, corals and incredible macro critters.

We represent the top vessels including: Sea Horse (Kararu Voyages), Siren, Damai, Tambora, Pindito, the Komodo & Paradise Dancers and several others.

Indonesia is a year-round destination. Check our Availability page for dates & spaces. But first, a few of the highlights . . .

KARARU DIVE VOYAGES
KOMODO & RAJA AMPAT
Beginning March 23, the acclaimed Sea Horse will replace the Cheng Ho in the Kararu Voyages fleet.

More intimate than the Cheng Ho, taking a maximum 16 guests, Sea Horse will continue the excellent services that have earned Kararu Voyages so many repeat clients.

See dates on our Availability page or check with us for details. Cheng Ho will be available for groups of 20 or more and I'll be leading a trip from Feb 26 - Mar 9, 2011. Join us for a great trip!

RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA

Sorido Bay Resort - We highly recommend a stay at the magnificent Sorido Bay.

This remote resort, which opened November 2004, is nestled into the jungle with bungalows that open onto the white sand beach of a spectacular lagoon and is within easy reach of some of the most revered dive sites in Raja Ampat.

Resort staff proudly point out that the House Reef at Cape Kri, where Dr. G. Allen recorded 283 different species of fish during ONE dive, makes this the richest dive site known to science.

The resort bungalows, built to reflect Papuan tradition, are beautiful, spacious & luxuriously appointed. The main building has restaurant, kitchen, library, a shop and internet lounge with WIFI access.

Photographers will find that they have everything at hand that they require in this ultimate destination for underwater photography.

Contact us quickly for details.

Newest amongst the resorts in Indonesia is the Misool Eco Resort, located on the tiny island of Batbitim in a huge new protected marine reserve in southern Raja Ampat.

This is about as remote as you can get, but they have worked long & hard to create an oasis of beautiful accommodations, surrounded by world class diving. Their internationally trained chef creates fine fare for guests, including organic dishes made with local produce.

With their new high speed jet boat, they will be able to comfortably transfer guests from Sorong to the resort in a little over 4 hours. October through May. For details, click here.

COCOS / MALPELO

An Eye Witness Report

I'd like to start with a short report about the once in a lifetime dive adventure we had at Cocos & Malpelo Islands in June, 2008. Already long past for me, but still hot news for those of you who haven't had this opportunity yet!

We were on the new flagship of the Undersea Hunter Fleet, the 131 foot Argo. She's an incredible new liveaboard & offers the added excitement of the tantalizing "DeepSee" submarine on which you can descend to otherwise impossible depths.

We had 15 nights at Cocos & Malpelo, where we dove amongst large schools of hammerheads at almost every site, encountered whale sharks and huge silvertips, even some tiger sharks, rare at Cocos but seen on several trips this year.

Night dives were equally as dramatic with a few hammerheads and silkies, along with hoards of hunting white tips, almost bumping into you in the excitement of the hunt!

In short, I'd have to say that few dive destinations seem to get better and better, but Cocos is one that keeps rocking and never fails to impress, with each trip better than the last !

Join us at Cocos in 2010.

Visit our Cocos pages, check Availability and Contact us to reserve a space.

Descent in the DeepSee:

The DeepSee submersible is an absolutely unique experience for sport divers & several of us on the trip I was on took advantage of the opportunity to plunge into the abyss with the Undersea Hunter team.

Life at 750 feet down was no less intense than it was closer to the surface, with huge mantas and mobula rays approaching the plexiglass dome of the 3-man submersible Deep See.

On a 1000 foot dive we had a close encounter with a beaked whale, who stopped to idly observe the odd looking alien creature that had invaded its personal space . . . . before nimbly diving deeper & deeper to find his or her lunch. A dive in this $5 million submarine is just not to be missed.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Golden Dawn
Craig de Witt still offers some of the most exciting diving in Papua New Guinea on the Golden Dawn and is tempting all of us with some exceptional trips in 2010 - completely new itineraries and exploratory voyages.

He currently has a few spaces remaining on several 14 night Eastern Fields trips in 2010. Click here to send us an email requesting additional details.

FeBrina / Walindi
10 nights in the Bismark Sea from Walindi Resort, diving Fathers Reef and Witu Islands and the best of Kimbe Bay. With maximum 12 divers, this is the pro's choice in PNG – an intimate boat and the most experienced, knowledgeable captain and guides in PNG.

Of course, combining a stay at Walindi Plantation Resort, home of FeBrina, with a cruise on the FeBrina is the perfect dive vacation. Diving doesn't get better. For details of both click here >>>

Spirit of Niugini - exploring the rich reefs of Milne Bay from Tawali Resort aboard the lovely Spirit of Niugini.

PALAU

Last summer we received images of the new Ocean Hunter III - the realization of Navot and Tova's longtime dream. She's 96 feet, has deluxe accommodation for 16 persons and is ready to go anywhere in the Western Pacific.

In our experience, the Ocean Hunter I & III are the ultimate liveaboards in Palau.

We have spaces on several of their trips in 2010 and have combined some dates with a week aboard the Truk Odyssey diving the fabled shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon.

These are super combinations for diving Micronesia. Just click to contact us directly for further information.