Fiji -Volivoli and Beqa Lagoon – March 16-30, 2023

SOLD OUT!

Trip Sign up Form

Join Aquaventure on this Fijian adventure!

Beqa Lagoon – Scuba diving enthusiasts will have a chance to plunge into the amazing underwater world at Beqa Lagoon Resort – VOTED ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP DIVE RESORTS by Scuba Diving Magazine Readers! The GREAT BEQA REEF surrounds our island with 190 miles of spectacular coastline. You’ll enjoy some of the best diving in Fiji, the Soft Coral Capital of the world. With over 100 unique sites to discover, divers are able to explore at a variety of depths with sites as shallow as 15ft (5m) and others drop away to nearly 100ft (30m) and beyond. With year-round temperatures ranging between a cool 75˚f and a bathwater 84˚f divers are comfortable in 3mm to 5mm suits.

 

All of our boat dives are guided by PADI Divemasters who have been diving the waters of Beqa since they were children. Knowing every small hole and hiding place on these pristine reefs they are able to show divers all of the colorful and amazing treasures that these waters hold from Blue-ribbon eels, Clown Triggerfish, Leaf Scorpionfish to camouflaged day Octopus. All the while you dive in a rainbow of vivid pink and orange anthias and silver-blue fusiliers. Take some time to explore sunken wrecks or even feed your adrenaline with the Beqa ‘Big Fish/Shark Encounter ’, a dive that teases you with huge groupers, bait balls of massive Trevally, and the chance of being up close and personal with 9 different species of sharks including tiger sharks. Why not even travel out to the edge of the reef and dive along under the famous Frigates surf break, enjoying your lunch on the boat as you watch waves crash, and sneaking in that third dive before heading back to the resort and happy hour.

Shore Diving

Our beautiful house reef is perfect for diving any time of day or night, when the fancy takes you. Located straight out from the resort, the reef boast healthy hard corals, numerous juvenile reef fish, rays, and even the illusive seahorse likes to hide in the shallow eel grass. Reaching a maximum depth of 25ft (8m) this site is not only perfect for diving, but makes an ideal protected area for snorkelling your day away.

Volivoli

We will be staying at Volivoli Beach resort for the second week of this adventure.   Ocean View Rooms are beautifully finished in sustainable hard-woods, featuring one queen size bed and 2 single beds , Wi-Fi**, deck chairs, 2 large ceiling fans, air con, tea and coffee facilities , balcony and Volivoli’s famous 180 degree Ocean views!

The reefs in the surrounding Bligh Waters are some of the healthiest in the world, with very little pollution and few boats, so you’ll be able to see an array of marine life including anemone fish, turtles, colourful soft coral and reef sharks.

fijiSome of Ra Divers’ most popular sites are in the fascinating Vatu i ra Passage. These sites are a mixture of walls, bommies and drift dives, all of which are teaming with life and colour. Sites like Black magic mountain, Mellow yellow and Instant replay will soon be etched in your memory forever!

For those seeking a real thrill ‘Breathtaker’ is a deep reef dive to see an incredible display of large fish, white tip, black tip, whalers and grey reef sharks.

Ra Divers is one of Fiji’s longest established diving operations, and our staff our renowned for their local knowledge and expertise. With over 20 years local experience diving the Bligh Waters has allowed our crew to handpick superb dive sites for a truly unique experience. Check out our interactive dive site map below to help familiarize yourself with our sites before you come.

tiger shark fiji

Bega Lagoon

  • Round trip airfare LAX
  • Welcome poolside foot massage
  • Airport transfers & boat transfers
  • 5 nights accomodations in Fijian-style bure
  • Unlimited shore diving
  • Fijian cultural & entertainment daily
  • 3 gourmet meals daily
  • 3 days of two-tank reef boat dives
  • 1 day of 2-tank tiger shark dive
  • Kayaking, hiking treks, snorkeling, paddle boarding
  • Roundtrip bus and boat transfers

Volivoli

  • beqa lagoon, fiji 7 nights at Volivoli Beach Resort (options below)
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Full meal plan
  • 3 meals daily
  • 3 Days of 2 Tank Boat Dives
  • 2 Days of 3 Tank Boat Dives including the Bligh Waters!
  • Unlimited shore diving on dive days
  • Beach BBQ
  • Hosted Group Event on Last Night
  • Local and Cultural Shows and Entertainment
  • Kayaks and Variety of Complimentary Resort Activities
  • Air, tax, and fuel surcharges
  • Resort & Government Taxes
  • Tanks & weights
  • Scuba tune-up at Aquaventure pool
  • Pre-trip meeting
Not Included:
  •  Domestic Airfare to/from LAX
  • Unlimited Nitrox $200 for full trip
  • Tips & gratuities

Trip Price:

  • Double Occ Diver:  $5950
  • Double Occ NON Diver:  $5050
  • Single Occ. Upcharge:  Add $950
  • Optional:  VoliVoli Deluxe Upgrade – Add $125/pp

NOTE: $500 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final payment is due by January 10, 2023. We strongly recommend travelers insurance, ask for details. Land/dive/air prices are payable by cash, check, or credit card. Airfare rates are based on early sign up, future rates are approximate, call for current price. Due to rising fuel costs, airlines have been imposing additional charges without notice, prices subject to change.

Curacao – April 15-22, 2023

Trip Sign up Form

Join Aquaventure group trip leaders, Steve Philbrook & Noel Skogen, in Curacao April 15-22, 2023!  We will be staying at the all-inclusive Sunscape Curacao Resort!

Grab some snorkel gear and step right from the beach into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters that a host of marine life calls home. Show off your skills on a stand-up paddleboard or catch a boat right from our pier for an unforgettable dive adventure. Try your luck at the casino or sip cocktails at the pool bar. Shopping and sightseeing more your speed? Take a shuttle into downtown Willemstad for the opportunity to sightsee! No matter how you fill your day, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible, all-inclusive vacation in Curaçao.

Curaçao is located 43 miles (70km) off the North Coast of Venezuela, outside of the hurricane belt in southern part of the Caribbean. Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands and, together with Aruba and Bonaire, it constitutes the “ABC” islands. Curaçao is considered part of the Dutch Caribbean that also includes St. Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius, also known as Statia.

Located at just 12° north of the Equator, Curaçao’s consistently warm and sunny climate creates the perfect scenario for year round tourism. That coupled with the average temperature around 27°C (81°F) plus the cooling winds blowing constantly from the east (strongest in the spring months) provide excellent conditions for adventure travelers and beach goers alike.

Why Dive in Curacao?

Reason #1: Because Curacao is not only a world class scuba diving and vacation destination, it is also one of the best Caribbean destinations to travel to for 2022! Scuba Diving Magazine, 2022 Readers Choice Award

In Curacao you can see numerous species of fish and coral; flower corals, giant brain corals, anemones, sea turtles, porcupine fish, smooth trunk fish, yellow tail snappers, parrot fish, groupers, spotted drums, spotted moray eels, green moray eels, sharks, lobsters, and conchs.

With over 70 world class dive sites to choose from, Ocean Encounters (the onsite dive operator) offers you unlimited shore diving and boat dives you will never forget!

Ocean Encounters is committed to delivering the highest-quality dive experience. The facility is the biggest on island, catering to the highest number of repeat guests. Divers return to Curaçao and Ocean Encounters for a handful of reasons, starting with the lineup of famous sites, such as Mushroom Forest, Klein Curaçao, Eastpoint and Blue Room, where visitors can’t help but be wowed by the health of the reefs and the density of the fish schools flowing over top.

Underwater Photography in Curacao

Are you an underwater photographer?  If you are then you should discover Curaçao. This Dutch Caribbean island is a fantastic alternative to Bonaire and it is consistently rated as one of the 5 Best Places For Macro Scuba Diving and underwater photography in The Caribbean & Atlantic regions, according to Scuba Diving Magazine.

Shark and Manta sightings are rare which makes the encounters very special. But all the photogenic small stuff is here.  Some of fan favorites are the Frogfish, Longlured and occasionally Occelated. These can be great subjects for wide-angle close ups and of course Seahorses are for the sharp eyed.  Also, if you are good with your camera and buoyancy, the dive masters are more likely to share their little secrets.

INCLUDED:

  • R/T Airfare from Minneapolis
  • 7 Nights’ Ocean View Accommodations
  • Roundtrip Airport/Hotel Transfers
  • 3 Meals Daily
  • Snacks
  • Unlimited Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
  • 5 Days of 2-tank Boat Dives
  • Unlimited Shore Dives
  • Nightly Entertainment
  • Onsite Casino
  • Four onsite pools
  • Kayaks
  • Taxes and Gratuities

PRICE:

Trip Sign up Form

Diver Double Occ:  $2750
NonDiver Double Occ:  $2125
Single Diver:  $3425
Balance Due:  February 4, 2023

NOTE: $300 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final payment is due by February 4, 2023. We strongly recommend travelers insurance, ask for details. Land/dive/air prices are payable by cash, check, or credit card. If you wish to use a credit card, this 3% discount will not apply to the above quoted price. Airfare rates are based on early sign up, future rates are approximate, call for current price. Due to rising fuel costs, airlines have been imposing additional charges without notice, prices subject to change.

Aquaventure Family Scuba Trip – June 10-17, 2023

JUNE 10-17, 2023

Welcome to Aquaventure’s Family SCUBA Trip!

It’s time to unplug, recharge, and make family memories that will last a lifetime!  We have activities planned for everyone – both in and out of the water!    This is an ALL-INCLUSIVE trip with no hidden costs!  Say GOODBYE to those post-trip outrageous credit card bills!

How does this work?

We’ve planned family activities as well as time for you to recharge without the kids!  Each morning, families eat breakfast together and then parents head out for a two-tank morning boat dive.  The younger kids enjoy a fun-filled morning of kid’s club activities while Turquoise Bay’s experienced divemasters take the teen divers out on their very own boat! (Max depth 40 feet for ages 10-11 and max. 60 feet for ages 12-14.)

The morning dive boats return and parent’s meet up with their kids for lunch together before heading out on an afternoon one-tank family boat dive.  That’s right…it’s the best of both worlds…dive on your own and dive with the whole family!  Do you have non-diving kids?  No worries!  They can stay at Kid’s Club with the nannies while the rest of the family enjoys their afternoon dive together.  Does one spouse dive and the other doesn’t?  No worries!  Non-diving parents can get some downtime while the boats are out and the kids are at Kid’s Club.  Stroll the beach, shop west-end Roatan, take a dip in the pool, snorkel from shore, or read a book in the hammocks!  Enjoy what you want while your family is well cared for!  Evenings are spent dining as a family with local entertainment and optional activities.

Why a family scuba trip?

We are parents too and understand how challenging it is to connect with kids in this fast-paced world!  We have also experienced the amazing bondslothroatan that adventure travel brings to families.  Therefore, we have designed this trip so that no one will have to compromise their vacation!  There will be plenty of opportunities to build lasting memories – both in and out of the water.

What will we do?

Dive and snorkel together, kayak the mangroves, zipline the jungle canopy, tour the botanical gardens, visit the Monkey and Sloth Sanctuary, learn the art of sand sculpting, hear about Turquoise Bay’s coral restoration program, sing karaoke, eat three meals a day together, watch the fire dancers and local entertainment, or just play together in the pool!  All of these activities are included in the cost of the trip to make it easy and carefree!  As a result, relax and enjoy your family time!  We’ve got you covered!

Who is leading the group?

The trip leader is Aquaventure Instructor, Aaron Allison!  As a father of two scuba kids, he and his wife are avid divers and believe that a family that travels and dives together creates a very special bond.  Aaron’s experience traveling and sharing scuba adventures with his young family brings a unique and helpful perspective as Aquaventure’s trip leader!

Why Roatan?

We have chosen the remote and quaint Turquoise Bay Resort as your paradise destination for the week.  The onsite dive shop has years of experience teaching kids scuba, snorkeling, and how to care for our beautiful ocean.  Located on the northeast end of Roatan, this is an ideal spot for those who have a passion for exploration and a desire to disconnect and relax.  The resort is nestled between a lush tropical backdrop and a long white-sand beach!

Due to its close proximity to pristine reefs, Roatan is famous for its world-class diving!  The reefs are easily accessible for both first-time divers and experienced divers, which provides the opportunity for all levels of divers to explore a variety of marine environments at shallow depths with colorful walls that go as deep as your certification allows you to dive!

How do I sign up?

Stop in or call the shop to place a deposit of $300 per person to hold your spots.  Complete the Trip Sign Up Form for each family member and drop off/email/or mail it to the shop.  Make sure you let us know if you want to upgrade to an oceanfront room!

Join us and all the scuba families who have been waiting for this type of family excursion!  You and your family are bound to meet new friends and enjoy a week of relaxation and adventure!

Trip Sign up Form

Trip INCLUDES:

  • Round Trip Airfare from Minneapolis
  • Airport Ground Transferskids diving
  • 7 nights’ accommodations at Turquoise Bay Resort
  • 19% Hotel taxes and Fees
  • Welcome Orientation Meet and Greet
  • Three Meals Daily, including kids menu
  • Snacks
  • Unlimited beverages, including alcohol for adults
  • 5 days of 3-tank guided boat dives
    • 2-tank morning boat dives – separate parent boat and teen boat
    • 1-tank afternoon dives – families dive together on same boat
    • Jr. Open Water checkout dives included for ages 10-14 seeking certification
  • Intro Scuba programs for ages 5-10 (SASY and Seal Team with instructors in the pool/shallow water)
  • Nanny care / Kid’s Club (while parents dive)
  • Beach BBQ
  • Paddle boards
  • Kayaks
  • Beach games and volleyball
  • Jungle Canopy Zipline Adventure
  • Mayan Jungle Monkey Excursion
  • Fire Dancer Show
  • Sand Sculpture Lessons
  • Reef and Coral Educational Presentation
  • Roatan Botanical Tour
  • Karaoke
  • Wifi

Adult Trip Price (ages 18 and up):

  • Double Occ Adult Diver:  $2455
  • Double Occ Adult Non-Diver:  $2355
  • Single Occupancy Adult Diver:  $2700
  • Single Occupancy Adult Non-Diver:  $2600

Children Trip Prices (ages 17 and under):

(must have at least one parent in room at prices above)

  • Teen or Jr. Open Water Boat Divers (ages 10-17):  $1875
  • Seal Team Divers – scuba in pool/beach only (ages 8-10):  $1775
  • SASY Divers – snorkel-scuba in pool (ages 5-7):  $1450
  • No Dive Child Price (age 11-17):  $1775
  • No Dive Child Prices (ages 5-10):  $1375
  • Ages 3-4:  $815
  • Ages 2 and under:  FREE (no airline ticket, ride on parent’s lap)

Optional :

  • Oceanfront Upgrade:  Add $300 per room
  • No Airfare:  Subtract $700 

Not Included:

  • Nitrox (if nitrox certified) – approx. $150/week
  • Gratuities for resort staff, boat crew, dive guides, dive instructors
  • Scuba Equipment for certified divers (gear included for Seal Team and Sasy kids)
  • If completing certification in Roatan –  Elearning and Pool Class from Aquaventure ($299)
  • Onsite Spa services
  • Optional offsite excursions – dolphin experience, west-end shopping, etc – can be arranged onsite

NOTE: $300 Non Refundable deposit per person holds your spot for this trip. Final trip payment is due by March 25, 2023. We strongly recommend travelers insurance.  Quality insurance options can be found at DAN.org, Diveassure.com, or Travelsafe.com.   Airfare rates are based on early sign up, future rates are approximate. Due to rising fuel costs, airlines have been imposing additional charges without notice, prices subject to change.

Roatan High School Scuba Trip – July 8-15, 2023

Roatan High School Scuba Trip – July 8-15, 2023

A LEARNING ADVENTURE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME!!!!

Aquaventure Dive & Photo Center of Maple Grove is once again partnering with Andover High School science teach- er, Bob Ameli, to bring you the 10th Annual High School SCUBA Trip—a truly unique and unforgettable learning ex- perience! Aquaventure has provided safe and thorough dive training and group travel for over 28 years! Don’t wait! Spots fill quickly! Explore and learn with us!

We will be staying at Turquoise Bay Resort. We will be diving the East End’s pristine coral reefs and experience the underwater world at our premier dive resort. Soak in the sun on our private beach set against a lush tropical backdrop of Turquoise Bay. Roatan’s untouched East End is an ideal destination for those who have a passion for exploration.

High School Trip Reviews

Trip Sign up Form

This Adventure Includes:

  • Round Trip Air Minneapolis/Roatan
  • 8 days/7 nights at Turquoise Bay Resort
  • All Meals, snacks, and beverages
  • Daily hands-on exploration and study of
  • the coral reef ecosystem
  • Marine Biology lessons with Bob Ameli
  • Open Water Scuba Diver Certification (includes elearning, classroom/pool instruction, open water dive training, & certification processing – good for life!)
  • Rental Scuba Equipment
  • Mask, Fins, & Snorkel (yours to keep!)
  • 3 boat dives a day
  • Coral Preservation Garden Education
  • Unlimited snorkeling
  • Jungle Canopy Zipline Adventure
  • Jungle Botanical Tour
  • Monkey/Sloth Excursion
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Sand Volleyball
  • Sand Sculpture Lessons
  • Beach BBQ & Fire Dancer Show
  • Karaoke
  • All Ground Transfers
  • Marine Park Fees and Hotel Taxes
  • All Gratuities
  • Trip T-Shirt

Not Included:

  • Passport (required!)
  • Food during travel days
  • Airline Baggage Fees
  • Incidentals/personal items
  • Souvenirs
  • Travel/Medical Insurance (www.dan.org)

Trip Payment Schedule:

  1. Reservation Deposit – $750
  2. January 15th – $800
  3. March 15th – $800
  4. Final Balance Due April 15th – $800

NOTE – reservation deposit is nonrefundable

Cash Price = $3150 (please add 3% for credit card payments)

Trip Sign up Form

North Shore Sol Mates Liveaboard Trip – September 15-17, 2023

North Shore Weekend – $500

Join Mark Manthey and Scuba Sally as they lead our Lake Superior excursion!  The Great Lakes can be intimidating to explore…so let us show you the ropes!!!  On this all-inclusive package, we will spend the weekend on the Sol Mates boat, diving all the popular North Shore sites!  This excursion includes up to eight dives over the weekend, starting on Friday evening!  There are only 5 spots available!  This trip will fill quickly!

Possible dive sites include the Madeira, the Hesper, Shovel Point, China Beach, Split Rock Light House, Guano Island, Black Sand Beach, Seagull Cove, and other sites we have identified between Guano Island and Shovel Point.

Diving Off Sol Mates

Sol Mates’ 120 sq ft covered dive deck allows divers to get in and out of the water while staying out of the weather.

An onboard compressor provides air fills and warm water rinse hose helps mitigate the chilly Lake Superior water and a dryer is available for drying clothes and towels as well.  The Sol Mates now has a hot water shower on the back deck for divers!

Ample gear storage space is available, as are standard 120v outlets for charging dive lights or camera gear.

The crew are experienced, helpful, friendly SCUBA professionals who are experienced in cold water diving and Great Lakes charter operations.

This trip does NOT include gear.  7mm suits are fine, but drysuits are recommended!   Aquaventure has gear available for rent.  

Package Includes:

  • 2 Nights’ bunk-style accommodations on the Sol Mates boat (docked in harbor)
  • Up to 8 dives (1 Friday, 4 Saturday, 1 night dive, 2 Sunday)
  • Tanks & weights
  • Friday – Dinner
  • Saturday – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Sunday – Breakfast, Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Not Included:

  • Transportation to/from Silver Bay Marina (must arrive by 5:30pm on Friday)
  • Dive gear (less tanks & weights)
  • Dive Crew Gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages (byob)

Boat Features:

  • Two private sleeping cabins
  • Two heads with showers (one with a bathtub)
  • Air conditioned/Heated salon area
  • Full galley
  • Microwave
  • Stove
  • Covered dive deck
  • Sundeck and fore deck area
  • Air Compressor
  • 2 Kayaks
  • Selection of Movies for the HDTV
  • Dryer
  • Hot shower on the back deck
  • Friendly and experienced crew 🙂

Where do we meet?

All divers need to be at Silver Bay Marina between 5:30pm -6:00pm.  The Sol Mates will depart the marina at 6:30pm on Friday, September 16th for the first dive of the weekend!

Palau – October 4-14, 2023 (Tootsie Pop Trip)

The Tootsie Pop Divers are heading to Palau!

palauJoin Drew Gerling and the Tootsie Pop Divers on this journey to one of the world’s most amazing dive destinations!

We will be staying at the beautiful Palau Royale Resort. Home to its beautiful private beach, pool, restaurants, snorkeling area, marina, and much more!

The group will be staying in the Deluxe Harbor View rooms, located on the 5th and 6th floors of the hotel’s north wing overlooking the serene harbor, where you can enjoy a quiet scenic view of sailing yachts and cruisers. Enjoy the beautiful treescapes and flower beds around the pond viewed from the room’s balcony.

The Diving

Palau is considered one of the world’s premier dive destinations, with dozens of dive sites in a rare variety: walls with fascinating coral formations, reef corners where the currents attract sharks, rays and schooling fish, channels and other sandy bottom sites, tunnels, holes, caves and caverns, and plenty of WWII wrecks, freighters, and plane wrecks! From macro to mantas, Palau has it all!

We will be diving some of the world’s best dives sites:

1. Blue Corner

2. German Channel

3. Ulong Channel

4. Peleliu Wall

5. Peleliu Express

6. New Drop Off

7. Ngemelis Coral Gardens

8. Blue Holes

9. Helmet Wreck

10. Jellyfish Lake

Depending on your daily schedule, most boats return to Sam’s Tours around 3-4 p.m. You can hop right back into the water, with your unlimited free dives at Sam’s Macro Wall right off their dock, where mandarin fish are often spotted mating at twilight.

Palau video – click link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2ohHWuEs-I

Palau for NON-Divers

Palau is an amazing destination for non-divers as well! Not only does Palau have world class snorkeling, but it also has an amazing history.   You will want to take in the land tour of Peleliu Island.  This seemingly peaceful island is home to the battleground of Orange Beach.   It’s landscape is home to the Japanese war tunnel system and is the venue of the battle of Peleliu, which became one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific during WWII.  Many artifacts around the island bring the tragic history of Peleliu back to life.

German Lighthouse and archaeological hiking Ulong Island tours are also available.  The beautiful scenery of the Rock Islands is unmatched and can easily be seen on a guided or self-guided kayak tour.

  • Rock Island/Jellyfish Lake Snorkel tour
  • WWII History Tour (Battle of Peleliu)
  • Kayak Tours
  • Cultural Land Tour
  • Snorkel Blacktip shark Beach and Giant Clam City
  • Milky Way (famous mud baths)
  • Island Hiking Tours
  • Palau Historical Museum

Want to sign up?

Please fill out the Trip Sign Up Form and send it in with your $500 deposit.

Trip Pricing:

NOTE – This trip does not include airfare!

  • Diver Double Occ:  $3195
  • NON-Diver Double Occ:  $2575
  • Diver Single Occ: $4875

Trip Includes:

  • 10 Nights’ Deluxe Harbor View at Palau Royal Resort
  • Round trip airport transfers
  • Resort fees & taxes
  • Daily breakfast
  • Lunch on dive days (if traveling as a diver)
  • 4 days of 3 tank boat dives (incl. Chandelier Cave dive)
  • 3 days of 2 tank boat dives
  • Nitrox (if certified)
  • Free Rental Gear (no computer)
  • Jellyfish Lake snorkel
  • Blue Corner Specialty Course
  • Unlimited shore diving at Sam’s Macro Wall
  • Boat water bottle
  • Reef hook
  • WiFi

Not Included:

  • Airfare to Koror, Palau (ROR airport code)
  • Koror State Rock Island Permit $50
  • Jellyfish Lake Permit $100 (optional tour)
  • Peleliu Scuba Permit $30 (optional tour)
  • All Other Water Activities Permit $10
  • Boat excursions for nondivers/snorkelers
  • Drinks (alcohol and soda)
  • Lunches on NON-DIVING days (if traveling a s diver)
  • All Lunches (if traveling as a non-diver)
  • All Dinners
  • Travel Insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
  • DAN dive medical insurance (REQUIRED) see DAN.org

NOTE: $500 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final trip payment is due by September 1, 2023. We strongly recommend travelers insurance, ask for details.   Cash, check, or credit card is accepted.  Cash or check preferred.

Curacao – October 21-28, 2023 (Women’s Trip)

Trip Sign up Form

Join Aquaventure group trip leaders, Jolene Philbrook, in Curacao October 21-28,2023!  We will be staying at the all-inclusive Sunscape Curacao Resort!

Grab some snorkel gear and step right from the beach into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters that a host of marine life calls home. Show off your skills on a stand-up paddleboard or catch a boat right from our pier for an unforgettable dive adventure. Try your luck at the casino or sip cocktails at the pool bar. Shopping and sightseeing more your speed? Take a shuttle into downtown Willemstad for the opportunity to sightsee! No matter how you fill your day, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible, all-inclusive vacation in Curaçao.

Curaçao is located 43 miles (70km) off the North Coast of Venezuela, outside of the hurricane belt in southern part of the Caribbean. Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands and, together with Aruba and Bonaire, it constitutes the “ABC” islands. Curaçao is considered part of the Dutch Caribbean that also includes St. Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius, also known as Statia.

Located at just 12° north of the Equator, Curaçao’s consistently warm and sunny climate creates the perfect scenario for year round tourism. That coupled with the average temperature around 27°C (81°F) plus the cooling winds blowing constantly from the east (strongest in the spring months) provide excellent conditions for adventure travelers and beach goers alike.

Why Dive in Curacao?

Reason #1: Because Curacao is not only a world class scuba diving and vacation destination, it is also one of the best Caribbean destinations to travel to for 2022! Scuba Diving Magazine, 2022 Readers Choice Award

In Curacao you can see numerous species of fish and coral; flower corals, giant brain corals, anemones, sea turtles, porcupine fish, smooth trunk fish, yellow tail snappers, parrot fish, groupers, spotted drums, spotted moray eels, green moray eels, sharks, lobsters, and conchs.

With over 70 world class dive sites to choose from, Ocean Encounters (the onsite dive operator) offers you unlimited shore diving and boat dives you will never forget!

Ocean Encounters is committed to delivering the highest-quality dive experience. The facility is the biggest on island, catering to the highest number of repeat guests. Divers return to Curaçao and Ocean Encounters for a handful of reasons, starting with the lineup of famous sites, such as Mushroom Forest, Klein Curaçao, Eastpoint and Blue Room, where visitors can’t help but be wowed by the health of the reefs and the density of the fish schools flowing over top.

Underwater Photography in Curacao

Are you an underwater photographer?  If you are then you should discover Curaçao. This Dutch Caribbean island is a fantastic alternative to Bonaire and it is consistently rated as one of the 5 Best Places For Macro Scuba Diving and underwater photography in The Caribbean & Atlantic regions, according to Scuba Diving Magazine.

Shark and Manta sightings are rare which makes the encounters very special. But all the photogenic small stuff is here.  Some of fan favorites are the Frogfish, Longlured and occasionally Occelated. These can be great subjects for wide-angle close ups and of course Seahorses are for the sharp eyed.  Also, if you are good with your camera and buoyancy, the dive masters are more likely to share their little secrets.

INCLUDED:

  • RT Airfare from Minneapolis
  • Roundtrip Airport/Hotel Transfers
  • 7 Nights Oceanview Accommodations at Sunscape Resort
  • All inclusive of all meals & snacks
  • Unlimited Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
  • 5 Days of 2 tank Boat Dives
  • Taxes and Gratuities
  • Unlimited tanks for Shore Dives

Not Included:

PRICE:

Trip Sign up Form

Diver Double Occ:  $2695
NonDiver Double Occ:  $2175
Single Diver:  $3175
Balance Due:  August 15, 2023

NOTE: $300 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final payment is due by August 15, 2023. We strongly recommend travelers insurance, ask for details. Land/dive/air prices are payable by cash, check, or credit card. Airfare rates are based on early sign up, future rates are approximate, call for current price. Due to rising fuel costs, airlines have been imposing additional charges without notice, prices subject to change.

Bonaire – November 25-December 2, 2023

Join Erik & Melanie Payeur as they head to Bonaire! We will be staying at the beautiful Dive Flamingo Resort!

Bonaire has been known as one of the Caribbean’s best dive destinations! If you like shore diving, this is the place! Immerse yourself in fifty shades of blue at this spectacular oceanfront resort conveniently located just minutes from the airport and a 5-minute walk to town. Colorful and laid-back, this water-lover’s paradise offers two sparkling pools, a day spa and fitness center, weekly activities, delicious dining, an intimate casino, and an award-winning PADI five-star dive operation with a fleet of six dive boats, private dive lockers, a dive shop with equipment rental, and a famed house reef you can explore 24/7.

With over 60 marked dive sites throughout the island, it’s no wonder why this Bonaire is known for its world-class diving. Snorkelers can explore vibrant coral reef formations and unique wreck sites teeming with colorful creatures. An underwater oasis awaits you!

You can also take a break from diving and explore the extraordinary on the unforgettable island of Bonaire. Good things come in small packages and this bite-sized Dutch island is full of activities!   The icing on the cake…it’s one of the top dive destinations in the world!

 

COVID testing and vaccinations are no longer required to visit Bonaire.

INCLUDED:

  • RT Airfare from Minneapolis
  • Roundtrip Airport/Hotel Transfers
  • 7 Nights Accommodations – Deluxe Rooms
  • Full Breakfast & Lunch Daily
  • 5 Days of 2 tank Boat Dives
  • 1 Day of 1 tank afternoon boat dive
  • Taxes and Gratuities
  • Unlimited tanks for Shore Dives
  • Complimentary WI FI
  • Welcome Cocktail
  • Scuba Tune Up at Aquaventure Pool

Not Included:

  • DAN Dive Insurance (Required) DAN.org 
  • $75 Tourist Tax and Marine Park Fee
  • Nitrox – $100

PRICE:

Trip Sign up Form

Diver Double Occ:  $2550
NonDiver Double Occ:  $2225
Single Diver:  $3150
Balance Due:  September 15, 2023

NOTE: $300 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final payment is due by September 15, 2023. We strongly recommend travelers insurance, ask for details. Land/dive/air prices are payable by cash, check, or credit card. Airfare rates are based on early sign up (by August 15), future rates are approximate, call for current price. Due to rising fuel costs, airlines have been imposing additional charges without notice, prices subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving

Q: Do I need to take both Part 1 & Part 2 to be certified?
A: Yes.

Q: What is the difference between Part 1 & Part 2?
A: Part 1 is the home study, classroom review, and pool ONLY portion of the certification process.  Part 2 is the open water training dive portion (4 total dives over two days) of the certification process.  Both Part 1 & Part 2 need to be successfully completed to earn your PADI Open Water or Jr. Open Water certification.

Q: How long does my PADI Open Water certification last?
A: Once acheiving a PADI Open Water certification it never expires and lasts for life. It is recommended however, to take a “Scuba Review” if a certified diver has not been scuba diving within 6 months.

Q: What is the minimum age my child can get certified?
A: PADI and the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) sets the minimum age at 10 years old. This is a “Youth Open Water Certification” (limited to 40′ and must dive with a parent or dive professional). Once the child turns 15 years old they are automatically upgraded to the standard Open Water certification. We require that all 10-11 year old students enroll in either “Private” or “Semi-private” classes. This is to ensure the class goes at a pace the child or children are comfortable with.

Q: It’s winter and I’m (we’re) going on vacation to a warm weather destination – how can I get certified?
A: Come do Part 1 with us (home study, and pool)! Then take the training materials that we have signed to a PADI dive shop anywhere in the world to do your referral Open Water Training Dives. This is known as the Referral Process and it works GREAT. You don’t want to spend your vacation in a classroom – do you? Of course not. Come and receive your Part 1 portion of the course with us and then dive in a beautiful tropical environment for your Open Water Training Dives. How cool would that be? Then once certified, dive to your heart’s content (within your level of training and safe diving practices, of course). If you had to procure a physician’s signature to dive, please make a copy of the document to bring with you to the PADI shop where you will be doing your referred dives (see Medical Statement below).

Q: How long does it take to complete my home study?
A: Generally 10-12 hours is required for home study with eLearning modules.

Q: I’m Claustrophobic. Can I still scuba dive?
A: We at Aquaventure hear this a lot! Most people that think they’re Claustrophobic have zero issues scuba diving. We recommend if you’re apprehensive to take our Discover Scuba trial class to put any fears aside.

Q: My ears hurt when I swim to the bottom of the pool. Can I still learn to scuba dive?
A: Of course! During your class you will learn how to easily equalize/clear your ears while scuba diving.

Q: How many people are in each class?
Our PADI Open Water classes generally have 4 with up to 6 students maximum.  No cattle classes here! We want to ensure you receive the most thorough scuba training available. Each Part 1 class with more than 4 students will have an additional PADI Instructor assist with the pool portion of the class.

Q: What equipment is provided?
We provide top of the line Aqualung & Scubapro equipment for your pool (Confined Water) and Open Water training. This includes tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, alternate air source, dive computer, and (wetsuit/hood/gloves for lake dives).

Q: What equipment do I need to bring?
While we will provide all of the equipment listed above, you need to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. A custom fit of your mask, snorkel, and fins is incredibly important for your comfort and safety, You should consider these items in the same way you consider your toothbrush when traveling – you want to bring your own – trust us on this! We have a full range of scuba rated equipment with a very knowledgeable staff. We highly recommend you to come into our store before the class to get properly fitted with your equipment. Please make sure that you have scuba-rated fins. Fins that you may own for snorkeling may not be powerful enough to “drive” a full set of scuba gear.

The days of your class you will need to bring a swimsuit and a towel. If you are not eating at the adjacent Subway for lunch, bring your own plus a water bottle. There will not be enough time on class days to go any farther than the Subway restaurant next door for lunch.

Q: How old do you need to be to become a certified Open Water Diver?
To be a fully certified PADI Open Water Diver you must be at least 15 years old and there is no maximum age; however, children as young as 10 years old can become PADI Junior Open Water Divers. 10 and 11 year olds must  successfully complete the same requirements as an adult student so you may want to consider private lessons for your child(ren).  Once certified, 10 and 11 year olds must dive with a parent, a guardian, or a PADI Professional. Those  12, 13 and 14 years old must dive with a certified adult diver. Once a Junior Open Water Diver reaches the age of 15, they may administratively apply for standard PADI Open Water Diver certification (this can be done here at the shop or directly with PADI).

Q: Do I have to be a good swimmer?
Not necessarily…you need only to be comfortable in the water and capable of swimming continuously for two hundred yards, and treading water/floating for 10 min.

Q: What is required of me before the first class?

You should complete the online eLearning program: Complete all online coursework including all interim Assessments and the Final Assessment.

You will receive a second email from PADI. This email contains a link that you need to click on and complete all digital paperwork. Read all of the documentation and complete all of the paperwork (Note: if you have any “yesses” on your Medical Statement, you must complete a separate RSTC Medical Statement and bring it to your doctor – see next question below).

Q: What if I have a “yes” on my Medical Form?

To view the RSTC Medical Form click here – PADI Medical Form-PDF

Safety is our number one concern. If you can answer “yes” to ANY of the medical questions, a separate PADI RSTC Medical Statement may need to be taken/sent to your physician for signature for permission to dive prior to you getting into the pool. Please call the shop if you have any questions. Note: if you do have any “yesses” on your Medical Statement and your physician clears you to dive, please make copies of the document as you may need to bring this for your referral dives or future dives with other shops.

Q: Where are the classes held? 
There’s no need to run around town! Your entire Part 1 scuba class will be held at Aquaventure Dive & Photo Center. This includes both classroom and pool portions of the class. Our custom on-site pool is a balmy 85 degrees. We are located in Maple Grove just northwest of Osseo on the north side of County Rd 81 in the same strip mall as a Subway restaurant.  Our address is: 10024 County Rd 81, Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 424-8717.

Q: How warm is your pool?
A: Our pool is kept at a comfortably warm at 84-85 degrees.

Q: Are private lessons available?
Yes. Whether you prefer one on one instruction, Semi-private instruction, or a private class for your family, private lessons can be scheduled to meet your needs. Call us for more details (763) 424-8717. Private/Semi-Private lessons are required for 10 and 11 year olds or those feeling they need a bit more time and attention. Semi-Private lessons are also terrific for couples and families! We work to your schedule and needs.

Q: How do I sign up for the class?
You can simply call us and sign up over the phone with a credit card (pre-payment required) or stop in at our store.

Cancellation policy:
Course fees are due upon class enrollment to guarantee your space in the class. Classes are non-refundable within 14 days of the class start date and non-transferrable within 7 days of class start time. One transfer is allowed for a fee of $90. All course fees are forfeited if you do not attend.