Tag Archive for: #aquaventurescuba
2023 Summer – Local MN Fun Dive Schedule
/in News/by Steve PhilbrookIt’s the Land of 10,000 Lakes and our 2023 local dive season is in full swing!! Whether you have been diving locally for years or if freshwater exploration is new to you, our fun dives are about community and supporting each other! There are many great dive sites in Minnesota! Come out and share in the fun! See you at the lakes!
Click Location for Details:
July 15 – Crosby/Cuyuna (Women’s Dive Day) – Details TBD
August 19 – Scuba Palooza, Lake Ore-Be-Gone
September 15-17 – North Shore Weekend Excursion $500 per person (max 6 people)
Fun dives are $25 lead by an Aquaventure divemaster or instructor. The day will consist of two dives and includes snacks, lunch, and drinks. These dives are designed to give divers a glimpse into the beautiful recreational diving that Minnesota Lakes offer. Max dive depth will be 60 feet.
Need rental gear? Aquaventure has Premium Cold Water scuba systems from Aqualung & Scubapro available for rent. PLEASE NOTE: rental systems are first come first serve basis. No refunds or transfers! Thanks!
Upper Midwest Scuba & Adventure Show – March 25, 2023
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookCome visit our booth at the Upper Midwest Scuba & Adventure Show March 25. Brittany & Heather will be staffing our booth showcasing upcoming Aquaventure fun dives, domestic & exotic dive travel, Scuba Palooza 13, Women’s Dive Day, and much more!
There will be many speakers and presentations on shipwrecks, travel, etc. There is also Friday Night Movies on the 24th.
For more info click link – www.umsatshow.org
Palau – October 4-14, 2023 (Tootsie Pop Trip)
/in Dive Travel/by Steve PhilbrookThe Tootsie Pop Divers are heading to Palau!
Join 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:
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 August 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)
/in Dive Travel/by Steve PhilbrookJoin 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.
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:
- DAN Dive Insurance (Required) DAN.org
PRICE:
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
/in Dive Travel/by Steve PhilbrookJoin 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
- 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:
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.
Roatan – January 13-20, 2024
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookJoin Aquaventure trip leader, Adam Payeur, as we kick off the New Year in Roatan!
The Mesoamerican Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Spanning across the coast of 4 countries and nearly 700 miles, this reef boasts an astounding biodiversity of marine species with 65 species of stony coral, 350 species of mollusk and over 500 species of fish in addition to rare endangered and protected animals like Sea Turtles and Manatees. Divers from all over the world travel to the Mesoamerican Reef for the opportunity to explore the secret underwater treasures buried beneath the waves.
The reef itself begins just minutes from shore, with plateaus at 10ft, 20ft, 45ft and then the amazing wall that drops away in places to over 2000+ feet. The ocean offshore is generally very calm and this area doesn’t experience too many strong currents, meaning the conditions here are perfect for divers of all levels, from beginners to the most advanced diver. You can take the plunge and discover world famous dive sites such as West End Wall, Texas, Mandy’s Eel Garden, Blue Channel, Hole in the Wall, the El Aguila Wreck and many more. Whether your passion is for swimthroughs, wrecks, caves, walls, or stunning shallow reefs-Roatan has it all!
Over the reef you will be amazed as you discover countless trumpetfish, trunkfish, drum fish, hogfish, crabs, lobsters, scorpionfish, cowfish, filefish, eels and maybe even a squid or two. For those who love macro we also have a good population of nudibranchs, seahorses, pipefish, pipehorses, blennies, worms, sea spiders and many species of shrimp. Keep your eyes peeled on the sand and rubble patches for jawfish, flounders, mantis shrimp, conch and stingrays. The reef itself is made up of a smorgasbord of hard and soft corals, corallimorphs, sea fans, tunicates, anemones and sponges of all colours, shapes and sizes.
We will be staying at the Mayan Princess. Enjoy the 250ft blue lagoon pool & heated 8 person jacuzzi, free in-villa & public area wifi, beach volleyball, board games, book exchange, and canopied shade beds & lounge chairs. Dine at 4 all-inclusive restaurants with á la carte & buffet style natural, low calorie, vegetarian and deli-style menus as well as unlimited premium drinks including domestic & international liquors, beers & wines and take in daily entertainment like live music and cultural shows.
Relax at Kukut (meaning “body” in ancient Mayan) spa with massage, facials, waxing & nail services or explore the island with the resorts onsite tour coordinator.
Want to sign up?
Please fill out the Trip Sign Up Form and send it in with your $300 deposit.
DAN Dive Insurance Required DAN.org
This ALL-INCLUSIVE Trip Includes:
- Round trip airfare from Minneapolis
- Round trip airport transfers
- Hotel taxes and fees
- 7 nights at the Mayan Princess Resort in a 1-bedroom pool villa
- 3 meals daily
- 2 Onsite Specialty Restaurants for Dinner
- Unlimited premium liquor
- 15 boat dives
- 1 night dive
- Tanks & weights
- Scuba tune-up at Aquaventure pool
- Pre-trip meeting and post-trip party
- Total cost is based on Double Occupancy
Trip Costs per person:
Diver Double Occupancy 1-Bedroom: $2995
Diver Triple/Quad Occupancy 2-Bedroom: $3195
Non-Diver Discount: Subtract $400
Diver Single Occupancy: Add $400
NOTE: $300 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final payment is due by November 20th, 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.
Little Cayman – March 9-16, 2024
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookJoin Aquaventure’s Little Cayman group dive trip with instructor Hannu Koho! The warm waters and sunshine of Little Cayman await!
Immerse yourself in the unique and quaint experience of Little Cayman Beach Resort—designed by divers and for divers! Enjoy ultimate world-class diving just a few just minutes from the resort, bask in an intimate environment where staff remembers your name and preferences, and marvel at the top-notch service both above and below the water!
Cayman Island’s diving is mostly current-free, which is optimal for new divers, divers who wants to move at their own pace, and underwater photographers who may want to spend their entire dive at one location, waiting for the perfect shot.
All of the dive sites are moored, which marks the beginning and ending points of that dive. Dive masters brief each dive site, establish dive limits, and draw a map of the tour they will lead. As long as divers remain in buddy teams and stick with the predetermined limits, it’s their option to follow the tour or go off on their own.
For those who follow, the tour lasts 35 to 40 minutes. By the time you are back at the mooring and know that the boat is overhead, most divers feel comfortable enough to continue exploring on their own until their time is up or they have reached their air limit.
Reef Divers provides personalized valet dive services that many guests don’t even know they want until they experience it. They take the work out of your diving—handling the heavy lifting and care of your boat-dive gear, from your first dive through your last dive (unless you would prefer to do it yourself). They rinse, dry, and store your BCD and regulator daily! The only finger you’ll have to lift is the one to point out your gear as you relax in the boat, ready to go diving.
Gear rinse tanks are just off the dock with separate rinse tanks for photo equipment, wetsuits, and general dive gear, plus a drying room for wetsuits so you don’t have to take them to your room.
Want to sign up?
Please fill out the Trip Sign Up Form and send it in with your $300 deposit.
Dive Medical Insurance Required DAN.org
Trip Pricing:
- Diver Double Occ POOLVIEW: $3585
- Diver Double Occ OCEANSIDE: $3950
- Diver Single Occ POOLVIEW: $4345
- NonDiver – subtract $250
Trip Includes:
- Round Trip Airfare from MSP (including all inter-island air)
- 7 nights beach view accommodations at Little Cayman Beach Resort
- Round trip airport transfers
- Welcome rum punch
- 3 Meals Daily (dinner on arrival, breakfast on departure)
- 6 days 2 tank morning boat dives
- 5 days of 1-tank afternoon dives
- Resort fees & taxes
- WiFi
- Manager’s cocktail reception
- Complimentary use of dive computers (dive computers are required)
- Bicycle use
- Swimming pool
- Tennis courts
- Beach volleyball
- Fitness center
- Onsite spa for hire
Not Included:
- Drinks (alcohol and soda)
- Dive crew gratuities
- Nitrox – $170/week
- Airline baggage fees
- Incidentals/personnel items
- Travel insurance
NOTE: $300 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final trip payment is due by January 31, 2024. 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
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookJoin 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 island 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 top…it’s one of the top dive destinations in the world!
COVID vaccinations and testing are no longer required to visit Bonaire.
INCLUDED:
- RT Airfare from Minneapolis
- Roundtrip Airport/Hotel Transfers
- 7 Nights Accommodations
- 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
- Travel insurance
PRICE:
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.
Tag Archive for: #aquaventurescuba
Aquaventure Family Scuba Trip – June 10-17, 2023
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookJUNE 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 bond 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 efforts, 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 Transfers
- 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 April 5, 2023. We strongly recommend travelers insurance. Good 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.
Women’s Dive Day 2023 – July 15, 2023
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookBonaire – November 25-December 2, 2023
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookJoin 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 island 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 top…it’s one of the top dive destinations in the world!
COVID vaccinations and testing are no longer required to visit Bonaire.
INCLUDED:
- RT Airfare from Minneapolis
- Roundtrip Airport/Hotel Transfers
- 7 Nights Accommodations
- 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
- Travel insurance
PRICE:
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.
Roatan – January 13-20, 2024
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookJoin Aquaventure trip leader, Adam Payeur, as we kick off the New Year in Roatan!
The Mesoamerican Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Spanning across the coast of 4 countries and nearly 700 miles, this reef boasts an astounding biodiversity of marine species with 65 species of stony coral, 350 species of mollusk and over 500 species of fish in addition to rare endangered and protected animals like Sea Turtles and Manatees. Divers from all over the world travel to the Mesoamerican Reef for the opportunity to explore the secret underwater treasures buried beneath the waves.
The reef itself begins just minutes from shore, with plateaus at 10ft, 20ft, 45ft and then the amazing wall that drops away in places to over 2000+ feet. The ocean offshore is generally very calm and this area doesn’t experience too many strong currents, meaning the conditions here are perfect for divers of all levels, from beginners to the most advanced diver. You can take the plunge and discover world famous dive sites such as West End Wall, Texas, Mandy’s Eel Garden, Blue Channel, Hole in the Wall, the El Aguila Wreck and many more. Whether your passion is for swimthroughs, wrecks, caves, walls, or stunning shallow reefs-Roatan has it all!
Over the reef you will be amazed as you discover countless trumpetfish, trunkfish, drum fish, hogfish, crabs, lobsters, scorpionfish, cowfish, filefish, eels and maybe even a squid or two. For those who love macro we also have a good population of nudibranchs, seahorses, pipefish, pipehorses, blennies, worms, sea spiders and many species of shrimp. Keep your eyes peeled on the sand and rubble patches for jawfish, flounders, mantis shrimp, conch and stingrays. The reef itself is made up of a smorgasbord of hard and soft corals, corallimorphs, sea fans, tunicates, anemones and sponges of all colours, shapes and sizes.
We will be staying at the Mayan Princess. Enjoy the 250ft blue lagoon pool & heated 8 person jacuzzi, free in-villa & public area wifi, beach volleyball, board games, book exchange, and canopied shade beds & lounge chairs. Dine at 4 all-inclusive restaurants with á la carte & buffet style natural, low calorie, vegetarian and deli-style menus as well as unlimited premium drinks including domestic & international liquors, beers & wines and take in daily entertainment like live music and cultural shows.
Relax at Kukut (meaning “body” in ancient Mayan) spa with massage, facials, waxing & nail services or explore the island with the resorts onsite tour coordinator.
Want to sign up?
Please fill out the Trip Sign Up Form and send it in with your $300 deposit.
DAN Dive Insurance Required DAN.org
This ALL-INCLUSIVE Trip Includes:
- Round trip airfare from Minneapolis
- Round trip airport transfers
- Hotel taxes and fees
- 7 nights at the Mayan Princess Resort in a 1-bedroom pool villa
- 3 meals daily
- 2 Onsite Specialty Restaurants for Dinner
- Unlimited premium liquor
- 15 boat dives
- 1 night dive
- Tanks & weights
- Scuba tune-up at Aquaventure pool
- Pre-trip meeting and post-trip party
- Total cost is based on Double Occupancy
Trip Costs per person:
Diver Double Occupancy 1-Bedroom: $2995
Diver Triple/Quad Occupancy 2-Bedroom: $3195
Non-Diver Discount: Subtract $400
Diver Single Occupancy: Add $400
NOTE: $300 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final payment is due by November 20th, 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.
Little Cayman – March 9-16, 2024
/in Events/by Steve PhilbrookJoin Aquaventure’s Little Cayman group dive trip with instructor Hannu Koho! The warm waters and sunshine of Little Cayman await!
Immerse yourself in the unique and quaint experience of Little Cayman Beach Resort—designed by divers and for divers! Enjoy ultimate world-class diving just a few just minutes from the resort, bask in an intimate environment where staff remembers your name and preferences, and marvel at the top-notch service both above and below the water!
Cayman Island’s diving is mostly current-free, which is optimal for new divers, divers who wants to move at their own pace, and underwater photographers who may want to spend their entire dive at one location, waiting for the perfect shot.
All of the dive sites are moored, which marks the beginning and ending points of that dive. Dive masters brief each dive site, establish dive limits, and draw a map of the tour they will lead. As long as divers remain in buddy teams and stick with the predetermined limits, it’s their option to follow the tour or go off on their own.
For those who follow, the tour lasts 35 to 40 minutes. By the time you are back at the mooring and know that the boat is overhead, most divers feel comfortable enough to continue exploring on their own until their time is up or they have reached their air limit.
Reef Divers provides personalized valet dive services that many guests don’t even know they want until they experience it. They take the work out of your diving—handling the heavy lifting and care of your boat-dive gear, from your first dive through your last dive (unless you would prefer to do it yourself). They rinse, dry, and store your BCD and regulator daily! The only finger you’ll have to lift is the one to point out your gear as you relax in the boat, ready to go diving.
Gear rinse tanks are just off the dock with separate rinse tanks for photo equipment, wetsuits, and general dive gear, plus a drying room for wetsuits so you don’t have to take them to your room.
Want to sign up?
Please fill out the Trip Sign Up Form and send it in with your $300 deposit.
Dive Medical Insurance Required DAN.org
Trip Pricing:
- Diver Double Occ POOLVIEW: $3585
- Diver Double Occ OCEANSIDE: $3950
- Diver Single Occ POOLVIEW: $4345
- NonDiver – subtract $250
Trip Includes:
- Round Trip Airfare from MSP (including all inter-island air)
- 7 nights beach view accommodations at Little Cayman Beach Resort
- Round trip airport transfers
- Welcome rum punch
- 3 Meals Daily (dinner on arrival, breakfast on departure)
- 6 days 2 tank morning boat dives
- 5 days of 1-tank afternoon dives
- Resort fees & taxes
- WiFi
- Manager’s cocktail reception
- Complimentary use of dive computers (dive computers are required)
- Bicycle use
- Swimming pool
- Tennis courts
- Beach volleyball
- Fitness center
- Onsite spa for hire
Not Included:
- Drinks (alcohol and soda)
- Dive crew gratuities
- Nitrox – $170/week
- Airline baggage fees
- Incidentals/personnel items
- Travel insurance
NOTE: $300 Non Refundable deposit holds your spot for this trip. Final trip payment is due by January 31, 2024. 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.