1 of 5 4/30/2014 5:24 PM In This Issue: Note from Peter... Why The Galapagos Islands Diving Conditions Send Us Your Best Galapagos Diving Tip! 2014 Travel Opportunities 2015-2017 New Trip Pricing Trivia Contest DivEncounter Alliance News Parting Shot Email Us Visit Our Web Site What's Your Best Tip On Galapagos Diving? In our last issue, we discussed how the remoteness of the Galapagos Islands, coupled with being at the confluence of 3 major oceanic currents, make it one of the most unique places on earth. These attributes also combine to form some very challenging and exciting diving conditions, and this month we'll focus on the "Best Tips" for diving the Galapagos Islands. But instead of telling you what we think are the best tips, we're going to ask for your help in telling us: "What is the best tip you've got for diving in the Galapagos Islands?". Diving, currents, surge, photography, video -- whatever you'd like to comment on. If you have not yet been to this wonderful group of islands, don't worry. We're also interested in any questions you might have on the diving conditions - so feel free to write in as well! Please scroll down to the appropriate section and email us your thoughts. We are putting together a new web page on diving conditions, as well as updating our FAQ page, and we would really love to hear from you. Thanx and as always... keep an ocean mind, Peter A. Hughes, President, DivEncounters, Inc., (877) 323 - DIVE or (305) 262-3483, email Galapagos Diving Conditions What an interesting recipe for what many call the most exciting diving on the planet: Ingredients: Remote Volcanic Islands in deep oceanic water Intersection: 3 Major Oceanic Currents Intersection: 4 Additional Oceanic Currents
2 of 5 4/30/2014 5:24 PM Unique, endemic marine and terrestrial species Experienced Divers looking for apex diving encounters Directions: Check all ingredients carefully before mixing. Before every dive, and during every dive. Conditions may change according to depth and location on every dive. (more info) There is no doubt that the Galapagos Islands provide some of the most stunning dive encounters in the world - but what exactly are the diving conditions (learn more about Galapagos diving here) Currents, in some form, are present on every dive. They may be barely noticeable in some of the central islands, or running hard at the islands of Wolf and Darwin. There are horizontal currents and vertical currents. Thermoclines and cold water in the central islands, thermoclines and warmer water up north. $AVE with Alliance Award Alliance Blog Surge, sometimes strong, with or without current, is another important factor for consideration on many of the exciting sites! You never see the same site twice! You might be at the same site, geographically, but the underwater landscape, marine life, and conditions might be very different. Rough on the surface, calm below. Smooth as glass above, ripping below. WHAT'S YOUR BEST TIP FOR DIVING THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS? We'd like to hear from you! IF YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, please email Amy Lesh with your best diving tip. Any topic. IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN DIVING (YET) IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, please email Al Henry with any questions you might have about Galapagos Diving or an upcoming trip. We'll report back in our next SkyMail, and our grateful thanks in advance. Dive With Us in 2014 -- Availability! We'd love to see you onboard this year, but only have a very limited number of cabins and/or "share" cabin spots available. If you'd like to visit the spectacular Galapagos Islands, please check out this web page. for trip dates and available cabins. As always, please feel free to contact us via phone or email with any questions. Click Here For More Info on 2014 Availability
of 5 4/30/2014 5:24 PM News: Trip Pricing, 2015, 2016 M/V Galapagos Sky has just announced pricing for 2015, 2016, and 2017 cruises. This new pricing will be for travel after June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2017. Three important points: The new rates will go into effect on May 15, 2014 Currently reserved guests without a deposit for cruises from now to December 31, 2015 have until May 15, 2014 to make their deposit and lock in the 2014 rate. Guests/Charters booked in 2016 have 10 days after notification of the rate change to cancel for a full refund (no penalties) or may keep their booking at the new 2016 rates. Effective Dates ====> June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016 June 1, 2016 - May 31, 2017 # Cruise Nights 7 Nights 10 Nights 7 Nights 10 Nights Deluxe Cabin $ 5,495 $ 7,855 $ 5,695 $ 8,135 Master Cabin $ 5,695 $ 8,135 $ 5,895 $ 8,425 All prices are per person plus taxes and fees. As it was previously, there is no charge for Nitrox on the M/V Galapagos Sky. As always, please feel free to contact us via phone or email with any questions. Galapagos Trivia Challenge Last issue, we asked readers: There are also 4 other currents which impact the Galapagos Islands. Which one of the following currents only visits the island occasionally? A. Peru Oceanic Current B. Peru Coastal Countercurrent C. South Equatorial Current D. El Nino Current The correct answer is "D", the El Nino Current. This current exists in the western pacific, but only reaches the eastern Pacific every three to seven years. When it does, it triggers all types of water temperature anomalies and sometimes has a significant impact on marine life. Congratulations to Bruce Stella on being the first to correctly choose it. We will donate $100 to SeaSave in his name. April Trivia Challenge There's quite a lively debate in scientific circles about the turtle species in the Galapagos Islands. Historically, capturing land and marine turtles in the Galapagos Islands by sailing ships gave the islands their name! Green Sea Turtles are seen frequently, and the Galapagos Green Sea Turtle is endemic to the islands. But is there also a Black Sea turtle -
4 of 5 4/30/2014 5:24 PM or is this just another name for the Galapagos Green Sea Turtle. Which of the following is NOT correct? A. The Galapagos Green Sea Turtle is a sub-species of the Pacific Green Sea Turtle. B. The Galapagos Green Sea Turtle is a distinct, separate species endemic to Galapagos. C. The Black Sea Turtle is a different species altogether. D. Neither species, however you classify them, is endangered. Email Us your answer. The first person to correctly answer the question will win a $100 Donation to Sea Save. (please visit their website and learn more about Sea Save) Plus we'll provide the correct answer and winner next month. Good Luck. Update: DivEncounters Alliance - When Experience Counts Founded by Peter A. Hughes in 2011, the Alliance is a group of independently owned & operated live-aboards dedicated to providing you with superb dive encounters on every vacation. Alliance partners are located in the "Who's Who" of top notch diving destinations around the world: M/V Galapagos Sky - Galapagos Islands M/V Solmar V - Socorro Islands & Guadalupe M/V Orion - Maldives M S/V Waow - Indonesia M/V Caribbean Pearl II - Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras NEW: M/V Ocean Divine - Maldives Why Dive With The DivEncounters Alliance? These live-aboards represent almost 100 years of dedicated performance in finding and delivering the best diving in the world. But there's even more... You may also take advantage of our Alliance Awards Program simply by being a guest on any Alliance cruise. Your first cruise with any Alliance vessel on any trip qualifies you for future discounts, free Nitrox, on board cash credits, free hotel rooms, and cabin upgrades, just to mention a few of the benefits. Parting Shot: Conservemos Lo Nuestro
5 of 5 4/30/2014 5:24 PM A Galapagos Sea Lion conserves body heat by snoozing on a bench with the slogan "Conservemos Lo Nuestro". The literal translation is "Preserve What Is Ours" but is also meant as a larger global message - that we all need to conserve not only the Galapagos Islands, but be caretakers of the environment around the world.