Island Dreams Dive Travel Island Dreams Spa Travel
Island Dreams
"Dive Deals"

May 2008 Edition

Booking Discounts -- Lock In Your Savings

Report Update: New Baggage Weight Restrictions

Photo Gallery: Featuring Writer & Photographer Jesse Cancelmo



Hot Dive Deals CARIBBEAN Dive Deals


PACIFIC Dive Deals

Travel Tips for the 21st Century OTHER Info and Resources



Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort COZUMEL --- Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort

Cozumel Quality and Value -- Enjoy a great deal at this excellent oceanfront 5-star, luxury hotel while making the most of multiple swimming pools, restaurants, a beautiful beach club, even an exercise room and jogging trail. The in-house dive operation, Juan Leca's Dive House, is top-notch. Check out the closest hotel to Palancar Reef, and one of the over-all best values in Cozumel.

Early Booking Discounts -- These excellent rates apply for visits April 16 - December 21, 2008. But please do not delay, for availability is limited, and there is a booking deadline.


Summer/Fall Early Booking Special
Valid April 16 - December 21, 2008

Must be booked and paid by June 30, 2008

Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort

European Plan
(No meals included)
Room Style Diver
Single occ.
Scuba Diver
Double occupancy
Vacationer
Double occ.
3 nights lodging
with 2 days boat diving
Garden View $ 420 $ 287 $ 153
Ocean View $ 507 $ 331 $ 197
4 nights lodging
with 3 days boat diving
Garden View $ 576 $ 398 $ 197
Ocean View $ 692 $ 456 $ 255
5 nights lodging
with 4 days boat diving
Garden View $ 731 $ 510 $ 242
Ocean View $ 877 $ 582 $ 314
6 nights lodging
with 5 days boat diving
Garden View $ 887 $ 621 $ 286
Ocean View $1061 $ 708 $ 373
7 nights lodging
with 6 days boat diving
Garden View $1043 $ 732 $ 330
Ocean View $1246 $ 834 $ 432
Packages include: Lodging, scuba diving, 12% hotel tax, and round-trip airport/hotel transfers.
Dive packages include 2-tank boat trips, and unlimited shore tanks on boat diving days.
Meals are not included, airfare is not included, call for pricing options.
Rates are per person, based on the occupancy indicated.
All prices and inclusions are subject to change.
Booking Deadline: June 30, 2008


Find plenty more info and options here:
Explore Cozumel

Fiesta Americana is ready! Phone Rae at 1-800-568-2350 -or- email to: Rae@divetrip.com




COZUMEL --- Amazing 40% Discount at Presidente InterContinental Cozumel


Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort & Spa

The Very Best of Cozumel -- If you are looking for Cozumel's ultimate hotel lodging, this is the place. Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa indeed provides Cozumel's most beautiful, upscale, and service-oriented accommodations for guests who want the very best.

With a 40% Price Discount -- Presidente InterContinental Cozumel has just extended the deadline for this unprecedented 40% pricing discount. These special rates apply for visits throughout 2008, but you must act quickly. Booking deadline is May 30 30, 2008.


Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort and Spa
Early Booking Bonus:   March 30 - August 16, 2008
Frog Line
Must be booked and paid by May 30, 2008
Package Duration Room Category Diver
Single occ.
Scuba Diver
Double occupancy
Vacationer
Double occ.
3 nights lodging
with
2 days boat diving
Pool View $ 960 $ 553 $ 407
Ocean View $1128 $ 637 $ 491
 
4 nights lodging
with
3 days boat diving
Pool View $1304 $ 762 $ 543
Ocean View $1529 $ 874 $ 655
 
5 nights lodging
with
4 days boat diving
Pool View $1648 $ 970 $ 678
Ocean View $1929 $1111 $ 819
 
6 nights lodging
with
5 days boat diving
Pool View $1993 $1179 $ 814
Ocean View $2330 $1347 $ 982
 
7 nights lodging
with
6 days boat diving
Pool View $2337 $1387 $ 949
Ocean View $2730 $1584 $1146
Packages include: Lodging in seclected room category, two-tank boat diving, and 12% hotel tax.
Meals are not included. Airfare is not included. Please call for pricing options.
Rates are per person, based on the occupancy indicated.
All prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Experience Cozumel's finest accommodation...and the lowest rates of the year. Phone Tina at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to:
Tina@divetrip.com




Scuba Club Cozumel COZUMEL --- Spring & Summer Specials at Scuba Club Cozumel

Scuba Club Cozumel is simply one of Cozumel's longest serving and most well respected dive resorts. Due to the personalized quality of its service, and the excellent price point, Scuba Club enjoys one of the highest repeat customer ratios of ANY dive resort in the world.

Meals are included in the package, but there is no attempt to compete with the large, all-inclusive tourist hotel. Scuba Club has always been dedicated to one thing -- giving serious scuba divers the best of Cozumel at a great price. We suggest you make use of one of these excellent specials and experience it for yourself.


Scuba Club Cozumel -- Spring Special
Five nights lodging, four days diving, all meals
valid April 1 - May 30, 2008
Special includes:
three meals daily
four days of diving
and unlimited shore tanks
Single Double occupancy Triple occupancy
Diver Diver non-diver Diver non-diver
5 nights lodging
with 4 days diving
$770 + tax =
$862
$615 + tax =
$689
$510 + tax =
$571
$550 + tax =
$616
$450 + tax =
$504
Price includes lodging at Scuba Club Cozumel, 12% hotel tax, three meals daily,
two-tank boat diving, and unlimited shore diving. Special is valid April 1 - May 30, 2008.
Not included are beverages, airport transfers, gratuities, rentals, and expenses of a personal nature.
Availability is limited. No other discounts apply. Airfare to Cozumel is additional. Call Island Dreams for details.


Scuba Club Cozumel -- Summer Special
Five nights lodging, four days diving, three meals daily,
one boat night dive, and unlimited shore diving

valid June 1 - July 31, 2008
Special includes:
three meals daily
four days of diving
and unlimited shore tanks
Single Double occupancy Triple occupancy
Diver Diver non-diver Diver non-diver
5 nights lodging
with 4 days diving
$825 + tax =
$924
$670 + tax =
$750
$560 + tax =
$627
$600 + tax =
$672
$490 + tax =
$549
Price includes lodging at Scuba Club Cozumel, 12% hotel tax, three meals daily,
two-tank boat diving, and unlimited shore diving. Special is valid June 1 - July 31, 2008.
Not included are beverages, airport transfers, gratuities, rentals, and expenses of a personal nature.
Availability is limited. No other discounts apply. Airfare to Cozumel is additional. Call Island Dreams for details.


Find more info and pricing data here:
Scuba Club Cozumel

Like to see Scuba Club for yourself? Phone Rae at 1-800-568-2350 -or- email to: Rae@divetrip.com




Occidental Grand Cozumel Dive Travel Scuba Trips

Occidental Grand Cozumel COZUMEL --- Save 20% off All-Inclusive Cozumel

Occidental Grand Cozumel -- At the Occidental Grand Cozumel, you'll enjoy all-inclusive luxury accommodations and diving at one of the world's most amazing coral reefs systems. Located on Cozumel's finest white sand beach, Playa San Francisco, the Occidental Grand Cozumel offers a range of room categories, gourmet dining, and activities options in our hacienda-style resort just steps from the sea.

Early Booking Discount -- EXTENDED -- Occidental Grand Cozumel is offering a powerful incentive for those divers ready to schedule their spring diving holiday...and the early booking discount deadline has just been extended. Now, book prior to May 30, 2008, and you will save 10-15% off the regular package rates. Availability is limited...please do not delay.

Follow this link and save: Occidental Grand Cozumel

Ready to make the most of this Early Booking Discount? Call Christy at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Christy@divetrip.com




Cobalt Coast Resort, Grand Cayman Island GRAND CAYMAN --- Spring & Summer Specials at Cobalt Coast Resort

Cobalt Coast Resort & Suites -- Cobalt Coast is Grand Cayman's finest dedicated divers' resort. Located on the northwest shore of Boatswains Bay, near the Turtle Farm, it is just a few miles north and removed from the hustle and bustle of Seven Mile Beach. Set on a secluded, oceanfront, the resort provides spectacular views overlooking the inviting waters of the Caribbean Sea.

A Divers Best Bet -- Cobalt Coast Resort gets Island Dreams' vote as the best dive resort on Grand Cayman Island. We've stayed there ourselves, and have had many satisfied customers coming back for more. So why not enjoy Cobalt Coast for yourself?

  
Spring Special:   April 12 - May 31, 2008

These prices include airport transfers, lodging, diving, taxes, and daily breakfast
Add lunch and 3-course dinner, $55 per person per day (includes tax and 15% gratuity)
  

Lodging Style 4 nights lodging
3 days diving
5 nights lodging
4 days diving
6 nights lodging
5 days diving
7 nights lodging
6 days diving
Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler
Ocean Front Room
(double occupancy)
$ 820 $ 565 $1030 $ 690 $1245 $ 815 $1425 $ 915
One-Bedroom Suite
(double occupancy)
$ 905 $ 650 $1140 $ 800 $1370 $ 940 $1570 $1060
Prices are per person, based on the occupancy indicated. Daily breakfast is included, with optional upgrade to a full meal plan.
Dive packages include two daily boat dives plus unlimited shore diving, including complimentary tank and weights on day of arrival.
Unlimited shore diving at two locations: Cobalt Coast Resort’s pristine 6000 ft wall and one near Turtle Farm.
Gratuities for the meals, room tax and service charges included. (Dive staff gratuities are not included in packages.)
You will also enjoy complimentary round-trip airport transfers, welcome drink, and daily maid service.

  
Summer Splash:   Big Savings at Cobalt Coast Resort

Your 7th lodging night and 6th dive day are FREE!

Free Nights Savings apply for Saturday to Saturday visits only
Valid May 31-June 7; July 19-26; Aug. 16-23; Aug. 23-30, 2008

These prices include airport transfers, lodging, diving, taxes, and daily breakfast
Add lunch and 3-course dinner, $55 per person per day (includes tax and 15% gratuity)
  

Lodging Style 4 nights lodging
3 days diving
5 nights lodging
4 days diving
6 nights lodging
5 days diving
7 nights lodging
6 days diving
Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler Diver Snorkeler
Ocean Front Room
(double occupancy)
$ 820 $ 565 $1030 $ 690 $1245 $ 815 $1245 $ 815
One-Bedroom Suite
(double occupancy)
$ 905 $ 650 $1140 $ 800 $1370 $ 940 $1370 $ 940
Prices are per person, based on the occupancy indicated. Daily breakfast is included, with optional upgrade to a full meal plan.
Dive packages include two daily boat dives plus unlimited shore diving, including complimentary tank and weights on day of arrival.
Unlimited shore diving at two locations: Cobalt Coast Resort’s pristine 6000 ft wall and one near the Turtle Farm.
Gratuities for the meals, room tax and service charges included. (Dive staff gratuities are not included in packages.)
You will also enjoy complimentary round-trip airport transfers, welcome drink, and daily maid service.


Read Ken Knezick's:
Cobalt Coast Resort Report

Find more info and pricing data here: Cobalt Coast Resort

Agent Susan Young lived in Grand Cayman for 15 years. Phone her at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Susan@divetrip.com




Little Cayman Beach Resort CAYMAN BRAC --- Dive Buddy 1/2 Price at Brac Reef Resort

Buy One, Get One 1/2 Price -- That's right. The first diver pays $1109 and the dive buddy goes for just $555!

Share the Savings -- That breaks down to only $830 per person, for a great week of lodging, meals and diving. But please do not delay. This excellent special only applies for two specific weeks, May 31-June 7 and July 5-12, 2008. Availability is limited...first come, first served.

Brac Reef Resort -- Dive Buddy 1/2 Price
Valid May 31 - June 7, 2008
and July 5 - 12, 2008
Includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7 nights lodging
with 12 boat dives and three daily meals
First diver pays: $1109 Rommate pays only: $555
Brac Reef package includes: 7 nights lodging,
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily, 12 Boat Dives,
Airport Ground Transfers and Hotel Taxes.

Learn more here:
Brac Reef Resort

Details? Call our Cayman Islands expert, Susan Young, at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Susan@divetrip.com





Little Cayman Beach Resort LITTLE CAYMAN --- Great Values at Little Cayman Beach Resort

"Thanks again for arranging my trip to Little Cayman Beach Resort. I had a great time at a great place. The diving was fabulous. Lots of big free swimming nurse sharks, two very curious reef sharks, tons of turtles, its a cornucopia of life, I am so glad I made that trip. Loved the resort, the people were absolutely the best I have dealt with at any resort, and the food was fantastic. I can't say enough other than had a GREAT time and will be going back!"
Bob Dougherty, Mountain Top, PA.

Best of the Caribbean -- You've seen what a satisfied guest had to say about Little Cayman Beach Resort. Now use one of these specials to experience the best of Little Cayman for yourself!

Special - "Eagle Ray Round-Up"
Valid January 3 - December 15, 2008
Poolview Room -- MAP with Breakfast and Dinner
7 nights lodging
with 12 boat dives
$1409 diver $ 965 non-diver
Eagle Ray Round-Up package includes: 7 nights Poolview room lodging,
breakfast and dinner daily, 12 boat Dives, free use of dive computer,
plus airport transfers and hotel taxes & service charges.
Pricing is based on double occupancy lodging.
Please note that the "Eagle Ray Round-Up" special includes only two boat dives per day.

Special - "Bloody Bay Escape"
Valid January 3 - December 15, 2008
Poolview Room -- FAP with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
plus two drinks nightly once the diving is done!
7 nights lodging with 17 boat dives,
and one night dive
$1695 diver $1173 non-diver
Bloody Bay Escape package includes: 7 nights Poolvew room lodging,
breakfast, lunch & dinner daily, 17 boat dives, 1 night dive, Free use of dive computer,
airport transfers, hotel taxes & service charges...and....2 drinks nightly!
Pricing is based on double occupancy lodging.

Special - "Classic Cayman Fall Fantasy"
Valid August 1 - October 31, 2008

Enjoy the savings!
Poolview Room -- FAP with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
5 nights poolview lodging
four days of 2-tank boat diving
$ 905 diver $ 609 non-diver
7 nights poolview lodging
six days of 2-tank boat diving
plus free nitrox for nitrox certified divers,
and one free bottle of wine for stays of 5 nights or longer.
$1291 diver $ 891 non-diver
Classic Cayman Fall Special includes: Poolview room lodging,
breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, 2-tank boat diving as indicated,
airport ground transfers, hotel taxes and service charges.
Pricing is based on double occupancy lodging.
Subject to availability. Call now.


Little Cayman Beach Resort

Learn more here:
Little Cayman Beacn Resort and Conch Club Condos

Details? Call our Cayman Islands expert, Susan Young, at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Susan@divetrip.com





BELIZE --- Low Season Special at Hamanasi Resort

Hamanasi Dive & Adventure Resort
Hamanasi Dive & Adventure Resort
Hamanasi Dive & Adventure Resort

Hamanasi is located on a beautiful beach south of Dangriga near the Garifuna fishing village of Hopkins. Its unique location has convenient access to the best dive locations and the best onshore sites in Belize. Hamanasi offers you Belize's best soft adventures, both on land and off shore in the beautiful Caribbean sea.

LOW Season Special for 2008
7-night Reef & Rainforest package
From $1527 per person, double occ.

Valid: May 24 - December 19, 2008
(except Thanksgiving)


Reef and Rainforest Package -- Hamanasi's finest offering is its "Reef and Rainforest" Package, for which you will find complete pricing at the link below. The Reef and Rainforest option enables guests to mix and match from a wide menu of adventure options; diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, touring, and more.

Learn more here: Hamanasi Adventure Resort

Your Hamanasi Adventure awaits you. Call Christy at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Christy@divetrip.com




RSD Reader's Choice Award BONAIRE --- Suite Seventh Heaven Special

Plaza Resort Bonaire -- This highly dive-friendly property features 200 suites with lagoon or ocean view, beautiful white sand beach, pool, restaurants, water sports, in-house dive operation, and a new casino. For larger parties, one and two-bedroom villas (condominiums) add even more function and comfort. See below for descriptions and pricing of the interesting array of lodging options available to you.

Suite Seventh Heaven -- Seven (7) nights lodging in spacious suite accommodations, six (6) days of unlimited shore diving, your choice of boat diving options, round-trip airport transfers, welcome drink, tax and service charges.

Suite Seventh Heaven:   April 5 - December 19, 2008
7 nights lodging with 6 days of diving
Lodging Style Occupancy 11 boat dives 6 boat dives shore diving only non-diver
Standard Suite
(Pool View)
Single $1565 $1482 $1363 n/a
Double $ 973 $ 890 $ 771 $ 667
Triple $ 838 $ 755 $ 636 $ 531
Grand Suite
(Ocean View)
Single $1752 $1669 $1550 n/a
Double $1066 $ 983 $ 864 $ 759
Triple $ 900 $ 817 $ 698 $ 593
Prices are per person, based on occupancy indicated.
Upgrade to seven days of buffet breakfast -- Add $111 per guest.
Package includes: seven (7) nights lodging in spacious suite accommodations, six (6) days of unlimited shore diving,
your choice of six or eleven boat dives per week, round-trip airport transfers, welcome drink, tax and service charges.

Additional pricing and info:
Bonaire Dive Package Options

Bonaire awaits you. Call Tina at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Tina@divetrip.com




Matangi Island Resort, Matagi Island, Fiji FIJI --- "Two Nights Free plus an Upgrade at Matangi Island Resort

Matangi Island Resort -- Matagi Island is the smallest of a cluster of volcanic islands off the eastern tip of Taveuni. Wrapped around a submerged crater, the entire Matangi area is a Scuba divers mecca. Matangi Island Resort offers 14 private cottages set within lovely tropical gardens, along with a main dining and lounge area, a fleet of boats and a dive facility, plus three tree house honeymoon cottages built 30 feet off the ground in the embrace of ancient almond trees. In addition to offering some of Fiji's best diving, Matagi's also great for its beautiful white sand beaches, hiking through lush rainforest, or a cultural visit to one of the local native villages.

Matangi Island Resort, Fiji

Free Night Special plus a Room Category Upgrade -- The team at Matangi Private Island Resort are excited about their property and want to share it with you. So they have created the following specials to encourage you to visit. These are great opportunties, so don't miss out. Availability is limited, and these special must be booked in advance. Call or email Island Dreams now for complete details.


Free Night Specials

Pay for 5 nights -- stay for 7 (all room categories)
April 1-May 31, 2008 and Nov. 15, 2008-March 31, 2009

Pay for 6 nights -- stay for 7 (all room categories)
June 1- November 14, 2008

Pay for 8 nights -- stay for 10 (Beachfront Bures Only)
Applies All Year Round!

YES -- Free Night Specials are combinable with Upgrade Specials!
$299 Upgrade Special

Book an Island Bure -- get a Beachfront Bure
Book the Beachfront Bure -- get a Treehouse!

Upgrade fee is USD $299 per room. Applies to bookings of seven nights and longer.
Valid for travel through March 31, 2009. Black out dates: June 1-November 14, 2008
Subject to availability...please do not delay. Contact Island Dreams for complete details.



Find complete:
Matangi Resort Pricing

Read Tina's new: Fiji Dive Resort Update

Also consider Ken Knezick's: Fiji Dive and Travel Report

Fiji is fine! Discuss the details with Rae at 1-800-568-2350 -or- email to: Rae@divetrip.com




MANADO & LEMBEH --- Best of Both World's Combination Packages

Lembeh Bunaken Combo - photo montage copyright Ken Knezick, Island Dreams Travel

Lembeh & Bunaken Combination Packages -- Island Dreams customized combo packages include all transfers forward from Manado International Airport, lodging and diving as indicated, hotel taxes, and three meals daily. Lodging at KBR in Traditional House room; and in Deluxe room at Hotel Santika. Upgraded room categories are available. On the day you transfer from one resort to the next, you will have three days of boat diving, so no time is wasted. Drinks, souvenirs, rental equipment, etc. are at the guest's additional expense, as is airfare to Manado. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Kungkungan Bay Resort + Hotel Santika Manado
Lembeh / Bunaken Combo Packages
Valid through March 31, 2009
Suggested Combo Package Options Double Occupancy Single Occupancy
9 nights lodging / with 8 days of diving
5 nights at Kungkungan Bay Resort
plus 4 nights at Hotel Santika
$1661 $1853
11 nights lodging / with 10 days of diving
6 nights at Kungkungan Bay Resort
plus 5 nights at Hotel Santika
$2101 $2341
14 nights lodging / with 13 days of diving
7 nights at Kungkungan Bay Resort
plus 7 nights at Hotel Santika
$2563 $2899
Combination packages include round-trip airport/hotel transfers, 3 meals daily, and 3-tank boat diving daily.
Pricing based is on Traditional room or Cottage Suite at Kungkungan, and Deluxe Room at Hotel Santika.
Room-style uprades are available. Please note that only two boat dives are included on transfer days.
All scuba diving pricing is based on air fills. Upgrade to Nitrox fills may be arranged.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, include all hotel taxes, and are subject to change.
Package inclusions are subject to change. No refund for unused portion of packages.

Find further details here:  
Best of Lembeh and Manado Combo Packages

Or simply speak with Tina at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Tina@divetrip.com




El Ocotal Beach Resort COSTA RICA --- Special Dive Packages at El Ocotal Resort


Costa Rica is known today as a unique dive destination, and not only for its marine life, but because of its many other attractions. Divers have the opportunity to visit national parks, go white water rafting, big game fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, swim on secluded beaches, enjoy breathtaking sunsets and warm star-filled nights and feel welcomed by friendly Costa Rican people.

Bungalow at El Ocotal Resort Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast is the diving world’s newest discovery. Few places in the world have waters with such varies and plentiful marine life.

Couple this glory of nature with El Ocotal Beach Resort’s luxurious resort facilities, new dive boats and equipment; the resorts highly-trained, dedicated staff and Costa Rica’s most experienced dive masters; the country’s natural beauty and its warm, friendly people, and you have the most exciting alternative to traditional dive destinations.

El Ocotal's dive packages are now ready to bring you the best of Costa Rica!

Find pricing and details here: El Ocotal Resort

Costa Rica awaits you. Phone Christy at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Christy@divetrip.com




Aggressor Fleet AGGRESSOR FLEET --- Announcing the North Sulawesi Aggressor

Manado and North Sulawesi -- North Sulawesi, and specifically Lembeh Strait is home to the greatest marine bio-diversity on our planet. That means this is the place for truly unique and unusual diving and photography opportunities. With the coming of Aggressor Fleet, there is now a quality live-aboard boat to complement the excellent dive resorts in the region such as Kungkungan Bay Resort, Lembeh Resort, and Hotel Santika Manado.

North Sulawesi Aggressor -- The North Sulawesi Aggressor sails Saturday-to-Saturday, departing from Kungkungan Bay Resort. Guests will enjoy spectacular wall dives near Bangka Island and Bunaken Island. From two inch long flamboyant cuttlefish to mating Blue Ring octopuses, North Sulawesi has a variety of marine life like no other place in the world. The week long itinerary includes Lembeh Strait, Bangka Island and Bunaken Manado Tua Marine National Park.

  North Sulawesi Aggressor  

North Sulawesi Aggressor

Jan. 5, 2008 - Jan. 3, 2009 ... Deluxe Cabin $2,495 * Quad Cabin $2,295
Jan. 3, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010 ... Deluxe Cabin $2,595 * Quad Cabin $2,395



Explore other destinations and pricing here:
Aggressor Fleet - Live Aboard Diving at its Best

Ready to experience the newest Aggressors? Sail over to Susan at 1-800-346-6116 -or- email to: Susan@divetrip.com




REPORT UPDATE -- Travel Tips for the 21st Century

Where's the kitchen sink? ALERT to New Baggage Weight Limitations -- This is an aspect of air travel that is currently experiencing immense change...and they are assuredly not making it any easier for the traveler.

Be advised that most domestic flights are now limiting passengers to a single checked bag, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds. A second bag may be checked, but at an additional charge of $25 to $100 or more per bag.

Some, but not all, international flights may still allow two bags at 50 pounds each. Overweight bags will be charged a penalty, or with increasing frequency simply denied loading aboard the aircraft. Carry-on bags are also being limited in both quantity and weight.

Don't be surprised at the gate. Phone your airline in advance, and/or check with their web site, and ascertain current baggage allowances. Then pack accordingly, or be prepared to pay extra.

Read the entire report here: Travel Tips for the 21st Century




NEW LIFT -- Singapore Airlines Now Flying from Houston

Singapore Airlines In an exciting turn of events, Singapore Airlines (airline code SQ) has just announced new service from Houston, Texas to Singapore, via Moscow. Now it will be possible to fly to Asia directly from Houston, making use of the world's top-rated airline.

This is an excellent new opportunity, affording easier travel to world-class diving destinations such as Bali, Manado, Raja Ampat, Wakatobi, and points beyond.

Find details here: SQ Begins Service from IAH




COMMENTS -- Guests Speak Out on Wakatobi
Wakatobi Dive Resort
Island Dreams Ken Knezick has had plenty to say about Wakatobi...yes, he loves the place. But for another opinion, you can hear what a group of recent Wakatobi guests had to say for themselves.

Read the guest comments here: Wakatobi Guests Speak Out

Enjoy photos my Wakatobi guests: Wakatobi Guest Photo Gallery

Also see Ken Knezick's most recent Wakatobi Report: Wakatobi Update




TRAVEL REPORT -- Little Cayman Beach Resort

Jawfish with Eggs, copyright Tom Collier Thomas Collier, Travel Coordinator for the Houston Underwater Photographic Society, reports on the recent HUPS trip to Little Cayman Beach Reosort

"Bloody Bay Wall is an awesome dive location with many dive sites. The water was crystal clear with very little current - a perfect location for underwater photography. The corals were in good shape with plenty of the usual tropical fish. No large marine life to speak of with the exception of turtles, rays and the resident groupers (who are extremely friendly). A couple of reef sharks were spotted and an eagle ray was also seen several times. Sailfin blennies, jawfish (many with eggs), lobsters, sting rays and turtles were seen and photographed on most dives.

"A morning boat trip to the Tibbets, a Russian destroyer, sunk off Cayman Brac was another highlight of our trip. There is an modest additional charge for this excursion but well worth it. The wreck is an excellent location for wide-angle photography; although so is all of Bloody Bay Wall. Our only dilemma was what to shoot - Wide-angle or Macro? This dive trip to Little Cayman certainly offered up an abundance of both."

Read Tom Collier's complete story here: Little Cayman Report




Island Dreams Tours & Travel GROUP TRIPS -- Don't Miss the Dive Boat!

Our 2008 trips are filling quickly. If you'd like to join in a exciting group conducted tour, with new friends, good fun, and great diving...don't miss the boat! Now is the time to act.

Enjoy the world's finest diving with Island Dreams’ experienced divemasters and instructors. Our trips are designed for enjoyment, safety, and fun. Single diver?...no worries, we'll find you a dive buddy. A deposit of $500 per person guarantees your space; final payment is due 60 days prior to trip departure. You may pay with MC, VISA, AMEX, DISCOVER, or check. But remember that availability is limited, and please be advised that all dates of travel and prices are subject to change. Let's go diving!

Groups for 2008 and 2009:   Island Dreams' Conducted Group Tours




Photo Pro Jesse Cancelmo PHOTOS of the MONTH -- Featuring Jesse Cancelmo

Jesse Cancelmo made his first scuba dive on a visit to Bermuda in 1969. He was hooked! Since then Cancelmo has trotted and dived the globe from the wrecks of New Jersey to the reefs of Papua New Guinea. His passion to capture underwater images has driven many returns visits to Indonesia and the Galapagos Islands.

Jesse has written more than a hundred articles for numerous diving and wildlife publications. He is a contributing editor for Dive Training magazine and a regular contributor to Scuba Diving magazine. Jesse has two dive guides, Diving Bermuda and Diving Cayman Islands.

Cancelmo's newest project is a hard cover book with 100 images shot on the reefs off Texas, from the Flower Gardens and Stetson Bank to prolific marine life on the offshore oil platforms. "Texas Coral Reefs" will be available by May 2008.

Jesse Cancelmo is an explorer at heart and is always in search of new dive sites and challenges. Enjoy his photo feature here at Island Dreams, and then visit his own web site: www.cancelmophoto.com


Copyright Jesse Cancelmo
Whale Action
Copyright Jesse Cancelmo
Angel Kiss
Copyright Jesse Cancelmo
Eagle Ray Face
Copyright Jesse Cancelmo
Dolphin
Copyright Jesse Cancelmo
Reef Scene
Copyright Jesse Cancelmo
Hammerheads
Copyright Jesse Cancelmo
Coral Spawn
Copyright Jesse Cancelmo
Reef Scene
Copyright Jesse Cancelmo -- All rights reserved.
Do not copy these images without prior explicit written permission.


Learn more about Jesse Cancelmo:   www.cancelmophoto.com

Dive the world from your desk. Explore Island Dreams':   Destination Photo Galleries

Make some pictures of your own:   Join Ken Knezick on an upcoming Conducted Group Tour




Island Dreams Tours and Travel: We are a full service, wholesale travel agency, specializing in scuba diving and adventure travel. With a broad range of contacts and bulk airline contracts, we can help you with discount airfares and excellent travel values worldwide. But please also be advised that modern travel is a constantly changing environment. All prices, schedules, package inclusions, and product descriptions in this website are subject to availability and subject to change without further notice.

Thank you for your interest in Island Dreams.
It is our pleasure to serve you!


Get started on my Island Dream

Risk Free Price Quote
Click Start to begin planning your
personal Island Dreams adventure.



Carefully serving dive travelers since 1987

Cozumel Caribbean Scuba Diving Travel Caribbean Dive Vacations Caribbean Pacific Scuba Diving Travel Pacific Dive Vacations Pacific Indonesia Scuba Diving Travel Indonesia Dive Vacations Indonesia Group Dive Trips Conducted Scuba Diving Tours Group Tours Sales Scuba Diving Sales Deals Discount Scuba Travel Sales & Specials Scuba Diving Live Aboard Boats Live Aboard Boats Scuba Diving Reports Dive Travel Information Dive Reports
Reservations Scuba Diving Travel Terms and Conditions Terms & Conditions Scuba Diving Travel Booking Information Travel Insurance Island Dreams Travel company profile Company Profile Dive Travel Resource Center Travel Resources Dive Deals Newsletter Newsletter
Photo Galleries Web Site Table of Contents Web Site Table of Contents Scuba Diving Travel Dive Tours Scuba Travel Vacations Home

Island Dreams Tours and Travel
Toll free: 1-800-346-6116
Email: info@divetrip.com

Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Island Dreams, Inc., dba Island Dreams Travel. Photos, text and design copyrighted. All rights reserved.
All pricing, airfares, itineraries, and trip inclusions represented herein, are subject to change without notice.