THE BALI DIVE AND TURTLE DISCOVERY TOUR 2015, VERSION 3, APRIL 01, 2015 Please read through this revision as it includes added Information and news for the Expedition. This is a requested follow on to the 2014 Turtle Discovery Tour, of August, 2014; which was a smashing success. That Adventure was conducted via land based hotels and dive resorts. The Expeditioners, were transported about Bali in a van, vs. the traditional live aboard boat. Based on numerous requests, we contracted with a large live aboard which sails the waters of Bali and the nearby islands: Sea Safari 7. (See the photo.) for our 2015 Adventure. Our planned route was developed by Dr. Larry McKenna (20+ years of Indonesia diving) and the highly experienced Sea Safari 7 crew. We have developed a very exciting dive plan which combines the best in Bali diving; including dives on rarely visited locations. In the process, we will expand our knowledge of the sea turtle environment along Bali shores and its outer islands. The outer islands and deserted beaches along Bali reefs are the nesting areas of five of the seven sea turtles in the oceans. For the past hundreds of years, these turtles visit these beaches to nest and to preserve the species. They exit the sea, mostly at night, to lay eggs for a next generation. (Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Green and the Leatherback. Loggerhead Olive Ridley Hawksbill Green
Leatherback Largest in the Sea We have selected the month of September to visit the beaches because of the higher probability the turtles will come to nest. This expedition begins and ends at the port of Benoa. The voyage begins in the early morning of September 01. We sail Eastward to Nusa Pineda. We will dive on some Sea Safari s secret locations in search of the very elusive Mola Mola (giant sunfish). We will stay clear of the infamous down wellings of cold currents which have claimed several lives. There are several exciting dive locations in this region of small islands where mantas, and large pelagics may be encountered. Then, after a planned night dive, we sail northwest by following the black line on the map to Menaganin Island. At first light (after morning tea), we will begin to explore a series of reefs and coral formations which have NOT been on the traditional dive circuit for about 20 years. The reef structure is all that remains of a huge volcano which imploded many years back. The area has been protected by the dynamic actions of Chris Brown, a transplanted Aussie and the villagers who live and fish in that region. Together they have been quite successful with actions to clean up the reefs/ eliminate fish poisoning/bombing and egg poaching. These green environmental activities continue. We will meet Chris at his Reef Seen Bali dive resort and turtle hospital. The planned activities land activities at this location will be covered in a later update. Our dives to explore the reefs in this location, can be identified by the Gaja Temple (Large elephant statue and Bali Hindu Temple). A belief is that the Gaja protects the reefs and waters. The sea here is quite clear with great visibility. Hordes of fish abound, including large turtles which sleep in caves under water during the mating seasons. So few divers come here, that the reef fishes often swim right to our masks from curiosity. During a surface interval period on one dive day, we are invited to tour this amazing Temple by its Priests. As we sail back to Benoa, we will continue to schedule 3 to 4 dives, each day of our planned 42 dives. This exciting Adventure is a mix of dives which include: exploratory dives, open
water dives along the reefs, muck dives, and 2 wreck dives (one American and one Japanese). All dives will be from FROM the ships tender NOT by walking into the sea along the highly slippery entrance and exits. Same is planned for the muck dives. In a later edition to those who have made their deposits for this Expedition, more information about the dives will be supplied. Safety is a paramount concern of any Expedition S.O.L.O. organizes. The Sea Safari dive guide to guest ratio is maintained at 1 to 4. Each tender will carry only 8 divers + the guides. The dive sites will not be gang loaded to prevent reef damages and overcrowding. We do require that all divers carry a Reef Hook and a Safety Sausage on each dive. A medical evacuation insurance coverage by either DAN or Padi is also required of all guests on board. (Diver and non-diver) Each BCD will be inspected at the initial dive safety check for the presence of each Safety item and we will ask for the proof of the evacuation insurance. To be a part of the Expedition, a USD $1,000 p e r pe r s o n deposit is required to reserve a space. Only 3 beds are presently available. The deposit is fully refundable for any reason on or before February 28, 2015. **** Children under age 16 are not accepted. EVENTS AND SCHEDULES (subject to change). See map included, above.
Day 1: We depart Benoa Harbor at 0600, September 01, 2015. Dive gear and luggage can be boarded on August 31. No overnight sleeping is permitted as the crew will be busy preparing for the trip. Days 2 to 11, We will be diving and exploring the oceans.: There will be several crew provided activities as we sail along, including a farewell party on board the night of September 11. September 12. Depart the Sea Safaris 7 to your next destination. This abbreviated schedule belies the extensive amount of activities we have planned, yet with relaxing times on board this HUGE ship. Massages are available at extra cost. Rental dive gear is available, by pre reservation. Nitrox is also available at an extra cost. USSAT Liberty A Muck Dive area, South of the Liberty Both sets of dives are FROM the tender. WHEEEEEE!!!! DIVING ALONG THE BALI N/W. COAST TRADITIONAL DANCERS COST IS USD $ 3,600. PER PERSON WITH AN INITIAL DEPOSIT OF USD $1,000, TO RESERVE A
BED. BEDS ARE ASSIGNED WHEN THE DEPOSIT IS RECEIVED. ***** For American citizens, the full cost of the expedition can be 100% tax deductible, including hotels and air fares. THERE ARE ONLY 3 BEDS REMAINING. OPEN WATER EXPERIENCED AND QUALIFIED DIVERS MAY APPLY TO JOIN THIS EXPEDITION. To ask questions and//or apply for inclusion on this voyage, Contact Dr. Larry via the e- mail listed below. E - MAIL: info-saveourleatherbacks@earthlink.net WEB: www.leatherbackturtles.org (UPON CONFORMATION OF YOUR APPLICATION AND DEPOSIT, ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC INFORMATION WIL L BE PROVIDED.) SEA SAFARI LAYOUT
ADDED ACTIVITIES IN PLANNING: SUPPORT BY SINGAPORE AIRLINES (S.I.A.): Close to the execution of our initial Expedition (September 2014) we were thrilled that Singapore Airlines (S.I.A.) signed on as a Major S.O.L.O. sponsor. S.I.A. offered huge air ticket discounts for the Expeditioners, round trip from their USA Gateway airports via Singapore, to Bali. We are currently in discussions with S.I.A. for their great assistance for the 2015 Expedition. We suggest to NOT secure air travel until you inquire of S.O.L.O. on the status of S.I.A. support in 2015. POST DIVE CULTURAL OPPORTUNITY: We may offer a three day extension of this Adventure by offering a varied Cultural opportunity; to include many opportunities to experince the cultures of Bali, including a gourment cooking experience FROM A Master Swiss Chef who now resides in Bali. This 3 day event will be at extra cost. (A firm cost will be determined later)the current approximate estimate is $600. per person to include: PROPOSED ITINEARY: Lodging at a superior resort near or on the sea. A one day cooking experience by Chef Heinz von Holtzen which includes a visit to the Bali spice, meat and fish markets for lessons on how to buy. Then, all go back to his resort, don aprons and receive hands on instructions by Chef Heinz and staff on cooking many dishes in the Bali way. The finale is to sit as a group and be served the menu which YOU have prepared. Dinner is to be held at S.O.L.O. expense in Chef Heinz Boom Bu Bali restaurant. After the meal, Chef Heinz will escort us to the
beach near by to see and be instructed on how to send baby turtles to the sea. One and ½ days to take you into the interior of Bali to show you Temples, statues of marble and the terraced rice fields. Dr. Larry will show you things and events he has collected and experienced over 20+ years on Bali. This Culture expereince MAY include a traditional Bali WEDDING of 2 of our Volunteers. (A proper on bended knee proposal was made and accepted during the DEMA 2014 exhibition.) This can be another terrific photo opportunity. Stay tuned!!! This culture exposure requires a minimum of 12 people. The paymnent of this event will be separate. The funds are due 30 days after we firm up the costs and advise yo u in writing. We do requesdt an expression of interest (non binding) if you would like to be included in this event. Please e- mail us. (The wedding will proceed, regardless of numbers). E - MAIL: info-saveourleatherbacks@earthlink.net WEB: www.leatherbackturtles.org As is S.O.L.O. standartd practice, we establish progressive payments to permit budget considerations.*** 1 st payment is the confirming deposit of $1,000. 2 nd payment of $1,000 will be due on March 30. 2015
3 rd payment of $1,600.00. Will be due on or before May 30, 2015. Please send ALL money payments to: SAVE OUR LEATHERBACKS OPERATION. A written documentation is necessary to support your 2015 Federal Tax deduction. If YOU PAY BY Pay Pal, add 3% to the funds to pay their cost management. *** Refunds at any time after February 28, 2015 can NOT be refunded as the money goes when received to the boat owners. (liquidated damages for cancellations) Sea Safari Photos: Photo Opportunities from a Tender are Possible
JACE, OUR BOAT MANAGER NYOMAN, OUR DIVE MASTER SAVE OUR LEATHERBACKS OPERATION 4321 KINGWOOD DRIVE, Suite # 18 Kingwood, Texas 77339 E-MAIL: saveourleatherbacks@earthlink.net Web: www.saveourleatherbacks.org Ph 281 658 6578