Wind Dancer has just completed her first two months of cruising in Grenada and The Grenadines, and "the tribe has spoken".  Guests have raved about the  combination of “close to home” travel to the Caribbean that still provides them with the diving thrills that only pristine reefs and a new dive destination can provide!

Wind Dancer's itinerary combines the best reefs of Grenada, plus the world famous wreck, the Bianca C.  As with any first class liveaboard, the Wind Dancer also ranges afar to visit areas local diving operations simply can't get to on any regular basis (Isle de Rhonde, Cariacou, Bequia, Isle de Quatre, Tobago Cays, and Frigate Island).  

While many Caribbean islands seem to feature only walls or sloping reefs, you get virtually every type of reef structure in Grenada because of the different island formations. This diversity also comes into play underwater; the reefs are teeming with large and small fish, plus turtles, lobsters, barracuda, jacks, rays, nurse and reef sharks, and Atlantic Spade Fish and Flying Gurnards.  This great combination has led to the best launch of a new destination in PHD’s history, and is solid proof that the Caribbean still has some new, and undiscovered, diving to enjoy!

Here's a comment from one of our guests:

"I believe you have a "home run" with the Grenada/Grenadines itinerary. Wonderful pristine diving with fantastic scenery and conditions. You can also market the trip to non-liveaboard divers and non-diving partners of divers as a "Cruise in the Grenadines." The topside cruising portion on the Wind Dancer is worth the trip alone."   DH, Diver from FL, USA

Due to these types of comments and the number of requests we’ve received for additional opportunities to dive and explore this area, we are delighted to announce 3 ADDITIONAL WEEKS have been added to our 2006 stay in Grenada:

Nov 25 to Dec. 2, 2006
Dec. 2 - Dec 9, 2006
Dec. 9 - Dec 16, 2006
 
Since December is only a couple of months away, we'll also provide the first twenty passengers who book these specific trips with a couple of great "Courtesy Thank You" incentives:

First Twenty Bookings: Save $200 on the charter price.  Now only $1595 and $1395.  PLUS receive a FREE Scuba Pro Roller Duffel bag, a $200 value!

If you’re interested in joining us on one of these charters, please call or email asap.  They’re filling up fast! Or email: dancer@peterhughes.com

Note: Gear Bags limited to new bookings only, supplies are limited.  Shipping (3 weeks time) is free within the continental US; additional charges for overseas, HI, and Alaska.  Bag is shipped upon receipt of full payment for trip.  This offer may not be combined with other discounts, promotions, or group bookings except as noted above. Subject to change or withdrawal without notice.

Effective Dec. 1, 2006, Peter Hughes Diving will be implementing a fleet-wide, uniform policy regarding divers’ safety equipment.  At that time, each diver will be required to have:

1. Diver Alert (or compressed air Surface Signaling Device)
2.  Safety Sausage or Compatible Product
3.  Mini Strobe (night/dusk).

Many divers already carry them, and if you do not already own them, we do recommend purchasing them prior to your next trip.  Limited quantities for rental will be available on each vessel.   For more details, please visit:  www.peterhughesdiving.com/safety_policy.html
 

Veteran Diver and Underwater Photographer Terri Huber  (and PHD’s group reservations manager) recently traveled to South Africa to get first hand experience with one of Nature’s most incredible events, THE SARDINE RUN (and all of the sharks, dolphins, and sea birds that also attend the dance). 

Her reaction?  Spectacular!  To read her trip report and learn how to book your trip for next year's Sardine Run through PHD: please go to:  www.peterhughesdiving.com/tripreport_sa.html
 

For those fans of South Pacific “muck diving” and who like to find rare critters, coral, and marine life, here's a great link (courtesy of AOL news) that describes a group of scientists who recently found 52 NEW SPECIES in a single expedition.

While they concentrated their efforts in the Papua Province of Indonesia, this area is right next to two of our most popular Dancer Vessels;  M/V Komodo Dancer out of Bali and touring the Komodo area, and the M/V Star Dancer in PNG.

PNG is a spectacular destination that is perfectly suited for both new and experienced divers, and strong currents are not usually a factor.  Anyone who can dive a live-aboard in the Caribbean can certainly handle PNG (and the reefs are awesome).  Komodo requires a little bit more experience, on a par with Galapagos diving, but the range of animals (big to small) is worth it!   

The bottom line; this entire region will be a center for new species identification and exciting diving, for divers of every level,  for years to come! Link:  http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/underwater-lost-world-is-discovered/20060918112509990010?ncid=NWS00010000000001

Writers and Photographers:  DEADLINE FOR STORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE 2006/2007 PHOTO CONTEST IS JANUARY 15th, 2007.

Remember, writers AND photographers can both compete (with stories and photos on their best PHD Dive Experience) to win TWO GRAND PRIZES.

For more details on how to enter, please click to: 
www.peterhughesdiving.com/2006_photocontest.html  

Peter Hughes Diving is looking for some unique and high quality photos of our vessels and topside activities (no underwater, please).  Specifically, we’re looking for shots of the various Dancers (underway or at anchor), briefings, dinners, etc. 

A $ 250 Fee for each photo accepted will be credited toward your next Dancer Vacation.For details on exactly what type of shots we're looking for, and how to submit them, please go to:  www.peterhughesdiving.com/photo_bounty.html