How is the diving in Tobago and what is the best time to dive there?
The best diving in Tobago might be considered to be on the Atlantic side of the island where divers need to be prepared for surge, possibly rough surface conditions and strong currents. M/V Wind Dancer âs itinerary will begin at the Port of Scarborough where the vessel docks and circle the island of Tobago in a northeasterly course up the Caribbean side of Tobago rounding the northeast corner and returning in a southwesterly direction. Throughout her journey, divers will enjoy sightings and encounters with creatures both large and small ö manta rays, great hammerheads, schooling jacks and a myriad of reef fishes including barracudas, queen and french angel fish, porcupine fishes, wrasses, chromis, grouper, snapper, turtle, sting rays and more. At the northeastern tip of Tobago , the mighty Atlantic Ocean meets the usually gentler Caribbean Sea and where divers will enjoy the excitement of the diving around Speyside where they will be able to identify between 75 and 100 species of fish on every dive. Here the coral is in, arguably, the Caribbean âs most prolific and healthy condition. Here too, divers will experience exhilarating fast drifts on several sites.

Mission Statement
To deliver 22 to 27 of the best dives available subject to local conditions in effect at the time of your visit.

How is the diving done from the Wind Dancer?
TENDER DIVING IS THE RULE RATHER THAN THE EXCEPTION. We will offer up to 5 dives per day (weather and sea conditions permitting) from our two tenders with short runs to each dive site. The M/V Wind Dancer features two 25 ft. fiberglass dive tenders with large, convenient ladders for easy boarding.

Our experienced crew will be available to assist with the boarding and disembarking process to and from the dive tenders. Guests will board the tender without full dive gear. Our crew will hand down cameras and other ancillary equipment. Guests will then don gear at the dive site. For divers who require special assistance we will endeavor to provide it. Backward roll entry from the tender is the most convenient way to get into the water. To re-board the tenders, guests may be asked to remove their gear in the water and hand it up to our staff, then they will use the ladder placed over the side. All tanks and gear will then be ãrestoredä on the tender.

Please be advised that due to frequently strong currents it is MANDATORY for each diver to carry a safety sausage, Dive Alert (personal air horn), a reel and float (TO BE DEPLOYED ONLY IF SEPARATED FROM THE GROUP) and mini-strobe light on all dives. If you do not bring any one of these devices with you they can be provided for your use while on board the M/V Wind, however, quantities may be limited. If you do not possess these items, please notify our office prior to departure.

What kind of weather can be expected in Tobago?
January to May is the driest time of year. Tobago is south of the usual path of hurricanes. Take a light sweater or jacket because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit. Average daytime temperatures will be in the 80s F/28-32 C, with nights in the 60s-70s F/18-27 C. The territory enjoys a tropical climate with average maximum temperatures of 32¡C (89¡F). Tobago 's temperatures are cooler, owing to the more constant north east trade winds. There is a dry season from January to May and a wet season from June to December. Annual rainfall is about 200 cm (80 inches) over most of the country.

What does my M/V Wind Dancer package include?
Accommodations for seven nights with all staterooms air-conditioned and fitted with private heads, shower and porthole view. Breakfast cooked to order, buffet lunch, and gourmet dinner are served daily in addition to fresh mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are complimentary while on board. Bathrobes are available in your stateroom for your use on board. M/V Wind Dancer is equipped with hair dryers in each stateroom. Linens are changed mid-week and fresh towels are placed in each stateroom daily. Guests have the opportunity of doing four or five dives per day. Filled tanks, weights and weight belt are included. There are additional charges for Nitrox fills (except for repeat guests who may have earned free nitrox fills).

For what other expenses will I be responsible?
No air transportation is included in the M/V Wind Dancer package. Departure tax must be paid at the airport. Airport departure tax levied on passengers for international travel is $TT100, payable in cash (about US $16.50)and must be in local currency. Dive instruction, dive and photo equipment rentals and ãBoatiqueä purchases must be settled on board prior to departure. The method of payment for these items may be in $US or $TT (Trinidad and Tobago Dollar) approximately $TT 6 to $US 1 (at time of printing), Travelersâ Checks or credit cards (MasterCard, Amex or Visa) are accepted. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED. No additional meals or beverages on shore are included, however, there are many quality affordable restaurants on the island. Crew Gratuities are not included. (See the FAQ page on our website for current rate of exchange.)

How does one get to the Wind Dancer from the airport?
Airport transfers are included in the Wind Dancer package to and from the airport as long as the arrival and departure date are on the day the charter leaves and arrives. A transfer company has been hired to meet and greet our M/V Wind Dancer guests. The representative(Ray Sloper or his representative) will identify himself with a Wind Dancer sign and/or sign with guests names. In the unlikely event that the transfer agent fails to connect with you, or, you have been delayed in Trinidad or elsewhere, please call Ray on 688-5148 (international dialing: 1-868-688-5148) to update him of your new arrival time in Tobago, If you need to get in touch by e-mail please contact him direct on atsltobago@tstt.net.tt.

After flights and baggage arrival, boarding the M/V Wind Dancer is after 5:00PM on Saturday and the vessel will depart the dock that evening or early the next morning, approximately 7:00AM depending on sea and weather conditions. For guests making their own way to the Wind Dancer, the boat is located at the Port of Scarborough.

What is done on the last day of the cruise?
The M/V Wind Dancer returns to port early in the afternoon on Friday (around 1 PM), overnights at the dock and guests have a chance to explore Tobago for a few hours. Guests will disembark at 8:00 AM the next day. All tours are at additional charge, but are highly recommended.

Is it customary to offer a gratuity to the crew?
Aboard the M/V Wind Dancer gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests reward our crew based on performance. If the crew performs to your expectations, we suggest that a gratuity of approximately 10% of the published package price be considered normal on a live aboard dive boat. Payment of gratuities is entirely at the discretion of the guest. It is the policy on Dancer Fleet vessels to pool any collected gratuities and divide these among the crew, since we believe no one crew member has the opportunity to give exceptional service without the assistance and support of all other crew members. Payment of gratuities may be by cash or credit card. While ashore, a 10% tip is generally included in most hotel and restaurant bills. Where this charge is not included, we recommend a tip of 10%-15%. If you choose to dive with our land-based affiliate (Tobago Dive Experience) a 10% tip for the dive shop staff is also recommended. Note that there is a 15% value-added tax (VAT) on many products and services, which is incorporated into the price of items before purchase (i.e. price tags already include the VAT). It is not possible to claim a refund on this VAT, as it is an indirect Government Tax.

Will there be opportunities to go ashore during the cruise?
Because we literally circle the island there could be numerous opportunities to go ashore but you should keep in mind that electing to do so will mean you will most likely miss the scheduled dives. Any trip ashore is CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK and Wind Dancer Limited, Wind Dancer ( Tobago ) Limited and Peter Hughes Diving Inc. can accept no responsibilities.

How are pre and post charter hotels and transfers arranged?
Your Peter Hughes Divingú reservation agent can arrange packages at the Manta Lodge/Tobago Dive Experience for those M/V Wind Dancer guests who wish to extend their stay in Tobago . Please inquire with us if your schedule will permit.

In the case of solitary guests, will a roommate be assigned?
All rates are quoted on a shared occupancy basis. Unless a guaranteed single room is requested and an additional 65% supplement is paid, sharing your stateroom with another guest of the same gender would be very possible.

How do I get to Tobago?
M/V Wind Dancer departs from and returns to the Port of Scarborough from where transfers are arranged to the boat location. Commercial airlines with service to Tobago are: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Caribbean Star Airlines, LIAT-Leeward Islands Air Transport, Condor, Monarch, JMC and the national airline, BWIA. Trinidad has international connections via American Airlines/ American Eagle, Air Canada , Air France, Aeropostal, Dutch Caribbean Airways, BWIA and various North American charters. There is a regular air bridge operation between Trinidad and Tobago using BWIA partners, Bwee Express and Tobago Express. The trip is about 20 minutes long and costs $TT 200 ($US 34) return. If assistance is needed with flight arrangements, be sure to contact Dive Easy Travel, Peter Hughes Divingâs travel specialist; Jeff at 1-800-9-DANCER (305-669-9391) for the most competitive airfares.

Do I need a Passport or a Visa for Tobago?
Valid passports are required by all foreign visitors. Visas are not required for citizens of the United States , Canada and members of the British Commonwealth with a few exceptions. Proof of onward passage is mandatory. A departure tax of TT$100 must be paid in cash at the airport.

Do I need trip insurance?
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT EACH GUEST PURCHASE COMPREHENSIVE ACCIDENT, MEDICAL, BAGGAGE AND TRIP CANCELLATION/INTERRUPTION INSURANCE WHEN SPACE IS RESERVED. TRIP INSURANCE WILL PROTECT YOU FROM FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE EVENT UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES PREVENT YOU OR THE VESSEL FROM MAKING THE SCHEDULED TRIP. IN THE EVENT THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT A CRUISE DUE TO WEATHER OR ANY MATTER BEYOND THE CONTROL OF PETER HUGHES DIVING, INC. ú, THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OR CREDIT ISSUED. WE ALSO RECOMMEND DIVING ACCIDENT INSURANCE. PLEASE INQUIRE WITH OUR RESERVATION OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE.

What paperwork will I need for diving?
Please bring your certification card and log book(s) for verification of your dive training/experience. You will be required to complete and sign a standard release and waiver form prior to your arrival. Please remember that you alone are responsible for determining your medical and physical fitness to dive or to take part in any other activities during this trip. DIVING ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK. We take no responsibility with respect to your determination. If you have any questions concerning your medical or physical fitness to dive or take part in any such activities, please consult your personal physician.

What shall I pack?
Special Note: Trinidad/Tobago currently has a regulation that prohibits the wearing of, or bringing any camouflage material into the country. This includes clothing and bags. In order to avoid any inconveniences, please be aware of this when packing.

Please plan to travel light, as on all live-aboards space is limited. We recommend that you pack your gear in soft luggage such as duffel bags for easy stowage. To add to your comfort in your cabin. Leave those large rigid suitcases at home. For guests who plan an extended stay on land, it is advised to pack the gear you will require on board, separately. M/V Wind Dancer is spacious enough to take care of most luggage but if necessary, there are storage facilities on shore for items you will not require on board or for large suitcases once you have removed the necessary items for your trip. Skimpy clothing is fine for the beach but nowhere else. Nude or topless sunbathing is against the law (though you may encounter it in some secluded areas). Casual clothing is appropriate during the day and for evenings and at most restaurants. You'll notice that locals love to dress up -- Trinidadians more than Tobagonians. Men may want to take along a long sleeved shirt as certain restaurants have a dress code in effect. Take a sweater because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit. Additional items you may want to bring are sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, GOOD WALKING SHOES, A HAT OR VISOR AND INSECT REPELLANT (WITH AT LEAST 25% DEET) IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR TIME ON SHORE. Hair dryers are provided in each cabin. You may wish to pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, bathing suit, and change of clothes and essential items in your carry-on bag. This will make it easier in the event that your luggage is delayed. Please check with your airline for weight and size restrictions that would apply to carry-on and checked luggage.

What if I am prone to sea sickness?
Strong currents and winds will cause moderate movement of the vessel, however, calm anchorages will be selected for your overnight comfort. If you have a tendency toward seasickness, we strongly urge you to bring some sort of over the counter medicine like Bonine or Dramamine II, or consult your doctor about prescription brands, such as the scopolamine transdermal patch. Be aware of the side effects of these drugs when diving, as they are known to cause drowsiness, disorientation and dry mouth. Chewable ginger tablets, crystallized ginger or capsules of powdered ginger have also proved to be effective. The M/V Wind Dancer carries its own stock of motion sickness medication.

What if there is an emergency on board?
The M/V Wind Dancer crew is trained in first aid and diving accident management. The boat is equipped with a complete first aid kit and a high capacity oxygen system. There is a mono-place recompression chamber in Roxborough, Tobago . However, guests should remember that emergency transportation and cost of treatment is the individualâs responsibility and we strongly recommend that each guest obtain special insurance for divers such as DAN Accident Insurance or PADI Dive Accident Insurance. Family members may call our Miami office at 1-800-9DANCER during office hours or our emergency number 305-778-8004 after office hours to reach you in the event of a medical emergency.

How can my family reach me in case of an emergency at home?
Your family may contact you in the case of a medical emergency by calling our Miami office at 1-800-9-DANCER (800-932-6237) or 305 669-9391 during business hours (8am to 9 pm EST weekdays and 9am to 5pm weekends) or by using the emergency pager number (954-209-8538) after hours. The M/V Wind Dancer is equipped with satellite telecommunications; however, the cost of both incoming and outgoing calls is very expensive (US$5.00/minute). The satellite phone number should be dialed as an international or long distance call from your home country: 881-631-456-172

Are any immunizations required?
No, however it is always a good idea to consult your personal physician and/or the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta with reference to required vaccinations. Further information is available at the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm

What type of food is prepared?
The ship's menu is excellent and consists of International and Caribbean style meals. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise our US Office as soon as possible, so we can prepare to adequately meet your needs. Please understand that certain special dietary and beverage requests may not be available on a consistent basis in Tobago due to the remote nature of this location.

What kinds of beverages are available?
Our selection includes milk, fruit juices, soft drinks, well brands and local beer, wine and a limited variety of mixed drinks at the bar. We recommend that you purchase any special brands of alcoholic beverage that you may want to consume on board M/V Wind Dancer at the Duty Free Shop at any airport. We encourage you to consume much more non-alcoholic drinks during the week to avoid dehydration. If there is a favorite libation that you cannot do without we suggest you purchase this at a Duty Free shop and bring it with you.
REMEMBER: Alcohol and diving DO NOT MIX. For your safety, we recommend that the consumption of any alcoholic beverage be delayed until your dive day is complete. FRIENDS DONâT LET FRIENDS DRINK AND DIVE!

Is smoking permitted?
No smoking of any kind is permitted on the M/V Wind Dancer , except in the designated outdoor smoking area of the Lido Deck. Smoking is not permitted in any area where all guests must be assembled for any reason, for example, at dive briefings.

What entertainment is available on board?
M/V Wind Dancer has a complete entertainment center including a 32ä Sony television screen, VHS, SVHS and 8mm format players, a compact disc player, DVD player, cassette deck and stereo. The crew will have slide and video presentations during the week and guests are encouraged to do likewise with the photos and videos they shoot. If you have a favorite movie on VHS or DVD, a slide show or a video to share, we encourage you to bring it along! You may also bring your own favorite music tapes, CDâs, etc.

How can I pay for my purchases on board?
The M/V Wind Dancer has a small on-board ãBoatiqueä which sells a selection of logo clothing, custom jewelry, sundries, diving accessories, film, batteries, logbooks, etc. A crewmember will gladly assist you with your purchases at any time during the week. The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar ($TT). The exchange is floating so you may want to research the rate at the time of your departure, see our FAQ page on our website (www.peterhughes.com) to make the conversion. US dollars and major credit cards are readily accepted. If you need to exchange currency, banks offer the best rates. Most banks are open Monday to Thursday 8 am-3 pm , Friday 8 am-5 pm . It is recommended that you exchange about US$100 for local currency to use for tipping ashore. Remember you will need TT$100 for departure tax. Travelersâ checks or credit cards (MasterCard, Amex or Visa) are accepted. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED.

In what time zone is Tobago located?
4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (- 4 GMT) and 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (+ 1 EST). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

What languages are spoken on board?
The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English. Our crew will converse in English but while conversing amongst themselves, do not be surprised if you do not understand ãTobagonianä English.

What is the electrical current on board?
The electrical current on M/V Wind Dancer is 110 volts. In Tobago , the current can be either 110 volts or 220 volts/60 cycles.

Are my valuables safe?
We recommend that you leave all valuables at home as they are not appropriate for an adventure cruise. Stateroom keys are not available. There is no ãmasterä safe aboard the M/V Wind Dancer .

Is the water on board safe to drink?
All water on the M/V Wind Dancer is desalinated water produced from sea water using the reverse osmosis process and it is potable. A cold water fountain is available on the Dive Deck and ice water is always available in the Dining Salon. On board bottled water is also available.

How can I celebrate a special occasion?
Our crew is delighted to help you celebrate any special occasion on board including birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons or weddings. Kindly advise our US office at least 30 days prior to departure so that we can prepare adequately.

Can I earn Advanced Diving certifications or Specialties on board?
Several diving specialty courses are offered on the M/V Wind Dancer , but it is necessary to give at least one month notice to Peter Hughes Diving, Inc.ú prior to your charter date to ensure that an instructor will have the time available and that all required paperwork is complete. VERY IMPORTANT: IF YOU INTEND TO RECEIVE DIVING INSTRUCTION ON BOARD, YOU MUST COMPLETE A PADI MEDICAL STATEMENT IN ADVANCE AND RETURN IT TO PETER HUGHES DIVING, INC.ú PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A doctorâs medical certificate may be required if you answer ãYesä to any of the questions on the medical statement. A list of available courses and prices is located on our website. Guest (Non-Crew) Instructors are permitted to give instruction on board if they are in current teaching status with their certifying agency and if they maintain underwater liability insurance. They must obtain a list of companies from Peter Hughes Diving, Inc.ú to be additionally insured on their Certificate of Insurance. Payment for instruction will only be accepted on board, not in advance.

Are Nitrox fills available?
The M/V Wind Dancer is equipped with Enriched Air facilities. Nitrox fills of up to 32% are normally available to all CERTIFIED Nitrox divers. Nitrox certifications are also available on board to all certified divers. Our purpose in providing enriched air Nitrox for the use of our guests is to give those who are unfamiliar with this new technology an opportunity to become certified Nitrox divers and to give those already certified a greatly enhanced safety factor in the face of extensive, repetitive dive profiles in remote regions of the world. Nitrox is not offered for extended range diving.

What dive equipment should I bring?
Equipment provided aboard the M/V Wind Dancer includes tanks (80 or 63 cu. ft. aluminum with yoke style ãKä valves) (DIN adapters will be available onboard), weights and weight belts. The basic diving equipment required is a regulator, depth and pressure gauge, watch or bottom timer, buoyancy compensation device (BCD), mask, fins, snorkel and a thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection. A SAFETY SAUSAGE, DIVE ALERT (air horn), a reel and float (to be deployed only in an emergency situation) and MINI-STROBE ARE MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR EACH DIVER. Be advised that we require at least two light sources on night dives. Chemical light sticks (ãcyalumeä sticks) are highly recommended and you may bring your own or purchase them on board. Additional recommended equipment: dive computer, dive light (with extra batteries or charging unit). Water temperatures can range from approximately 24C (F) to 28C (F) thus appropriate exposure suite is recommended.

Are dive gear and photo/video equipment available to rent on board?
M/V Wind Dancer has a limited number of diving equipment sets available for rent. We offer Uwatec dive computers, Scubapro BCDâs and regulators. The Photo Shop offers Sea & Sea MX-10 camera set-ups and new digital Nikons and strobes, lenses from 15 to 35 mm, Macro Tube sets and Close-up Kits, digital video cameras and housings. Be sure to pack your photo equipment carefully in a durable carrying case and bring any unique spare parts and back-up equipment with you.

Could I Fish or Spearfish?
Guests are prohibited from bringing game taking equipment on board the M/V Wind Dancer . Guests are not permitted to spearfish or remove anything from the sea due to the island regulations. Line fishing may be conducted under the supervision of our ãlocalä crew.

Could I be refused service?
Peter Hughes Diving, Inc.ú, M/V Wind Dancer , its owners and employees reserve the right to refuse service to any guest whose behavior is determined by the Captain to be a danger to the safe operation of the vessel (such as causing a fire hazard by smoking in prohibited areas). Divers who exhibit obnoxious and offensive personal conduct, drug abuse or insufficient diving skills could be refused air fills or put ashore at the Captainâs discretion.

What other important information should I know?
Controlled substances and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited aboard M/V Wind Dancer . Penalties for the sale, use or possession of controlled substances in Tobago are SEVERE and Wind Dancer Ltd., Wind Dancer (Tobago) Limited and Peter Hughes Diving, Inc., its officers, agents or staff will accept NO responsibility for any person(s) encountering difficulties with local authorities due to that person(s) involvement with the sale, use or possession of such substances. M/V Wind Dancer âs crew and Peter Hughes Diving, Inc. subscribe to the ZERO TOLERANCE policy of the US Coast Guard. Any person found using or in possession of any controlled substances will be immediately disembarked from the vessel and turned over to local law enforcement authorities.

Prior to any diving from the M/V Wind Dancer , you will be required to provide us with acceptable evidence of your diving certification and your level of experience. You will also be required to execute a legally binding release of Wind Dancer Ltd., Wind Dancer (Tobago) Limited and Peter Hughes Diving, Inc., their officers, directors, employees and agents from any claims, causes of action, damages or liabilities which may arise from or in connection with your diving activities and to acknowledge that you understand the risks attendant with diving and to personally assume all such risks.

While we provide dive briefings prior to dives and limit our diving to no-decompression sport diving, each diver is responsible for his/her individual profile consistent with the standards and limitations of his/her certifying organization.

Note from the President
PLEASE respect the environment and dive safely. The crew of M/V Wind Dancer and Peter Hughes Diving, Inc.ú encourage PERFECT BUOYANCY skills and basic ecological concepts in order to minimize any detrimental effects of divers and scuba diving within the reef system. We also offer and strongly encourage awareness-oriented courses such as Reef Ecology and Zen Diving. Please remember you are a guest in a foreign land. You need to respect the local population and adapt to their customs and culture rather than expecting them to adapt to yours. On behalf of the M/V Wind Dancer crew, we look forward to seeing you aboard and providing you with a First class, Peter Hughes Divingú experience! If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact your local travel professional, dive shop or call us directly at 1-800-9-DANCER. Weâll see you aboard soon!

Sources: travel.yahoo.com