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Buddy Dive Resort Announces Two New Liveaboards

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By next September divers from all over the world will be able to do their diving in the Galapagos Islands in style. Marcel Westerhoff, sales and marketing manager of Buddy Dive says that divers will really be able to enjoy their visits to the area while diving safely.

"The new liveaboards will be dubbed the "M.Y. Wolf Buddy" and "M.Y. Darwin Buddy". Westerhoff says that most people are familiar with Buddy Dive and that they will be offering things that other liveaboards will not. "We will offer excellent service in combination with premium quality diving."

Divers will find the same convenience during their Galapagos trip as on other liveaboards with a new twist, these two new boats will reflect Buddy Dive's vision and innovation when it comes to diving. "The two new ships will be 120 feet long and consist of four decks, including a sun deck and Jacuzzi," Westerhoff says. "All suites are air conditioned, have their own private bathroom and are serviced multiple times per day. They are equipped with regular beds and an entertainment system that includes a flat-screen monitor and a DVD player. The comfort of the furnishings makes these suites very inviting after a beautiful day of diving."

Westerhoff adds that the spacious dive deck consists of two parts of which one part can be closed off and heated after dives. "We also offer warm towels, 4 showers, custom designed camera tables and direct access to the bar," says Westerhoff. "These two boats are all about comfort."

A lounge and restaurant area will be the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner as well as briefings and photo shows on the huge TV. The on-board crew will service the needs of guests and be open to questions about the area at large. "The Galapagos is an incredible place to dive and there are many sites that can only be gotten to on a liveaboard," says Westerhoff. Buddy Dive will provide "diving excellence" to the many hardcore-divers as well as divers who want a new experience. The concept here is to ensure that you, as a diver, enjoy the whole experience not just the diving." For reservations and more information contact at www.buddydive.com. ■

Peter A. Hughes and the Magic Carpet

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The M/V Galapagos Sky is your magic carpet to this wonderland and with one of the Galapagos' most experienced crews aboard to look after your every need, you will have a vacation experience like never before.

Peter A. Hughes is possibly one of the most highly regarded individuals in the recreational dive industry having devoted his life to making diving easier and more accessible. Hughes never certified as an Open Water Diver but instead earned his by special dispensation due to living in Tobago. His YMAC Scuba Instructor Certification was earned in October of 1969. Hughes then received, his PADI OWSI Certification in January 1976 and he was selected for the SSI coveted Platinum Pro Card in January 2003. Hughes first involved himself in the live-aboard dive boat business in 1986. Hughes believes the best interests of his "guests" and employees come before profits. He enjoys a stellar reputation in the recreational dive industry. Hughes' main focus today is to ensure that DivEncounters, Inc and the beautiful M/V Galapagos Sky meet and exceed his guest's every expectation. ■

Whale Shark Tour Diver’s First Adventure Back into the Water

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My very first encounter with Whale Shark Tours on the Mayan Riviera was incredibly special. Of course all my dives are special but this one touched me in a way that outshines most other dives.

I went to Cozumel to check it out for the first time a little while back. I was there with fellow diver and friend Nancy Boucha who co-owns Scuba Systems in Skokie, Illinois. Nancy had a stroke seven months earlier and this was her first trip back into the water. She joined me on the Whale Shark Tour. We took the early 6 a.m. ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen where we were met by the "Whale Shark Express" Transport service. Just over 45 minutes later we were on a luxury 29' Lancha headed out to the Whale Shark feeding area. Once there we encountered over 20 Whale sharks peacefully swimming on the surface quietly gulping in massive amounts of krill and plankton. These small creatures are the Whale sharks' primary diet and the reason they return to the Yucatan each year. They didn't seem to mind our presence while we snorkeled right next to them. These creatures saw that we were not threat to them and they were no threat to us. It was amazing!

During our whale shark tour we were provided sandwiches, fruit, water and soft drinks. A treat of fresh ceviche was provided on the way back while we were able to "cool down" at a colorful reef. Once back in Cancun we were taken in air conditioned comfort back to Playa Del Carmen. It was great to sit back and reflect on an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience! Nancy had a great time and she thought it was totally worth it. Frankly so did I.

Roddrigo Sidney, owner of Holbox Whale Shark Tours and Cancun Whale Shark Tours specializes in Whale Shark tours during the season. He understands why we were so enthralled. "We started our Whale Shark Tour service about 7 years ago," Sidney says. "I live on Holbox; it's a cool little place. One day some people were out fishing and they happened upon the whale sharks. They had seen these whale sharks off Africa and they got very excited; they told everyone. Before you knew it people were trying to ride them, it was a bit of a mess but then the government stepped in and started protecting them, which was needed." Sidney says that when the government started regulating who could go out he teamed up with some local friends and Holbox Whale Shark Tours was born. "Everyone should see these at least once in their lifetime," Sidney says.

If you are interested in taking the Whale Shark tours contact Roddrigo aka "The Whale Shark Daddy" at www.holboxwhalesharktours.com or www.cancunwhalesharktours.com or by phone USA Direct 305-396-6987 or 305-433-7523 He'll personally see you get to check this off your "bucket list". ■

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