belize2005

WE HAD AN EXCEPTIONAL TIME! MANY THANKS TO DON ROCKWELL, PRESIDENT OF AQUALUNG, AND WAYNE BROWN OWNER OF PETER HUGHES DIVING, FOR COMING WITH US AND SPOILING US WITH SO MANY GIFTS. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST.
PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR PHOTO'S OF THE TRIP

Jack's Dive Center, Inc. One Town Line Rd., Plainville, CT 06062 Tel (860) 747-3170 Fax (860) 747-5007

Notes on the latest in Diving Equipment, Travel, Instruction, Underwater Photography & Video

Special Belize 2010 Edition

Explore The Second Largest Barrier Reef In The
World And The Belize Jungle, With Jack & Karen
Apr. 24 Through May 2, 2010

NEWS FLASH
NEW LOWER PRICE, TAKE AN
INCREDIBLE $700 OFF THE ORIGINAL PRICE AND GET A FREE GEAR BAG, PLUS DIVE WITH THE AQUALUNG TEST TEAM AND EVALUATE NEW EQUIPMENT!!!!

DOLPHIN!! The urgent cry almost made me drop my brownie! There, off the dive platform, the sleek shape of a dolphin broke the surface of the water. The mad dash was on, grab the fins and mask, into the water we go. At first timid, she was hesitant to approach us, but soon her curiosity overcame her fear, and in no time she was playing with the divers, and allowing us to pet her. Imagine the thrill of laying your hand on a wild free swimming creature, feeling the smooth muscular body, and looking into the dark intelligent eyes.

Geographically located in Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea, Belize is considered part of the Yucatan Peninsula and the region called Mundo Maya, home to the Maya for 3,000 years. An English-speaking country, Belize was called British Honduras from 1862 until 1973, when it once again became Belize in anticipation of its independence from England.

Today Belize has one of the most peaceful, stable governments in all of Central America. It has a population of about 200,000, a quarter of whom live in Belize City. The people of Belize are very aware of the importance of their natural treasures. Today thousands of rainforest acres have been declared reserves, and the miles of offshore reefs are protected by strict regulations.

In April 2010 we will again be taking a lucky group of divers to Belize, diving the second largest barrier reef in the world. Our group will be aboard Peter Hughes’ fabulous “Sun Dancer II" a 138 foot long 26 foot wide floating palace. As always this will be an exciting Jack’s Dive Center, Inc. charter!

The ship has everything, twin 930 h.p. 16 cylinder GM diesels, two generators (110 volt 60 cycle electricity) air conditioning to all indoor areas, two dive compressors, and virtually unlimited (3200 gallons per day) water making capacity, for those long luxurious hot showers after your dives. Nitrox is also available, with 32% fills. All meals and beverages, including alcohol are included, as are up to 5 dives per day. Ten crew members are aboard to attend to our needs.

Twenty guests are accommodated in ten double staterooms, each with private head and shower. On the main deck are two master staterooms with queen beds, TV, and picture window view. Also on the main deck are seven twin deluxe staterooms with two twin beds or one king bed, and picture window view. deluxe cabins with twin and single beds. The Dolphin deck has one owner suite with two twin beds or one king bed, entertainment center with TV, and portlight views. All cabins include bathrobes, hairdryer, toiletries, fresh towels daily, independent Air-Conditioning and volume controls.

On the Main Deck is the dive deck, off of which is the 120 square foot diving platform, with two extended ladders. A unique stationary decompression bar is lowered down to 15 feet for your comfort on safety stops. Rinse tanks are provided for dive gear, and underwater photographers will be pleased with the camera specific fresh water rinses, and huge camera tables. Vide editing is available aboard ship. A large screen TV monitor, with DVD is located in the main salon, allowing you to view the great footage you shot that day.

Your typical day will start with a wake up call (time determined by yourself) when your cabin steward delivers your coffee or tea to your cabin. You slip on your bathing suit and go to the main deck, where a continental breakfast is laid out for you to nibble on, as you gaze upon the morning sun reflected off the azure blue sea.

In a short time, breakfast is served. Cooked to order selections of eggs, pancakes, French toast, or whatever you like. After breakfast you wander to the dive deck, slide into your gear, and step off the wide dive platform.

Suddenly you find yourself in 100 plus foot visibility, surrounded by thousands of tropical fish, and exotic corals. staring down a vertical wall that starts in about 35 feet, and plunges into the blue abyss. You think to yourself “it just doesn’t get much better than this” and you’re right!

After your dive (time and depth determined by yourself, your computer, and common sense) you make your safety stop on the rigid safety bar lowered from the stern of the ship. Helping hands whisk off your tank as you proceed to the warm water shower on the stern deck. As you leave the shower, a warm towel is wrapped around your shoulders, and you are enticed by the scent of freshly baked brownies or cookies waiting for you to enjoy. The rest of the day proceeds like this through two morning dives, buffet lunch, and two afternoon dives.

Your surface intervals are occupied with reading, good conversation, trips to the snack tables and coolers, or a nap on the sun deck. Or perhaps you would rather relax in your comfortably air conditioned cabin or the salon area. Dinner is always a gastronomic delight, with choices of fresh fish, meat, and poultry. Special dietary needs are also accommodated.

Our night dives bring us to areas festooned with soft corals, and basket stars, not to mention the ever present Toad Fish, our grunting buddies. That hot towel sure feels good after the dive, not to mention the “Adult Beverages” that warm us from the inside out, as we lounge in our luxurious terry cloth robes, thoughtfully provided by Mr. Hughes.

Our cruise will take us to the Lighthouse Reef area of Belize, and other pristine diving locations, including the famous Blue Hole, where we will dive the stalactites and stalagmites of the ancient cave formations. On average, visibility will exceed 100 feet, with water temperatures in the low 80’s. Novice and experienced divers will find conditions to suit their abilities. Belize is not noted for currents, and since we will be diving the tops of walls, novices can stay shallow, and advanced divers will find deeper waters on the same dive.

At the end of our cruise we will spend an evening docked in Belize City. On May 1, we will begin our exciting jungle adventure. After an hours drive on the Northern Highway, we will board a river boat at Tower Hill. Along the New River leading into swamps, little creeks, and lagoons, it is easy to encounter hawks, kites, and falcons. you may spot the dainty jacanas lightly walking on the lily pads, while the crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. An hour and a half on the river and then we arrive at Lamanai. Huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest, amid the chatter of bird life and the haunting call of the howler monkeys. Our guide will point out the Copal and Ramon trees which were of great importance in ancient times. All transportation, entrance fees, and guide are provided. Lunch, soda, and bottled water will be provided. We will return to Belize City, where we will spend the night.

Please remember these trips fill up very quickly. We are limited to only 10 guests. DON’T BE LEFT OUT. Call us today to reserve your spot.

YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST DIVE NEW AQUALUNG EQUIPMENT, AND WILL RECEIVE A FREE GEAR BAG, PLUS THE $700 OFF AS SHOWN!

Please make a reservation for ( ) people. Enclosed is my check for $_____________ (700.00 per person deposit, non refundable, non exchangeable). BY OCT. 1, 2009 an additional $1300 per person deposit is due. BY DEC. 1, 2009 an additional $700 per person deposit is due. Final payment is due BY JAN. 1, 2010. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. No refunds or exchanges on unused package features, trip and dive insurance information available on request. I understand I will be required to sign a waiver-release form, and have dive insurance.

Name _____________________________________ Address ________________________________________

Don Rockwell of Aqualung & Wayne Brown of Peter Hughes Sun Dancer II our home for the week
Diving winners of "Men in Lycra" contest.

The Captain collecting evidence Bob does forward roll entry without glasses, OUCH.

Chris night diving "I don't need no stinking equipment". John displaying the best in Antique dive gear

Of all the ships in all the world, Jack had to pick mine. I'm that close to killing Jack.
I'm sure I can swim to the coastline, it's worth a try.

Sue and Rich on strict "SEE FOOD" diets. Alison still a little stiff from being in the straight jacket.

Wayne with his photo groupies. The crew lead by Capt. Simon, start the Jell-O shot competition

A visit to the Booby Sanctuary. The girls lining up for the Booby's! Different Booby's girls!!!

Up the New river in boats, no paddles, just horsepower. Cindy wishing for monkey's.

THE FOLLOWING PHOTO'S COURTESY OF WAYNE BROWN

Wayne, Simon, and Don graciously present Jack with his 35 years in business cake. Thanks guys!!! Jerry the chef was awesome.

STEVE AND CINDY MOORE PULLED OUT ALL STOPS IN THEIR BLATANT SUCKING UP TO DON ROCKWELL AND WAYNE BROWN. WISH I HAD THOUGHT OF IT!!!! ENJOY YOUR NEW ZUMA BC.