Peter Hughes WIND DANCER, versatile scuba diving yacht, splits the year between Tobago & Grenada.
(All photos © Copyright Peter Hughes Diving, Inc. & the Wind Dancer.)

Peter Hughes Diving -- the Wind Dancer in Tobago.
All photos, most text blocks courtesy of Dancer Fleet.

• Trinidad and Tobago form an independent twin-island Republic that lies between the Caribbean and the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 7 miles off the Eastern Venezuelan coast and separated by the Gulf of Paria from the South American continent. Tobago lies about 21 miles north of Trinidad, which is the most Southern island in the Caribbean chain. Tobago is 116 square miles of lush and mountainous terrain and relatively undiscovered. The highlight and popularity of this island is definitely the pristine, non-commercialized scuba diving.
• January to May is the driest time of year.
• Average daytime temperatures will be in the 80s F/28-32 C, with nights in the 60s-70s F/18-27 C.
• Annual rainfall is about 200 cm (80 inches) over most of the country.
• Tobago is south of the usual path of hurricanes.
• Tobago is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (- 4 GMT) and 1 hour ahead of USA Eastern Standard Time (+ 1 EST). Daylight Saving Time is not observed at any time of the year on the island of Tobago.
• The official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English. Lucky for us, eh?!
• The electrical current can be either 110 volts or 220 volts/60 cycles. Come with adapters for gear.
• The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar ($TT).

You CAN get there from here.....
HOW to REACH GOOD ol' tiny tucked-away TOBAGO:
M/V Wind Dancer departs from and returns to the Port of Scarborough from where transfers are arranged to the hotel or boat. 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 trip.

Wind Dancer's two trusty dive tenders.

Peter Hughes WIND DANCER, Tobago.

What you can expect to see on your Tobago scuba diving vacation: 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 what is arguably the Caribbeans most prolific and healthy coral. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to identify between 75 and 100 species of fish on every dive. You’ll also get to experience exhilarating fast drifts on several sites. "In Tobago, all one should expect is the unexpected," says Peter Hughes, who was raised in this sector of the Caribbean -- right next door in beautiful Trinidad.

Saturday & Sunday: M/V Wind Dancer will depart the Port of Scarborough late on Saturday evening or early Sunday morning and she will normally proceed in a southwesterly direction around the southwestern tip of the island and will stop at one of the many dive sites available in the area for an orientation and warm up dive, mandatory for all aboard. From here M/V Wind Dancer will generally follow a northeasterly course up the Caribbean side of Tobago visiting the re-known dive sites around Mt. Irvine Bay and Culloden Bay, etc. Cruising toward our protected overnight anchorage in Castara Bay, we’ll pass the beautiful Englishman’s Bay, Parlatuvier Bay and Bloody Bay.

Monday: From the Castara Bay anchorage we’ll access some of the Caribbean’s most exciting diving around the offshore rocks and islets of he Brother’s and the Sister’s. These sites are re-known for the ability to produce sightings and encounters with creatures both large and small – 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.

Tuesday: Continuing in the northeasterly direction we will arrive at our next overnight anchorage in the magnificent Charlotteville Bay. From here we will access the sites around the National Sanctuary of the St. Giles Islands where tens of thousands of mating sea birds call home. Sites here might include London Bridge, Marble Island, Three rocks and more. Here all once should expect is the unexpected.

Wednesday/Thursday: Next, we’ll round the northeastern tip of Tobago, where the mighty Atlantic Ocean meets the usually gentler Caribbean Sea and will then set a southeasterly course for the world re-known diving in Speyside. The sites around Goat Island, Bird of Paradise Island (little Tobago), Book ends, Black Jack Point etc. promises the opportunity for you to be able to identify between 75 and 100 species of fish on every dive. Here the coral is arguably, in the Caribbean’s most prolific and healthy condition. Here too, you will get to experience exhilarating fast drifts on several sites.

Friday: Finally, on our return to the Port of Scarborough, we might get the opportunity to dive Pedro Point just outside of Kings Bay, depending on weather.

Peter Hughes Diving Dancer Fleet -- M/V Wind Dancer, Tobago -- Lido Deck Plan.

Peter Hughes Diving Dancer Fleet -- M/V Wind Dancer, Tobago -- Main Deck Plan.

Peter Hughes Diving Dancer Fleet -- M/V Wind Dancer, Tobago -- Dolphin Deck Plan.

120 ft x 28 ft monohull for 20 divers
*   7 nights accommodations on board
*   Disembark vessel at 8:00 am
*   Airport transfers
*   Fresh baked mid-morning & mid-afternoon snacks
*   Breakfast served to your table with fresh-squeezed juices daily
*   Buffet lunch including soup, salad & several options
*   Choice of 2 entrees at 4 course dinner served to your table
*   All staterooms have private heads & showers
*   Large Main Deck Owner's Suite with TV/VCR
*   Spacious partially shaded Sky Deck with chaise lounges & beverage cooler
*   Free Buoyancy Control Workshop offered every week
*   Fresh towels in stateroom are changed daily
*   Divers are responsible for their own dive profiles
*   Dive Alert on all rental equipment
*   Up to 5 dives per day, including night dives
*   Nightly slide shows & entertainment
*   Daily E-6 photo processing available
*   Morning coffee service to your stateroom
*   Nightly turn down bed service w/pillow mint
*   Senior Diver & Frequent Dancer Diver Discounts
*   High-tech entertainment center with CD, VCR & Hi-8mm players
*   10 spacious, brightly decorated, air-conditioned staterooms
*   Unlimited beverages (including alcohol) while on board
*   Peter Hughes' personally designed rigid safety stop bar
*   Hairdryers & toiletries provided in every stateroom
*   Lounge area in Salon for relaxation & slide viewing
*   32% Nitrox tank fills available for an additional fee.

SO WHAT'S the TOBAGO SCUBA DIVING LIKE on the PETER HUGHES WIND DANCER? What you can expect to see: Manta rays, great hammerheads, schooling jacks & a myriad of reef fishes including barracudas, queen, grey & french angel fish, porcupine fish, wrasses, chromis, grouper, snapper, turtles, sting rays & what is arguably the Caribbean's most prolific & healthy coral. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to identify 75 to 100 different species of fish on every dive. You'll also get to experience exhilarating fast drifts on several sites.

Where is Tobago? Trinidad & Tobago form an independent twin-island Republic that lies between the Caribbean & the North Atlantic Ocean , approximately 7 miles off the Eastern Venezuelan coast & separated by the Gulf of Paria from the South American continent. Tobago lies about 21 miles north of Trinidad , which is the most Southern island in the Caribbean chain. Tobago is 116 square miles of lush & mountainous terrain & relatively undiscovered. The highlight & popularity of this island is definitely the pristine, non-commercialized scuba diving.

How is the diving in Tobago & when 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 & strong currents. M/V Wind Dancer's itinerary will begin at the Port of Scarborough where the vessel docks & circle the island of Tobago in a northeasterly course up the Caribbean side of Tobago rounding the northeast corner & returning in a southwesterly direction. Throughout her journey, divers will enjoy sightings & encounters with creatures both large & small – manta rays, great hammerheads, schooling jacks & a myriad of reef fishes including barracudas, queen & french angel fish, porcupine fishes, wrasses, chromis, grouper, snapper, turtle, sting rays & more. At the northeastern tip of Tobago , the mighty Atlantic Ocean meets the usually gentler Caribbean Sea & where divers will enjoy the excitement of the diving around Speyside where they will be able to identify between 75 & 100 species of fish on every dive. Here the coral is in, arguably, the Caribbean 's most prolific & healthy condition. Here too, divers will experience exhilarating fast drifts on several sites. Tobago Liveaboard 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 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 & 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 & disembarking process to & from the dive tenders. Guests will board the tender without full dive gear. Our crew will hand down cameras & 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 & hand it up to our staff, then they will use the ladder placed over the side. All tanks & gear will then be "restored" 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 & float (TO BE DEPLOYED ONLY IF SEPARATED FROM THE GROUP) & mini-strobe light on all dives. A Mini-B (personal locator beacon) is highly recommended. 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 & a wet season from June to December. Annual rainfall is about 200 cm (80 inches) over most of the country.

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

For what additional expenses is one 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 & photo equipment rentals & "Boatique" purchases must be settled on board prior to departure. The method of payment for these items may be in $US or $TT (Trinidad & Tobago Dollar) approximately $TT 6 to $US 1 (at time of printing), Travelers' 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 M/V Wind Dancer from the airport? Airport transfers are included in the Wind Dancer package to & from the airport as long as the arrival & departure date are on the day the charter leaves & arrives. A transfer company has been hired to meet & greet our M/V Wind Dancer guests. The 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, call 688-7051. Airport transfers are included in the Wind Dancer package to & from the airport as long as the arrival & departure date are on the day the charter leaves & arrives. A transfer company has been hired to meet & greet our M/V Wind Dancer guests. The 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, call 688-7051. After flights & baggage arrival, boarding the M/V Wind Dancer is after 5:00PM on Saturday & the vessel will depart the dock that evening or early the next morning, approximately 7:00AM depending on sea & 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 M/V Wind Dancer charter? The M/V Wind Dancer returns to port early in the afternoon on Friday (around 1 PM), overnights at the dock & 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 tip to the Wind Dancer 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 & divide these among the crew, since we believe no one crew member has the opportunity to give exceptional service without the assistance & 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 & 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 & 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 any opportunities to go ashore during the charter? 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 & Wind Dancer Limited, Wind Dancer ( Tobago ) Limited & Peter Hughes Diving Inc. can accept no responsibilities.

How are pre- & post- charter hotels & transfers arranged? Your U.S. Dive Travel 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 on Wind Dancer in Tobago? All rates are quoted on a shared occupancy basis. Unless a guaranteed single room is requested & an additional 65% supplement is paid, sharing your stateroom with another guest of the same gender would be very possible.

How does one get to Tobago in the first place? M/V Wind Dancer departs from & 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 & the national airline, BWIA. Trinidad has international connections via American Airlines/ American Eagle, Air Canada , Air France, Aeropostal, Dutch Caribbean Airways, BWIA & various North American charters. There is a regular air bridge operation between Trinidad & Tobago using BWIA partners, Bwee Express & Tobago Express. The trip is about 20 minutes long & costs $TT 200 ($US 34) return.

What travel documents are needed for Tobago? Valid passports are required by all foreign visitors. Visas are not required for citizens of the United States , Canada & 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 & trip cancellation & interruption insurance at the time of booking. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of Peter Hughes Diving, Inc., 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 & log book(s) for verification of your dive training & experience. You will be required to complete & sign a standard release & waiver form prior to your arrival. Please remember that you alone are responsible for determining your medical & physical fitness to dive or to take part in any other activities during this trip. DIVING & ALL RELATED 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 should be packed for the Peter Hughes Wind Dancer? 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 & for evenings & 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 & 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, & change of clothes & 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 & size restrictions that would apply to carry-on & checked luggage.

What if one is prone to seasickness? Strong currents & 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 & 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? The M/V Wind Dancer crew is trained in first aid & diving accident management. The boat is equipped with a complete first aid kit & a high capacity oxygen system. There is a mono-place recompression chamber in Roxborough, Tobago . However, guests should remember that emergency transportation & cost of treatment is the individual's responsibility & 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 on Pager # 954-209-8538 after office hours to reach you in the event of a medical emergency.

How can my family contact 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 305-669-9391 during business hours (8am to 9 pm EST weekdays & 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 & 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 for Tobago, aboard the Wind Dancer? 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

What kind of food is prepared aboard Wind Dancer? The ship's menu is excellent & consists of International & 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 & beverage requests may not be available on a consistent basis in Tobago due to the remote nature of this location.

What kinds of drinks are available? Our selection includes milk, fruit juices, soft drinks, well brands & local beer, wine & 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 & bring it with you. REMEMBER: Alcohol & 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 DON'T LET FRIENDS DRINK & DIVE!

Is smoking permitted on the Wind Dancer? 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.

Is there any non-scuba onboard entertainment? M/V Wind Dancer has a complete entertainment center including a 32" Sony television screen, VHS, SVHS & 8mm format players, a compact disc player, DVD player, cassette deck & stereo. The crew will have slide & video presentations during the week & guests are encouraged to do likewise with the photos & 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, CD's, etc.

How can I pay for my purchases on board? The M/V Wind Dancer has a small on-board "Boatique" 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 & 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 & 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. Travelers' 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) & 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (+ 1 EST). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

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

What electrical current is available on Wind Dancer? 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 on M/V Wind Dancer? 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 "master" 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 & it is potable. A cold water fountain is available on the Dive Deck & ice water is always available in the Dining Salon. On board bottled water is also available.

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

Can onboard advanced diving certification or specialties be earned? 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.™ prior to your charter date to ensure that an instructor will have the time available & 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 & RETURN IT TO PETER HUGHES DIVING, INC.™ PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A doctor's medical certificate may be required if you answer "Yes" to any of the questions on the medical statement. A list of available courses & 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 & if they maintain underwater liability insurance. They must obtain a list of companies from Peter Hughes Diving, Inc.™ 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 on the Wind Dancer? 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 & 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 scuba diving equipment should be brought? Equipment provided aboard the M/V Wind Dancer includes tanks (80 or 63 cu. ft. aluminum with yoke style "K" valves) (DIN adapters will be available onboard), weights & weight belts. The basic diving equipment required is a regulator, depth & pressure gauge, watch or bottom timer, buoyancy compensation device (BCD), mask, fins, snorkel & a thin wetsuit or Lycra suit for protection. A SAFETY SAUSAGE, DIVE ALERT (air horn), a reel & float (to be deployed only in an emergency situation) & MINI-STROBE ARE MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR EACH DIVER. A Mini-B (personal locator beacon) is also highly recommended. Be advised that we require at least two light sources on night dives. Chemical light sticks ("cyalume" sticks) are highly recommended & 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 & photo/video equipment available for rent on board? M/V Wind Dancer has a limited number of diving equipment sets available for rent. We offer Uwatec dive computers, Scubapro BCD's & regulators. The Photo Shop offers Sea & Sea MX-10 camera set-ups & new digital Nikons & strobes, lenses from 15 to 35 mm, Macro Tube sets & Close-up Kits, digital video cameras & housings. Be sure to pack your photo equipment carefully in a durable carrying case & bring any unique spare parts & back-up equipment with you.

Can the crew develop slide film on board the Wind Dancer? Our Photo Lab is fully equipped to process E-6 slide film. On most days, we can process your film the same day you shoot it. We strongly recommend that you have at least your first roll of film processed on board to enable you to make any necessary adjustments in your shooting style. The processing cost is only $10.00 per roll of 24 or 36 exposures (the 6th roll is free!) On-board editing & sound dubbing equipment is available for the production of customized videos.

Is fishing or spear fishing allowed? One word sunseekers -- NOPE !! 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 "local" crew.

Could someone be refused service? Peter Hughes Diving, Inc.™, M/V Wind Dancer , its owners & 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 & offensive personal conduct, drug abuse or insufficient diving skills could be refused air fills or put ashore at the Captain's discretion.

What other important information should I know? Controlled substances & illegal drugs are strictly prohibited aboard M/V Wind Dancer . Penalties for the sale, use or possession of controlled substances in Tobago are SEVERE & Wind Dancer Ltd., Wind Dancer (Tobago) Limited & 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 's crew & 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 & 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 & your level of experience. You will also be required to execute a legally binding release of Wind Dancer Ltd., Wind Dancer (Tobago) Limited & Peter Hughes Diving, Inc., their officers, directors, employees & agents from any claims, causes of action, damages or liabilities which may arise from or in connection with your diving activities & to acknowledge that you understand the risks attendant with diving & to personally assume all such risks. While we provide dive briefings prior to dives & limit our diving to no-decompression sport diving, each diver is responsible for his/her individual profile consistent with the standards & limitations of his/her certifying organization.

(Most of the previous text & all photos appear courtesy of our longtime friends at Peter Hughes Diving Inc.)

• The new KOMODO DANCER now operates out of Bali, Indonesia & cruises Flores & Komodo.
• All seasons, every year, we will offer a 10% discount off the base rate for any Dancer Fleet cruise to all senior divers age 65 or older, who furnish proof of age via passport or driver's license.
• All seasons, every year, we will offer a 10% discount off the base rate for any Dancer Fleet cruise to all high school or college students, who furnish proof of current student status via a high school or college ID card.
• All seasons, every year, we will offer a 10% discount off the base rate for any Dancer Fleet cruise to all clients who wish to take back-to-back dive charters on any Dancer live-aboard within a 30-day period.
• All non-diving clients who travel solo, or who accompany a diving partner, are eligible for a 10% discount off the base rate for any Dancer Fleet live-aboard charter.
• There is an established BONUS POINT ACCUMULATION SYSTEM for frequent Dancer Fleet clients, such that any Caribbean Dancer live-aboard cruise earns you 10 points, while any Pacific Dancer cruise earns you 20 points. You can accumulate up to 130 points maximum before being required to "use 'em or lose 'em," the live-aboard owners say. Therefore, if you gather 40 points you get a 5% discount off the base rate of any Dancer Fleet live-aboard cruise of your choice. For every 10 points you gather above 40, you will earn an additional 5% discount, such that 130 points = 50% discount!



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FOR MORE INFORMATION or RESERVATIONS on
this TOBAGO SCUBA DIVING vessel, WIND DANCER:


Please feel free to contact:

Susan & John Hessburg, Mgrs
U.S. DIVE TRAVEL Network
PMB 307 -- Suite # 116
15050 Cedar Avenue South
St. Paul, MN, USA 55124-7046


Voice Mail: 952-953-4124

E-mail: divetrip@bitstream.net

Website: www.usdivetravel.com



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IMPORTANT NOTE about PRICES & TARIFFS for this special
TOBAGO SCUBA DIVING vessel, the PETER HUGHES DIVING WIND DANCER:

All Tobago diving vacation package prices listed here are subject to possible change in this rapidly evolving travel market. Tobago liveaboard prices are traditionally stable, while air prices can fluctuate daily. Until air tickets are issued, all airlines reserve the right to change airfares without notice -- an industry standard. We at U.S. Dive Travel will price-protect you on all lodging & vessels to the utmost of our professional ability; & that has been our pledge for well more than one decade now. We normally secure excellent discount air tickets as well. Remember please, the federal government has deregulated airlines, so only they control their pricing -- not any travel professionals.

Unless specifically noted, these above Tobago dive vacation packages are prices for only the vessel-based portion of your Tobago scuba diving vacation, in most cases reflecting double-occupancy rooms. On most live-aboard vessels, there will be no triple-occupancy rooms offered. Some exceptions will be noted. International & commuter "island-hopper" airfares are always extra above these land costs. Nominal service fees are also extra for air tickets & the lodging + diving components. The baseline tariffs for all Wind Dancer clients start at $45 per person for the land portion + $25 pp for the air tickets. Late-booking clients for Wind Dancer may receive slightly higher tariffs on the lodging + diving. Solo clients will always pay a single supplement to secure a private Wind Dancer stateroom -- normally 65% more than double-occupancy Wind Dancer clients.

The preferred payment mode for all Wind Dancer Tobago diving packages on this Tobago dive vacation is by cashier's check or wire transfer in U.S. dollars. All clients living outside the USA or Canada will need to pay only via direct wire transfer in U.S. dollars. No personal checks or credit cards will be accepted for the land or live-aboard portion of any Tobago diving reservation, please. Thank you for your gracious understanding. Our service level is the highest & our prices the lowest in this industry, & thus we need to preserve a reasonable margin. For published-fare air tickets, to complement your Tobago diving vacation, USDT always accepts Visa & Mastercard.

Please feel free to phone us any time -- at 952-953-4124 -- for any extra details you might desire about subjects such as -- U.S. Dive Travel, Peter Hughes Diving, Peter Hughes, Wind Dancer, M/V Wind Dancer, Dancer Fleet, Tobago, Tobago diving, Tobago scuba diving, Tobago liveaboard, Tobago live-aboard, Tobago live-aboards.

Remember, all clients to all foreign destinations will be asked by local officials overseas, upon departing the airport on your final day, to pay a nominal government departure tax, usually between USD $25 - $40 per client. USDT cannot collect this tax beforehand, so you simply pay it down there, in your host country. Be sure to stash away a little cash for this final moment at the airport, so you'll get your exit visa stamped quickly with no fuss; & away you go. Best of luck with your travel plans. We hope your Tobago dive vacation is a safe & satisfying adventure. Blessings & best wishes for your Tobago scuba diving experience.

Best fishes too!

>////*> <*\\\\<

John & Susan Hessburg
General Managers / Founding Partners
U.S. Dive Travel Network.





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