Northern California Rainbow Divers Trips/Events

Coral Street Shore Dive (26 May 2012)

Sat, 26 May 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Coral Street Shore Dive

When: Saturday May 26, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Ocean View Blvd. & Coral St., Pacific Grove (map)

Cost: Free

Diver Level: Beginner-Intermediate with cold water experience (during calm surf conditions). Due to the small point located on the west side, it provides protection when the south or west wind is up. However, the small cove is vulnerable to a northwesterly wind.

General Dive Plan: (2) Shore dives starting at 9:00am, with a surface interval of approximately (1) hour. Max depth will be ~ 60 feet. There will be a small surface swim (about 20-50 yards depending on tide) before descending to start the dive. There may be patches of kelp that you must maneuver around. The bottom is comprised of rocky boulders covered with palm kelp. There are rocky pinnacles from 20 to 60 feet, which are homes to abalone, rock scallops and nudibranchs - this is a protected area, so look but don’t touch. Many underwater photographers are lured by the beautiful topography with ample light. Boat dives usually access Chase reef, however if you are up to a swimming 200-300 yards, you could reach this site which is located left of

Coral Street Beach .

Access, Entry and Hazards: Park on Ocean View blvd. and walk down the short stone staircase to the rock and gravel beach. Gear may be assembled out of the back of your car or transferred to the beach and assembled there. It is a sandy beach, so it is recommended that you bring a tarp or large blanket to minimize the sand getting into your equipment.

Equipment: Please bring all of your dive gear, which should include: (2) tanks and weights. It is a recommended that you have a surface signal device, for example a “safety sausage”, mirror or whistle.

General Information: Public restrooms are located at the Golf Course. The Golf Course is about a 5-10 minute walk. Keep in mind that this dive site is located on a beach, so you may wish to bring a chair, shade, sunscreen etc. Dogs are allowed on leash. Please feel free bring your non-diving friends/family.

BeachHopper 2-Tank Charter - Carmel (27 May 2012)

Sun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

2 Dives in Carmel on the BeachHopper II

When: Sun, May 27 8:00am – 1:00pm

Where: Fisherman's Wharf - Dock "K" (map)
Contact: Christophe Beraud

Cost: $73/per person to the club (includes PayPal fee). If you need to rent tanks the additional cost is $10 per tank for air and $15 for Nitrox (Steel LP 85). Please let me know when you reserve your spot if you want air or Nitrox.

Diver Level: Intermediate-Advanced cold water experience (at least 30 dives, some in cold water) boat and deep diving training, solid buoyancy control and ease with executing safety stops.

General Dive Plan: (2) boat dives from the BeachHopper II. We will travel around the point into Carmel Bay to sites with depths in the 75 to 120 foot range, weather permitting.

Equipment: Please bring all of your dive gear. In addition to your dive gear you should include: dive computer (due to the depths a dive computer is recommended to maximize your bottom time), weights, flashlights, surface signal device, for example a “safety sausage” and/or mirror or whistle.

General Information: Plan on boarding the boat at 8:00am at the “K” dock (aka Yellow Boat Dock). You will have to pay for an all day parking pass, so be equipped to pay the meter (credit card accepted). Be prepared for motion sickness for the boat ride if you are prone to it. Bring you certification card, including Nitrox certification if applicable.

If you have not dived with the Beachhopper in 2011, please bring the signed liability waiver form available here (Acrobat Reader required).

Point Lobos State Reserve Shore Dives (28 May 2012)

Mon, 28 May 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Point Lobos State Reserve Shore Dives

When: Monday, May 28, 8:30am – 3:00pm

Where: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Whalers Cove (map)
Contact: Christophe Beraud

Cost: $11/per person to the club (includes PayPal fee) and $10 parking entrance fee at the park. PLEASE BRING YOUR C-CARD, IT IS REQUIRED TO PRESENT AT THE GATE.

Diver Level: Beginner-Intermediate with cold water experience. Due to the horseshoe shape of the cove most of the dive site is protected by an easterly and/or westerly swells.

General Dive Plan: (2) Shore dives from Whalers Cove, starting at 9AM, with a surface interval of approximately (1) hour. Max depth will be ~ 80 feet. There will be a small surface swim (about 20-50 yards depending on tide) before descending to start the dive. There may be patches of kelp that you must maneuver around. The bottom consists of a sand bottom with dispersed rocky outcroppings .

Access, Entry and Hazards: Divers may only enter the water from the Whalers Cove boat ramp. This is a normally very calm cove; watch for thick kelp and boat traffic. The boat ramp is very mossy so enter with care.

Equipment: Please bring all of your dive gear, which should include: (2) tanks and weights. Flashlights are recommended for the deeper dives or small swim-throughs that are accessible in Whaler’s Cove. There are no retail facilities to accommodate for forgotten dive equipment or food, so please bring something to eat and plenty of beverages to keep you hydrated.

General Information: Park gate opens at 8:00am. There are two enclosed flushable restrooms with sink and mirror. Keep in mind - this dive site is located on a beach, so you may wish to bring a chair, shade, sunscreen etc. Dogs are not welcome in the park. Please feel free to bring your non-diving friends/family; the park offers great views and easy hikes.

Board Meeting (03 Jun 2012)

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 22:00:00 GMT

NCRD BOARD MEETING

Agenda; TBA

Board meetings are opened to club members. If you are interested in attending the board meeting, please contact Christophe Beraud.

Annual Picnic/Gear Swap (23 Jun 2012)

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 17:00:00 GMT

NCRD ANNUAL PICNIC/GEAR SWAP

When: Saturday 23 June 2012; 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Where: 167 Skyiew Way, San Francisco (map)

Come meet your fellow rainbow divers for an afternoon of food, drinks, and conversation in San Francisco, at the home of Rob and Christophe.

If you have any gear that you want to get rid of or swap, bring it along.

There is plenty of street parking in the area but if you wish to ride public transportation, you can take the 36-Teresita from the Forest Hill subway station and get off at the Marview stop.

Please make sure that you dress warmly as it may be foggy and windy this time of the year.

Please register so that we know how many people to expect.

Sanctuary 2-Tank Charter - Carmel (30 Jun 2012)

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 11:30:00 GMT

2 Dives in Carmel on the Sanctuary

When: Sat, Jun 30, 7:30am – 1:00pm

Where: Fisherman's Wharf - Dock "K" (map)
Contact: Christophe Beraud

The Sanctuary has a limited load of 6 divers.

Cost: $89/per person. If you need to rent tanks the additional cost is $11 for 2 tanks of air and $42 for 2 tanks of Nitrox (Steel LP 85). Please let me know when you reserve your spot if you want air or Nitrox tanks.

Diver Level: Intermediate-Advanced cold water experience (at least 30 dives, some in cold water) boat and deep diving training, solid buoyancy control and ease with executing safety stops.

General Dive Plan: (2) boat dives from the Sanctuary. We will travel around the point into Carmel Bay to sites with depths in the 75 to 120 foot range, weather permitting.

Equipment: Please bring all of your dive gear. In addition to your dive gear you should include: dive computer (due to the depths a dive computer is recommended to maximize your bottom time), weights, flashlights, surface signal device, for example a “safety sausage” and/or mirror or whistle.

General Information: Plan on boarding the boat at 7:30am at the “K” dock (aka Yellow Boat Dock). You will have to pay for an all day parking pass, so be equipped to pay the meter (credit card accepted). Be prepared for motion sickness for the boat ride if you are prone to it. Bring you certification card, including Nitrox certification if applicable.

Please bring the signed liability waiver form available here.

Breakwater Night Dive (30 Jun 2012)

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Breakwater Night Dive

When: Sat June 30, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Where: Breakwater aka San Carlos Beach, Monterey (map)
Contact: Christophe Beraud

There is no cost for this event

Diver Level: Intermediate. Since this is a night dive, experience with cold water diving is required.

General Dive Plan: Will meet at 7:00pm and do (1) shore night dive starting at 8:00pm. Max depth will be ~ 60 feet. There may be patches of kelp that you must maneuver around. The bottom is comprised of sand with rocky outcroppings.

Access, Entry and Hazards: Divers enter the water from San Carlos Beach on the north (ocean side) of the breakwater. From the beach extends a sand bottom which gradually slopes down to a maximum of 60 feet along the 400 yards of the breakwater.

Equipment: Please bring all of your dive gear, which should include: (1) tank and weights. It is also recommended that you have a surface signal device, for example a “safety sausage”, mirror or whistle. There is a dive shop in walking distance, where you can fill your tank as well as purchase or rent any missing items you may have forgotten. Bring a light, back-up light and tank light marker (glow stick or other). You will not be allowed to dive with the group if you do not have these items.

General Information: There are restrooms with warm showers available, just bring quarters. All parking is metered parking so be prepared to feed the meter with coins or purchase a parking ticket with your credit card/atm at any of the parking kiosks. We will have a tarp laid out for everyone to set their gear up. You may also want to bring a chair, shade, sunscreen etc. As well as a warm hat, gloves and jacket to stay warm in between dives. Please feel free to bring your non-diving friends/family. Dogs are also welcome on the beach if leashed.

North Monastery Shore Dive (01 Jul 2012)

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:00:00 GMT

North Monastery Shore Dive

When: Sunday July 01, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Highway 1 before Point Lobos (map)

Contact: Christophe Beraud

Cost: Free

Diver Level Warning: Monastery is the best shore diving in the Monterey area for experienced, physically fit divers only. The Monterey Canyon can be reached with a short 50-75 yard swim off the beach and divers can easily go as deep as they dare. However the waves, surge and depth can make this beach extremely dangerous unless you are one with your gear, know how to handle the conditions and know your limits.

If conditions are too rough i.e greater than 1 to 2-feet waves, we will retreat to a different dive site to be agreed upon by the group.

General Dive Plan: (2) Shore dives starting at 9:00am, with a surface interval of at least (1) hour. Max depth will be ~ 130 fsw. There will be a short surface swim (about 50-75 yards depending on tide) before descending to start the dive. This dive site is known for its beauty and array of sea life as well as its potential for great depths. Large granite reef structures and giant kelp forests offer endless exploration opportunities to divers. The Carmel Trench comes right up to the point of the reef bringing a great variety of life to this dive location. On the beach, you will see the kelp forest in front of you and the granite cliffs to your right. This same structure extends underwater making navigation easy. About 75 yards from shore the bottom of the reef drops steeply. Divers can explore the steep cliffs and kelp forest inhabitants with the best color and life found located around 30 to 40 fsw. The granite reef ends at about 160 few and turns to a very steep sloping bottom into the Carmel Trench which boasts depths in the 1,000s of feet range! The wildlife is abundant, diverse and breathtaking and visibility ranges from 15' to 100' but averages around 30'-60'.

Access, Entry and Hazards: Park on the ocean side of highway 1, at the north end of the beach. Gear should be assembled out of the back of your car, and there is a hike to get to the ocean which is strenuous when in gear. CAUTION: Surf entry and exit experience required. The site has become infamous for its difficult shore entry conditions that periodically claim the lives of divers. A steep shore bank and a prevailing northwestern exposure to swell lead to large waves that break abruptly on the shore. It is best dove on calm days preferably in the morning. The wind waves tend to increase in the afternoon. Avoid entering the water in the middle of the cove. The surf is strongest in the middle and there is nothing but sand to see here. In the event that conditions are bad, South Monastery tends to be slightly more protected from the surf than North Monastery. Neither location should be attempted unless conditions are calm. Make sure you reserve enough air to work back through the kelp and surf.

Board Meeting (01 Jul 2012)

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

NCRD BOARD MEETING

Agenda; TBA

Board meetings are opened to club members. If you are interested in attending the board meeting, please contact Christophe Beraud.

Truth Aquatics Charter to Catalina Island (18 Jul 2012)

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 03:30:00 GMT

NCRD ANNUAL CHARTER TO THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

When: Wednesday 18 July 11:30PM - Saturday 21 July 5:00PM

Where: Santa Catalina Island

Cost: $488

Trip Leader: Tim Cosgrove

This trip is full. Please contact Tim Cosgrove to be put on the waitlist.

It's time for the return of the Rainbow Diver's beloved annual (almost) trip to the Channel Islands. Come dive the not-so-cold waters off Santa Catalina island on board the Truth, part of the Truth Aquatics fleet, for an affordable price.

We'll be diving for 3 days from the Truth. Divers should be able to get up to 5 dives in daily, including night dives, conditions permitting. Catalina affords a slightly more comfortable way to experience California diving, with much of the same life as more northern parts of California but an average water temperature of 65ºF. Divers should also expect to see creatures not typically seen around Monterey, such as Garibaldi, sheepheads, giant sea bass, bat rays, and more.

All accommodations are on board the Truth. The price includes all meals and snacks for 3 days. Divers should bring all their gear, including one tank. Gear can be rented from SEA Landing, conveniently located on the Truth's dock.

The Truth will depart San Barbara harbor on Wednesday July 18 at 11:30 pm for the overnight ride to Santa Catalina. Boarding will be allowed from 5 pm until departure time. Diving will start the morning of Thursday July 19.

Don't miss this chance to dive the warmer waters of Southern California! We're looking forward to seeing you aboard.

Board Meeting (22 Jul 2012)

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 22:00:00 GMT

NCRD BOARD MEETING

Agenda; TBA

Board meetings are opened to club members. If you are interested in attending the board meeting, please contact Christophe Beraud.

Board Meeting (12 Aug 2012)

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:00:00 GMT

NCRD BOARD MEETING

Agenda; TBA

Board meetings are opened to club members. If you are interested in attending the board meeting, please contact Christophe Beraud.

Sea of Cortez August 2012, Rocio del Mar Liveaboard (25 Aug 2012)

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

August 2012, a Week in the Sea of Cortez aboard the Rocio del Mar for $1950

Contact Trip Organizers for Wait List

When: August 25 to September 01, 2012

Where: Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Deposit: $650

Second Payment, October 1, 2011: $650

Final Payment, April 1, 2012: $650

Contact: Rob (rremmett64@gmail.com) and Christophe (sffrenchman@me.com)

With deep blue waters, abundant sea life, white sand beaches and inspiring vistas, the Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for amazing scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploring diverse marine creatures. Check out this short video on You Tube.

Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium" and the "Galapagos of North America.” Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter great and small whale species, whale sharks, manta and jumping mobula rays, and sea lion colonies. Hike and explore remote uninhabited islets. Dine under the stars in a calm anchorage, socialize with your shipmates and make new friends. Then melt into a your bed in your own finely appointed cabin with private bathrooms and hot showers. All in a day aboard Rocio, combined with personalized service to enhance your live aboard safety and fun. Dive into your dreams and see what Sea of Cortez diving is all about.

For detailed information about this trip, including details about the Rocio del Mar, pricing and payment schedule, travel considerations, and other information, please consult the trip brochure.

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our contact information is provided in the brochure.

You can also check the Rocio del Mar website at www.rociodelmarliveaboard.com

Looking forward to diving the Sea of Cortez with you!

Rob and Christophe

Annual Big Sur Charter (08 Sep 2012)

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 10:00:00 GMT

ANNUAL BIG SUR CHARTER

When: Sat, Sep 8, 6:00am – 4:00pm

Where: Fisherman's Wharf - Dock "K" (map)
Contact: Christophe Beraud

Cost: $129/per person to the club (including PayPal fee). Limited load, only 8 divers. If you need to rent tanks the additional cost is $7.50 per tank for air and $10 for 32% Nitrox. (Aluminum 80 tanks only). Make your tank selection during the registration process.

Diver Level: Due to the long boat ride, depth and currents, intermediate-advanced cold water experience (at least 30 dives in cold water) with deep diving training/experience, solid buoyancy control, and ease with executing safety stops is required.

General Dive Plan: (3) boat dives from the Silver Prince. We will travel to Point Sur to sites with depths in the 75 to 130 foot range, weather permitting.

Equipment: Please bring all of your dive gear, including 3 tanks (unless rented from boat). In addition to your dive gear you should include: dive computer (due to the depths a dive computer is recommended to maximize your bottom time), weights, flashlights, surface signal device, for example a “safety sausage” and/or mirror or whistle.

General Information: Plan on boarding the boat at 5:30am at the “K” dock (aka Yellow Boat Dock) for a 6am departure. You will have to pay for an all day parking pass, so be equipped to pay the meter (credit card accepted). Be prepared for motion sickness for the boat ride if you are prone to it. Bring you certification card, including Nitrox certification if applicable.

To facilitate boarding, please bring the Silver Prince signed liability waiver form available here (Acrobat Reader needed).

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Board Meeting (16 Sep 2012)

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 22:00:00 GMT

NCRD BOARD MEETING

Agenda; TBA

Board meetings are opened to club members. If you are interested in attending the board meeting, please contact Christophe Beraud.

Pre-DFL Trip to Lembeh, Indonesia (06 Oct 2012)

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

PRE-DIVING FOR LIFE TRIP TO LEMBEH, INDONESIA

Where: Black San Dive Retreat, Lembeh, Indonesia

When: October 06-13, 2012

Cost: $1300

Trip Leaders: Tommy Todd and Christophe Beraud

JOIN RAINBOW DIVERS ON OUR PRE–DFL TRIP TO LEMBEH, INDONESIA - ONE WEEK, UNLIMITED DIVING, UNLIMITED CRITTERS FOR $1300

Known as the “Muck Mecca”, Lembeh is famous as the best destination on the planet for what is known as exotic critter diving, macro diving, or muck diving. Lembeh is known for the plain black sand sites that make the area famous with their profusion of strange and beautiful attractions.

What is considered rare elsewhere is relatively common here, including critters such as hairy frogfish, mimic octopus, mandarin fish, devilfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipefish, seahorses, rhinopias and much much more.

There is a tremendous variety of frogfish, venomous fish, snake eels, crustaceans and nudibranchs, with every dive offering an opportunity to find a species new to science. There’s something here for everyone, even the most jaded of divers.

What is included for $1300:

Roundtrip airport transfers
Accommodation (7 nights)
All meals, morning and afternoon snacks
Welcome drink
Welcome fruit basket
Free wi-fi connection
Free 2 pieces of laundry / day
Unlimited coffee, tea & water
17 guided boat dives
Unlimited self-guided House Reef diving
21% tax & service

$650 ($775 for single occupancy) will reserve your spot. The second $650 ($775 for single occupancy) installment is due by June 1, 2012.

For many more details about the trip, including the diving, accommodations, travel options, please consult the trip brochure.

Diving For Life 2012 (13 Oct 2012)

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

DIVING FOR LIFE 2012

INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN SCUBA JAMBOREE

Where: Rama Candidasa Resort, Bali, Indonesia

When: October 13-20, 2012
Cost: $1500-$1800

Registration for 2012 Diving for Life in Bali is now open on the DFL website. Registration and paymentsare made directly with DFL but also register here so that we all know who is going from NCRD.

NCRD will make a donation of $100 for each NCRD member attending DFL.

Cost for the trip is between $1500 and $1800 based on double occupancy depending on the choice of accommodation. Single occupancy and non-diver rates also available.The cost includes:

7-night accommodations
Transfers from airport / Kuta area to Candi Dasa 3 days prior and after DFL
3 meals daily
Welcome cocktails
Free Wi Fi
Shuttle bus into Candi Dasa
2 single tank boat dives per day Sunday through Friday
Diving at USAT Liberty Wreck Tumlaben
Air tanks
Weights and weight belt
Tips for dive staff, restaurant staff, bar staff, maids and hotel staff

NOT INCLUDED IN ANY PACKAGE: Airfare, drinks, alcohol, and activities and excursions not listed in the Trip Package.

Post-DFL Liveaboard to Komodo, Indonesia (20 Oct 2012)

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

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POST-DFL LIVEABOARD TO KOMODO, INDONESIA

Where: Komodo National Park, Indonesia

When:   October 20-27, 2012
            (liveaboard dates only,
                  does not include flight dates)

Cost: US $2,399 Deluxe Cabin
US $2,131 Budget Cabin

Trip Leader: Karen Doby

JOIN THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RAINBOW DIVERS IN KOMODO NATIONAL PARK FOR AN EXCITING POST–DFL WEEK ABOARD THE MV MERMAID II DIVE LIVEABOARD

Komodo National Park offers Northern California Rainbow Divers (NCRD) every kind of tropical diving imaginable! Its warm, colorful reefs are alive with rays, sea turtles, eels, invertebrates such as nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimps, reef fishes such as frogfish, pygmy seahorses, cuttlefish, ghost pipefish and wrasse. At many dive sites, cool-water sea mounts are fed by currents bringing in large pelagics such as sharks, snappers and tuna.

Komodo is also home to the world's largest living monitor lizard, the Komodo Dragon. This carnivorous species grows to a length of about 10 feet, weighing up to 300 pounds. A population of about 3-5,000 lives within the Park, with about 1,100 on Rinca Island, where divers will have the opportunity to go ashore, see the lizards living free and wild in their native habitat and learn more about these endangered animals in the Park's Visitor Center.

18 LGBT divers from Northern California Rainbow Divers and Undersea Expeditions will share a spectacular week aboard one of the most comfortable dive yachts in Indonesia. The trip has been designed to coincide with the end of Diving For Life's (DFL) week in Bali in October, 2012. Although our charter is a private, independent event, 10% of Rainbow Divers' proceeds will be donated to Diving For Life for distribution to local LGBT health charities.

Our starting point for this expedition is the enchanting island of Bali. If you attend DFL 2012, our liveaboard week begins in Bali on the day that DFL ends and returns to Bali a week later. No further inter-island air flights are required within Indonesia to meet the boat once you reach Bali.

We'll board MV Mermaid II from Bali's Benoa Harbor on the afternoon of October 20, 2012. For divers attending DFL 2012 the previous week, a group transfer will be available from DFL's hotel in Candi Dasa.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 -- Saturday, October 20

Check-in on board MV Mermaid II between 2-4pm in Benoa Harbor, Bali. After the boat and safety briefing, the crew will set up equipment, and we can settle into our cabins. Dinner will be served at 7pm as we cruise into the sunset on overnight journey to Moyo Island, northwest Sumbawa.

Day 2 -- Sunday, October 21 -- 3 dives

We begin our adventure with a great dive in the calm, clear waters of Angel Reef at Moyo Island. Massive elephant ear and barrel sponges, schools of longfin bannerfish and redtooth triggerfish numbering in the hundreds, frogfish, nudibranchs, eels, surgeonfish, snapper and dogtooth tuna. After a visit to the local village, it's lunch for us!

Next is a great dive at Panjang Reef, where pygmy seahorses can be found. Then we cruise for 2 hours to Satonda Island for a world-class night dive after watching hordes of bats fly at sunset. After a great dive and dinner, we cruise overnight to Sangeang Island, off the north coast of Sumbawa.

Day 3 -- Monday, October 22 -- 4 dives

We'll do 2 dives at Sangeang Island for rare nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses and the underwater hot springs that support this very unique marine life. Then we cruise to Gili Banta for exhilarating dives at Tanduk Rusa with turtles, colorful reef stonefish and Spanish Dancers. In this calm sea, it's a great place to stay overnight.

Day 4 -- Tuesday, October 23 -- 4 dives

If the tide is right, we hunt grey reef sharks and dolphin at Taka Toko Gili Lawalaut. Dive 2 is a fast drift dive with pelagics and manta rays at Lighthouse Reef or the Old Passage, followed by a dive at Crystal Rock with its awesome soft corals and the chance to see sharks, turtles, giant Maori wrasse, literally a "fish soup” dive with a high chance of eagle rays too! Then we cruise south for a fascinating night dive at Pink Beach near the entrance to the Komodo National Park.

Day 5 -- Wednesday, October 24 -- 3 dives

We start our day with an exciting visit to Komodo National Park to walk with the dragons! Then relax as we cruise 2 hours south to Horseshoe Bay on Rinca Island. Spectacular diving awaits at the world famous Cannibal Rock, where we may find rare nudibranchs, frogfish, vibrant corals, sponges, ascidians, huge black coral bushes, turtles, cuttlefish and loads of reef fish too. Watch dragons on the beach, monkey, deer, wild pigs along the shore, go beachcombing... maybe even a chance to follow whales and dolphin feeding in the calm bay. We overnight at this peaceful place, night diving at one of the many fabulous spots.

Day 6 -- Thursday, October 25 -- 4 dives

The Three Sisters call us to Padar Island for sharks and nudibranchs, surgeonfish and devil rays. Manta Alley or Takat Makasar follows for the chance to see a manta aggregation! Batu Bolung, aka “Current City,” is the home of large Napoleon wrasse, turtles, bluefin trevally. Or maybe a dive at Tatawa Kecil – we check out the currents first to make sure the dive will be safe. Then we say goodbye to Komodo National Park with a fabulous night dive at Gili Banta with Coral Cat Shark, or we cruise west, enjoying a post-dinner night dive along the way. Overnight we cruise to Satonda Island.

Day 7 -- Friday, October 26 -- 2 dives

We enjoy two fantastic dives at Sumbawa Surprise; macro enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven! Then on to Moyo Islands for more chances to see ghost pipefish, ribbon eels, turtle, cuttlefish and more before we cruise overnight to Benoa in the south of Bali. Off-gas as we cruise into the sunset with the crew rinsing and packing our equipment for us. This is paradise, Mermaid Liveaboards style!

Day 8 -- Saturday, October 27

After breakfast, we'll transfer ashore at 8:30am to head home and start planning our next SCUBA vacation!

TOTAL DIVES: 20

INCLUDED:

7 nights aboard the MV Mermaid II
air-conditioned, double-occupancy cabin with ensuite bath (the Budget cabin shares a bath)
all meals and between-meal snacks
alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks
up to 4 dives a day, conditions permitting, as indicated above
air fills and use of tanks, weights and weight belt
divemaster and dive guide services as provided by the boat
onshore excursions as described in the above itinerary

NOT INCLUDED:

dive gear rental
32% Nitrox fills @ €6/fill or €96/week
optional dive courses onboard
international flights to Denpasar, Bali (DPS)
Indonesian entrance visa
pre- or post-liveaboard accommodation
alcoholic beverages
international airport departure tax (US$25)
park and port fees of €90
tips and crew gratuities
boutique purchases onboard
any items of a personal nature
travel or dive accident insurance, or medical evacuation costs

FLIGHTS:
Many international carriers serve Denpasar, Bali (DPS), including Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Because we'll cross the International Date Line to get to Bali, flights from North America depart on October 17 to arrive on October 19, the day before we board the vessel. Due to the possibility of flight delays, we recommend arriving on Bali at least one day early.

If you plan to participate in Diving for Life, you'll already be on Bali and will join the group transfer to Benoa Harbor on October 20 to board the boat.

After the liveaboard, you may plan to depart Bali on the afternoon of Saturday, October 27, or later.

CAVEATS:

Please do not commit to air flights or other logistical arrangements until you have received confirmation of your space from the Trip Leader once your initial deposit has been received.

All divers on this trip should be comfortable diving in currents and have good buoyancy skills. Divers are required to carry valid, in-force dive accident insurance, such as may be obtained from Divers' Alert Network (DAN). Use of individual dive computers is mandatory for diving from this vessel.

The water in this region is warm, averaging 78-82°F or 26-28°C. For most divers, a 3mm or 5mm shorty or full-length wetsuit is comfortable. A hood, beanie or hooded vest is recommended for divers who tend to feel the chill after repetitive dives.

Divers must agree to NCRD's Event Terms and Conditions to participate in this trip.

PRICE:

US$2,399 per person, Deluxe Cabin (ensuite bath)
US$2,131 per person, Budget Cabin (shared bath)

PAYMENT PLAN:

1st:	At registration	US $ 700 to hold your space
2nd:	January 20, 2012	US $ 500 Deluxe & Budget
3rd:	April 20, 2012	US $1,000 Deluxe US $ 931 Budget
4th:	June 22, 2012	US $ 199 Deluxe only

PAYMENTS:

Trip payments may be made by PayPal or by personal check.

If paying by PayPal, please make payment to this email address: paypal@rainbowdivers.org All PayPal payments should be increased by 3% to cover transaction fees charged by PayPal to the club.

If paying by check, please make payable to NCRD and send to:

NCRD
P. O. Box 640388
San Francisco, CA 94164

Frightening Halloween Night Dive (03 Nov 2012)

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 23:00:00 GMT

FRIGHTENING HALLOWEEN NIGHT DIVE

When: Sat, November 03, 2012, 7–10pm

Where: Monterey, CA

Cost: TBD

Contact: TBD

Details to follow

Board Meeting (18 Nov 2012)

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 23:00:00 GMT

NCRD BOARD MEETING

Agenda; TBA

Board meetings are opened to club members. If you are interested in attending the board meeting, please contact Christophe Beraud.

Board Meeting (09 Dec 2012)

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT

NCRD BOARD MEETING

Agenda; TBA

Board meetings are opened to club members. If you are interested in attending the board meeting, please contact Christophe Beraud.

Annual Holiday Party and Board Elections (11 Dec 2012)

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AND BOARD ELECTIONS

When: TBD

Where: TBD

Annual Picnic/Gear Swap (08 Jun 2013)

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NCRD ANNUAL PICNIC/GEAR SWAP

When: TBD

Where: TBD

Annual Channel Islands Liveaboard (19 Jul 2013)

Fri, 19 Jul 2013 04:00:00 GMT

ANNUAL CHANNEL ISLANDS LIVEABOARD

When: TBD

Where: TBD

Annual Big Sur Charter (07 Sep 2013)

Sat, 07 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT

ANNUAL BIG SUR CHARTER

When: TBD

Where: TBD

British Columbia Nautilus Swell Liveaboard (05 Oct 2013)

Sat, 05 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WE ARE HEADED NORTH!

ONE WEEK IN NORTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND ABOARD THE NAUTILUS SWELL

Where: Port Hardy, BC, Canada

When: October 05-12, 2013

Cost: $1895 - $2290 (Retail prices are $2161 - $2621)

Trip Leader: Christophe Beraud

Diving Northern Vancouver Island

British Columbia (BC) diving offers some of the best cold water diving in the world. Incredible colors, amazing diversity of life, giant pacific octopus, wolf-eels, nudibranchs galore, giant kelp forests, vertical walls so densely covered in life that there is not even a square inch in which you can touch the wall. It is no wonder that this was ranked as the best diving in the North America 3 years in a row by Rodale’s. This is heaven for those who appreciate and enjoy the challenge of dry-suit diving.

The northern part of Vancouver island offers the best diving in BC. Famous Browning Pass, a remote current-swept channel off Vancouver Island's Nigei Island, is one of British Columbia's diving jewels. The constellation of sea life inhabiting Browning Pass is out of this world. Seasonal upwellings undefined the movement of deep, nutrient-rich ocean water to the surface, combined with extreme tidal movement undefined produce an enriched planktonic broth that supports a lush assortment of exotic marine life outstanding in variety and abundance. British Columbia harbors approximately 7,000 marine species, or roughly 4 percent of the world's total. Marine biodiversity experts believe this number could double once the province's subsea terrain is fully explored.

Northern Vancouver Island also supports one of the planet's highest concentrations of sea mammals. Orcas, dolphins, harbor seals, Steller sea lions and seasonal migrants such as humpback and minke whales are all seen in the channel. In recent years, sea otters also took up residence here, and their population seems to be flourishing. Its magical marine wilderness holds its own with any of the world's great diving destinations. While the ocean may be cold this far north of the equator, the subsea splendor is remarkable.

It is worth dressing for cold water, because you'll never endure mediocrity in Northern Vancouver Island. Whether a recreational diver, tech diver or underwater photographer, discovery awaits those who are willing to take a dive on the wild side.

The Nautilus Swell

The Nautilus Swell has enjoyed a romantic and varied history having been in active service as a tug, a fishing charter boat and liveaboard dive vessel in all parts of the Pacific Northwest. Tried and tested, she has been completely refitted and renovated three times. Most recently, she underwent a $3.5 million dollar refit in 2005 to bring her up to the high standard of modern liveaboard comfort and safety without losing the classic warm feeling of a vintage wooden vessel. She is at home in the waters of BC and we she will make us feel at home too, the moment we step onboard.

There are seven guest cabins all with ensuite heads and showers and individual temperature control.

Superior suites (2) on the main deck span the width of the superstructure with a door at EACH end of the cabin, portholes and bright light atmosphere. Just picture stepping outside in the morning with a cup of coffee in hand and sitting on the bulwark enjoying the beauty and stillness of BC. 1 superior cabin has 2 bunks. The other cabin has a 57" x 75.5" double bed.

Double staterooms (2) on the hot-tub deck with bunks, a skylight, portholes and a door that opens directly outside. Both have private ensuites with very large heads and a shower.

Single occupancy staterooms (FULL) (2) on the same deck that are very similar to the double staterooms (bunk style) except that the heads are slightly smaller. These cabins are available as a double if requested.

The “Captain’s Cabin” is at the forward end of this deck and accessible through the large, comfortable wheelhouse (where you are welcome to hang out). This cabin has the added bonus of being able to step out into the wheelhouse and enjoy the panoramic view. It has a 54.5" x 75" double bed.

Diving Experience

Suitable for all divers with good buoyancy skills and drysuit experience. No problem if you are new to a drysuit as long as you take a training course before joining the ship. One of our divemasters will be pleased to accompany any diver looking for a wee bit of assistance. Diving is easily handled from a high-speed 38-foot dive skiff and most sites are within only 3-4 minutes ride. A good dive light is recommended on all dives.

Diving Conditions

Visibility can vary. Some dive sites are virtually always free of plankton blooms and the visibility ranges in 20 - 80 feet. Plankton blooms may affect other sites in which case visibility may be low on the surface but will be always very good underneath. Note that low viz is because of massive upwelling of nutrients which sets out a vast profusion of marine life and that's exactly what makes this place so special. October offers the best chances of good visibility.

Current can be very strong but dives will only be staged during the slack tide. Current may still run at 1 - 2 knots around slack. All diving is done from a jet- (no props) powered skiff. Water temperature is usually 46-48 degrees Farenheit, sometimes warmer.

The Swell operates in the sheltered and calm Inside Passage of BC. and Alaska. The Nautilus Swell has an impressive draft of 11 feet which makes for a very stable and comfortable ride. Most ships of this size draw 5 – 6 feet. The ship will often go for an entire trip without experiencing any uncomfortable movements.

For more details, check the trip brochure.

Annual Holiday Party and Board Elections (10 Dec 2013)

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT

ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AND BOARD ELECTIONS

When: TBD

Where: TBD