We now have final details for the 2010 Florida trip which is being arranged through Conch Republic Divers http://www.conchrepublicdivers.com/. The schedule is:

2/12 arrive Tavernier

2/13 am Spiegel Grove
pm Reef dive

2/14 am Duane
pm Conch Wall dive

2/15 am drive to Key West
2/15 pm Vandenberg

2/16 leave Key West


Accommodation from 2/12 - 2/15 is in the Conch on Inn in Tavernier and on the night of 2/15 in bunks on the dive boat Spree in Key West. The drive back to Miami should take about 3.5 hours non-stop.

The price for 10 dives, lunch on 2/13 & 2/14, 3 nights double occupancy at the Conch on Inn and one night on the Spree is $670. The price for non-divers is $242 and is the same whether they sleep on the Spree or not. If anyone wants a single room at the Conch on Inn the price will be $765. There are only 8 rooms at the Conch on Inn which will go to the first people to send in their deposits. The price may increase if we need to find other accommodation elsewhere.

We can do the Tavernier part of the trip for any number of divers up to maximum of 24 but the Vandenberg dive does require a minimum of 10.

Nitrox (30-32 mix) is available for $7.50 per tank for Al80 or $10 per tank for 100HP steel. There are 7 Yoke/ DIN steel tanks available and 4 DIN only steels which need to be reserved in advance.

You must have AOW to make these dives and wreck certification for any penetration diving.

Airfare:

You will need to make your own way to Tavernier. The nearest major airport is Miami and the drive to Tavernier should take about 1..5 hours. Non-stop flights from LAX to Miami are currently available with American and Alaska on Expedia from $320. You may want to book these early as it is a holiday weekend.

Dates: February 12 to Februrary 16

Accomedation:

Accommodation from 2/12 - 2/15 is in the Conch on Inn in Tavernier and on the night of 2/15 in bunks on the dive boat Spree in Key West. The drive back to Miami should take about 3.5 hours non-stop.

Links:

Key West Dive Boat: Spree Expeditions
Vandenberg
News report clip on sinking of Vandenberg.
Tavernier Dive Sites
Alert Diver Online Features article on "The Folorida Keys Shipwreck Trail"
Hidden $2,400 coin makes dives to the Vandy a treasure.

Note:

Important Dates:

send a check for 50% of the cost before December 31

full payment due by January 12

The checks should be made out to Sole Searchers and sent to Lars Dennert at 245 Bella Vista Ave., Pasadena, CA 91107.

Contact Bromley Beadle for more info.

Vacation Package arranged by Conch Republic Divers