Salt Cay Freediving and Whale Watching Excursion

Salt Cay is a small, remote island that time forgot--or where you go to forget time. Wild donkeys and farm animals roam the streets. There are hardly any cars. Everyone is friendly and laid back. We’re talking seriously mellow. And the place just happens to have some of the coolest dive sites in the world. It also happens to be one of the best places anywhere to see whales up close. Here the deep Atlantic emerges close to shore and makes Salt Cay an ideal site to view these magnificent cetaceans in the wild.

Our 3 night package has you departing on a Wednesday afternoon and returning on Saturday morning. You fly from Provo to Salt Cay at sunrise on a small plane (30 minutes flight time) with your instructor/ guide Josie Smith. You will be met by longtime resident and owner of Salt Cay Divers, Debbie Manos, who will take you to one of the rustic local inns. Debbie is also a certified boat captain, certified whale watching naturalist, and certified PADI dive instructor. After an assessment is made of the conditions and best places to go for that day, you board one of 4 boats in the Salt Cay Divers fleet, including an Island Hopper and Carolina Skiffs.

Taking you to the whales will be Debbie or one of Salt Cay Divers captains, all of whom are also PADI scuba dive instructors, and all have many years of experience taking people whale watching and diving. With these pros, there is a good chance you’ll see whales on this 3 hour boat tour, but please understand that there can be no guarantees.

If whales are spotted, your freediving guide and boat captain will determine if it is safe and appropriate to go in the water in the vicinity of the whales under strictly supervised conditions. It is the whales’ environment, and they determine whether we are allowed in their space. There should be no expectations, however, as it depends on conditions and the judgment of the freediving guide and boat captain.

Whether or not the whales are around, there is always fantastic diving in Salt Cay, including the tiny islets around Salt Cay. Among the tops sites is the unsalvaged 18th century British warship, the HMS Endymion that sank in 1790 in just in less than 40 ft of water after hitting a reef. All great for freediving any time of the year. Weather permitting you are back on the boat again the next day and the following morning to maximize your diving time.

Expect to spend your evenings chillin’ at one of the local bar and grills, getting to know the locals, and maybe dancing under the stars.

For those not freedive certified, you will have the opportunity to combine your SSI Level 1 freediving certification course before the Salt Cay excursion. The two day SSI Level 1 course is offered the Monday and Tuesday before your excursion to Salt Cay. Please plan for that. On Salt Cay you will have plenty of opportunities to practice your skills in this unique and stunningly clear ocean environment. Please see SSI Level 1 description under Freedive Adventure on homepage.

Salt Cay Schedule 2012--Depart Wednesday afternoon 3:30 pm, Return Saturday morning 9:40 am:

Note: Customized Salt Cay excursions can be arranged for different dates. Minimum 4 persons.

Friends and family are welcome to join you on this excursion and on the boat (space permitting) at separate price.

Essential Equipment: You'll need free diving fins, mask and snorkel. and swim suit. Light wetsuit recommended (which can be rented). Other things to bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, light water proof jacket and sweatshirt.

Basic requirements: As noted, you must be a certified freediver. As noted, you can enroll in that SSI Level 1 certification program just before going on the excursion. Minimum age is 18 (14 with parental consent). You must be in good physical health and will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire. Please see attached PDF. Medical clearance may be required. Please note that if you are scuba diving, you MUST allow a minimum of 18 hours before beginning freediving.

Costs for excursion (excluding accommodations):

For previously certified Freedivers. Includes R/T air transport from Provo to Salt Cay, meet and greet at airport and transfers on Salt Cay, 3 hour boat trip each day for 2 days (weather permitting), snacks and drink on boat, freediving guide. $615

Freedivers also doing SSI Level 1 certification course. Cost of excursion as stated above ($615 ), plus the cost of the course, $495, which consists of two days of freediving instruction on Provo $1110

4 person minimum. 6 person max for participating students. 8 person max total.

Friends or family joining freediver but are not freediving. Includes R/T air transport from Provo to Salt Cay, meet and greet and transfers on Salt Cay, ride along on boat (space permitting), snacks and drink on boat. $455

Accommodations on Salt Cay:

We offer 4 options: The Brown House, the Half Way House, the Trade Winds, and the Charming House. The Brown House is an big, old 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Bermudian house right on the shore with a fabulous ocean view. It used to belong to a salt merchant who stored the salt in a huge cellar below the house. Now it’s been restored to its 19th century prime. Right next door is the Half Way House, which is also restored to its 19th century prime. (It is not a rehab place, but named that way because it is half way through the town.) It is also has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, but 2 or the bathrooms must be shared. It is also right on the shore with a fantastic ocean view. The Trade Winds is next to the Half Way House with great ocean views. It was built as a hotel with rooms facing the water. and have whale watching platforms, so during the migration season, have a good chance of seeing the whales right off the shore from these three inns.

The Charming House as its name suggests is a charming two story, three bedroom restored 19th century home in the middle of the old part of town. Although it is not on the water, you are close enough to see the ocean from upstairs. Indeed, it is positioned so that you can see both the sunrise on one side and the sunset on the other.

All lodgings have full kitchens, big recreational rooms, flatscreen TVs, book and DVD library. Each place also has two bicycles to use (and more can be rented). We can arrange for a private chef to cook all or some of your meals. Note that rates given for Brown House, Half Way House, and Charming House are for the entire house. Trade Winds is by the room.

Book early for these accommodations as they go fast!

Note: For stay in Provo prior to or after excursion to Salt Cay, be sure to reserve your hotel separately.

Fair Warning: Huge adrenalin rush may interfere with or replace other previous life goals. Some may experience difficulty in coming down from the high. Major WOW factor. Consult loved ones before proceeding.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT: info@caicunaniki.com

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