ST Forum Flower Gardens trip on M/V Spree Aug 1, 2, 3

[Illini_Fan]

OK - I officially signed-up on the Spree's website today.

[bversteegh]

Just signed up. Have 2 friends coming for sure, and a possible for 1 more. Just received my repaired housing and camera and lens are on order - so I'm ready to rumble.

Whale Sharks, Whale Sharks, .............

[DevilDiver]

"so I'm ready to rumble."


Oh.... Yea..... It is on like Donkey Kong! Let's see what that big bad DSLR can do!!!!

[ChefDvr]

Seeing as how the Cayman Trip dived. wife gave permisson for FG. Send stuff and requirment PM

[Vercingetorix]

$750??? Good gawd!!!! Last August, the price was $400 for the FG on the Fling.

Then, the hurricane rolled through. Both Joe (at ST) and my dive buddy (my former OW instructor) told me not to go because of my lack of experience; I had only one blue-water dive. So, I lost my $400.

[DevilDiver]

$750??? Good gawd!!!! Last August, the price was $400 for the FG on the Fling.

2 day trips are $575. The $750 is a 3 day..... They have 3 day trips during the week that are $650 if you have time to take off work.
I just booked a trip to Cozumel and just the RT air fair was $350 on Funjet and last year I booked it at $150. I have just booked air RT to Belize for $740 on American and I booked the same trip in January for $500. See where this is going?

Then, the hurricane rolled through. Both Joe (at ST) and my dive buddy (my former OW instructor) told me not to go because of my lack of experience; I had only one blue-water dive. So, I lost my $400.

The Flower Gardens are great diving but you really should have some experience under your belt before going. It sucks you lost your cash but it was probably the wise decision. There is a 30 day cancellation policy with full refund -$25 fee and if you cancel within 30 days there is no refund unless you can find another diver to take the spot. Medical reasons and family emergency you receive a voucher.

It is a great trip and can be awesome diving. When you have more blue water experience it would defiantly be worth another shot...

Oh, Joe only like boats with gambling on them.

[DevilDiver]

There are only six spots left!!

If anyone is interested in Diving the Texas Flower Gardens Marine Sanctuary with members of the Scuba Toys Forum grab you spot....

Boat leaves Thursday July 31st @ 8pm and returns the evening of Sunday August 3rd.

For more info about the Flower Gardens:
About The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

The booking site can be found here:
http://www.spreeexpeditions.com/Default.asp?ds=ScubaToys+Forum+Trip

FAQ's about the Flower Gardens and the MV Spree here:
http://www.spreeexpeditions.com/faq/faqs_fg_08.pdf

This is prime diving time in the Flower Gardens right before the coral spawn. The water should be warming up nice as well and this is the time Whale Sharks are frequently spotted as well as Manta Rays....

Question?? Send me a PM....

[harb99]

wish I lived close enough to make this trip - it looks like a lot of fun

[ReefHound]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

$750??? Good gawd!!!! Last August, the price was $400 for the FG on the Fling.

Then, the hurricane rolled through. Both Joe (at ST) and my dive buddy (my former OW instructor) told me not to go because of my lack of experience; I had only one blue-water dive. So, I lost my $400.

Fuel prices have skyrocketed for us all plus the Spree includes nitrox and upgraded the boat. They reduced max passengers from 32 to 24 so divers are less crowded.

I agree with the advice to have a fair amount of experience before going out to FG because the dives can be advanced and there are a lot of factors involved. But before I would throw away the money I'd have suggested going anyway even if you don't dive. The food is good, the company is good, and you'd have gotten familiar with the whole setup. And if seas and currents were calm you could have done a few dives. FG diving can be easy or difficult.

[DevilDiver]

Bruce,
It looks like Jane and Kevin have booked and are coming in from Iowa.

Can't wait to meet them........

Let me know if they have any questions.