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WHERE IS BELIZE LOCATED?:
Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a stable democratic nation
located south of the Yucatan Peninsula approximately 250 miles south of Cancun. It borders
Mexico to the North, Guatemala to the West and South and the beautiful Caribbean Sea to the
East. The official language is English, but Creole and Spanish are also spoken.
DIVING:
Three atolls are offshore beyond the barrier reef and are
ideally suited for the more adventurous diver. The most famous of the
atolls is Lighthouse Reef, which is the location of the Blue Hole and
the magnificent nature preserve at Half Moon Cay. Turneffe Island,
Lighthouse Reef, and Glover Reef boast much of the best diving in Belize.
The atolls of Belize are truly paradise. You can expect visibility to
reach 120 ft. or more. The walls and drop-offs are spectacular. The reef
itself is virgin and pristine.
WHAT WEATHER PATTERNS ARE TYPICAL FOR BELIZE:
January-March: Air temperatures are in the 74°F to 80°F range, but may be less in the
event of a strong Norther (cold front). Water temperature is 74°F to 78°F. Underwater
visibility can be 120 ft. plus. This is considered the dry season and also the season for
Northers, winds which can bring in some rougher sea conditions, and a drop in visibility
as well as short periods of rain. In January the Groupers spawn on the Northeast side
of Lighthouse Reef. Seas are usually too rough to dive here, but the area may be
accessible in the event of a Norther when wind direction reversals occur. April-June
Air temperatures are likely to range in the low to mid 80°F. Water temperature is 78°F
to 82°F. Some intermittent rain is possible, but unlikely, and there is less humidity in the
air. During March and April, Whale Sharks have been seen occasionally on the Barrier
Reef. July-September This is typically hurricane season. Temperatures range from
80°F to 95°F. Water temperature is 80°F to 84°F. Seas are usually calm during this time
with good diving conditions. Heavy rain must be expected from time to time, usually
lasting only a few hours, but longer periods of rainfall are possible. In August and
September Manta Rays sometimes present themselves. October-December Air
temperatures can be 75°F to 80°F. Water temperature is usually 82°F to 86°F and in
late December it drops to 80°F
WHAT DOES MY SUN DANCER II PACKAGE INCLUDE?
Round-trip transfers from and to the Belize International Airport (not the Municipal
Airport ) are provided if you arrive and depart on Saturday. Your stateroom aboard for
seven nights has a private head and shower with portlight views (Owner’s Suite) or
picture window views (Main Deck Master and Deluxe staterooms). Breakfast cooked to
order, buffet lunch and full course dinner are served daily, in addition to freshly prepared
mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. A continental breakfast will be available before
disembarking at 8:00 am Saturday. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) while on
board, fresh linens, stateroom and deck towels, shampoo, lotion, and bathrobes are
included. M/V Sun Dancer II is equipped with hairdryers in every stateroom and TV/VCR
in the Owner’s Suite and Master Staterooms. We offer an average of five dives daily
over 5.5 dive days (usually approx. 26 dives per week), tanks, weights and air fills
(additional charges apply for Nitrox fills). While we strive to offer our guests up to 5
dives per day and at least two dives on the day we return to port, there may be
situations, such as sea conditions or tide changes which will prevent us from doing so.
HOW WILL I GET TO THE SUN DANCER II FROM THE AIRPORT?
Should you arrive at any time other than Saturday afternoon, it is your responsibility to
arrange transportation to the M/V Sun Dancer II at your own expense. Guests may
board M/V Sun Dancer II at any time after 4:00 pm Saturday. M/V Sun Dancer II
usually leaves the dock at the Ft. George Radisson Resort Saturday between 5:00 and
6:00 pm , though times may vary due to flight schedules. Sometimes we are restricted
from leaving port until Sunday morning due to tides which may prevent us from offering
five dives on that day.
FOR WHAT OTHER EXPENSES WILL I BE RESPONSIBLE?
No air transportation is included in the M/V Sun Dancer II package. Departure tax
(US$20.00 cash per person at print time) must be paid at the airport. Instruction, dive
and photo equipment rentals and “Boatique” purchases must be settled on board prior to
departure. A mandatory US$15.00 donation to the local recompression chamber is
added to your cruise invoice and collected prior to arrival in Belize . No meals or
beverages on shore are included. Crew gratuities are not included.
IS IT CUSTOMARY TO OFFER A GRATUITY TO THE CREW?
Aboard the M/V Sun Dancer II gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests
reward our crew based on their performance. If the crew performs to your
expectations, may we suggest that a gratuity of approximately 10% of your package
price would be considered normal aboard 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 and divide these equally among the crew, since we believe
no one crew member has the opportunity to give exceptional service without the
assistance and support of all other crew members.
WILL THERE BE OPPORTUNITIES TO GO ASHORE DURING THE CRUISE?
Your package includes the cost of your entrance to Half Moon Cay Preserve, a great
place to visit for a picnic and nature walk mid-week after the “Blue Hole” dive. Half
Moon Cay is home to a large population of the red-footed booby bird and frigate birds
which nest in the trees and can be easily viewed from a small tower there.
WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THE LAST DAY OF THE CRUISE?
On Friday morning we will offer two early morning dives before cruising back to port.
Sometimes we are only able to offer one dive on Friday mornings in order to enter the
marina safely with the high tide. We are unable to offer diving on Friday afternoon
since most guests are flying home Saturday morning and the crew need this time to
attend to administrative responsibilities and provisioning. We usually offer between 25
to 27 dives per charter, but the exact number may vary. We appreciate your patience
and understanding about this situation over which we have no control. Lunch will be
served on board and upon arrival in Belize City , guests will be at their leisure to relax on
board or take a ½ day tour of the nearby Mayan ruins or the Belize Zoo. Our crew can
arrange these and other land excursions to coordinate with your schedule. Your
package includes a casual BBQ dinner on Friday night, but if you prefer to dine in town,
our crew will happily assist you with reservations and recommendations.
HOW DO I GET TO BELIZE ?
Commercial airlines which service Belize City include Continental Airlines from Houston,
American Airlines from Miami and TACA from LA, Houston, New Orleans or Miami. US Air are
introducing fligthts from Charlotte 4 days every week (Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat) from Novmber 9th 2002. Air
reservations from any city in the U.S. can be arranged. Your package is from Saturday
to Saturday, and most flights can be arranged to arrive and depart on Saturday. Please check out GETTING TO BELIZE for discount flights.
IF I AM TRAVELING AS A SINGLE, WILL I HAVE A ROOMMATE?
All rates are quoted on a share basis, so unless you require a guaranteed single room
and pay an additional 65% supplement, you will very likely be sharing your stateroom
with one other guest of the same gender.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT OR VISA FOR BELIZE ?
All nationalities are required to present a passport, valid for at least 6 months, upon
arrival in Belize . North American citizens will not need a Visa, but all other should check
with the Belize consulate to confirm what is required.
WHY DO I CONTRIBUTE TO THE RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER?
Sub-Aquatic Safety Services is a facility on Ambergris Cay established and maintained
with your diving safety in mind. Your contribution of US$15.00 for a 7-night charter
helps insure that facilities, staff and ancillary services will be available, accessible and
operating in the event of a diving accident. Your dive accident insurance covers the
cost of your treatment in a recompression facility, but your contribution to SSS
supports the existence of that facility.
DO I NEED TRIP INSURANCE?
Absolutely! We strongly recommend that each guest purchase comprehensive accident,
medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance when space is
reserved. TRIP INSURANCE will protect you from financial disappointment in the
event unforeseen circumstances prevent the vessel from making its scheduled
trip. In the event 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.
WHAT PAPERWORK WILL I NEED FOR DIVING?
Please bring your certification card and log book(s) for verification of your dive
training/experience. You will be required to complete and sign a standard release and
waiver form prior to your arrival. Please remember that you alone are responsible for
determining your medical and physical fitness to dive or to take part in any other
activities during this trip. DIVING 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 IF I HAVE A PHYSICAL DISABILITY?
Please consult with your doctor before traveling to Belize . You will be required to sign
and Diving Release and Waiver in which you affirm you are fit to dive. You need only
ask and our crew will be happy to lend assistance with your diving equipment at the
water line when necessary due to an injury.
WHAT SHALL I PACK?
Please plan to travel light, as on live-aboards space is limited. We recommend that you
pack your gear in soft luggage such as duffel bags for easy stowage and leave those
large, rigid suitcases at home that will add to your comfort in your stateroom. Clothing
should be lightweight, comfortable sportswear and bathing suits are a must, and a
sweater or jacket is ideal for evening - especially during the months of December
through March. A light rain jacket is a good idea for the occasional squalls. Dress
aboard M/V Sun Dancer II is always casual. Additional items you may want to bring are
sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or visor and bug spray or lotion (especially if you plan to
do some tours inland). You may wish to pack your regulator, dive computer, mask
bathing suit, change of clothes and essential items in your carry-on bag. This will make
things easier in the event your luggage is delayed. Pony bottles, Spare Air cylinders,
etc. should NOT be packed inside your luggage.
WHAT IF I AM PRONE TO SEA SICKNESS?
Strong currents and winds may cause moderate movement of the vessel at times. If
you have a tendency toward seasickness we strongly urge you to bring some sort of
over the counter motion medication or consult your doctor about prescription brands.
Chewable ginger tablets or capsules of powdered ginger have also proven to be a very
effective natural alternative.
WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY ON BOARD?
The M/V Sun Dancer II crew is trained in first aid and diving accident management. The
boat is equipped with a complete first aid kit and a high capacity oxygen system. The
nearest recompression chamber is located on Ambergris Cay, Belize . If this chamber is
unavailable or more comprehensive treatment is required, air evacuation to Miami must
be arranged through the U.S. Coast Guard or by other private means. Since emergency
transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each guest, we strongly
recommend that you obtain special insurance for divers such as DAN or PADI Accident
Insurance.
HOW CAN MY FAMILY REACH ME IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY AT HOME?
Your family may contact you in the case of a medical emergency by calling our US office
at 1-800-9DANCER (800-932-6237) or 305 669-9391 during business hours or by using
the emergency pager number (954-209-8538) after hours.
ARE ANY IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED?
No immunizations are required for visitors to Belize . The itinerary of the Sun Dancer II
does not include visits to any areas where malaria is prevalent, however, if you decide
to extend your stay in the deep jungle areas of Belize we recommend that you consult
with your personal physician and/or the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta about
preventative measures.
IN WHAT TIME ZONE IS BELIZE LOCATED?
Belize is 6 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+6), and daylight savings time is not observed.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN ON BOARD?
The Belizean people are a mixture of Indian, Spanish and Caribe and they speak a
variety of different languages including English, Spanish and Creole although English is
the official language. Our crew will converse in English with the guests.
WHAT ELECTRICAL CURRENT IS AVAILABLE?
The electrical current on M/V Sun Dancer II and the Belize mainland is 110 volts. There
is a battery re-charging station on the Dive Deck which offers access to 110V power
ARE MY VALUABLES SAFE?
We recommend that you leave all valuables at home as they are not appropriate for an
adventure cruise. There is no safety box on board.
IS THE WATER ON BOARD SAFE TO DRINK?
All water on the M/V Sun Dancer II is a mixture of desalinated water and spring water
from shore and it is suitable for drinking. A cold water fountain is available on the Dive
Deck and ice water is always available in the Dining. We do not carry bottled water on
board.
HOW CAN I CELEBRATE A SPECIAL OCCASION?
Our crew is delighted to help you celebrate any special occasion on board including
birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons or weddings. Kindly advise our US office at least
30 days prior to departure so that we can adequately prepare.
CAN I EARN ADVANCED DIVING CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIALTIES ON BOARD?
Several diving specialty courses are offered on the M/V Sun Dancer II, but it is
necessary to give at least one month notice to Peter Hughes Diving, Inc. in advance of
your charter date to ensure that an instructor will have the time available and that all
required paperwork is complete. VERY IMPORTANT: IF YOU INTEND TO RECEIVE DIVING
INSTRUCTION ON BOARD, YOU MUST COMPLETE A MEDICAL STATEMENT IN ADVANCE
AND RETURN IT TO PETER HUGHES DIVING, INC.™ PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A doctor’s
note may be required if you answer yes to any of the questions on the medical
statement. A list of available courses and 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 and 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.
WHAT ENTERTAINMENT IS AVAILABLE?
M/V Sun Dancer II has a complete entertainment center including a 32” Sony monitor,
VHS and digital video (DV) tape player, digital video disc (DVD) player, a compact disc
(CD) player, cassette deck and stereo. The crew will have slide and video
presentations during the week and guests are encouraged to do likewise with the
photos and videos they take. If you have a favorite movie, a slide show or a video to
share, we encourage you to bring it along! You may also bring your own favorite music,
movies, games, etc.
WHAT TYPE OF FOOD IS PREPARED?
The carefully prepared menu consists of American and Latin/Caribbean style meals. If
you have any special dietary requirements, please advise our Dancer Fleet office as
soon as possible, so we can prepare to adequately meet your needs. Please understand
that certain special dietary and beverage requests may not be available on a consistent
basis in Belize due to the remote nature of this location.
WHAT KIND OF BEVERAGES ARE AVAILABLE?
Our selection includes milk, fruit juices, soft drinks, beer, wine and a limited variety of
mixed drinks at the bar. We encourage you to consume lots of non-alcoholic liquids
during the week to avoid dehydration. If you have a favorite libation you cannot do
without we suggest you purchase this at a Duty Free shop and bring it with you as our
selection is sometimes limited by the nature of our locations. REMEMBER: Alcohol and
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 AND DIVE!
IS SMOKING PERMITTED?
No cigarette, cigar or smoking of any kind is permitted on the M/V Sun Dancer II, 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, dive
briefings.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?
The local currency is the Belize Dollar. The current exchange rate is 2 Belize Dollars for
each U.S. Dollar.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY EXPENSES ON BOARD?
The M/V Sun Dancer II has a small on-board “Boatique” which sells a selection of logo
clothing, sundries, diving accessories, film, batteries, logbooks, etc. A fine selection of
local crafts, including superb wood carvings, will also be available. A crew member will
gladly assist you with your “Boatique” purchases at any time during the week. 7% VAT
tax is added to all “Boatique” sales (subject to change).
ARE NITROX FILLS AVAILABLE?
The M/V Sun Dancer II 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. All diving must be conducted using compressed
air tables or compressed air computers regardless of whether your tank is filled with
compressed air or Nitrox. Our purpose in making enriched air Nitrox available for the use
of our guests is to give those who are unfamiliar with this new technology an
opportunity to become certified Nitrox divers and 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 DIVE EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED TO BRING?
Equipment provided aboard the M/V Sun Dancer II includes tanks (80 or 63 psi aluminum
with yoke style “K” valves), weights and weightbelts. The basic diving equipment
required is a regulator, depth and pressure gauge, watch or bottom timer, buoyancy
compensation device (BCD), mask, fins and snorkel. Be advised that we require at least
two light sources for all night dives, one of which should be a primary light and the
other a marker device. We highly recommend a chemical (“cyalume”) light stick. You
may bring your own or purchase them on board. Additional recommended equipment:
dive computer, dive light (with extra batteries or charging unit) and a dive skin and/or
wetsuit. Water temperature from May to September is 80 to 84 degrees F. Winter
temperatures range from 76 to 80 degrees F. With up to five dives per day offered, you
will probably require extra thermal protection.
ARE DIVE GEAR AND PHOTO/VIDEO EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR RENT?
M/V Sun Dancer II has a limited number of diving equipment sets available for rental.
We offer Uwatec brand dive computers, ScubaPro BCD’s, regulators and gauges,
wetsuits, masks and fins. The Photo Shop offers Sea & Sea MX-10 cameras, Nikonos V
bodies, SB-105 strobes, lenses from 15 to 35 mm, Macro Tube Close-up Kits, Sony
digital Handycams and Aquavideo or Stingray video housings.
CAN I FISH OR SPEARFISH?
Game-taking equipment is prohibited. Our guests may remove NOTHING from the sea.
CAN THE CREW DEVELOP MY SLIDE FILM ON BOARD?
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 process your film
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 and sound dubbing equipment is available for the production of custom
videos. We accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, traveler’s checks and cash.
NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED.
HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR PRE AND POST CRUISE EXCURSIONS?
Belize offers many exotic and exciting opportunities for fascinating inland excursions.
Please check out our TOURS & PACKAGES for lots of ideas
for Inland and Island Adventure Tours.
COULD I BE REFUSED SERVICE?
Peter Hughes Diving, Inc., its owners and employees reserve the right to refuse service
to any diver whose behavior is believed to be a danger to the safe operation of the
vessel. Divers who exhibit objectionable personal conduct, excessive alcohol use or lack
of sufficient diving skills or knowledge can be refused air fills at the Captain’s discretion.
Any illicit drug use will result in immediately being turned over to the local authorities.
The company hereby reserves the right to request such other, further and different
medical information, documentation and/or authorization(s) as the company may, in its
sole and unfettered discretion, deem appropriate. The company further hereby reserves
the right in its sole and unfettered discretion, to decline to allow any Guest to
participate in certain diving activities based on medical information, documentation
and/or authorization(s), or the lack thereof.
WHAT IF THE ITINERARY CHANGES?
Itineraries are always weather permitting and are conducted at the sole discretion of
the Captain with consideration to the safety of the guests, crew and the vessel. No
refunds will be issued or trips re-booked for itineraries that are canceled due to
weather.
WHAT IF THE SUN DANCER II IS NOT
AVAILABLE AS SCHEDULED?
Peter Hughes Diving and its affiliates have the right to substitute a vessel or package of
comparable value if for some unforeseen reason the reserved vessel is not able to fulfill
its charter or cruise obligation.
WHAT OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD I KNOW?
Controlled substances and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited aboard M/V Sun Dancer
II. Penalties for the sale, use or possession of controlled substances in Belize are
SEVERE and Sea Dancer (1991), Ltd., Sun Dancer (Belize), Ltd., Peter Hughes Diving,
Inc., their officers, agents or staff can 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 controlled substances. Sea Dancer (1991), Ltd., Sun
Dancer ( Belize ), Ltd. and Peter Hughes Diving, Inc. subscribe to the ZERO TOLERANCE
policy of the US Coast Guard.
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