5 Days, 4 Nights
8 Dives, 1 Snorkel
Montague Island, Tathra, Merimbula & Eden
Sapphire Coast, New South Wales
Minimum Certification Level: Snorkeller & Explorer!
When you think about diving in NSW pretty much everyone speaks of the famous Seal Rocks, South West Rocks, Julien Rocks, Lord Howe Island...
...BUT! There is soooo much amazing diving and experiences to be had that are much closer, more cost friendly and way more fun to access.
The south east coast of NSW is named the Sapphire Coast for its clean beaches magnificent water colour and quality of life. A mixture or warm water from the north and temperate water from the south creates an amazing mix of nutrients that feeds a brilliant ecosystem and sits right en route of the annual whale migrations. Victorian divers will find familiar species on mass here but be amazed by the injection of tropical life into the fray - the best of both worlds!
During our Sapphire Safari we will start off with a bang and double dive the famous Montague Island and explore it's waters along side permanent year round Australian and New Zealand fur seal colonies and visiting schools of Grey Nurse Sharks in the summer months. From there we will meander south along the Sapphire coastline snorkelling at a very special place called Aragannu in the Mimosa National Park, explore the epic marine life under the wharfs of Tathra & Merimbula, have a guided tour of the Merimbula aquarium by the curator, personally explore the indigenous and paleontological history of the region at the Killer Whale Museum, search for the Weedy Seadragons of Navy Pier's surroundings. All the while being hosted by an instructor guide and diving out of our 1-of-a-kind Mobile HQ.
Did you know Merimbula Wharf is rated by most as one of Australia's top 10 shore dive sites?
Travel with your group in a 'road trip' style setting taking in local & indigenous history and marine education all while using your scuba skills to explore more of Australia under the guidance of an instructor.
Here's a link to some secrets of the Sapphire:
http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/the-region/secrets-of-the-sapphire-coast/
Price: $1100pp
Guests: Min 4, Max 6
What’s included:
Return transport from Melbourne in our dive van
(Potential Merimbula airport transfers)
Double boat dive to Montague Island (Seals & possible whale sightings!)
6 guided shore dives + 1 snorkel (Rays, octopus and fish fish fish galore)
Shared accomodation at Ecotel (Narooma) & Sapphire Valley (Merimbula)
Continental breakfast and lunch daily (picnic on the drive & cafe menu in NSW)
A live in instructor guide (your guide will stay with you throughout your safari)
Tank & lead rentals & all air fills
All transfers to and from the dive sites, out to dinner and sightseeing
All permits, entry and diving fees for trip activities
OK, so what’s not included:
Gear rentals are certainly available but not included (except for tank and lead) and will be pre-packed in the mobile HQ on prior arrangement
Dinner - we decide as a group whether we share a bbq or head out to the pub but don't despair the first round of drinks are on us!
Trip Add Ons - Come home with certifications!:
Combo Specialty Course Nitrox & Boat - $250! (or $150 each)
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) - $150
Trip Itinerary:
Day1
Pick up from group neutral location, Melbourne (usually Fed Sq or our HQ)
Road trip to Narooma, NSW
Gourmet picnic lunch provided on the way
Sightseeing to help breakup the day
Check into accomodation
Dive 1 - Narooma Jetty (gear and weight checking)
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Check out
Dive 2 & 3 - Double boat dive to Montague Island
Cafe lunch
Snorkel - Araganuu, Mimosa National Park
Check into accomodation
Wash up self and dive gear
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Dive 4 - Merimbula Wharf
Lunch at Merimbula Aquarium
Private Aquarium Tour with Curator
Dive 5 - Tathra Wharf
Dinner
Dive 6 - Night Dive
Day 4
Breakfast
Dive 7 & 8 - Eden, Navy Pier or Eden Harbour
Cafe lunch
Killer Whale Museum
Wash up and pack dive gear
Dinner
(Optional Dive 9 - Night Dive)
Day 5
Breakfast
Check out
Road trip to Melbourne, VIC
Gourmet picnic lunch provided on the way
Sightseeing to help breakup the day
Drop off with high five's and epic memories!
SAPPHIRE SAFARI
In addition to our normal Terms and Conditions found here, Transport is available for up to 8 guests. Minimum of 4 guests for trip to run. Self drive is not available. Discounts not available if bringing own equipment. Please advise on any dietary requirements. Any and all medical conditions must be advised up front and approved prior to departure. All diving activities are at the mercy of mother nature but we will endeavour to maximise our mobility and make the most of what is on the day.
I’m a Return and Refund policy. I’m a great place to let your customers know what to do in case they are dissatisfied with their purchase. Having a straightforward refund or exchange policy is a great way to build trust and reassure your customers that they can buy with confidence.