Taucherstammtisch.de

Hallo Taucher,

wieder einmal hat uns ein Newsletter aus Tobago erreicht.
Für alle die damals nicht mit auf Tobago waren sei erwähnt, daß wir mit dieser Tauchschule, und vor allem mit dem Divemaster Jackie, sehr viel Spaß und fantastische Tauchgänge hatten.

Mit diesem Newsletter erreicht uns leider eine traurige Nachricht.
Jackie ist nach längerer Krankheit, durch die er nicht mehr tauchen konnte, im Januar plötzlich verstorben. Mir ist Jackie noch in sehr guter Erinnerung (und wird dies auch immer bleiben), da ich viele Tauchgänge mit ihm machen durfte und seinen Witz und Charme immer sehr genossen habe. Er hat mich durch seine Einstellung zur Natur und seine Art und Weise zu Tauchen sehr beeindruckt.

Aber auch einige positive Neuigkeiten erreichen uns. Die Tauchschule hat gute Konditionen bei einigen Hotels und Gästehäusern ausgehandelt, die über die Tauchschule gebucht werden können. Auch wurden neue Restaurants eröffnet, die die Tauchschule kurz erwähnt. Interessant ist vor allem, daß sowohl ein Hammerhai, als auch ein Buckelwal mit Kalb gesichtet wurden. Der Buckelwal allerdings nicht von Tauchern, aber das ist nur eine Frage der Zeit.

So, hier beende ich meine kurze Zusammenfassung. Alles weitere könnt ihr im Orginaltext des Newsletters nachlesen.

Viele Grüße,
Stefan
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Hello to you all.

 It has been sometime since the last newsletter.  We hope you are all well & keeping smiling even if the current climate is not good.

The weather here, like every where else in the world, seems to be changing.  January was our wettest since records began 40 years ago.  Yes there will be some of you who experienced this first hand.

We have also had some very rough seas and you know how I just LOVE the rough seas…..it’s Tracy here…it has restricted us with what dive sites we have been able to get to but at least we have been managing to get out most days.  

I thought that I would be different with my news this time and tell you what I have been missing, rather than what I have actually seen. Last week there was a lone Hammerhead shark on Flying Reef, needless to say the divers did not hang around but they did get a good look at it. There has also been a Manta Ray that seems to be moving between Flying Reef, Kariwak Reef and Mt Irvine seen by various Dive Shops but not me and then to top it all there was a Female Humpback Whale and calf out by Diver’s Thirst on Saturday.  I was so close on Flying Reef but not close enough. I have to say it wasn’t divers that saw it so I feel slightly better but I mean a Humpback in these waters how great is that.

We have had some salty sea dogs diving with us recently and we have still been able to find new things for them to see. I love it when divers come back and say how it’s the first time they have seen a particular type of fish or crustacean or coral. So next time maybe we will be able to find some new critter for you.  Safe Diving wherever you go. Tracy.  

A number of you will remember diving with Jackie.  He was with us when we first took the business over six years ago.  A couple of years ago he developed a heart problem & had to give up diving but he was still often around the dive shop or driving the boat.  He also drove a few of you around when you wanted to take a trip round the island.  Well I am very sad to say that Jackie died very suddenly in January.

Jackie was one of the best dive masters on the island.  We wanted to do something to keep his memory alive.  It was suggested that we offer a scholarship to one young person each year to train as a dive master.  We think this would be a very good way to remember Jackie & are sure this is something he would approve of.  So we are setting up

 “THE JACKIE WILSON MEMORIAL DIVE MASTER SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM”
 

 

Hopefully Jackie we will do you proud.

After such very sad news there is also some good news.  Our Ricki became a father in January.  He & Tiff have a lovely baby girl called Rhiana.  So we hopefully have a start of the next generation of divers.

R & Sea has also been awarded the Best Dive Shop of the year for 2008 by the Tobago Division of Tourism which we are very proud of and we thank you for your support in helping us to achieve this.  

So what is new in Tobago?  Well food wise we have another couple of good restaurants.
El Pescador which offers excellent food & a fantastic view can be found at Buccoo.  Certainly the best place for fish, shrimp or lobster.  Over looking the beach & the jetty where the fishermen come in each day. Just how fresher can you get your fish.  You can also enjoy one of many different cocktails whilst watching the sunset.

Another new restaurant in Crown Point worth a visit is W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G.  (What you see is what you get).  Depending on which night you go you could have BBQ, Buffet or off the menu.

Again in Crown Point there is a new sub shop, Jules Sub and Such, which opens Tuesday to Saturday.  They make your sub to order.  On a Saturday you can get one of the best corn soups you have ever tasted and they also have home made cookies.  

So along with the other old favorites of Ru-b-Lou’s, La Cantina (Pizza), Bonkers, Sea Horse etc. you will not be short of good places to eat.

We know that everyone is feeling the pinch during this recession & that the doom & gloom is being felt world over.  So it might be a good time to have something to look forward to if only to get away for a couple of weeks & to forget it all.  So we have been working on some deals which will hopefully help along the way.

As most of you will have already seen from an earlier email we have a fantastic offer for accommodation & diving with the Toucan.   If you did not get it then please drop me a line & I will send it again.

We have also got together with others on the island to bring you some more money saving deals.  To take advantage of any of these, just drop me a line & I will pre-book them for you.

PalmHaven Villa

The villa is at Pleasant Prospect & sleeps six.   With a beautiful garden & an infinity pool which over looks a green valley this is the ideal location for you to unwind & relax.  If you don’t feel like cooking or having a BBQ then Joyce the housekeeper will be willing to come in & cook for you.  She is a wonderful cook & charges very little for this additional service.  

The villa will cost $260.00 US per night.  If you book 14 nights you will get 2 nights free or 7 nights with 1 night free.  Offer is from 1st May to 31st Oct 2009

Website is www.palmhaven.com

Sullivan’s Court

Sullivan’s court is made up of six luxury town houses.  It has its own swimming pool & is gated.  It is situated very near the golf course in Buccoo & not far from Mount Irvine beaches.  Also close by for restaurants if you do not feel like cooking of an evening.

We have negotiated a special rate for our divers which are available for May, June, September, October and November.

One bedroom apartment             US$ 65.00               2 persons
Two bedroom apartment             US$ 130.00            4 persons
Three bedroom apartment          US$ 180.00             6 persons
The above prices are inclusive of 10% government room tax.
We can ADD breakfast on request, at US$ 9.50 per person inclusive of 15% VAT.

Website:  www.sullivanstobago.com

Cottonrose Bungalow

This is a beautiful bungalow not far from Mount Irvine Golf Course & beach.  It has a 40ft by 16ft swimming pool.  There are two master suites which would be ideal for two couple or a family.  Bedrooms are air-conditioned with ceiling fans in all rooms.
Price is just $90.00 US per night.  Photo’s available on request.

We have also got together with others on the island to bring you some more money saving deals.  To take advantage of any of these just drop me a line & I will pre-book them for you.

Sheppy’s Den

This is a luxury villa at Bacolet not far from the Dwight York stadium.  It has its own swimming pool & has the home from home touch.

Rates are:  16th November to 15th April           $300.00 US per night
                  16th April to 15th November           $225.00 US per night

There will be a 5% discount if booked through us along with your diving.

Website is www.sheppysden.com

Don’t forget that we can also arrange car hire for you from Sheppy.  

If you are looking for cheaper accommodation then have a look at Millers Guest House.
Miller guest house at Buccoo now offers apartments as well as the cheaper hostel type of accommodation.  Their website is www.millersguesthouse.com

If you would prefer to be at Bon Accord then Candles offers a similar type of accommodation to Millers.  Their website is www.candlesinthewind.com

A good place to keep an eye on for flights is www.newmont.co.uk They have an offer on at the moment for the 9th April, price is 427.00 sterling.

Fishing with Kester of Grand Slam
Prices up to four people
Full Day fishing.  8 hours.  With drinks & food
$500.00 US

Half day 4 hours with drinks.  $300.00 US

Shore fishing $170.00 US per person

Pay for four days & get one free.

Reef BBQ day, Coastline Trip with the ‘A’ Team

Keith offers the best BBQ party on the island.  Depending on how much rum you drink it is a day to remember.  You start by snorkeling at Buccoo Reef you visit Coral Garden’s & the famous Nylon Pool.  This is where Princess Margaret swam & claimed that it made her 10 years younger.  Then it is on to No-Mans land where the party begins.

If you prefer something a little quieter then why not do the coastlines trip where you will be able to do some fun fishing & snorkeling?  Price includes lunch & drinks.  If pre-booked through R & Sea Divers there will be a 10% discount.

Reef BBQ day trip            $75.00 US each

Coastline Tours            $100.00 US each

As you can see we have put some good deals together.  For more information or to book any of the above please drop us an email.

We hope to see some of you during the year & if not then please stay in touch; it is always good to hear from you.

Take care & happy diving.