Jetsettersblog

The five-star Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa has launched a luxurious new accommodation package that is set to take the word ‘Babymoon’ to new levels. The latest ‘must do’ package is targeted at parents-to-be and is seen as the last getaway before the arrival of a new bub.

The award-winning resort has specially created the package to blend sheer indulgence with relaxation.

“The Babymoon package is a lavish last minute holiday for soon to be parents,” said Director of Sales, Nikki Shoults. “We have created a short stay for Gold Coast locals and visitors to enjoy all of the trimmings of our world-class resort while ensuring they make the most of their time together before the big day.

“The package includes accommodation in one of our elegant rooms, a welcome fruit amenity, daily buffet breakfast and a refresher spa package for the mother that includes a 30 minute nature massage, facial and eye treatment.”

Guests can also lounge around the lagoon pool, choose to enjoy a delectable high tea or dine in any of the award-winning restaurants.

“The package is designed for privacy, special moments and relaxation. The couple don’t need to step foot outside the resort.”

Rates start from $339 per room per night based on a minimum two night stay. Bookings can be made by phoning the resort on 07559 29800.

The iconic Sake Bar at the luxurious Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort &  Spa has launched a new ‘Sake Tasting Plate’ dinner menu and a seasonal cocktail list. Located next to the popular Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, the new menu will showcase its own selection of sushi and sashimi as well as an array of other tasting plates and platters.

“The Sake Bar now has its own dinner menu that features a selection of traditional Japanese dishes,” said Director of Food and Beverage, Andrew Nadin.

“From mixed sashimi and Benihana-made sushi platters, deep fried marinated chicken, prawn, fish and vegetable tempura, the dishes are perfect for an after work meal, small group gathering or just a great way to enjoy some Japanese creations by our award-winning Benihana chefs.

“We have selected a range of wines to be matched with each meal and have also launched a new cocktail menu. “The cocktail menu will change on a seasonal basis and our resident liquid chefs are currently working on the spring menu. “The Sake Bar is open to the public and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to try our new creations.” For bookings or enquiries, contact the resort on 07 5592 9800. www.marriott.com.au

Scoot ‘n’ Toot is now the largest scooter and motorcycle hirer in Queensland and has been operating on the Gold Coast for 18 years, providing scooter and motorcycle rentals to all areas including Surfers Paradise, Southport, Miami, Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach.

There is no better way to experience the Gold Coasts’ famous attractions than by hiring a scooter or motorcycle to explore the region.

All hire scooters and motorcycle rentals are purchased brand new and are maintained and serviced to manufacturers specifications.

Danny Grofski is the founder of Scoot ‘n’ Toot and has positioned the company as a service providing leader.

The Scoot ‘n’ Toot team pride themselves on excellent customer service, while also offering an affordable, safe and fun product.

A free pick up and return service is a part of the package for all customers. Scoot ‘n’ Toot staff are fully licensed motorcycle riders, so you can be sure that you’re dealing with experts who can provide qualified instruction on how to operate and ride all scooter and motorcycle models.

The visitor list at Scoot ‘n’ Toot is quite extensive with the company “brag board” including: Run DMC, Kylie Minogue, Foo Fighters, Motley Crew, Ricky Martin, Indy Car Race Teams, Seth from Crusty Demons, Matt Mingay (Stunt rider), as well as Rugby League players Scott Prince, Mat Rogers and Karmichael Hunt.

For further information call 55 727 870 or email scootntoot@westnet.com.au  Visit www.scootntoot.com.au

An unforgettable Gold Coast holiday experience at an affordable price is your guarantee at Mermaid Beach Park View Apartments.

Located in close proximity to the main dining and nightlife precinct of Broadbeach, Park View is just a short stroll to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Jupiters Casino. This three level complex has welcomed guests to the Gold Coast for more than a decade, providing a laid back and carefree environment with fully appointed, self contained apartments equipped with kitchen, laundry, satellite television and secure parking.

For the more adventurous, the Gold Coast’s world famous beaches are just around the corner. If you’re feeling like a quick bite to eat, or to catch up with friends, check out nearby Mermaid Surf Lifesaving Club.

Your next visit can be as relaxed or action packed as you like. The personable service at Park View is second to none and with so many amenities and activities the apartments are the ideal setting for couples and small families. Maintaining a unique coastal city charm this attractive complex can also cater to small wedding and conference groups and has special ongoing rates available. Contact management today to enjoy your own piece of paradise at Mermaid Beach.

Visit www.mermaidparkview.com.au

To nab a bargain and enjoy one of the Gold Coast’s iconic retail experiences be sure to visit Carrara Markets over coming months:

December: Santa visit and Christmas Gifts Giveaway on Saturday 18th, Sunday 19th & Friday 24th December. Open for Christmas Shopping Friday 24th December open 7am – 4pm.

Get your last minute Christmas gifts, meat, seafood, fruit and veg! Closed Christmas Day 25th December – open Boxing Day 26th December. January: Open New Year’s Day Long Weekend Monday 3rd January open 7am – 4pm. Kids come and meet NBN Big Dog! Free Family Fun Day 23rd Jan, Free Pony Rides, Animal Farm, Merry Go Round, Balloons, Clown and Giveaways. Carrara Markets will now open every Monday long weekend starting 3rd January with courtesy $1 return bus transportation (from Surfers to Broadbeach) – same as per Saturday and Sunday bus time table or call 07 55799 388 for more information. Café Carrara will soon be including Halal food to their menu to cater for Muslim visitors to Carrara Markets. Fridays Farmers Market best and freshest produce direct from our greatest local growers – Open every Friday from 7am to 1pm, it’s too good to miss! Each month one lucky shopper will be snapped for a chance to WIN $500 Carrara Cash Giveaway each month, Carrara Cash jackpots if unclaimed. Watch Southern Cross 10 on last Saturday night of each month to see if you’re the winner! * (local’s promotion). www.carraramarkets.com.au

New Sunsail 53 offers sleek lines, modern comforts and bluewater capability

Sunsail Australia’s base on Hamilton Island, in the heart of the Whitsundays, has welcomed the first ALL NEW Sunsail 53 monohull to its fleet.

The arrival marks the first of a worldwide rollout that will see the Jeanneau built vessel available in Sunsail’s fleets in the British Virgin Islands, Greece and Turkey, commencing early 2011. The Sunsail 53 also becomes the largest vessel to be introduced into the global Sunsail fleet.

The Sunsail 53 is an elegant offshore cruiser offering an exceptional interior and deck plan that maximizes on both space and comfort. Built by Jeanneau and designed by Vittorio Garroni, ease of handling was at the forefront of the Sunsail 53′s design.

The Sunsail 53 is the ideal charter yacht for bigger groups of friends and families looking for a combination of both sailing performance and comfort.

Above and below deck, her layout allows for plenty of room for socialising, but also offers practicality and performance where required.

Every detail has been conceived to offer the highest quality cruising experience.

The Sunsail 53 features a contemporary interior that reflects a long nautical heritage and offers the comfort that charterers require.

The layout comprises of four finely appointed cabins, four heads and a forward crew cabin featuring a single berth and head.

The Sunsail 53′s spacious galley, generator and air conditioning throughout and luxurious lounging and dining areas with entertainment system add to the comfort of this exciting model.

Full electronics package, bowthruster, electric winches and a large rig and easily-driven hull form promise great performance

From the drawing boards of Philippe Briand comes the long waterline and careful weight distribution that ensures speed and seaworthiness unmatched in her class. As a result, this new addition to the fleet boasts exceptional sailing performance that is expected of a Sunsail Yacht.

To book your next holiday on this stunning new yacht, call our reservations team toll free at 1800 803 988 (within Australia) or 0800 449 891 (within New Zealand). Alternatively call + 61 7 4948 9509 or email sunsail@sunsail.com.au

Technical Information

Length Overall: 52 ft 8 in. / 16.06 m
Waterline Length: 51 ft 7 in. / 15.73 m
Beam: 15 ft 7 in. / 4.77 m
Draft: 5 ft 11 in. / 1.80 m
Sail Area: 1420 sq ft /132 sq m
Auxiliary Power: 110 hp
Fuel Capacity: 63 gal. / 240 l
Water Capacity: 251 gal. / 950 l
Berths: 9 + 2 in saloon
Displacement: 32,926 lbs /14,935 kg
Heads: 5
Showers: 5

For further information on Sunsail Yacht Ownership please contact:

David Flynn
Sunsail Australia Yacht Ownership
Mobile: 0423700782

Due to the exclusivity of the Hamilton Island Sunsail base, there are only very limited opportunities for ownership of a vessel of this size in 2011.

About Sunsail

Sunsail offers a wide choice of sailing holidays with over 800 yachts in 30 locations worldwide. Alongside Yacht Charter and Flotilla Sailing holidays Sunsail also offer Beach Clubs, Sailing Schools, Team Building and Events, Yacht Ownership and new for 2011, Sunsail Racing. Sunsail was founded in 1974 and is owned by TUI Travel, PLC.

For more information, please visit www.sunsail.com.au

Aspire Apartments and Resorts has announced the addition of another popular Gold Coast accommodation property, the Swell Resort in Burleigh Heads.

Swell Resort is a state of the art complex, which offers one, two and two plus one fully self-contained and air-conditioned family apartments with an extensive range of onsite resort facilities.

The property will be marketed as Aspire Swell Resort and will become a member of the Aspire network of resort and apartment properties.

Aspire Apartments and Resorts is a management services company supporting independent resort and apartment managers with marketing technology, operations and onsite management support.

Tim Millward, property Manager at Swell Resort, said joining the Aspire network would give Swell a professional presence in the marketplace and open up new opportunities for growth.

“We are looking to Aspire to assist us with strategies that will meet our long term goals, which includes being the destination of choice for holiday-makers visiting the Burleigh Heads area.

“Aspire will help us build on our key relationships with major wholesalers both internationally and here in Australia.”

“We would also like to be at the cutting edge of E marketing and place Swell in a strong competitive position, in what is a very competitive market.” Aspire Managing Director, Stephen Turnbull, said he was delighted to welcome Swell Resort to the growing Aspire network, and was looking forward to helping the property achieve it’s goals.

“Swell Resort in Burleigh Heads is a fantastic property to be associated with and Aspire has already started work on several campaigns to increase sales, including a new website and email marketing.” “At Aspire we focus on tailored marketing strategies which are developed through working closely with our client property managers. By researching, and listening, we are able to identify key areas in need of improvement.”

This summer, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove have created a holiday package that will ensure you’ll have the best five days of summer during the January school holidays.

As well as receiving luxurious accommodation and full buffet breakfast daily, the Best Five Days of Summer package includes two Adult VIP passes offering unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n'Wild until 30 June, 2011.

And with Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove located only 10 minutes from Movie World and Wet’n'Wild, and 25 minutes from Sea World, this holiday season you’ll be in theme park heaven.

In between your theme park frenzy, you can indulge in some relaxation around the one-acre beach lagoon pool which is rated one of the world’s best resort pools, or take part in some of the other activities available at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove including golf, tennis, lawn bowls, fishing or a day out on the water.

For those after a pamper, there’s Champions Day Spa and at Hyatt you’re only a short stroll from The Marine Village where you’ll find 100 specialty tenants including cafes, bar, restaurants, fashion boutiques and art galleries.

Over the holidays Camp Hyatt Kids will also be in full swing where kids aged between 4-12 years can spend a full or half day session, fully supervised by qualified staff.

At Camp Hyatt, the kids can enjoy a multitude of activities including beach games, arts and crafts and more.

All kids staying at Hyatt also receive their very own Kids Passport full with activities, free gifts and special offers.

The Best Five Days of Summer package is valid for stays between 24 December, 2010 to 10 January, 2010.

Prices start at $355 per night with the option to upgrade your accommodation to a Queenslander or Homestead Suite if you’re after a little more luxury.

For bookings and more information visit

www.sanctuarycove.regency.hyatt.com

and type PARKS into the Special Offer Code or cal 13 1234 and quote PARKS.

And if you’re keen to make the most of your VIP passes, why not plan two holiday escapes and spend Easter at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove.

Fresh from a makeover to the ground level and the dust settling from a multi-million dollar fit out to level one, Melbas is set to lift the level of entertainment to new heights for the Gold Coast.

The new and innovative events and promotions officially start in October.

The jewel in the crown being Melbas Ultra Lounge & Club is on level one and this week sees the launch of two highly anticipated events – one for the ladies the other for that star in the making. Introducing: Cocktails & Cupcakes – a fun, flirty way to spend a night with girls and paint naked male torsos for your chance to win a luxurious/enviable prize … think Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo. Free entry.

Cocktails & Cupcakes: before mid-night. Sexy new and old RnB hits+ Retro from 9pm every Thursday. Also Melbas TV presents Manufactured Celebrity.

This is the most coveted prize in night club history and gives one girl and one guy the chance to become the hostess and host for Melbas TV.

The uniqueness of an event like this will attract the who’s who and the wannabes of the Gold Coast – prepare yourself! VIP entitlements for everyone that does a 30 second show reel and VIP entry until 11pm.

Sounds by Marshall Ace & Ash Tobia from 9pm every Friday. The music feels better @ MELBAS – ULTRA LOUNGE & CLUB.

This is only the start …With Melbas unique formula of food, drink, entertainment, gaming and night life its future in the hospitality industry is secure.

Melbas has returned to the spotlight it once enjoyed since 1981. www.melbas.com.au

The Taste Festival (December 28-January 3), Tasmania’s largest annual event, is undergoing a facelift to celebrate its 22nd year.

Not only will the iconic waterfront shed be well on the way to its full transformation into a multi-purpose event venue, but the event itself is undergoing some major changes in the promotion of Tasmania’s fine produce.

A new program of activities has been introduced to entice festival participants to not only sample some of the best food, wine, beer and beverages in Tasmania but also provides the opportunity to learn about the journey from paddock to plate.

The program includes:

- A new Taste Theatre for food and wine programs, lectures and guided tastings;

- A new program of “Red Cap” escorted themed group tours of the Taste, focusing on particular subjects such as sparkling wine, aquaculture etc;

- A new “Brasserie Precinct” featuring Tasmania’s burgeoning craft brewing and cider making industry along with matched foods;

- A renewed focus on Tasmanian provenance and new products;

- A new Retail Alley where visitors can buy Tasmanian products;

- A new Cafe District where people can meet friends at serviced tables for great coffee and pastries;

- Two new VIP corporate entertaining areas.

Also new in 2010 is Food & Beverage Coordinator, Paul Cullen, an experienced Tasmanian chef and producer of events such as the popular Taste of the Huon and Midwinter Festival in Tasmania.

For seven days and nights, Hobart’s waterfront will again be transformed into a display of colour and life as the Taste Festival ignites the historic Sullivans Cove precinct: showcasing the uniqueness and diversity of Tasmania’s produce and gourmet food and wine to approximately 250,000 people.

This year’s Festival’s theme, Sensational Taste, encourages festival goers to engage the senses by sampling the best of our sensational Tasmanian produce, complemented by a mix of interesting cultural food experiences.

The Taste Festival invites the celebration of our community and rich heritage while contributing to increasingly sophisticated, and forever surprising, contemporary food culture. The 2010/11 Festival will seek to celebrate the people of Tasmania through culinary, artistic and cultural expression.

The Taste Festival is an initiative of the Hobart City Council, whose aim is to present a unique and memorable Festival that showcases some of the best food and beverage Tasmania has to offer, while providing opportunities for the whole community to meet with friends and family and celebrate the essence of Summer in Hobart, in a fun and safe environment.

Families and children will be well catered for this year at Kids in the Park on Hobart’s Parliament House Lawns, an alcohol free area offering plenty of activities. Daily programming includes a dedicated area for sporting activities and games, family outdoor board games, cooking classes for children, jumping castles and children’s rides, various workshops, face painting, buskers, performers, and other family entertainment.

With stage one of renovations to the waterfront venue completed prior to the Taste Festival (including the installation of a stunning new lighting structure); the new forecourt area will be transformed into a vibrant, welcoming entrance and information hub with clear signage to guide patrons throughout the Festival site.

The Forecourt Stage will become the Festival focal point for stage-based acts and busker performances throughout the day. Each evening, the Forecourt Stage will transform into a popular area to dance the night away with friends. An exciting line up of entertainment will again be a Festival highlight, with a focus on showcasing local Tasmanian talent.

And, an increase in roving performers will entertain the crowds around the venue.

For further information visit:

www.tastefestival.com.au

The Whitsundays’ Airlie Beach Hotel has launched Localvore tours, for foodies dedicated to eating food grown and produced locally.

The “farm gate to plate” tours expand on the hotel’s already popular Localvore menu introduced earlier this year.

The Localvore tour visits several local farms supplying the hotel’s award-winning Capers Restaurant with fresh local produce, including the unique Beefalo farm in Cannon Valley. Foodies can join Executive Chef Tim Whitehorn and Hotel Manager Mark Bell for the afternoon to learn about local produce, followed by dinner at Capers where they enjoy the Localvore menu featuring fresh ingredients matched with wines.
The menu features dishes like coral trout with dried mangoes, preserved lemon, lime and mandarin with honey and lime sauce or a T-bone chargrilled with boc choy, green beans, water spinach puree and mulberry jam glaze.

The Localvore tours operate on the last Saturday of every month.

For bookings contact the Airlie Beach Hotel on (07) 4964 1999 or 1800 466 233.

www.airliebeachhotel.com.au

Experience South Australia’s (www.southaustralia.com ) vast vistas teeming with free roaming native Australian wildlife from the comfort of a luxury air safari, with three new tours available through luxury operator CHINTA AIR TOURS (www.chinta.com.au ).

* Extended Outback Wildlife – see the varied wildlife of the Outback, including emus, kangaroos and native birds, staying in unique accommodation (4 days) (read more)

* Uluru to Adelaide Air Safari – from one of Australia’s iconic destinations, Uluru, to three South Australian highlights – Coober Pedy, Flinders Ranges & Adelaide (4 days) (read more)

* The Red Centre & Island Wildlife Air Safari – as above but including Australia’s ‘Galapagos’ – Kangaroo Island (6 days) (read more)

Chinta Air Tours allow visitors to cover vast distances in a relatively short period by combining light aircraft flights with regional airlines and four wheel drive vehicles. The main light aircraft used are Cessnas – high winged aircraft that allow each passenger to have a window seat.

Accommodation on all of the tours is four-star and above, or the best available which can include sleeping in a luxury tented camp, experiencing a luxury eco-villa or staying in an underground hotel. All tours include meals featuring local produce, so guests may dine on locally caught seafood, or an Outback Bush Tucker delicacy.

Highlights of the three new tours include:

- Extended Outback Wildlife – This tour showcases the very best of the South Australian Outback starting with the Gawler Ranges on the Eyre Peninsula. The best time to visit is spring (Aug-Oct) when the landscape is covered in a blanket of wild flowers, which attracts over 100 species of colourful birds and abundant wildlife.

Other highlights include Spencer Gulf, Great Australian Bight and Baird Bay with the chance to swim with sea lions and dolphins. There is also a stay on Kangaroo Island, Australia’s Galapagos with two days of touring with a local, knowledgeable guide. Accommodation includes a luxury safari tent, and boutique bed and breakfast.

- Uluru to Adelaide Air Safari – This tour starts with an overnight stay in Uluru at the fabulous ‘Sails in the Desert’ and includes the renowned ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience. A flight to Coober Pedy, the Opal Capital of the World, ensues for a fascinating tour of the mines and a stay in the world’s only underground hotel, the Desert Cave Hotel.

The next day the flying safari continues onto the Flinders Ranges taking in the vast landscapes, including six million acre Anna Creek Station, the size of Wales.

Guests stay in award-winning eco-villas at Rawnsley Park Station and enjoy 4WD tours of the national park and Wilpena Pound, walking trails and relaxing at this Outback station, before ending the tour in Adelaide.

- Red Centre & Island Wildlife Air Safari – This tour is an extended version of the Uluru to Adelaide Air Safari tour including Kangaroo Island. Highlights on Kangaroo Island include Seal Bay Conservation Park where visitors learn how Australian sea lions survive the rigour of the Southern Ocean; Parndana Wildlife Park that was set up as an animal refuge; strolling on the stunning beaches of Snelling and Stokes Bays and an evening nature walk through Lathami National Park. Accommodation on the island is at the award winning boutique bed and breakfast property, ‘Seascapes of Emu Bay’

Other tours on offer in South Australia include:

FLINDERS RANGES & KANGAROO ISLAND: This classic four-day ocean to Outback trip departs Adelaide, takes in Rawnsley Park Station (a working sheep station) and includes a 4WD tour of the Flinders Ranges and accommodation in an award-winning eco-villa before heading off to Kangaroo Island for two days 4WD drive tour and a gourmet picnic. On-island accommodation is in a choice of fabulous family run B&B’s that boast fantastic local cuisine using locally sourced food and wine.

OUTBACK EXPERIENCE: This two-day tour departs Adelaide and takes in Coober Pedy, the world’s opal mining capital with accommodation in the underground Desert Cave Hotel, views of the world’s largest cattle station of Anna Creek, and scenic flights over the stunning dry salt river beds of Lake Eyre and Lake Gairdner, the Gawler Ranges and Lake Acraman, the largest meteorite crater in Australia.

OUTBACK WILDLIFE: This three or four-day tour includes a 4WD tour of the Eyre Peninsula’s Gawler Ranges to see emus, kangaroos and native birds with overnight accommodation at the luxury tented bush camp of Kangaluna. The tour then goes on to Australia’s Galapagos of Kangaroo Island to see, among others, seals, sea lions, penguins, koalas, wallabies and kangaroos.

BACKGROUND TO CHINTA AIR TOURS (www.chinta.com.au ): Based in Ceduna, South Australia, Chinta Tours was set up by Noel Schwarz and Felicity Brown* as a means of showcasing the stunning scenery of this relatively unknown region, and, by using light aircraft, they have been able to develop a range of sole use charter tours that allow visitors to see regional highlights in a shorter time frame and from a great vantage point. Tours, which can be tailor-made to suit guests requirements, range from two, three to four-days, with the 10-day ‘Ultimate Blend’ offering South Australia’s main highlights in one trip that includes Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, the Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy and the Gawler Ranges.

*Felicity Brown is a qualified Chief Pilot, the only female Chief Pilot in South Australia and one of only a few in Australia.

Specialist cold water dive operator Waterproof Expeditions are offering experienced ice-divers an incredible opportunity to stay at a brand new drift ice centre at the top of the world and to dive at the Geographical North Pole 90° North, joining a select group of adventurous North Pole divers numbering no more than a few dozen worldwide.

Not many places have stirred the hearts and minds of explorers more than the North Pole. By many different means – sled, ship, aircraft, balloon and with dogs – adventurers and explorers have tried to get there for centuries, but the harsh realities of the Arctic defeated every single one of them until as recently as 1948. Even today, reaching the geographic North Pole is a difficult and challenging journey with only a small number reaching this spot each year.

Even fewer make the ultimate dive at the top of the world.

This demanding eight-day dive expedition offers unforgettable ice-diving at 90° North. Castles beneath the ice descend tens of metres in the fantastically clear water and, although no vegetation and hardly any wildlife live in the dive site waters at the North Pole, there are comb jellies the size of ones palm swimming in mid-water and tiny sandhoppers live on the underside of the ice. During their few days at the Pole, divers will see frost and sunshine, wind and snow; ice forming ridges and ‘rivers’ appearing between diverging ice floes.

The divers start their journey in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen from where they fly by Antonov AN-74 polar aircraft to the Barneo ice airfield, around 100 kms from the geographical North Pole. From here the flight to the new drift ice base camp at the North Pole is by Mi-8 helicopter.

This new drift ice dive centre opens up many more opportunities, as the divers don’t have to return the 100 kms to Barneo each day.

Divers stay on the ice for up to four days during which time they complete a series of ice dives to depths of up to 15 metres, spending an average of 40 minutes under the water each time. Two tents complete with gas heaters are set up next to the dive site; one for all the gear and the other where the divers rest after diving, eat and drink hot drinks.

The expedition requires all the participants to work together to achieve the main goal: full-blown, interesting and safe diving as close as possible to the North Pole.

The diving takes place in natural leads (linear areas of open water) at least 20 metres wide or in a hole (mania) cut into young ice about half a metre thick.

The diving is done in buddy teams. Each diver ties the safety rope around his/her waist and holds it, having wrapped it once around his/her hand. A tender on the surface holds the rope and the end is secured by an ice-screw.

At least five people are involved in each dive: two underwater and three on the surface (two tenders and one ice monitor).

The maximum permissible dive depth is 20 metres.

Participants are limited to eight divers.

Requirements

Divers need a Padi Ice Diver certification (or certification from another international training system confirming the skills needed) and to have carried out at least 100 dives; at least 40 of these in a dry suit with a minimum of 20 ice dives.

Included in the dive price is a compulsory one-week training programme for all expedition participants, held in March 2011 at the Arctic Circle Dive Centre on the White Sea.

Each diver needs to make at least ten ice dives by two months before the departure for the Pole.

This dive series must be completed in full with the gear and equipment to be used at the North Pole.

Dates: The departure will take place 10-20 April 2011.

However, the expedition is highly dependent on weather, ice and technical conditions so actual dates will be confirmed closer to the time.

Participants can provisionally book their place with a deposit of 30%.

Price: from Euro 34.900 includes return flights Longyearbyen/Barneo; return flights Barneo/North Pole; accommodation at Barneo ice camp in heated tents and at the drift ice centre in expedition tents (including all expedition equipment); all meals in both camps; set of outer polar clothing; guided dives and support at the North Pole including weights, tanks, compressor; and training programme in the White Sea

About Waterproof Expeditions

Waterproof Expeditions specializes in unique photography, diving, snorkelling and cruise experiences to some of the world’s most remote and exotic destinations.

From ice-diving in Antarctica’s polar waters and underwater filming in the Canadian Arctic to cage diving with great whites in Guadalupe, swimming with sea lions and penguins in the Galapagos and snorkelling with sailfish in Mexico – Waterproof’s fascinating destinations and marine life make their trips popular for divers and non-divers alike. All Waterproof Expeditions’ departures have an expert guide ranging from renowned underwater photographers and wildlife cameramen to conservationists, explorers and naturalists.

Notes:

1) Waterproof Expeditions website is www.waterproof-expeditions.com
2) For reservations please call + 31 118 435 885 or email info@waterproof-expeditions.com