Mark Strickland's ESCORTED DIVE TRAVEL PROGRAM

© Mark Strickland

Would you like to explore the planet's best dive areas with top dive operators, accompanied by someone with years of travel and u/w photo experience? If so, consider joining me on a custom dive expedition. Each year I select several exceptional live-aboards and dive resorts, then create a customized itinerary that best suits the destination's attributes. Of course thorough planning is a key to success, and by doing so well in advance, we're able to reserve the preferred time of year for optimal weather and dive conditions.

The Destinations

With new dive areas opening up all the time, there's a bewildering array of destinations to consider. They all look enticing in glossy magazine ads, and many really are great, but unfortunately reality doesn't always meet expectations. I spend hard-earned dollars on dive travel myself, and understand the importance of choosing the right dive vacation, especially when time and resources are limited. With this principle in mind, I've looked far and wide for quality destinations and operators. As a result, I'm pleased to announce several outstanding choices, each of which offers exceptional diving in a thriving and unique marine environment. Remember though, top destinations and prime dates sell out fast, so it's high time to start making plans.

Here's a rundown of our latest schedule: (read on for detailed descriptions)

Booking your trip:

Time is of the essence.

2008 and 2009 seem a long way off, but prime dates are already closing out for popular boats and destinations. In fact, several of the trips we're planning are on the verge of selling out, so it's high time to make plans. One example is Thailand/Myanmar for early 2009. We've reserved a full boat, but cannot hold the dates unless deposits are received by July 25, 2007 - less than a month from now.

There are similar deadlines for the other trips listed above, so if you're interested, don't put if off - let us know soon!

Another trip we are considering for 2009 is Indonesia's Spice Islands (Banda Sea), starting in Sorong, West Papau (Irian Jaya) and finishing in Ambon, or vice versa. This exciting itinerary will include the fabulous Raja Ampat Islands, the remote and spectacular Gunung Api, and legendary Banda Neira, one-time center of the spice trade. This region features some of the world's most beautiful and pristine coral reefs, incredible biodiversity, breathtaking scenery, and an extremely rich history. It's a fascinating and unique trip that is not to be missed, but it will only come together if we get substantial positive feedback. Please let us know if you're interested by emailing info@oceanic-impressions.com
All Photos © Mark Strickland

Each of these is a trip that I'm excited about doing myself and sharing with a few adventurous divers like you. Our excursions are not intended for novices, but are tailored for experienced divers looking for exceptional dive-travel experiences. I hope you will consider joining us, and look forward to sharing my knowledge and insights throughout each trip, as well as photo advice for anyone who's interested.

The Dive Operators:

Excellent diving is a crucial prerequisite, but doesn't by itself make for an exceptional dive vacation; there must also be a great dive operator ensuring the safe, quality experience you deserve. I've done lots of research, including traveling to each of the destinations and doing the trips myself. As a result, I can say with confidence that we're diving with the best operators out there, at some of the world's best locales.

Mark Strickland / Oceanic Impressions

e-mail: info@oceanic-impressions.com

Web design by Andaman Graphics Phuket