Aloha! From wrasses to butterflyfish, discover the many endemic marine species of Hawaii while diving the volcanic underwater reef topography around the Big Island, including favorite sites such as Au Au Crater, Amphitheater, and Turtle Pinnacle. A fantastic backdrop of lava flows will provide a picturesque landscape for surface intervals aboard the comfortable Kona Aggressor II liveaboard. Participants will enjoy up to 5 dives per day, while learning more about Hawaiian and Tropical Pacific fish identification from REEF Citizen Science Program Manager, Janna Nichols. Weather permitting, the yacht will venture to beautiful South Point, the southernmost tip of Hawaii.
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: Quad Stateroom (sleeps 4): $2,835 per person
Deluxe Stateroom (sleeps 2): $3,035 per person based on double occupancy
Accommodations: The Kona Aggressor II sleeps 14 passengers. The boat has 1 Quad Stateroom that sleeps 4 people, with two full bunks and two single bunks. There are 5 Deluxe Staterooms which sleep 2 people, each with a double bed (lower) and a single bed (upper) bunk style. Deluxe Staterooms have a port window. All staterooms are fitted with private toilets, showers, sinks, hair dryers and robes, and have individual climate control and monitor with media player.
Diving: The Kona Aggressor II liveaboard offers 4-5 dives per dive day, including night dives. 2 dives are scheduled for Friday, the final dive day. Average water temperature is 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit. A 3-5mm wetsuit and hood is recommended year-round. All diving is from the mother ship. 80 cubic foot tanks, weights and weight belts are included in the cost of the charter.
Price Includes: The trip package includes 7 nights of quad or double occupancy accommodation, 5 days of diving with up to 4-5 dives per day, including night dives, plus 1 half-day of diving, all meals throughout the week including breakfast cooked to order, buffet-style lunch and seated dinners (except dinner on Friday, February 16), mid-morning and afternoon snacks each day, all beverages including local beer and wine, tanks, weights, and weight belts.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF - All flights, transfers to and from the boat dock, dinner on Friday, February 16, optional Nitrox, optional rental equipment, and optional souvenir purchases onboard. Gratuities for the crew are not included in the cost of the charter and are at each individual's discretion. Insurance is not included, however REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. More information about dive travel insurance can be viewed here.
About the Trip Leader: Janna Nichols is REEF's Citizen Science Program Manager, working extensively with the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. She coordinates REEF's social media and was also the creator of the popular REEF Fishinar (webinar) program. Janna is passionate about underwater photography and marine life identification, and many of her photos appear in west coast marine life ID guides, publications, and online resources. She has completed over 1,000 REEF surveys and is an expert level REEF surveyor in the Pacific Coast and Tropical Western Atlantic regions.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $500 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
How to Get There: Fly into Kona International Airport (airport code KOA) on Saturday, February 10th. Boarding will be between 5:30 -6:00 pm. It is recommended to arrive as close to this time as possible. A few major airlines fly into Kona including American Airlines, United, Delta, Alaska Air and Hawaiian Air. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare. REEF is not able to book air travel for participants.
Transfers: The Kona Aggressor II operates out of the downtown pier in Kailua-Kona, a 20 minute drive from the airport. Transfers to and from the pier are not included in the cost of the charter. There are taxis readily available at the curb in front of the baggage claim area at the airport. At the end of the charter, the Captain can assist with organizing transportation to the airport or a nearby hotel if you are extending your stay.