Diving Mauritius Liveaboard Saint Brandon

• Duration: 10 days
• Sail time Mauritius-St Brandon: 25-32 hours depending on the weather
• Number of guests: 6 persons

As the cruise starts its journey in the Southern Part of the archipelago, two sites that you might explore are ‘Shark Point’ and ‘Umbrina’.
«Shark Point» as the name defines the site, sharks are seen on a regular basis, grey sharks and reef sharks are the most common, but with you chance you might observe tiger or bulldogs sharks. Moreover this site offers the beautiful opportunity to observe green turtles, we
often seen very old ones. This site is not famous for its corals but the tropical fauna is in abundance.

«Umbrina» This site offers a beautiful topography and a nice
colourful fauna. Sharks, rays and turtles are generally seen.
Tropical fish as parrot fish, trigger fish and babonnes are always on
the spot.

The scuba diving adventure will continue on the west part of St Brandon. There are few dive sites around two islets called Fregate and Pearl Island. There are few high points and reefs that are interesting to discover. Sharks, turtles and rays are always part of the dive.

The northern side of St Brandon offers amazing lively passes. These dives are generally drift dives and are surprisingly lively. Barracudas, giant king fish, tunas are often seen. Sharks, turtles and rays are now becoming common!

The lagoon on that side of the archipelago offers amazing colourful dives. Corals are intact and life is in abundance.

The scuba diving adventure generally ends in the eastern part of St Brandon. «Passe Gayane» is one of our sites that offer interesting drift dive experience. As all the pass, this dive is home of many pelagic fish as giant trevally, king fish, tunas, barracudas. Sharks are always around checking divers curiously. Eagle rays are often seen, facing the current and filling themselves with planktons.

«DaVinci» is a marvellous site where the topography is outstanding. Exposed to the breaking of waves, the rocks have been formed into channels and gorges. When the visibility is perfect, it is spectacular! Don’t need to precise that sharks, rays and turtles are always around!
To end up the cruise perfectly, a stop at Paul’s island is a must! Take your snorkel equipments and discover the amazing population of turtles and rays. We supposed that go there to rest.

Saint Brandon charter (Fishing or Diving)

1. After deposit payment a order form will be send for the passengers fill out and sign reconfirming the reservation and agreed terms and conditions.
2. It is the responsibility of the passengers to advise of any food allergy or follow special diet or have any other special requests concerning food and drinks well in advance departure.
3. Passengers that suffer from any specific diseases, including seasickness, are informed to take all necessary medicine approved by doctor with them and attest from doctor for custom.
4. 50 % of the total amount as deposit payment upon booking. 30 % is to be effected by bank transfer and cleared on our bank account 90 days prior to embarking and 20% balance 60 days prior to embarking.
5. Saint Brandon permit fees for foreigners applies. A soft copy of passport of each passenger and 5,000 Rs per person; must be provided 35 days before the beginning of the trip.

Cancellation within:

1. 90 days of embarking: 50% of full amount refunded
2. 60 days of embarking: 0% of full amount refunded
3. Cancellation more than 90 days in advance of embarking will entitle the participant to a rescheduled excursion.
4. In the event of unforeseen circumstance arising, we reserve the right at our own discretion to cancel or reschedule an excursion up to embarking.
1. If however, the passenger refuses the rescheduling, passenger will be refunded by seller up to 50% of the total cost.

NOTES

1. Cruise and program  is  weather permitting, changes can be made for the reason that safety is priority of the company.
2. We cannot be held in responsible in anyway for cancelation in total or part due to bad weather or cyclonic risk over the area. However, in case of total cancelation before the departure, we will offer the opportunity to post-pone the trip if possible.
3. We recommend that you sign a traveller insurance, which in addition to the general conditions, cover the traveller(s) in case of cancellation prior to travelling.

REFUND POLICY:

Any refund is effected 30 days end of month from date of approved refund from our accounting department.

Rates are per person as from 03 years of age

Included:

• Return transfer to catamaran
• Double/twin accommodations 10 days/ 9 nights
• FB meal plan, alcoholic drinks excluded
• Insurance MSDA
• Dives (number of dives depends on the weather condition, normally 3 dives per day)
• Snorkelling equipment, diving cylinders, weights
• Diving instructor

Not included:

• International flight
• Government fees - 5000 Rs/person (valid for 2012 year) for foreigners to get permit to visit St Brandon, scanned copy of valid passport should be presented at least 35 days before the beginning of the trip.

Due to the isolation of this destination, for security all our dives are done in average as from 10 to 20 meters to avoid any risk of decompression. Moreover we had found that life is really abundant in these depths. It is compulsory for all divers to take the MSDA (Mauritius Scuba Diving Association) insurance, moreover we advise clients to take a travel insurance that covers ‘Scuba Diving’, in case of an incident.

Please note that dive sites can be often changed due to weather and sea conditions. We are very vigilant on diving security therefore it is our professional diving instructor that will choose dive sites on the actual day. Scuba diving in St Brandon is accessible for everyone. We offer the opportunity for non divers to discover the underwater world. PADI courses can also be done on the cruise

Weather:
Temperatures range between 25°C - 30°C. Wind averages 15knots.

Time Difference:
GMT + 4

Visa Requirements
UK, US, EU, USSR and RSA passport holders do not require a visa for entering into Mauritius for vacation purposes

Medical & Health Requirements:
Mandatory emergency medical evacuation insurance. A Yellow Fever certificate is required is travelling from a Yellow Fever infected area.

Currency:
The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). US Dollar or Euro are however widely accepted and are the preferred currency for gratuities and expenditure on the Lagoon-500 Sadko

Language:
English is the official language of Mauritius, but the most widely used is French. All FlyCastaway guides and crew of the MY Gryphon speak English.

Satellite Phone & Communications:
The main island is covered by the mobile network; the local mobile phone operators use GSM networks, which are compatible with most international operators. St Brandon islands have no mobile network; however the Lagoon-500 Sadko is equipped with a satellite phone available 24/24 which can be used by guests at an additional cost.

Fresh Water
Note! Consumption of water is strongly limited and should be considered like a gift due to specific of the place! We recommend - water to drink – 2,5 l per person per day, shower – 2 times per day.

Alcohol
For safety reasons, consumption of alcohol is prohibited during sailing (Mauritius-St Brandon, St Brandon-Mauritius); otherwise this will be considered responsibility of the guest. Alcohol offer is limited on board (2 cans of local beer per person per day). However clients are allowed to take their own favourite drinks with themselves. NOTE – no corkage fee.

Suitcases
1 Suitcase per person is allowed on the board for this trip (30 kg with fishing equipment)

Drill Exercises
Please kindly be attentive to instructions of the captain before the beginning of the trip, safety is our priority.

Bed Linen and Towels Change
Bed linen – 2 times, towels – upon your request.