Sun Dancer II Captain's Logs

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Sun Dancer II
July 14 –July 21
Air Temp: 80-81º F,
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended


This week was an incredible adventure. On Saturday the crew of the Sun Dancer II welcomed on board an enthusiastic group of divers ready for fun. After the safety briefing and introductions dinner was served as the yacht made its way out to Light House Reef.

The next day a check out dive was enjoyed and everyone perfected their weighting and tested camera gear. The rest of the day was filled with enjoyable dives getting to see large and small creatures ranging from big friendly grouper and little yellow-headed jaw fish. The afternoon and night dives had stingrays, eels and basket stars to enjoy. The next day the divers were treated to spotted eagle rays, turtles and even some schools of commuter fish making their way along the reef. Every day had new surprises and exciting things to point out to each other.




Later in the week it was a great opportunity to visit the dive site famous for being a circular shape and dark blue, better known as the Blue Hole. The divers made it down to 130 feet and became admirers of the geology of ancient years past. Later it was fun to enjoy Half Moon Caye Island that is also a step back in time with pristine beaches, tall palm trees and wildlife.




From all of the crew of the Sun Dancer II we would like to thank you for such a memorable week, all the adventure and enthusiasm we shared together will be remembered and it is our hope you will come back and visit the beautiful waters of Belize and join us again on the Sun Dancer II.

Thank you.
 
Sun Dancer II
July 21st - 28th

Air Temp: 80-81º F,
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

A relaxing and adventurous vacation awaited the 15 divers and 5 non-divers that joined us this week. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon the enthusiastic group boarded the yacht and made themselves at home in the stateroom cabins and out on the dive deck. For some it was their first time on a live aboard and others had previously been guests on the Sun Dancer II, all were equally excited and looking forward to the week. After the safety briefing and introductions the yacht left Belize City while a delicious dinner was served.



The next morning the guests woke up to the blue clear waters of Lighthouse Reef and began to get ready for the first dive of the trip. Once in the water the divers immediately felt the relaxing serenity of entering another world of exploration and discovery. Stingrays, spotted eagle rays, eels, jaw fish, crabs, conch and other critters made for a welcome dive.



Every day the weather improved and became more and more beautiful and tropical as the water at Half Moon Caye became so intriguing all the snorkelers jumped in and made a historical snorkel around the yacht multiple times and over the reef.



During the Blue Hole dive everyone got to experience an ancient geological site that is not only famous for being a perfect circle but also a deep blue color from its over 400 foot depth. We ventured down to 130 feet and had the opportunity to see the stalactites up close and at different angles. After the memorable dive the island adventure beckoned and everyone had a chance to explore Half Moon Caye Island and the white sand beaches, tall palm trees and of course Red Footed Booby Birds.



The entire week was wonderful; the fun that was shared will forever be remembered as some of the best times ever spent on and under water. Thank you to everyone for joining us on board and we look forward to diving with you again in the future.



Thank you, from all the crew of the Sun Dancer II
 
Sun Dancer II
Aug 11th-18th
Air Temp: 80-81º F,
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon 17 guests from different countries boarded the Sun Dancer II. After settling in and getting situated on the dive deck and in their staterooms the divers went upstairs into the salon to get a safety briefing and to begin a fine dining dinner experience. As the eating commenced the yacht set out to Lighthouse Reef for a wonderful week of diving and adventures.

During the week a lot of exciting creatures both big and small were discovered. On one dive a spotted eagle ray could be seen feeding in the sand. Another dive a turtle made its way close to the divers and spent some time eating and enjoying itself on the reef. Towards the end of the week reef sharks were spotted and earlier in the week even a hammerhead was seen at a distance. Two different sea horses were discovered and a bunch of small creatures, such as neck crabs and other camouflaged little friends were seen and photographed.

One of the divers this week worked on a Photography certification and his pictures can be seen in this log. The one of him up side down is a good example of how he preferred to spend most of his time. As a thirteen-year-old budding photographer we were very happy to have him on board and appreciated his enthusiasm for learning. Thanks Michael!

Also thank you to all the divers who have been on board the Sun Dancer II in the past and decided to join us again for such a great week of sun and diving. The weather was great and the water was warm. We enjoyed getting to experience the Blue Hole and also made it out to Turneffe the last day and were greeted by a million moon jellies!

We enjoyed having such a fun and exciting group of divers always ready to have a good time and constantly laughing and having fun. You will be remembered and we hope to have you again on board sometime in the future.


Thank you, from all the crew of the Sun Dancer II









 
Sun Dancer II Aug 18th – 25th

Air Temp: 80-81º F,
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

What a magical week. During a sunny Saturday the crew of the Sun Dancer II welcomed aboard divers from all over the world and they got comfortable in their staterooms. The dive deck filled up with gear and the excitement was noticeable. Upstairs in the main salon area the crew introductions were made followed by the safety briefing and then guest intros. After a fun time hearing about every one and their diving backgrounds, a delicious dinner was served and the crew got the yacht underway to Light House Reef.

The next few days had wonderful weather and amazing diving. So many different creatures were spotted and the photographers had a great time switching between scenic wide angle and up close and personal macro lenses. A wonderful specimen we have named “Sea Horse Graham” was found for the second week in a row and everyone got a chance to get close to this little stunner for a meet and greet.

Eels, Spotted Eagle Rays, Tarpon and Turtles were among the biggest creatures spotted in the beginning of the week, and then on Tuesday we had the chance to enter the Blue Hole. Below please check out a wonderful piece written by Jeff who had the opportunity to dive the Blue Hole in 1997 and was excited to go back to his favorite dive site. You will be amazed what we had the opportunity to see on the descent!

The rest of the week was wonderful also, thank you everyone for joining on such a great adventure and getting to spend such a memorable time together.

Thank you from all of the crew of the Sun Dancer II


The Blue Hole
Jeffrey A. Redmon
August 21, 2012

Adventure is high on my list. I need adventure to maintain my balance and perspective. I have had many adventures and look forward to many more. My latest adventure was a scuba diving trip to Belize, south of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. After an uneventful flight, we spent our first day learning about Mayan history and culture from a guide with Mayan heritage. He shared many stories of grand Mayan history on our way to a zip line trip in the crown of a rain forest followed by tubing down an underground river through caves. I actually stuck my finger in a termite nest to sample the local delicacy. They tasted a little minty. Not a bad start.

Saturday afternoon we boarded the Sun Dancer II, the pride of the Dancer Fleet, for a week of diving the barrier reef off the coast of Belize. Tough duty on board, you eat, sleep and dive, not necessarily in that order. The schedule is pretty routine, breakfast, 8 am dive, morning snack, 10:45 dive, lunch, 1:45 dive, afternoon snack, 4:00 dive, dinner and 7:30 night dive, snack, sleep and repeat. Tuesday was different. We dove the Blue Hole made famous by Jacque Cousteau. The roof of a cave fell in to make a 1,000-foot diameter hole to the bottom of the cave at 400 feet. The surrounding area is 40 feet so the deep water appears blue even from space.

I list the Blue Hole as one of my all time favorite dives and my best dive ever got one better this trip. I have logged over 1,000 dives in the last twenty years all over the world. I have dove ore boats on the bottom of Lake Superior, wooden hulled sailing vessels in Lake Huron, a sub-terrain lead mine in Missouri, open pit iron mines, three weeks in the South Pacific diving World War II Japanese shipwrecks, Palau and manta rays in Yap, all over the Caribbean but the Blue Hole is my favorite.

To start your dive, you descend to the wall at about 30 feet; follow the wall down to about 90 feet where the ceiling of the cave begins. Hanging from the ceiling of the cave from 90 feet down to over 130 feet plus are mammoth stalactites. Not much sea life, no colorful coral just amazing structures over 100 feet below the surface. As you reach your depth, you look up through the crystal blue water to see the silhouette of the stalactites and the other divers and their bubbles. It is a sight few have witnessed, maybe few desire but it is one of my most all time favorite dives.

This dive did one better. As we entered the Blue Hole and began our descent I looked out into the blue water when I spotted what I have been hoping to see, a Hammerhead Shark. The underwater symbol for shark is an open hand above your forehead, for hammerhead it is a fist on each side of your temples followed by a hand above your forehead. I spotted the hammerhead and gave the signal followed by two raised fists. It was awesome. Small by hammerhead standards, but a hammerhead nonetheless. His eyes peering out each side of his head swimming 20 feet below us. Curious I suspect, as to what this disturbance was to his world, he swam one pass to check us out and he was off. Stealth in their habits rarely seen in open water. Hammerheads actually school up in the Galapagos Islands in early July by the thousands for their mating season but to see a lone hammerhead is extremely rare. We did it, what made it all the more special, I saw him on my favorite dive, the Blue Hole only now one better.

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Sun Dancer II Captain’s Report September 1-8, 2012

Air Temp: 80-81º F
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

A beautiful sunny sky and light breeze was the perfect climate to welcome aboard the new divers for this week. They were from all over the US and Argentina and very excited to be on board. After feeling at home in their staterooms and setting up on the dive deck the divers went upstairs for the evening briefings and a delicious dinner before we began our passage to the islands.

The next morning the beautiful blue waters invited the divers to giant stride from the yacht into warm refreshing adventures. The sea creatures, coral and reef structures made for exciting photography and a lot of underwater beauty. Different fun things to see were witnessed every dive. Some of the most incredible night dives were also enjoyed this week with octopus, slipper lobsters, sharks, turtles, hundreds of squid and that’s just to name a few things. Spotted eagle rays on both day and night dives were observed, sometimes feeding in the sand, but most of the time soaring above or below the divers along the deep walls.

During the week the famous Blue Hole dive was experienced and enjoyed by all that chose to venture into the deep. The dark blue background of the depths combined with diver and stalactites make an impressive visual contrast. This was a memorable adventure at 130 feet and especially this week with little sharks swimming around when we first started the decent. After the Blue Hole the next stop was Half Moon Caye island that is home of the local birds and numerous other wild life. It was fun for everyone to walk around beautiful white sand and check out the tall palms and paradise atmosphere.

Later in the week more free-swimming eels were spotted, a few reef sharks and more southern stingrays and spotted eagle rays. All the divers enjoyed their time underwater and also had a lot of fun onboard the yacht as well. The weather was perfect and we could not have asked for sweeter guests, this was truly a wonderful week for everyone.

Thank you, from all the crew of the Sun Dancer II

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Sun Dancer II Captain’s Report September 8-15, 2012

Air Temp: 80-81º F
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

Beautiful Belize blue skies, a gentle breeze and the friendly crew of the Sun Dancer II welcomed on the new divers for this wonderfully adventurous week. Everything started off excitedly while gear got set up and staterooms settled into. Upstairs in the salon area snacks and drinks were enjoyed as the safety briefing and introductions commenced. After dinner and during the night the Sun Dancer II made her way out to the beautiful islands to start the week of diving in blue water as warm as the air and as refreshing as ever.

During the week a lot of amazing sea creatures got admired and a lot of photos were taken. Every diver and their buddy went over walls, thru cuts and around beautiful coral heads that all lead to new discoveries and wonders. A lot of eels, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, sharks, turtles and schools of fish were among the big things, the smaller included squid, octopus, arrow crabs, amazing plant life and coral, someone even remarked how healthy and giant the black coral is in this area.

A memorable moment was an incredible sunset that took over the whole sky, also the light then dark blue water as we had the chance to enter in to the famous Blue Hole. The divers enjoyed getting to see stalactites and dove around and behind them at 130 feet until it was time to make the slow assent back to the Sun Dancer II. After the deep dive we had the opportunity to experience Half Moon Caye Island and see the wonderful assortment of birds and small land dwelling inhabitants. After lunch it was back underwater to enjoy more of the refreshing water and relaxing diving that Belize has the pleasure of offering.

It was a really great week with a million laughs and a billion interesting sights to see underwater, everyone enjoyed all of the snacks, meals and desserts on board as well. With a big smile and gracious appreciation we would like to thank you for joining us onboard this week.

From all of the crew of the Sun Dancer II, Thank you!















 
Sun Dancer II Captain’s Report September 15-22, 2012

Air Temp: 80-81º F,
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

We couldn’t have asked for better weather this week above the beautiful blue waters of Belize. Friends and Family joined us on a trip of a lifetime. The laughs were endless and the creatures underwater were something to behold. On almost every night dive there was an octopus and squid, crabs, lobster, eels and countless other activity including sharks, rays and lionfish. Each night dive went into the record as ‘best night dive ever’ and it was especially at the expense of anyone who didn’t join the underwater adventurers.

Above the water the sun kept everyone warm and a gentle breeze would occasionally cool off the sunbathers. During the day dives a lot of activity always kept the divers jumping in for more. The turtles, sharks, triggers, angels, blennies, schools of chubs and jacks, the list goes on. One of the most memorable dives was at the famous Blue Hole when the divers got to descend to 130 feet to enjoy the ancient stalactites and dove around and behind them. On Half Moon Caye Island the birds were out and the water was inviting for a nice swim, a coconut was enjoyed and everyone had a great time on the beautiful white sand with the tall palm trees.

Two divemaster candidates joined us on board with their instructor and made it especially fun as they were challenged with extra dive briefings and underwater navigation. It was very amazing to have such a tight knit group of friends and family join us for a special week that we will always remember.

Thank you, from all the crew of the Sun Dancer II









 
Sun Dancer II Captain’s Report September 22-29, 2012
Air Temp: 80-81º F
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

Saturday afternoon the new divers joined the crew of the Sun Dancer II for the start of what was going to be a wonderful week. Everyone got their gear set up and settled into their staterooms while dinner was prepared for the hungry travelers. After the safety briefing and crew introductions the divers got to know each other better before sharing a delicious meal in the beautiful salon area of the yacht.

The first morning the blue water of Belize called everyone in to enjoy a great check out dive, where they got a chance to see exciting sea creatures and admire the wonderful reef structures. The next days of diving would only get better as the spotted eagle rays, sting rays, turtles, sharks, eels and other fun friends came out to say “Hello” and greet the happy divers.

One of the most memorable dives was at the Blue Hole where the divers went down to 130 feet to enjoy ancient geological history and explore behind the giant stalactites. Later the adventure continued when they had a chance to go onto the island of Half Moon Caye and visit the national park that is the home of many beautiful birds, hermit crabs, iguana and geckos. After returning to the yacht, a delicious lunch was served followed by more exciting diving.

On the night dives little was left to be desired when you got to admire octopus, eels hunting, squid, crabs, lobster, slipper lobster and a bunch of cute fish getting rest for the next day. All of the divers enjoyed the adventurous, yet relaxing diving and also the incredibly enjoyable sun deck and hammocks. The whole week was enjoyed by everyone on board and it will always be a memory to cherish long into the future.

We appreciated having every one of you onboard to join us this week and will never forget the fun times we shared together.

From all of the crew of the Sun Dancer II, we love you and hope to have you aboard with us again in near future Thank you!

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Sun Dancer II Oct 13-20th 2012
Air Temp: 82-83º F,
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

This week we welcomed our new friends aboard the Sun Dancer II who were very excited to be here. Crew for this week Chef Carlos, assistant chef Barbara, Steward Elia, DM Simon & John, Engineer Jerry and Capt Eddy were just as exited to have them. Great way to start the week meeting new friends and those that had been with us four five times before and are already planning their next stay with us. Everyone got their gear set up and settled into their staterooms while a special meal was prepared with love. After the safety briefing and crew introductions the divers got to know each other better before starting a delicious meal in the beautiful salon area of the yacht.

The Bliss of the morning, first day of the week found many up and around enjoying the beautiful sun rise at light house reef with the blue water of Belize sparkling and inviting everyone in to enjoy. Right after breakfast it was really impressive to see how quickly everybody was in their wet suits ready to go diving. That’s when we knew we were in for a hard-core week of diving, and so the dive adventure for the week began.

We started with what we call a check out dive at Julies Jungle a special site that offers the opportunity to swim over and around sand or the beautiful reef and wall. We made sure that everyone was waited properly and had a dive buddy, for we already knew that they were all experience divers and all they needed to hear was that the pool was open, but never the less we had two DM in the water and two deck supervisor to care for all and any needs.

It all went as suspected great check out dive they all got a chance to see some exciting sea creatures and admire the wonderful reef structures that this site had to offer. The winds from the North started to pick up so we moved over to Half Moon Caye Island, dive site East Cut, for the afternoon where we had the privilege to swim with a few big groupers and enjoy the beautiful soft corals in such good visibility, The next days of diving would only get better and they all knew that, so everybody was just as excited as before or even more.

As the week went by we dove at Long Caye Island, Half Moon Caye Island, Hat Caye Island and Turneffe Island. These islands offer a variety of convenience for divers. Walls, flats, sandy bottom, crevasses and some of the most beautiful soft and hard coral formation which was truly enjoyed by all this week. We saw Spotted Eagle Rays, Southern Stingrays, Turtles, Green Morays, friendly Barracudas & Groupers, Reef Sharks and so many amazing little creatures that was on every dive, including two big Lobsters that were out on the sand bottom at Uno Coco marching around challenging and defying divers and whatever came along, yes indeed one of the best dives of the trip.

We offer a night dive every night as part of the charter, and there was much to see on every dive. Octopus, King Crabs, Squids, Lobsters, big Basket Stars and many other nocturnal creatures such as four to five foot Tarpons that come out and feed on the surface dwellers around the vessel, and occasionally over a divers shoulder as they will use a dive light as a snack spotter.

The Blue Hole was with no exception one of the star dives for the week. Divers had the privilege to admire the geography from the top deck of the yacht as we entered therein, and then to plunge into the depth down to 130ft and explore the overhangs that sustains 30 to 40 foot long stalactites. At the end of the day, it was all a dream that came true. And so another great adventure was enjoyed.

From all the crew of the Sun Dancer II, we love you and hope to have you aboard with us again in near future. Thank you! And be safe, we will always remember you!!





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Sun Dancer II Oct 20th - 27th 2012
Air Temp: 82-83º F,
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

What a wonderful week of diving and adventure. Everyone joining us this week arrived on Saturday with big smiles and there were a lot of familiar faces! The divers made themselves at home and set up their gear before joining together in the salon for a safety briefing and a bunch of fun filled introductions. While leaving the dock the galley staff served a delicious dinner and we set off to Lighthouse Reef to begin diving the next morning.

The weather stayed nice all week with the divers jumping in to discover new creatures and critters on every dive. Eels, stingrays, spotted eagle rays and turtles were some of the exciting things in addition to all the small things that make you pause and hover around to pick up all the detail. Our resident favorite named seahorse “Graham” was seen and photographed by the divers putting on a little show of super model like poses. The other small fish also seemed to want to be remembered and cooperated with the friendly divers.

We spent the majority of the week diving around Lighthouse Reef on Long Caye and also Half Moon Caye islands. Later on in the week we had a chance to go over to Turneffe and the divers were able to have many spotted toadfish sightings. One diver made the joke that they were becoming so common to see it was almost like seeing another lobster, even though that particular toadfish is only in this area of the world. Another exciting thing that happened on the night dives was getting to see octopus, and usually not only one but many, some were out eating and even enjoyed some lionfish!

All of the divers had different memories and experiences. Everyone had a great time above the water and especially underwater this week. The laughs on board during meals and the excitement after the dives really made the week a perfect vacation fun filled and enjoyable for everyone. Even the weather smiled upon us and we felt lucky to have such a great week of diving and memory making.

From all of the crew of the Sun Dancer II, we love you and hope to have you onboard with us again in near future.
Thank you!







 
Sun Dancer II Captain’s Report Oct 27th – Nov 3rd, 2012

Air Temp: 82-83º F
Water Temp: 81º F
3mm Wetsuit recommended

Another wonderful week of diving, not only diving but of great friendship and happy memories that will live on and on. The week started with an exciting group joining us for what was promoted as “Singles Week”! Everyone onboard agreed that it was a great way to meet new friends and dive buddies and they said it was one of their best weeks ever on a live aboard! After their gear was all set up on Saturday and the music started playing everyone joined together up in the salon for the safety briefing and introductions. The next morning the diving adventures began.

Starting at Turneffe Island the divers got to enjoy a few different sites before heading over to Lighthouse Reef. All the underwater creatures were out this week to greet the travelers. Turtles, barracuda, brightly colored fish, every different eel, rays both spotted and sting! The Blue Hole was also enjoyed this week and then a really fun land adventure on Half Moon Caye Island.

Considering all of the different people from all over the world the whole yacht seemed like a close group of friends and family, everyone was enjoying each others company and it was suggested we have more singles weeks because it was seriously, according to someone in particular, the Best Week Ever! This was expressed by everyone who had fun above and below the water and really had a chance to experience new dive sites and for some who were returning got to go back to their favorites.

The night dives were special as well and feeding lion fish to different sea creatures has become one of our favorite specialty demonstrations. The divemasters would delight their fellow divers with amazing animal action when they would take the opportunity to feed a fish or eel, even crabs, lobsters and octopus were getting in on the action. Lion fish are a nuisance fish in these waters with no natural predators so it is helping the reef and also putting on a fun show when we get to feed them to things.

Everyone that joined us onboard we would like to thank you for such a great week.

From all of the crew of the Sun Dancer II, we love you and hope to have you aboard with us again in near future. Thank you!









 
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