Do you remember why you got certified or what attracted you to diving in the first place? Chances are it was your desire to explore the world under the surface of the water. Perhaps, you even wanted to venture to a remote tropical island. Or, perhaps it was to explore a world no-one else has seen before. Whatever your desires, the professional dive staff at Oceanic Ventures, Inc. will be glad to help you find your perfect dive sites.

We have a number of group trips and expeditions scheduled, just press the appropriate key and see a description and the schedule of our trips. However, if these do not fit into your schedule, we can set-up a custom dive vacation for you. Whether it is a quick weekend trip or and extended touring schedule, we have the professional travel professionals on staff to assist you.

Stop by or send us a note, we look forward to discussing your travel plans and desires with you.

Dive and Adventure Travel Opportunities

Cozumel January 13-17, 2012

New Hampshire – Ice Diving Adventure – February 17-21, 2012

There is a whole new world under the ice.  Join Alex as he introduces you to this unique form of diving.  We stay in a quaint little town and take snow mobiles out to the dive location.  After cutting a hole in the ice it is time to rig-up and go exploring.  If you have never tried venturing under the ice, you do not know what you are missing.  If you would like more information on this trip, please contact Alex.

Diving Style: Recreational

Cozumel  – Family Spring Break Trip - March 11-17, 2011

Join us for our Cozumel Adventure trip. This is a perfect get away for Spring Break with lots of great diving and other fun things to do. Your trip leader Ann will be happy to share the underwater experience and topside adventures from start to finish. Kids club available for our younger adventurers. Two pools on property plus great access to beach diving and beach snorkeling. Fun activities planned for each afternoon as well as an island tour to see the Mayan Ruins and east side of the island.

Diving Style: Recreational

Truk Lagoon, Wreck Diving – April 26-May 5, 2012

© Eric Keibler

 Operation Hailstone resulted in over 45 Japanese ships being sunk in the Miconesian Island of Chuuk, better known by its German name, Truk.  Many of these wrecks were sunk with cargo still on-board and most had crews aboard.  This is our seventh trip to Truk Lagoon and it remains one of Eric’s favorite dive locations.  Situated in a quiet atoll, your dive platform will be the M/V Odyssey, a luxery live aboard with an experienced crew of people who love diving there.  This is your opportunity to explore some spectacular wrecks alive with corals, fish and pelagics.  Like on previous trips, this is a “techreational” trip meaning you can dive these wrecks as a recreational diver or a technical diver.  Manifolded doubles, decompression gas, and sofnolime are available for technical divers as is air and nitrox for the recreatioanl divers.  To find out more, contact Ann Keibler.

Kosrae Add-on - Arrive on the other side of the planet before the rest of the group. Un-wind and relax in a beautiful, secluded, very unique island.  Experience another of the Micronesian islands a very beautiful, unique reefs.  Arrive in Chuuk one day early so you can dive in TRUK from Blue Lagoon Divers or just relax and then board the Odyssey early on Sunday.  Departs Houston to Honolulu: Sunday, April 22, arrives Kosrae: Tuesday, April 24 and depart and arrive Chuuk:  Saturday April 28. To find out more, contact Ann Keibler.

Diving Style: Technical, Recreational, Rebreather

 Florida Keys Ghost Fleet – May 21-24,2012

Key West is the jumping off point for a group of former US Navy Vessels known as the ghost fleet.  Planned dives include the USS Wilkes Barre, a Cleveland class Cruiser sunk 20 miles east of Key West in 250 feet of water, the S-16, a WWI submarine sunk 20 miles east of Key West in 280 feet of water, and the USS Curb, a Former Navy salvage and towing vessel, sunk just 4 miles south of Key West in 185 feet of water. Other wrecks including the USS Kendrik and the USS Fred T. Berry may also be on the itinerary depending on conditions.  This trip follows Rebreather 2.0.   Start here to book your space on this amazing trip.

Diving Style: Technical, Rebreather

Grand Cayman, Inner Space Event – May 26-June 2, 2012

The world’s largest Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) diving event is once again coming to Grand Cayman  May 26 to June 2, 2012, marking the 9th anniversary of INNER SPACE. Hosted by Divetech at Cobalt Coast Dive Resort, more than 65 Closed Circuit Rebreather divers partake in this eventful week, diving the deep walls and shallow reefs  of Grand Cayman.  CCR divers from new recreational divers through deep trimix divers journey to Grand Cayman, diving at various depths based on their certification limits, from 60 to 400 feet on dives lasting for 3 hours.

Oceanic Ventures has been a sponsor since day one of this special event.  You don’t want to miss it either because of the diving or the door prizes!  Hurry and sigh-up today becasue space is limited.

To find out more, contact Ann Keibler.

Diving Style: Recreational, Technical and Rebreather

Artic Exploration – June 25 – July 4, 2012

Join us on our next adventure to the Polar Regions. This time we head above the Arctic Circle for our dive expedition as we explore new diving adventures while circumnavigating Spitsbergen. Once again, we will travel on the Plancius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, and our expedition will be led by Faith Ortins and Amos Nachoum, professional wildlife photographer. We will seek out the best photo and adventure opportunities above and below the water as we search for polar bears, walruses, seals, whales, reindeer and arctic foxes. In addition to diving, we will have the opportunity to sign up for kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain trekking and camping expeditions. If you are looking for all types of adventure, this trip is for you. Contact Dive Mom for more information or to hold your spot!

Diving Style: Recreational

Dry Tortugas – Araby Maid Exploration Trip – June 28 – July 1, 2012

The Florida Keys are littered with hundreds of wrecks. Some succumbed to weather, others to war. Still more have come to rest on the bottom at the hands of our own Navy, and a few as intentional artificial reefs. The deep wrecks around the tip of the Florida Keys offer spectacular diversity of vessels, history and wildlife in the warm, clear waters of south Florida.  The M/V Spree runs multi-day charters to the deep wrecks of Tortugas Bank and the Florida Keys. This trip will be concentrating on exploring the Araby Maid, a bark built in 1868 which sunk in 1903 after a collision with the SS Denver.  according to Michael Barnette in the Shipwrecks of the Sunshine State, “sitting upright, the once magnificent sailing vessel is amazingly intact.”  This is a rare experience to visit a sailing vessel in warm waters and in good condition.  Start here to book your space on this amazing trip.

Diving Style: Technical, Rebreather

Philippines – July 19-29, 2012

We are staying at a resort built for divers, but diver who wants a little bit extra service and a nice location. With a full service spa on property, European trained restaurant staff, smiling hostess that remember your favorite breakfast beverage, and dive guides ready to show you your wish list of underwater creatures, you will be spoiled. You may want to take one day or afternoon off in the middle of the week from diving to “pick your own adventures” from the many wonderful adventures the island has to offer… hikes to waterfalls, 4-wheel trekking, city tours, golfing, and more. You will have a chance to do 1 or 2 out Island picnics . Most dives are on reefs not 5 minutes from the resort!!!  To find out more, contact Ann Keibler.

Diving Style: Recreational, Technical, Rebreather

Grand Cayman, Tek Week Event – September 1-8, 2012

Join us for a truly phenomenal week of fun diving for both Open Circuit or Closed Circuit Rebreather Diving! Non-Divers are welcomed too of course!  Dives are available at the recreational, normoxic or advanced trimix level all in the warm, clear waters of Grand Cayman. Tek Week is a week of exploration on the deep walls and shallow reefs of Cayman for divers, adventure to go where no one has gone before.

Situated on the pristine NW Tip of Grand Cayman in a unique diving resort, you will be entertained both above and below the water in a special setting of sunsets, the crystal clear aquamarine Caribbean Sea, and hosted to a week of diving and culinary delights. If you are not CCR certified – you can do a try dive on a unit to check it out! What a great log book entry!

Tek Week will not only be a great week of diving, but you will be able to dive with some of the leading experts in the field! There are a number of  sponsors coming to the event to dive with you, entertain you with their knowledge, reward you with give-away items and a great raffle too!

While there are both open circuit and rebreather divers on the trip, you will find a number of different rebreathers in use and on display at TEK WEEK including the Classic KISS, Discovery MKVI , Evo, Evo+, GEM, Inspiration, Megalodon, Optima FX, rEvo, Sentinel, Sport KISS and the Titan.

To find out more, contact Ann Keibler.

Diving Style: Recreational, Technical, Rebreather

Dry Tortugas – September 11-15, 2012

The Florida Keys are littered with hundreds of wrecks. Some succumbed to weather, others to war. Still more have come to rest on the bottom at the hands of our own Navy, and a few as intentional artificial reefs. The deep wrecks around the tip of the Florida Keys offer spectacular diversity of vessels, history and wildlife in the warm, clear waters of south Florida.  The M/V Spree runs multi-day charters to the deep wrecks of Tortugas Bank and the Florida Keys.  Some of the wrecks being visited on this srip will be the Rhein, the Araby Maid and U2513, depending on weather.   Start here to book your space on this amazing trip.

Diving Style: Technical, Rebreather

Belize Live-Aboard- September 22-29, 2012

Join Dive Mom as she leads a group of divers to explore the best diving Belize has to offer aboard a luxery dive vessel.  Visit sites along Turneff Atol, Half Moon Caye and Lighthouse Reef Atoll.  Experience the wonder of these beautiful reefs including the famous Blue Hole.  Hurry, the trip is filling fast.  Contact Dive Mom for more information!

Diving Style: Recreational

Dive Diva Trip to Cozumel – October 19 – 23, 2011

Diving with the girls in style…ladies you want to join this group of seasoned and new divers as they head to the Intercontinentla hotel in Cozumel for a trip of diving, spa treatments, relaxing on the beach and dining in town.  You will enjoy two dives in the morning and relaxing afternoons by the pool or the beach.  There is shopping in town and nightly excursions to some of Eric’s favorite resturants.  You do not want to miss this.  Call Dive Mom now or send her an email message!

Diving Style: Recreational, Rebreather

Cozumel – November 30 – December 4, 2012

Thanksgiving is over and the holiday season is just getting started. Cozumel offeres the ideal way to re-charge your batteries before heading into the holiday season. The diving here is spectacular and only 2 1/2 hours out of Houston. To find out more, contact Ann Keibler.

Diving Style: Recreational, Technical, Rebreather

Coming in the future…

• Solomon Islands – Fall 2013

• Antarctica – 2016

More Travel Opportunities throughout the year…

Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys

The M/V Spree operates out of Key West and takes divers to the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys.  Home of some spectacular diving and beautiful water, this is the best kept secret in the United States.  Join Captain Frank, Melanie and the rest of the crew as they introduce you to some fantastic diving!

Yes, anytime you want to go diving the process is simple and easy!!!   Remember The M/V Spree is now rebreather friendly for both recreational and technical trips. 

Wrecks and Reefs of the Florida Keys

Imagine diving some spectacular wrecks and reefs, just a short boat ride away from shore.  This is diving in the upper keys.  Conch Republic Divers would love to show you the wrecks just out of their backyard. You can link right in to their booking system and find a trip that works into your schedule.   They can even arrange for some wonderful condominiums for you and your family to stay in.  If you call them, please tell Cartain Gary that your friends at Oceanic Ventures suggested that you call.

Conch Republic Divers is rebreather friendly.

Diving and Travel Insurance

None of us plans things to interrupt our vacations or our planns for some time away but sometimes things happen.  For this reason, Oceanic Ventures has identified some excellent insurance programs for divers.

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The DiveAssure association offers the diving community the best diving accident and dive-travel programs, including the Diamond – the only comprehensive dive-travel program available in the United States. As an established leader in diving accident medical coverage and travel protection, DiveAssure is dedicated to providing the best care for its members. All DiveAssure programs are primary and include 24/7 travel and medical emergency assistance services.

DiveAssure offers both certified divers – either on a diving vacation or when diving locally, and diving students, a variety of programs designed to meet their needs. Open water students can register right away for any of the annual programs or choose Student Membership and upgrade to one of the DiveAssure annual programs upon certification.

This coverage is similar to the DAN insurance coverage but with more features.

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Travel insurance offers travelers coverage for unforeseen problems, from a cancelled flight to a serious illness—or in rare cases, even an act of terrorism or the financial default of a travel supplier. If an illness, accident, or other covered unforeseen circumstance forces a traveler to cancel or interrupt their travel plans, they face two potentially major financial losses—money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments and medical expenses that in many instances may not be covered by health insurance.

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To find out about these fine programs click on the logos to the left or contact the staff at Oceanic Ventures.

Trip Insurance is always recommended as trip price and availability subject to change due to changes in taxes, government policies, and airline schedule changes.  Full fees are due in full at the time of booking, even if payment program is offered.  Trip insurance is recommended as all deposits are non-refundable unless the trip runs full and a qualified replacement is found.

Other Travel Information

New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere

Travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States.  This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports.   This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States.  Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

See the US Department of State travel requrements notice here