Odyssey Programs Scuba, Sailing, Marine Biology

Odyssey Expeditions Summer 2008 Programs

Odyssey Expeditions Adventure Programs in the British Virgin Islands offer the broadest range of adventure, sail and scuba training, and marine biology discoveries aboard fast, safe, and comfortable catamarans. Programs for teen and college student groups are on separate catamarans so that everyone is with their own peers. No experience is necessary for the Discovery programs, or advance your sailing and scuba skills on an Advanced Adventure. For those ready to become dive professionals, go Adventure Pro and earn the PADI Divemaster rating. All programs include exciting specialty scuba training like Night Diver and Wreck Diver. Join us on our 14th year of exploring the BVI’s!

DISCOVERY VOYAGES- For those without prior scuba experience, this program features sail training, PADI Open Water and Advanced scuba certifications, and marine biology. Initial dive training takes place with small groups in shallow, calm, and clear waters and progresses at your own pace. After certification, explore the spectacular walls, pinnacles, seamounts and shipwrecks throughout the archipelago. You will begin advancing your diver education with exciting night dives and learn about the underwater realm during underwater naturalist dives. Marine biology activities, water sports, and island adventures enhance your voyage.

PADI Open Water Diver

PADI Advanced Diver

PADI Night Diver and Underwater Naturalist

Underwater Environmental Service Projects

20+ Dives, 3 Scuba Certifications

Sail Training and Seamanship

Watersports- Skiing, Boarding, Kayaking

Island Exploration, Rainforest Treks

Marine Biology Programs

BVI Discovery I	June 15-	July 5	21 Days $4990
BVI Discovery II	July 7-	July 27	21 Days $4990
BVI Discovery III	July 29-	August 18	21 Days $4990

ADVANCED ADVENTURE VOYAGES- Exciting scuba-intensive learning adventures for those who already have their Open Water Diver certification. Whether novice or advanced, this program builds upon the skills of all divers. Students may earn Advanced and Rescue Diver certifications and choose from a broad selection of specialty diver certifications. Get ready to explore spectacular shipwrecks, reefs, walls and pinnacles. Advanced Adventure voyages feature our marine biology and sail training programs, with an emphasis on diving and maximum scuba certifications to earn the prestigious and distinctive PADI Master Diver certification.

PADI Advanced Diver

PADI Rescue Diver

PADI Specialties

Underwater Environmental Service Projects

20+ Dives, 5 Scuba Certifications

Sail Training and Seamanship

Watersports- Skiing, Boarding, Kayaking

Island Exploration, Rainforest Treks

Marine Biology Programs

BVI Advanced Adventure I	June 15-	July 5	21 Days $4990
BVI Advanced Adventure II	July 7-	July 27	21 Days $4990
BVI Advanced Adventure III	July 29-	August 18	21 Days $4990

ADVENTURE PRO VOYAGES- Take the challenge of becoming a dive professional. This intensive program leads to professional membership as a Divemaster with PADI. Sailing with the Discovery voyage participants, you will have hands-on training with students in confined and open-water environments. This is an excellent opportunity if you are considering a career in the diving industry as it exposes you first hand to the operation of a PADI training facility. Our instructors work closely with you to develop your supervision skills and diving knowledge to prepare you for working as a divemaster or taking the PADI Instructor Development Course. During your training, enjoy lots of awesome extracurricular dives as well fully participating in our sail training and marine biology programs as well as earning your choice of PADI specialty certifications.

PADI Divemaster

PADI Night Diver and Specialties

Underwater Environmental Service Projects

30+ Dives, 3 Scuba Certifications

Sail Training and Seamanship

Watersports- Skiing, Boarding, Kayaking

Island Exploration, Rainforest Treks

Marine Biology Programs

BVI Adventure Pro I	June 15-	July 5	21 Days $4490
BVI Adventure Pro II	July 7-	July 27	21 Days $4490
BVI Adventure Pro III	July 29-	August 18	21 Days $4490

S.E.A. Voyages (Service, Education, and Adventure in the Windward Islands)

Fascinated with the tropical reefs and marine creatures or interested in a career in the marine sciences? S.E.A. (Service, Education and Adventure) Voyages are a unique opportunity to earn environmental service hours and college credit while adventuring throughout the amazing Windward Islands archipelago. S.E.A. voyages offer you a great opportunity to learn about marine biology, sailing, and scuba diving, and make the most of your summer on a rewarding and educational adventure of a lifetime!

SERVICE: These voyages focus on coral reef related environmental service throughout the Windward islands. Working with the marine parks and international monitoring organizations, we conduct surveys on wild dolphin populations in Martinique, coral health assessments in St. Lucia's Marine Park, coral reef fish counts and project Reef Check in Dominica and St. Vincent, and assist sea turtle population rehabilitation efforts in Bequia.

EDUCATION: Coral reef biology and ecology accredited education programs. Discover the deeply interconnected ways the coral, invertebrates, and fishes work together in amazing efficiency. Aboard your vessel are microscopes and lab equipment and a staff of enthusiastic marine biologists ready to teach you how to collect scientifically sound ecological data as you explore your interest in a science career or just enjoy learning about the unique aspects of the reefs creatures. Learn to identify the top 25 corals and their common ailments as well as over 100 fantastic fishes in preparation for conducting biodiversity surveys of the reefs for the Reef Check initiative and add to the project REEF database. During this process you will learn about coral aggression, learn to treat coral Black Band disease, and discover the different coral growth forms. The behaviors of coral reef fishes are as vivid as their colors, and you will learn about their unique methods of mate selection and attraction, avoiding predation, and finding and obtaining dinner. A big part of the protection of these beautiful coral reef communities is through the conservation efforts of the marine parks of the islands. The marine parks provide safe havens from the effects of fishing and commercial utilization of the reef's resources, but the park systems are limited in scope due to economic challenges of the islands. We assist the local marine park rangers to conduct surveys assessing the health of the reefs and compare survey results to those taken outside of the marine park protected zones. You develop your skills in implementing the accepted protocols and methods of conducting field surveys to assess the health of fish, coral, and dolphin populations. All educational programs are taught in a very hands-on approach to learning in which you gain knowledge by doing, seeing and experiencing.

ADVENTURE: Sailing throughout the archipelago, diving the coral walls, pinnacles, and reefs, exploring shipwrecks, hiking through the rainforest jungles, exploring volcanoes, refreshing in hot spring waterfalls and experiencing the culture and beauty ashore is sure to satisfy the explorer within you. We do a lot of diving, and you can earn multiple PADI scuba certifications including Advanced, our distinctive Research Diver plus Night Diver and Underwater Photography. We live aboard sailing catamarans and sail the blue passages between the islands with you as the crew, learning to raise and lower the sails, navigate, be the helmsman, and drop the anchor. We explore the beaches but save plenty of time for volleyball, wakeboarding, and sea kayaking.

PADI Advanced Diver

PADI Research Diver and Photo specialty

Underwater Environmental Service Projects

20+ Dives, 3 Scuba Certifications

Sail Training and Seamanship

Watersports- Skiing, Boarding, Kayaking

Island Exploration, Rainforest Treks

Marine Biology Academic Credit (2 hours option)

North SEA I	June 20-	July 3	14 Days $3790
St. Lucia and Martinique Education and Environmental Service Focus Coral, Marine Invertebrates and Wild Dolphins
South SEA II	July 5-	July 18	14 Days $3790
St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines Environmental Service Focus Coral Reef Fishes and Sea Turtles
North SEA III	July 20-	August 2	14 Days $3790
St. Lucia and Martinique Environmental Service Focus Coral, Marine Invertebrates and Wild Dolphins
South SEA IV	August 3	August 16	14 Days $3790
St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines Environmental Service Focus Coral Reef Fishes and Sea Turtles

North I South II SEA Combination	June 20-	July 18	29 Days $6490
St Lucia, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent, the Grenadines 40+ dives, 4 hour academic credit option, 40 hours environmental service
North III South IV SEA Combination	July 20-	August 16	28 Days $6490
St Lucia, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent, the Grenadines 40+ dives, 4 hour academic credit option, 40 hours environmental service

SEA Voyages have separate vessels for Teens and College Students
Earn up to 20 hours environmental community service credit
Optionally register for 2 hours college credit with Texas Tech University (+$220 per credit hour) per voyage

Adventure

Marine Biology

Scuba

Sailing

Virgin Islands

Windward Islands

Programs

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How to Sign Aboard For A Voyage of Discovery!

First: Select the program and date for which you wish to participate and call Odyssey Expeditions at (800)929-7749. We will discuss your program options with you and confirm berth availability for the program and date selected. Place your $1000 voyage reservation deposit either online via credit card or by mail via check. Availability is on a first come basis and we maintain a waiting list. Berths are only held with receipt of deposit. Please note that active exercise-induced asthma is a contra-indication to participation in scuba diving activities. Place your berth deposit online
with a credit card

Second: Submit your application via mail attaching a photograph. Download an adobe pdf of the application here < Odyssey Voyage Application > and pay tuition balance by check via mail within two weeks of enrollment and placement of voyage deposit.

Third: Upon receipt of your application Odyssey Expeditions will confirm your reservation and answer any remaining questions you may have. We will then send you a registration packet containing further voyage information (Clothing list, travel details), medical forms, diver training releases and a student code of conduct agreement.

Fourth: Make your travel arrangements. Call the Moorings Travel Desk at 800-535-7289. Plan to arrive in the afternoon on the start date and depart early in the morning on the end date.

Terms and Agreements

The following terms and procedures will be applied in order to allow sufficient time to meet the unique charter requirements of offering and joining an expeditions.

Enrollments are continuous until all berths are filled. Full tuition is due April 1st. Published tuition prices reflect a 3% cash/check discount, if you need to pay with Visa or Mastercard the cash discount will not apply. If you do not pay the remaining balance on time your berth will be subject to forfeiture to another applicant. Payments are non-refundable and no tuition refunds shall be made in the event of your cancellation, non-arrival, or dismissal for any reason.

All participants are required to carry dive accident insurance, such as that offered by the Divers Alert Network.

Tuition covers all program expenses including: educational programs in biology, PADI scuba training and certifications, use of scuba and program equipment, watersports, food and berth aboard the yacht, diving, and scheduled shore excursions. Airfare, optional meals ashore, personal purchases, phone calls, medical expenses, and snacks are not included.

Student Understanding

Odyssey Expeditions programs are a multi-faceted educational experience with emphasis on sailing, scuba diving, and marine science as well as teamwork and leadership development. You should expect to be part of the crew upon arrival, and fully participate in all aspects of running your yacht, ready to share in the work of dive preparation, science activities, sailing, cleaning, and meal preparation. Crew rotate onboard job positions daily, contributing positively to the group experience. Evenings are largely devoted to program activities aboard.

The yachts are 'Dry' and 'Zero-Tolerance' is strictly enforced. You are required to maintain an atmosphere of respect with your other participants and staff and to keep your living environment healthy and enjoyable for all. It is expressly forbidden for participants to use or possess tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or non-prescription drugs. Those who violate these rules on conduct, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or those that remain in the company of anyone violating the rules may be immediately dismissed from the program.

The program tone is that of non-competitive group support. Programs are geared for both teens and college students. Yacht and berth assignments are based on age. We have multiple yachts on each voyage and group students such that each yacht has a tight age range. Three to four students of the same-sex are assigned to each cabin, and sleeping accommodations include weatherproof hammocks and sleeping bags for sleeping on deck.

Adventure

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Scuba

Sailing

Virgin Islands

Windward Islands

Programs

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Odyssey Expeditions Contact Information

Call us at 800-929-7749 or 352-400-4076 any day of the week

fax 801-340-5000

Mailing Address:
Odyssey Expeditions
987 N Suncoast Blvd #100
Crystal River, FL 34429

Our office staff is Jon, Jason, Scott and Sara and we look forward to serving you!

Adventure

Marine Biology

Scuba

Sailing

Virgin Islands

Windward Islands

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Specific Information About Our Programs

Activities

Sailing Instruction
Learn to responsibly operate a yacht
Points of sail, knots and splices
Yacht nomenclature
Mechanical and electrical systems
Tacking, reefing, jibing
Navigation, GPS, dead reckoning
Helsmanship, sail trim, boat handling
Rules of the road,
Electronics and radio use
Anchoring, mooring, and docking
Man overboard
Emergency management
Dingy use and outboards

SCUBA Diving & Certifications
20+ or 30+ SCUBA Dives
All diving gear and dive computer included
PADI SCUBA Certifications
PADI Emergency First Responder (Rescue)
PADI Specialties Include Night, Deep, Wreck, Navigation, Naturalist, Underwater Researcher, Underwater Photography, Drift, Fish Identification, Multi-Level Computer

Marine Biology
Featuring hands-on science projects.
Fish and creature surveys for R.E.E.F.
Community service projects

Exploration
Water sports
Water-Skiing
Wake-Boarding
Kayaking
Island exploration
Rain forest treks
Volcano climbs
Bird watching
Local shopping
Parties ashore
Reggae band
Beach bonfire
Restaurants Ashore

Vessels Voyages are conducted aboard the award-winning Moorings Leopard catamarans. These elegantly designed and precision built vessels incorporate safety features, large deck space, a roomy cockpit, light and ergonomic galley, and an enormous transom (for easy entry and exit from the water while wearing scuba gear), with an advanced sail plan that makes them fast and easy to sail. These vessels offer comfortable accommodations, excellent safety and quality construction. The perfect choice for our trips, the catamarans provide a stable platform that allows us to dive in all conditions and have plenty of room to store our gear. Full equipment is provided aboard for each participant and there is no sharing of scuba gear or waiting for your turn to dive. As we dive directly off our yachts, you do not have to wait around for a dive boat to pick you up, allowing you much more adventure.

The Moorings is the charter industry leader with superior customer service, impeccable vessel maintenance, and a commitment to providing the best sailing vacations in the world. No compromise has been made in selecting the Moorings vessels for our programs. Other seemingly comparable monohulls and catamarans honestly do not rise to the quality, spaciousness, stability, comfort, or appropriateness for summer adventure programs that the Moorings vessels provide.

Staff Odyssey Expeditions' instructors and staff are a highly motivated group of young adults dedicated to the education and positive experience of the participants. Many have been with Odyssey for years, including some who started as Odyssey students. They are selected with great care, evaluating their individual areas of expertise and ability to share and work with young adults. Sailing masters hold Coast Guard licenses, SCUBA instructors are experienced in teaching all levels of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses, and biologists have teaching and professional experience. We maintain a 4 to 1 student to staff ratio. All staff are trained in emergency first-aid and all programs have a Emergency Medical Wilderness First Responder. Our staff are the kind of people who work well both one-on-one and in group situations. Each has a genuine interest in the lives of young adults, strong communication abilities, and entertaining approaches. All strive for appreciation of the differences and opinions of each group member. Our core staff work year round with Odyssey developing education programs, others are college professors, live-aboard dive boat captains, biologists, photographers, students, and adventurers.

Safety Safety is the primary consideration in all of our activities. We carefully plan and monitor each activity to ensure the successful accomplishment of our goals. Activities are designed not as high-risk adventures, but rather for the positive growth of our participants, we never sacrifice quality for convenience nor safety for risk. Throughout the year we evaluate how we do our activities and include outside risk-assessment advice to refine our methods. Participants are fully instructed in personal and group safety skills and the use of program and safety equipment. Only high-quality equipment is used for program activities. We maintain a staff to participant ratio of 1 to 4, staff are trained as first aid providers and each program has an Emergency Medical Wilderness First Responder. All staff know how to access and activate our emergency support system. We rigorously follow and uphold all PADI scuba training standards and fully enforce our zero-use alcohol and drug policy.

We have never had an accident requiring extended hospitalization, but outdoor expeditions do have some inherent risks. The forces of nature and the scope of our activities do yield the possibility of an accident even in the best-managed of adventures and no ultimate safety guarantee is possible from any program. While it is not possible to eliminate all potential dangers from our outdoor activities, as scuba diving, sailing, hiking, swimming, climbing and watersports have inherent risks and dangers that can lead to injury, property damage or even loss of life, we do take our safety commitment very seriously and are fully dedicated to the well being of all participants. Our excellent safety record speaks for our active and solid commitment to your incident free adventure. With Odyssey, you will learn to respect and evaluate risks as you learn new skills, allowing you to minimize the risks and make intelligent decisions while functioning as a team member sharing the responsibility for the safety of yourself and others.

Adventure

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Scuba

Sailing

Virgin Islands

Windward Islands

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Commonly Asked Questions

Do I Need Any Experience? No prior sailing or marine science experience is necessary for any of the voyages. For the Discovery Voyages, no prior diving experience is necessary. Participants need to be Open Water certified in order to participate in Adventure or SEA Voyages. For students who are unable to complete their open water training prior to participation in an Adventure or SEA Voyage, a referral from a PADI instructor is sufficient. In this case, students would complete their final open water check-out certification dives upon arrival. Most participants have never sailed a large yacht or participated in marine science activities, and that is o.k. Our skippers and instructors will show you the ropes and guide you every step of the way.

Are the voyages safe? Yes. Safety is at our forefront. Activities are carefully planned and professionally overseen. Having three staff and no more than twelve shipmates to a vessel aids in supervision and leads to a safe, flexible, and fun voyage.

Is airfare included? The programs are all inclusive once you reach us, but airfare and personal spending money for gifts or extra meals ashore is not included.

Do you have any scholarships or financial aid? We do not have scholarships that reduce the cost of the voyage but we do offer a payment plan program that allows you to spread the cost of the voyage out into monthly installments through December 05.

Are the activities challenging? If you can swim and enjoy moderate physical exertion, all activities will be within your abilities. Our instructors will start you off easy and progress your skills as you achieve your goals. All we ask is for your readiness to try new things and participate fully in your groups activities. You will have responsibilities and your willingness to perform them will allow you and your group to have an awesome voyage.

What is the food like? The food is great, by far the best of any of the summer programs- as testimonial by those who have worked or participated in the others. The students are the chefs, and we provide high quality fresh ingredients including familiar fruits and vegetables, and simple to follow recipes. Servings are plentiful, served family style. Healthy snacks and fruits are readily available. Seafood is available- not required.

Are there any additional expenses? No. Tuition is all-inclusive and covers program activities and equipment needs. The fun is included, but personal spending money and airfare are not.

What are 'Full Participatory Trips?' Odyssey Expeditions voyages are designed with the philosophy of bringing together motivated adults who are eager to share their areas of expertise with students who are ready to join in on every aspect of a voyage. Staff are always available for instruction and to ensure safety, but this is not a pleasure cruise or a summer camp. Participants work together as a team in the operation of the vessel, with a daily rotation of positions ranging from skipper of the day, navigator, sail trimmer, chef, divemaster, historian, scientist, to dishwasher. The teamwork required to operate the vessel greatly expands your areas of exposure, allowing you to gain insight into how things work, learn new skills, build leadership abilities, and forge lasting friendships.

Can I sail on more than one voyage? Yes. Consecutive voyages may be combined, allowing for additional certifications and breadth of experience. Discovery + Adventure or Field Studies, or Adventure + Field Studies or Divemaster voyages may be combined and a 6% discount is allowed.

Who will be my shipmates? Participants arrive from near and far, the USA to across the globe. Your shipmates will be a co-ed group close in age to yourself. While most arrive alone, enduring friendships are built upon mutual experiences and cultural appreciation.

What should I bring? All necessary equipment is provided, including scuba gear, safety supplies, and sporting equipment. Only a wet-suit and dive booties need to be supplied (you may bring your own scuba gear, hiking shoes, rain gear, but no cell phones.)

How can I be reached en route? Vessels are equipped with cellular phones as well as radio communication equipment. Parents can call Odyssey Expeditions office throughout the summer to relay any emergency information. Shore visits at selected points allow participants to call home.

How long do we sail each day? Sailing is our means of transport and we will sail between two to four hours a day, with lots of diving, science activities, and water sports to round out the schedule. We do not sail at night and are always within sight of land, but the winds are great and the sailing exciting. In the British Virgin Islands, the waters are mostly protected and seasickness is very rare. The Windward Islands provides longer sailing opportunities with exciting blue-water sailing on inter-island passages.

When did this all begin? Program founder Jason Buchheim's intense interest in marine life led him to earn his scuba instructor qualifications at the early age of 18 and to study marine biology at Oregon State University. He specialized in coral reef fish ecology, particularly the small in size, but big on personality, Blennies. Keen about marine ecology research and an avid scuba diver, Jason combined his avocations in 1993 to share his passions with others. He brings over twelve years experience from 36 voyages and you will still find Jason enthusiastically teaching biology and sailing each summer. He is very devoted to marine biology education and ocean conservation issues and works throughout the year developing educational programs and resources.

How can I find out more? Call or e-mail us, we are happy to discuss in detail all aspects of a voyage. Also, check out our website for extensive photo galleries or post a message in the online forum. Our best testimony comes from our past students, call us and we can get you in contact with alumni.

Section Feature: Extensive FAQs

Adventure

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Sailing

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Windward Islands

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Soundings from Past Participants

"The Best Summer...On the Odyssey voyage I honestly had the time of my life. Every day I think back to my endless experiences in the beautiful realm of blue water and green mountains. My favorite dives are those that I did with Odyssey, and I'll never forget standing at the helm of that beautiful ship, testing her against the wind. The staff is absolutely perfect. I got along great with all of the staff. It really was an experience of a lifetime, and memories of that trip I will cherish forever."
Patrick Gibson, Miami, FL

"I loved everything about the trip and would definitely recommend it to others. Because of this trip, I have grown and matured, thank you for such a life-changing experience."
Andrea Fata, Tallahassee, FL

"Definitely a fantastic voyage. The scuba instruction was excellent with everything catered for, you all did a grand job!"
Sam Baumber, Grantham, ENG.

"Odyssey Expeditions is much more than just learning how to sail or dive, it is about new friendships, sacrifices, teamwork, education and cooperation. I have learned so many new things about life. I am hooked on sailing now and joined the university's sailing team."
Brian Thompson, Charleston, SC

"I had the best time I've ever had. Thank you so much. The trip really made an impact on my life. All of my friends here in California have heard more stories than they could ever want about how much fun I had in the Caribbean. I really loved the diving and learned so much about biology and myself"
Jackie Buhl, Noraga, CA

"I had the time of my life this summer. I think Odyssey Expeditions is the greatest program. I can't even begin to put how much I loved that trip into words. I just know that it was an experience I won't forget."
Susan Schroeder, Columbia, MO

"I learned so much during those three weeks, from scuba diving to sailing to living with others, it was a fantastic trip. The boat was awesome and the staff was friendly and fun. The sailing instruction was excellent and I learned so much."
Katherine Leahy, Toulouse, FR.

"My college awarded me a grade on my credit for the trip, an A!!! So I'm really happy . Thank you for all of your help, I wouldn't have gotten an A without all of you. You can't put a price tag on the memories I have."
Michelle Stuart, Kalamazoo, MI

"The instructors went out of their way to help individuals. I really enjoyed sailing from island to island and thought the entire trip was a very worthwhile experience. I loved getting to know and learning to live with so many different people from all over the world."
Eric Segal, Fort Washington, PA

"I would highly recommend this program to anyone. We feel it was perfect for Paul, a wonderful, learning, fun experience."
Mrs. Cheatham, Piedmont, CA

"The best was the diving and the sailing! I enjoyed every single minute of the trip! I don't think there is room for improvement"
Melanie Morin, CAN.

"The best thing would have to be almost everything. From the diving, to tubing and hiking the volcano. I had a great time in town and would love to do the steel drum dancing again. The diving was way beyond anything I could have imagined!"
Kevin Curtis, Downingtown, PA

"I had the most wonderful time on the voyage. I think my family is getting sick of me talking non-stop about it. Thanks so much!"
Leslie Chadwick, St Louis, MO

Adventure

Marine Biology

Scuba

Sailing

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Windward Islands

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Odyssey Expeditions, 987 N Suncoast Blvd #100, Crystal River FL 34429 800-929-7749 or 352-400-4076