Off The Beaten Path

COVID UPDATE: We hope you are all managing to stay safe and healthy during this worldwide pandemic. It is fair to say that no one and no part of the world has been left untouched by the events of the last few months. We understand the uncertainty generated by COVID 19. Even without considering the reasonable fear people have of contracting a potentially serious disease, the border issues and quarantine requirements have complicated the travel situation. It is not reasonable for anyone to have to be subjected to a 14 day quarantine either going to the dive destination or going home to wherever. We agree even the trip of a lifetime is not worth losing your job. In addition, for those of us from the US, our lack of control of the outbreak has led to many countries barring us from entry. A different, but related, concern.

We are working diligently with our amazing partners around the world to keep up to date on the developments worldwide. While we have had to reschedule trips into 2021 and 2022, the dates have all worked out for both the divers and the destinations so very few people have had to cancel out right. We certainly appreciate your understanding and flexibility while we all adjust to a new reality.

Right now, we are looking to the balance of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. Given the volatility of the situation, it is impossible to say what will happen for sure. It appears more countries are discussing implementing a requirement for a negative COVID test (either to be done on site or within 48-72 hrs. of flight departure) which would help us begin to travel again. Others are closing down again or delaying opening up as they look to see the fate of other countries.

Just recently, a potential breakthrough was announced of an accurate 1 minute breathalyzer type test for COVID. This would allow people to be tested prior to boarding a plane and prior to boarding the ship at the very least. If approved by the US FDA, this is likely to be in place in at least some countries by winter. Of course, while availability is likely to be an issue, we have a fair possibility of a vaccine by the end of the year. Both developments are game changers and would likely allow a resumption of relatively normal travel. With all of this going on, we are in a holding pattern for the next 30-60 days while the various health organizations and countries evaluate the rapidly changing situation.

At this point, our vendors have implemented a policy of providing 100% credit to anyone who has paid for a booking on a trip but cannot go due to border restrictions. Of course, that policy would also apply any time an entire expedition is postponed due to a Covid related issue. You could also apply that credit to any of our other future Blue Green Expedition trips regardless of the destination. In addition, if the expedition is rescheduled for a later date and you decide not to go, Blue Green will offer you a full refund minus credit card processing fees in lieu of a credit. We would hopefully then be able to fill your spot. We hope this will allay some of your understandable caution with booking future travel.

SO WHAT’S COMING UP!

Like us, you are probably very anxious to get back to exploring the world, especially the underwater world. With that in mind, here are a few special opportunities on some upcoming trips as well as a summary of our upcoming expeditions in 2021 and for part of 2022. As you can see from this flyer of current trips many of our upcoming trips in 2021 and even in 2022 are full or almost full. As one of our best customers and traveling companions, we wanted to make sure you had the first opportunity to book the remaining spots before advertising this on a wider basis. So please take a look and let us know what you think about heading to……