Sea of Cortez Photoquest Expedition with Martin Edge

Learn from a professional and capture superb wide-angle images in Baja California

Saturday 29th September - Sunday 7th October 2001 (9 days)

Group Size Limit: 17 divers plus leader

Martin Edge is widely acknowledged as one of our leading underwater photographers and is probably the finest teacher of underwater photography skills in Britain today. His students range from those who have just acquired their first underwater photography equipment and are keen to master the art of underwater photography to those who are professional photographers still striving to perfect their skills. Martin's Photoquest Expeditions combine the stimulus of diving with a group of like-minded people who constantly discuss and exchange ideas on underwater photography with continuous input from Martin in superb diving locations. Martin Edge's remarkable teaching skills are amply demonstrated by our Divequest Gallery. Most of the photographs included in the gallery have been taken by photographers who have studied with Martin. The standard of their work speaks for itself.

The Sea of Cortez, opening onto the Eastern Pacific, reaches the peak of the diving season in late September/early October. With luck the Whale Sharks will be around, the Manta Rays will be friendly and the schools of Scalloped Hammerheads not too deep. However, the Sea of Cortez boast much more than that, with many of the species likely to be encountered being completely new to anyone who has not had the privilege of diving at Cocos Island or in the Galapagos. The Pacific Seahorse (which grows to 24 centimetres in length), the Giant Hawkfish (which can grow to half a metre) and the unusual Cortez Angelfish are all species that will provide truly spectacular and unusual subjects for photography. To add to the menu of attractions are the friendly California Sealions that simply love underwater photographers! This is an expedition where the wide-angle lens should most definitely be packed.

This special group trip will give participants the opportunity to have three boat dives daily. Opportunities for snorkeling with Whale Sharks will be offered whenever these wonderful creatures are located.

Please note: As Martin uses his own 'think and consider' approach to underwater photography it is essential that clients wishing to apply for places on the Sea of Cortex Photoquest Expedition must have attended one of Martin's weekend courses in the UK. Details of these courses can be obtained by contacting the Divequest office.

Itinerary

Saturday 29th September: British Airways morning flight bound for Los Angeles, arriving in the afternoon. Connect with Aero California early evening flight to La Paz. Transfer to La Concha Beach Resort.

Sunday 30th September-Friday 5th October: Six days of diving in the Sea of Cortez with three boat dives daily.

Saturday 6th October: Transfer to La Paz Airport for Aero California afternoon flight to Los Angeles. Connect with British Airways early evening flight to London.

Sunday 7th October: Morning arrival at London (Heathrow).

£1697 (non-divers: £1016) London/London

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Los Angeles/London (Heathrow) by British Airways.

· Scheduled flights Los Angeles/La Paz/London by Aero California.

· Airport transfers in La Paz.

· 7 nights room-only accommodation on a twin/share basis at La Concha Beach Resort.

· 6 days of diving (3 boat dives daily), dive guide, cylinders and weights, plus opportunity to snorkel with Whale Sharks whenever possible, with the Cortez Club.

· Services of Martin Edge as group leader.

Single Occupancy Supplement: £161. Please note that, while we will endeavour to find a room-mate for those on the expedition who are travelling alone and would prefer to share accommodation, in the event of a rom-mate not being available the full single room supplement will apply. Room-mates will be allocated on a first-come first served basis.

Deposit: £300

For details of the diving, accommodation and flights, please see the Sea of Cortez entry earlier in this brochure.

Note: Flights to and from La Paz are operated daily so it is quite simple to extend your holiday if you wish. Why not stay on for a few days and put into practice what you have learned?