California Diving News - Scuba Travel News August 2005

Passport Requirements Change
The U.S. Department of State has announced major changes to international travel documentation requirements for U.S. citizens. After December 31, 2005, all U.S. citizens returning to the USA from international travel (except Mexico or Canada) will require a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the traveler’s return date to the USA. After December 31, 2006, U.S. citizens traveling to Canada and Mexico will also require a passport. Again, the passport must remain valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the traveler’s return date to the USA.

This represents a major change of policy. In particular, it will impact travelers to the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, where previously a passport had not been required.
A United States Passport is one of the most valuable items you may ever own. As a result of these changes, a wave of new passport applications may be expected to begin shortly. If you do not already hold a valid U.S. Passport, you are encouraged to apply now, and avoid the delays that will follow. Likewise, if your passport will expire within the next 12 months, you would be wise to process your renewal now. For appropriate forms and details of the passport application and renewal processes visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html online.
— from Tom Gorman

Cozumel Octoberfest
Sand Dollar Sports and the Reef Club Cozumel Beach & Dive Resort will co-host its fourth annual Octoberfest this year slated to take place October 22-29th in Cozumel Mexico. “The Ultimate Dive Party” promises to be even more fun and boisterous than last year’s festivities, including “Rupaul Night,” Water Olympics, “Milli Vanilli lip synch night,” “Homemade Bikini Contest” and the Halloween Costume Party finale.

In addition to two-tank dives daily with Sand Dollar Sports on Cozumel’s world class reefs, Island Photo-Video Center, will be conducting its annual Seashots Underwater Photo Competition. Winners will receive prizes supplied by Sea & Sea, including new underwater cameras and digital strobes at the award’s ceremony at week end.

This year’s sponsors include, Mares Diving Equipment, Sea & Sea Photo, Sub-Aquatec, Sherwood Scuba, Diamond International, and several other local businesses and restaurants. Upon arrival, all participants receive Goody Bags, stuffed full of gifts provided by the sponsors of Octoberfest, and participants will compete for prizes that include a variety of quality dive gear, free tours on the island, as well as a (6) 7-night stay, all-inclusive, at the Reef Club Cozumel for 2 people with 5 days complimentary diving with Sand Dollar Sports.

The Reef Club Cozumel Beach & Dive Resort is an All inclusive hotel with over 300 rooms in Mexican Caribbean ambiance. Sand Dollar Sports, the on-site operator for the Reef Club Cozumel, is a PADI 5-star facility with over 18 years of dedication to providing first class service to hotel guests, cruise ship passengers, and the whole diving community here in Cozumel.

Escape Barefoot Travel is offering special packages for this Octoberfest. For more information, visit www.escapebarefoot.com online. For more information on the Reef Club Cozumel Resort, go online to www.reefclubcozumel.com.