Date of Retreat:
November 6-12, 2011
* Snorkel Practice for beginner snorkelers only - 2pm, November 6
* Orientation and Gathering - 3:30pm November 6
* Retreat ends November 12 at 11:30am (check-out noon)

Place:
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Big Island)
96740

Travel Information:
Please make your flight reservations to the Kona, Keohole Airport on the Big Island of Hawaii. Transportation is included in the retreat fee during the retreat. You may take a taxi to the resort from the airport (about 25 minute ride) You may wish to reserve a ride with Speedishuttle 877-242-5777 www.speedishuttle.com.

If you wish to arrive three days before or stay three days after the retreat at the resort, please contact the resort guest manager, Diana Pai at 808-324-2501 or email her at <diana.pai@outrigger.com> and tell her you are with the Dolphin\Spirit Retreat November 6-12 to get the retreat rate of $129 plus tax (partial ocean view room.)

If you would like to stay at a less expensive hotel before or after the retreat, we have arrangements with the Kona Seaside Hotel for a rate of $74 per night double occ plus tax. We have to make that reservation for you so let us know. Email dolphins@dolphinspiritofhawaii.com

The retreat ends on Saturday, November 12 at 11:30am. Check out is noon. Please allow time for check-out at noon and the ride to the airport, which is about 25 minutes. The recommended time for arrival at the airport is 90 minutes before your flight.

Snorkel Practice:
If you have never snorkeled before, we will provide snorkel practice for you before the 3:30pm orientation gathering. Check in is at 3pm at the resort but we most probably be able to have an early check-in at 1:30pm. If you will be doing snorkel practice, you will need to be in the lobby of the resort by 2:00pm to meet Doug with your swim suit on, a cover-up, beach towel and snorkel, mask and snorkeling fins. You may rent these at the small Kona Surf School near the resort (directions below.) If your guest room is not ready, you can leave your luggage at the front desk and use the resort hospitality room to get your swim suit on.
For gear rental: Kona Surf School - north of the resort: take a left turn onto Alii Drive from the resort and walk north about 1/8 mile (about two blocks.) You will see on the right the Kona Surf School with orange building and green trim. Rent your gear there for $8.75 per day. You will only need the gear for snorkel practice as there is free gear available on the boat each day.

Registration:
The non-refundable deposit is $500 to save your space. The balance for the retreat is due on October 6, 2011. When you register, you will receive an email with a waiver attached. Please fill out, sign and return your waiver to us as soon as you receive your receipt. You can either mail it to us at: Dolphin\Spirit of Hawaii, PO Box 171, Captain Cook, HI 96704, or you can fax it to 808-323-3043.

Cancellation Policy:
There will be no refunds for late arrivals or early departures. In the case of emergency cancellation within thirty days of the retreat, you may apply the cost of the retreat (minus the $500 non-refundable deposit) towards another Dolphin\Spirit Retreat in Hawaii within a twelve month period.

Snorkel Gear:
Bring your own gear if you have it. The boat provides mask, snorkel and fins that are good for free, but if you wish to rent your own gear for the week you can rent it right near the resort (see "for gear rental" above) Corrective lens masks are available.

Seasick?
If you tend to get seasick, we recommend the over-the-counter drug, Bonine. It tends to be better for drowziness than Dramamine. Best to take one tablet before bed the night before the boat swims, and then take one tablet an hour before going on the boat. Or bring a medicated patch from your doctor. Also eat a light breakfast ... no fat, eggs or fruit. Cereal or toast is best.

What to bring: Pack lightly ... casual Hawaii
One or two sundresses or nice shorts & shirts
Bathing suits (2) and cover-up
One long sleeve shirt, one sweater
One long pants
Journal to write in
Warm sweatshirt and/or windbreaker jacket
Sandals and sneakers (rubber thongs for boat)
Hat or visor and sunglasses
Sun block
Socks to wear with fins (thin cotton or snorkel socks)
Beach towel and daypack or day bag for boat
Small flashlight
Optional: camera, wet suit, binoculars, mosquito repellant

Notes:
*There are no guarantees of dolphin swims, however, we have a 98% chance each day to have a wonderful dolphin swim. Since these are wild dolphins, we cannot predict how they will behave in any given moment. We respect their home and will be teaching you dolphin etiquette when here.

*We encourage an alcohol-free environment during the retreat. At the Luau on the last evening, free mai tai's, wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks are included in the Luau ... that is fine that night.

*If you are coming alone, we will find a roommate for you if possible. If not possible because of uneven registrations, you will need to pay the single supplement of $400.

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