THIS TRIP IS GREAT FOR DIVERS OF ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS!

NEWER DIVERS WILL ENJOY THE Guided dives (with safety diver bringing up the rear),
(RELATIVELY) shallow dives with unique sights to see.

MORE EXPERIENCED DIVERS WILL LOVE THE uniqueness of the trails.

Everyone will love to keep coming back to bonne terre to explore more (and EVEN more unique) trails!

NOTE: this is NOT cave diving.
Although the temperatures will be cold and it may feel like a cave,
there will always be opportunities to surface safely.

See fAQ’S BELOW FOR MORE INFO!

SCUBA DIVING

This unique adventure, can be your "Dive to the Center of the Earth". Bonne Terre Mine, a national historic site, is the world's largest fresh water dive resort. Water conditions remain constant with over 100 foot visibility, Sights include: mammoth architecture, guaranteed year round diving conditions. Cal falls, oar carts, scaffolding, grating, staircases, pillars, slurry pipes, the famed elevator shaft, and much more.

The Billion Gallon Lake is illuminated with over 500,000 watts of lighting, a total of twenty-four dive trails have been laid out in the lake, taking the diver through mammoth archways, past beautiful calcium falls, around gargantuan pillars and to the many abandoned mining artifacts. Depths of the dive tours average between 40 to 60 feet. Divers are toured through the mine in groups of ten by two specially trained dive guides. Super 80 cubic ft. aluminum tanks are provided for each diver. Dive lights are not permitted in the lake, because they detract from the natural beauty of the illuminated surroundings.

Lighting on the rock formations is spectacular. One can descend to 80 feet and look up to see divers silhouetted against a rainbow. Man carved pillars grace the entire Billion Gallon Lake. The 200 foot solid-rock pillar rising from depths and mining artifacts on the walls and floor make for spectacular underwater photography.

NOTE: Bonne Terre Mine is great for non-divers as well!

The mine has underground boat and walking tours! (available for an additional fee)

This is the Worlds Largest Subterranean Lake! A guided tour by boat, of the Billion Gallon Lake with its crystal clear water, and spectacular view of the largest parts of the mine. See the No. 1 Elevator, Submerged Ore Carts, Wrapped Pillars, and Ancient Abandoned Overhead Wooden Cat Walks suspended 50-100 feet above the lake.

TRAVEL DETAILS

THE 1909 DEPOT has been completely restored by its owners, Doug and Cathy Goergens. Careful attention has been paid to retaining the train motif as expressed by the authentic train antiques and memorabilia which the owners have spent countless hours collecting. Here, one finds a 19th century English phone booth, lamps and lamp post, a caboose, dining car, and kitchen car. This is a train aficionado's paradise!

Bonne Terre is the mecca of SCUBA diving, with one of world's largest subterranean lakes, known as Bonne Terre Mine, perfect for "deep-earth diving".

REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(Please submit one registration form per household -max 3 people per registration form)

Waivers and documents

Make sure you fill in the following documents and email them to:
christian@zone-travel.com

TO FILL OUT THESE FORMS YOU CAN EITHER:

1.) Open the form by clicking the button and then type in all of your information.
When you are done, hold (Control + S) or (Command + S) to save the document to your computer. Then you can attach the form to an email and send to christian@zone-travel.com

OR

2.) Open the form by clicking the button and then hold (Control + S) or (Command + S) to save the document to your computer. Then you can fill this out by hand and scan it back in to your computer. Please attach the form to an email and send to christian@zone-travel.com

Dive Insurance

Aquatic Adventures of Ohio requires all divers to have some level of dive insurance to travel on all trips. At minimum, you must have hyperbaric recompression chamber coverage- this may be covered by your current insurance, but if not… you’ll need supplemental dive accident insurance.

NOTE: A DAN membership is separate from DAN insurance.

If you don’t have dive insurance yet, check out the link below for plan options.

Proof of dive insurance will be required prior to departure. If no dive insurance has been purchased/proof provided, AAO reserves the right to cancel your reservation without refund.

F.A.Q.

WHAT TIME IS THE CHECK IN AT THE Hotel?

Check in at your resort will not be until 3pm at the earliest.

• If you arrive early, or your room is not yet ready for you to check in when you arrive, you may be able to leave your bags with the front desk and they will keep them securely held behind the desk while explore the property, eat, relax or explore the area until your room is ready.

What if I need a roommate? 

If you would like to have a roommate but don't not have one identified yet, then we will initially only charge the double occupancy rate. Aquatic Adventures Ohio will work to find you a roommate; however, if a roommate cannot be found then you are responsible for paying the single occupancy rate.

IS BREAKFAST INCLUDED?

One breakfast is included in this package.

Plan ahead! The breakfast included is very basic (muffins/rolls and coffee/juice only).
There are several restaurants in Bonne Terre, MO that will offer a more substantial meal if you prefer.

Do I have to be certified to go SCUBA diving?

Yes, an Open Water Certification is required to go SCUBA diving.

If you are a novice diver, you can still do these dives; however, be mindful that the water temperature hover around 60°F year-round (NO THERMOCLINE). and the air temperatures are a steady 65 degrees year-round. 

Visibility 100+ feet Year-Round.  
Average Length of dives is 35-45 minutes,
Average Depth 40-60 feet. 

This means that you’ll want to make sure to dress appropriately. Cold water temps can be difficult for new divers to adjust to. Talk with your dive instructor to determine if this is a good dive for you.

NOTE: All Trail 1 divers must perform mask clear and “Buddy Breathing” skills. Failure to adequately perform these skills will result in the cancellation of dives. This is a safety precaution required by the Bonne Terre Mine dive shop.

Can I go diving just a few times? Or do I have to dive every day?

The first rule of diving (well, one of the first rules) is to call a dive if you aren’t comfortable. This means that if you have signed up to go diving one day and you don’t feel comfortable, please don’t get in the water.
That said, this is a personal choice and not one that will result in a refund of money.

Per the vendor, all deposits and balances (except Security Deposits) received are non-refundable and non-transferrable for cancellations, aborted dives, no shows, etc.

What are the water temps in the mines?

The water temperature is 60°F Year-Round (NO THERMOCLINE). And the air Temperature in the mines is 65 degrees Year-Round. 

(the local dive shop will have wetsuits available; however, if you prefer to try them on in advance, Aquatic Adventures can assist you with a rental or purchase of a new wetsuit!)

What are the dive conditions like?

The dives are conducted in groups of up to 14 divers. The guide will lead all dives and there will be a safety diver in rear position. The length of the dives is on average 35-45 minutes per dive, and the average depth will be 40-60 feet.
The water temperature is 60°F Year-Round (NO THERMOCLINE). And the air Temperature in the mines is 65 degrees Year-Round. 
Visibility 100+ feet Year-Round. 

What equipment do I have to dive with?

• Full wet suit

• hood

• boots

• gloves

• Regulator with pressure gauge

• Buoyancy compensator

• Weight belt & weights (not included in package price)

Please also plan to bring:

• Dive towel

• Wetsuit hanger
  

What equipment can I NOT dive with?

NO knives or dive lights are permitted 

Camera’s are only allowed after completing dive trail 1.

Is there a locker room?

Yes!

There is a heated / air-conditioned lounge where you can relax between dives.
While on the surface you may remove your wetsuit and hang it in the heated locker room which has vents blowing over drying racks.

Please bring a wetsuit hanger as this is not readily available onsite.

Is there rental equipment available onsite?

Yes!
There will be some gear available for rent onsite; however, If you prefer to rent your equipment from Aquatic Adventures, we have all of the equipment that you will need.

NOTE: Weights are NOT included in this package. You will either need to bring your own or rent them onsite (see below):

Here are the rental prices for gear available onsite at Bonne Terre Mine:

Regulator w/ PSI, Computer & Octopus:  $30.00 - 1 Day | $50.00 - 2 Days

Buoyancy Compensator:  $30.00 - 1 Day | $50.00 - 2 Days

Wet Suit (specify height & weight): $60.00 - 1 Day | $100.00 - 2 Days

Hood:  $15.00 - 1 Day | $25.00 - 2 Days

Weights & Belt (solid weights only):  $30.00 - 1 Day | $50.00 - 2 Days

Rentals For All Above:  $135.00 - 1 Day | $225.00 - 2 Days

Wet Suit Package. (specify height and weight). Includes Wet Suit, Hood, Weights. 

1 Day $90- 2 Days $140

Dry Suit (DUI) (you must be dry suit certified to dive with a dry suit) ($300 deposit for seals required). 1 Day $175- 2 Days $275

Mask, Fins, Boots: (specify shoe size) $45.00 - 1 Day | $65.00 - 2 Days

Gloves: 1 Day- $15  | $25.00 - 2 Days

92 cu ft Tank:$10.00 Per Dive

Nitrox 32 EAN: (must have Nitrox Certification) $15.00 Per Dive

Sidemount (you must be sidemount certified to dive with a sidemount) (xtra Air/Tank)$10 per dive. 2/EAN + Tank $30 per dive

What are the procedures before diving?

• Each morning there will be a Diver Orientation & Dive Briefing in the Dive Shop: Divers will report to our staff at the dive shop prior to unloading gear.

  • All divers must report to the dive shop 1.5hrs prior to each dive time. Failure to report 1..5 hrs prior to dive time can result in forfeiture of dives.

• Upon reporting to the dive staff please provide a sheet of paper with a copy of your driver’s license, certification card and (Nitrox card if purchasing EAN)

• Let the staff know if you need DIN VALVES.

• Dive staff will instruct you as to when you should take your gear underground.

what does the before - between - and after dive procedures look like?

Before dives

• You will change into your wet suit or dry suit then carry your equipment down to the dock.

  • Tanks will be waiting on the dock.

  • If you are renting weights from the mine; the weights are underground next to the dock.

• In between dives all gear will remain underground except for your wet or dry suit which you will wear out of the mine.

In between dives

• In between dives there is a heated / air-conditioned lounge where you can relax between dives.

• While on the surface you may remove your wetsuit and hang it in the heated locker room which has vents blowing over drying racks. Please bring a hanger.

• Most divers get lunch in between their first and second dives. The mine is located 8 blocks from several fast-food establishments. Domino’s delivers to the mine, usually takes about 30 minutes. (lunch is not included in the package price)

AFTER DIVES

• If you are Diving on Sunday hang your suits inside out in the locker room allowing them to be dry in the morning.

• After completing your final dive on Saturday or Sunday you will remove your gear from the mine. Return rental equipment to dive shop.

The Mine Tour Store has souvenirs and refreshments,

Bonne Terre Logbook

Make SURE you log your dives in your logbook.

Return visits to the mine require logbook verification (to show that you have completed trails 1,2,3+).
Divers not able to supply valid logbook verification will:

1. Have to begin diving at trail 1 if space is available

2. Have scheduled dives cancelled with no refund issued.

About the hotel…

Rooms

Rooms 1-4 at the 1909 Depot are located on the second floor.
The Suite is on the 3rd floor.

There are very few triple or quad occupancy rooms available and they are not recommended due to the size of the rooms. That said, if you are comfortable with a small room, and want a triple or quad occupancy, please let us know and we will check pricing and availability.

Deposits

There is a $10 key deposit at the 1909 Depot.

There is also a $50 per person security deposit due onsite at check in.

(Key and towel deposits are refundable at checkout. You must turn in keys and towel to receive the deposits.)
(Security deposits are refunded after the room as been checked by housekeeping on Wednesday following your stay.)

Towels

Towels are to be left in the room. You may NOT use the room towels in the mine.

wetsuits in the room

Don’t do it.
Wetsuits and other wet articles are NOT allowed in the rooms.
Drying areas are provided in the locker rooms on the mine premises. You must provide your own suit hanger.

Checkout time

Checkout at the 1909 Depot is at 12:00pm. The Building is locked up at 12:00pm on Sunday.
Please plan accordingly if you have a late dive this day.

Can I pay by Zelle?

No. The dive shop does not accept payment by Zelle. You can make your payment by credit card which includes a 3% processing fee.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 3% processing fee, you may pay by check. You can drop this off at the front desk of the dive shop or by mailing this directly to the dive shop.

Pricing details

price Per Person: 

DIVER RATES

$805 (double occupancy)
$1,005 (single occupancy)

NON-DIVER RATES:

$355 (double occupancy)
$785 (single occupancy)

We have 1 triple occupancy available for $1515.

*Triple and quad rates are available upon request.

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.

Payments can be made by a credit card which includes a 3% processing fee or by check dropped off to the front desk of the dive shop or mailed directly to the shop.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

• Hotel accommodation

• All diving included in itinerary above

• Most taxes and fees

  • Deposits, Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

NOT INCLUDED

• Diving weights (must bring your own or rent weights onsite)

• 3% processing fee per payment (if paying w/credit card)

• Airfare

• Ground transportation

• Local taxis

• Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)

• Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

  The final price will be on your invoice, please note that the price below is an average price.

  • Worldwide Trip Protector Edge ‘Basic’ (average price of $113 pp)

    • Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Worldwide Trip Protector ‘Premium’ (average price of $154)

    • Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.

SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

There are three payment options available to you. 
*Payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due with initial payment. 

Option 1: Full Payment
(Most affordable overall)
Full payment (plus insurance)- due upon receipt.

*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Option 2: Two Payments
One payment will be due immediately and the second payment will be due no later than 100 days prior to your trip.

(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, for this delayed payment option)
NOTE: Not all insurance policy will allow you to purchase coverage after the initial deposit. It is illegal to purchase insurance with the knowledge and intent that you will be changing or canceling your trip.)

*Please keep in mind, a 3% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

TWO-PAYMENT PLAN:

(price per person)
Due now: $250 + Insurance (suggested)
90 days prior: Remainder due

 

Option 3: Monthly Payments
Payments will be split into the remaining months prior to your trip (ending at 100 days prior to departure)

(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, for this delayed payment option)
*Please keep in mind, a 3% processing fee may be charged at time of paymentif choosing to pay with a credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Split amount due into monthly payments.

• The first payment must be a minimum of $250 + insurance (per person), due upon receipt.

• The remaining payments will be divided by the months- with final payment due 100 days prior to your trip.

REGISTRATION 

• A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)

  • If you have more than 3 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 3 people.

FINAL PAYMENT

• Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

• Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

• Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

• Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

EDGE PLAN:
(BASIC PROTECTION)

Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.

• Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 14 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)

• Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

• Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

• Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection

• Medical and Evacuation coverage 

  
  

WORLDWIDE TRIP PROTECTOR:
(PREMIUM PROTECTION)

Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.

• Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 21 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)

• Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

• Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

• Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection

• Medical and Evacuation coverage