Hi all,
Following on from the announcement today highlighted on the front page of Wetpixel, I was wondering if there is anybody here who is 'in the know' about what is happening regarding Guadalupe this shark season.
Basically, I'm booked on the Nautilus Belle Amie this September, in what is a bucket list trip for me and Mrs P both turning 50. We've based a whole trip around this going to San Diego, LA and Vegas afterwards - places we would not normally go to but thought we might as well do for something different as we're over on the US west coast anyway.
I had no idea Guadalupe had been closed early season and a couple of weeks ago my final payment was due, so I tried to do it online but Nautilus website said they were not accepting payments - no other explanation.
Eventually I rang the office and was told they were changing their payment system and I could pay in a week and my trip was safe - nothing else mentioned.
Still, a couple of weeks later I cannot pay, then today I see the announcement by Horizon Charters, so I check Nautilus' website and see I can pay for other trips so they must be taking payments, but I still cannot pay my balance.
I ring again and am eventually told there is an ongoing court case and they are hoping for an answer by 19th August, but I can always defer my trip but not have a refund. I was told the payment issue was about a month ago which would have been before I made the first call. Somebody somewhere being a little economical with the truth.
To say I'm unhappy with the lack of communication and transparency is a huge understatement - I'm still hoping I get to go on a beautiful boat and see some majestic sharks, but I have my doubts.
So - does anyone have any insider knowledge of the likelihood of the area being open anytime soon?
cheers
Mike
