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Trips in 2008:
in Niue
Dates: September 2 - 20
Cost: $8,000 per person
Max. No. of Guests: 4
guests
Availability: 4 Spaces Open
* Excluding
airfare. Based on shared accommodation. All flights and expedition
costs are subject to change without prior notice until confirmed
reservation.
About Niue
Niue is located 1800 miles northeast
of New Zealand, 350 miles east north east of Tonga and just 75 miles
to the east of the International Date Line.
Niue is a relatively unfamiliar destination
to most North American travelers, however it is popular among the
Australian New Zealand people. Niue remains an exotic destination
because of it's small size and population of less than 2000 souls,
few flights frequent this community
Since there are no restrictions for interaction with
whales (other than our own), Big Animals Photography Expeditions
once again moves forward to explore this remote island, warm people
and superlative diving conditions. With warm water and 100 feet
plus visibility, you cannot find a location on this planet that
is so inviting.
This itinerary is based on using Air New Zealand.
You are free to make your own travel arrangements that suit your
needs best. There are numerous possibilities for extensions or pre
trip activities in Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
Also, the Niue islanders observe a religious Sunday
very closely meaning work and jobs of all kinds cease on the island.
It is a real Sabbath and it may be addictive. We want you to be
aware of this practice since it is not a well-known fact among the
traveling divers.
Tour Price Includes:
- 12 nights at the Matavai Resort
- Breakfast & Lunch while engage in diving activities
- 9 net days of searching for Humpback Whales
- All free diving services. Weights. Private search
vessel
- Photography seminar- Big Animals and photo coaching
- Only four participants
- All local taxes
Not included in Tour Price.
- International and domestic airfare
- Overweight luggage
- Overnight in Tonga and transfers
- Meals which aren't specified (drinks) + dinners
on Niue
- All transfers and Airport Tax
- Gratuities to the local guides
- Insurance - we strongly recommend you buy your
own travel, health and diving insurance
- Additional costs incurred due to independent
travel arrangements.
Payment Policy & Deposit:
When we receive your deposit, we will
send you a comprehensive and detailed Trip Preparation Bulletin
about the experience and the destination. All flights and trip costs
are subject to change without prior notice until confirmed reservation.
- A non-refundable deposit of $2,700
is required to secure a space on the trip
- Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure.
- We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
- Refund is made if replacement was found less unrecoverable costs of sales, administration special promotion.
- Cancellation must be made in writing, 90 days before departure.
- No refund is made for unused part of the itinerary.
What to Bring Along:
Daytime is warm down under on Niue Islands.
Lightweight cloth, Khakis and jeans are just right. While on boat
warm clothes are always recommended - Polar Tec jacket, raincoat
and windbreaker highly recommended. We will be in Niue during the
end of winter and the start of spring season. Outside temperatures
can be from 77-84 degrees F and windy at times. Water temperatures
can range between 78-80 degrees F. Also recommended is a hat, sunglasses
etc. Please remember all of your medical requirements, bring your
passport and c-card. Phone cards and credit cards are widely accepted
throughout the South Pacific.
Scuba Diving Equipment
You must bring your own exposure suit. We recommend
that you bring either a Skin (Lycra), Polartec or 1/8". Regulator,
mask, fins, BC and snorkel. Weight belt, (weights will be provided)
and ankle weights.
Travel Documents:
US
citizens are required to have a valid passport and round-trip air
ticket.
The following are subject to change:
- Cost of services, which are not included in the
expedition price.
- The vessel may change however, the number of participant
will not exceed 4 divers.
- Weather and water temperature and Humpback Whale
behavior.
- I will confirm and update whatever information
humanly possible 30 days prior to departure.
Information current as of January, 2007. Dates and prices may be subject to change without prior notice.
For Booking and/or further
questions, contact Amos:
Phone: (415) 923-9865
Toll free: 877-229-4253
Email:
We look forward to you joining
us on this adventure of a lifetime!
To join us, please complete the Registration
Form
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Day 1:
Depart USA at on Air New Zealand to Fiji - about
an 11-hour flight during which we will cross the International Date
Line. Date is moved forward by one day since we traveled west across
the International Date Line.
Day 2:
Arrive Nandi, Fiji at 03:00 and connect with
the flight to Tonga at 07:00. Flight time is about 90 minutes. Arrive
Tonga at 09:20 and connect with the flight to Niue at 11:00. Arrive
Niue. We travel east and cross the International Date Line again
so we arrive on the date of Day 1. Niue is located about 75 miles
east of the International Date Line.
Day 3-13:
Start the 9 days of whale watching and free diving.
We will be using a 22 ft semi-rigid inflatable powered by twin 80hp
engines to get close to the whales. Our main goal is to have in-water
encounters with Humpback Whales and Spinner Dolphins. All efforts
will be aimed toward these remarkable moments. We will be in the
boats every day for about six to eight hours for whale watching
and in-water engagements. Although there are eleven days in this
part of the schedule, we will have only nine days on the water.
The native population on the island observes a religious Sunday
and therefore, does not work. The islanders strictly observe this
practice and the visitors may learn to appreciate this opportunity.
Day 14:
Depart Niue at 13:45 and arrive in Tonga at 15:45.
Although this is a short flight of only 90 minutes, we travel west
and cross the International Date Line changing the date to one day
ahead.
Day 15:
Arrive Tonga at 15:45. We will overnight in Nukualofa,
the Capital of Tonga.
Day 16:
Depart Auckland 20:45 to Los Angeles. We cross
the International Date Line again traveling east this time and arrive
Los Angeles 13:35 on the same day.
___________________
A general note: Although
we have reported honestly and accurately about our sightings and
experiences in Niue, we would like to point out that we are working
in the wilderness and despite all of our good intentions and utmost
preparation, Mother Nature may not cooperate with us everyday to
the tee, and the Humpback Whales are not on contract with us. When
we are at sea we are not at Sea World. It is an effort of wait and
see. We trust our previous experiences, and so far our record is
receiving high marks. We believe that with good planning and a realistic
approach, you will have a successful time with us in Niue and with
this great whale - the Humpback.
Information current as of January, 2007. Dates and prices may be subject to change without prior notice.
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