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Snorkeling and Wildlife Photography
Niue, South Pacific

“...There they were. Mother humpback whale and calf  suspended just below the surface in front of us, the mother “standing" almost vertical in the water while her new-born calf rested above her head. Every so often she would push the calf to the surface to breathe. They towered above us, in water of 80-100ft visibility, the mother humpback engaged in her nursing, the calf responding to her every gentle gesture and nudge. And both them were eyeing us as intently as we were them."

There are few places in the world where this kind of mind and soul numbing encounter is possible. One such place lies in the warm, 78 - 80 degree nurturing waters off the remote Island of Niue with visibility well over 100 feet, in this secluded part of the South Pacific Ocean.

We plan to visit Niue during the prime time of year, between August and October, when the magnificent humpback whales arrive to Niue from Antarctica for breeding, birthing, and nursing their young. At this time, it is possible to observe the entire range of humpback whale behavior, from mother and calf interaction, to the sometimes-violent competing behavior of the mature humpback bulls, to breaching and tail slapping. It is impressive to see the juvenile whales practice breaching as they learn form the adult bulls. Even more impressive is the adult bull, usually about forty feet long and forty tons, as it throws itself almost completely out of the water only to crash back down in a spectacular display of foam and spume to impress its female or scare away its competitors.

At such moments, when time seems to stand still and the modern world is very far away indeed, even the most experienced photographer can forget to point and shoot.

The Niue South Pacific Humpback Whales Expedition is limited to 4 guests only in order to better maximize the experience for every participating diver. Taking our cues from the great cetaceans themselves and from Big Animals Photography Expeditions' accumulated knowledge of Humpback Whale behavior, two guests at a time will slip quietly into the water to dive and photograph the whales. As long as the humpback whales are comfortable with our presence (free diving and snorkeling), encounters are continued.

There are several reasons why we will not be scuba diving. Noisy bubbles from scuba will frighten most whales. Scuba tanks are also heavy and often long runs are required for the boat to close in on the steadily advancing cetaceans. When a humpback whale proves cooperative, it is important for the observers to enter the water quickly yet with stealth and agility. Finally, because snorkeling and free diving is employed, these expeditions provide a rare opportunity for all of us, even those who are just swimmers, to join and participate equally. There is no need to be scuba certified or to know how to free dive. With a mask and snorkel, you’ll be able to see it all unfold below you.

Our goal is close encounters and sometimes we dive or swim as close as twenty feet. With underwater visibility exceeding 100 feet, the clear image will be a feast to you heart and eyes.

All this takes place against the background of the Island of Niue, known as “The Rock of Polynesia.” Its rugged coastline gives it a character unlike any other South Pacific island. These massive marine mammals often pass within feet of the shore putting on an impressive show from the island's many vantage points. For keen snorkelers, it’s possible to swim to within 15 – 20 feet of the mothers and calves as they rest in the shallows. (Niue is one of the few places in the world where there are no restrictions on interactions with whales - except the restrictions we place on ourselves for responsible interaction behavior.) Pods of spinner dolphins also inhabit the waters around Niue offering the opportunity to swim with these completely wild creatures.

We will be staying at the Matavai Resort. The Matavai has been chiseled out of the coral limestone rock, thrust out of the Pacific Ocean in prehistoric times.

Niue is one of the world's largest coral islands, with its highest point reaching only 225 feet out of the South Pacific. An island nation of about 1,800 inhabitants, Niue is located east of the Cook Islands and is about 235 miles east of Tonga and 75 miles east of the International Date Line. However, what we see of the island is only the tip of the iceberg as below sea level there is a spectacular, pristine coral formation. All of which is a backdrop for the visiting humpback whales.

Depending on conditions, time, and guests’ desires, visits can be made to deserted coves and isolated caves or to scuba dive Niue’s pristine underwater cavern systems and coral reefs. Despite our excellent history in these waters, if Mother Nature should prove coy, there are ample opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, sightseeing, and photography to please the most discriminating traveler.

TRIP ITINERARY & INFORMATION

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, 2008. 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: 866-423-4383
Email: amos@niganimals.com

EXPEDITION PROFILE

Worldwide Humpback Whale Experience:
17 years

Where:
Niue

TRIPS IN 2008:
in Niue
Dates: September 2 - 20, 2008
Duration: 19 Days
Cost: $8,000 per person
Max No. of Guests:
4 guests only*
Availability: 4 Guests

* Max No. of Guests:
4 guests only
(We guarantee operating each trip with the maximum number of guests. However, when we do not have the full number of guests required, we maintain the right to add few guests on board from other sources.)

Registration:
Deposit of $2,700
Registration form

Sample Airfares:
$1,200 from Los Angeles
 
Facilities:
Matavai Resort, Niue. 22' Semi-rigid Zodiac & twin 85 hp engines

Activities:
Snorkeling
 
Temperature:
In Water: 78-80°F

Air:
77-84° F Windy at times!

U/W Visibility:
100 ft Plus

(Information current as of January, 2006. Dates and prices may be subject to change without prior notice.)

VITAL STATISTICS

Latin Name: Megaptera
novaeangliae

Length & Weight (newborn): 12–15 feet 500kg/One ton.

Length/ Weigh
(Adult): 40-50 feet
35-45 tons.

Lifetime: 90 Years

World Population:
12,000 - 15,000

Distribution: Widely distributed from the Poles to the Tropics

Behavior: Inquisitive,
slow swimmer, breaches, spyhops.

Diving: Usually lasts for 3 and up to 10 minutes to a depth of 300 feet. Sometimes up to 45 minutes.

Group Size: 1, 2-3 up to 15

Diet: Krill and small fish

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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.

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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.