The Largest Carnivore in the World
ON THIS EXPEDITION: Big Animals
Expeditions is teaming up with dive operator Andrew Armour, known to the diving community as the ‘whale whisperer.’ Andrew became friends with the local sperm whales after treating an injured whale he named Scar. Over time, Andrew and Scar grew to trust one another, and in an amazing show of harmony between man and nature, Scar has grown to be comfortable around other humans. Andrew wants to share his encounters with others, and you can join him through this exclusive Big Animals expedition.
General Itinerary
Day 1: DEPART your hometown. ARRIVE Dominica, Melville Hall airport with your detailed arrival information. Big Animals Expeditions will have a transfer waiting for you and bring you to the Anchorage hotel in town for an overnight stay.
Day 2- 8: Eight full days of search after the Sperm whales and all other cetaceans in Dominica’s waters. We will have plenty of water and lunch on board for you.
You will need to bring maximum sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc. We also recommend warm clothing such as long sleeve shirts, warm hat, and waterproof windbreakers, for the 8+ hours per day on board and long distance cruising.
Sea conditions are mostly calm to moderate, with rising wind in the afternoon.
Day 9: DEPART Dominica for home. We will provide you the return transfer to the airport according to your needs.
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Diving gear and equipment
Water temperatures range between 78 – 82F or 23C – 25C.
T-shirts and skin suits are sufficient (3mm shorty
wetsuit at the most). Please also bring a mask, snorkeling fins, and a snorkel or two. There is no need for a regulator and BC. We may rent these locally if necessary.
Camera equipment
We will be only in deep water photographing large wildlife. It is recommended that you bring:
- Wide angle lenses
- Zoom lenses 16mm – 35mm (Canon), 14 – 24mm (Nikon) or fixed lenses such as 14mm (Canon) 15mm (Nikon) 16mm (Fisheye, Nikon) or 15mm (Fisheye, Canon)
- Topside camera, lenses with polorizer filter
- Small pelican case to secure your land camera onboard, space is limited
Clothing
Dress code here is very casual, but please note that it will be hot and humid.
Electricity
To charge your European and USA electronics, you will need to bring an international wall plug converter (which can be found in most airport baggage stores). If you have multiple items that require electrical power, be sure to bring a power strip with you as well.
Medication:
If you are currently taking any medication, please bring enough for the duration of the expedition.
Included in tour price:
- Transfers in and out of Airport and hotels
- Eight days of search and snorkeling with Sperm whales + other cetaceans
- Lunch box and soft drinks
- Tour guide and and photo coaching from Amos
- International airfare
- Meals and drinks which are not specified
- Private transfers
- VISA fee
- Gratuities to crew (US and UK pound widely accepted)
- Items of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry and drinks
Not included in tour price:
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Payment Policy & Deposit:
When we receive your deposit, with your confirmation 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 your reservation is confirmed. All rates are quoted per person in US$, based on twin occupancy.
- A non-refundable deposit of one-third of the total trip price is required to secure a space on the Expedition.
- 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.
For payment, please mail your check to:
Big Animals Expeditions
2000 Broadway, Suite #1204
San Francisco, CA 94115
Information current as of January, 2012. Dates and prices may be subject to change without prior notice.
For Booking and/or further questions, please contact Amos:
Phone: (415) 923-9865
Toll free: 877-229-4253
Email: phototrips@biganimals.com
We look forward to your joining us on this adventure of a lifetime!
To join us, please complete the Registration Form.
