Nearly 2 million seabirds breed on this tiny island group in the centre of the Pacific Ocean including the world’s largest colonies of Laysan and Black-footed Albatross. Closed to the public for many years the US Fish and Wildlife service re-opened the area in 2008 for a very few lucky people. We have again a limited number of small group departures at the end of 2009 and throughout 2010. The avian spectacle that is offers is simply second to none, with point blank views of almost everything!

 

The atoll consists of three small islands and a shallow white sand lagoon, sheltered from the open ocean by a coral reef with pristine turquoise waters. In addition to the breeding seabirds and visiting shorebirds (including Bristle-thighed Curlew and Wandering Tattler) it is also home to the endemic Hawaiian Monk Seal, Pacific Green Turtles and is frequently visited by Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, plus offers superb snorkelling with a myriad of colourful tropical fish. Strict rules apply to access ashore, all to protect the wildlife of course and our small group trips also allow an opportunity to assist the scientists and staff in their ongoing work for those that wish. In addition to the fore mentioned two species of North Pacific albatross, Midway also sometimes hosts Short-tailed Albatross, in 2008, a non-breeding sub-adult pair were present throughout most of March, and were seen displaying to each other, hopefully in preparation for future breeding. In 2009 up to 5 birds were seen, the last during March. Christmas Shearwater and Grey-backed Terns return to breed from March onwards on Eastern Island, which you will visit at least once during your stay. Clouds of Red-tailed Tropicbirds fill the skies in spring with their raucous calls and display flights. Another global goodie is of course the re-introduced Laysan Teal, now successfully breeding. November to July is the peak albatross breeding season and March/April time offers the highest variety and numbers of breeding seabirds of all. The days pass very quickly as you walk amongst the thousands of displaying young albatrosses and fluffy chicks waiting for their parents to return from the ocean with more food. In fact, when you look out of your room window, you will see courting and nesting albatross’s everywhere and as you lay in your bed you can hear them calling and bill clacking as you drift off to sleep. As dusk descends, so do the Bonin Petrels, returning from the sea in their thousands, yet another amazing sight.  A veritable paradise for photographers, videographers, remote island and seabird fanatics alike.

 

Our trip report from our March 2009 visit is on our website or available from us.

 

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Breeding seabirds of Midway Atoll

 

Laysan Albatross

Black-footed Albatross

Christmas Shearwater

Wedge-tailed Shearwater

Bonin Petrel

Red-tailed Tropicbird

White-tailed Tropicbird

Brown Booby

Masked Booby

Red-footed Booby

Great Frigatebird

Brown Noody

Black Noody

Sooty Tern

Gray-backed Tern

White Tern

 

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Itinerary

Day 1: Fly Honolulu to Midway (special charter flight, 4.5 hours duration).

Days 2 – 7: Guided wildlife and historical sites excursions. Weather permitting, at least one visit will be made to nearby Eastern Island. One boat based snorkelling trip and unlimited beach snorkelling. Optional participation in service projects (eg beach litter clean-ups, seabird counts etc). Plenty of free time too, to take photos or just enjoy!

Day 8: Return flight Midway to Honolulu.

 

Note: The flights arrive and depart after dark on Midway, to minimise disturbance to the seabirds.

 

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Holiday Information

Dates:	2009 30th November – 8th December & 7th – 15th December
	2010 22nd – 29th March, 19th – 26th April, April 26th – 3rd May, 3rd – 10th May, 10th – 17th May and 6th – 13th December.
Naturalist:	Wayne Sentman or Breck Tyler.
Price :	2009 £3399 per person sharing a twin room with private facilities.
	2010 £3489 per person sharing a twin room with private facilities.
Single supplement:	£315.
Deposit:	£500
Max group size:	15 plus naturalist/guide.

Price includes: Return economy class charter flights Honolulu – Midway Atoll, 7 nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities, guided excursions as per itinerary including services of naturalist guide throughout (transportation by golf cart), two boat excursions, all meals on Midway, water, juices, tea and coffee, taxes and fees.

Price excludes: Flights UK - Honolulu, fuel surcharges if levied, pre/post hotel in Honolulu, travel insurance, other drinks, gratuities and other items of a personal nature. Golf Carts may be rented for US$25 per day, Bicycles for $5 a day. Snorkel gear can also be rented if required.