|
WildWings, 577 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3AF.UK
|
|
Follow in the footsteps of Cook, Cousteau and Gauguin, and explore remote tropical islands in the southeast Pacific Ocean, enjoying much-desired seabirds in-between. Henderson, Murphy’s, Herald, Phoenix and Kermadec Petrels head the cast of tubenoses whilst Henderson Island Crake and Fruit Dove are some of the single island endemics you may see ashore. Add Bristle-Thighed Curlew and the unique Tuamotu Sandpiper and you have a trip offering some really class birds, set in stunning surroundings and whilst traveling on an extremely comfortable ship, the Clipper Odyssey. First visited by WildWings back in 1997, the expedition team will include Greg Homel, who will lead the birding activities and there will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural history under the sea, by joining the ship’s snorkeling programmes throughout the voyage. Marvel at a kaleidoscope of fish amidst unspoiled coral atolls and reefs.
This journey starts from Easter Island with it’s iconic Moai stone heads. We sail west towards the rarely visited islands of Ducie, Henderson and Pitcairn and plan to land on all three. We shall also search for the Stephen’s Lorikeet, Henderson and Pitcairn Reed-Warblers whilst enjoying the seabirds between and around the islands. They could include Tahiti, Bulwer’s, Black-winged and White-naped Petrels, Christmas Shearwater, Polynesian and White-bellied Storm-Petrels, Tropical and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, tropicbirds, Great and Lesser Frigatebirds, boobies, Little White (Marquesas) and other terns plus Blue-gray and other noddies. As we sail further east, we will visit the azure lagoons of the Tuamotus, and make an expedition landing for the endemic sandpiper plus the forested pearls of the Marquesas for White-capped Fruit-Dove, Nukuhiva Pigeon, Marquesa’s Reed-Warbler and the Swiftlet. The voyage finishes in Tahiti, where more endemics can be found including Tahiti Monarch, Swiftlet, Kingfisher, Reed-Warbler and the Grey-green Fruit-Dove.
The vessel carries a maximum of 110 passengers in outside twin or double cabins with private facilities, plenty of open deck space for sea-watching from, a pool, bar, sun deck, superb food and a world-class expedition team who will offer an optional programme of lectures and briefings throughout. Greg Homel is an ornithologist, photographer and documentary film-maker and has birded in over 80 countries around the world since 1990.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Santiago, Chile, group overnight hotel.
Day 2:(Fly from Santiago, Chile) Arrive Easter Island, transfer and embark vessel.
Day 3: Easter Island
Days 4-5: At sea.
Day 6: Ducie
Day 7: Henderson Island
Day 8: Pitcairn Island
Day 9: At sea.
Day 10: Tuamotu Islands, expedition stop for the sandpiper!
Day 11: Puka Rua
Day 12: Puka Puka
Days 13-15: exploring the Marquesas Islands
Day 16: At sea.
Day 17: Rangiroa, Tuamotus.
Day 18: Disembark vessel Papeeti, Tahiti.
NB: Exact itinerary subject to weather and local conditions.
Holiday Information
Dates : Easter Island to Tahiti 3rd – 19th October 2009 from £6599
Leader: Greg Homel and ship’s expedition team.
Deposit: 25%
Prices per person sharing a twin/double cabin with private facilities:
Grade 1 £6599
Grade 2 £6859
Grade 3 £7119
Grade 4 £7375
Grade 5 £7629
Grade 6 £8089
Suites from £9679 and singles from £10,959
Price includes: Accommodation and all meals aboard ship (with free tea and coffee), port taxes, Zodiac landings, services of ship’s expedition staff including lecture programme aboard, daily sea watching sessions (at sea), comprehensive pre-tour information pack and day-by-day checklist of birds, crew gratuities, group transfers to and from ship, pre-cruise accommodation in Santiago.
Price excludes: Flights, post-cruise accommodation in Tahiti, other drinks, laundry, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, vessel fuel surcharges if levied, passport/visa fees, travel insurance.
Previous trip reports and ship’s colour brochure available from us.
