BLUE WATER 2016 MASTERCLASS BLUE SHARKS MOBULAS DOLPHINS SPERM WHALES EXPEDITION LEADER MAGNUS LUNDGREN

Transcription

1 BLUE SHARKS MOBULAS DOLPHINS SPERM WHALES EXPEDITION LEADER MAGNUS LUNDGREN 2016 MASTERCLASS BLUE WATER ENCOUNTER BIG ATLANTIC ANIMALS on an unforgettable adventure into the blue around the green island of Pico in the Azores. This adventure takes in the best of the Azores, above and below, while taking part in a photo workshop led by a Pro! Blue & mako shark diving (shark baiting) Mobulas at Princess Alice Bank (seamount) Sperm and Bard whale watching Dolphin snorkelling (up to 5 different species) High class Atlantic diving Photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren Visit Pico s whale museum & station

2 Discover the Best of the Azores all in one expedition! The Azores has quickly become Europe s hottest destination for marine encounters and there are plenty of good reasons why. The blue ocean filled with life, the warmer summer waters, the islands picturesque nature and the lack of mass tourism all make this an optimal destination. From the island of Pico you have access to the Azores most interesting shark diving out in the blue, you reach the mythical sea mount where sociable mobulas reside, and at the same time we cross through waters full of dolphins and whales. And should the weather not be on you side, there are plenty of dive sites around the island offering protection from the winds. Diving with sharks Four full days are planned for this exciting adventure. Way out in the ocean, over a deep outer bank, you will bait in the sharks in the Azores best shark site. We want to make sure that you have the best chances to spend a lot of time with the blue sharks in their natural environment. If all goes to plan, you will have the chance to photograph the blue shark up close. Don t forget that this is a weather dependent activity and you may move the dive days if it is in your favour. The blue shark is normally between two to three meters long and is, according to many, the world s most beautiful shark with its slim body and elegant pectoral fins. The back is a deep blue colour with lighter sides and a white belly, and if the sun is shining the blue shark is almost an electric blue shade. It is quite possible that you will even bait in the Ferrari of sharks - the mako shark, also know as a mackerel shark. The mako is a shiny grey-blue colour and much more stocky than the blue shark. The mako sharks fearsome appearance is largely due to the fact that its teeth stick out of its mouth even when the mouth is closed. It is also one of the worlds fastest sharks, capable of swimming at 40 km/h for long distances.

3 Mobulas around the legendary sea bank Princess Alice During the summer months when the water s surface temperature warms up, the summer guests (mobulas and mantas) return to the Azores vast outer banks. The legendary sea bank is Princess Alice which stretches up from 1000 m depth to approximately 35 m from the oceans surface. Here you will experience schools of circling giant mantas and mobulas. For some reason they are very curious of divers and it is not unusual for them to play with the divers bubbles while divers hang on the line. Two days of this adventure will be out at Princess Alice, weather permitting. To see a flock of giant mantas coming at you close-up, like a colossal flock of birds, is a memory for life. There are often two species that are found in this area. First and foremost is the mobula (Mobula tarapacana), but the manta (Manta birostris) is also commonly seen. The outer bank has a lot of exciting things to explore. Through the day large schools of horse mackerel, tuna fish and barracudas often gather over the top of the sea mount. Large sting rays fly about closer to the mount, while moray eels curiously peek out of their volcano crevices, and here to you may just see congers (Conger conger). On the way there, and the way home, we will be on constant watch for other marine life activity. Although it is a long day at sea, it is well worth the time spent.

4 Sperm whales and dolphins The ocean is deep outside of Pico, reaching depths of more than m. This is the perfect environment for the resident sperm whales that live year round outside of Pico. The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale and you will spend time at sea trying to get close to these magnificent giants. With a little luck pilot whales will make an appearance as they regularly pass by this area. To see dolphins interacting in their natural environment is an incredible experience, but to swim amongst them is an unforgettable one. For some the experience is magical, for others, a reminder of where we came from, but for everyone, it is a memory for life. The chance is great to snorkel alongside one of the five species of dolphins that are around the Azores. It is often the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and the short beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) that allow spectators to get a little closer to them. Having the correct camera adjustments is crucial here before hopping in the water!

5 Atlantic diving The plan is to dive the best places around the island of Pico and Faial for one day, visit the outer banks of Princess Alice for two days and then spend four days out in the blue at 3-5 meters depth with the blue sharks. You will wrap up the trip with a day spent among the sperm whales and dolphins, as well as have a free day with shore based activities. In order to enjoy the diving in full we recommend that you have a PADI AOW certificate, or similar and have a minimum of 50 logged dives. Diving around the Azores has two basic modes. In good weather the ocean invites you out to distant sites such as Princess Alice and to the blue sharks, and when you travel by zodiac the opportunity to discover and experience more action is ever present when dolphins, sea turtles and even mola molas show up. When the weather is rougher, diving is closer to shore where the dive site is sheltered from the wind. With exciting caves and exuberant reefs, there are plenty of photograph friendly coastal treasures that will fill up a week of diving. For this reason our program is a plan that may need to be modified depending on what the weather gods decided to give us. You expedition leader will be there to make sure that you get the most out of your week in Europe s own Galapagos.

6 Magnus Lundgren Magnus has 20 years of experience guiding expeditions around the world, as well as an educator in underwater photography, giving his expeditions an extra flair. Participants on the exclusive Azores expedition are bound to develop their skills just by listening to him. My goal has always been to coach participants at their ambition level so that advice and tips can lead to results there and then. Magnus will be there as the Photo Pro. Pico - Azores - Atlantic After several professional photography assignments around the Azores, and two previous underwater photo workshops, I can without a doubt say that a good day in the Azores challenges ocean experiences from anywhere in the world. It can be magnificent. An isolated island world tossed out in the midst of the Atlantic ocean, geographically it counts as Europe s most westerly point. Out where the ocean is a bit more blue, the fish a bit larger and the feeling that you never know for sure what is going to appear in front of you, gives me an extra kick every time I dive around the Azores. I have experienced some of my greatest ocean experiences around the Azores. Ones such as when I spent hours swimming amongst sleeping sperm whales, or was accepted by a flock of pilot whales. I have also had the amazing pleasure of being circled by gigantic mobulas and hung out with mola molas that were larger than Enzo s Fiat in La Grand Bleu. A little about Magnus Magnus pictures have been published around the world and his articles have even made it to a two page spread in National Geographic Magazine. Today Magnus is the driving force behind the world s largest photo project Wild Wonders of Europe [wild-wonders.com] and during 2015 the same group will start up a similar initiative in China [ He is also one of the founders of Exposure Expeditions, a board member of the organisation Wild Wonders Foundation and a proud member of Naturfotograferna/N. Magnus Lundgren s list of international awards is long, stretching over several decennium. He is most proud of his award in the very prestigious competition Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and only a few years ago he was crowned European Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his picture of a sailfish thrusting its sword through a school of sardines. Magnus has represented Sweden in three world championships in underwater photography and took home the silver medal in Mauritius Magnus has worked as a professional photographer for several decades.

7 Underwater workshop with Magnus Lundgren During the expedition you will have the chance to take spectacular photographs of blue sharks, mobulas, groupers, the Atlantic s dynamic marine life and dolphins. You will also spend time searching for sperm whales and other baleen whales to capture on film from the zodiac (but not from the water). As well, Magnus will have three very informative and inspiring presentations during the trips first few evenings. Presentation 1 - The Atlantic Ocean and the Azores Learn about the marine life that you will see, as well as how we can dive and capture them in our photos in the best way. Presentation 2 - Blues and makos and the basics of photographing sharks Learn about these pelagic sharks and how to dive and photograph them in the blue (wide-angle). Presentation 3 - Atlantic outer bank mobula and mantas Learn about how the outer banks came to be, as well as more about these magnificent creatures. Your photo pro Magnus Lundgren will give briefings during the trip, as well as give photography feedback to those that would like to have it. In plenty of time prior to the trips departure, you will be sent an giving tips about what is good to have with you on this adventure. At that time you will also have time to ask specific questions to Magnus regarding photography in preparation of the trip, magnus@exposureexpeditions.com.

8 YOUR AZORES MASTERCLASS DAY BY DAY Friday September 2 Today you should arrive to Horta airport in the Azores. There is a group transfer from the airport to your final destination Madalena do Pico on the island of Pico. Enjoy your first presentation by Magnus the Atlantic Ocean and the Azores. Saturday September 3 Two local dives will start the trip off in order for you to test your equipment and get used to the Atlantic conditions. An evening presentation by Magnus on blues and makos and the basics of photographing sharks. Sunday September 4 Depart by zodiac with the blue and mako sharks as the target. During the shark expedition days there will only be one dive, yet the total time at sea is normally around six hours. Added time may be required to draw in the sharks and dependent on the sharks behaviour. Feedback on the photos during the evening. Monday September 5 One dive focusing on the blue and mako sharks. Feedback on photos during the evening. Tuesday September 6 One dive focusing on the blue and mako sharks. Presentation Atlantic outer bank mobula and mantas to prepare for the following days dive excursion. Wednesday September 7 A full day excursion to the outer banks of Princess Alice with two dives (late day arrival back to hotel).

9 YOUR AZORES MASTERCLASS DAY BY DAY Thursday September 8 A full day excursion to the outer banks of Princess Alice with two dives (late day arrival back to hotel). Friday September 9 One dive focusing on the blue and mako sharks. Feedback on photos during the evening. Saturday September 10 Dolphin snorkelling in the morning, (3-4 h) and whale watching in the afternoon (3-4 h). You will remain out at see in order to increase our chances of capturing Sperm whales and dolphins in the low, dramatic evening light. Sunday September 11 A shore based excursion around the island of Pico in order to photograph the beautiful nature and scenery, as well as visit the old whaling station (approx. 5 h). Monday September 12 Time to check out of the hotel and take the short group transfer over to Horta on the island of Faial for you flight home. You will arrive home with unforgettable memories and pictures. Please note! Please note that the itinerary is only a preliminary plan. Activities can change, or may need to be exchanged, in the case of adverse weather conditions or other unexpected incidents. Accommodation can also change due to availability. Your expedition leader is there to make sure that you get the most out for your holiday in Europe s own Galapagos.

10 ABOUT THE MASTERCLASS Date September 2-12, 2016 Destination Pico - Azorerna - Atlantic Ocean Included in the price Group transfer Horta airport - hotel on Pico r/t 10 nights in a shared double room at Hotel Caravelas including breakfast 1 day with 2 local reef dives incl. 12L cylinder, weights and belt 4 days of blue shark diving with 1 long dive per day incl. 12L cylinder, weights and belt 2 days with 2 dives per day at Princess Alice incl. lunch package, 12L cylinder, weights & belt 1 dolphin snorkelling excursion (3-4h) 1 whale watching excursion (3-4h) Shore based photo tour around Pico (5h) including lunch package UW-photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren Not included in the price Flight to/from Horta Other activities, dive equipment, drinks and meals not specified above Tips for guides and crew Price per person USD 2959 How can I pay for my trip? You can pay by bank transfer or our online payment system. We accept only Visa and MasterCard. Contact us if you would like to pay in another currency. Do not make the currency exchange without our permission. Please note that all extra payment fees must be paid by the customer. How much do I pay and when? When you have accepted the offer from Fourth Element Adventures, you will receive a booking confirmation within one to two workdays. To confirm your spot, a deposit of 500 USD is required within 7 days of the booking date. This trip does not include the international flight. Please double check with us about what date and time you need to arrive/depart to your destination before booking the flight yourself and then send us your flight schedule. The final trip payment should be in Exposure Expeditions account a minimum of 14 days prior to your departure date. Contact Fourth Element Adventures -

11 ABOUT THE MASTERCLASS Extras Equipment rental Complete dive equipment rental is available. Please contact us for the most updated price. Important Your passport must be whole and valid for more than six months after your arrival back home. Please note that you need to apply for an ESTA if you are flying through, or to the US, and do not hold an American or Canadian passport.. The application must be done online via: esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ and a fee is incurred which is not included in the price of this trip. The application must be done a minimum of 72 hours before arrival to the US. All divers must have a dive certificate, dive logbook, proof of dive insurance, a dive computer and a surface marker buoy with them on their dive trip. For this trip we recommend all divers to be certified PADI Advanced Open Water diver or the equivalent with a minimum of 50 logged dives. If you have not been diving within one year of your departure we strongly recommend that you complete a scuba review course. Please make sure that you have a valid insurance which includes scuba diving. If you do not have insurance or need a complement, we strongly recommend you to purchase a diving insurance such as DAN or similar, diversalertnetwork.org. Due to ever increasing baggage restrictions on flights, overweight and extra baggage must be reported to, and accepted by the flight company. Pricing and baggage allowance varies between flight companies. Please note that Fourth Element Adventures and Exposure Expeditions is not responsible for baggage being denied pre-departure, or at the time of check-in. This trip has been arranged together with Exposure Expeditions! We reserve the right for price changes due to currency fluctuations. When you book your trip you accept Exposure Expeditions terms and conditions: exposureexpeditions.com/en/my-trip/termsconditions. The given information that Exposure Expeditions has in its written information (i.e. the trips content, amount of dives, diving at a special location) is provided under the pretence of optimal conditions (i.e. political/ governmental decisions, weather, etc). The dive leader or boat captain in charge of the trip, always has the right to change the contents of the trip due to weather, political decisions, or other acts that lie outside of their control that can affect the customers or ships safety. In this situation, the customer has no right to compensation or refund.