2018 galapagos adventure - fourthelementadventures.com · galapagos islands the galapagos islands...
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GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE
☑ A world-class experience above and below the surface ☑ The most spectacular pelagic diving on the planet☑ Dive with hundreds of hammerhead sharks ☑ Dive famous sites at Darwin and Wolf☑ Comfortable stay on Galapagos Master☑ UW-Photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren
MAGIC IN THE GALAPAGOS. Whale sharks, huge schools of hammerheads, playful sea lions, curious sea turtles, mantas, many different species of sharks and much more. Join Magnus Lundgren on an unforgettable adventure to the magical Galapagos islands. We promise a big smile on your face.
EXPEDITION LEADER MAGNUS LUNDGREN
2018
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The Galapagos dream This package includes a one week liveaboard trip on the diving vessel Galapagos Master. The mythical Galapagos Islands offers superb diving for those seeking spectacular scenery and great animals below the surface. You will most certainly encounter five different shark species including large pregnant female whale sharks, great schools of multi horned hammerhead sharks, vast amounts of white tip reef sharks, the Galapagos shark and the silk shark. If luck is on your side, you may also encounter the black fin and the tiger shark. Rays are also plenty here, among them the spotted eagle, manta, mobula and stingrays. But there are more than rays and sharks. Seeing curious sea lions and sea turtles up close is something that you will experience on many dives. Various species of dolphins and sunfish are not very uncommon either.All of the above mentioned creatures may be experienced elsewhere, however the Galapagos offers many other unique wildlife experiences. See marine iguanas below the surface, the famous elephant turtles, wild penguins, and many unique species of birds. The Galapagos is a dream for everyone who wants to experience wildlife in such multitude.
Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Islands consists of 19 islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1000 km west of Ecuador’s mainland. Practically all of the islands are classified as a national park and around the islands exists a large sanctuary for the marine life. More than 90% of the land and ocean area is protected. There are no land predators, which has made the animals fearless. Due to this, you are able to approach the animals quite closely, providing excellent opportunities to capture great pictures. During your visit, you will soon realize that the area has not changed much since Charles Darwin discovered the islands back in 1835. Thanks to the islands being located where three great current streams meet, the worlds greatest collection of species above and below the water exists here.
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Galapagos Master - your liveaboard The very popular company Worldwide Dive and Sail has in recent years become world leading when it comes to liveaboard diving. Their fleet is known to maintain a high standard and is considered by many to be among the absolute best operators on the market. The men behind Worldwide Dive and Sail, Jan and Frank van der Linde, have now decided to establish their business in the Galapagos. However, the trademark Siren Fleet sailboats are not preferable in this location. For this reason they started a new company called Master Liveaboard. Your boat, the Galapagos Master, is the first of a series of liveaboard boats under the Master Liveaboard name.On board the Galapagos Master there is room for a total of 16 divers divided into nine spacious and modern cabins. Just as Worldwide Dive and Sail, Master Liveaboard focuses extra on underwater photographers and their special needs. At the stern there is an extensive area for your camera, with ample space for you to work in between dives. There are plenty of outlets of American sockets, plus dry storage boxes where you can store your extra ports and lenses. In the roomy salon is a big plasma-TV for everybody to gather and learn more about the wildlife, and to enjoy each others pictures.
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Travel to and from the Galapagos Because of the long trip, and with international and domestic flights, we recommend a couple of nights at a hotel between the international and domestic segments in case of flight and/ or luggage delays. For the connection to the Galapagos, we highly recommend two nights in Quito and one night on the return trip. Flights will be available approximately 10 months prior to the departure date. International and domestic flights, including the hotel nights with transfer, is approximately 18 – 20,000 SEK per person depending on the departure airport and the flight rate at the time of booking. Please contact us before you book your flight, just to make sure that you have the correct connection.Extensions to this base package can be added. Please contact us for suggestions including tours in Ecuador and Peru.
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Magnus Lundgren Magnus has 20 years of experience guiding expeditions around the world, as well as being an educator in underwater photo-graphy, giving his expeditions an extra flair. Participants on this exclusive adventure 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.
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 [www.wildwondersofchina.com]. 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 decades. 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 2007. He has worked as a professional photographer for several decades.
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During May to November pregnant female whale sharks gather by Darwin on their way to birth their offspring.
Underwater workshop with Magnus Lundgren During this adventure you will have the chance to take spectacular photographs of big fishes, school of fish and mammals. Magnus will have three very informative and inspiring presentations during the trips evenings.
Presentation 1 - Intro to Galapagos marine life and ”getting ready”A visual presentation of one of the most dynamic dive site in the Pacific, with information about the marine life along the planned route. Plus, a preparatory briefing so that you, your diving equipment and your uw-camera is fully ready for the great experiences ahead of you.
Presentation 2 - Big action, how to shoot big mammals around the GalapagosA comprehensive review of how it is to dive and photograph around the islands. How do you get close to the big animals? What lens should you use? Should you use the flash or natural light? Magnus will let you know about equipment, technology and photo ideas linked to your upcoming dives around the Wolf, Darwin and Isabela.
Presentation 3 - Lighting and wide-angleA "full" review of how to shoot with wide-angle "for real". Magnus will talk a lot about lenses, lamps, lightning, arms, positions and much more. And give you tips and tricks of how to best capture great photos of seals, sharks, turtles, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays and dolphins.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 email 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: [email protected].
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Saturday November 3 We recommend that you arrival today to Quito, Ecuador and spend at least 2 nights in a hotel in Quito. This is to to provide extra time in case of any flight or baggage delays. If your flight is delayed, you may miss the boat’s departure, as it cannot wait. Sunday November 4 Free day in Quito on your own.
Monday November 5 Check out from the hotel in Quito, transfer to Quito Airport for departure to San Cristobal, Galapagos. At San Cristobal airport you will picked up by staff of the Galapagos Master and transferred to the boat, followed by an introduction of how everything works on board. The boat will then head to Isla Lobos, a site famous for its sea lions, where you will do a check-dive. You will also have the chance to witness marine iguanas and sea turtles.
Tuesday November 6 In the morning you will do 2 dives at Punta Carrion and Baltra North East, followed by anafternoon land tour of North Seymour Island, before cruising north during the evening.
Wednesday - Friday November 7 - 9 During these days you will be diving on and around the northernmost islands, Wolf and Darwin Island.
Saturday November 10 The boat will head to the island Isabela where you will dive around Punta Vicente Roca.
Sunday November 11 During the morning we will dive at Cousin Rock, followed by an afternoon dive at Los Gemelos and a visit to Darwin Station in Puerto Ayora.
YOUR GALAPAGOS ADVENTUREDAY BY DAY
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Monday November 12 A morning visit to the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island followed by check-out and payment of your equipment rental, bar tab, merchandise from the ships souvenir shop, etc. This is also the time to give a gratuity tip to the staff if you wish. Transfer to your flight back to the mainland to Quito, Ecuador (unless you have extended your stay in the Galapagos). We recommend that you spend at least one hotel night in Quito in case of delays and fly home the earliest on November 13th.
Tuesday November 13 Departure from Quito to your home (unless you have extended your stay in Ecuador).
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 GALAPAGOS ADVENTUREDAY BY DAY
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Dive sites around Galapagos
Isla Lobos, San Cristobal The area is full with curious sea lion pups that will approach you to play. It is also common with green turtles, and of course plenty of reef fishes. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to witness manta rays here.
Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), San Cristobal Kickers Rock is a spectacular, well documented, cliff formation with steep walls rising up from the ocean. The underwater wildlife here is amazing; hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and white tip reef sharks are all common here. It is also usual to see sea turtles and mottled eagle rays. The current here is relatively weak, however since the location is exposed, it is common with strong swells that will pull you back and forth below the surface.
Punta Carron This reef on the north of Santa Cruz is a perfect beginning to experience the Galapagos underwater world. The reef has an average depth of around 15 metres, with a soft to moderately strong current on the site. The current pulls in an abundance of wildlife. You can find everything from sea lions to white tip reef sharks and with a little luck, you will be experience hammerhead- and Galapagos sharks as well.
Wolf Island The diving at Wolf Island and Darwin Island are really the main attraction of this whole trip. They are situated more than 100 kilometres northwest of Isabela Island and the bigger islands of Galapagos, but it is worth the trip to get here. These islands are considered among the best diving sites in the world! Wolf Island was named after the German geologist Theodor Wolf. On this site you will find everything you have dreamt of seeing below the surface! Mass schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea lions, rays, turtles, and dolphins, and hopefully even whale sharks. The rich wildlife is thanks to the moderate to strong current, so don’t forget your reef hook and gloves!
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Wolf Island is also an unforgettable site above water. It is practically impossible to go on land, but this volcanic island is host to a multitude of sea bird colonies, primarily gannets, frigate birds, pelicans and gulls.
Darwin Island This island is considered among many as the world’s best diving site. You will have the possibility to dive with dolphins, spotted eagle rays, moray eels, manta rays, great schools of hammerhead, Galapagos, and silk sharks. From May to November pregnant female whale sharks gather by Darwin on their way to birth their offspring. Whale sharks have the capacity to measure as much as 12-14 metres long! Just as Wolf Island, the strong currents pull in an abundance of wildlife, and for that reason you will be doing drift dives, where the boat crew will pick you up when you reach the surface. As the island has vertical walls, disembarkation is not possible. However, from the boat you will be able to see many endemic bird species including the Galapagos penguin, as well as the red footed- and Nazca gannet.
Douglas Cape This wall dive has an average depth of 20 metres and is located on the north western side of the island Fernandina. Although the location is widely known for its marine iguanas, you will have plenty else to see as well. Curious sea lions and fur seals will fight for your attention, while a number of penguins will pass by with great speed.
Punta Vicente Roca Isabela is the largest island of the group. On the north western side is the dive site Punta Vicente Roca which is formed from the residue of a volcanic crater, with two ridges that have a sheltered bay. The Cromwell current creates fantastic conditions for seeing wildlife, which in combination with the sheltered bay, makes it one of the favourite dive sites in the Galapagos. Play with sea lions, observe sea turtles, sunfish, blowfish, and marlins, and for the lucky ones, the Galapagos bullhead shark. If you enjoy macro, you will find frogfish, electric rays, sea horses and red-lipped batfish. On land you can enjoy the Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos cormorant, a bird that has lost the ability to fly, but makes up for it with its excellent swimming capabilities.
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Roca Redonda Roca Redonda is situated just north west of the island Isabela and is the tip of an underwater volcano rising almost 3000 metres from the seabed. Several eruptions may be observed on the island and in the surrounding water. There are also caves inhabited by different types of seabirds. During the dive you will be able to see hammerhead sharks, shoals of surgeon fish, jacks, barracudas, mantas and large sunfish. If the current and weather allow it, diving on the southeast side of the island is possible. There are multiple ”fumaroles” (volcanic gas emissions) at depths of approximately 12 - 18 metres where you are able to see gas bubbles rising from the bottom towards the surface. Please be aware that during the period between June-December the current, especially the treacherous undercurrent, may be powerful enough to endanger diving safety. The experienced diving guides and the boat captain will make the final decision whether to dive or not.
Cape Marshall Located by the north eastern beach of Isabela, below the 1707 metre high volcano Wolf, is Cape Marshall. This area offers drift dives on amazing reefs and volcanic walls decorated with black corals. Mantas, Galapagos bullhead sharks, gold lined tang, sunfish, sea lions, large shoals of wrasse, yellow fin tunas, white tip reef sharks, and several species of rays are potential companions at this exhilarating site. The possibility to snorkel with sea lions in a natural salt-water pool will be available between dives.
Cousin’s Rock Cousin’s Rock is located outside of the eastern coast of Santiago (north of Bartolme). The cliff rises barely 10 metres above the sea, and as the southern part is a large boulder, they form a small canal. This offers a mixed diving environment with coral covered cliffs, which houses plenty of exciting macro-life. Here it is a combination of life, from tropical fishes to larger animals, as you can also find sea lions, sea turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks and mantas. Even though there are large quantities of large animals, it might also be the best diving spot to put on your macro lens if you have one. You will find a variety of corals including black, hard and fan corals, large hydroids, beautiful sponges and much more. Among the stunning cliffs you will find various hawkfish, nudibranchs, sea horses, squids. Keep your wide-angle lens on if you do not want to miss anything. Large animals are always lurking around on every dive.
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Date November 5 - 12, 2018 (liveaboard only) Destination Galapagos - Ecuador - Pacific Ocean
Included in the price
➔ Group transfer San Cristobal airport - Galapagos Master r/t➔ 7 nights on board Galapagos Master in shared double en suite cabin➔ Diving with guide, 12 L tank, weights and belt, up to 3-4 dives a day, totally 18-20 dives➔ 2 land excursions➔ All meals and drinks (excl. alcohol) on board➔ UW-photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren
Not included in the price
➔ Flight Scandinavia – San Cristobal, Galapagos r/t➔ Galapagos National Park Tax (pay on arrival at San Cristobal Airport ca USD 100)➔ Hyperbaric Chamber Fee (pay onboard Galapagos Master about USD 35) ➔ Ingala Transfer Card (payable on arrival at Guayaquil/Quito Airport about USD 10) ➔ Hotel nights and transfers in Ecuador (before and after your stay in the Galapagos)➔ Dive equipment rentals➔ Nitrox 32% for Nitrox certified divers➔ Cancellation and Travel Insurance➔ Tips for guides and crew (recommended, but not a must)
Price per person USD 5 490 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 350 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+46 31 774 18 00 - [email protected]
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
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Extras ➔ Equipment rental Dive equipment is available for rent. 12 L tank, weights and belt are included in the price. All dive equipment and gases need to be pre-ordered through Fourth Element and will be paid locally on the boat. You should also be diving with dive computer and surface marker buoy (SMB). If you do not have this, you can rent it. Please ask us for an updated price list.
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: https://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. Please also read this new rules for ESTA for those of you who has visited Syria, Irak, Iran or Sudan: http://sweden.usembassy.gov/vwpchanges.html ➔ All divers must have a dive certificate, dive logbook and proof of dive insurance with them on their dive trip. ➔ For this trip we recommend all divers to be certified PADI Advanced Open Water Divers or equivalent and have 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 cancellation and travel insurance which includes scuba diving. If you do not have travel 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 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/terms-conditions. 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.
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
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➔ InsuranceTo get permission to dive in the Galapagos you are required to show a paper copy of proving that you have a valid dive insurance. Please note that this is not the same as a regular health insurance. If you do not have a diving insurance already, you can go to Divers Alert Network, DAN: daneurope.org
➔ SMB, gloves and reef hookThere will be moderate to strong currents during several of our dives which is often a must for us to get the rich wildlife that we want. You must have your own SMB as a security if you would get away from the group. To handle the current, it helps to have protective gloves and a so-called reef hook. If you do not have a reef hook, you can order one on this site: scubastore.com/dykning/best-divers-reef-hook-pocket/31081/p
➔ Ear problemsAs most of us will be in the water for many hours daily, it is easy to get problems with you ears. Everybody should bring preventive treatment against external auditory canal inflammation, extern otit. A good non-prescribed preventative medicine for this is Otinova. If you often have concerns, you should also have eye drops for the treatment of an ensuing inflammation such as Terracortril with polymyxin B. This medication is prescribed, but is generally easy to get if you explain why you need it to your doctor. Note that external ear canal inflammation has nothing to do with equalising. If you often have a problem to equalise it might be better to ask your doctor for decongestant medication such as Rinexin. Note that these are recommendations only. Speak to your medical provider for the best information concerning yourself.
➔ ClimateThe water temperature will vary greatly from place to place depending on the currents, but we can expect temperatures between 18-23 degrees. A good quality double wetsuit with gloves and hood are therefore preferable. As for clothes above the surface, you will spend most of the time in shorts and a t-shirt. The temperature during the day is about 21C. In the evenings it can get colder, down to 15 degrees. A warm sweater, hat and warm socks is appropriate to bring.
➔ Electrical socketsOn the liveaboard boat Galapagos Master and also ashore on the Galapagos and Ecuador, the sockets are of US style with plugs consisting of two blades and 120 volts.
➔ CurrencyThe currency in the Galapagos and in all of Ecuador is US dollars. Most major hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards.
➔ TipsDifferent countries have different cultures. Here in Europe, there are normally no larger sums in tips, while in other parts of the world it is the main part of the salary. In Ecuador, it is customary to give a tip. It is voluntary to pay gratuities to staff on the boat. A guideline is to pay about 10% of the liveaboard cost (approximately USD 470). Gratuities for the crew and guides is given as a single sum when we check out of the boat. The money is left in an envelope to the captain, who is responsible for distribution among the staff.
➔ Cameras and LensesMost of us probably want to document the journey with different types of cameras. Wide-angle and normal lenses from 10.5 mm to about 50 mm, are best for use under the surface. You will hardly use your macro lens, but there are some motives for this if you are a keen macro photographer. To photograph birds and other animals on land, it is best to bring some form of tele optics with longer focal length.
➔ Dive bagWhile onshore, it is easier if you have a bag for your snorkeling equipment. A good, cheap and lightweight alternative is an IKEA shopping bag.
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
+46 31 774 18 00fourthelementadventures.com