EXPEDITION LEADER MAGNUS LUNDGREN SILVER...
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☑ Humpbacks - Humpbacks - Humpbacks ☑ Snorkelling in clear blue water ☑ Comfortable living on the Aggressor boat ☑ Birthing Humpbacks (marine reserve) ☑ Excellent service and food on the boat ☑ UW-photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren Humpbacks! The feeling of snorkelling beside an enormous whale is almost indescribable. When you get eye contact with one, your heart beats faster than you imagined and euphoria spreads through your body. There are few places in the world where you can experience this unique encounter with one of the ocean’s most incredible giants. Silver Bank is one of them 2017 • ADVENTURE SILVER BANK EXPEDITION LEADER MAGNUS LUNDGREN +46 31 774 18 00 fourthelementadventures.com [email protected]
Transcript of EXPEDITION LEADER MAGNUS LUNDGREN SILVER...
☑ Humpbacks - Humpbacks - Humpbacks ☑ Snorkelling in clear blue water ☑ Comfortable living on the Aggressor boat ☑ Birthing Humpbacks (marine reserve) ☑ Excellent service and food on the boat ☑ UW-photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren
Humpbacks! The feeling of snorkelling beside an enormous whale is almost indescribable. When you get eye contact with one, your heart beats faster than you imagined and euphoria spreads through your body. There are few places in the world where you can experience this unique encounter with one of the ocean’s most incredible giants. Silver Bank is one of them
2017 • ADVENTURE
SILVER BANKEXPEDITION LEADER MAGNUS LUNDGREN
+46 31 774 18 00fourthelementadventures.com
Humpbacks The Puerto Plata International Airport is only 30 minutes from Ocean World Marina where the boat awaits you. When you arrive to the Aggressor, you will set sail from the harbour in Puerto Plata and cruise towards the famous Silver Bank, a trip that takes approximately 8 hours. After a good meal, you crawl into bed and charge your batteries for the adventures that await you the next morning. At sunrise you will have arrived to your destination and with a bit of luck you will be able to see humpbacks breaching the waters in the distance, landing with a great splash. The clear blue, warm water is perfect for snorkelling. The calves come up to the surface to breath every 3-5 minutes. As they are curious and often swim right up to you, it is crucial that you know where the gigantic mother is as she could show up at any time.
Silver Bank Approximately 700 km from the shores of the Dominican Republic’s northern coast lies the Silver Bank. The reef was first protected in 1986 and the size of the reserve was increased in 1996. Scientists believe that humpbacks come here to birth their young as the water is warm and shallow, and as there are no fish, predators are not drawn to the area. It is the perfect nursery before the mother and calf begin their journey north. The operator that we use is one of three that have permission to snorkel with the humpbacks at Silver Bank. The rules are strict regarding how you interact with the whales and everyone is required to respect them. Scuba diving is not allowed as it disturbs the whales natural behaviour. You must remember that it is us that is visiting their world, on the their conditions. Only 60 persons per week, totalling 500 persons per year, get the opportunity to have this fantastic experience. You can be one of the lucky ones.
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Equipment tips When looking for the whales, several hours can be spent out at sea in the cooking sun. It is crucial that you have sun protection, a hat and sun glasses. Don’t forget to take a “top side” camera to have on the boat, but that also has protection from the water, as waves can splash up onto it. Full foot fins, a 3mm wetsuit and sun protection for your head and neck are recommended while snorkelling.
Lodging Your liveaboard will be the Turks & Caicos Aggressor ll. The crew maintains a very high standard of service and is considered the best for this type of expedition. It is known for its excellent service, clean and comfortable cabins and good food. The crew has several years of experience and is very knowledgeable.
What is the plan? In order to find the whales and their calves, you will be split into smaller groups and travel in different boats. The boats will remain in contact with each other and when the whales have been spotted, all boats will be informed. The captain will then inform the dive master, who will check to see if it is time for you to glide into the water. If it is ok, each group will carefully ease into the water. All of the boats are fixed with dive ladders and a sunroof.
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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.
Humpbacks & Silver Bank Northern Atlantic humpback population gather on the Silver Bank from January to April to mate and birth their calves. It is an ideal spot to prepare their calves before leaving the Silver Bank. This reserve known as “Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic” is a unique spot where humans can interact with the whales. It is a privilege to go there!
“I have photographed marine mammals such as sperm whales, humpbacks, fin whales, dolphins and orcas in various places around the world. When asked where I have been, the Silver Banks always comes up as one of the best places to spend time with these ocean giants. Humpbacks are charismatic creatures, and outstanding photographic objects with their beautiful long pectoral fins. They are often very unique individuals, something that is quite exciting for the observer. And to meet a mother and her calf together under the surface is a dream for everyone, including myself.”
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 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 2007. Magnus has worked as a professional photographer for several decades.
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Underwater workshop with Magnus Lundgren During the expedition you will have the chance to take spectacular photographs of humpbacks. You will observe them from zodiacs, as well as snorkel with them. Magnus will have three very informative and inspiring presentations during the trips first few evenings.
Presentation 1 - Get ready for the Silver Bank! Learn about snorkelling with large animals and how to prepare your camera and other equipment, as well as yourself, before the adventure gets started. Presentation 2 - Humpbacks and the basics of photographing whalesLearn about humpbacks, how to dive and photograph them (wide angle technique) out in the blue.Presentation 3 - Photo techniquesHow to process your pictures of large whales that are taken while out in the blue. Magnus will walk you through the important steps so that your pictures will reach a new level. 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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Friday February 2 We recommend that you arrive to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic at the latest on this date and spend one night in a hotel. This allows for extra time should your baggage, or yourself, not arrive on the planned arrival day. We can help you book the extra hotel nights if you like, just contact us.
Saturday February 3 Check out from the hotel and depart with a group transfer to the liveaboard. Upon arrival to the boat, you will check in and have a thorough safety briefing, as well as receive other interesting information about your week to come. With everyone safely onboard, the boat will depart from harbour.
Sunday February 4 - Friday February 9 Free diving days! You will spend the next six day focusing on the whales. Magnus Lundgren will hold inspiring and informative presentations during a few of the evenings.
Saturday February 10 Time to check out from the liveaboard and get group transfer back to the hotel in Puerto Plata. We again recommend you to book one night in a hotel here. This night is required should there be any unforeseen delays with the boat. Please let us know if you like us to book this hotel for you. The day after you can depart for the airport for your return trip home.
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. Your expedition leader is there to make sure that you get the most out for your holiday.
YOUR SILVER BANK ADVENTURE DAY BY DAY
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Date February 3 – 10, 2018 Destination Silver Bank - Dominican Republic - Caribbean Included in the price
➔ Group transfer hotel in Puerto Plata - boat r/t ➔ 7 nights in a shared cabin with ensuite bathroom onboard Aggressor II ➔ 3 meals a day incl. water, ice tea, coffee, soft drinks, juice, local wine and beer ➔ 6 days of free diving incl. guide, mask, fins, snorkel & weights ➔ UW-photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren
Not included in the price
➔ Flight to/from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ➔ Extra hotel nights before and after the liveaboard ➔ Whale Sanctuary fee 150 USD (paid in cash onboard) ➔ Airport departure tax 20 USD ➔ Other activities, dive equipment, drinks and meals not specified above ➔ Tips for guides and crew
Price per person 4 320 USD
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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+46 31 774 18 00fourthelementadventures.com
Extras ➔ Equipment rental Mask, fins, snorkel and weights are included in the price. Please inform us of your size. You are welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer to.
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. ➔ This trip does not require any diving experience. However, as you will spend several hours in the water, we recommend that you have good snorkelling skills and can handle waves and light currents.
➔ 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/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
