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THE SEYCHELLES: WHALE SHARK SPECIAL WITH JOHN BOYLE Close encounters with the greatest fish in the ocean Monday 10th October - Monday 17th October (8 days) Desroches extension to Sunday 23rd October (6 days) Leader: John Boyle Group size limit: 14 divers/snorkelers plus leader The Seychelles Archipelago is one of the most beautiful places on the planet 115 islands scattered across more than a million square kilometres of ocean. In Seychelles you really will find vanilla sand beaches with waving palm trees and crystal clear, vivid blue waters sparkling under a warm golden sun at this time of the year. These islands are amongst the most romantic islands on earth. It is also one of the best places in the world to have a good chance of seeing and swimming with the greatest fish in the ocean: the Whale Shark. The Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles (MCSS) is carrying out research that is vital to the survival of these gentle ocean giants. The data that is provided by their research was instrumental in the Whale Shark gaining protection at the most recent CITES meeting. Whale Sharks are already a protected species in Seychelles waters. The project aims to monitor Whale Sharks by using both passive and electronic (satellite) tags to enable information to be gathered about their movements. Already data collated from satellite tags has produced some amazing results. One shark travelled from Seychelles to Sri Lanka and then on to Thailand, a journey of over 5,000 kilometres! Research is also showing that up to 26% of the tagged sharks return to Seychelles waters the following year. Records are still being collated for 2004, but in 2003 the MCSS reported a total of 455 sightings of Whale Sharks and, of these, 350 resulted in 'in-water' encounters with 141 sharks identified and 64 sharks tagged. Joining this pioneering research team is the main aim of this Divequest Whale Shark Special. You can get more information on the MCSS programme at www.mcss.sc We will go out every afternoon to wherever there have been reported sightings, in the hope of tagging and swimming with the Whale Sharks. There should be great photo and film opportunities. Sightings come from many sources and there is a great collaboration to support the project. Even the local helicopter company radio in any sightings to help to direct the boat to the sharks. And the project has its own micro-light spotter plane which flies whenever conditions allow. Members of our group will have the amazing opportunity to go up in the micro-light with the pilot and act as his spotter (please see note below). We will be going to Seychelles at the height of the Whale Shark season, so the chances of encounters will be high. Last year a Whale Shark actually spent time trying to mate with the dive boat and John Boyle has a copy of the footage to prove it! Once the Whale Sharks have been located the MCSS team leader enters the water first, followed by a maximum of 7 snorkelers. The first group can then observe the shark, the research team will be logging the information that they need for monitoring the programme and, if the animal is not tagged, a tag will be attached to it. Once the shark has dived or swum off, the first group returns to the boat and the second group gets ready while the boat moves off to the next shark. The boat takes a maximum of 16 people which comprises 2 groups of 7 snorkelers, plus the MCSS researchers. Mornings will be free to carry out a two-tank dive on one of the dive sites around Mahé, the principle island of the Seychelles archipelago. Diving here is characterized by huge granite underwater seascapes and a healthy fish population. John Boyle's favourite dives are Shark Bank , an area of large underwater granite outcrops, populated by stingrays and schools of Yellow Snappers, and the wreck of a sunken tanker, the Ennerdale . John Boyle has known David and Glynis who run the Underwater Centre, with whom we will be diving, for many years, so he knows they will make every effort to ensure the best dive sites are chosen for our morning dives and they will make sure snorkelers will have the best opportunities for Whale Shark encounters. Other dive sites that we may visit include L'Ilot , which is located at the North Eastern tip of Beau Vallon Bay. This picturesque tiny granite island supports two coconut palms and some superb marine life. The steep sides are grooved by gullies and surrounded by large granite boulders giving an array of archways and swim-throughs. The island is in a regular current stream and is heavily encrusted with soft corals. The landward side of the island has a prolific fish and invertebrate life, including schools of Bloch's Big-eyes, and is visited by turtles, sharks and Whale Sharks.
Shark Bank is midway between Mahé and Silhouette Island. Shark Bank is the shallowest area for hundreds of kilometres and is a natural focus for marine life, especially pelagic fish. Granite gullies and boulders protect a resident population of reef fish and invertebrates with schools of Yellow Snappers and Bloch's Big Eyes being a permanent feature. The site is open to current and attracts schooling jacks, barracudas, stingrays and reef sharks. It is also visited by Whale Sharks.
Ennerdale Wreck is situated midway between Mahé and Praslin. It is the wreck of a British Fleet Auxiliary tanker which foundered in 1970 on unmarked Ennerdale Rocks. She has been blown up to make her safe for shipping and so most dives are on the better-preserved stern of the vessel. The confines of the wreck protect a huge range of reef fish, schools of Yellow Snappers and a multitude of invertebrates. This is also the home of numerous Brown Moray Eels and some large scorpionfish. The site occasionally has current and attracts schooling pelagics, Spotted Eagle Rays, stingrays, reef sharks and Whale Sharks.
Brissare Rocks is another site midway between Mahé and Praslin. This remote rock has an enviable reputation for fish life; the granite massif and surrounding rocks create protected surroundings for schools of Yellow Snappers and a multitude of reef fish. This is also the home of some of the largest Brown Morays in the area as well as a host of invertebrates. The site occasionally has current and attracts schooling pelagics, stingrays, Hawksbill Turtles, reef sharks and Whale Sharks. It is easy to explore Mahé in a day and car hire is easy. You will be able to take in spectacular mountain passes and some of the world's finest beaches. Or take an inter-island ferry and check out the neighbouring islands of Praslin and La Digue. John will be able to give you lots of help in finding the best spots. He claims to know Seychelles as well as anyone! Over the past five years he has produced all of Seychelles' tourism promotional films, including the in-flight destination film you will have seen on the plane! In Mahé we will be staying at the comfortable Coral Strand Hotel on the lovely Beau Vallon Beach, where our dive centre is also conveniently situated. The hotel has 108 air-conditioned rooms, all with private bathrooms and verandahs. Hotel facilities include a main restaurant, a pool-side bistro and a beach-side bar For a completely different Seychelles experience we are offering the optional extra of visiting the beautiful, isolated island of Desroches. While Mahé and the other inner islands are the tips of granite mountains rising from the sea, Desroches, 230 kilometres from Mahé, is one of the Amirantes, a string of coral atolls. The island is situated at the northernmost edge of the atoll ring and is just three miles long and half a mile wide. Visitors arrive by private charter aircraft which connects to Mahé (usually on five days each week). The lodge on Desroches has only just been refurbished and the exclusive, luxury accommodation is both very stylish and comfortable, featuring 20 spacious beach-front chalets, each with its own large verandah overlooking the tropical gardens. The chalets have a large bedroom area with king sized bed, combined with a spacious open-plan seating area. The cuisine in the superb main restaurant is European and Creole with tropical barbeques served in the beach front garden. Take a sunset walk along the beach and you will see why this is one of the most romantic islands in the Indian Ocean! Along with the romantic setting, the diving is also not to be missed (at this time of year especially, when calmer conditions allow for the possibility to dive some unusual dive sites)! The limestone rim of the atoll has been raised and lowered several times over geological time and the relentless action of the sea has left a wall formation that is steeply undercut and eroded, resulting in some spectacular dive sites including tunnels, submarine blow-holes and canyons between blocks of coral. The fish life is spectacular, including schools of Black Snappers, Big-eye Jacks, a very photogenic group of Oriental Sweetlips, Marbled Stingrays and a few oddities such as the Bearded Soapfish. When not diving, take a bike ride round the island, play tennis or just chill out on one of the most tranquil islands that it is possible to visit.
Whale Shark Special Itinerary Monday 10th October: Air France afternoon flight from London (Heathrow) bound for Mahé via Paris. Tuesday 11th October: Morning arrival in Mahé. Transfer to Coral Strand Hotel for a 6 nights stay. Afternoon Whale Shark snorkeling trip. Wednesday 12th October - Saturday 15th October: Four days of 2-tank boat diving in the mornings and snorkeling with the Whale Shark tagging expedition in the afternoons. Sunday 16th October: Morning at leisure. Optional afternoon Whale Shark snorkeling trip. Monday 17th October: Air France morning flight to London (Heathrow) via Paris, arriving in the early evening. £1689 (with diving and Whale Shark snorkeling) £1533 (with Whale Shark snorkeling only) £1276 (non-divers/non-snorkelers) Supplement for optional Whale Shark snorkeling trip on Sunday 16th October: £60. If you want to take this extra trip you must notify us at the time of booking. Includes: " Scheduled flights London(Heathrow)/Paris/Mahé/Paris/London (Heathrow) by Air France. " Airport/hotel transfers. " 6 nights bed and breakfast on a twin/share basis at Coral Strand Hotel, Mahé. " 4 days of diving (2-tank boat diving) at Underwater Centre Seychelles, dive guide, cylinders and weights. " 5 (or 6) afternoons of Whale Shark boat trips with the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles. " Services of John Boyle as leader. Single Occupancy Supplement: £112. Please note that, while we will endeavour to find a room-mate for those on the expedition who are travelling alone and would prefer to share accommodation, in the event of a room-mate not being available the single occupancy supplement will apply. Room-mates will be allocated on a first-come first served basis. Deposit: £300
Desroches Extension Itinerary
Monday 17th October: Morning at leisure. Afternoon Air Seychelles flight to Desroches. Transfer to Desroches Island Lodge for a 5 nights stay. Afternoon dive. Tuesday 18th October - Friday 21st October: Four days of 2-tank diving around Desroches. Saturday 22nd October: Morning at leisure. Afternoon flight to Mahé. Overnight at the Coral Strand Hotel, Mahé. Sunday 23rd October: Air France morning flight to London (Heathrow) via Paris, arriving in the evening. £1768 (non-divers: £1364) Includes: " Scheduled flights Mahé/Desroches/Mahé by Air Seychelles " Airport/hotel transfers. " 5 nights full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on a twin/share basis at Desroches Island Resort. " 4 days of 2-tank boat diving, plus one dive on the afternoon of arrival at Desroches, dive guide, cylinders and weights. " 1 night bed and breakfast on a twin/share basis at Coral Strand Hotel, Mahé. Single Occupancy Supplement: £616. Please note that, while we will endeavour to find a room-mate for those on the expedition who are travelling alone and would prefer to share accommodation, in the event of a room-mate not being available the single occupancy supplement will apply. Room-mates will be allocated on a first-come first served basis. Deposit: £300
Note: Should two people travelling together apply for the last place on the tour, we may, at our discretion, increase the group size limit by one. Notes on Whale Shark activities: The Mahé regime of diving in the morning allows for the location of the Whale Sharks by plane in the morning for the afternoon sessions. In the unlikely event that no Whale Sharks are spotted an afternoon dive will be offered instead. One person on each morning may accompany the pilot on the aerial surveys in return for a donation to the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles (MCSS), to be paid locally. This is a service offered by MCSS directly and is on 'at-your-own-risk' basis and not included in the package offered by Divequest. There will be no reduction for the lost diving sessions. Note: Air France flies to Paris from Manchester, London City, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh, so it is also possible to fly from your local airport. Note: The Desroches extension is unescorted. In addition, please note that, depending on other commitments in Seychelles, John may not return with the group to London at the end of the Whale Shark Special. Situated on Africas east coast and bordered by South Africa and Swaziland to the south, Zimbabwe to the west and Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania to the north, Mozambique boasts an amazing 3000 kilometres of coastline. Those areas that have been discovered are providing some of Africa's most exhilarating diving experiences. This big countrys potential area for diving is huge and, as yet, little explored. Situated in the tropics, Mozambiques weather is warm and humid during the summer months from October to April, when it can become quite uncomfortable. Our visit is scheduled for the early winter month of May, traditionally the best season to dive. Water temperature should be 24-260C and a 5 mm wetsuit will be ideal. A former Portuguese colony, the country gained independence in 1975 but was then caught up in a bloody 17-year civil war that eventually took it from being one of Africas richest countries to one of its poorest by the time the country finally achieved peace in 1992. Despite the setbacks of recent floods and droughts, Mozambique is recovering just as fast as it declined and is now one of Africa's fastest developing economies. Much of Mozambique remains undeveloped, with vast swathes of forest lining long roads. As one drives up the coastline one passes through expanses of coconut and cashew nut plantations and through quaint little villages where the people live off the land as they have done for hundreds of years. There are a few towns where the influence of the Portuguese can still be seen, mostly in the architecture. Otherwise Mozambique remains very African. The industrial heart of the country lies in the south around the capital of Maputo. Here are the big sugar refining warehouses and the countrys international airport. Our Mozambique expedition really begins as our small charter aeroplane comes in to land at the airstrip of Inhambane. As the plane descends towards the airport you should have marvellous views of the tempting blue waters and wonderful coastline awaiting below. Inhambane was the very first place that Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first came ashore in Mozambique some 500 years ago. Back then he called the place Land of the Gentle People, and certainly the locals are both gentle and friendly (as long as you dont point a camera at them& many think it steals their soul!). Diving off Inhambane is rated as the best in Mozambique. From a kaleidoscope of multicoloured anthias, corals and anemones, to the great plankton-feeding Manta Rays, herds of Mobulas or Pygmy Devil Rays and glorious Whale Sharks, each dive site offers something special. Manta Reef has quickly gained the reputation of being a world class dive site. The site is situated some 12 kilometres north of the resort, and can only be reached when relatively calm conditions prevail. Dives vary from 18 metres on top to 35 metres around the outer edge. Three cleaning stations for Manta Rays have been identified, so Manta Rays are spotted on a regular basis. Whale Sharks, sharks and a variety of pelagic fish are often seen. Vast schools of reef fish and game fish are often to be seen here. As divers arrive and kit up on site they are often treated to an amazing aerial display of leaping Pygmy Devil Rays! The rays flip a somersault and turn, sometimes two or three individuals at once, tempting you into the water. Once under the water the show carries on, with their big cousins the Manta Rays taking centre stage. They perform beautiful underwater ballets as they congregate around their cleaning stations. Over 20 individuals have been seen at once, though 6 or 7 per dive is more the norm. Manta Pinnacle is particularly scenic with a natural amphitheatre of several pinnacles providing homes for huge schools of bigeyes, goatfish and grunts. Several friendly Potato Groupers can also be seen here alongside lionfish, moray eels, parrotfish, schools of anthias and many other Indian Ocean species. Occasionally large schools of Chevron Barracudas show up and when they meet Mobulas or Pygmy Devil Rays in mid-water prepared to be dazzled - the scene can be awesome. Spanish Dancers can be found here during the day as well as many anemonefish, porcelain crabs and shrimps along the reef tops. Even dedicated macro photographers will like this site! However, one should always keep an eye on the water column above, as you never know when a large shadow, that of a whale shark, will appear overhead! Seeing a whale shark while on Manta Reef is a bonus but on Guinjatas second best known site Paindane it is a relatively common sight at this time of year. Paindane is a great place to see these graceful creatures, whether snorkeling with them on the surface or silhouetted against the sun whilst diving on the site. Paindane is an exceptional dive even without a whale shark sighting. The reef starts close to the shore and drops rapidly down to 35 metres, producing a wonderful scenic wall on the outside of the reef and sheltered, lagoon-type conditions on the inside. The site is quite an advanced dive as the current is often strong. Divers fly over the reef and along the wall past large shoals of fish and through weird underwater gardens, occasionally ducking behind overhangs and large rocky outcrops to slow their speed down. Grunts, sweetlips, angelfish, bannerfish, Masked Butterflyfish and Teira Batfish swim alongside trevallys, tunas, Manta Rays and occasionally even a Tiger Shark. On the days when the current is slight one can observe an wonderful array of weird and fascinating creatures, including frogfish, leafish and the wonderful Rhynopias scorpionfish. The shallow protected area has brilliant corals . There are several exhilarating deeper dives within reach from Guinjata bay. Many are yet to be explored or even given names, but some like Kingfish 1 and Kingfish 2, not that far from Manta Reef, are being dived more and more. They are both fairly deep sites starting at around 25-30 metres and dropping off to a sandy bottom of 40 plus metres. Each has a Manta Ray cleaning station, so Manta Rays are virtually guaranteed. Shark sightings are possible along with huge shoals of Longfin Bannerfish, grunts and anthias, which hide amongst the green tree and black corals dotted along on the reef tops. If you are a relatively new diver, don't despair. There are plenty of shallower dives. Guinjata Bay Reef, situated approximately 1.5 kilometres from the resort, offers several dives at different depths, the deepest dive being on the Pao ledge which drops down from 13 to 21 metres. Here and on other deeper sections of the reef it is possible to find game fish and huge rays resting on the sand. The Caves is centred round a lovely natural amphitheatre which offers depths between 9 and 14 metres, whilst another site, Batfish Pinnacle, offers similar depths with good fish life, especially batfish! Island Rock is a lovely little site located 6 kilometres south of Paindane. It's not only a good place to spot a whale shark or two, but it has a lovely cave which stretches from 7 metres down to 14 metres. This is a rarely dived site and thus unexplored. Sightings of Humpback Whales and dolphins are relatively common. As you speed between dive sites and the dive centre it pays to have your eyes wide open and your snorkel ready as you just never know when a life-time opportunity will come along. The rare Hump-backed Dolphin can sometimes be found between Manta Reef and Tofu. Occasionally it can be found swimming alongside its more common cousin the Bottlenose Dolphin. Accommodations at Guinjata Bay Lodge are spacious and comfortable, but fairly simple. Thatch-roofed chalets are large and roomy with several bedrooms, kitchens, sitting areas and hot showers. The main chalet we reserve has 3 en-suite bedrooms with double beds and ceiling fans downstairs. Upstairs is a single room, two twin rooms and two 3-bedded rooms. Showers and toilets are downstairs. The chalets location is close to the dive centre and office/restaurant with stunning views over the water. Each chalet is surrounded by its own well-kept little garden and comes with its own maid. Please note that en-suite bathroom facilities cannot be guaranteed The dive centre offers courses (there is a small training pool) and equipment hire. In the main block there is a small shop supplying everything from batteries and sun cream to whisky and coke. A Sportsmans bar serves up good local beer and Satellite TV (for major sporting events you might want to catch), and there is a large restaurant offering mouth watering seafood and steak dishes alongside local delicacies too. Dress is casual and meals are served 24 hours a day. All meals are inclusive, although food is not unlimited. You are given a credit system to use each day which rolls over to the next day, so one day you can take it easy and the next eat as much as you can! Dives average between 20 and 25 metres. Though we will dive some pretty reefs and coral gardens, it is the presence of larger pelagic fish, dolphins, whales, sharks and Whale Sharks that sets Mozambique apart from other diving destinations. With luck, we will have close encounters with some pretty big animals. Underwater photographers should pack wide-angle lenses for this expedition! The trip includes either 2 or 3 dives per day, depending on distance and weather and sea conditions. This will be Gavin Andersons fifth trip to Mozambique, and although no formal underwater photography teaching will be available, Gavin will certainly have his camera with him and is always happy to pass on tips of the trade or discuss any photography problems. Itinerary Thursday 20th May: South African Airways evening flight from London (Heathrow) bound for Johannesburg. Friday 21st May: Morning arrival at Johannesburg International Airport. Transfer to Johannesburg Lanseria Airport for local flight to Inhambane, Mozambique, arriving in the afternoon. Transfer by road to Guinjata Bay Lodge (about a 45-minute journey). Welcoming drinks and time to relax and settle into your bungalow before dinner. Saturday 22nd May-Saturday 29 May: Five days of 2 boat dives and three days of 3 boat dives to include all dive sites, depending on weather and sea conditions. Sunday 30th May: Time to de-gas and relax before packing the gear ready for its road transportation to Johannesburg. Relax on the beach, follow the cultural route through ancient coconut trees, visit Inhambane museum and market, or take a trip on an ancient dhow to Maxixe. Monday 31st May: Early breakfast and transfer to Inhambane Airport for flight to London via Johannesburg. Tuesday 1st June: Morning arrival at London (Heathrow). £2295 (non-divers: £1864) London/London Includes: " Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Johannesburg/London (Heathrow) by South African Airlines. " Charter flights Johannesburg/Inhambane/Johannesburg. " Airport transfers. " 10 nights full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) accommodation on a twin/share basis at Guinjata Bay Lodge. " 8 days of diving (2 or 3 boat dives per day depending on distance and weather and sea conditions), dive guide, cylinders and weights. " Services of Gavin Anderson as group leader. Single Occupancy Supplement: £187. Please note that, while we will endeavour to find a room-mate for those on the expedition who are travelling alone and would prefer to share accommodation, in the event of a room-mate not being available the single occupancy supplement will apply. Room-mates will be allocated on a first-come first served basis. Kindly note that the luggage allowance on the charter flight is 10 kilograms only (in total). The rest of your luggage will be transported by road from Johannesburg and should arrive with you by the late evening of your first day. Deposit: £300 Note: Should two people travelling together apply for the last place on the tour, we may, at our discretion, increase the group size limit by one. |