Snorkeling with blue whaleS - BigAnimals.com
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BigAnimals Global Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BluE Whale J une 10 - 16, 2018 Snorkeling with blue whaleS You will be overcome with the excitement, anticipation, and joy that are the defining qualities of true exploration, and the experience will deepen your understanding and appreciation of our ocean realm, the lifeblood of our planet. BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhY
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BluE Whale June 10 - 16, 2018 the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Known as the world’s largest animal, the approximately 80-foot blue whale has a long tapering body with a flat, u-shaped head, and a prominent ridge running from it’s blowhole to upper lip. Blue whales are rorqual whales, a family of baleen whales “ nature at its best. listen to Your heart Pound. Back rolling silently from a kayak into the deep blue water of the Pacific ocean to photograph a blue whale is simply a life altering experience. ” with pleated throat grooves that expand when the animal takes in water while feeding. About 800 baleen plates hang from the front of its upper jaw, helping it sieve massive amounts of plankton out of the they are the largest of the rorqual or baleen whales weighing up to 150 tons, ocean. Blue whales are an overall blue-gray averaging a length of 80 feet, and they color, mottled with light gray. Cold-water are far more wonderful in person than diatoms adhere to their skin and some- words could ever hope to describe. We times give their bellies a yellowish tinge, could talk all day about the countless in- giving the blue whale its nickname of credible facts and almost unbelievable “sulfur bottom.” Blues have twin blowholes statistics that describe blue whales, but that spout as high as 30 feet. no words could ever come close to unlike humpbacks and other baleen expressing the way you will feel when whales, blues do not swim in pods and you’re in the water next to these most seldom fluke (“tail up”) like the humpback. amazing of Earth’s creatures. they are known to cruise at 12 mph (20 We’ve taken some of the encounter km/h), but are capable of short speed challenge out of the equation by following bursts of 31 mph (50 km/h) when interacting the northern blue whale’s migration with other whales. path along the Baja Peninsula from their You will be overcome with the excite- it is difficult to imagine just how huge wintering grounds in the sea of Cortez. ment, anticipation, and joy that are the these whales are until you’re in the water our expedition takes place during the defining qualities of true exploration, and with them. their hearts can weight as peak of their migration season and you the experience will deepen your under- much as a car, their tongues may exceed are certain to have the best chance of standing and appreciation of our ocean the weight of an elephant, and 2,500 gallons interacting with Blues anywhere in the realm, the lifeblood of our planet. making of blood circulate constantly to keep this world. Pre-scouting the trip along with eye contact with the largest animal in the whale alive. they feed almost exclusively a spotter plane helps us pinpoint their world will make you feel at once both in- on krill and other plankton, and adult blue exact location over a distance varying significant and important. swimming in can consume 8,000 pounds of krill daily in between 15 to 25 miles. this “gentle the presence of an animal incomprehensibly order to power their massive bodies. they giant” adventure involves a technique more powerful than yourself will make can reach record lengths of 100 feet and of stealth, one that i have developed you feel impossibly tiny, yet at the same weights of 180 tons. Even newborn babies over many years to keep the whales time the rare connection you have just are 25 feet long and drink over 100 gallons comfortable in our presence while still made with this intelligent ocean being of their mother’s milk every day! allowing for the most intimate of encounters. will show you how critical of a part each Blue whales inhabit the oceans of the world, their commanding presence in the water one of us plays on this beautiful blue mar- but our destination is the most productive is undeniable and overwhelming and ble we call home. if you’re ready to see life along the west coast of the united states. through this BigAnimals experience, you in a new light, join us on this BigAnimals on this expedition, we hope to get face to will become one of a select group of people Expedition that will enrich your life, make face during the time frame when approxi- lucky enough to share the sea with these your heart skip a few beats, and take your mately 2,500 whales, feasting on krill, amazing animals in such close quarters. breath away. migrate through mexican waters along the shoreline of san Diego. BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhY
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 10 - 16, 2018 here is an account of what you have to the experience look forward to. All five of us had been sit- ting in our kayaks on top of a flat sea for at least two hours and the whales were all While the scout plane lifts off from around us. We were all spread out about a montgomery field to locate the exact mile apart from each other observing the location of the whales, we depart from show of blows. the plane hovered around Catalina Island on the Counter Shade us as the pilot was seeing the whales from dive boat. Designed for divers, it has an above; the skipper was yelling to the left or overall length of 40 feet with a 14-foot to the right, but we kept just missing them. beam. Employing the use of a scouting We were getting warmer and warmer in plane has proved time and again to be our wetsuits. i slid into the cool water every the best way to locate Blues, and is the so often just to refresh myself. in the mean- method we used when filming for both time, i took a few catnaps on the Kayak and BBC and national Geographic. We have my paddler had to wake me up few times. the very best pilot who has been working the sun started to go down as 4pm with us for the last seven years, and he approached and visibility in the water began knows exactly what to look for when to diminish, but the number of blows in scouting for blue whales. Despite their Each is paddled and maneuvered into close proximity to the kayak started rising. huge size, they are easy for an inexperi- position by expert master kayakers. We enced eye to miss, but our skilled pilot wait topside in the warm air and inviting spots them every time. he looks for red west coast sunshine for just the right mo- algae, a popular food for blue whales, as ment to quietly slip into the cool, blue well as their characteristic breathing water. this perfect combination of tem- blows. peratures is a taste of the equally perfect our five snorkelers, each with their blue whale encounter you are about to own dedicated kayak and master paddler, have in this most ultimate of wildlife pho- plus the expedition leader, will have tography opportunities. As the whale ap- nick my kayaker counted four, five, and plenty of space on a boat designed to proaches, your heart will be pounding, then six! he started paddling towards one, carry 12 passengers. While the Counter your camera clicking, and you will have but i asked him to stop. “Just stay here,” i Shade top speed is 24 mph, we cruise a the experience of a lifetime. We primarily told him. the less motion we make the better. bit under that around a speedy 20 miles snorkel with the Blues, but if you are a Another few minutes passed and nick per hour. the boat’s amenities include a skilled free diver, this is a valid option as started slowly paddling. Again, i told him head plus a hot water shower. We’ll have well. With less than 5m (15ft) of water sep- to stop, and before i could finish my words hot soup, a tasty lunch, and snacks on arating you from these graceful and gi- i saw the tip of the head of a Blue just two board. You’ll want a swim jacket for that gantic denizens of the sea, you are sure to feet under the surface only a few feet in out of water warmth. come away from the expedition with a front of the Kayak bow. to jump or not to typically we encounter the shy blue deeper understanding of and connection jump…it was not a question. it was too whales as they migrate north by Channel to these amazing animals we are lucky late to enter the water, but instead i low- islands and all the San Miguel island enough to share our water planet with. ered my camera with a wide angle lens to At a distance of approximately 1000 our scouting pilot is fantastic, there is ab- my left side just one foot underwater, yards, the Counter Shade turns off her solutely no better service to be had, and aiming the heavy camera as best i could to engine so as not to frighten the whales. the superb caliber of this Big Animals ex- face this incoming giant of the sea. And i Blue whales may be the largest animals pedition will be obvious in the quality of got it. one of the rarest images of a blue in the world, but they are also one of the your encounters and images. whale, a frontal view from the tip of its jaw shyest. they are extremely docile and back to its dreamy eye. these are the kinds become startled easily, so we need to of precious wilderness moments we provide. take the utmost care not to scare them it is critical to remember during any with our boat noise. As soon as we have BigAnimals expedition that this is not sea deter-mined that the whale is swimming World. the show is not at 10am or 2pm. straight and not feeling threatened, we this is the wilderness. We are doing our advance in sit on top double kayaks. best to inform you and share our research snorkelers are prepared to enter the and past years of experiences with you. water with wetsuits on (66° to 72° f our previous encounters are an example of water temp, air at 70°+ f), fins, mask and what has happened before, but are in no snorkel ready, and camera in hand. way a guarantee for what you can expect to see now. You are signing on for an adventure and to truly enjoy it, you have to fully respect mother nature for her own unpredictable behavior. BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhY
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 10 - 16, 2018 the Destination What to Bring following your arrival and hotel Catalina Island is a trendy and bustling check-in, we will discuss camera gear city, but clothing attire is casual. and settings, logistics and whale viewing in the water, a 5mm wetsuit and a 3mm strategy during the evening briefing hooded vest is recommended. Water temps and dinner. range from 66 to 70f (or 18 to 21C). You will the next five days we will operate out of also need to bring mask, fins and snorkel. mission Bay. Weather permitting (there is it is always advisable to bring an extra mask, an occasional wait for the marine layer to strap and fins. lift) the spotter plane will leave as early as While we are aboard the boat and following possible in the morning. our pilot will While accommodations are your each dive, wearing a windbreaker or fleece scan a radius of 15 to 25 miles between responsibility, this BigAnimal Expedition jacket will provide warmth. You might also san Diego and mexico searching for blue operates at the height of Catalina Island consider bringing lightweight gloves and a whales for up to four hours. tourist season. We suggest that as soon as wool hat, sun block, polarized sunglasses, a Already headed in the same direction you sign on to this trip, your book your towel, and dry (waterproof ) camera bag. if as the scout plane, the humboldt will airline and hotel reservations. Here are you carry multiple cameras you may want to stop if we site any bait balls, mola molas, three hotels suggestions: bring a small hard-shell Pelican case for the whales, sharks, sea lions, or other marine 1 - Aurora - 4 stars boat plus a soft dry bag for use in the kayak. animals. the Blues are of course the main 2 - Pavilion Hotel - 3 stars attraction, but we often have the oppor- 3 - Hotel Metropole - 3 stars tunity to get in the water and photo- graph a variety of other amazing sea creatures. there is also the option for you to spend a day flying in the scout plane. in constant communication with the pilot, our boat skipper is an additional observer. having enjoyed six days in san Diego enthralled with the most incredible blue whale experience, it will be time to ex- change emails and say goodbye—until Amos’ next adventure. our evenings on land together in san Diego, one of southern California’s most beautiful cities, will be as entertaining as our days spent in the Pacific. BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhY
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 10 - 16, 2018 California’s Blue June 10 - 16, 2018 BluE WhAlE ExPEriEnCE: 14 years WhErE: Catalina Island DAtEs: June 10 - 16, 2018 DurAtion: 7 days mAx no. of GuEsts: 5 PriCinG: $9,800 per person rEGistrAtion: Deposit of $3,300 VEssEl: Counter Shade BigAnimals’ unique services – niCK lEBEouf raising the bar of services in every ACtiVitiEs: free Diving & snorkeling Expedition leader adventure we operate around the tEmPErAturE: Water 66°-72° f world is our policy. (19-22° C) Air 70°+ f (21+° C) With over a decade of experience We lead by example with immaculate triP PriCE inCluDEs: leading California & Baja expeditions, safety record. Each wildlife expedition is • five days of blue whale free diving nick leBeouf specializes in safely getting you close to the world’s biggest animals. carefully scouted before offered to the aboard the Counter Shade public and we schedule departures only • only five guests per trip nick has worked with the BBC, Discovery during peak animal presence and behavior • spotter plane assistance for 5 days, Channel, outside magazine, mAx, displays, led by nick leBeouf and based up to 4 hours per day national newspapers, and founded a on Amos nachoum’s 35 years of diving • five two-person Kayaks each with scuba company in san Diego where he and photographing ocean Giants. an expert Kayaker to take us quickly holds 20 specialty diver certifications. our California Blue Whale Expedition and quietly out to the whales is strictly limited to only 5 privileged • lunch and snacks on board guests. this is with consideration of the • nick lebeouf Expedition leader shark’s welfare and behavior, your safety and provides you with room to move triP PriCE ExCluDEs: • 6 nights hotel freely, ample space in which to photo- • meals which aren’t specified above, graph and film, with personalized soft drinks or alcohol attention and advice. • Cab fare, car rental • Activities outside of the itinerary • items of a personal nature (phone calls, tips, drinks) • scuba gear (this is a snorkeling expedition only) • overweight luggage • items not specifically mentioned under “tour Price includes” • insurance – it is mandatory you buy your own travel, health, and diving insurance • Additional costs incurred due to independent travel arrangements • Gratuities • Airfare to and from Los Angeles BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhY
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 10 - 16, 2018 California’S blue whaleS itinerarY > June 10 - 16, 2018 daY 1 - June 10 – ArriVE Los Angeles. Take the Shuttle bus to Santa Barbra, Ferry to Catalina Island. Check into your hotel and let us know which hotel you are booked in. We will inform you on meeting place for briefing daY 2-6 - June 11-15 –We operate out of Catalina and for the next five days we’ll be engaged in blue whale spotting. We plan to leave early in the morning, weather permitting. The marine layer can sometimes make it difficult for the pilot to safely search for whales. The pilot searches for the whales in an area 15 to 25 miles offshore between San Diego and Mexico. We leave by boat each morning towards the area being scouted. While waiting for the scouting report, if we come across an encounter with other marine life along the way, we will free dive in the lovely daY 7 - June 16 PAYmEnt PoliCY AnD DEPosit: When we receive your deposit, we will blue Pacific. (There are many diffrent marine send you a comprehensive and detailed animals arriving in Southern California – Depart Catalina by the Ferry to trip Preparation Bulletin about the waters at this time of year to feed and Santa Barbara and by shuttle bus to experience and the destination. breed.) What makes this expedition so Los Angeles airport. Use travel All trip costs are subject to change unique is that, in addition to having a scout time to plan your next BigAnimals without prior notice until your reservation plane with us every day, we also employ five Global Expedition. is confirmed. master kayakers to paddle you as quietly as A deposit of 33% of the total trip price possible to the shy blue whales. Each sea is required to secure space on the trip. kayak has two seats. The quest seat is at the full payment is due no later than 90 front of the kayak, where you’ll have mask, days before departure. fins and camera ready to go at any time. The We reserve the right to sell any space kayaker sits in the back to paddle you as fast as humanly possible to the approximate that is not paid in full by 60 days before location of the incoming blue whales. Since departure. we are in constant communication with the CAnCEllAtion PoliCY pilot, and the skipper can observe from the -must be made in writing. dive boat, The kaykayak will be able to reach -more than 90 days before trip: your whale quickly and silently. Deposit will be refunded in full. All five kayaks go out at one time – all guests -90 days or less before trip: go out on the kayaks to the open sea and Deposit will be refunded if space is remain at sea for as long as there’s sold, less unrecoverable costs of sales, opportunity for blue whale free diving. In and administration fee. the event we have good contact with the -no refund is made for unused part of blue whales we will stay out until evening. the itinerary. At the end of the day we return to shore. the following are subject to change: -Cost of services which are not These are the hotel we recommend you included in the expedition price make your reservation ... -flight time and schedule I - Aurora - 4 stars, -Weather, water temperature, and II - Pavilion Hotel - 3 stars, animal behavior III - Hotel Metropole - 3 stars Dates and prices are subject to change without prior notice. BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhY
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 10 - 16, 2018 ApplicAtion Form Expedition snorkeling with Blue Whales | Expeditions Dates: June 10 - 16, 2018 PErsonAl informAtion first name last name Date of Birth Gender: female male Address City state Zip Work Phone home Phone Email Citizen of Passport # Place issued & Date trip price $9,800 per person. Deposit of 1/3 of trip price is required to secure space = $3,300 non-refundable. final payment due 90 days before departure. Please make your check payment to BigAnimals Expeditions, 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. overseas payment can be done via bank wire, instructions will be sent to you upon receipt of this application. travel insurance: yEs no Provider Policy # travel insurance is prerequisite and mandatory on BigAnimals adventures. We need to have your policy number.the activity on this expedition is free diving/snorkeling. no scuba Diving Experience required and no scuba diving is offered. Do you carry diving insurance? yEs no Provider Policy # Diving Experience/years in Diving 3 Where & When last 3 Dive Experiences? 1 2 how do you rate your Diving skills? Beginner inter Advanced Expert how do you rate your Photography and/or Video skills? no interest Beginner inter Advanced Expert BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhy
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