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A
portion of all
Eco Adventure
sales is contributed
to the foundation
for the ongoing
campaigns for
ocean and marine
preservation.
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Come
and enjoy an opportunity of a lifetime with
professional photographer Bruce Watkins
Bruce Watkins
Bio
Education: Ph.D. Chemistry, University
of California, Berkeley. BA Chemistry, Alfred University,
Alfred New York.
Publications: Books: A Diver’s Guide
to Monterey County, 1997, Saint Brendan Corp., Torrance,
California. A Diver’s guide to Northern California,
1999, Saint Brendan Corp., Torrance, California.
Magazines/Journals - 314 articles published in major National/International
magazines (partial list attached) 73 Scientific Journal
Publications, 5 patents.
Over 1000 photographs in magazines/books/advertisements
worldwide including: National Geographic Books, Ocean Realm,
Newsweek, San Francisco Chronicle, Outside
Other -Stock Photography: Exclusive contract with Animals
Animals/Earth Scenes, New York, New York. Contributing for
writing California Diving News. SSI Advanced/Specialty Instructor
(retired) University of California Research Diver, Diving
Control Board (1987-1990)
About
The Kingdom of Tonga: The Kingdom of Tonga consists
of about 170 islands divided into four main island groups
ranging over an area from 15 to 23 degrees south latitude,
and 173 to 177 degrees west longitude, situated 1200 miles
north of New Zealand and just west of the international
dateline. In this age of political volatility, Tonga remains
a safe haven, far off the beaten track, with a popular 200
year old constitutional monarchy, the only Polynesian country
never to have been colonized. It is a proud independent
nation with a rich cultural history, maintaining customs
and traditions while embracing Christianity. Tongans love
to sing and Sunday mornings the air is filled with the voluminous
sound of enthusiastic choirs. The shy, gentle, dignity of
the handsome people of Tonga reflects a refreshing feeling
of timelessness, in their easy, friendly smiles. Laughing
seems to be the national pastime.
The
Vava’u island group, where we sail,
is situated approximately 240 kilometers north of Tongatapu.
There are about 40 islands in an area 23 by 25 kilometers,
which is protected by a semi-circular reef. The Southeast
trade winds provide excellent sailing conditions, while
the surrounding reef protects the open waters from ocean
swell. Most of the islands we visit are uninhabited and
we are the only visitors. Vava’u is still relatively
undiscovered by tourists. Villagers are shy, but quite welcoming
if we decide to visit, and a Tongan Feast in Vava’u
is local, family oriented and charmingly informal.
The
Vessel: a 41ft Wright Catamaran
Liveaboard
41 ft catamaran
5 double cabins, 4 with double berth, 1 with 2 single berths
Trip
Schedule:
- 2 night hotel accommodation at Paradise International
Hotel (first & last night).
- Rround trip transfer from airport to hotel and from hotel
to the dock.
- 7 days/6 nights cruise (included all meals, activities,
photograph techniques, introductions, snorkeling, island
exploring, etc).
- 6 days full days on the water with activities.
Overview
of the trip with your guide:
A whale watching / photo safari with accommodation onboard
a sailing vessel is a unique way to experience the whales
up close. With the catamaran as your hotel and your transportation,
you can totally immerse in the wildlife experience on a
lifetime.
The
location and activities of the whales determines our course
each day. Remember, these are wild whales in their natural
environment. There is always time to explore and to relax.
As
each afternoon draws to a close we seek an anchorage close
to where we may expect to see whales next day. Most of the
anchorages have a great, nearby reef to explore. We are
often lulled to sleep by their song at night and wake up
to the sight of whales breaching in the distance as we breakfast
on deck.
Our
6–day itinerary includes a very flexible daily schedule.
Each day is busy spotting, observing, photographing and
sometimes swimming with whales. But we can always change
that to take an afternoon to visit an island or a visit
to a pristine reef.
Departure
schedules & Rates: 3 trips are scheduled.
First trip.
Sep 3 to 11 – double $2,800.00 – single $3,900.
Second trip.
Sep 10 to 18 – double $2,800.00 – single $3.900.
Option
to do both first and second trip.
Sep 03- 18 (two weeks schedule)
Double-$4,900.00
Single -$7,400.00
Third
trip
Sep 20 – 28 (8 nights)
Double -3,200.00
Single – 4,800.00
Airfare available from all US major gateways to Tonga. A
local airfare from Fua’amotu International airport
at Nuku’alofa to Vava’u local airport
For
more information or reservation, please email to Ocean Real
Eco Adventures – lucia@oceanrealmecoadventures.com
or call – 561-439-6601.
Part of the proceed from this trip will be donated to our
Ocean Realm Society conservation programs
Picture
Gallery: courtesy of Tonga tourist board.
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