Unique Trips
Group Trips
Whether you are going solo or traveling with good mates, a group trip is a great way to see the world. We've posted some of our own exclusive charters as well as other group trips to both diving and non-diving destinations. Snorkel with calving and mating humpback whales in Tonga or the Dominican Republic and be astonished how much grace and gentleness these massive mammals possess. On a group departure you may witness the thundering sounds of hooves during the annual migration in East Africa – proof that there is tremendous strength in numbers. You may also isit an orangutan sanctuary in Malaysia and come back intensely dedicated to saving them from extinction. These once in a lifetime trips will reawaken your joy for travel and our planet. Traveling with a group of like minded voyagers is not only rewarding, but fun!
All Countries
Antarctica
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
It is hard to imagine that there is another place that has an even greater population of king penguins, but there is – St. Andrews Bay! It hosts a breeding colony numbering more than 150,000 king penguin pairs with a stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountains – a sight you will never forget. And the beaches of St. Andrews Bay are also occupied by relaxed fur seals and feisty southern elephant seals.
Keeping in mind that when penguins are present, so are the third largest seal in the world: the leopard seal. We hope to see these predators of the south pole as they have an acquired taste for Gentoo, Chinstrap, King, Rockhopper and even Emperor penguins. They can reach up to 1300 lbs (590 kgs) in weight and grow up to 10 feet/3 meters. Their bodies are long and slender and their heads appear to be too large for their thin, serpent-like bodies. Because their body is streamline-shaped, it is excellent for propelling through the water at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. They are solitary except until breeding time which occurs from November until March. They have few predators and can be dangerous to humans.
The island of Steeple Jason extends off the far northwest side of the Falkland Islands into the Atlantic Ocean. Over 70% of the global population of Black-browed Albatross breed here. According to a recent aerial survey, about 183,000 pairs of Black-browed Albatrosses nest along one side of the island—one elevated nest after another spanning for miles. It is a noise-filled place of continuous Albatross chatter competing with the squawking of Rockhopper Penguins who have elected to nest on the ground directly beneath the elevated Albatross nests. In addition, a screeching chorus is often heard from attacking Striated Caracara. Steeple Jason is the largest nesting colony of these aggressive birds of prey who continually patrol above and around the Albatross and Penguins searching for food for themselves and their chicks.
Every day on shore is packed with unforgettable eye-to-eye wildlife experiences. It is not possible to adequately describe all of them here. And during our time at sea cruising from island to island, we may be lucky to spot several different whale species.
This is an incredible adventure that you don’t want to miss. And go as soon as possible because Antarctica is experiencing global warming with a devastating impact on the natural environment. At the time of writing this text, Antarctica was experiencing the highest temperatures recorded in history – +70ºF/+20ºC during their fall season.
JOIN US ON AN ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE! With a more in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, our Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition voyage gives you the chance to venture beyond the Antarctic Circle, a milestone few have reached. Including an in-depth exploration of the penguin colonies, glaciers, bays and historical sites of the Peninsula, you’ll also navigate beyond 66⁰33´ South.
Date: Jan 9-22, 2022
Price: from $19,000
Antarctica’s glacial beauty of towering snow-capped mountains with glistening ice formations ranging from blue to white, makes this expedition to the seventh continent one of life’s great experiences.
Aided by technical support onboard the Hans Hansson, Amos conducts dramatic open water dives along the walls of grounded icebergs. We explore to find the Leopard seals hunting ground in uncharted inlets and bays. Our chances increase dramatically since we are allowed and able to stay for many days at any promising location. Since the small vessel has very minimal impact on the environment, we are free to move everywhere. We also invest a few days in search of Orcas, following them to see if we are lucky to witness this highly-capable species execute their signature hunting maneuvers.
Our Antarctica expedition is specifically timed to coincide with the fledging of penguin chicks when these young birds first venture out from the warm comfort under their parents’ chests. It is a period when the chicks begin to explore the frigid water to learn swimming and feeding skills. Unlike their clumsy waddle on land, penguins are adept swimmers. Once they depart, food deprived adults venture into open water to hunt fish for themselves and their chicks.
The timing is perfect to observe one of Antarctica’s only predators, the leopard seal, feed on penguins. Posing motionless in shallow bay, almost appearing like a harmless rock, the spotted seals wait patiently in shallow water for the opportunity to devour the young penguins. We only recently discovered that the leopard seal does not solely dominate the food chain.
Journey to Antarctica with award-winning nature photographer and adventurer, Amos! Dramatic diving awaits with leopard seals, penguins, orcas, icebergs and whales!
Date: (group size 8-10)
Feb 22-Mar 15, 2021
Price: $45,000 (standard) / $49,000 (deluxe)
Argentina
Join leader, Amanda Cotton, to encounter the Southern Right Whales. On our expedition, a thousand of these slow-moving whales gather. Researchers documented 1,605 whales, including 1,365 mothers and calves, 17 white calves and 185 male or juvenile whales.
These expedition groups are especially small, to limit the pressure on the habitat and the wildlife. It’s also better for guests. Each person will have better encounters with the animals, and longer, more rewarding experiences and photo opportunities.
What’s Included:
8 days of travel
6 days snorkeling with whales
Exclusive use of vessel with just 3 guests
Accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch
Required permitting
Local taxes
Group transportation to and from airport
Expedition leader
Encounter thousands of Southern Right Whales off the coast of Argentina on this amazing voyage of discovery.
Dates:
Jul 25-Aug 1, 2021
Aug 1-8, 2021
Price: $9800 (group size: 4 pro photographer)
Bahamas
Sick of sitting at home? Want to get underwater? Want to stay close to home: Look no further. Join the Bahamas Aggressor for a Grand Bahama West End & Tiger Beach trip for one or both of their back-to-back trips. DIVE WITH TIGER SHARKS, LEMON SHARKS & MORE
Crystal clear turquoise waters, white sand .... tiger sharks & lemon sharks. Shallow waters. Dive as often as you like. Pure magic. On the slightly "extreme" side of the Caribbean, you find Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. Tiger Beach is the ultimate tiger shark encounter! 6–7 foot lemon sharks mingling with 10-14 foot tiger sharks.
Tiger Beach - visit the remote areas around the West End of Grand Bahama and Tiger Beach which is frequented by Caribbean Reef Sharks, lemon sharks and tiger sharks.
Grand Bahamas West End with Tiger Beach 2021 Schedule:
Dates: 7 night trips starting Apr 24 - Jul 24, 2021
Price: $2895-$3095
There is a very special group of Atlantic spotted dolphin living on the edge of the Bahama Banks around Bimini Island. These dolphins have developed a unique bond with the humans. A voluntary relationship based on play and curiosity has developed over the years, never reinforced with hand- feeding or training. This has given us the chance to learn from the dolphins in their world and on their terms. Spotted Dolphins are fun loving sea mammals that are intelligent, friendly, and playful. Interacting with these wild dolphin is spiritually communicating with a highly intelligent being using body language. Possible they have been trying to interact with humans for centuries, but it has been only in the past few decades that humans have started to look at them as intelligent complex individuals.
So, what is it like to swim with a wild dolphin? In a word - incredible! For many people it is a very personal event, for some it can be a life-changing experience. There is very little doubt when you look into a dolphins eye there is someone intelligent looking back. In the water you can hear the dolphins communicating with whistles and echolocating with clicks and a humming sound you can feel as a tingling sensation. Graceful, fast and highly maneuverable, they are perfectly adapted to their liquid environment. Snorkeling and free diving during wild dolphin encounters you glide along side by side. Mimicking each others moves. A few of them will instigate tactile interaction with humans. They will rub along side of you or touch you with a fin. Some of these enjoy a gentle rub. Most of the dolphin prefers if you swim with your arms down at your sides and not reaching out for them. So they can swim shoulder to shoulder with you. Their eye to eye contact is hypnotic. These wild spotted dolphins come to play with us of their own free will. It is a natural encounter with wild dolphins that are in complete control of the interaction. They can appear or disappear at anytime. Dolphin encounters can last from a few minutes to several hours each.
A live aboard boat is the best way to get the ultimate in wild dolphin experiences. The live aboard experience is where you sleep, eat and swim from the boat, similar to a cruise ship only much smaller and much more personal. The dolphins live in the ocean, so for the best encounter you should live on the ocean in a comfortable and safe boat. Imagine waking up in the morning and going to bed at night with dolphins swimming around the boat. The Dolphin Dream is the only operator who offers night time dolphin encounters. Snorkeling with dolphins at night while they feed under twelve 500 watt lights on the boat.
Join us for a trip of lifetime aboard M/V Dolphin Dream for epic wild dolphin encounters.
Dates:
May 22-28, 20221
May 29-Jun 4, 2021
Jun 5-11, 2021
Jun 26-Jul 2, 2021
Jul 10-16, 2021
Jul 31-Aug 4, 2021
Deposit Price: $700 per person/double occupancy * Final price TBA
In/out of West Palm Beach, Florida
Includes: 6 nights on board, all day/night snorkel trips, all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, taxes & fuel charters, and service of the crew and boat team.
Botswana
Nile crocodiles like to bask in the sun along riverbanks in the Okavango Delta. During June and July (Botswana’s winter), the water is a chilly 55-62° F, and underwater visibility is about twenty feet. These huge reptiles spend many hours every day soaking up the heat from the sun’s rays, but the moment a crocodile spots our boat, they dive seeking security in the water.
Cold water makes them lethargic and slow, and their poor underwater vision provides us with a great opportunity to photograph these heavily armored crocodilians with most powerful jaws bite, greater of the Great White shark. Taking advantage of the crocodile’s habits, our days on the delta begin between 9-10 am so we can view basking crocodiles.
The moment the croc seeks refuge under water, we stop our boat approximately 100 yards away. Quickly donning scuba tanks over the 5 to 7mm wetsuits, we enter the water. Our descent is direct; we do not want to remain on the water’s surface, known as the croc’s “kill zone.” The reptile is attracted to subjects on the water’s surface, especially those that are silhouetted against the sun, so it is imperative that we descend quickly and spend as little time on the surface as possible so as not to look like a potential meal.
Travel to Botswana with Amos to photograph nile crocs underwater (yep, you read that right!). In late May the rains fall on the Angola heights and cause a huge surge of cold clean water to flush out the Okavango Delta. In early June we can get a secondary push further cleaning up the Delta. The cold current coupled with the cool ambient air temperature gives us the conditions to enable us to dive with the Nile Croc. Amos has led dives here for the past 8 years including doing a National Geographic production called “Feed the Dragon”
Date:
Jul 28-Aug 5, 2021 (group size: 3)
Price: $16,900
Costa Rica
Get back to nature with your host, Les Stroud, who will guide you to visit the crocodiles of Tarcoles River, beach hike, and snorkel at Caño Island, exploring the “crown jewel” of Costa Rica’s national parks, Corcovado National Park. Corcovado boasts 13 different ecosystems supporting an abundant variety of wildlife including: tapir, jaguar, puma, squirrel and howler monkeys, sloths, giant anteaters as well as toucans, scarlet macaws, and a large array of other tropical birds, reptiles, and insects. Located in the southern pacific region of Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula, Copa De Arbol is perfectly situated between Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Park in an area known as “Caletas” (small coves). Different from other destinations in Costa Rica this eco-luxury resort is only accessible by boat yet still has all the amenities of a full-service hotel.
Join Survivorman, Les Stroud for a 7 Night/6 Day adventure exploring southern Costa Rica from the Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort.
Date: May 29-Jun 5, 2021
Price: $3199
In 2019, the brilliant photographer, Amos, lead a scouting trip off the coast of the Eastern-Central Pacific where he had a special opportunity to witness the effects of a natural phenomenon called upwelling — the process of upward movement to the ocean surface of nutrient-rich, deeper, colder waters.
What does this mean? It means that the added nutrients attract bait fish like sardines, lantern and anchovies, which in turn attract predators like super-pods of dolphins, whales, turtles, mobula ray, stingrays, and more. The upwelling event he was fortunate enough to be apart of was first discovered by local fisherman who noticed the abundance of wildlife that congregated offshore when the moon is full.
Following their advice on timing, the team went at the time they recommended and the trip was so amazing and productive that he’s decided to run an expedition in February 2021. The expedition will be six days long, and the event takes place 40 miles offshore. While you’re at sea, you will live aboard the dive vessel the Aquila, which is well-equipped for comfort, diving and cruising in open ocean.
The activity will be a mix of free diving and at times, the use of Pony tanks – we use pony tanks in order to be more flexible ready for action versus the standard large scuba tank, and extend our bottom time underwater
In addition to this expedition, if you have time, we recommend spending an extra four days to see the rain forest. Amos has been all over the world, and he can say that this is one of the most extraordinarily beautiful places he’s seen in all his travels.
Snorkel, photography and witness super-pods of dolphin and more!
Date: Feb 10-18, 2021
Price: $6900 per person - Group size: 4
Photography Workshop - For those who are looking to improve their photography, Amos will lead this trip as a photo workshop—sharing his years of experience capturing fantastic images of wild animals in action.
Dominica
Join us in Dominica for a unique opportunity to try for up-close interactions with sperm whales. This trip offers spaces for 4 clients over 10 water days. The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale and also the world’s largest predator.
SDL Expeditions tries to see these creatures all over the world, time and time again, and Dominica offers the most successful interactions. Keep in mind that encounters are not guaranteed — we go out and try the best we can to swim with them. Despite their size, they are shy creatures and getting close can be challenging.
Tour includes:
• Return airport transfers
• Accommodations at Fort Young
• Ten days at sea (weather-permitting)
• Permit fees
* Captain & Guide fees
Tour excludes:
• All flights
• Food & all drinks
• Equipment hire
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities for crew
Dominica features deep coastal waters that host resident sperm whales. Come photography, snorkel and marvel at these enormous marine mammals.
Dates:
Dec 17-28, 2021
Dec 28, 2021-Jan 8, 2022
Price: $15,300 double occupancy / $17,300 single
Join Big Animals Expedition leader, Amanda Cotton, snorkeling, swimming, free diving and photographing sperm whales! In past experiences, they have observed Dominica’s West Coast hosting approximately five sperm whale families, each with five to nine cetaceans. Females and their calves comprise the majority of these groups, although we occasionally encounter males, who are 45 to 55 feet long; thirty percent larger than the females. Families frequently socialize by playing in the water. Other times, they may remain stationary in a vertical position.
Sometimes the pod swims slowly allowing us to fin with them, while other times their speed picks up. We always follow them at a safe distance until they abruptly stop, waiting for us to catch up.
What’s Included:
5 days of searching for and swimming with sperm whales
Whale swimming permit
All taxes
Lunch
Expedition leader
What’s Excluded:
International and domestic flights
Alcohol, soft drinks (soda), and meals except for lunch
Hotel accommodations - we recommend the Fort Young Hotel
Rental gear
Additional activities
Unused part of the itinerary
Personal charges such as laundry, fishing, or telecommunication charges
Gratuities
Sperm whale encounters on a grand scale off Dominica. Come away with incredible photography and mind-blowing moments.
Date:
Feb 28 – Mar 6, 2021 (Amanda leading)
Rates:
$9600 (maximum group size 4!)
Ecuador & the Galapagos
Diving the Galapagos Islands on board the Humboldt Explorer will allow you to experience an remarkable world of beauty, wonder and marine life. As you sail around the archipelago north to Darwin and Wolfe islands, you will encounter sea lions, turtles, hammerhead sharks, white tip sharks, dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, Galapagos sharks, and huge schools of eagle, golden Rays and so much more! Embark/disembark: San Cristobal
2021 AAT Charters Dates:
Aug 16-23, 2021
Aug 23-30, 2021
Price: starting at $5995
The elegant & spacious 16-passenger M/V Tiburon Explorer provides 9 air-conditioned staterooms located on the main and lower decks. On board this magnificent new vessel, your diving experience will generally include Galapagos sharks, silky sharks and lots of schooling hammerheads being cleaned by king angelfish. Seeing marine turtles, schools of tuna, eagle rays, and sea lions is very common and seeing a whale shark is very possible in October. All the islands you travel to are amazing sites for underwater photography. Join us!
Prime Time for Pelagic Play
Date: Aug 2-9, 2021
Price: $6895
* Price is per person and boat only.
Indonesia
Amos was able to secure a very reliable and experienced local operator to take us out at peak season for Blue whale and Sperm Whale migration – and with only four guests we are looking forward to a phenomenal time. Crystal clear blue water that’s 86 degrees f (bathing suit only) with 100 feet visibility is where we’ll be swimming with blue whales, sperm whales and many other marine mammals.
The expedition adventure to Timor Leste is focused on a particular spot — the Strait of Ombai, which is located in East Timor between Dili (the capital) and the island of Atauro. The Strait is some 17mi (30km) wide and right in the path of the famous Indonesian throughflow current as it streams between the main islands of Alor and Wetar, carrying a rich cargo of nutrients from the deep basins of the Banda Sea to the north. This is essentially an ocean superhighway were 170 million cubic feet (5 million cubic meters ) of sea water per second pass between the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean. With so much water, current and nutrients moving through this area, it is a magnet to many pelagic and cetacean animal species.
Swim with blue whales, sperm whales, dolphins and many other types of marine mammals. Get some mind-blowing photographs and memories.
Dates: (lead by Amos!)
Oct 29-Nov 8, 2021
Nov 11-21, 2021
Price: $9600 - Group size: 4!
Mexico
Three times a year, we offer a trip that covers all of Baja California. Choose your adventure beginning in Puerto Peñasco and ending in San Jose del Cabo or vise versa.
Experience what very few people have. A journey where there are no roads, very few people and almost no boats. The stars at night are so close that you can reach out and are surprised that you cannot touch them. At night you hear something splashing. It could be anything. Dolphins, marlin, a schools of bonitos? Then you hear the huge sound of blowing and water spouting. It's a whale! You can't see him but he sounds big. At a distance you hear the sea lions and pelicans. What a splendid way to end a magnificent day.
During the day we move from one island to the next , diving 3 to 4 times daily. If you wish to hike the remote islands during surface intervals, there is always a dingy available to take you to shore.
Exploring one island to the next is a magical experience. One that will linger in your memory for years and years to come. The Sea of Cortez remains a secret oasis where the desert meets the sea.
ACTIVITIES: Diving, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and explore small towns and missions.
THINGS TO SEE: Jacques Cousteau and John Stienbeck saw the magic that the Sea of Cortez has to offer. Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the worlds aquarium. John Stienbeck wrote "The Log of the Sea of Cortez" a journey through a remote and beautiful corner of the world, a diary filled with the daily excitements and triumphs of skillful and energetic men. It is also an invitation to see the world anew from a fresh vantage point and perhaps with a broader and more understanding spirit.
The bio-diversity between the Northern and Southern Sea of Cortez is incredible. Diving the entire Baja is spectacular. The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, dingys or snorkeling is fantastic.
Dolphins, sea lions, pilot whales, humpback whale, blue fin whales, orca and sperm whales. Flying mantas, blue and brown footed boobie birds, cormorants, frigate birds and the endemic yellow footed gulls.
Although the conditions in the Sea of Cortez are mostly calm, there are times that the sea is rough. Please be prepared for this type of situation. There are several over the counter remedies that can help you in case we are faced with rough seas during your trip. COME ON THIS TRIP AS A CURIOUS DIVER AND LEAVE AN EXPLORER!
Join Kirsten to explore the beauty of Baja!
Date: Sep 16-28, 2023
Price: $4695
The best great white encounters and cage diving in the world happen at Guadalupe Island. Guadalupe Island is located 200 miles southwest of Ensenada, Mexico on the Pacific coast of the Baja Peninsula. It is a rugged volcanic island, 25 miles long and the highest point is 4200 ft.. The 4-night Guadalupe itinerary provides an adventure to shark seekers who enter surface or submersible cages to experience seeing great whites up close and personal. But wait, it’s not over yet! Head right over to Socorro for wild and unpredictable diving at its best! Socorro is best known for the wonderful encounters with giant pacific manta rays, where the mantas come to the divers. This isn't all you will see during a liveaboard yacht trip to Socorro, there are up to ten species of sharks including whale sharks, migratory humpback whales and thrilling Dolphin encounters.
What’s better than diving with Guadalupe's Great Whites? Combining the trip with wet & wild diving off Socorro! This special expedition does it all (divers only please).
Date: Nov 4-21, 2022
Price & Trip Details: TBA
During October and November, a magical event happens in the nutrient rich swirling blue waters off Magdalena Bay where striped marlin gather to hunt on the second largest sardine run in the world. This thrilling underwater action is spectacular. There is an excellent chance of also seeing california sea lions, dolphin, wahoo, pelicans, different species of gulls, boobie birds, frigate birds, shearwaters and even the awe inspiring albatross.
While it’s best to snorkel or free dive around the bait balls there will be plenty of scuba diving opportunities on your week long trip with massive schools of fish, turtles and the wreck of a WW1 submarine and the passenger steam ship SS Independence. But wait, there is more! Humpback whales are on the move at this time of year and if we are really lucky, we might even see orcas or blue whales!
Join the Nautilus Under Sea for 7-night expedtions to Magdalena Bay, Mexico. Snorkel, dive, photography and frolic among bait balls, chase down zippy striped marlin, hob nob with whales, dolphin and sea lions and discover to NEW wrecks! This is the only liveaboard doing the Sardine Run. Trips embark/disembark in Cabo San Lucas -- easy to get to!
2021 Dates & Rates - stay tuned!
In 2021, we are offering a more intimate experience with double the time to explore this breathtaking natural wonder. We’re offering an exclusive series of 8-day mobula ray trips, partnering with Dive Ninja Expeditions and featuring extraordinary pro photographer and expedition leader Jay Clue.
Prepare for front-row seats to your own wildlife documentary. These special mobula ray aggregation expeditions not only put you right in the heart of the action, but also let you participate in important research being done on these amazing creatures.
These expeditions will begin in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. After check-in, you’ll be transferred in our air-conditioned transport van to your accommodation in a place so special we can only call it our ‘secret ninja spot.’ Jay Clue, Nadia Aly and team have spent countless hours scouting and exploring the length of Baja to find the best place to experience these gigantic schools. Last season we began running pilot trips there to test our findings and were blown away at the action! Now it’s your chance to see it with your own eyes, so get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Mobula Ray Madness - snorkel with schools of thousands of multi-layered Mobula Rays! Every year tens of thousands of mobula rays visit the coastlines of the Sea of Cortez in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The congregations of rays are one of the most incredible natural spectacles on our planet – and one of the largest in the world.
Dates:
Apr 17-24, 2021
Apr 24-May 1, 2021
May 1-8, 2021
May 8-15, 2021
May 15-22, 2021
Price: $4990
There is a legendary lagoon on the Pacific coast of Baja Mexico that is spoken of in hushed whispers, where gray whales finish an 11,000 mile migration from the Bering Sea and Alaska to mate and calve each year. The gray whales here are uniquely curious and interactive, allowing for close-up, intimate encounters with these gentle giants and their newborn calves.
This is San Ignacio Lagoon, one of only 4 mating and birthing lagoons in the world, with the highest concentration of sociable whales, and the only lagoon still untouched by human development. With a private charter flight from Cabo San Lucas, it has never been easier to arrive at San Ignacio for 3 nights of fully catered glamping and virtually unlimited whale encounters. Plus, 4 nights of 5-star lodginigs at Cabo beach hotel for more adventures with whale sharks and humpback whales!
Your adventure starts with an 8 am 2 hour charter flight from Cabo San Lucas to the Lagoon. The airstrip is located right at our beach camp and we will be waiting with your glass of champagne and ready to whisk you straight out for your first whale watching encounter.
Returning to Cabo 1:30 pm. after a last morning of whale watching.
San Ignacio - Pacific Gray Whales - 7 nights / 8 days - Virtually unlimited whale watching!
Available Trips:
NEW 7 NIGHT TRIPS (Jan-Mar, 2021)
* Please inquire for dates and availability
Regular 2021 Rates:
$2495 per person (combo glamping & luxury hotel stay in Cabo)
Amos Nachoum is a master of both photographing big animal behaviors and guiding the small groups of adventurers who accompany him on his expeditions. He free dives with blue whales off the Eastern Pacific, scuba dives in the Okavango delta with crocodiles and goes face to face with the great white shark. One of only five people ever to swim and photograph polar bears underwater…More people were on the moon (12). Since 1980, he has taken over 5,000 people to explore every significant body of water (and land too) from the North Pole to Antarctica. The guy is a legend and a thrill to travel with!
Autumn in Baja, Mexico is the time to see the colorful and speedy Striped Marlins hunting. For many years the marlin were not seen much in this area, reaching a peak six years ago when the mackerel stock was almost entirely fished out. Then in 2019 two things happened to bring the marlin back. The mackerel levels recovered and an ocean current called an upwelling brought them back to Baja, along with all other ocean predators that feed on them. The returned in great numbers and we were lucky to have many great days out in the water enjoying their company.
EXPEDITION SUMMARY
Dates:
Oct 23-Nov 1, 2021
Nov 1-10, 2021
Price:
$8400 PER PERSON
6 DAYS SNORKELING
WATER TEMPERATURE
80 – 82°F (26 – 28°C)
UNDERWATER VISIBILITY
80 – 100 feet (25 – 30 meters)
Pelagic Safaris has been exploring Cabo San Lucas for 3 years now and has encountered and interacted with many different shark species, blue whales, humpback whales, orcas, thousands of dolphins and mobula rays. Now, they are are going northwest to Bahía Magdalena (Mag Bay) to look for the über-fast, amazing and elusive striped marlin. The huge amount of sardines and bait fish that congregate off the coast, along with the cold currents, make way for a feeding frenzy that cannot be seen anywhere else.
Puerto San Carlos, the town where the group will be staying, has been a shark-fishing village for many years. Now, with increasing interest in whale watching and open ocean eco-tourism, some families of fishermen are currently focusing on doing these ecotours so that people can interact with sharks and other species in their natural habitat.
We start the day with a light breakfast and then set out early out into the open ocean. We will be looking for the majestic frigate birds that are feeding on sardine and mackerel as the marlin corral them into big bait balls. As soon as we find a bait-ball we will jump right in. It’s good to be a strong swimmer/snorkeler. Out of Mag Bay, we are very likely to find the marlin as well as plenty of other amazing pelagic species around. It is possible to see dolphins, sharks, and sea lions feeding on the same bait balls. Whales and even orcas are often spotted in the area. The place is also a bird-watching paradise, including the most southern population of bald eagles.
The wild coast of Baja is full of life all year round and never ceases to amaze us with the seasonal migrations that take place within these major feeding grounds. Each November, join the Pelagic Safari in Magdalena Bay for this special 5 night expedition to look for the über-fast, amazing, and elusive striped marlin.
2021 DATES
Nov 10-14, 2021
Nov 17-21, 2021
Nov 24-28, 2021
Price: $2500 per person / $12000 per group (max 6 trip members) + tax
Norway
Franz Josef Land is one of the most remote places in the Arctic, with a true high arctic climate and over 85% of the land is covered in ice. While many glaciers worldwide are rapidly decreasing, some glaciers in Franz Josef Land are still growing! These enormous glaciers carving through the ice-capped islands create a scene of otherworldly beauty, totally different from any other Arctic destination you might have visited before. During this time of year we expect to find lots of sea ice on our way north, which increases our chances of seeing polar bears, walrus and other polar animals! At this latitude we also have the advantage of 24-hour daylight, allowing us to make the most of every opportunity for wildlife viewing, visiting the islands and polar snorkeling.
Franz Josef land creates a mystical vibe of history and exploration and is still unknown to many. We are now offering the incredible opportunity to be one of the first to snorkel in these unexplored waters around this remote Russian archipelago! In partnership with the luxury expedition vessel MV Sea Spirit, we bring our exclusive Waterproof Expeditions Snorkel Operation onboard and create our special Polar Program for a small group of adventurers.
Date: Jul 9-22, 2021
Prices: $11,795 (triple cabin)
$15,895 (main deck suite)
$16,975 (classic suite)
Early bird offer - sign up by Oct 31, 2020 for 15% off
We have chartered a perfect, small vessel for an intimate and personal Svalbard experience. We take only 15 people and have 3 large zodiacs which leaves much space for each passenger and their photography gear. We have done this expedition many times and you will find that only after 2 days we have all become like a big family and enjoy each others company during the meals or presentations and enthusiasm when we spot a polar bear.
The boarding of the zodiacs takes only a few minutes so that we don’t miss out on a good polar bear sighting when we need to get closer to shore. Bigger ships don’t have this flexibility. They also don’t have the freedom to change their route or itinerary as we do. We go where the wildlife is and once found we stay as long as we want.
We have chosen this time of the year because there is a great chance for an abundance of pack and fjord ice which means many seals and hopefully polar bears. Our main goal during this expedition is to find polar bears. We will also see walrus, Svalbard reindeer, different seal species and with luck whales and Arctic Fox. Not to forget the giant cliffs with thousands of breeding Arctic birds.
After spending one night in Longyearbyen’s famous and cosy Basecamp Spitsbergen, you can choose to join us either on a dog mushing or snowmobile tour across the pristine white winter landscape. With some luck, we might see Svalbard reindeer or Arctic fox which at this time is still carrying its white winter coat.
The next morning we offer the same options for just half a day. If you prefer you can also take a leisurely walk in the small town of Longyearbyen and try out the coffee shops and restaurants or check out the local shops.
Around 16:00 we will board the M/s Freya and start our 8 day Arctic adventure cruise. You will find this small ship very comfortable and the crew very friendly. The captain and crew are highly experienced and have travelled these arctic waters for many years.
Because we specialize in exclusive small group travel (14 passengers maximum on the M/S Freya), we have the freedom and extra flexibility on our Svalbard expedition that may not be enjoyed with larger groups. We can linger as long as we like at wildlife sightings. We have time to capture the perfect light while enjoying or photographing the majestic landscapes. We will look for calving glaciers and stunning icy landscapes during our expedition.
Experience one of the last true and unspoiled wildernesses on earth where not humans but nature still dominates. See polar bears, walruses, whales, seals, giant bird cliffs and spectacular glaciers!
Date: Apr 29-May 9, 2022
Price: from $9975 (group size: 15)
South Africa
The Sardine Run is an amazing experience — there is nothing quite like it. Most of the Sardine Run is done on snorkel; only when we find a static bait ball do we get in the water with scuba. Seeing an iconic sardine bait ball in crystal-clear conditions with dolphins, sharks, whales and sea birds in a feeding frenzy is, in fact, quite rare. Film crews spend weeks out at sea over the course of a few years in search of the perfect bait ball to get the footage regularly seen on television. Joining our experienced team ensures that you have the best chance of experiencing this remarkable phenomenon.
Join our tour organizer Nadia Aly and experience the exhilarating Sardine Run on the Wild Coast of South Africa, interacting with dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, sharks and birds chasing the Biggest Shoal on earth. We provide a unique Sardine Run experience by focusing on small groups of only 5 clients per boat, working with very experienced skippers and guides, and providing best accommodation in Port St. Johns; all in an effort to create the very best Sardine Run tour we can.
Dates:
Jun 28-Jul 6, 2021
Jul 6-14, 2021
Jul 14-22, 2021
Jul 22-30, 2021
Price: $4195 (price subject to change due to currency fluctuation)
Tonga
Vava'u, Tonga is considered to be the best place in the world to swim with humpback whales. Tongan waters are the birthing and mating grounds for a specific population of humpback whales, which means they are around for months each year (late July - early Nov). Even better, the islands that surround Vava'u provide protection from the winds, ensuring that our small groups can go out on the water almost every day.
The crystal-clear blue waters are another draw for many, as the water makes it much easier to get fantastic footage and photos of these gentle giants. Vava'u to be the very best place for up-close encounters with these magnificent marine mammals. These are snorkel trips, as it's nearly impossible to scuba dive with whales since they move so quickly. Participants should have snorkeling experience and understand that there is a lot of swimming involved on these tours.
We generally get in the water with whales almost everyday, it really comes down to the quality of those swims. We aim to get 1-2 quality swims on a 5 swim day trip, and 3-4 quality swims on a 8 swim day trip. A high quality encounter to us is one that lasts over 10 minutes and is in close proximity to a set of whales. Besides the close encounters with whale, Tonga is an absolute paradise to discover - reefs, beaches and a rich and vibrant culture.
Please contact us for availability and rates of 5 and 8 day Tonga Whale Trips in Vava’u. Keep in mind that due to the limited season and small group size, trips sell out very quickly.
Travel to paradise to swim, snorkel and sing-a-long with Tonga’s humpback whales!
Dates:
Jul 17-28, 2021
Jul 28-Aug 7, 2021
Aug 28-Sep 9, 2021
Sep 8-18, 2021
Sep 18-29, 2021
Price: 8-day trips start at $5700 per person (max group size 6) at Mystic Sands
Portugal
Hunting Sperm whales was very successful off the Azores during World War II through the mid 60’ until 1968, when the ban on whaling took place worldwide. Before the whaling stopped, the hunting teams built towers on the high peaks off Pico Island, from where the Observers could see 20 to 30 miles out to sea, providing real-time location information to whaling captains out at sea.
Today the whalers are gone, but there is still a man on watch for whales and his name is Antero. From his perch on the mountainside he knows the waters like no other. He was my observer earlier in the 90’s when I first arrived to dive in the Azores to swim with Sperm whale and he is still the best in the business. We are honored to be operating under the eagle-eyes of a local legend.
We have set up two departures during the peak season to meet a few of the world’s iconic ocean giants – blue whales, possibly false Killer whales hunting on shoals of Tuna. We also have a good chance to dive with and film pilot whales, pods of common dolphins, blue sharks, and mobula rays off Princess Alice Bank.
Swim and photograph sperm whales, blue whales, false killer whales, tuna, pilot whales, blue sharks, mobula rays and pods of common dolphins.
Dates: (Group size: 4)
Apr 24-May 1, 2021
May 1-8, 2021
Price: $8900 - lead by Amos!
Soar over the Atlantic in a lavishly outfitted Crystal Skye aircraft, which has been completely transformed to the highest standards of aviation design, featuring handcrafted, fully-reclining flatbed seats, a dedicated stand-up bar and social lounge, a team of Butlers and an Executive Chef preparing exceptional Michelin star-inspired cuisine.
Exclusively yours, this extraordinary 8-night safari experience allows you to explore big-game wilderness areas and live out your iconic African experience at not one but two luxurious &BEYOND properties. Throughout your journey you will be guided by skilled &BEYOND-trained safari guides, wildlife photography experts, and food and wine aficionados who will ensure your every moment is a signature experience, each one further heightening your stay and enhancing your authentic safari adventure.
Travel with a fellow COVID-19 negative guests in complete privacy, with minimal interaction with staff and other travelers, experiencing only VIP travel privileges. While in each lodge in Africa, the &BEYOND team will work with each guest to ensure that your stay is as personalized and private as you request. Contact us for the complete itinerary.
Experience an unforgettable exclusive adventure and travel with like-minded safari enthusiasts from the USA to discover the iconic wildlife and cultural wonders of South Africa. while all 40-66 guests will board the private jet to Africa, the group will be split between the two safari destinations on arrival to ensure maximum exclusivity, and then alternate after 4 days at each lodge.
Date: Feb 15-26, 2021
Rate: $51,000
4 nights &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve | 4 nights &BEYOND Ngala Private Game Reserve.
With limited access, this unique journey to two award-winning wildlife havens caters for a maximum of just 66 guests. In addition to the 8-night safari, this adventure includes a 2-night stay in Sarasota, Florida in the USA, while all guests on the jet are tested.