Blue Whales The PlaneT's largesT animal - Big Animals Expeditions
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BigAnimals Global Expeditions | SrI LAnkA’S BLuE WhALES March 23 - 31, 2019
Blue Whales
The PlaneT’s largesT animal
In the warm blue waters off the southern tip of Sri Lanka where the visibility is an
astonishing 100 feet of marine paradise with ocean temps well into the 80s,
we will have the privilege of interacting with these magnificent whales
in a way few humans will ever truly understand.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMoS nAChouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | SRI LANKA’S BLUE WHALES March 23 - 31, 2019
the pygmy blue whale, a subspecies of
the blue whale, inhabits Sri Lanka’s Indian
ocean and the southern Pacific ocean west
of Chile. At 60 -75 feet long it can hardly be
called a pygmy, but this particular variety
of blue whale differs from the “true” blue
whale in a few physical characteristics.
here’s a taste of what you have to look forward to... they have broader and shorter baleen
plates, a proportionately longer body in
...on our third day searching for blues, we the whale swam just past us and now front of their dorsal fin, and a large head
were out about 9 miles off shore. the sky was in front of our vessel. then a few relative to its body size; the tail is a bit
was cloudless and light blue with the sun minutes later one more blow was heard shorter as well.
brightly shining over our heads, and the arriving from the stern of our vessel. A It is difficult to imagine just how huge
sea was clear and calm. you just expected second blow was just behind us. I gave these whales are until you’re in the water
something to happen, like the calm the signal to my two guests to enter the with them. their hearts can weight as
before a storm. water as gently as possible. As I slid into much as a car, their tongues may exceed
the crew searched the horizon while the liquid environment, a pleasant shiver the weight of an elephant, and 2,500 gallons
my guests were relaxing and falling a sleep. went through my body as the soft, warm of blood circulate constantly to keep this
the engine was off and we were motion- water engulfed my skin, a welcoming whale alive. they feed almost exclusively
less and silent. the only sound I could hear water sensation. on krill and other plankton, and adult blue
was that of the boat bouncing against the Suspended in the water on the surface can consume 8,000 pounds of krill daily in
surface of the water and the deep breathing floating over a deep canyon, I looked up order to power their massive bodies.
of my guests. to search for the Blue whale. there it was Exceeding lengths of 100 feet and weights
the skipper wanted to move the boat just in front of my eyes only 15 feet away! of 180 tons, blue whales are the largest liv-
but I declined; I knew we were in the right We faced each other, and I was fixated by ing animals on the planet. Even newborn
place. At about noon I heard a loud sound, the size of its head and jaw. I did not babies are 25 feet long and drink over 100
but could not yet locate its direction. move. three feet away on my left side, I gallons of their mother’s milk every day!
then came a second louder noise saw my two guests hypnotized by the It is estimated that due to aggressive
closely followed by a third one that was moment, mesmerized by the sight of this whaling in decades past, the current
even closer. A Blue was only 50 feet away gentle giant’s huge head and jaw. We all population of blue whales in the world is
along side our vessel. Quickly I woke up were motionless, just floating. Slowly at about 5% of the historic population,
the two guests that were sleeping by my I raised my camera and squeezed off a with approximately 15,000 of an original
side, and I took position on the vessel’s few frames before the light ocean current 300,000 whales remaining worldwide.
edge. With my fins dangling in the cool drifted us along the body length of this While the population has rebounded from
water, mask on my face, camera in my surface sleeping Blue whale. A sensational an estimated 1,000 whales in the mid-1950s
hands, snorkel in my mouth, I held onto 15 seconds in the life of a BigAnimals and they are now fully protected by many
the vessel canopy, ready to enter the clear Expeditions adventurer. management practices and fishing
blue water, but it was not yet the right time. regulations, it is critical to promote further
protection and conservation of these
blue giants.
the opportunity to witness and photo-
graph these amazing whales is only part of
this unique trip. Sperm whales, pilot whales,
and giant pods of spinner and common
dolphins also inhabit these waters, and we
will regularly enter the water to enjoy the
company of these other majestic cetaceans.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMoS nAChouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | SRI LANKA’S BLUE WHALES March 23 - 31, 2019
Accommodations
our four-star accommodations, Chaaya
Blue, is located on the edge of the town
of Trincomalee along miles of prestine
beach . Featuring luxurious waterfront
suites, amenities in-clude a pool,
restaurant and bar, plus complimentary
Wi-Fi. Each air-conditioned suite has
wooden furnishings with white interiors
and splashes of color, a flat-screen
satellite tV, minibar, coffee maker, plus a
private bathroom. this charming
location delivers the simplicity and
peace of a home, along with everything
you would expect in a luxury hotel...by
the beach
“ nature at its Best. listen to Your heart Pound.
“there it was just in front of my eyes only 15 feet away! We faced each other,
and I was fixated by the size of its head and jaw. I did not move.”
”
For almost thirty years, Sri Lanka has their commanding presence in the water
been plagued by political turmoil. is undeniable and overwhelming, and
Paradoxically, this has resulted in the through this BigAnimals experience, you
protection of marine wildlife in its will become one of a select group of people
surrounding waters. the government’s lucky enough to share the sea with these
policy of forbidding civilians to fish or amazing animals in such intimate quarters.
travel within ten miles offshore has Every effort is made not to disturb
allowed cetacean life such as the pygmy the whales. this is achieved by limiting
blue whale, sperm whale, and common our team only to four guests and when
and spinner dolphins, to flourish. encounter time arrives we send only
Ten years ago, when the conflict two people into the water to view the
ended, peace brought worldwide incoming whale.
interest in Sri Lankan tourism. Whale
watching boomed. Big Animals
Expeditions, along with one of the largest our Boat
local tour operators, determined that This converted fishing vessel , 7meters in
eco-tourism was crucial. together, we length, and has 150 hp, 4-stroke engine,
encouraged the Sri Lanka navy to with over head cover, hold comfortably 4
establish ecological standards to protect guests plus a guide, but we limit the
the whales’ environment while space for only two guests per vessel for
developing safe and exclusive adventure better encounter results and privacy. the
access for research, whale watching, and boat is equipped with communication
diving. and navigation systems. Lunch is
BigAnimals Expeditions provides Eco-tourism provided on board with fruit and drinks.
intimate exclusive encounters with these Whales are acoustically sensitive cetaceans
incredibly gentle giants, far away from that shy away from noise pollution. Big
the crowded south. In the warm blue Animals Expeditions led the way in
waters off the North east tip of Sri protecting these Sri Lankan whales.
Lanka , off the city of Trincomalee the country is now deeply involved in
(Trinco)where the visibility is an governing and protecting access to the
astonish-ing 100 feet of marine paradise species. our quiet engines and experi-
with ocean temps well into the 80s, we enced guides ensure a conscientious ap-
will have the privilege of interacting with proach to the blue whales that navigate
these magnificent whales in a way few these warm, clear waters.
humans will ever truly understand.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMoS nAChouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | SRI LANKA’S BLUE WHALES March 23 - 31, 2019
Sri Lanka’s Blue Whales
March 23 - 31, 2019
ExPErIEnCE: 18 years
WhErE: Sri Lanka
dAtES: March 23 - 31, 2019
Enhance your
photographic skills durAtIon: 9 days
with Amanda MAx no. oF GuEStS: 4 free
diving or snorkelers
the Experience is PrICInG: $9,600 p.p. Excludes airfare,
Amanda Cotton Priceless! based on double occupancy
Expedition Leader rEGIStrAtIon: deposit of $3,200
BigAnimals’ unique Services – ACCoMModAtIon: Land-based
March 23 - 31, 2019 raising the bar of services in every operation, Chaaya Blu hotel, Trinco
adventure we operate around the
Amanda is a professional underwater world is our policy. VESSEL: Converted fiberglass local
photographer, an avid scuba diver and We lead by example with immaculate fishing vessel 24 feet, with 150 HP 4
ocean enthusiast. Her goal is to help the safety record. Each wildlife expedition stroke outboard motor
general public embrace the beauty is carefully scouted before offered to dAILy: Eight-hour excursions t
below the waves, in hopes that with the public and we schedule departures
awareness comes concern. only during peak animal presence and ACtIVItIES: Snorkeling and free diving
Amanda runs a design /media behavior displays, led by Amanda
company, A Cotton photo Creative Cotton and based on Amos nachoum’s tEMPErAturE: Water temp. 84° F
Works LLC, and also enjoys working with 40 years of diving and photographing Air temp. 90°+ F
like-minded organizations that ocean Giants.
trIP PrICE InCLudES:
genuinely care about the planet and its our Blue Whale Expeditions are • 1-night stay at 4 stars hotel
inhabitants. Amanda is a member of strictly limited to only 4 privileged by the airport in Colombo.
many prestigious organizations, selected guests. this is with consideration of the • 7 nights and 8 days stay at the four
for the Womens hall of fame, has whale’s welfare and behavior, your star Chaaya Blue, hotel, Trincomalee
received numerous photography awards safety and provides you with room to • Breakfast at the hotel. Lunches will
with her images being featured in major move freely, ample space in which to be provided on board the vessel
publications and news sources photograph and film with personalized • Six days of searching and snorkeling
worldwide. attention and advice. with blue and sperm whales.
Amanda is a wide-angle specialist • only four guests
with many years of experience • Expedition leader, Amanda Cotton
photographing sharks the Caribbean. • Filming permit. All fees and taxes
She is BigAnimals Expedition leader and
photographer to other big marine
animals, as Orca in Norway, Sperm whale
in Dominica, Humpback whale in Tonga trIP PrICE ExCLudES:
and Great White shark off Mexico • Gratuity to the vessel crew
• Items of private use
• Meals which are not specified
• unused portion of the activity due
to weather or personal choice
• International and domestic flights
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMoS nAChouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | SRI LANKA’S BLUE WHALES March 23 - 31, 2019
Blue Whales iTinerarY March 23 - 31, 2019
daY 1
MARCH 23
Arrive in Colombo: Since most flight arrive late
at night. We provide meet service at the airport
and transfer to for overnight stay at 4 starts
hotel by the airport
daY 2
March 24
depart the following morning by private air
condition coach to beach front Chaaya Blue
hotel, in Trinco. This long drive about 6 hours
and stop in between
daY 3-8
March 25 - 30
That is Six days eight-hour days of searching trAVEL doCuMEntS: PAyMEnt PoLICy And dEPoSIt:
for blue and sperm whales. Both lunch and Please note that Sri Lanka now requires When we receive your deposit, we will
water will be served on board. Bring VISAs prior to arrival – please check with send you a comprehensive and detailed
maximum sun protection, long sleeved shirts, your consulate or embassy for details. trip Preparation Bulletin about the
hats, and sunglasses for daily long distance u.S. citizens are required to have a valid experience and the destination.
passport, Sri Lanka VISA, and round-trip All trip costs are subject to change
cruising. Sea conditions are mostly calm to
air ticket. without prior notice until your reservation
moderate, with rising winds in the afternoon. is confirmed.
A deposit of 33% of the total trip price
daY 9 - reTurn is required to secure space on the trip.
Full payment is due no later than 90 days
MARCH 31 before departure.
We pack up for our return to Colombo in We reserve the right to sell any space
time for an early evening visit to the Galle that is not paid in full by 60 days before
departure.
Face hotel. Sri Lanka’s iconic historic
CAnCELLAtIon PoLICy
waterfront hotel built in 1864 is located in -Must be made in writing.
the heart of Colombo. -More than 90 days before trip:
We provide you airport transfer according deposit will be refunded in full.
to your flight - majority of international -90 days or less before trip:
flights depart late at night or in the early deposit will be refunded if space is
sold, less unrecoverable costs of sales,
hours of the morning, just after midnight.
and administration costs.
-no refund is made for unused part
of the itinerary.
the following are subject to change:
-Cost of services which are not
included in the expedition price
-Flight time and schedule
-Weather, water temperature, and
animal behavior
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMoS nAChouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Global Expeditions | SRI LANKA’S BLUE WHALES March 23 - 31, 2019
ApplicAtion Form
Expedition Sri Lanka Blue Whales | Expeditions Dates, March 23 - 31, 2019
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 $9,600 per person. Deposit of 1/3 of trip price is required to secure space = $3,200 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 Global Expeditions.
This is a free diving/Snorkeling trip. No Scuba diving is needed on this trip. You only need swimming ability.
Diving Experience/years in Diving
Where & When Last 3 Dive Experiences? 1
2 3
how do you rate your Diving Skills? no interest Beginner inter Advanced Expert
how do you rate your photography no interest Beginner inter Advanced Expert
skills?
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMoS nAChouM PhotoGrAPhy
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