POLYNESIA'S FRIENDLY ISLANDS - August 18 to 26, 2018 - Stanford Alumni Association
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S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y
P O LY N E S I A’S F R IE NDLY I S L A ND S
A u g u s t 18 to 26, 2018
Perhaps best known for its rich waters, dazzling coral reefs and crystal-clear lagoons, the Kingdom of Tonga is a vast archipelago of over 170 “Friendly Islands” in the South Pacific. Hundreds of female humpback whales come yearly to the island of Vava’u to give birth and nurture their calves, and coral reefs teem with brilliant fish. The waters are a paradise for snorkelers. However, there is more to be seen ashore. Stroll through the vast tropical gardens of the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden with its profusion of exotic native flowers and trees. Relax in warm tropical breezes and get to know the genial Tonganese peoples’ rich history, language, dances and crafts. Home to the last monarchy in the South Pacific, its culture has survived without being taken over or disbanded. We engage with local Tongan operators who expertly guide us to coral reefs and opportunities to swim with humpback whales and help us understand why the whales keep returning to Vava’u. Walk the sandy beaches and explore spouting blowholes and verdant hills. R&R doesn’t get any better than this! B R E T T S. T H O M P S O N , ’ 8 3, D I R E CTO R , S TA N F O R D T R AV E L / S T U DY Highlights S W I M with humpback S N O R K E L the Blue L E A R N from the warm, whales and listen to their Clouds Reef and Coral friendly Tonganese people singing while they nurture Garden with its brilliant about their history, their their newborn calves in corals and schools of relationship with the water the calm tropical waters. stunning reef fish. and their age-old culture. VAVA’U REEF SNORKEL
Faculty Leader
S T E P H E N P A L U M B I , director of Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station in
Pacific Grove and Stanford professor of biology, is considered one of the world’s
leading authorities on using molecular genetics to do detective work on the ecology
of marine species such as tropical corals. His fascination with marine biology
began while he was growing up near the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
In Pacific Grove, his research projects have included identifying whale products
that end up for sale in commercial markets and developing new ways to designing
marine parks and fisheries.
During our program, his lectures will cover topics such as the newest findings on
coral reef science, including how corals fight back against climate change; the
“This was a dream people of the Pacific; the importance of whales; and how coral reef fish live out
their colorful lives. He says, “I found my first trip to Tonga to be a lovely experience;
vacation that was corals and whales are always a good mix!”
— At Stanford: Jane and Marshal Steel Jr. Professor in Marine Sciences,
excellent on many department of biology, School of Humanities and Sciences, since 2002;
Harold A. Miller Director of the Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove,
levels—scuba diving,
since 2008, and researcher since 2002; senior fellow, Woods Institute
for the Environment, since 2011
— Professor, department of organismic and evolutionary biology,
history, marine Harvard University, 1996–2002
— Co-author: The Extreme Life of the Sea, Princeton University Press,
biology, and local
2015; and The Death and Life of Monterey Bay: A Story of Revival,
Island Press, 2012
— Participant in several TV series: The Big Ocean, PBS—airing fall 2017;
corals and fish.” The Future Is Wild, BBC; Life After People, History Channel; One
Ocean, Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
— Peter Benchley Award for Science, 2010
J O H N P O W E L L , ’ 8 7, — National Academy of Sciences member, 2016
S O UTH PAC I F I C — BA, biology, 1978, Johns Hopkins University
E X P E D I T I O N , 2 015 — PhD, zoology, 1984, University of Washington
S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y
SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?tonga2018
OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093
NEIAFU PORT, VAVA’U
FIJI
Vava’u
Vava’u ISLANDS
Tongatapu
Neiafu
T ONGA
South
Pacific
Tongatapu Ocean
Auckland
Nuku’alofa
N EW Z EALAND
Itinerary landing sites of Captain Cook
and Abel Tasman, and two
seaside blowholes. This evening
traditional dances performed
by local school children. Meet
the children and learn about
meet fellow guests for a wel- their educational system. Saying
P L E A S E N OT E: Our itinerary come reception complete with farewell to the ‘Ene’io area, en
is entirely dependent upon traditional music and dance. route to our simple beach resort
weather and sea conditions. SCENIC HOTEL TONGA (8/20: L,D) in ‘Utungake, visit a local busi-
As with all wildlife sightings, ness that has reintroduced the
interaction levels may vary T U ES DAY, AU G U ST 21 production of coconut products
greatly each day. Whales TONGATAPU / VAVA’U and vanilla. Check in to our
make the choice to interact After breakfast, take a short resort, home for the next four
with us and to what level. We flight to Neiafu, Vava’u, in the nights, and meet with a local
will follow guidelines closely northern Tongan islands. On Peace Corps teacher for dinner
and observe respectively. arrival, drive to the ‘Ene’io and discussion. TONGAN BEACH
Botanical Garden at the RESORT (B,L,D)
beautiful ‘Ene’io Beach. This
22-acre garden has been the W E D N ES DAY & T H U R S DAY,
S AT U R DAY, S U N DAY &
M O N DAY, AU G U ST lifetime commitment of Haniteli AU G U ST 2 2 & 23
18, 19 & 20 Fa’anunu, the former Director VAVA’U
U.S. / AUCKLAND, of Agriculture and Food. Here At our resort this morning, we’ll
NEW ZEALAND / he has preserved different plant be fitted with snorkeling gear.
TONGATAPU, TONGA cultivars, saved endangered During the next two days, we’ll
Depart for Fua’amotu Inter- plant species, and educated take part in an experience of
national Airport in Tonga. En locals and visitors about a lifetime—swimming with and
route we cross the international Tonga’s flora and fauna. As we getting to know the hump-
date line and lose a day. Arrive stroll through the garden, he will back whales who return from
on Monday and transfer to our share stories, legends, and the the frigid waters of Antarctica
hotel in Nuku’alofa, set on 16 history and folklore of many of to Tonga’s waters every year.
acres of lush tropical flowers the plants. While at the ‘Ene’io After their long journey, female
and trees. This afternoon, take Botanical Garden, watch cultur- southern humpback whales
a scenic tour of Tongatapu. In al demonstrations of the ancient shelter in the tropical reef-
Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, Polynesians’ way of life. Learn protected waters of Tonga to
view the Royal Palace, the about tapa cloth, mat weaving give birth to their young and
town’s waterfront and the and other crafts. This after- nurture them. The arrival of the
bustling local market. See the noon, enjoy lunch at the ‘Ene’io whales from June to November
tombs of ancient kings, the beachside restaurant and view completes nature’s cycle, as
A
SWALLOWS CAVE, VAVA’U
the new calves are born where S AT U R DAY, AU G U ST 25 S U N DAY, AU G U ST 26
they were conceived 11 months VAVA’U / TONGATAPU AUCKLAND / U.S.
earlier. Tonga is one of the few / AUCKLAND, Spend time independently
places in the world where one NEW ZEALAND sightseeing, shopping or
can swim with whales, hear After breakfast and a leisurely relaxing in this lovely marine
their beautiful singing, see their morning, say farewell to the city. Transfer to the airport for
full body breaching and watch idyllic beach and town of Vava’u flights home, re-crossing the
as a group of males chase a before taking a short flight to international date line and
female or as a mother gently Tongatapu. From there, con- regaining the day we lost
tends to her calf. TONGAN BEACH nect with an international flight flying westbound. (B)
RESORT (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS) for Auckland. On arrival, trans-
fer to the Stamford Plaza Hotel.
F R I DAY, STAMFORD PLAZA HOTEL (B,L,D)
AU G U ST 24
VAVA’U
The Vava’u archipelago has
a near-perfect climate.
Today we leave the
shore for a day of
snorkeling in the
crystal-clear waters of
the Blue Clouds Reef
and Coral Garden to
study and learn about
the brilliantly colored
coral reefs and their
denizens, exotic reef
fish. Tonight celebrate
our adventure with a
farewell reception and
traditional Tongan feast.
TONGAN BEACH RESORT
(B,L,D)
LOCAL MARKET WHALE SWIM, VAVA’U
Trip Information and baggage insurance Excess-baggage
charges Personal items such as internet
access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and
gratuities for nongroup services
DATES
August 18 to 26, 2018 (9 days) WHAT TO E XPECT
We consider this to be a moderately strenuous
SIZE
program. Participants must be physically fit,
24 participants (single accommodations
active and in good health. No prior snorkeling
limited—please call for availability)
experience is needed, however all participants
COST* should be comfortable swimming unassisted in
$6,995 per person, double occupancy open water. Boarding the excursion vessel is safe
$7,495 per person, single occupancy and easy; you simply step aboard the vessel from
*Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers a shore side dock. Boat rides may be bumpy
add $300 per person and jarring at times as the prevailing southeast
trade winds occur this time of year. During land
INCLUDED
excursions you must be able to walk moderate
6 nights of best-available hotel accommoda- distances unaided, along beaches and sometimes
tions 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 over rough terrain, including steep and sandy
dinners Welcome and farewell receptions trails. Activities include snorkeling in open water,
Gratuities to guides, drivers and crew for all whale watching, exploring by motorized boats,
group activities All tours and excursions as walking through forest, intertidal exploration,
described in the itinerary Transfers and bag- beachcombing, kayaking, cave exploration and
gage handling on program arrival and depar- cultural activities. August/September is considered
ture days Internal flight from Tongatapu to the end of winter, which tends to be a drier and
Vava’u and return Minimal medical, accident cooler time of year. Temperatures should be
and evacuation insurance Educational relatively pleasant with daytime highs in the 70s
program with lecture series and pre-departure (°F) and cooler nighttime temperatures in the
materials, including recommended reading list, low 60s. We could potentially experience cooler
a selected book, map and travel information temperatures with the occasional Antarctic driven
Services of our professional tour manager to cold front combined with trade winds and need to
assist you throughout the program The use be prepared for cooler temperatures while whale
of snorkeling gear during the program watching. The aircraft used for this program has
NOT INCLUDED the following strict luggage restriction: one carry-on
International and U.S. domestic airfare (a backpack is recommended) and one checked
Passport and visa fees Immunization costs bag—combined weight cannot exceed 33 pounds.
Meals and beverages other than those speci- We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older
fied as included Independent and private on this program.
transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption
Terms & Conditions if you purchase your policy within
Deposit & Final Payment war, quarantine, force majeure or
A $1,000-per-person deposit is 14 days of written confirmation of other causes beyond our control.
required to hold your space. Sign your participation on the trip. All such losses or expenses will
up online at alumni.stanford.edu/ have to be borne by the passenger
Eligibility
trip?tonga2018 or call the Travel/ as tour rates provide arrangements
We encourage membership in the
Study office at (650) 725-1093. only for the time stated. We reserve
Stanford Alumni Association as the
Final payment is due 120 days the right to make such alterations
program cost for nonmembers is to this published itinerary as may
prior to departure. As a condition $300 more than the members’ price.
of participation, all confirmed be deemed necessary. The right is
A person traveling as a guest paid reserved to cancel any program prior
participants are required for by a current member will not
to sign a Release of Liability. to departure in which case the entire
be charged the nonmember fee. payment will be refunded without
Cancellations & Refunds For more information or to purchase further obligation on our part. The
Deposits and any payments are a membership, visit alumni.stanford/ right is also reserved to decline to
refundable, less a $500-per-person goto/membership or call (650) accept or retain any person as a
cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to 725-0692. member of the program. No refund
departure. After that date, refunds can will be made for an unused portion
Responsibility
be made only if the program is sold of any tour unless arrangements
The Stanford Alumni Association,
out and your place(s) can be resold, are made in sufficient time to avoid
Stanford University and our operators
in which case a $1,000-per-person penalties. Baggage is carried at the
act only as agents for the passenger
cancellation fee will apply. owner’s risk entirely. The airlines
with respect to transportation and
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Insurance exercise every care possible in doing
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Stanford Travel/Study provides so. However, we can assume no
event during the time that passengers
all travelers who are U.S. or liability for injury, damage, loss, are not onboard their plane or
Canadian citizens with minimal accident, delay or irregularity in conveyance. Neither the Stanford
connection with the service of any Alumni Association, Stanford
medical, accident and evacuation
automobile, motor coach, launch University nor our operators accept
coverage under our group-travel
or any other conveyance used in liability for any carrier’s cancellation
insurance policy. Our group policy
carrying out this program or for the penalty incurred by the purchase of
is intended to provide minimal
acts or defaults of any company or a nonrefundable ticket in connection
levels of protection while you are
person engaged in conveying the with the tour. Program price is based
traveling on this program. You may
passenger or in carrying out the on rates in effect in July 2017 and is
choose to subscribe to optional trip- arrangements of the program. We
cancellation and baggage insurance. subject to change without notice to
cannot accept any responsibility for reflect fluctuations in exchange rates,
Information offering such insurance losses or additional expenses due
will be provided to travelers with their tariffs or fuel charges.
to delay or changes in air or other
welcome materials. The product services, sickness, weather, strike,
offered includes special benefits
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