Snorkeling with blue whaleS - BigAnimals.com
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BigAnimals Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BluE Whale June 24 -30, 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 Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BluE Whale June 24 -30, 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 Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 24 -30, 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 our scout plane lifts off from around us. We were all spread out about a
san Diego’s nearby montgomery field to mile apart from each other observing the
locate the exact location of our pre- show of blows. the plane hovered around
scouted whales, we depart mission us as the pilot was seeing the whales from
Beach in Counter Shade dive boat. above; the skipper was yelling to the left or
Designed for divers, it has an overall to the right, but we kept just missing them.
length of 40 feet with a 14-foot beam. We were getting warmer and warmer in
Employing the use of a scouting plane our wetsuits. i slid into the cool water every
has proved time and again to be the best so often just to refresh myself. in the mean-
way to locate Blues, and is the method time, i took a few catnaps on the Kayak and
we used when filming for both BBC and my paddler had to wake me up few times.
national Geographic. We have the very the sun started to go down as 4pm
best pilot who has been working with us approached and visibility in the water began
for the last seven years, and he knows to diminish, but the number of blows in
exactly what to look for when scouting Each is paddled and maneuvered into close proximity to the kayak started rising.
for blue whales. Despite their huge size, position by expert master kayakers. We
they are easy for an inexperi-enced eye wait topside in the warm air and inviting
to miss, but our skilled pilot spots them west coast sunshine for just the right mo-
every time. he looks for red algae, a ment to quietly slip into the cool, blue
popular food for blue whales, as well as water. this perfect combination of tem-
their characteristic breathing 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 near Baja’s isla Coronado. to these amazing animals we are lucky late to enter the water, but instead i low-
located approximately 15 miles south of enough to share our water planet with. ered my camera with a wide angle lens to
san Diego Bay, the four islands with a our scouting pilot is fantastic, there is ab- my left side just one foot underwater,
colorful history are eight miles from the solutely no better service to be had, and aiming the heavy camera as best i could to
mexican coast. Don’t forget to bring face this incoming giant of the sea. And i
the superb caliber of this Big Animals ex-
your passport! pedition will be obvious in the quality of got it. one of the rarest images of a blue
At a distance of approximately 1000 whale, a frontal view from the tip of its jaw
your encounters and images.
yards, the Counter Shade turns off her back to its dreamy eye. these are the kinds
engine so as not to frighten the whales. of precious wilderness moments we provide.
Blue whales may be the largest animals it is critical to remember during any
in the world, but they are also one of the BigAnimals expedition that this is not sea
shyest. they are extremely docile and World. the show is not at 10am or 2pm.
become startled easily, so we need to this is the wilderness. We are doing our
take the utmost care not to scare them best to inform you and share our research
with our boat noise. As soon as we have and past years of experiences with you.
deter-mined that the whale is swimming our previous encounters are an example of
straight and not feeling threatened, we what has happened before, but are in no
advance in sit on top double kayaks. way a guarantee for what you can expect
snorkelers are prepared to enter the to see now. You are signing on for an
water with wetsuits on (66° to 72° f adventure and to truly enjoy it, you have
water temp, air at 70°+ f), fins, mask and to fully respect mother nature for her
snorkel ready, and camera in hand. own unpredictable behavior.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhY
BigAnimals Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 24 -30, 2018
the Destination What to Bring
following your arrival and hotel san Diego is a trendy and bustling city,
check-in, we will discuss camera gear 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 san Diego’s tourist consider bringing lightweight gloves and a
whales for up to four hours. season. We suggest that as soon as you sign wool hat, sun block, polarized sunglasses, a
Already headed in the same direction on to this trip, your book your airline and towel, and dry (waterproof ) camera bag. if
as the scout plane, the humboldt will hotel reservations. Within walking distance you carry multiple cameras you may want to
stop if we site any bait balls, mola molas, of Waterhorse Charters humboldt are two bring a small hard-shell Pelican case for the
whales, sharks, sea lions, or other marine hotels suggestions: boat plus a soft dry bag for use in the kayak.
animals. the Blues are of course the main hyatt regency mission Bay
attraction, but we often have the oppor- www.missionbay.hyatt.com
tunity to get in the water and photo-
the Dana on mission Bay
graph a variety of other amazing sea
www.thedana.com
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 Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 24 -30, 2018
California’s
Blue
June 24 - 30, 2018
BluE WhAlE ExPEriEnCE: 14 years
WhErE: san Diego
DAtEs: June 24 - 30, 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 san Diego
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © Amos nAChoum PhotoGrAPhY
BigAnimals Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 24 -30, 2018
California’S blue whaleS itinerarY > June 24 - 30, 2018
daY 1
June 24
– ArriVE san Diego. Check in to the hotel of
your choice.the rest of the day will be spent
preparing cameras, discussing logis-tics and
strategy.We meet in the evening for a briefing
and dinner.
daY 2-6
June 25 - 29
We operate out of Mission Bay 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
daY 7 PAYmEnt PoliCY AnD DEPosit:
When we receive your deposit, we will
encounter with other marine life along the June 30
send you a comprehensive and detailed
way, we will free dive in the lovely blue Pacific. – Depart san Diego for home, having
trip Preparation Bulletin about the
(There are many diffrent marine animals had a whale of a good time! experience and the destination.
arriving in Southern California waters at this All trip costs are subject to change
time of year to feed and breed.) What makes without prior notice until your reservation
this expedition so unique is that, in addition to is confirmed.
having a scout plane with us every day, we also A deposit of 33% of the total trip price
employ five master kayakers to paddle you as is required to secure space on the trip.
quietly as possible to the shy blue whales. full payment is due no later than 90
Each sea kayak has two seats. The quest seat is days before departure.
at the front of the kayak, where you’ll have We reserve the right to sell any space
mask, fins and camera ready to go at any time. that is not paid in full by 60 days before
The kayaker sits in the back to paddle you as departure.
fast as humanly possible to the approximate
location of the incoming blue whales. Since we CAnCEllAtion PoliCY
are in constant communication with the pilot, -must be made in writing.
and the skipper can observe from the dive -more than 90 days before trip:
boat, The kayakers are kept apprised of all Deposit will be refunded in full.
whale movements at all times so that your -90 days or less before trip:
kayak will be able to reach your whale quickly Deposit will be refunded if space is
and silently. sold, less unrecoverable costs of sales,
All five kayaks go out at one time – all guests and administration fee.
go out on the kayaks to the open sea and -no refund is made for unused part of
remain at sea for as long as there’s opportunity the itinerary.
for blue whale free diving. In the event we the following are subject to change:
have good contact with the blue whales we will -Cost of services which are not
stay out until evening. At the end of the day included in the expedition price
we return to shore. -flight time and schedule
-Weather, water temperature, and
animal behavior
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 Expeditions | CAliforniA’s BLUE Whale June 24 -30, 2018
ApplicAtion Form
Expedition snorkeling with Blue Whales | Expeditions Dates: June 24 - 30, 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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