Whale Study Week

 

St. John's

Quality Hotel Harbourview

6 nights

Click on the name of the hotel for details

8 days £1910

excluding international flights

This unique Whale Study Week, operated by local St. John's-based naturalists, is a great opportunity to participate in actual whale research. Whale lovers can simply enjoy being in the company of these majestic animals as they travel and sometimes play in their northern feeding grounds.

Your leader is Dave Snow, who has taught marine mammal biology in Canada and the United States and has been involved with field studies with some of the world's best known whale researchers. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy this holiday; the program is suitable for any nature enthusiast who wants to enjoy the company of whales - simply a wonderful experience for anybody interested in fun, photography, or a unique adventure.

DAY 1 - Arrive St. John's.

Recommended flight from London: Air Canada from London Heathrow. On arrival at St. John's Airport you will be met by a representative of World Discovery who will take you to your hotel. If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 - 'Introduction to the Ocean'.

Today begins with an introduction to the ocean and the whales during a two and a half hour trip on the Atlantic Whaler. You will also view puffins and hundreds of thousands of other seabirds. Your naturalist team review the marine ecology of the North Atlantic and prepare for onboard assistance to local whale census and acoustic research. You will also travel to the eastern edge of the continent to do more whale-watching.
Meals included: Full breakfast. lunch, dinner.

DAY 3 - On board the 'Atlantic Whaler'.

Six hours on board this coastguard-certified vessel looking at whales. Humpbacks and minkes are the most common whale species but dolphins and fin whales are also occasionally seen. In fact, 20 varieties of whales are reported from Newfoundland waters so you can expect an occasional surprise. Focus will be on tail fluke photography (left), individual whale recognition, behavioural observations, feeding ecology and just enjoying the sights. Your team have also been involved with hydrophone development research and you may try to listen in on humpback feeding sounds together with any vocalisations associated with their other behaviours.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

DAY 4 - Whale-watching from the land.

Today features whale-watching from the land as you try to take in some of the range of the world's largest population of humpbacks. A caribou herd, moose habitat, a humpback-feeding beach and seals usually add to the day's sightings. Photographers will enjoy the coastline and the lighthouses should they want to see more than just the whales. Bird lovers will enjoy the small seabird colonies near the special whale study lookouts. This day is sometimes the holiday highlight as you enjoy up-close encounters with the humpbacks as they cruise beside their feeding beach.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

DAY 5 - On board the 'Atlantic Whaler'.

Humpback tails are as distinctive as human faces or fingerprints; and your team will use this six hours on the water attempting to get scientifically useful tail shots that allow them to identify individual whales and mother calf pairs. This provides insight into their range and life history. You'll learn how the company contribute to the worldwide study of both humpbacks and orcas (pictured left). If the science doesn't excite you just sit back and enjoy the gentle antics of the whales and the other wildlife of the North Atlantic.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

DAY 6 - Sightseeing on land.

Today you will further study the richness of the Atlantic as you journey to the continent's third largest and most spectacular gannet colony. Tens of thousands of other seabirds with their chicks add to the day as does some of the world's best land-based whale watching. You will visit one of the planet's most impressive marine spectacles without using a boat. A farewell barbecue or a group supper is planned for this last evening.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 7 - Depart for home.

Free in St. John's until your transfer to the airport for the flight home
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 8 - Arrive home.

Arrive London Heathrow in the morning.

NB. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the weather or other unavoidable circumstances.

International Flights.

We recommend the services of Air Canada from London Heathrow. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/St. John's. Depart 12.35; arrive St.John's at 14.35
St. John's/Heathrow. Depart 21.50; arrive Heathrow at 06.25 (next day)

Newfoundland Tours: Whale Study Week (Tour Reference: WDCA041)
2012 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures on Sundays	Price
8, 15, 22 Jul	£1910

Single Room Supplement: £230

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded or single rooms with private facilities.
• 6 full breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners as shown in the itinerary.
• All transfers and sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees.
• The services of a naturalist guide/tour leader throughout.
• 6.5% HST Tax (Newfoundland Govenrnment Tax).
  

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance.
• International airport taxes.
• Optional sightseeing.

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your Newfoundland tour must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.