Trip
Information
Date: March
29 - April 15, 2007 (18 days)
Prices: From
$2,398 USD
Click here for details 2-for-1
discount!
Our
Vessel: M/V Polar Star
Tour
begins in Salvador, Brazil and ends in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria,
Canary Islands
Highlights:
• Opportunity to explore several seldom visited island groups
• Superb seabird watching for many unique species
of warmer waters near both South America and Africa
• Endemic birds of these islands, plus rich marine life
Summary:
• Includes all meals
• Onboard educational program by diverse resource team
• Shore excursions by zodiac
• Optional dive program ($1800)
• Easy to moderate walking
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Join
us for an expedition to the spectacular frontiers of the equatorial
Atlantic. We embark on this magical Atlantic crossing to discovers
some of the most remote and untouched places on earth. There are few
frontiers left, but these equatorial jems are some of the most special.
In addition to learning about the unique island life of each, this
explorer's program is also an excellent opportunity to watch for a
wide variety of bird species and marine life.
See detailed itinerary below
Download a registration form
Contact
us for
more information about this voyage.
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2007
Atlantic Islands of the Equator Itinerary
Day 1: SALVADOR
The land of the drum, of capoeira
and candomblé. Salvador exudes history and culture. Embark the
M/V Polar Star late afternoon.
Day 2: AT SEA
We begin our program of onboard lectures and
presentations.
Day 3: RECIFE
This colonial city, with its many rivers and
canals, may seem like a tropical Venice. We also visit Olinda, a World
Heritage Site of UNESCO due to its splendid Baroque architecture.
Days 4 – 6: FERNANDO DE NORONHA
This cluster of volcanic
islands is an ecological gem listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is one of the world’s largest dolphin meeting place and Spinner
dolphins live here year round. The waters are also noted for sea turtles,
spotted eagle ray, Queen angel fish, Aratu crab and other species.
Seabirds include the Masked booby, Red-footed booby, Black noddy, Brown
noddy, Frigatebird, Ruddy turnstone, Rattan-tail and others. Stunning
sand beaches, sea caves, rich flora and unique cultural history make
this a very special place.
Days 7 – 8: EQUATOR & ST. PETER & ST. PAUL ROCKS
Soon
after crossing the equator, Zodiac cruising is planned for St. Peter
and St. Paul Rocks, small rocky islands where the underwater oceanic
ridge breaks through the surface of the sea. The rich marine flora
and fauna are a strong food source for seabirds that reside and breed
there.
Days 9 – 10: AT SEA
We continue our Atlantic crossing
watching for seabirds and marine life.
Days 11 – 13: CAPE VERDE
The culture is a blend of Creole,
African, Portuguese, Mediterreanean and Latin influences giving it
a “cabo” flavour. The 10 islands and 5 islets are of volcanic
origin with a lunar landscape contrasting with areas of beautiful lushness.
The most colourful fauna of the sea are the coral and fish and you
may also see species of whale, dolphin, porpoise and turtle, many
seabirds, and the endemic Cape Verde warbler. We clear in at Praia
late afternoon, then explore the natural history and visit islands
such
as Santo Antao, Brava Island and Saõ Vicente.
Days 14 – 15: AT SEA
On our last leg of sea time we attend
lectures and watch for sea life.
Days 16 – 17: CANARY ISLANDS
We explore a national park
with a fascinating landscape created by the volcano, Teide, jungle-like
mountainous parks with unique flora and fauna including lizard, crocodile,
birds of prey and the world’s largest collection of parrots,
the Caldera de Taburiente created through erosion with a dramatic entry
through a volcanic rock face, one of the last remaining tracts of Atlantic
Laurel forest and home to many unique bird species, and always keep
a watch for the resident Short-finned pilot whales.
Day 18: CANARY ISLANDS
We disembark this morning at Las Palmas
in Gran Canaria.
A note from one of the ship's onboard naturalists about this voyage:
"As a lover of
islands and as a 'travelling naturalist', Polar Star's new and exciting
Frontier Exploration voyage offers perhaps the
only way of exploring these remote and little-known South American and
African islands by small ship.
This particular voyage
appeals to me because, spending many months each year at sea as I do,
it will provide the opportunity to see a range
of
wildlife not encountered on the more usual Arctic, west coast of South
America or Antarctic cruises. From a birders point of view and as a cetacean
enthusiast, a whole range of new possibilities is being opened up. For
example, with a little effort the potential for seeing a diverse range
of wildlife such as both inshore and pelagic whales and dolphins, different
species of warm-water seabirds from two different continents and endemic
landbirds on some of the islands to be visited is high."
Simon Cook, Ornithologist and Naturalist |
