Snorkeling & Natural HistoryOptional Extension to Palau

This expedition offers an introduction to the unique marine life and natural history of Yap and Ulithi. While the focus of this expedition will be on the islands' abundant underwater coral reef life, the itinerary also includes an introduction to Micronesia's culture. Yap is the world's foremost destination for seeing manta rays up close and personal. In addition to superb snorkeling, Ulithi offers opportunities to see nesting sea turtles and seabirds.

Part of the Federated States of Micronesia, Yap and Ulithi lie between Guam and Palau. Yap is made up of four main islands all within the boundaries of a beautiful coral reef. Geologically Yap has evolved from an ancient volcanic system with rolling green hills.

Yap is known as the best place for seeing manta rays on a consistent year-round basis. The reefs, bays and channels surrounding the land mass are home to a spectacular array of fish and corals. We will spend several days snorkeling, visiting Tomil, Gofnuw, Pelak and Manta Ray Channels, and will explore some of the natural beauty and cultural sites of the island.

Steeped in ancient traditions, the Yapese continued to practice their traditional lifestyle more than anywhere else in Micronesia. Cultural highlights include handmade seaside men's houses, huge, ancient stone money discs and stone money banks, and traditional arts. We walk along ancient stone paths surrounded by beautiful flowers and spot jungle birds. Accommodations in Yap are double occupancy rooms in a comfortable hotel.

Located northeast of Yap, Ulithi consists of one of the world's largest lagoons surrounded by 36 tropical isles, four of which are inhabited. Permission from the Chiefs of Falalop must be granted in order to visit Ulithi, and we will likely be the only visitors on the atoll. We invite you to be pioneers exploring this breathtaking area.

From Yap, we fly to the remote coral atoll of Ulithi, home to nesting hawksbill and green sea turtles, coconut crabs, and seabirds such as frigates and boobies. Our comfortable beachfront lodge on Falalop Island offers beach snorkeling, and serves as a base for coral reef snorkeling excursions and day trips to Turtle and Lizard Islands.

The idyllic, azure lagoon is teeming with life and the reefs are so pristine that you may be one of the first to have explored them. Since there is only one tourist facility in the entire atoll and the lodge holds a maximum of 20 visitors, this will be one of the most unique snorkeling experiences possible.

Throughout this journey, you will be guided the Oceanic Society's resident biologist who accompanies your excursions, providing information on coral reef life, general marine ecology, and the natural and cultural history of Micronesia. The itinerary includes leisurely island walks and marine life snorkeling explorations. Yapese excel in crafts, and some time on your own can be dedicated to visiting sites of cultural significance.

Itinerary

Days 1-2:
Honolulu/Yap.

Days 3-5:
Explore Yap, coral reef snorkeling, manta ray observations.

Day 6:
Yap/Ulithi. Afternoon beach snorkeling.

Days 7-9:
Snorkel excursions, visit Turtle and Lizard Islands for sea turtles and seabirds.

Day 10:
Ulithi/Yap

Days 11:
Yap/Honolulu. Or continue optional extension to Palau

Click for large, interactive map

Naturalist: Jennifer Cruce

2009 Date:
April 16-26
May 7-17
June 18-28
July 9-19

Private departures:
Weekly, December-July

2009 Cost: $3,490

(Includes air fare from Honolulu)

Limit: 8

Detailed Trip Information

Informaton & Reservations

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