Natural History

In cooperation with the Fish and Wildlife Service, we are pleased to announce the re-opening of Midway Atoll NWR for public visitation 2008.

The Oceanic Society has been awarded permit number PMNM-2008-010 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Hawaii to conduct educational, and select restoration, activities at Midway Atoll.

The only accessible wildlife refuge within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Midway offers one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the world. Similar to the Galapagos, much of the wildlife of Midway has remarkably little fear of humans; few places on earth allow visitors such close contact with seabirds. The human history is equally a part of the Midway experience with over forty historic sites.

Midway Atoll consists of three islands and a shallow white sand lagoon, sheltered from the surrounding Pacific Ocean by a coral reef. The atoll supports over two million seabirds including the world's largest colonies of Laysan and Black-footed Albatross as well as many other seabirds and shorebirds. The endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal and Short-tailed Albatross - known as the golden gooney-also find refuge on this mid-Pacific outpost. The lagoon teems with colorful fishes that are less fearful of humans than are their counterparts in the main Hawaiian Islands, and green sea turtles and spinner dolphins are often seen in the atoll lagoon.

Our expert guided natural history expeditions include wildlife observations, historical excursions, bird watching, one snorkeling lagoon boat trip, and unlimited beach snorkeling. Weather permitting, we tour Eastern Island, uninhabited and crowded with seabirds, including several seabird species not found on Sand Island. Participants can also assist staff with habitat restoration or service tasks such as collection of marine debris.

Although seabirds nest on Midway on a year-round basis, November through July is peak albatross season. April and May offers warmer weather and water temperatures. Protection of the island's unique resources requires that visitors stay on specially designated trails. Most beaches are restricted for monk seal pupping (the best beach is shared with humans), and visitors will follow strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 2008 and 2009, Midway will be wonderfully limited to only 16 visitors the entire atoll at one time.

Midway Atoll is accessible via a 4 ½ -hour flight from Honolulu aboard a charter turbo-prop Gulfstream. Accommodations are in comfortable double occupancy rooms with private baths. On Midway, you can simply walk out your door and see thousands of albatross perform their ancient mating dance.

Midway Monk Seals: @ Lucy Keith

Itinerary:

Day 1:
Honolulu/Midway Atoll.

Day 2 thru 7:
Guided wildlife and historical excursions. Weather permitting, Eastern Island tour, one boat-based snorkel, unlimited beach snorkel. Optional participation in service projects.

Day 8:
Midway/Honolulu.

Click for large, interactive map

Naturalists:
Wayne Sentman
Breck Tyler

2008 Dates:
November 29-December 7
December 6-14

2008 Cost: $4,890 (DA Honolulu)

2009 Dates:
(Depending on permit approval)
March 9-17
March 16-24
April 6-14
April 13-21
April 20-28
April 27-May 5
May 4-12
May 11-19
May 18-26
May 25-June 2
June 8-16 (Family week)
November 30-December 8
December 7-15

2009 Cost: $4,950 (DA Hono) (Double Room)

$ 455 Single Supplement

Maximum group size: 16

Detailed Trip Informaton

Information & Reservations

Please fill out an APPLICATION to sign-up for the Midway Natural History expedition.

Send E-mail regarding this specific trip: Midway Natural History.

Midway Reef Fish:
@Larry Millwood

Trip Forum:
Talk with your trip leader and other participants.

(Expedition members only)