Natural History

The Oceanic Society was the first public group to visit Midway Atoll in 2008, and we are pleased to now offer an expanded program of educational tours and select service activities on an annual basis.
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 2009 and 2010, 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.

Read our Naturalist's reports from Midway:  #1  #2  #3 

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.

(Check out the Midway Historic Preservation Expedition)

Click for large, interactive map

Naturalists:
Wayne Sentman
Susan Middleton*

2010 Dates:
March 22-29
April 19-26 (1 space left)
May 3-10 (4 spaces left)
May 10-17 Open
December 6-13 Open

2010 Cost: $5,075 (includes $2,200 airfare from Honolulu/Midway/Honolulu)

$ 455 Single Supplement

NOTE:  RATES WILL INCREASE IN 2011

Maximum group size: 15

Detailed Trip Informaton

Information & Reservations

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

Send E-mail regarding Midway trips.

Midway Reef Fish:
@Larry Millwood