Whale Study Week from St. Johns - Double Occupancy

Whale Study Week from St. Johns - Double Occupancy -- Whale Study Week is a great opportunity to participate in actual whale research, or whale lovers can simply enjoy being in the company of these majestic animals as they travel and sometimes play in their northern feeding grounds.

For groups with a special interest in marine mammal biology, there are special evening presentations on marine mammal entrapment research, whale biology, dolphin intelligence, whale distribution, and general marine ecology. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy this tour; the program is suitable for any nature enthusiast who wants to enjoy the company of whales. And although the collection of useful scientific information is helpful, the tour is simply a wonderful experience for anybody interested in fun, photography, or a unique adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, airport pick up, and short orientation tour. You are free to explore St. John's from your downtown St. John's hotel. An informal evening presentation on whale biology and ecology is provided. (Overnight St. John's)

Day 2: An introduction to the ocean during a 2.5 hour trip on the Atlantic Whaler. You also view puffins and hundreds of thousands of other seabirds and then review the marine ecology of the North Atlantic (get our sea legs) and prepare for onboard assistance to local whale census and acoustic research. (Overnight St. John's)

Day 3: You spend six hours on board a small, local, coast guard certified vessel looking at whales. Typically, humpback and minke whales are the most frequent sightings but dolphins and fin whales are also occasional sightings. In fact, 20 species of whale have been reported in Newfoundland waters, so you can expect an occasional surprise. You will focus on fluke photography, individual whale recognition, behavioral observations, feeding ecology, and just enjoying the sights. You will also probably be listening in on humpback feeding sounds, together with any vocalizations associated with their other behaviours. (Overnight St. John's)

Day 4: Today you go 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 and seals add to the day's sightings. Scenic 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 whale study lookouts. This day is sometimes the holiday highlight as you enjoy up-close encounters with the humpbacks as they cruise their feeding beach. (Overnight St. John's)

Day 5: Another six hours on board the study boat watching the whales and letting them watch you. You will use this six hours on the water attempting to get scientifically useful tail shots that allow you to identify individual whales and mother calf pairs. This provides insight into their range and life history. You'll learn how to contribute to the worldwide study of both humpbacks and orcas. 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. (Overnight St. John's)

Day 6: Today, you further study the richness of the Atlantic as you journey to the continent's third largest 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 visit one of the world's most spectacular marine sites without going near a boat! A farewell barbecue or group supper is planned for your last night in Newfoundland. (Overnight St. John's)

Day 7: You have a few more hours of extra boat time if your schedule allows it before you are taken to the airport and sent home.

Schedule

July 4-10
July 11-17
July 18-24

FAQ

Q) What is the weather like?
A) Day-time summer temperatures can range from 10-25 °C (50-75 °F), while nights may go a few degrees lower. The weather is quite changeable, so be prepared. It is not unusual for people to wear T-shirts and shorts while viewing 15-storey-tall icebergs.

Q) What should I bring?
A) Along with the clothing you would regularly bring, take a warm sweater, raingear, light boots, and (very important) your camera and binoculars. Sunscreen is very important for boat trips as the sunlight reflects off the water. Your leaders carry field guides and local literature for you to enjoy during the tour.

Q) Will we see whales?
A) In season - late June to early August - visiting groups have always seen humpback whales. Often other whale species - minke, dolphin, fin - are also seen. There may be single days when whales elude you, but during this time the whale watching is the best in the world. Every summer there are days where guests see four to six species and dozens of individuals. Whales have been watched and studied since 1979 without incident, but there is always the possibility that climatic or oceanographic changes might cause a redistribution of these animals. No one can make promises for nature, but she has been very good to our guests over the years.

Q) Are there any dangerous plants or animals?
A) Newfoundland does not have any snakes, other reptiles, skunks, poison ivy, poison oak, or ragweed. Lyme disease has not been found here. Common sense will prevent most problems. Occasionally groups will see black bears. Your guide will advise you on the best way to avoid these powerful animals, but common sense is still your most important asset. Mushroom lovers please note: Newfoundland has a wonderful and diverse mushroom fauna, but the indicators of safe mushrooms in Europe usually denote hazardous North American species. To be safe it is best to avoid picking them.

Q) Are there many flies and mosquitoes?
A) As with any wild place, there is a diversity of insect life. You spend most of your time in coastal areas where there are very few pests. Even when you go inland the flies are seldom a serious problem. However, you should prepare for flies on the in-land stops of the Labrador portion of the Viking Trail Experience.

Q) I have vertigo. Will this be a problem? What about seasickness?
A) Although you do travel near some cliffs, you will not be required to walk close to a cliff edge at any point. You visit a spectacular gannet stack, which is also used for land-based whale watching. American writer Robert Finch said this about the place: "Here a person could go up to the very lip of oblivion with nothing to stop him but the will to live." You can, however, enjoy the wonders without going too close. In fact, a traditional ballad, Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's, inspired by this remote, rugged place is perhaps the most haunting song in the large repertoire of unique Newfoundland music. If you are prone to seasickness, you can still fully participate in this tour. The Whale Study Week is usually fine for people who occasionally suffer from motion sickness. There is flexibility to avoid rough seas, and usually the waters are so calm that seasickness is not an issue.

Q) How safe is the city?
A) St. John's people have a long tradition of welcoming visitors and providing world-famous hospitality. The city's roots go back over 500 years. Its rugged, sometimes bloody history has somehow shaped it into one of North America's most peaceful and friendly urban areas. St. John's boasts North America's lowest murder rate, and the urban parts of the entire province are protected by the last police force on the continent to carry firearms. (Despite the low crime rates and a decline in offences, the police succumbed to "pistol envy" in 1998 and became an armed force.) There is very little crime, but guests should always follow the basic rules of travel safety.

Q) How good are the tour leaders?
A) Your leaders boast a great mix of local experience and knowledge. Some are authors, others are professors, and all sport a unique mix of knowledge, humor, and training. Expect a qualified, remarkable, and fun traveling companion.

Q) What is the biggest challenge of these tours?
A) The exotic location at the continent's eastern edge usually makes it necessary to book airline tickets early in order to select your choice of travel dates and receive the best airfare.

Included:
All ground transportation (including airport transfers), accommodation for six nights at the lovely Quality Hotel in downtown St. John's, all admissions, all boat time, all breakfasts and lunches, two group dinners (usually on the second day and last day of the tour) and the services of an experienced naturalist guide or whale researcher.

Not Included:
Transportation to and/or from Newfoundland

Notes:
Every effort is made to ensure you get to enjoy calm seas so the order of events on this holiday may be rearranged to suit your comfort and the local weather. In the unlikely event a dramatic change in whale distribution takes place you will travel to where the whales are. To date all guests on this holiday have stayed in historic St. John's and they have sometimes watched whales through the hotel window while enjoying breakfast. Remember to book your airfare early to assure a reasonably priced seat at a convenient time. Newfoundland is a large, exotic island at the extreme edge of the continent. Air access can often be a challenge.

30 DAYS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Hotel pick ups are not included. Rates are in US Dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-719-3312.