Come join us in Mexico’s Isla Mujeres to dive with one of the world’s largest congregation of whale sharks in the world. We are hopeful this will be the trip of a lifetime for you, especially if our last two years are any indicator.

Our trips are designed for serious photographers & videographers and those who truly love the ocean. We will make every effort to spend as much time in the water and create the best interactions possible with the whale sharks. That said, we are dealing with nature and there are no guarantees. We may have to work to find the sharks and there may be days when weather prevents us from even going out. For this reason, we need team players who are patient and contribute positively to the entire experience.

On the Boat - A typical day on the water looks like this: We depart at 7am sharp. If the whale sharks are aggregating in a consistent location, we are hopefully in the water by 8am. For the next hour or two, we typically have the whale sharks to ourselves. We work in groups of 3, rotating in/out of the water. The topside action is spectacular with incredible photo opportunities, so out-of-water time is quite productive. In the water, if you haven’t done this trip before, you will likely have more whale shark encounters within 5 minutes, than your entire prior experiences combined. Words cannot describe the quantity and proximity of the whale sharks and the excitement you will feel! Around noon, most of the day boats have departed and we have another hour or two alone with the whale sharks. At 2pm, per the regulations, we are out of the water. After as many as 6 hours with the sharks, we turn south and head back to shore for a swim in the pool and image processing time.

Other Operators – You may have noticed that day boats offer discounted trips to see the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres.  To be clear, we are offering an entirely different standard of service and experience than these boats. Essentially these are cattle boats which take 10 random customers for a brief encounter with the sharks. There is one guide per boat and only 2 guests are allowed in the water with the guide. The guests each spend perhaps 10 minutes in the water then rotate out. When everyone has had a turn, the trip is over and the boat departs, typically around noon. If the seas are rough at all, the boats do not venture into the blue, but instead head for green water where several dozen tour boats compete for a handful of whale sharks. Our guests are not looking for this kind of experience, however if you have doubts, we suggest you try one the day boats first!

Hotel – We are staying at Playa La Media Luna (www.playamedialuna.com), which is where we have stayed in prior years. It is located toward the northeast point of the island.  The rooms are comfortable but basic and we reserve them as bookings are taken. You will need to indicate whether you want your own room or are sharing. The hotel has free wifi internet and a nice pool. Every afternoon we rinse and relax here after our day on the water.

Meals – Lunch and snacks are included on the boat free of charge. This consists of sandwiches, fruit, chips, bars, soft drinks, and water. For an extra charge, we can provide deli wraps or sandwiches of your choosing. You are responsible for your breakfast; however we also arrange warm breakfast burritos for an additional charge. Dinner is also separate and costs usually less than $25 each with drinks. Each evening we head out together and enjoy Mexican dining at any one of the fun restaurants on the island. Dinner is a great time where we catch up on the day’s activities and share stories of our adventures.

Transportation – Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on this island. They are fun and efficient. They are also necessary as we are a good mile from the pier and need to transfer ourselves and camera gear, back and forth each day. As such, we rent golf carts for the group and the cost of these are included in your trip. We also use these to tour the island, to get to turtle nesting sites and to visit the turtle rescue and research center.

Tips – The captain and first mate work extremely hard for us and do their best to deliver on expectations. Tips are a core part of their compensation. To keep things fair and reduce your on-island cash needs, we are including the tip in the total trip cost. So essentially, when you arrive on the island, dinner, drinks and souvenirs should be your only out of pocket expenses.

Cameras – For those of you with cameras, you should know that strobes are not allowed, and frankly not necessary either.  Last year we shot everything without strobes using as wide lenses as possible. We also strongly recommend not bringing more than two cameras or more than one laptop to avoid problems with customs.

Equipment – A wetsuit is required (unless you want to wear a life vest!) however the water is quite warm. We recommend a thin shorty or full (3mm or less). You likely will be swimming a LOT, so we recommend comfortable full-foot fins (leave your heavy/stiff open-heel fins at home) and neoprene socks. Bring plenty of sun lotion with high SPF as you will be exposed to lots of sun.

Transfers – We will also arrange your shuttle from the airport to the Cancun/Isla Mujeres ferry. The shuttle takes about 30 minutes, and the ferry another 20 minutes to transfer you to the island. You should plan to arrive in the morning or afternoon the day prior to your trip beginning and to depart the morning or afternoon after the last day on the water.

Summary Info:

Cost: See Below

Dates: July 3-7 (Sold Out),  July 8-12 (Sold Out), and July 14-18 (Spaces Limited)

Payment: Deposit of $1000 plus a signed contract to hold the spot. Remainder due April 4th, 2012.

Fly in/out of Cancun

Day before – Arrive in morning/afternoon

5 days – Snorkel with whale sharks

Day after - Depart

Guests – 5

Cost:

- Boat @ $350 per day per guest ($1750 Total)

- Transfer @ $50 each way to/from ferry to island (begin & end of trip)

- Ferry @ $7 each way to island

- Hotel Playa la Media Luna @ $105 (single), $55 (share) per standard room with 2 dbl beds

- Golf cart @ $100 per guest

-Tip $200

Total: $2,780

- Food at local restaurants (approximately $25 per day)

Arrival Steps:

- When you exit the airport, the driver will be holding a sign with your name on it.

- Accompany the driver to the van where he will load the gear.

- Present the driver with the transfer coupon that will be sent to you

- The driver will take you the ferry.

- Purchase round-trip tickets to Isla Mujeres (about $7)

- The ferry departs every 30 minutes.

- When you arrive in Isla Mujures, depart the ferry and walk to the taxi area.

- Hire a taxi for a very short drive Hotel Playa La Media Luna

- Check in at the hotel and request the hotel notify your trip leader that you are here.

Wrap Up – Two years ago Isla Mujeres was not known as a major whale shark destination. With aggregations exceeding several hundred whale sharks in blue water, word is getting out and this year we are sure many people will be there in hopes of seeing them. Our job will be to deliver on these expectations and hopefully we will be as fortunate as the prior year. That said, please bring all the positive thinking and good karma you can, as like all things in nature, there are no guarantees.

See a video of last year’s whale shark trip.

If you have any additional questions about this, please contact:

Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures, Inc by email at info@scuba-adventures.com

What: Join a special expedition to the Bahamas to study, film, photograph and research the magnificent and mysterious Oceanic whitetip shark. Led by University of Miami Scientist – Dr. Neil Hammerschlag – and world-renowned shark expert – Jim Abernethy – this unique expedition will provide participants with the opportunity to contribute to exciting shark conservation research. Time will be spent above and below the water with Oceanic whitetip sharks.

Who: We are seeking the help of dedicated photographers and filmmakers to document Oceanic Whitetip shark conservation and research activities. We also need the help of shark enthusiasts and dedicated conservationists to assist in hands-on shark research activities. During this expedition we will be deploying the latest in satellite tag technology on Oceanic Whitetip sharks. We will also have an opportunity to get in the water and interact with these magnificent species.

When: May 17-26, 2012 (10 days)

Price: $4,000.00 per person.

Bahamian Departure and Usage tax are not included. Nitrox is also not included.

Target species: Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Check out a cool video montage of our expeditions here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1te6D3SDpuM&feature=player_embedded

The lack of data on Oceanic Whitetip sharks coupled with the growing body of evidence of recent declines and the surge of destructive fishing activities is the motivation of this unique expedition of scientists, photographers, film-makers and conservationists.

The objectives of this expedition are three-fold: (1) satellite tag Oceanic Whitetips; (2) document this species and our research activities through film and photography; (3) scuba dive with these amazing sharks in their natural environment, while promoting shark conservation.

For more information: email Dr. Neil Hammerschlag at neilhammerschlag@gmail.com or call (305) 951-6577

Booking info: To reserve your spot on this trip, please contact Christina at info@scuba-adventures.com or call toll free: 888-901-DIVE (3483) or local: 561-842-6356

For more information and our ongoing research and conservation efforts, please visit:

http://www.rjd.miami.edu

SPACE IS LIMITED  – SO PLEASE RESERVE SOON

What: Join a special expedition to the Bahamas to study, film, photograph and research the world’s most threatened and mysterious sharks. Led by University of Miami Scientist – Dr. Neil Hammerschlag – and world-renowned shark expert – Jim Abernethy – this unique expedition will provide participants with the opportunity to contribute to exciting shark conservation research. Time will be spent above and below the water with the sharks.

Who: We are seeking the help of dedicated photographers and filmmakers to document shark conservation and research activities. We also need the help of shark enthusiasts and dedicated conservationists to assist in hands-on shark research activities. During this expedition we will be deploying the latest in satellite tag technology on tiger, bull and great hammerhead sharks. We will also have an opportunity to get in the water and interact with these magnificent species.

When:

Expedition 1: December 12-18, 2011 (7 days)
Expedition 2: July 20-26, 2012 (7 days)

Price: $2999.00 per person.

Bahamian Departure and Usage tax are not included. Nitrox is also not included.

Target species: Tiger, Bull, and Great Hammerhead shark

Check out a cool video montage of the latest expedition here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1te6D3SDpuM&feature=player_embedded

The lack of data on tiger, bull and great hammerhead movements in Caribbean, coupled with the growing body of evidence of recent declines and the surge of destructive fishing activities is the motivation of this unique expedition of scientists, photographers, film-makers and conservationists.

The objectives of this expedition are three-fold: (1) satellite tag tiger, bull and great hammerheads; (2) document these species and our research activities through film and photography; (3) scuba dive with these amazing species in their natural environment, while promoting shark conservation.

For more information: email Dr. Neil Hammerschlag at neilhammerschlag@gmail.com or call (305) 951-6577

Booking info: To reserve your spot on this trip, please contact Christina at info@scuba-adventures.com or call toll free: 888-901-DIVE (3483) or local: 561-842-6356

For more information and our ongoing research and conservation efforts, please visit:

http://www.rjd.miami.edu

SPACE IS LIMITED  – SO PLEASE RESERVE SOON

Hitomi has won regional and state competitions by the Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) and the painting is at a national competition now. We are hopeful images like hers will help spread the word to help save and protect sharks worldwide.

Shown in photo from left to right:
Peggy Hess (Hitomi’s host mother), Hitomi Uezu, Jim Abernethy, Keiko Uezu (Hitomi’s mother), Kuniko Uezu (Hitomi’s sister)

JASA organized a trip up north to meet the Crystal River manatees. Allison, Laz, and Nikole from the JASA crew had 13 people come join them to snorkel with manatees and dive in Rainbow River. The shop that they organized the snorkels and dives through was Bird’s Underwater INC. They are very professional and got us out there before the crowds. Our days snorkeling started out at 6 am, the fog was in but the guides knew where to take us. The first day we went to King Spring. The visibility was not to good unless you swam into the spring area. Once we got in there we have a few manatees stay and hang out to get some good photos. We also saw a tarpon and some snook in the spring. We had a very “friendly” manatee which stayed next to our boat, he wanted to give hugs to everyone as they tried to go up the ladder. After the morning trip we got ready for a 1 tank dive in Rainbow River. The max depth was 20 ft with crystal clear waters and a water temp of 72 degrees. This fresh water spring diving is set up as a drift dive and you must carry a flag because other boats and kayaks enjoy the river too. In the grass beds we saw fish and 2 freshwater turtles along with the spring openings which looked like jacuzzi bubbles coming out of the bottom. That night we all gathered and had dinner where we got to re-cap on the days events!
Second day we again were up at 6 am…but this time our guide took us to Three Sister’s Spring. Wow was this beautiful…great visibility because we were the first there and the manatees were sleeping in the roped off areas. Once we got in the younger manatees came out to check on the humans. They are so playful and they kept rolling over for us to rub their bellies. They got so close to our cameras which turned out be be great shots!

Thanks to everyone that came out on the trip, and we hope to see some new faces next year for this trip! Check back with us for next year’s Manatee Trip!

My wish is that this story be treated for what it is – a rare occurrence. Those of us who enjoy the natural world, assume a level of risk; we always have and we always will.

My concern is for the future of sharks. More than 100 million sharks are slaughtered in the barbaric practice of shark finning. A process in which the shark’s fins are hacked off, while the animal is still alive and left to bleed to death.

Shark populations have been severely depleted worldwide, many species by as much as 95 percent.

I’ve spent more than three decades of my life in the Bahamas with the sharks that I love. The Bahamas serves as a shining example of how countries can protect sharks and marine ecosystems. I’m hopeful that the rest of the world will soon follow the brilliant foresight of the Bahamas.

Today’s minor incident will not deter me from pursuing my mission to help protect these beautiful animals that are so essential for the health of our oceans.

I remain dedicated to the promotion and establishment of marine reserves for these creatures and all marine life.

Thank you again for your concerns and well wishes.