We are very excited to announce that from October 8th to 16th this year, we will launch another exclusive Seven Seas Learning Adventure expedition. This will be our first-ever trip with a focus on oceanic cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins). Join us to explore the whale corridors of Eastern Indonesia. The voyage will cover the amazingly diverse and scenic Solor-Alor archipelago. We will start and finish in Maumere (Flores), ensuring easy and reliable flight access.
Aboard Seven Seas for this expedition will be marine mammal expert Benjamin Kahn. I have known Ben for years. He is very experienced and has spent a lot of time studying whales in this area over the last 25 years. Ben is the Director of Planet Deep, and his work on blue and sperm whales of the Savu and Banda Seas has been instrumental in the development and in support of several MPAs in these waters. Ben will help us navigate to key habitats to find and track whales with minimal disturbance.
For several hours on most days, we will be on the look-out for the tall blows of the mysterious Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda), with adults measuring up to 25 meters in length. Blue whales are the latest of all baleen whales, and largest animal that ever lived on Earth. The Alor region has several deep, yet narrow passages where we can best spot blue whales on their migration path. Another noteworthy species in these same waters will be largest toothed whale, the mighty sperm whale. Ben started his career in marine science as a sperm whale ecologist, and the Savu Sea is a regional stronghold for these whales (and over 20+ other species of marine mammals). Hence, we can experience many insights on these fascinating deep divers. If sea state and behaviours are favourable, we hope to get some in-water encounters with these giants along the way. (Blog on Ben and www.PlanetDeep.org)
Another member of the team will be Francois Odendaal who is another very extremely knowledgeable character. Francois has worked extensively as a consultant, advisor to wildlife parks for over 20 countries. This will be Francois 3rd trip with Seven Seas and while onboard he will shooting the final part of his World Wildlife Diary Series in Indonesia. (Blog on Francois and video)
A typical day on this trip will consist of 2-morning dives/snorkels followed by the afternoon spent at sea attempting to get close encounters with marine mammals. According to Ben October is prime time for the Whales. We can also expect great weather and calm seas during this time of the year. After our afternoon “whale patrols’ (cetacean habitat and whale watching activities), there will opportunities for dusk or night dives on at least 3 occasions. In addition, we will also add several cultural experiences in traditional and coastal villages along the way. So, there will be an amazing array of experiences throughout the Expedition.
Other cetacean species we expect to encounter are (selected from a total of 24 species for the Savu Sea, and counting):
· Melon-headed whales
· Fraser’s dolphins
· Spinner dolphins
· Pilot whales
· Indonesia’s ‘tropical’ Orcas also seen to frequent the area, especially during blue whale migration.
Both Ben, Francois and me, Mark Heighes, are thrilled to be part of this expedition and we hope you can share this unique Alor adventure with us.
FIRST WHALE EXPEDITION with Benjamin Kahn & Francois Odendaal
Dates: 8-16 October 2024 (8 Nights)
Trip Start: Maumere*
Trip Ends: Maumere
*We will start and finish in Maumere in Flores (Airport Code: MOF), ensuring easy and reliable flight access. It is advised to arrive the day before departure in Maumere, so we can start our adventure in the morning of the 8th of October and you can make the most of the first day.
Our upcoming trip promises to be an extraordinary adventure, and we would like to extend this special opportunity to you our valued customers to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
To reserve your spots or see other available trips, check out our schedule page :
Please also don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] should you require any further information or need recommendations for accommodation or flights etc. Our reservation team would be more than happy to assist.
Available Cabins
Cabin 6 (Lower Deck, Double Bed Only)
Price : $550 person/night
Total Price : $4,400 person/trip
*Prices are inclusive of 11% VAT
Inclusions
- VAT
- Port Clearance, Entrance/Park Conservation Fees
- Onboard Accommodation: Includes three meals per day, snacks, coffee, tea, and drinking water
- Transfers: Return transfers from/to the designated airport to/from the boat on embarkation/disembarkation days
- Diving Services: Dive master, full dive tanks, weights, weight belts, and nitrox
- Activities: Diving, beach visits, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding
- Amenities: Cabin and diving towels, bath amenities (soap, shampoo, conditioner)
Exclusions
- Flights (and related admin fee in case of rescheduling), land transportation, accommodation, and meals pre and post-cruise
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits, and laundry
- Gears and wetsuits rental
- Use of satellite phone
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Dive Insurance (mandatory)
- Visa and related fees
- Crew gratuities (at your discretion). Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Sample Itinerary
Why dive with The Seven Seas?
Here are some of the key factors why to not miss a trip on board the Seven Seas:
- We are one of the pioneers in the diving world of Komodo and Indonesia.
- Our boat accommodates large groups of divers which is ideal for dive clubs, groups of friends, families and experienced and less experienced divers to be able to dive with similar experienced dive teams.
- We have welcomed numerous scientists and marine biologists during the years we have been operating which has given our team excellent knowledge of the Coral Triangle.
- Our team is not only friendly and knowledgeable, they are also oriented toward customer service.
