SOLO 2007 Expedition

SOLO Expeditions

We conduct SOLO Expeditions to the Leatherback nesting beaches several times each season; principally in the months of July and August. These expeditions are a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to witness the return of female Leatherbacks to their nesting beaches to lay eggs or the hatching of the increasingly rare Leatherback babies. After they are fertilized at sea, females return to nesting beaches to lay eggs under about 4 feet of warm tropical sand. The nesting impulse drives females across the Pacific Ocean along a semi-circular route from California/Central America to the remote beaches in Irian Jaya. Females deposit between 70-80 eggs and bury them in the sand using their flippers. Incubation takes from 55-75 days and the eggs hatch at night under the cover of darkness, which helps them avoid predation as they make their journey from their nest to the sea. The tiny baby leatherbacks weigh about 1.5 ounces at birth and measure about 4 inches long.

In 2009, we’re planning 3 trips of 11 nights and 10 days each. Each trip will include day and night visits to the Leatherback nesting areas. We will also dive on WW II aircraft as well as in some of the most remote, exotic, and biologically diverse dive spots in the world, including the fabled Raja Ampats and Kawe located right on the equator.

SOLO 2009 EXPEDITIONS TO LEATHERBACK NESTING BEACHES

Join the adventure and become an active part of the research team.* Travel to exotic, seldom seen locations. Depending on when you decided to make the trip, you’ll watch rare, nearly extinct, turtles lay eggs or watch the eggs hatch and the babies travel to the ocean.

SOLO 2007 Expedition

Dive the legendary Raja Ampat islands aboard a large, comfortable, fully-equipped ship: a classic Indonesian Phinisi design with all the amenities a diver would hope for – and more!

The M.V.S. RAJA AMPAT is the only premier live aboard in Indonesian waters.

BOOK THE BOAT for your SCUBA CLUB NOW.

The expeditions can accommodate up to 12 divers per trip in six air-conditioned cabins with in-suite toilets and hot showers.

The boat has a very comfortable salon and is fully equipped with camera tables and multiple electric outlets. Healthy buffet meals are served and you will be hosted by excellent, experienced dive guides.

DIVE CLUBS AND DIVE GROUPS. RESERVE A TRIP FOR YOUR GROUP AND ALL DIVE TOGETHER – 12 PEOPLE PER TRIP.

• Trip 1 July 14th – July 24th (might be a 2 Boat Trip because of high demand, previous Grand Komodo divers recieve a $100 discount, essientially SOLD OUT - contact us to check availability)

• Trip 2 July 28 – August 07

• Trip 3 August 11 – August 21

SOLO 2007 Expedition

All trips are hosted by Larry McKenna, PhD, SOLO’s Founder who has made multiple trips to this area and is very familiar with the beaches, the dive spots, and the locals. He is an accomplished author, photographer, film maker and diver. Assisting him will be SOLO volunteers who have also been to the beaches.

Larry promises that we will dive the “Best of the very Best” among the islands of Raja Ampat. NOW including Kawe, straddling the equator!

The cost per person is $2,750* (maximum of 12 people per trip) and includes all boat costs except tips. This is a deep discount by the boat owners who are supporting our cause. A standard trip would cost over $3,600. International and local airfare is not included. These low expedition prices are only available through SOLO.

Expedition reservations are secured by a $500 deposit on or before December 31, 2008. Further details will be sent to those who reserve a space.

*Because you are participating in the work of this 501(c) (3) tax exempt Foundation, all expedition fees, airfare, hotels, and meals are 100% tax deductible.

E-mail us at info@saveourleatherbacks.org for more information or download the print version.

MV Raja Ampat Explorer for SOLO Expeditions

FOR BOOKING INFORMATION: CONTACT US at info@saveourleatherbacks.org

RESERVE NOW - OBTAIN THE ACCOMODATIONS AND TRIP DATES YOU WANT!

Find out About Us and our Advisors »