Great White Shark Photography Expedition

Itinerary

• Mexico

  Mexico is a federal constitutional republic in North America. With an estimated population of 109 million, it is the 11th most populous country and the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Around 9,000 years ago, ancient indigenous peoples domesticated corn and initiated an agricultural revolution, leading to the formation of many complex civilizations. These civilizations revolved around cities with writing, monumental architecture, astronomical studies, mathematics, and large militaries. This historical legacy combined with sunny weather and beautiful beaches has helped Mexico become the seventh most popular tourist destination worldwide. The peak tourist seasons in Mexico are during December and during July and August, with brief surges during the week before Easter and during spring break at many of the beach resort sites which are popular among vacationing college students from the United States.

• Ensenada

  Ensenada, or Port of Ensenada, is the third-largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California. It is located 116 km south of Tijuana. Ensenada is locally referred as La Bella Cenicienta del Pacífico (The Cinderella of the Pacific).

• Isla Guadalupe

  Isla Guadalupe, a volcanic island located 241 kilometers off the west coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, and some 400 kilometers southwest of the city of Ensenada. During Aug-Dec, there is a large great white shark population which somes to the area to feed, allowing for unique wildlife excursions.

• California

   California is the most populous state in the United States, and the third largest by land area, after Alaska and Texas; it is also the second most populous sub-national entity in the Americas, behind only São Paulo, Brazil. California is located on the West Coast of the United States, bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the northeast, Arizona to the southeast, the Mexican state of Baja California to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its four largest cities are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco. Much of the state has a Mediterranean climate, with cool, rainy winters and dry summers. The cool California Current offshore often creates summer fog near the coast. Further inland, one encounters colder winters and hotter summers.  California's geography ranges from the Pacific coast to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the east, to Mojave desert areas in the southeast and the Redwood–Douglas fir forests of the northwest. The center of the state is dominated by the Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world. California is the most geographically diverse state in the nation, and contains the highest (Mount Whitney) and lowest (Death Valley) points in the contiguous United States. Almost 40% of California is forested, a high amount for a relatively arid state.

• San Diego

  San Diego is on the Southern California seacoast known for its ideal climate, miles of beaches, and location on the Mexican border, right across from Tijuana. It has a rich heritage built around sailing and is home to the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy. It is also well known for its part in the wildlife conservation movement, being home to a SeaWorld theme park and the "world-famous" San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. The city is famous for its water activities, including beaches, surfing, sailing, scuba, and whale watching. Nearby Coronado Island faces the city and has its own attractions.

• • San Diego
  • Balboa Park
  • Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego

  Day 1: San Diego

  Meet your driver for an airport transfer with private vehicle. 

  Enjoy a 3 hour tour with private vehicle and driver. Visit America's Finest City , which includes highlights such as: Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs, Mission Bay, Old Town, Balboa Park, Downtown with Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero, Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Coronado, and much more.

  Today you will meet up with the expedition team for a dinner (not included) briefing in preparation for tomorrow's departure out to sea. Location will be decided on the spot.
  
  Together with Kensington Tours, world renowned photographer Amos Nachoum’s expeditions take him and a small group of exclusive travelers throughout the world to observe, photograph, and revere the most magnificent creatures on the planet. He has led multiple many high-profile National Geographic expedition teams, including National Geographic’s Red Sea, Great White Shark, and Killer Whale photo expeditions. Amos’s photos and essays have appeared in hundreds of publications around the globe, including National Geographic, Time, Life, The New York Times, and many more.

  Under the expert guidance of Amos, learn the secrets to spellbinding wildlife photography, as well as have the chance to interact with some of the most exciting animals on the planet — great white sharks, polar bears, blue whales, sailfish, snow leopards, the sardine run and more — Amos will help you capture their true essence in the most spectacular wildlife photographs you’ll ever take.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego (4*)

  Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel (4*) is centrally located just minutes from San Diego’s many major attractions, including Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego State University, the San Diego Zoo, local beaches, the historic Gaslamp District, and more. Mission Valley’s two premier shopping malls are nearby as well. After a full day retreat to one of their 260 beautifully appointed, stunning guest rooms overlooking Mission Valley. Plan your day over a scrumptious breakfast and get ready to explore nearby attractions, such as Seaport Village, Balboa Park, or Belmont Park. Or spend your days relaxing by the pool and spa or working out in their state-of-the-art fitness center.

• • 110' M/V Sea Escape
  • Sea Escape - Double Cabin

  Day 2: San Diego - Ensenada

  By 8:00am, you and the team depart San Diego and transfer to Ensenada, Mexico. This is usually a 90-minute ride, depending on border-crossing formalities and traffic. As soon the port is reached in Ensenada, the expedition team boards the Sea Escape vessel, which will be your accommodation for the next 6 nights. Depart the port at midday for an 18-hour overnight crossing to Isla Guadalupe.

  Accommodation: M/V Sea Escape

  The 110 foot M/V Sea Escape is a converted aluminum oil crew vessel with a cruising speed of 10 knots. There are 9 single and double staterooms with ensuite or adjacent washrooms. Rooms are equipped with reading lights and 120v household current. An entertainment room contains a television and dvd player with video hookups for videographers. An on-board dining area will accommodate breakfast and lunch buffets, with table service for dinner.

• • Lowering the Dive Cage

  Day 3: Isla Guadalupe

  This morning, the vessel will arrive into the bay at Isla Guadalupe, and will lower 3 protective cages into the water. Once the cages are lowered, divers are invited to join the action. During the five days on site, the dive deck is open for action and excitement from 8am-5pm.

  Accommodation: M/V Sea Escape
• • Great White Shark

  Day 4: Isla Guadalupe

  There are only three places in the world where you can encounter great white sharks — Africa, Australia, and Mexico. From August to December, the over 100 great whites visit particular bay on Isla Guadalupe in search of elephant seals and large schools of tuna. This is where your expedition is focused, and you have virtually unlimited diving with them. The sea conditions are generally calm, with 25-40 metre visibility in deep blue water, and a water temperature of 21-22C.

  Accommodation: M/V Sea Escape
• • Breaking the Surface

  Day 5: Isla Guadalupe

  Enjoy another day of cage diving, as the number of great whites in the area is astonishing. While on-board, keep your eyes open as great whites have been known to attack prey with such force that they sometimes leap right out of the water!

  Accommodation: M/V Sea Escape
• • Approaching Great White

  Day 6: Isla Guadalupe

  Enjoy some photo coaching from expedition leader Amos, as he helps to ensure you get some phenominal photos to take home with you. The crew will chum the water around your dive cage to bait in the sharks.

  Accommodation: M/V Sea Escape
• • Adult Great White

  Day 7: Isla Guadalupe

  Today is the final day of diving so be sure to soak in as much of this rare experience as you can. By 2:00pm your vessel will begin the 18-20 hour cruise back to Ensenada.

  Accommodation: M/V Sea Escape

• Day 8: San Diego

  By midday, the vessel will arrive back in Ensenada, and you and the team will then transfer back to San Diego (hotel or airport) where you will part ways.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego (4*)

• Day 9: San Diego

  Meet your driver for an airport transfer with private vehicle. 

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego

  Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego (4*)

  Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel (4*) is centrally located just minutes from San Diego’s many major attractions, including Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego State University, the San Diego Zoo, local beaches, the historic Gaslamp District, and more. Mission Valley’s two premier shopping malls are nearby as well. After a full day retreat to one of their 260 beautifully appointed, stunning guest rooms overlooking Mission Valley. Plan your day over a scrumptious breakfast and get ready to explore nearby attractions, such as Seaport Village, Balboa Park, or Belmont Park. Or spend your days relaxing by the pool and spa or working out in their state-of-the-art fitness center.

  • More information
• • Sea Escape - Double Cabin

  M/V Sea Escape

  The 110 foot M/V Sea Escape is a converted aluminum oil crew vessel with a cruising speed of 10 knots. There are 9 single and double staterooms with ensuite or adjacent washrooms. Rooms are equipped with reading lights and 120v household current. An entertainment room contains a television and dvd player with video hookups for videographers. An on-board dining area will accommodate breakfast and lunch buffets, with table service for dinner.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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