| Destination | Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean | | Offer | from £4,250 per person | | Travel Dates | Apr 15th, 2005 - May 8th, 2005 | | Book by | Dec 31st, 2004 |
 A rare opportunity to visit the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean
Next spring WEXAS is running the first commercial cruise to this remote archipelago. It is a rare opportunity to explore these unspoilt islands and snorkel in some of the world's most untouched coral atolls. The cruise will be conducted by WEXAS chairman Dr Ian Wilson and Indian Ocean reef expert, Dr Mark Spalding who will provide a fascinating insight into the archipelago. Travel will be from the Seychelles on board the MS Indian Ocean Explorer, a 120ft boat similar to Jacques Cousteau's Calypso, with air conditioned cabins and a comfortable saloon.
Itinerary, costs and information about the cruise are listed below, alternatively call 020 7838 5872 or email groups@wexas.com
WEXAS Chagos Islands Cruise 15 April - 08 May 2005
Itinerary:
Friday 15 April
Fly from Heathrow to Seychelles on Air Seychelles flight HM1.
Depart Heathrow 1605 arrive Seychelles 0600 on 16 April
16 April
Arrive Seychelles and transfer to The Plantation Club hotel for 1 night stay.
17 April
Board the MS Indian Ocean Explorer and set sail for the Chagos Islands - the sailing time is approximately 5 days. Dr Mark Spalding of the Chagos Conservation Trust and Indian Ocean reef expert will be joining the cruise as a guest lecturer and each day on the cruise he will give a series of talks and discussions about the Chagos Islands, coral reefs, ornithology and the marine and terrestrial biology of the Indian Ocean. Dr Spalding is a research associate of Cambridge University and a consultant to the United Nations Environment Programme. He has written and contributed to a number of publications including the World Atlas of Coral Reefs and has dived extensively across the Chagos and Seychelles working primarily on coral reef fish.
18 April - 21 April
At sea
22 April
Arrive at the Chagos Islands.
Location/Anchorage: Ile Coin, Peros Banhos
Day Visit to Petite Coquillage
Key Activities: Ruins of settlement.
23 April
Location/Anchorage: Ile Coin, Peros Banhos
Key Activities: Bird islands
24 April
Location/Anchorage: Ile Coin, Peros Banhos
Day Visit: Ile Longue and Ile Yeye
Key Activities: Snorkelling
25 April
Location/Anchorage: Ile Boddam and Saloman Islands
Key Activities: Bird Islands
26 April
Location/Anchorage: Ile Boddam
Day Visit to Mapou, Ile du Sel, Ile Jocobin.
Key Activities: Islands, Birds, dolphins
27 April
Location/Anchorage: Ile Boddam
Day Visit to Blenheim reef
Key Activities: Snorkelling
28 April
Location/Anchorage: Nelson Island
Key activities: Snorkelling
29 April
Location/Anchorage: The Brothers
Key Activities: Birds, Snorkelling at Middle Brother
30 April
Location/Anchorage: Eagle Island
Key Activities: Snorkelling, Island visit, Nurse sharks
01 May
Location/Anchorage: Danger Island
Key Activities: Birds
02 May
Location/Anchorage: Egmont Island
Key Activities: Snorkelling
03 May
Set sail back to Mahe
04 May - 06 May
At Sea
07 May
Arrive back at Mahe Island, Seychelles and spend 1 night at The Plantation Club.
08 May
Fly from Seychelles to Heathrow on Air Seychelles flight HM2.
Depart Seychelles 1030 arrive Heathrow 1800.
NB. This is a preliminary itinerary and it is likely that several changes will be made - other islands visited and activities undertaken. While the MS Indian Explorer is equipped with scuba diving equipment as yet no permission has been granted for the participants to scuba dive on this trip. It may also be necessary to alter the final schedule whilst in the Chagos Islands to take into account weather and sea conditions at the time.
Full island list
Peros Banhos:
Ile Coin, Petite Coquillage*, Ile Longue*, Ile Yéyé*
Salomon Islands:
Ile Boddam, Mapou, Ile du Sel, Ile Jacobin
Nelson Island*
The Brothers*
Eagle Island
Danger Island*
Egmont Atoll
* On the islands of the Strict Nature Reserves visits would be guided visits only, with passengers being accompanied by Dr Mark Spalding. For the most part they would be restricted to the coastal fringe and to total periods of 2 hours. Any visits to the island interiors would be strictly controlled and would not be allowed if there were any likelihood of interference with nesting birds.
The Boat
For information about the MS Indian Ocean Explorer please look at the boat's website: www.ioexpl.com
There are five twin and one double cabins available on this cruise. Each is air conditioned with its own bathroom.
While onboard all meals and snacks are included along with water and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are additional.
Price
£4,250 per person
This price includes:
- Flights as detailed with Air Seychelles in economy class including airport taxes.
- Transfers
- 2 nights accommodation at The Plantation Club Hotel on Mahe on a bed and breakfast / twin share basis.
- 21 day / 20 nights cruise the Chagos Islands on a full board / twin-share basis including a full programme of site visits, snorkelling and lectures.
If you would like to upgrade to Business class on the flights the price is £1,170 supplement per person.
Single room supplement price at the Plantation Club hotel is available on request.
Terms and conditions
Booking
The tour price is based on twin share cabin accommodation and single occupation will not be possible. If you would like to participate as a single traveller you will be allocated someone of the same sex to share with. While reservations will be made on a first-come-first-served basis priority will be given to those able to fill a cabin.
Deposit
A £1,000 per person non-refundable deposit will be payable to secure a place on this trip.
Deposit payment can be made by cheque, debit or credit card (without a credit card fee).
Balance
The balance is due by 10th December 2004.
Balances paid by credit or charge card will incur a fee (1.5 / 2 % respectively) that will be levied on the full amount.
Cancellation
The deposit and full balance are non refundable in the event of cancellation.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you purchase WEXAS travel insurance for this trip. Annual multi-trip cover starts from £89 per person. Single trip prices available on application.
Amendments
If you should wish to extend your stay in the Seychelles at the start or end of the cruise please contact Simon McMahon at WEXAS who will be able to advise you on accommodation and flight details. The amendment deadline is 10th December 2004.
Health Requirements
Typhoid, Hepatitis and Polio vaccinations are recommended. Yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you have come from an infected area.
For any further details or to reserve a place on this trip please contact Simon McMahon at WEXAS International as soon as possible on 0207 838 5830 or email simon.mcmahon@wexas.com
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