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  Humpback Whales Expedition  
     
 

February 2 - 9, 2008

Breaches, spyhops, songs of the gentle giants.....

Experience up close encounters with the humpback whales of the Silver Banks!

Expedition Goals

  • Collection and identification of High Definition video images
  • Collection and preparation of still images for the online database
  • Development and implementation of field protocols for instruction in the internship program

The expedition goals and leadership will give volunteers a unique and interesting perspective of this region.

Expedition Description

February and March signal the migration of humpback whales through the area between the Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos islands known as the Silver Banks. In the warm clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, female humpbacks give birth to their calves, gently raising them to the surface to breathe. Groups of males engage in courtship rituals and competitions, putting on displays of breaching, spyhopping, finning, and lobtailing. Whale runs are made three times a day in specially designed skiffs to witness these displays. Quietly slip into the water to snorkel face to face. Enter their world, listen to their song! Join IF as we sail on the Turks & Caicos Aggressor in search of encounters with these gentle giants.

Our Expedition Vessel

IF is proud to lead this expedition aboard the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II. The Aggressor fleet is legendary in the industry, designed for comfort and cruising. The amenities available on board will allow our volunteers the best chance for successful completion of goals, safe diving, and comfort.

 

 

A Floating Resort

Here are just a few of the personal amenities that make the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II so special:

  • Fully air-conditioned interior.
  • A variety of stateroom accomodations.
  • Computer station with 2 Dell computers and flat screen monitors.
  • Partially covered sun deck with wet bar, barbeque grill and chaise lounges.
  • Hot tub.

Expense and Tax Deduction Information

The Imaging Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation under the United States Internal Revenue Service. It is not a private foundation. U.S. tax deductible expenses may include:

  • Live-aboard rates as follows:
Accommodations
Standard Fee
Discounted Fee *
Master $2790 $2695
Deluxe
$2580
$2495
Twin
$2375
$2295
Quad
$1860
$1795

Not Included in above:

  • Airfare
  • Pre and post trip hotel as needed
  • Trip Cancellation insurance
  • $100 fuel surcharge - subject to change (collected by IF)
  • $75 yearly membership fee (one time yearly fee covers multiple expeditions)
  • $150 fee to cover charges for the whale sanctuary and port fees (collected by IF)
  • An arrival and departure tax to the Dominican Republic is collected when entering and leaving the country. Fees range between $10-$20 US per person. (payable on the island)

Payment of $1,000.00 is required to reserve a spot.

Payment Options are as Follows :

  1. Pay by phone (360-570-3453) using credit card : VISA, MC or AMEX - $1000.00 deposit. The remainder will be charged to the same credit card 90 days prior to the expedition.
  2. Pay by check, minimum $1000.00 deposit, to receive the cash discount*. The balance will be due on a set payment schedule. There will be a $25.00 late payment fee charged on all payments not made on time.
  3. Pay by wire transfer, $1000.00 minimum to be eligible for cash discount*, plus wire transfer fee ($15.00). Call or e-mail to obtain wiring instructions. The remainder will be charged to the same credit card on a payment schedule and the balance 90 days prior to the expedition.

Please send check payments, in US dollars, made out to:

Imaging Foundation

Send to:

Wells Fargo Bank
West Olympia Store
1500 Black Lake Blvd. SW
Olympia, WA 98502

ATTN: Ana Martin

Call or email us with any questions

The Imaging Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to image based natural history education. Each project has a specific focus.

While no prior experience is required to become an Imaging Foundation volunteer, our volunteers need to be adaptable, energetic, and be willing to work as part of an expedition team. Volunteers become vital team members in the development of fresh, new, cutting edge classroom uploads. Employing the Internet and pod casting, Imaging Foundation teams are reaching kids in novel, innovative ways. Who taught you about the ocean? Isn’t it time you gave back? Join an Imaging Foundation expedition, make a difference and enjoy the best dive trip you have ever had.

There are other related expenses such as crew tips and possible departure tax, some of which may be deductible for residents of the US and other countries. Participants must check with their tax advisors regarding deduction limits and other particulars. Please see the relevant IRS publication for more information

All monies paid to Imaging Foundation are considered donations and are, therefore, not refundable. Trip insurance may be found at Divers Alert Network (DAN) and we strongly recommend it.

Most foreign destinations require US citizens to carry a valid US passport. Please visit The Bureau of Consular Affairs website to check the trip destination requirements regarding passport and visa. If you are a non-US citizen please check the website of your country of citizenship regarding the trip destination requirements for entry. It is the responsibility of all passengers to obtain the appropriate visas for their expedition. If you have any questions please contact the Imaging Foundation.
 
 


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