its_maldives 'snorkel with whale sharks' (7 days)

7/27/2019 Its_maldives 'Snorkel With Whale Sharks' (7 Days)

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ITS - International Travel for Schools

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REPUBLIC OF MALDIVESSERVICE TRIPSNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS

Day 01 Arrival in MALE and transfer to DHIGURAH Island by plane & dhoni

Afternoon: Meet your ITS Tour Leader at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport

in Mal (flight time to be defined).Plane transfer to Maamigili Airport (South Ari) about 20 min.and boat transfer to Dhigurah about 45 min. for our check-in atthe TME Retreats.

Evening: Welcome meeting and introduction to your Service Project:you will assist the MWSRP*members in their data collection tomonitor and evaluate the status of the whale sharksMore info on our partner atwww.maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org/

In essence, the focus is on conservation and research; members from both the MWSRP and ITS share a passionate interest in this

fascinating species and also a concern for the well-being of this high profile animal:

With regards to safety for the participants; groups are more effectively monitored in smaller numbers, this is also a more

sensitive practice when sharing the whale sharks environment and through a calmer and quieter encounter we hope toprolong the experience for as long a time as possible.

By avoiding crowded and stressful encounters, the whale sharks remain as close to unaffected by human presence as

possible. As a consequence this maximises the time that the students may have to carry out research objectives, in a

sensitive manor.

Buffet Dinner at the TME Retreats and early bedtime to recover.

Day 02 First snorkeling experience + lecture on the Maldives & t he Coral Reef

Morning: Breakfast at the TME Retreats.

Whale shark research aboard a Dhoni(local boat used byMaldivians). The waters of the Maldives are also amongst the best in

the world for viewing a vast array of sea life and corals.

Lunch at the TME Retreats.

Afternoon: Whale shark research. Lets go and try to find some whale sharks.

First lecture organized by the MWSRP members on the Maldives(History, Geological and Physical) and the Coral Reef, a majorfeature for Maldivians and part of our in-water surveys looking atcoral health and impacts.

Evening: Dinner at TME Retreats.

Day 03 Snorkeling day + lecture on the nearby Marin e Life Species


Second session ofwhale shark research with the MWSRP staff. Weencourage students to keep a journal, compile a photo essay or write ablog to allow them to reflect on their experience.

Lunch at the TME Retreats. Back into the water!

Afternoon: Whale shark research. How many whale sharks so far?

Lecture by our MWSRP friends on Whale Sharks (Biology, NaturalHistory, Behavior, Research, Conservation, Threats), Marine Mammals(other inhabitants likely to be encountered) and Marine Life Species

Identification.

Evening: Buffet dinner at the TME Retreats.
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Day 04 Snorkeling day + lecture on the Climate Change


Whale shark research. Photograph the corals, fish and invertebrates.Species identification should be improved by now, as should confidence in the water.


Afternoon: Whale shark research. Our boat crew is ready

Lecture by the MWSRP: presentation by the local projects into theawareness programs for climate change, marine pollution and tsunamirecovery. Maldivians are extremely eco-conscious and are keen to raiseawareness worldwide. Insights into the island own conservation efforts.


Day 05 Snorkeling day + lecture on the Climate Change


Whale shark research. The Maldives is sensitive to the threat ofglobal warming and the effects of pollution on corals aredevastating. Awareness of these issues is sharpened byexperiencing these waters first hand.


Afternoon: Whale shark research. Dont swim too close and dont flash them!

Evening: Buffet dinner at the TME Retreats.Day 06 Last snorkeling session & visit a local school + share your pictures & record your datas


Last whale shark research. Then compile your pictures andnotesfor tonights last lecture with the MWSRP members.


Afternoon: Visit to a neighbouring islandfor a cultural exchange with localstudents share & learn about their daily life. We advise you tobring some material torepresent your Homeand School.

Lecture by the MWSRP: learn on how the MWSRP staff entertheir data and how they identify the individual whale sharks usingcomputer software. Also share your personal impression / feelings.


Day 07 Beach clean-up + Transfer to MALE by dhoni & plane


Beach clean-up session. After learning about the Maldivianenvironment, we will bring our contribution by collecting plasticbottles along the beaches.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to Mal for your flight back home.

Time to say... Assalaam Alaikum!
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Price for 6 nightsLodging at the TME Retreats, Dhigurah Island

On application*

* The price for the above itinerary is based on the number of days, number of students, time of year and specificrequirements of the school. The above notes are intended as a guide only, indicating a planned itinerary and series ofactivities and highlights. Our intention is to adhere to the day to day schedule published. If there is any deviation from theplanned itinerary due to safety, transportation, weather, etc., ITS will endeavour to ensure that the trip remains equallyenjoyable and rewarding to all concerned.

Note: * Maldives Whale Sharks Research Programme (MWSRP) The registered charitable organization(NGO) in the UK is dedicated to research into whale sharks and has taken an active role in lobbying the MaldivianGovernment to introduce legislation to create protected marine preserves for Whale Sharks. Whale sharks have beenclassified as a threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The primary threat to their

existence is both illegal and legal fishing. Like all sharks, many are illegally poached for their fins. Without immediatesupport of conservation and research efforts, they may become endangered or even extinct in the Wild. Non-governmental organizations like the MWSRP rely heavily on volunteers to help in gathering and processing scientific data;data that is used to determine the status of the whale shark in the wild in order to better evaluate conservation efforts andin order to identify and to advocate for reforms in their preservation management.

Included in the price Not included in the pricePre-departure assistance with special interests, travel optionsand curricular prioritiesITS Tour Leader or local partner from arrival to departureFull Board accommodation (as indicated) at TME Retreats:

www.tme.mv

Dhigurah Island, South Ari Atoll // Republic of MaldivesWater provided daily: 3 liters per person and per dayPlane transfers to and from Mal & Maamigili airports:

http://www.flyme.mv/Other transportation by local dhoniEntrance fees to all activities and sights detailed in the itinerary1 free teacher/chaperone for every 10 paying students

International and domestic air travelVisa feesPersonal medical and travel insuranceVaccinations and other medical needsSnacks and drinks other than the provided water

Extra activities not included in the itinerary (likeSunset fishing)

Internet and telephone expensesPocket money and personal expensesTips and gratuities for guides

Alternative information

Safety is an absolute priority with ITS trips. Our experienced and trained staff are First Aid qualified. Eachstaff member has a mobile telephone for emergencies and overall communication. The Republic of Maldives

has an extensive health care system. A complete risk assessment is provided for each trip. The schoolleaders have the final authority to stop the snorkeling session whenever they think the students are too tiredor have had enough of the sun for the day. Orientation from the MWSRP members will include instruction onsnorkeling techniques. It is important to follow their safety instructions. Inexperienced swimmers areadvised to snorkel using life vests and students should be given some snorkeling experience in a swimmingpool or the sea prior to arriving in the Maldives.Night swimming is not advisable ITS EDUC SARL will not be responsible in case of any accidents.

Health and Vaccinations: it is recommended that you consult with your GP for the most up to date advice.General rules of hygiene must be followed. It is recommended that all students are healthy before travellingand bring with them any medication required. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required for allparticipants.

Please visit our recommended website for information:http://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_MV.htm
http://www.itsedu.net/http://www.itsedu.net/http://www.tme.mv/http://www.flyme.mv/http://www.flyme.mv/http://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_MV.htmhttp://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_MV.htmhttp://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_MV.htmhttp://www.flyme.mv/http://www.tme.mv/http://www.itsedu.net/


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Visas: Please contact your local consulate for visa information and requirements.

Money: The Rufiyaa is the accepted currency in the Maldives. But US Dollars are perfectly accepted on the

island. We recommend that you exchange money before your departure or at the airport upon arrival. We alsorecommend you to minimise the amount of cash carried by children in any case.

Tour Style: ITS Staff accompanies the group during the entire duration, organizing all the activities and visits.School staff are responsible for the pastoral care of the students and must be the people in charge of thegroup control and discipline at all times.Food will be mainly authentic local cuisine please inform us as soon as possible of your dietaryrequirements.Lunches are included in the price buffet at the lodge.

Equipment: Temperatures can fluctuate so waterproof and comfortable clothing according to the seasonis recommended. Walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses, a back pack, a water bottle, an insects repellent and

sunscreen (high factor water resistant sunblock) are essentials. Dont forget to bring your camera and batterycharger!Please note that you will have to use your own snorkelling equipment. This is also advisable for hygienicreasons. Students may wish to wear rubber soled shoes (wind surfing type) when walking in the water to avoidrocks or other potential hazards.A medical kit will be carried along with the group by the ITS tour leader; but extra items other than the First AidKit will be the responsibility of the participant or the school staff leader.

Lodging: Students are accommodated in twin / triple rooms and staff are in singles. Please be aware thatthe lodge may not provide twin beds but in some cases students may have to share a bed or lie on an extramattress.

Conditions: The price per student is based on the above offer and guaranteed for a minimum 15 payingstudents.

The next step

This standard offer will be customized to fit your wishes if needed. All our programs are tailor-made!Therefore if you would like to change any aspect of this itinerary please contact us directly.

Once both parties agree on the specified itinerary you will receive an Invoiceand a Booking Conf i rmation

form to sign and return to your contact.
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its_maldives 'snorkel with whale sharks' (7 days)

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