| We invite you to join Mote for a once-in-a-lifetime journey designed to bring you up close to some of the most amazing animals in South Africa, both in the water and on land, with a glimpse into the scientific side of things in this beautiful and unique environment. A portion of the trip proceeds will benefit Mote's own education programs. |
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Admiral Travel and Mote Marine Laboratory present the
trip of a lifetime for ocean and wildlife enthusiasts...
 May 19-29, 2013
Three interactive shark experiences with one of the foremost shark researchers
and safari in the famed Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve of Kruger National Park
Introductory pricing for "The Sharks of South Africa" is in effect through May 19, 2012.
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Presentation at Mote Marine Laboratory's
Keating Marine Education Center
Friday, May 11
3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Learn about the immersive shark experiences
and research projects you will have a chance to join, with an introduction by Mote's Aly Busse. Safari specialist and former Londolozi safari guide Ryan Hilton will give an overview of the full itinerary and safari experience.Dianna Upton of Kerzner International Resorts will provide a glimpse of the luxurious accommodations One&Only Cape Town has to offer, as well as the many delights of this cosmopolitan city.
Mote's New Pass Room
Sarasota FL 34236
Director, School and Public Programs
Mote Marine Laboratory
941.388.4441 x369
*Please specify whether you will attend the
3 p.m. or the 7 p.m. presentation.
Wine and light hors d'oeuvres will be served.
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With our expert guides, Alison Kock, a local South African scientist and Research Manager at Shark Spotters, and Dr. Michael Crosby, Mote's Senior Vice President for Research, on the trip, you will gain insight and expert knowledge about the marine animals you see. You'll also learn about current shark research and news of the environmental threats and conservation efforts impacting these animals and their environment.
Through boat trips, dives and your participation in research, this trip will be as challenging and exhilarating as it is educational!
The tour will include a special visit to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) to deliver a donation raised through the Penguin Island exhibit at Mote Aquarium.
The tour concludes with a safari at one of the original pioneering Private Game Reserves of the ecotourism industry in South Africa. Londolozi offers world-class accommodations, excellent wildlife viewing, including elusive wild leopards, all within a relaxing and calming atmosphere. |
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• Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds •
Save Our Seas Shark Centre • Shark Spotters • Great White Sharks • Sevengill Sharks and Seals • Pelagic Trip with Blue and Mako Sharks • On-Land Tours around Cape Town • Safari at Landolozi • Pricing • Inclusions • Exclusions • Register Now!
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Day 1: May 19, 2013:
Arrive Cape Town
for a special welcome reception
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| Day 2-Day 7: May 20- May 26, 2013: |
Over six days in Cape Town, you will see so much that this stunning destination and the surrounding seas have to offer! We will be taking advantage of the unbelievable marine diversity here with three unforgettable wild shark experiences. We have planned interactions with:
- Famed South African white sharks;
- Elusive sevengill sharks;
- And even a trip to see pelagic (deep-water, open ocean) sharks like stunning makos and blue sharks.
These trips will highlight current research being conducted by marine biologists and give you the unique opportunity to participate in research projects.
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Our expert guides are local scientist Alison Kock and Mote's own Dr. Michael Crosby , who will be on hand to share their insights as experience shark researchers and to answer your questions for an insightful and enriching experience.
Each trip has optional in-water experiences with the sharks for divers. Or view sharks on the surface from the comfort of the boat. During non-water days, or for those who would rather focus on South Africa’s land-based experiences, we have a variety of exceptional outings planned that will highlight the sights of Cape Town and its surrounding areas. |
Through this exclusive trip only, we have several extraordinary opportunities to visit local institutions dedicated to research and conservation of native animals.
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds: We will visit a colony of endangered African penguins and make a special delivery to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). The donation we will deliver has been raised through a special penguin adoption program taking place in conjunction with the Penguin Island exhibit at Mote Aquarium. Our visit will include a special tour through the facility and the opportunity to meet and speak with their research scientist.
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- Save Our Seas Shark Centre: The Save Our Seas Shark Centre is a focal point for scientists, researchers, marine educators and others working to promote shark conservation in this crucial area.
- Shark Spotters: Alison Kock serves as the Research Manager for Shark Spotters, a pioneering shark safety program that has attracted international and local attention because of the novel way it seeks to find a solution to conflicts between sharks and people. We have a special opportunity to visit one of the Shark Spotter look-outs and get a unique perspective on this prevention, warning and response system.
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Please note: The exact itinerary will be decided based on the total number of participants and all boat trips will be dependent upon safe weather.
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| Special Shark Interaction Experiences offer an up-close view of the oceans' top predators. |
See Great White Sharks... Up Close
Spend some time with the one of the top predators in the world, witnessing their incredible power and impressive presence.
We will begin this experience by towing a seal decoy to entice a breach – the amazing and unique behavior of sharks in this area when they launch their massive bodies completely out of the water.
Next, it will be your turn to hop in the water with a great white shark in the safety of a cage using snorkel gear (SCUBA certification not necessary).
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If being in the water with these giants is a little too close for you, don’t worry – the view from the surface is just as good (and sometimes even better)! While on the boat, you will have the exclusive opportunity to assist with some of Alison’s ongoing white shark research projects, including photo identification, measuring shark size using lasers, genetic sampling and acoustic tagging.
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Other possible marine life sightings during this expedition include: Cape fur seals, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Brydes whales, southern right whales and African penguins.
Daily Program:
- 630: Leave pier
- 700: Arrive at seal colony
- Briefing on shark hunting behavior and what to expect
- View natural predatory interactions between sharks and seals
- Tow a seal decoy to entice a breach
- 900: Anchor boat and start chumming
- 900 to 13:00: Cage dive and view sharks
- 1330: Return to pier
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Sevengill Sharks and Seals
We invite you to enter a magical world below the surface, diving in the kelp forests of South Africa to view the elusive sevengill cowshark. This area is one of the few locations in the world that these primitive sharks can be regularly seen. Adding to the unique experience is their natural curiosity and confidence, approaching divers without the need to use chum or bait.
This half-day outing will include two dives at different locations, both with excellent chances of shark sightings. Additionally, you will have the exciting opportunity to assist with a population research project that Allison is conducting of these rarely seen animals through the use of photo identification.
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Both dive sites are within areas designated as Marine Protected Areas, resulting in an incredibly healthy ecosystem with great diversity and abundance of fish, shellfish and soft corals including: puffadder cat shark, dark shy shark, leopard cat shark, spotted gully shark, red steenbras, red roman, nudibranchs, crayfish and abalone.
(Please note: SCUBA Open Water Certification required/Optional SCUBA kit rental for R350) |
Daily Program: Trips will leave at either 900 or 1300
- 915 or 1315: Leave pier at 915 or 1315 (depending on meet time)
- 945 or 1345: Arrive at first dive site at 945 (or 1345)
- 1000 or 1400: First dive (40-to-60-minute dive)
- Relocate to second dive site/Break
- 1145 or 1545: Second dive (40-60 minutes)
- 1300 or 1700: Return to pier
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Pelagic Trip: Blue and Mako Sharks
This is an experience that every ocean enthusiast should experience at least once in their lifetime: Diving with blue and mako sharks! These sharks are found in a warm current about 20 to 30 miles off the coast, where they follow their prey — schools of yellow and longfin tuna, marlin and other large pelagic fish. The highlight of this trip will be an open-ocean SCUBA dive or free dive to get a closer look at these beautiful animals.
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Sightings of pelagic birds, like albatross, shearwaters and petrelas, as well as the chance to spot marine mammals like Cape fur seals, sperm whales and pilot whales add to this already-amazing experience.
(Please note: Free diving and SCUBA options available/Optional SCUBA kit rental for R350) |
Daily Program:
- 715: Leave pier
- 930: Arrive at dive site
- Start chumming the blue waters
- When first shark arrives we start on snorkel. When we have about five sharks we start our dive. (Dive 60-120 minutes)
- 1600: Return to pier
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On land activitites in and around Cape Town alternate with your shark experiences. You will have plenty of time to explore the breathtaking scenery and fascinating culture of Cape Town and surrounding areas. Choose from the options here or create your own adventure and head out on your own!
- A scenic drive through Cape Peninsula Park to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, stopping to take in the tidal pools and flora and fauna unique to the area. Ascend to the Lighthouse lookout by funicular or on foot for spectacular views from one of Africa’s highest cliffs.
- Discover South Africa’s booming wine production from the masters. Tour acclaimed wine farms and taste the legendary reds and unique whites, and learn first-hand what distinguishes South African wines from other top-producing global markets.
- Visit Table Mountain in the morning and take the cable car to the top for spectacular views in all directions and a bird’s-eye-view of the city below you and the coastline beyond.
- Tour Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, or simply stroll the boutiques, shops and cafes.
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| Day 8: May 26 through May 29:
Transfer to the Bush |
On Safari at Londolozi
No two days are the same at Londolozi and every experience is tailor-made to suit individual preferences and expectations.
However, there is a certain rhythm and pace to the experience that stirs a sense of homecoming on repeat visits and a pleasant sense of order for first-time bushveld visitors. |
Daily Program
- 530: Rise and shine
- 600: Dawn Patrol Game drive
- 1000: Breakfast/Brunch
- 1100: Bush Walk
- 1200: Yoga
- 1500: High Tea
- 1530: Sunset Game Drive
- 1900: Dinner
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Day 11: May, 29, 2013:
Departures
: After morning game drive; depart for return flight for Johannesburg, continuing onward to your international destination.
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Includes... 7 nights deluxe accommodation
- One & Only Cape Town with breakfast; three nights accommodation at Londolozi inclusive of game drives and full board with wine, beer and spirits; internal air from Cape Town to Johannesburg; round trip charter flight from Johannesburg to Londolozi; all scientific experiences and day tours in Cape Town; transfers; porterage and gratuities for guides and drivers.
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Price... $9,250 per person. Price is based on double occupancy. A portion of your fee will be donated to Mote Marine Laboratory's Education Division and to Shark Spotters.
Exclusions: Does not include international flight to South Africa; visa fees; personal gratuities; optional activities and tours; spa services or any items of a personal nature.
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