The Omura’s whale (Balaenoptera omurai) was described as a new species in 2003 and then soon after as an ancient lineage basal to a Bryde’s/sei whale clade. Omura’s Whales are considered the cheetahs of the ocean because they are small (10 m/33 feet long) sleek and fast. They do not migrate, but move around a small stretch of coastline hunting for krill, and thus behave a bit more like dolphins rather than typical baleen whales.  They have distinctive asymmetrical coloring, white on the right side and dark on the left, and they always feed on their right sides. In northwest Madagascar, they can be found mostly on continental shelves in shallow waters. The vessel, Ocean Sunrise captained by Simon Blackburn, is a classic and sleek 60 foot (20m) monohull schooner and ideally suited to traverse the Mozambique Channel waters of the Indian Ocean. This exclusive-use vessel boasts four guest cabins with two bathrooms, two of which are occupied by guests and two by marine scientists. There are two bathrooms onboard. Although there is no air-conditioning, fans in the cabins keep guests comfortable at night. Included in the experience are meals, snacks, fruit and drinks.

Guests will be able to participate and observe the research work. The team will be transported by speedboat to known whale feeding sites. If whales are found, the team will attempt to do photo ID, skin biopsy, tagging, collection of fecal matter, and a visual ID of feeding matter. In the evenings, the team will gather to discuss the day's research, present findings on the area’s marine megafauna and address issues related to protecting this ecosystem and creating marine protected areas. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the remote north-west coast of Madagascar, discovering secluded beaches, wild-life rich mangrove forests, small fishing communities, snorkeling locations, and inland walks to seek out lemurs. A second tender and guide are available to facilitate the exploration days.

Itinerary/Dates:
Trip 1: October 16th-October 29th 
SOUTHBOUND Nosy Be – Sailing - Anjajavy – Antananarivo
October 16         1 night in Tana  
October 17          Flight Tana to Nosy Be
October 17-20     3 nights Home The Residence + 1 day Whale Shark Project
October 20-25     5 nights sailing on Ocean Sunrise
October 25          4 nights Anjajavy  
October 29          Anjajavy – Tana Flight same day departure from Tana in the afternoon
Estimated cost $11,400 per person sharing 
 
Trip 2: Oct 23rd-Nov 3rd
NORTHBOUND Antananarivo – Anjajavy - Sailing - Nosy Be 
October 21          1night Tana
October 22-26      4 nights Anjajavy
October 26-31      5 nights Sailing
October 31           Arrive Nosy Be by yacht, 3 nights at Home The Residence, Nosy Be including 1 day                               Whale Shark project
November 3          Transfer to Nosy Be for departure 
Estimated cost $11,400 per person sharing