Description
Head to the best place in the world for swimming with whale sharks for the ultimate underwater photography adventure.Travel to Djibouti to snorkel or free dive with whale sharks and other marine life with professional photographer Joshua Barton.
Overview
Most people wouldn’t be able to place Djibouti on a map, let alone know it is the best place in the world for swimming with whale sharks. Djibouti is a safe haven, offering incredible marine life and fascinating landscapes, from its saline lakes to extinct volcanoes. This safari focusses on getting you out to free dive with the whale sharks during the best season to see them. Whilst we never guarantee sightings, your chances are high as this is when the whale sharks are easily found swimming parallel to the shore. Guided by Joshua Barton, a wildlife photographer who knows this area better than anyone, you’ll enjoy expert photographic advice as well! Optionally, spend a day on a safari to Lac Assal, which is a saline lake 155 metres below sea level and a wonderful excursion to see more of Djibouti.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Right place, right time for the best opportunity to swim and snorkel with whale sharks in the world, with great visibility.
- Guided by professional wildlife photographer Joshua Barton.
- Snorkelling with the world’s largest fish.
- Stay in luxurious accommodation in Djibouti City, exploring and sampling its delicious local cuisine.
This safari is run on a small group basis with possible extensions, including a day trip to Lac Assal. Guest numbers are limited to 6 people, ensuring an exclusive experience with the whale sharks.
Itinerary
Arrive Djibouti
Upon arrival into Djibouti you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. At 7pm there is a pre-safari briefing with Joshua Barton at the luxurious Kempinski Hotel with sea-view rooms, where you’ll get to know more about what lies ahead over the next few days.
Free diving with whale sharks
Each day you’ll wake up early and head out by boat from the pier by your hotel. It is normally around 1 – 1.5 hours into the Gulf of Tadjoura which is where the whale sharks feed on the plankton. Depending on sightings, you’ll spend around 3 – 4 hours enjoying this incredible experience. Head off to a secluded beach for a delicious lunch. After lunch, travel to some nearby coral reefs for spectacular snorkelling; a marine location very few get to venture. In the late afternoon, head back to your hotel to freshen up before going out into town for some delicious local cuisine, be it Ethiopian, Somali or Yemeni!
Depart Djibouti
Spend the morning browsing the local shops and markets for souvenirs before you’re driven back to the international airport for your onward flight.
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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