Azores Whales of the Atlantic Trip
Whale Conservation
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Ecological Monitoring ProgramAt the forefront of integrating marine conservation education with in-water training and experience, Conservation Diver now offers their Ecological Monitoring Program training on the Azores. Trip members will spend several days learning specific principles and techniques they will employ on daily scuba dives as part of ongoing global research projects. Students leave with a Conservation Diver Certificate, a gold star sure to enhance any college application.
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Princess Alice Seamount
A submerged mountain some 50 miles from Faial Island, the biodervisty and abundance of marine megafauna is a rich as anywhere on the plant. Giant oceanic manta and mobula rays, whales, whalesharks, sharks and countless other species make regular visits. After learning to identify various species, trip members participate in monitoring programs while scuba and freediving sure to be an experience of a lifetime.
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Horta & Ponta Delgada
The capitals of Faial and Sao Miguel islands, these two towns were settled in the 15th century. With ancient buildings and mellow vibes, trip members get the chance to explore island life Azores style. For centuries these port towns served as hubs for world explorers, farmers, pirates and whalers and the history can still be felt in the air. With a population of nearly 70,000 Ponta Delgada is by far the largest town in the Azores. Your time in the Azores will begin and end here with a day of restaurants, hiking, and soaking in the many mineral laden thermal hotsprings across Sao Miguel Island.
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Terra Nostra Park
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Day 1-
Your trip begins with a direct flight to the Azores from Boston’s Logan Airport. Among the nine
main islands, you will arrive in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island then take a short flight to Faial
Island where most of your adventure will take place. After a bit of relaxation, several team building
and leadership training exercises will be followed by your first local dinner and a brief orientation talk.
The evening is yours to explore Horta City, a town of 7000 with centuries old architecture and a very
laid back vibe.
Day 2-
Your first full day in the Azores will begin with an introduction to freediving including dryland
breathwork training and getting into the ocean to get your first taste of the abundant marine life here.
A full island tour after lunch will be followed by dinner a Azores marine conservation documentary
film.
Day 3-5
Day three begins your marine ecology and conservation training through Conservation
Divers Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP). For several days, you will learn how to identify various
species, assess the risks and health of ecosystems, and help develop preservation and restoration
programs. Each day will include at least one scuba dive to hone your skills while collecting data as
part of ongoing research. Evenings will consist of group activities designed to nurture leadership,
comradery, and fun. One dive will be at the Princess Alice Seamount, one of the most biodiverse
spots in the entire Atlantic where crystal clear waters consistently afford more than 100ft of visibility.
Day 6-
After several activity intense days, the morning is yours to explore the island, head to Praia do
Norte Beach to surf or boogey board, snorkel, or just have a slow-paced relaxing morning with
friends. After lunch, we head to Myrica Faial Permaculture Farm. Following a tour and orientation,
we’ll enjoy a fresh organic dinner before heading to bed amidst the verdant flora of the “blue island”.
Day 7-8
At Myrica you will learn about and engage in permaculture farming and landscape
techniques. Based in understanding natural processes, and promoting soil strength, efficient water
use, and avoiding environmental disturbance, the permaculture practices learned here are sure to
bring lifelong benefits.
Day 9-10
With over twenty whale species found in the Azores, there is scant a better place to get up
close with these giants of the seas. Since the long overdue whaling bans took effect in the 1980’s,
the Azores are now a hub of whale research and conservation efforts. You will engage directly in
some of these projects while getting to new all about individual species, their habits, and continuing
struggle to survive.
Day 11-12
After hanging with the whales, you’ll head a few males across the sea to Pico Island.
After climbing to the highest point in Portugal we’ll camp atop Pico Peak and take in a sunset you’ll
never forget and wake to a sunrise over an endless ocean horizon.
Day 12-
Our time on Faial Island comes to a close and we head back to Sao Miguel for our last night
on the Azores. With an evening of reflections and sharing together about the trip you’ll begin the
preparations to head home.
Day 13-
Famous for its thermal mineral laden hot springs, you’ll spend a few morning hours soaking
in the revitalizing warm natural pools of Sao Miguel. After a lunch of your choice in the ancient city of
Ponta Delgada, you’ll head to the airport to head back home.
Day 14-
Arrive home with more stories than your family can keep up with and memories,
experiences, and an education to last a lifetime.
Your trip begins with a direct flight to the Azores from Boston’s Logan Airport. Among the nine
main islands, you will arrive in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island then take a short flight to Faial
Island where most of your adventure will take place. After a bit of relaxation, several team building
and leadership training exercises will be followed by your first local dinner and a brief orientation talk.
The evening is yours to explore Horta City, a town of 7000 with centuries old architecture and a very
laid back vibe.
Day 2-
Your first full day in the Azores will begin with an introduction to freediving including dryland
breathwork training and getting into the ocean to get your first taste of the abundant marine life here.
A full island tour after lunch will be followed by dinner a Azores marine conservation documentary
film.
Day 3-5
Day three begins your marine ecology and conservation training through Conservation
Divers Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP). For several days, you will learn how to identify various
species, assess the risks and health of ecosystems, and help develop preservation and restoration
programs. Each day will include at least one scuba dive to hone your skills while collecting data as
part of ongoing research. Evenings will consist of group activities designed to nurture leadership,
comradery, and fun. One dive will be at the Princess Alice Seamount, one of the most biodiverse
spots in the entire Atlantic where crystal clear waters consistently afford more than 100ft of visibility.
Day 6-
After several activity intense days, the morning is yours to explore the island, head to Praia do
Norte Beach to surf or boogey board, snorkel, or just have a slow-paced relaxing morning with
friends. After lunch, we head to Myrica Faial Permaculture Farm. Following a tour and orientation,
we’ll enjoy a fresh organic dinner before heading to bed amidst the verdant flora of the “blue island”.
Day 7-8
At Myrica you will learn about and engage in permaculture farming and landscape
techniques. Based in understanding natural processes, and promoting soil strength, efficient water
use, and avoiding environmental disturbance, the permaculture practices learned here are sure to
bring lifelong benefits.
Day 9-10
With over twenty whale species found in the Azores, there is scant a better place to get up
close with these giants of the seas. Since the long overdue whaling bans took effect in the 1980’s,
the Azores are now a hub of whale research and conservation efforts. You will engage directly in
some of these projects while getting to new all about individual species, their habits, and continuing
struggle to survive.
Day 11-12
After hanging with the whales, you’ll head a few males across the sea to Pico Island.
After climbing to the highest point in Portugal we’ll camp atop Pico Peak and take in a sunset you’ll
never forget and wake to a sunrise over an endless ocean horizon.
Day 12-
Our time on Faial Island comes to a close and we head back to Sao Miguel for our last night
on the Azores. With an evening of reflections and sharing together about the trip you’ll begin the
preparations to head home.
Day 13-
Famous for its thermal mineral laden hot springs, you’ll spend a few morning hours soaking
in the revitalizing warm natural pools of Sao Miguel. After a lunch of your choice in the ancient city of
Ponta Delgada, you’ll head to the airport to head back home.
Day 14-
Arrive home with more stories than your family can keep up with and memories,
experiences, and an education to last a lifetime.
Passport:
If you do not have, or have not applied for your passport and are planning to join a trip, sooner than later is best. Passport delivery since 2020 has taken as long as several months to receive. You can order a passport at your local post office. Standard service (is supposed to) take 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is much faster but also more expensive. If you already have your passport it must have at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive in Bali or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months of passport validity you will be refused entry to Indonesia.
Bali Tourist Visa:
All trip participants will receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival in Bali. Free transit visas are also available at the airport in Shanghai for students who choose to leave the airport during layovers
If you do not have, or have not applied for your passport and are planning to join a trip, sooner than later is best. Passport delivery since 2020 has taken as long as several months to receive. You can order a passport at your local post office. Standard service (is supposed to) take 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is much faster but also more expensive. If you already have your passport it must have at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive in Bali or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months of passport validity you will be refused entry to Indonesia.
Bali Tourist Visa:
All trip participants will receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival in Bali. Free transit visas are also available at the airport in Shanghai for students who choose to leave the airport during layovers
Accommodations:
All accommodations in Bali are clean yet modest. In Tianyar and Nusa Lembongan students will stay in bungalows designed for western visitors. Upon arrival in Bali we will stay in the beach resort town of Canggu. Roomates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
We will have little time for playing on phones and computers. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. With a simple power converter (ask the omniscient google for options) all US chargers can be used in Bali. Each place we will stay on our trip has wifi, although speed varies. Trip leaders will have Bali cellphones for your use if needed and to communicate with families back home. Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, and WeChat offer free international voice messaging, and calling from anywhere with internet access. Trip leaders and chaperones primary international means of communication is through WhatsApp.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at trip leader's discretion. This trip is not a party trip. It is intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as a cultural ambassador. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to yourself, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity will not be tolerated. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
Packing List:
We will be in the Azores during during the warmest time of year. Average temps in summer range from 70-80 degrees. Comfortable clothing, warm clothes for cool evenings, swimwear, and sun protection should be the main focus when packing your bags. Regarding luggage, a large pack or roller bag, daypack backpack, and wet sack (nylon mesh bag) to carry wet articles will be sufficient. Bring a drybag too if you want to have a place to keep some things dry when on boats or at the beach. You may consider packing all your belongings in two smaller carry-on bags, or consolidate with friends to decrease the amount of checked baggage and avoid potential domestic baggage fees
All accommodations in Bali are clean yet modest. In Tianyar and Nusa Lembongan students will stay in bungalows designed for western visitors. Upon arrival in Bali we will stay in the beach resort town of Canggu. Roomates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
We will have little time for playing on phones and computers. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. With a simple power converter (ask the omniscient google for options) all US chargers can be used in Bali. Each place we will stay on our trip has wifi, although speed varies. Trip leaders will have Bali cellphones for your use if needed and to communicate with families back home. Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, and WeChat offer free international voice messaging, and calling from anywhere with internet access. Trip leaders and chaperones primary international means of communication is through WhatsApp.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at trip leader's discretion. This trip is not a party trip. It is intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as a cultural ambassador. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to yourself, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity will not be tolerated. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
Packing List:
We will be in the Azores during during the warmest time of year. Average temps in summer range from 70-80 degrees. Comfortable clothing, warm clothes for cool evenings, swimwear, and sun protection should be the main focus when packing your bags. Regarding luggage, a large pack or roller bag, daypack backpack, and wet sack (nylon mesh bag) to carry wet articles will be sufficient. Bring a drybag too if you want to have a place to keep some things dry when on boats or at the beach. You may consider packing all your belongings in two smaller carry-on bags, or consolidate with friends to decrease the amount of checked baggage and avoid potential domestic baggage fees
Consider Bringing:
• lightweight comfortable shoes you’re comfortable walking in for up to a few miles (city tours and a hike or two)
• one or two pair of sandals (simple beach sandals, or teva/chaco style)
• two towels (quick dry fabrics are ideal)
• several swimsuits
• rashguard or wet suit top
• Snorkel, Mask, fins
• Work clothes (t-shirts and shorts or lightweight pants)
• non-toxic sunscreen (biodegradable reef safe brands include: Badgerbalm, Stream2Sea, Reef Safe)
• aloe based or other sunburn cream/lotion
• sunglasses
• hats/visors/large brim hat
• mask, snorkel, and fins (These can be purchased or rented in Bali. However, because of the size of our group and logistics of traveling for individual student purchases, please bring your own snorkel gear)
• money/passport belt, or a plan to keep valuables secure
• large water bottle or two
• chapstick with SPF
• dry food or protein snacks (jerky, nuts, protein powder, bars, peanut butter etc)
• electrolyte replacement powder drink mix
• toiletries in travel size containers to bring on your carry-on luggage
• GoPro or other waterproof camera.
• power converter (These can be purchased online for less that $15 or upon arrival.)
• donations for villagers: work gloves, soccer balls, volley balls, educational games
• lightweight camping hammock for lounging under palm trees
• yoga mat
• “going out” clothes for a dinner out a night or two
• warm layer for evening/night
• work gloves
• Journal and pen/pencils
• a book or two
Additional Items to Consider:
Personal Medical Supplies:
Although we will have extensive first aid mateirals and be near medical facilities, it’s a good idea to have your own individual medical kits. Some recommended items to include:
1- Neosporin
2- Band-aids
3-Hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes
4-Mosquito repellent
5-Tylenol/ibuprofen
6-Imodium
7-Motion sickness pills for van, bus, and boat rides
8- Vaccination booklet (if you have one)
9- Moleskins for blisters
10-All personal medications
11-Musinex
12-Mild sleep aids such as: Tylenol PM/Benadryl/melatonin/Valerian Root
Gifts to Consider For the Communities We Serve
1-Small Backpacks Filled with School Supplies
The families of young students at both of our work sites often struggle to afford even basic school supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Please consider bringing with you a backpack for a child age 5-12 filled with standard school supplies. These bags will then be given to children in need as gifts from their new American friends.
2-Child Sized Snorkel Sets
The children we work with in both Bali and Thailand learn to love and care for their ocean by engaging with it. As decent quality masks, snorkels, and fins are hard to come by for most local children, and whatever we can offer is sure to enhance their connection to and appreciation of the ocean and all its life.
3-Laptop Computers
A new computer lab for a local school was recently constructed in Tianyar by Padma’s partner organization, North Bali Reef Conservation. The students still need computers and any used PC or Mac laptop that still runs well will be a huge and immediate benefit to these children. If you have an old laptop lying around gathering dust, please consider bringing it to Bali to donate to this school
• lightweight comfortable shoes you’re comfortable walking in for up to a few miles (city tours and a hike or two)
• one or two pair of sandals (simple beach sandals, or teva/chaco style)
• two towels (quick dry fabrics are ideal)
• several swimsuits
• rashguard or wet suit top
• Snorkel, Mask, fins
• Work clothes (t-shirts and shorts or lightweight pants)
• non-toxic sunscreen (biodegradable reef safe brands include: Badgerbalm, Stream2Sea, Reef Safe)
• aloe based or other sunburn cream/lotion
• sunglasses
• hats/visors/large brim hat
• mask, snorkel, and fins (These can be purchased or rented in Bali. However, because of the size of our group and logistics of traveling for individual student purchases, please bring your own snorkel gear)
• money/passport belt, or a plan to keep valuables secure
• large water bottle or two
• chapstick with SPF
• dry food or protein snacks (jerky, nuts, protein powder, bars, peanut butter etc)
• electrolyte replacement powder drink mix
• toiletries in travel size containers to bring on your carry-on luggage
• GoPro or other waterproof camera.
• power converter (These can be purchased online for less that $15 or upon arrival.)
• donations for villagers: work gloves, soccer balls, volley balls, educational games
• lightweight camping hammock for lounging under palm trees
• yoga mat
• “going out” clothes for a dinner out a night or two
• warm layer for evening/night
• work gloves
• Journal and pen/pencils
• a book or two
Additional Items to Consider:
Personal Medical Supplies:
Although we will have extensive first aid mateirals and be near medical facilities, it’s a good idea to have your own individual medical kits. Some recommended items to include:
1- Neosporin
2- Band-aids
3-Hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes
4-Mosquito repellent
5-Tylenol/ibuprofen
6-Imodium
7-Motion sickness pills for van, bus, and boat rides
8- Vaccination booklet (if you have one)
9- Moleskins for blisters
10-All personal medications
11-Musinex
12-Mild sleep aids such as: Tylenol PM/Benadryl/melatonin/Valerian Root
Gifts to Consider For the Communities We Serve
1-Small Backpacks Filled with School Supplies
The families of young students at both of our work sites often struggle to afford even basic school supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Please consider bringing with you a backpack for a child age 5-12 filled with standard school supplies. These bags will then be given to children in need as gifts from their new American friends.
2-Child Sized Snorkel Sets
The children we work with in both Bali and Thailand learn to love and care for their ocean by engaging with it. As decent quality masks, snorkels, and fins are hard to come by for most local children, and whatever we can offer is sure to enhance their connection to and appreciation of the ocean and all its life.
3-Laptop Computers
A new computer lab for a local school was recently constructed in Tianyar by Padma’s partner organization, North Bali Reef Conservation. The students still need computers and any used PC or Mac laptop that still runs well will be a huge and immediate benefit to these children. If you have an old laptop lying around gathering dust, please consider bringing it to Bali to donate to this school
Medical Considerations
Medical staff is a part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip members application by every participant, Padma's chief medical staff member will contact every participant who requires an individualized medical plan. Each student is covered for up to $200 in medical costs in the event of injury or illness. If you wish to purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an emergency contact your Padma staff trip leader for recommendations.
World Nomads
Allianz
AIG Travel Guard
Vaccinations:
COVID vaccines are required for all trip participants. Beyond that, there are no required vaccines to travel to the Azores and it is up to the parents and students to decide what vaccines to get. The following information regarding vaccine recommendations has been directly copied from the website for the Center for Disease Control. To learn more about CDC suggestions related to travel in Indonesia, you can find them on the web at:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/azores
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
Medical staff is a part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip members application by every participant, Padma's chief medical staff member will contact every participant who requires an individualized medical plan. Each student is covered for up to $200 in medical costs in the event of injury or illness. If you wish to purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an emergency contact your Padma staff trip leader for recommendations.
World Nomads
Allianz
AIG Travel Guard
Vaccinations:
COVID vaccines are required for all trip participants. Beyond that, there are no required vaccines to travel to the Azores and it is up to the parents and students to decide what vaccines to get. The following information regarding vaccine recommendations has been directly copied from the website for the Center for Disease Control. To learn more about CDC suggestions related to travel in Indonesia, you can find them on the web at:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/azores
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
Fall 2022:
1-Attend a Trip Zoom Meeting (Shoot us an email to find out date/time of meetings)
2-Choose your trip, then complete the trip application on this website and pay your $350 trip deposit to secure your spot on a trip. Email us anytime, and we’re happy to arrange a phone call to answer any questions you may have before signing up.
3-After your application and deposit are complete, your trip leader will send you an email introducing themselves. They will be your primary point of contact before and during your trip.
Winter/Spring 2022:
1-Purchase your airfare (trip leaders will help coordinate flight options)
2-Make trip payments on time (March 1, April 1, May 1)
3-Participate in fundraising activities to help cover the cost of your trip (We’re planning an online Fun Run in spring of 2022. Trip leaders will let you know details as the event approaches)
4-Attend a pre-trip prep Zoom meeting in April/May. At this meeting all contact info of trip leaders and accomodations during your trip will be given out, the packing list discussed, airport travel plans made, and any questions answered.
Summer 2022:
1-Pack your bags and head to the airport for the trip of a lifetime
1-Attend a Trip Zoom Meeting (Shoot us an email to find out date/time of meetings)
2-Choose your trip, then complete the trip application on this website and pay your $350 trip deposit to secure your spot on a trip. Email us anytime, and we’re happy to arrange a phone call to answer any questions you may have before signing up.
3-After your application and deposit are complete, your trip leader will send you an email introducing themselves. They will be your primary point of contact before and during your trip.
Winter/Spring 2022:
1-Purchase your airfare (trip leaders will help coordinate flight options)
2-Make trip payments on time (March 1, April 1, May 1)
3-Participate in fundraising activities to help cover the cost of your trip (We’re planning an online Fun Run in spring of 2022. Trip leaders will let you know details as the event approaches)
4-Attend a pre-trip prep Zoom meeting in April/May. At this meeting all contact info of trip leaders and accomodations during your trip will be given out, the packing list discussed, airport travel plans made, and any questions answered.
Summer 2022:
1-Pack your bags and head to the airport for the trip of a lifetime
Trip members can cancel at anytime for any reason and receive a 50% refund of all paid tuition. If trips need to be cancelled due to an increase in COVID related travel restrictions, or for any reason such as a natural disaster or social unrest etc. full refunds will be offered pending receiving refunds from accommodations and trip related partners at trip sites. In case trip members are unable to join a trip due to medical or emergency related reasons, a full refund will be granted.
