Described as the most informative and exciting water-based excursion in French Polynesia, the scientific and natural approach to this tour is the perfect way to understand and appreciate the marine creatures that live in these crystalline waters.
Dr Michael Poole is the Director of the Marine Mammal Research Programme at the Island Research Centre, and with his team has conducted scientific research on whales and dolphins since 1980. The conservation initiatives of the team include heightening public awareness about the plight of the animals, and their enthusiasm will shine through as they guide your tour.
On boarding your boat you will be introduced to your captain and research expert, who will begin to tell you about the remarkable behaviours and social organisation of the dolphins. Your key objective is to search for the schools of acrobatic Spinner Dolphins, the only species that spin horizontally and vertically in the air like ballerinas. Enjoying the stunning beauty of this island, you may also, with luck, spot some Rough-Toothed Dolphins and Pilot Whales.
Dr Poole and his research on Spinner Dolphins have been featured on the TV documentary, ‘Ocean Acrobats: The Spinner Dolphins’ shown on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. In 2000 he was a scientific consultant for the extraordinary BBC/Discovery Channel series ‘The Blue Planet’.
ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.
BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion.
Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.
LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.
This excursion operates by boat. Please remember your camera, swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Please note this is not a swim with dolphins.