[0]I've recently returned from an amazing 7 weeks swimming and connecting with the whales off the Vavau and Haapai islands in Tonga. The idea was to look extensively around Tonga for the best and most sensitive ww opportunities to set up some retreats. The journey started with a 10-day trip with Andrew Parker in Haapai working with Glen Etney in Haapai, then joined Annah Everingtons group in the Vavau islands for another 10 days. Vavau group of islands where most of the whale watching (ww) goes on and there are 12 licensed motorboat ww operators. The good thing about Haapai is it is a more chilled out less developed island group and there is only one ww operator, (soon to be 2) who use sailing boats that are less intrusive and more sensitive to the whales. The operators are really sensitive to the whales needs and emotions and if the whales don't feel like playing then we don't force our presence on them.
Ill have just uploaded some clips that I just shot at http://www.planetearthinternettv.com [1]
I have organised two 10-day retreats swimming and connecting with the whales off the Haapai islands in Tonga during August/ September 2009. While I was in Haapai I met an American lady named Patti who has just established a beautiful Bali style resort. Its on a small tropical island atoll covered in coconut trees and ringed with white sandy breaches and turquoise water. Spectacular coral reefs and even whales are just a short swim off shore. This retreat is priced and targeted at people who want to deepen their spiritual connection with whales and therefore become emissaries and active for the whales in their own personal way.
Tonga is one of 3 places in the world where it is legal to swim with the whales. These are the first of many retreats and are part of my strategy to help protect the whales from harpoons and help evolve human consciousness. I am planning use some of the profit from the tours and donations to organise a sponsored third retreat for specifically invited guests such as, Japanese, celebrities, politicians, media and relevant whale decision makers so they can come to Tonga and experience the whales close up and personal and be touched by the whales so they will in effect become emissaries for the whales and then speak on their behalf. I have already spoken to Peter Garrett at the IWC and invited him out here when every thing is ready. So coming on one of these whale tours will not only have a life changing effect on yourself it may have one on the whales.
We are still working out the exact prices and dates. The approximate price for the 10 day retreat including all meals, accommodation and scheduled transfers will be around $2800 AUD . That doesn't include airfares that are around $500 to $800 from Brisbane or Sydney on Virgin Blue (see www.virginblue.com.au [2] )and the Tonga internals are around $150. This includes up to 6-7 days ww and hopefully swimming with the whales depending on the weather. There may be options of more ww days and scuba diving if you wish for an additional cost. Some aspects of the trip may change depending on various conditions. To get an general idea of the area, ww and the boat, you can see some clips from the 10-day trip I just went on with Andrew Parkers group in the Haapai islands and Annah Everingtons group in the Vavau islands I have put up that I just shot at http://www.planetearthinternettv.com [3]
These 10-day retreats are promoted as swimming and connecting with the whales reteats. Although we will make every effort to get you in the water with the whales there are no garrentees that everyday you will get to swim with the whales. The well being of the whales are top priority and we will not force our presence on the whales. For those days when you dont swim with the whales you can be assured you will see whales and have a great sail and heaps of fun. Also see http://www.shamansoftheamazon.com/journey1.htm [4]
For the whales
Dean Jefferys
See my other websites and become a friend
http://www.planetearthinternettv.com [5]
http://www.flightofthehumpback.org [6]
http://www.myspace.com/whalingdontbuyit [7]
http://www.myspace.com/deanjefferys [8]
http://www.youtube.com/shaman1958 [9]
http://www.youtube.com/flightofthehumpback [10]