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Reach The Pacific Ocean's Midway Atoll Through Voluntourism

November 25, 2009 at 12:04 PM | by | Comment (1)

Most volunteer vacations could be taken with or without the volunteer part. But Oceanic Society's Midway Atoll Excursion is a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit a part of the world so remote, you couldn't go there on your own if you tried.

Oceanic Society's tour allows you to visit the only accessible wildlife refuge within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Midway, and get up and close and personal with the two million birds that call Midway home, including the world's largest population of Laysan Albatrosses, or "gooney birds". Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and spinner dolphins also call the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument home. The Monument was once part of a Naval Air Facility but when the base closed in 1993, the focus changed from national defense to wildlife conservation.

The Midway Atoll is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about a 4.5 hour flight from Honolulu. It consists of three islands and a shallow white sand lagoon, sheltered from the surrounding Pacific Ocean by a coral reef. Oceanic Society's tours are limited to 16 people at a time so there is as little disruption to the wildlife as possible. The seven day tour includes wildlife observations, historical excursions, bird watching, and unlimited beach snorkeling. Participants also assist the staff with habitat restoration services and collection of debris, like fishing nets that may wash up on shore.

Volunteers stay in double occupancy rooms with private baths and dine at the "Clipper House," Midway's central hub and mess hall. The price of the trip, which includes airfare from Honolulu, accommodations and meals is $5075. There will be six excursions to Midway next year, March 22-29, April 19-26, April 26-May 3, May 3-10, May 10-17 and December 6-13. There are only 15 spots available for each trip so potential travelers must include a $400 deposit with their application. You can sign up and read more about the excursion at OceanicSociety.org.

Related Stories:
· Midway Atoll [Oceanic Society]
· Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]
· Voluneer Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Oceanic Society]

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Visiting Midway Atoll With Oceanic Society

To learn more about the experience of being part of an Oceanic Society - naturalist led group at Midway Atoll, and see pictures of the types of projects you can choose to participate in see: http://naturefinder.blogspot.com/2009/05/habitat-restoration-is-for-birds-at.html The place is beautiful, and one of the few areas of the world where you can have an up close and personal experience with nature.
albatross37 on December 10, 2009 at 8:51 AM #Permalink

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