Just in for Diani Beach Residents and Visitors from the East African Whale Shark Trust.

TAGGING EXPEDITION 2011 INFORMATION SHEET

Thank you for your interest in our tagging expedition from Feb 15 to March 15. This year we continue to put out our first set of acoustic receivers and tags. These will tell us very quickly whether our whale shark population is resident and for what periods of the year they are around.

The expedition leader and underwater videographer is Capt Volker Bassen and the lead scientist is Dr Rachel Graham (it is unlikely that Rachel will be able to join us this year in which case Volker will do the tagging). We meet at Aqualand Watersports Centre next to Pinewood Hotel at 10am for a pre-departure briefing. We will leave around 11am and you can expect to be back around 3pm. We will provide water but if you get hungry please bring your own refreshments! There is no toilet on board but you can use the sea at any time. We will provide life jackets if you are a beginner snorkeler. The conditions are very calm in Feb/March.

The air support will lead us to the whale sharks via radio link. The researcher and underwater videographer will get in the water first and we ask you to watch remaining in your seats, calm, completely still and quiet. When they have finished working, we invite you into the water to snorkel with the whale sharks, take any pictures you might want to and enjoy the mighty presence of the biggest fish on the planet!! We will do our best to organise you in the water so that everyone gets a chance to get up close and personal. However it is strictly forbidden to touch the animal and we ask you to pay close attention to the expedition leader at all times especially when in the water.

Coming on one of our expeditions is a chance of lifetime! You get to watch the research team work, interact with them and be part of our team. You will also swim with whale sharks!! We ask all expedition members to bear in mind that whale sharks are wild and free. If we don’t see them, it won’t be for want of trying but we can give no guarantees. Every cent of the money you pay for your seat goes straight to the project to fund the research. So as well as having the time of your life you will be contributing to a very worthy cause!! We look forward to welcoming you as part of the team!

Price is KES 8,500 or USD100

Committed to whale shark conservation and education

www.whalesharks.wildlifedirect.org

info@giantsharks.org

CALL 0720293156

1. Go Diving
The Indian Ocean waters off Diani Beach are warm and clear during this dry period and the best for diving with great visibility. There are several diving spots along the coast and several companies offer dive sessions for an affordable fee everyday. The clear waters, colourful reef and vibrant aquatic life make Diani Beach a must for all divers.

For your diving package or course, contact:

Image from southerncrossscuba.com

Diving the crab
Diving The Crab was established in 1985 when the first school was opened at Jadini Beach Hotel. Since then Diving the Crab has concentrated all efforts in providing a professional and dedicated service to clients.

Southern Cross Scuba
Southern Cross Scuba was created in 2002 in recognition of an expanding, worldwide market for Adventure Tourism. The “ Watersport Adventure Centers ” provide a wide range of exciting, unique activities run by a vibrant team who are specialized within their own field.

Diani Marine
Diani Marine has been providing first class diving excursions for more than 30 years, and with exemplary safety records are unique. Diani Marine does one boat trip per day (2 dives) and an additional one in the afternoon on request (min 12 divers).

2. Whaleshark Safari
Little is known about the whale shark, the largest fish in the world, measuring up to 18 metres and tipping the scales at 20 tons. The whale shark is a protected species that currently thrives on the warm waters off Diani Beach where the East African Whale Shark Trust  EAWST is involved projects  to create awareness, tag and monitor the whale shark population. Sign up as a volunteer and get involved first hand in the conservancy efforts.

www.giantsharks.org

3. Eco Bike Ride
This is an eco friendly guided tour of Diani Beach and its environs that will take you through various parts of Diani. What better way to tour than cycling along the beach, through the villages and even to the revered Kaya Kinondo forest. This memorable tour is arranged by Diani Bikes who pride themselves as having the most modern bikes.

www.dianibikes.com

4. Discover Kaya Kinondo Forest

This is  one of the oldest forests on Kenyas South Coast with 187 plant species, 48 species of birds and 45 of butterfly, representing five per cent of Kenya’s known butterfly species, the rare Zanj Elephants Shrew and threatened Colobus Monkey, among others.  A tour to this forest will leave one enlightened on the cultural and spiritual importance of the forest to the Digo people.

www.kaya-kinondo-kenya.com

5. Go Deep Sea Fishing
Diani is not far from the Pemba Channel, one of the best fishing spots in the worid and home to Striped, Black and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Broadbill, Mako, Tiger and other sharks, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Giant Trevally among others.  A trip to the Pemba channel will not disappoint those looking for some big game fishing.

Aqualand
Aqualand offers half or full day fishing excursion departing direct off the beach from Pinewood Village. Aqualand runs a strict tag and release program, which is run in accordance with IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) and designed to preserve rare and endangered species.

The Pemba Channel Fishing Club
The Pemba Channel Fishing Club is recognised world-wide as a fishermen’s paradise and is situated in the tiny fishing village of Shimoni, 80kms south of Mombasa, enjoying stunning picturesque views over the Indian Ocean and the neighbouring island of Wasini

6.Work with the Colobus Trust

This is a non profit organisation that is wholly dedicated to the conservation of the Colobus monkey.  Specifically Colobus angolensis, that is found in Diani has been classified as an endagered species whose population has been drastically reduced by human encroachment, road kills and snares.
You can help by joining as an Eco-volunteer for 3-4 weeks for a volunteering holiday. There are no other specific requirements apart from the energy and the will to participate in the Trust activities!

www.colobustrust.org

7. Visit Diani Art Gallery

This recently opened gallery has already made a huge impression on lovers of  fine African Art in Diani Beach. Find art by artists all over Africa, from the West, North, South and East  of this continent. Stop by and enjoy the atmosphere while discovering the story of every painting, sculpture and object d’art, learn more about the artists or take part in a workshop to discover your artistic side.

www.dianiart.com