When: Anytime. Most recommended from September to December (spring) and from March to May (autmn).

Length: 5 to 7 days minimum is best for accomplishing minimum Research Objectives, but you are encouraged to customize shorter or longer stays, or add other destinations before or afterwards to your own program. Multi-activity programs with more emphasis in trips and leisure can also be arranged if you prefer.

Number of guests: Min. 4, Max. 12. Ideal groups are from 5 to 6 visitors. (Hosting couples or groups of 3 are possible but special arrangements need to be made in order to minimize the higher costs per person.) Groups larger than 8 must may be divided into 2 subgroups during some activities.

Fee: Variable. Average from US$ 950ºº per a week per person, depending on group size, extension and final program details. Discounts available for families, students and members of wildlife conservation organizations.

INTRODUCTION
This journey to Chile is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a scientific research expedition and learn up close and deeply about wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Visitors will participate actively with specialists in the study the only resident bottlenose dolphin pod registered in Chilean waters, thus gaining unique learning experiences while contributing effectively with support to science and conservation of one of the most endangered dolphin groups in the world.

Identified as "POD-R", the small group of dolphins is regularly found swimming near Isla Choros, part of a remote and uninhabited island chain at the southern limit of the Atacama Desert, about 600kms north of Santiago Chile. With stunning marine landscapes and rich in wildlife both in the water and on land, the islands conform what is known as the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, with excellent wildlife observations and photography opportunities of varied species such as dolphins, penguins, sea lions, whales and numerous bird species.

Given that scientific data accounts for 16+ cetacean species registered within an area of only 15kms by 30 kms, the surrounding waters may be considered a cetacean haven of world-wide importance and may be among the highest in cetacean diversity known for such a small area! (Programs are flexible in order to capture eventual sightings of other cetacean species during our trips.)

Field research activities are guided by specialists from the Centre for Marine Mammals Research Leviathan, a Chilean NGO conformed by cetacean biologists and volunteers that have monitored the dolphins for over a decade and authored the most significant scientific publications related to POD-R and cetacean species around the islands. Despite the area's relevance, POD-R dolphins and surrounding habitats face many threats and challenges in their sustainability, especially since only recently the once isolated shores have become known to the outside public. The future of the local fishermen, who now depend economically on the dolphins' presence, is therefore directly linked to the well being of the local pod. Confronting growing pressures with sustainable practices based on sound scientific knowledge is the key for protecting the dolphins and habitat together with consolidating community-based dolphin watching and associated activities.

At present it is imperative to update and broaden the knowledge available today. The fresh data obtained during the tours will provide scientists with the most essential tool for enforcing current protection initiatives. Among others, these include, the establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the implementation of regulations for sustainable dolphin watching activities around the islands, initiatives that have been formally proposed by the CMMR Leviathan but for years postponed by intricate bureaucracy and scarce funding support.

Visitors' participation is therefore of great value and will undoubtedly constitute an unforgettable life experience for those involved. The nature and amount of "work" is adjustable to the specific interests and capabilities of each group or individual. Those highly motivated will find fertile ground for exploring their interests, even after the expeditions are over, whereas plenty of time and flexibility is left for personal privacy and for enjoying the beauty of this unique coastal environment.

Logistics: Meeting and getting there
We greet you on arrival at the airport in Santiago and usually requires one night in the city before travelling to La Serena (1 hr. flight). However, for budget purposes and/or timing etc., we can arrange different options to accommodate you better. For example, for early arrivals, you can aboard direct flight connections to La Serena, the closest city to our coastal base of operations at Punta Choros; Another possibility is a 7 hr. ground transfer; a prior stay in Santiago and more. We can discuss and arrange whatever suites you best.

PROGRAM OUTLINE:
CONTENTS AND OBJECTIVES

CONTENTS

Introduction to the biodiversity in the area.

• - Basic Cetology
• - Cetaceans species (16 sp.) registered in the area.

Introduction to "POD-R" dolphins: Their History, probable origin, numbers, individuals, hierarchy, behaviour, foraging techniques, threats, Dolphin Watching etc.

Introduction to Data Collecting.

• - What and why are we looking for?
• - Photo-ID, & DVideo-ID*
• - Sighting Forms filling.
• - Strandings & Rescue: returning live cetaceans into the water and post-mortem data collecting.
• - Data Processing, uses and analysis.

Social impacts, opportunities and threats.

Dolphin Watching

• - Dolphin Watching techniques and Impact Mitigation
• - How to recognise general levels of impact caused by boats. (Stress signals)
• - How to approximate the dolphins and what to do if dolphins show stress signals.

Past and Present Research, conservation and community support.

• - Proyecto Tursiops: Population size estimate, Individual Identification, Effects of informal dolphin watching, DNA test results and more...
• - Turismo Seguro: Results of pilot workshops with the local fishermen in sustainable Dolphin Watching.
• - Dolphin Watching as a sustainable activity for local development as opposed to hunting and captivity.
• - Latest Updates

2. MAIN SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES (to be accomplished during the excursions):

• ·- Obtention of data for updates of Individual Identification records of POD-R, (Published in `2000).
• ·- Obtention of data for updates of Population Size Estimate of POD-R.
• ·- Obtention of data for update on range of movement and displacements of POD-R.
• ·- Obtention of data for determining perspectives of Dolphin Watching activities under current situation.
• ·- Current environmental Impacts registration.
• ·- Bioacoustic surveys.
• ·- Evaluation of Boat Operations.
• ·- Reinforcement of contents of Turismo Seguro project with the fishermen and knowledge transferring of the current situation.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES to be accomplished depending on outcome:

• ·- General cetacean species registration.
• ·- POD-R dolphins behaviour analysis in front of transient Pods.
• · Video records of (other) eventual Pods sighted for Identification, with transient Tursiops Pods as main target.
• ·- Analysis of any biological material from strandings or fishing
  interactions.

Additional or Optional Excursions, Activities and contents:

• ·- Humbold penguins and rookeries
• ·- Sea lion colonies
• ·- Nesting sights
• ·- Trekking and wildlife observations at Isla Damas
• ·- Sportfishing
• ·- Native cultures presence in the area. (Changos and other Pre-Columbian settlements)
• ·- Palaeontology findings in the area.
• ·- Cuisine and Wine.
• - Nearby agriculture oases. (Fruits, olives etc)

Sample Itinerary:

In case you decide to meet in La Serena, "Day 2" of the sample itinerary below can be taken as Day 1.

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago. We'll have a brief chat and permit you to take the day free to rest after your long flight. If you wish, we may (optional) go out for dinner or cocktails at a restaurant or pub of your choice.

Day 2: Morning flight to La Serena (1hr.) then direct ground transfer to Punta Choros (2hrs.). Check in at cabañas and spend the rest of the day stretching/ exploring the seashores and briefings on activities planned for the next days.

Day 3: Morning dolphin watching boat excursion as "regular tourists" to Choros Island. Afternoon for evaluation of trip and later free for leisure.

Day 4: Dolphin research boat excursion for data collecting and monitoring. Visitors will participate in Photo-ID, DVideo-ID, acoustic recordings and fill sighting forms, lead by cetacean specialists. Afterwards, we will have a preliminary review of data recorded and review of footage and digital photos taken.

Day 5: Dolphin Research boat excursion (Photo-ID, DVideo-ID, acoustics and sighting forms). Instead of returning to Punta Choros, we will continue by boat to Isla Damas. Coastal trek and picnic lunch, Birdwatching at nesting sights and a climb to the island's summit to look out for whales and other dolphin pods. On our return to we will once again pass by the dolphins (depending on weather conditions) for further data recordings.

Day 6: Dolphin Research boat excursion for data collecting or leisure day to explore the continental side and to meet and discuss with the local fishermen. Various optional activities around the area may be taken if you wish. (Ask or see detailed brochure)

Day 7: Preliminary analysis of all materials recorded and a brief review of post data processing and future applications of results. A last boat trip may be taken as optional. An open discussion for preliminary conclusions and eventual new objectives will be discussed.

Day 8: Return. To Santiago, or 2 day wrap up at the Elqui Valley or connections to other destinations.

For more information, see:
MARINE EARTH CHILE´S WEBSITE AT: www.marineearth.cl
CMMR Leviathan website at: www.leviathanchile.org

APPENDIX:

Appendix 1: Commitments and Benefits