2017 • adventure - Fourth Element Adventures

EXPEDITION LEADER MAGNUS LUNDGREN
2017 • ADVENTURE
CHINCHORRO
Come face to face with the closest thing to
a dinosaur. This trip introduces the highlights of
diving in Mexico. Close encounters with the
fascinating saltwater crocodile, dives into the
mystical cenotes and close ups with dozens of
whale sharks during peak season in Mexico. are
the objectives on this fourth element adventure.
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Free dive with salt water crocodiles
Explore the cenotes of the Yucatan
Stay in unique accommodation just above the crocs
Free dive with whale sharks
Amazing reef diving
UW-photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren
+46 31 774 18 00
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Crocodiles, whale sharks and cenotes in Mexico
This adventure is a perfect combination of some of the things that make
Mexico a unique and fascinating destination. Free dive with saltwater
crocodiles, explore the clear water caves known as the cenotes, and glide alongside the majestic
whale shark.
Along the Mexican coast, south of Cancun, lies Xcalak, the last city before the border to Belize.
Here you will check into the hotel and do two dives in the beautiful Xcalak national park. Here you
will also find the Chinchorro Banks, Mexico’s only atoll with its own undisturbed reef.
For the most part, the goal of this adventure is to free dive amongst American saltwater crocodiles
that reside in the area, capturing stunning photos of this unforgettable experience. It is most likely
that the average size of the crocodiles that you will encounter at Chinchorro will be about 3m
long. The crystal clear water in the lagoon gives fantastic photo opportunities for wide-angle
photography. It is perfect positioning when the crocs come to the surface and open their jaws wide,
showing off their razor-sharp teeth that glisten in the burning sun.
This crocodile adventure has become extremely popular and to safeguard the crocs, it is restricted
to seven persons per session at Chinchorro. For this reason, we only have six spaces plus our
expedition leader for this group trip. Before you head to Xcalak you will get to test the waters with some diving in Akumal. Here you
will find out what diving in the cenotes is all about. And if crocs and cenotes aren’t enough, after
these two adventures, you will have the ultimate experience just outside of Cancun
when you get close-up to whale sharks.
©Jesper Kjøller
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Free diving with crocodiles
Just a few years ago our partners in Xcalak found this unique place. Today it is one of few places in
the world where you can free dive and photograph saltwater crocodiles. The advantage of the
lagoon in Chinchorro is that it is shallow (max 2 m) and has good visibility.
How does it work to free dive with crocodiles?
The crocodiles are drawn in to the area through baiting. When they have found the bait and stay
around the area, you will get into the water, moving very carefully. Only one person is in the water
at a time and although the curious crocs will most likely come close to check you out, their main
interest is in the bait that is being thrown into the water. The most important thing is to always
know where the crocs are in relation to you. There will be people at the surface that will be there
to assist you in watching them.
The summer months are very warm in Mexico and as you will spend quite a lot of time at the
surface waiting for the crocs to show up, we recommend that you have a thinner hood, plenty of
sunscreen, a hat and sun glasses.
Lodging in Chinchorro
The lodging is very primitive out in Chinchorro, as you will be staying in a fishing hut that is built on
poles out in the midst of the lagoon. Each person has a hammock, but the group sleep together in
the same room, with no running water or electricity. Here you will stay for two nights. Your larger
bags will stay at the hotel in Xcalak and you will only have room for a smaller bag and your camera
equipment. During the Xcalak section of your adventure you will spend the first three nights at a
hotel in Xcalak, followed by two nights out on the Chinchorro Banks, followed with one last night
in Xcalak again.
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Akumal and diving in the cenotes
You will check in to Playa Caribe Condos that lies on the beach in Akumal in Riviera Maya. Akumal
offers plenty of activities and outings to keep you busy including Mayan ruins, golfing, fishing, visits
to adventure parks, watching for turtles, shopping and more. Akumal is best known for being close
to over 50 different cenotes, several of which you will be diving in and exploring. What are cenotes?
Underneath the Yucatan Peninsula’s seemingly solid limestone foundation, is an entire network of
caves that, for the most part, have been immersed beneath the surface for thousands of years.
More than 65 million years ago, the Yucatan Peninsula was underwater. During the last ice age when
the water levels dropped, enormous plateaus of soft, porous limestone were left behind. Originally
volcanic, it is only the top level of limestone that we are able to explore today. This being the
remnants of a coral reef from years ago.
A cenote is a cave that has had the roof collapse in where there is merely a window left to the
world above. Through these windows, beyond the thick jungle vegetation, you can see the
underground rivers flowing through the maze that makes up the Yucatan Peninsula.
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Whale sharks outside Cancun
Along the Eastern shoreline of Mexico you find the Yucatan Peninsula. In the waters off of Isla
Mujeres, close to Yucatan, you find one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks.
During the summertime a lot of whale sharks gather in this area to feed on fish eggs, providing a
fantastic opportunity for you to experience a close encounter with the largest fish on earth.
There are a lot of whale sharks in the area, often more than one hundred, the majority of which
have an approximate length of about five to six meters. Whale sharks are plankton feeders,
meaning that if there is a lot of food for the sharks, the visibility will usually get ruined by far too
much plankton being in the water. However, diving next to Isla Mujeres is an exception to this
general rule. Here you will find whale sharks in clear, blue water with good visibility, which gives great
opportunities for photography. Since they are found are far out in the blue ocean, it is not
uncommon that you will also encounter other big, pelagic animals such as manta rays, mobulas and
ocean sun fish.
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Free diving with whale sharks
Our local tour operator has been taking divers out to the whale sharks for more than 25 years.
They are very professional and know exactly how to find the animals. We will use a fairly small,
open boat with sun screen and double outboard engines. After a couple of hours with the whale
sharks, you will get served lunch onboard consisting of fruit, bread and something do drink.
In the early morning before sun rise, you will have a light breakfast. It is then time to head down to
the boat that will quickly bring you out to sea. Once out in the open ocean, you will all look for the
big spotted fins to break the waters surface. Patience is needed, as sometimes waiting for an hour
or two is required, but more than often the sharks are there from the very beginning.
You do not need to be a fit free diver to get close to the sharks in this area. If the whale sharks are
there you do not even need to swim up to them, as these gentle giants have nothing to fear and
normally come right up to you. It is not unusual to see one hundred whale sharks in a day, and
sometimes even more! To protect the sharks, the local guides decide how many of persons can be
in the water at the same time. Sometimes everyone can get in, but, if there is several other boats in
the area, there might be a limited amount of time per person in the water.
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Magnus Lundgren
Magnus has 20 years of experience guiding
expeditions around the world, as well as
being an educator in underwater photography, giving his expeditions an extra flair.
Participants on this exclusive adventure are
bound to develop their skills just by listening
to him. “My goal has always been to coach
participants at their ambition level so that
advice and tips can lead to results there and
then.” Magnus will be there as the photo
pro.
A little about Magnus
Magnus’ pictures have been published around the world and his articles have even made it to a
two page spread in National Geographic Magazine. Today Magnus is the driving force behind the
world’s largest photo project ”Wild Wonders of Europe [wild-wonders.com] and during 2015 the
same group will start up a similar initiative in China [www.wildwondersofchina.com]. He is also one
of the founders of Exposure Expeditions, a board member of the organisation Wild Wonders
Foundation and a proud member of Naturfotograferna/N
Magnus Lundgren’s list of international awards is long, stretching over several decades. He is most
proud of his award in the very prestigious competition ”Wildlife Photographer of the Year,” and
only a few years ago he was crowned European Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his picture of
a sailfish thrusting its sword through a school of sardines. Magnus has represented Sweden in three
world championships in underwater photography and took home the silver medal in Mauritius
2007. He has worked as a professional photographer for several decades. +46 31 774 18 00
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Underwater workshop with Magnus Lundgren
During this adventure you will have the chance to take spectacular photographs of crocodiles in
the natural environment, marine life around Chinchorro reef complex, spectacular cenote
environments and whale sharks. In short it will be pretty busy. Magnus will have three very
informative and inspiring presentations during the trips first few evenings.
Presentation 1 - Getting ready for the cenote-shoot
We talk about wide angle photography using natural light, clear water and about using a model in
the shot. A preparing session your camera and other equipment, as well as yourself, before the
cavern adventure gets started.
Presentation 2 - Crocodile photography
Learn about the crocs and how to dive and photograph them (wide angle techniques). We talk
about hard ware, techniques, split image photography, other image ideas and how materialize them.
Presentation 3 - Snorkelling and photographing whale sharks
Ltearn more about snorkelling with whale sharks - the largest shark in the ocean - and how to get
the shots. Tips and tricks on what to think about when photographing while snorkelling.
Your photo pro Magnus Lundgren will give briefings during the trip, as well as give photography
feedback to those that would like to have it. In plenty of time prior to the trips departure, you will
be sent an email giving tips about what is good to have with you on this adventure. At that time,
you will also have time to ask specific questions to Magnus regarding photography in preparation of
the trip, [email protected].
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YOUR CHINCHORRO ADVENTURE
DAY BY DAY
Friday July 21
Arrival to Cancun Airport and group transfer to Xcalak and check in at your hotel.
Accommodation - Flying Cloud Xcalak
Saturday July 22
After breakfast you will do 2 dives in Xcalak Reef National Park.
Accommodation - Flying Cloud Xcalak • Meals - breakfast and lunch
Sunday July 23
Today you will get boat transfer to Chinchorro Banks and get on your first crocs encounter. You
can leave your big luggage at the hotel in Xcalak since you will come back after 2 nights.
Accommodation - Chinchorro Banks • Meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner
Monday July 24
Today you will be free diving with crocs the whole day.
Accommodation - Chinchorro Banks • Meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tuesday July 25
Free diving with crocs and then transfer back to Xcalak.
Accommodation - Flying Cloud Xcalak • Meals - breakfast and lunch
Wednesday July 26
Back at Xcalak where you will make 2 more dives in Xcalak Reef National Park. Then in the
afternoon you will get transfer to Condo Playa Caribe in Akumal
Accommodation - Condo Playa Caribe • Meals - breakfast and lunch
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YOUR CHINCHORRO ADVENTURE
DAY BY DAY
Thursday July 27
Today you will go diving in Akumal, you will be doing 2 Cenotes dives
Accommodation - Condo Playa Caribe • Meals - breakfast and lunch
Friday July 28
You will start the day with 2 cenote days. You will then get transfer to Hotel Sotavento in Cancun.
Accommodation - Hotel Sotavento • Meals - breakfast and lunch
Saturday July 29 - Sunday July 30
These days you will do day trips on a boat looking for whale sharks and free dive with them.
Accommodation - Hotel Sotavento • Meals - breakfast and lunch
Monday July 31
Departure day. Group transfer to Cancun Airport for your flight back home.
Please note!
Please note that the itinerary is only a preliminary plan. Activities can change, or may need to be
exchanged, in the case of adverse weather conditions or other unexpected incidents. Your
expedition leader is there to make sure that you get the most out of your holiday.
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ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
Date Destination June 21 – July 31, 2017
Mexico - Caribbean - Atlantic Ocean
Included in the price
➔ Group transfer Cancun Airport - Akumal - Xcalak - Chinchorro - Cancun - Cancun Airport
➔ 2 nights in shared twin room at Condo Playa Caribe, Akumal with breakfast and lunch
➔ 2 days cenotes-diving with 2 dives a day, guide, 12L tank, weights and belt
➔ 3 nights in shared twin room at Flying Cloud, Xcalak with breakfast and lunch
➔ 2 days diving in Xcalak incl. 2 dive a day, guide, 12 L tank, weights and belt
➔ 2 nights in hammocks in a small fishing house in Chinchorro without electricity and water incl.
full board
➔ 3 days snorkelling with crocs in Chinchorro
➔ 3 nights in shared twin room at Hotel Sotavento, Cancun with breakfast and lunch
➔ 2 days snorkelling with whale sharks outside Isla Mujeres
➔ UW-photo workshop with Magnus Lundgren
Not included in the price
➔ Flight to/from Cancun, Mexiko
➔ Marine park fees
➔ Other activities, dive equipment, drinks and meals not specified above
➔ Tips for guides and crew
Price per person 4 774 USD
How can I pay for my trip?
You can pay by bank transfer or our online payment system. We accept only Visa and MasterCard.
Contact us if you would like to pay in another currency. Do not make the currency exchange
without our permission. Please note that all extra payment fees must be paid by the customer.
How much do I pay and when?
When you have accepted the offer from Fourth Element Adventures, you will receive a booking
confirmation within one to two workdays. To confirm your spot, a deposit of 350 USD is required
within 7 days of the booking date. This trip does not include the international flight. Please double
check with us about what date and time you need to arrive/depart to your destination before
booking the flight yourself and then send us your flight schedule. The final trip payment should be
in Exposure Expeditions account a minimum of 14 days prior to your departure date.
Contact
Fourth Element Adventures
+46 31 774 18 00 - [email protected]
+46 31 774 18 00
fourthelementadventures.com
[email protected]
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
Extras
➔ Equipment rental
Complete dive equipment rental is available. Please contact us for the most updated price.
Important
➔ Your passport must be whole and valid for more than six months after your arrival back home.
Please note that you need to apply for an ESTA if you are flying through, or to the US, and do not
hold an American or Canadian passport.. The application must be done online via: https://
esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ and a fee is incurred which is not included in the price of this trip. The
application must be done a minimum of 72 hours before arrival to the US.
➔ All divers must have a dive certificate, dive logbook, proof of dive insurance, a dive computer
and a surface marker buoy with them on their dive trip.
➔ For this trip we recommend all divers to be certified PADI Open Water Divers or equivalent
and have a minimum of 20 logged dives. If you have not been diving within one year of your
departure we strongly recommend that you complete a scuba review course.
➔ Please make sure that you have a valid insurance which includes scuba diving. If you do not have
insurance or need a complement, we strongly recommend you to purchase a diving insurance such
as DAN or similar, diversalertnetwork.org.
➔ Due to ever increasing baggage restrictions on flights, overweight and extra baggage must be
reported to, and accepted by the flight company. Pricing and baggage allowance varies between
flight companies. Please note that Fourth Element Adventures and Exposure Expeditions is not
responsible for baggage being denied pre-departure, or at the time of check-in.
This trip has been arranged together with Exposure Expeditions!
We reserve the right for price changes due to currency fluctuations. When you book your trip you
accept Exposure Expeditions terms and conditions: exposureexpeditions.com/en/my-trip/termsconditions. The given information that Exposure Expeditions has in its written information (i.e. the
trips content, amount of dives, diving at a special location) is provided under the pretence of
optimal conditions (i.e. political/ governmental decisions, weather, etc). The dive leader or boat
captain in charge of the trip, always has the right to change the contents of the trip due to weather,
political decisions, or other acts that lie outside of their control that can affect the customers or
ships safety. In this situation, the customer has no right to compensation or refund.
+46 31 774 18 00
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