BAHAMAS: Winter Break
February 12 to 17, 2009
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Mention the words “Caribbean Paradise” and the Bahamas leap to
mind as a place of sand, sun and celebration. Here surrounded by
crystalline blue waters, this island chain beckons travelers to
a relaxing atmosphere lush with bird life and nature. Less than
80 miles from the coast of Florida, winter temperatures hover in
the mid-70’s making this a great place to escape the chill of
February winds. As artist Mark Catesby wrote, “The Bahama
islands are blessed with the most serene air…” This tour, giving
participants respite from the snow and ice that blankets the
northeast, will also allow exploration of exciting birdlife,
enticing waters, or just simple relaxation in the warm breeze.
To the birder, the allure of the Bahamas are the wintering North
American species, with West Indian specialties mixed in. On top
of that, endemics to the islands such as Cuban Emerald
Hummingbird, Great Lizard Cuckoo, Bahama Oriole and Bahama
Yellowthroat delight the lister as well as the casual birder.
During the tour we will explore three of the islands: New
Providence Island, Paradise Island and Andros. The historic city
of Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas is the heartbeat of
New Providence Island. It is a wildly popular tourist
destination, both as a port of call for cruise ships and for
those looking for a relaxing, exciting, and luxurious vacation.
The city is filled with activities to enjoy both during the
daytime and at night, and is home to some of the finest resorts
anywhere. It is a vibrant mix of the Old World and modern times.
Once a haven for pirates and vagrants, Nassau now exudes charm
beyond compare. But it is beyond the city where New Providence
Island really shines. Here and there are varied pockets of
habitat. During our stay, we will escape the city limits and
visit pine forests, mangrove swamps and pink sand beaches to see
what wonders they have to share.
The diverse topography which rises from these tropical waters is
full of life, some of which can only be found on Andros. Over
forty kinds of wild orchids, rare, endemic birds, wild boar,
four-foot-long iguanas and a recently discovered tribal group
all make their homes among the miles of deserted beaches,
freshwater mud flats, thick brush, lush pine forests and inland
waterways that make up this Atlantic oasis. It is even said to
be the home of pirate Henry Morgan’s buried treasure and two
mythical creatures—the chickcharnies and Lusca.
All in all, this relaxing tour has something for everyone.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect is the tour group size. This
tour is limited to 6 participants with NJAS tour leader and a
local guide, making it a very personal and intimate way to
experience Bahamian natural history.
 PACE,
WEATHER, AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS:
The pace of the tour will be generally moderate, with days
typically beginning after breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and ending at
6:00 p.m., with some optional night-time excursions possible. On
Andros, there will be afternoon free time for you to explore on
your own, snorkel, kayak, fish or simply relax as island life
thaws those winter woes. On a few days, an earlier start may be
required; we build in either siesta time or an early end to the
day (that day or the one before) in those cases.
Temperatures will vary on this trip but should remain in the mid
70’s to low 80’s. The ocean water temperature will be welcoming
for those interested in evening or afternoon swims or
snorkeling. The sun, however, will be intense, so sunscreen and
brimmed hat are strongly advised.
The trip involves only easy to moderate walking and hiking. Most
of our excursions will be on level ground with distances less
than one mile. A few of the places we will walk may be Photo
courtesy D Belasco
uneven coral rocks or sandy beaches.
Travel during this tour will be in vans, with no more than 6
participants plus two leaders in one 12 passenger van.
Tour size is limited to 6 participants.
Additional information about the tour, with a list of
participants, addresses of motels, lists of things to bring, a
reading list, a list of birds which could be seen, and
information about weather, dress and so forth, will be mailed to
all participants well in advance of the tour.
DATES: Thursday, February 12, 2009 (Arrive at our hotel
near Nassau) to Tuesday, February 17, 2009 (flights home).
PRICE: Cost for this tour is $2,600. Single supplement
(payable if you request single occupancy or if we cannot find
you a suitable roommate) will be $500. A deposit of $500 will
hold your place until December 1, 2008, when full payment
becomes due.
PRICE INCLUDES: 5 nights lodging; air transportation
to/from Andros Island, lunches on New Providence Island and all
meals/drinks on Andros Island. Local leadership, admission fees
as stated in the itinerary.
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Round-trip transportation
from your home to meeting point in Nassau, Bahamas, bar
beverages, telephone calls, laundry service, airport departure
taxes, gratuities for guide, driver, & lodge staffs, or other
items of a personal nature.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A valid US Passport is required for
this tour. Your passport expiration date should be at least six
(6) months beyond your tour travel dates.
SEND DEPOSITS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO:
NJAS Eco-Travel,
9 Hardscrabble Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
(908) 204-8998
Make checks payable to the New Jersey Audubon Society.
TOUR LEADERS:
Brian Vernachio is the former Director of New Jersey
Audubon Society’s Plainsboro Preserve and former co-coordinator
of the Eco Travel program. He currently teaches Biology and
Environmental Science at Toms River High School. A New Jersey
native, Brian’s degree is in Environmental Studies from Stockton
College of NJ. Brian has worked in the field of nature
interpretation and/or wildlife biology for close to 20 years,
during which time he has participated in numerous biological
counts, resource inventories and environmental education
initiatives. He has traveled extensively leading tours for NJAS
and for his own enjoyment. He co-authored two New Jersey Audubon
publications including NJ WATERS: A Watershed Approach to
Teaching the Ecology of Regional Systems as well as Wild
Journeys: Migration in New Jersey. In his free time, you will
often find him wondering the sand roads of his native Pine
Barrens. When not leading tours or teaching Brian spends his
days with his family and enjoys birding, fishing, hunting, magic
and cooking.
Carolyn Wardle, our local Bahamian guide, has lived in
the Bahamas since 1964 and has been seriously birding for many
years. She is one of the first Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
certified Birding Tour Guides and offers a range of bird
watching tours in Nassau and the Family Islands of the Bahamas.
Since 1993, Carolyn has coordinated the Bahamas National Trust's
Ornithology Group, by organizing monthly field trips on New
Providence and multi-day trips to other islands. Members
participate in several Christmas Bird Counts each year. She is
also a director of the Society for the Conservation and Study of
Caribbean Birds (SCSCB). For tour itineraries, to register, or for more
information contact:
NJAS Eco-Travel at: (908)-204-8998
9 Hardscrabble Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
or email
travel@njaudubon.org
If you are not a member and would like to become one, consider
Joining New Jersey Audubon Society.
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