Call +61 (0)3 9014 9687
Email travel@wildiaries.com

Connecting you with Nature

Have you followed us on Facebook yet? CLICK HERE >>

#forward_to_a_friend# to a friend

Last week we enjoyed a couple of evenings with the team from Wonderful Indonesia and were reminded, yet again, that many of the destinations we visit are a mere day away from Melbourne or Sydney.

in this edition, we're writing about the glorious Banda Sea.

Located in Maluku, it was one of the wealthiest in the world. Hard to imagine an economy trading entirely on a spice - nutmeg - but that's how it was when Alfred Russel Wallace travelled there in the late 1800s. 

We're going this year on two back-to-back expeditions and the November departure still has space for you to join - next year is already fully booked. 

As in Wallace's day (see below) there'll be gin, hearty dinners and 6am coffee (for early risers) available on the Pindito and a chance to join Dave Donnelly and experience some of the richest marine wildlife in the world.. 

Continuing a tradition of writing about ecology, I want to introduce you to the Bumphead Parrotfish, a favourite of anyone who visits the Coral Triangle but so much more than just something amazing to look at ... as you'll discover. 

We have groups departing this month for Uganda, Galapagos, Spitsbergen, Scotland and Ningaloo Reef ... and we've started circulating hot-off-the-press deals for small ship cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic. 

So if you would like to travel and discover wild and exotic places like we do, make sure to get in touch! 

Thanks again for reading,

Simon Mustoe
Founder, Wildiaries

A nice note from our winner of the Aqualung dive computer: 

"My Aqualung Dive Computer just arrived, unreal, we're at Sharkeys Beach Coledale, a perfect place to test it. Thank you and Wildiaries, it is the best reading since the invention of sliced bread. Have a great day" Michelle B. 

Ten Small Islands that Changed the World

Three hundred and fifty years ago last July, the Dutch traded New Amsterdam to the British (which was to become Manhattan) for two small islands, bringing to end the second Anglo-Dutch war (1665-1667) and securing a monopoly over the global trade of nutmeg.

These islands were Ai and Rhun, the latter bring the smallest and western-most of 10 Banda Islands ...

... read more

How Bumphead Battlers Build Ecosystems

The Green Bumphead Parrotfish consumes something in the order of five tonnes, much of which, passes through its gut to be expelled as sand, the foundation of tropical islands.

When we talk about ‘biodiversity’ in the context of species conservation we’re not talking about protecting the number of animals but the processes they are part of. Keystone wildlife are plants or animals that play a crucial role in ecosystem function ... 

... read more

The Malay Archipelago, Alfred Russel Wallace

If you're interested in reading Russel's about his work, the seminal Malay Archipelago is available through the Gutenberg Project as an eBook. It's a wonder any field biologist got anything done when travel by ship in those, days was so described:

“At six A.M. a cup of tea or coffee is provided for those who like it. At seven to eight there is a light breakfast of tea, eggs, sardines, etc. At ten, Madeira, Gin and bitters are brought on deck as a whet for the substantial eleven o'clock breakfast, which differs from a dinner only in the absence of soup. Cups of tea and coffee are brought around at three P.M.; bitters, etc. again at five, a good dinner with beer and claret at half-past six, concluded by tea and coffee at eight. Between whiles, beer and soda-water are supplied when called for, so there is no lack of little gastronomical excitements to while away the tedium of a sea voyage.”

.

... discover more

Marine Mammals and Fish of Lofoten and Vesterålen

Sound is everything for marine animals. Listening to them is a huge part of what we need, to better manage our world. 

It’s about putting yourself in the perspective of the animals. You can’t do this with pictures or film footage and you can’t even do it by watching whales, you have to be able to listen.

This album represents five years of research and is now available online for the first time.

Buy it direct here or search for it on iTunes and all other popular online music retailers.

LISTEN ONLINE

SPECIAL EXPEDITION - this November

This extraordinary trip will be led by David Donnelly, and departs 12 November for 12 days (11 nights).

For centuries, indigenous islanders traded nutmeg, which was found only here. They were colonised by the Portuguese then Dutch. Today the islands are visited by Pindito’s new adventurers. The colonies are still visible and this trip is especially exciting as its combined with Raja Ampat, giving explorers the chance to see some of the world’s most beautiful, diverse and fascinating locations, full of megafauna such as Blue Whales, Manta Rays and Oceanic Sharks. This trip will include up to two dives a day (on average), with some time exploring the communities and other wildlife offshore. This is suitable for both divers and non-divers.

GET THE BROCHURE

We have Four Spots left for 16-23 August 2018

Join one of the best value whale swims in the Kingdom. Price includes:

• 5 days whale swims on the best 5 days out of six (excluding Sunday)
• Airport and vessel transfers
• Expert guides with you 24/7
• 7 b/fasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• 7 nights’ accommodation in a secure private guesthouse with ensuite

BOOK NOW

We've started sending out updates on newly-announced deals and offers on small ship cruises. If you want to hear more, just contact us and let us know where you're interested in and we'll make sure you are among the first to hear about deals and offers ... remember some of these only last days or weeks.  

Have you missed these?

• Antarctica & South Georgia (13 in total)
• Antarctic Peninsula (16 in total)
• Selected highlights are listed below. Contact us for further options.   

• Book select departures by July 31, 2018 and receive a $1,000 special savings offer per person. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers and pre- and post-extensions. Other terms and conditions apply, please contact us for more details

• Book select departures by October 31, 2018 and an Early Booking Discount of US$1500 per person applies to Deluxe, Promenade, and Window Suites on all voyages. An Early Booking Discount of US$2500 per person applies to Owner’s, Penthouse, and Veranda Suites on all Falklands, South Georgia voyages. To qualify, confirmed bookings must be under deposit by October 31st, 2018. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply. Special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.

SPECIAL OFFER (added 4 May): Intro to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers & Wildlife

Save 15% on Voyages aboard Ocean Nova

Book before 30 June 2018 and save 15%. Available on select 2018 & 2019 departures. Special offer is subject to availability, please contact us for more details.

This voyage provides the opportunity to experience everything Spitsbergen has to offer, from polar bears and walrus to spectacular scenery. Aboard Ocean Nova, you’ll be treated to daily presentations by your Expedition Team onboard the ship and daily wildlife sightings on land. Hike, explore and enjoy the beauty of the Arctic on your visit to Spitsbergen.

Highlights

• Encounter unique arctic wildlife: polar bears, walrus, reindeer
• Take advantage of continuous daylight
• Hike the tundra
• Cruise in a Zodiac
• Enjoy optional kayak adventure opportunities 

To enquire about any of the latest deals or offers, or for advice on travelling to the Arctic

EMAIL TRAVEL@WILDIARIES.COM

CALL +61 (0)3 9014 9687