Aqua-Firma

Name: Aqua-Firma
Address: Square Sail House, Charlestown, PL253NJ, GB
Telephone: +441428620012

Water Wilderness Wildlife Travel At Aqua-Firma we have a long developed passion for wilderness - in particular where land meets water.

These locations can provide some of the most dramatic encounters with wildlife and the natural world, from the Equator to the Poles. Most of our holiday experiences are available tailor made throughout the year, designed around you, your family or group of friends. Other trips involve expert led small group departures with leaders which include wildlife experts; marine scientists; leading environm

ental researchers such as Dr Andrea Marshall; professional sailors, divers, kayakers and rafters; polar specialists; and some of the world's leading photographers above and below water.

08/06/2024

For here’s photographs from three locations where Aqua-Firma has been a leading sponsor of whale shark and manta ray research since 2005 – projects which you can support by joining our trips with some of the world’s leading marine researchers in:

https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/madagascar

https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/indonesia

https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/mexico
To find out more about our Ocean Giant Expeditions around the world, visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experience-types/ocean-giant-research-conservation-photography
.

06/06/2024

For World Environment Day, here’s images from a rather special reserve where Aqua-Firma helps to protect Madagascar’s most attractive ; one of the world’s most isolated species of frog; and the second noisiest primate in the world.
To see Madagascar for yourself, join one of our journeys there:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/madagascar

23/05/2024

It’s , so here’s a couple of photos:
The first is a green feeding on seagrass beds in , off the beach where we base our Whale Shark Research – Islands, Marine Life & trips each October:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/madagascar-whale-shark-research-islands-marine-life-lemurs
The second is in shallow waters in the . We can experience fantastic encounters with grey green turtles in several parts of the islands on our Galapagos Wildlife Marine Life & Photography island-hopping safaris. We will be there next in June of this year. Click on this link to find out how you can join us:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/galapagos-wildlife-marine-life-photography-trek-snorkel

25/04/2024

The last week of March on Aqua-Firma's 2024 & experience, we watched this calf breach more than 150 times in succession; and another breach more than 200 times for an hour and a half as we observed from a respectful distance away.
The 150 breacher did stop eventually, allowing us to make use of our permit to drop into the water for a snorkel: such a special underwater encounter with the calf and mother. The 200 breacher did not stop, so with the afternoon starting to turn into early evening, we had to head back to our ship base, whilst the calf kept on having its splashy fun – mother and male es**rt close at hand.
So why does a breach? To find out visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/marine-life/humpback-whale/why-humpback-whales-breach
To join us & experience this for yourself next March, visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/swim-with-whales-silver-bank-humpback-whalewatching

29/02/2024

Here are some images taken 2 days ago at the Silver Bank Sanctuary in the Caribbean.

More and more calves are being born there as we write, with eager males breaching and slapping their fins, trying to attract the attention of single females, there to find a mate. If you can’t resist the pull of sun, sea and spectacular encounters with whales, it’s not too late to join us 23 – 30 March. For details visit:

https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/dominican-republic

These will return to their feeding grounds in the Ocean; but will be back again next year, as will we from 22 – 29 March, 2025 when we invite you to join us with Humpback Whales Above & Below Water.

Photos thanks to Capt. Dennis

19/02/2024

Drama and underwater peace, watching & snorkelling with Humpback Whales at the Silver Bank Whale Sanctuary.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/dominican-republic
This area is 100km north of Dominican Republic: part of a remote chain of shallow coral shoals and pinnacles; home to some of the World’s greatest whale breeding waters. More than 4,000 North Atlantic Humpback migrate through this area from January to April each year.. You can still join us in late March 2024 or 2025, when we have some of the very few permits available to visit this area. We usually experience a higher proportion of playful calves in late March, born of mothers who have migrated to give birth in warm tropical waters, away from orcas – their primary predator.

15/01/2024

Is there any place better for amongst than the Islands? And any better host than a passionate whale shark researcher & photographer keen to impart fascinating insights into the marine world?
We'll let these photos from our previous trips and Dr Clare Prebble do the talking. To see how you could enter the Galapagos underwater world 28 Jun - 03 July, 2024 onboard Aqua-Firma's Galapagos Shark Insights & Photography Dive liveaboard, visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/galapagos-shark-research-insights-photography-dive-liveaboard
Co-starring marine iguanas, dolphins, Galapagos penguins, playful sealions, spotted eagle rays and so many fish they may at times block sight of the sea surface.

03/01/2024

Here's looking forward to one of the absolute best opportunities to enjoy the company of whales above & below water. Around 4,000 Humpback Whales migrate to the Silver Bank Sanctuary, where in late March we spend a week yacht-based, 100km from land, whale watching and snorkelling with graceful females & their curious playful calves.
This is a carefully managed programme made possible by our special permit to access these waters, off limits to all fishing.
It’s not too late to join us 23 – 30 March, 2024, hosted by Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey. Visit the link below for details:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/swim-with-whales-silver-bank-humpback-whalewatching

15/11/2023

Whale Sharks, Lemurs, Chameleons, Coral Reefs, Humpback & Omura Whales, Dolphins, Tropical Islands, Rainforest & beaches & Turtles

27/10/2023

It’s just as many of ’s 100+ species and subspecies are giving birth. It’s the country’s flowering season now, with fruiting season taking place as the rainy season begins in December
These black were photographed last week. Whilst the males are black, females are a lovely chestnut brown.
For an introduction to all types of lemurs; and how to see & learn about them in the wild, visit:
https://aqua-firma.com/wildlife/lemurs

15/10/2023

3 days into one of our most diverse week's of travel anywhere in the world: Aqua-Firma's Madagascar Whale Shark Research - Tropical Islands, Lemurs & Marine Life experience.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/madagascar-whale-shark-research-islands-marine-life-lemurs..& we have swum with Whale Sharks every day, multiple times; as well seeing Omura , Mobula Rays & Giant at sea; Green & Hawksbill Turtles over seagrass beds & reefs; and Black with newborn babies joining us at our coastal lodge from a neighbouring Sacred Forest.
Through spot pattern analysis, our research host, 's leading whale shark expert, has identified 4 new whale sharks to the area, bringing the total to 512 sharks ever seen in our hotspot area.
For details about how to join us 10-17 October 2024, please click on the link above.

11/10/2023

Galapagos Wildlife & Marine Part 3: Penguins & Sealions:-

Penguins and Galapagos Sealions are some of the most loveable of Galapagos marine life.

We saw a particularly large number of on our Marine Life & Photography journey in June – especially in the far southwest of Isabela amongst lava tunnels eroded into isolated rocks.

https://www.aqua-firma.com/marine-life/penguins/galapagos-penguins

https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/galapagos-wildlife-marine-life-photography-trek-snorkel

are fairly ubiquitous in the Galapagos, but moments you will never forget are when you with a ridiculously playful young one. Their speed through the water is something to behold; as is their change in direction and just how close they like to swim to your mask.

https://www.aqua-firma.com/marine-life/galapagos-sealion-fur-seal

05/10/2023

Here’s another photo of Dr Clare Prebble, cleaning barnacles from a satellite tracker during AQUA-FIRMA’s Mexico Whale Shark Research & Photography trip in July. The shark was completely unphased and within a few minutes the tag was back to full function.
To learn more about the different ways in which we can track sharks and how you can join an expert team on one of our expeditions to , and the Islands, visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/news/2023/10/04/whale-shark-tracking
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/mexico
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/madagascar
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/galapagos

AQUA-FIRMA Whale Shark Research & Photography Expeditions | Mexico Galapagos Madagascar & Tanzania

04/10/2023

Here's a photo of Dr Clare Prebble, cleaning barnacles from a satellite tag during AQUA-FIRMA’s Mexico Whale Shark Research & Photography trip in July. The shark continued to feed and behaved as if Clare wasn’t there; and within a few minutes the tag was back to full function.
To learn more about shark tracking and how you can join an expert team on one of our expeditions to , and the Islands, visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/news/2023/10/04/whale-shark-tracking
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/mexico
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/madagascar
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/galapagos

AQUA-FIRMA Whale Shark Research & Photography Expeditions | Mexico Galapagos Madagascar & Tanzania

25/09/2023

Galapagos Wildlife & Marine Part 2: Blue-footed Bo***es
These are a signature of the Galapagos species with around half of the World’s breeding pairs living on these islands. So why the blue feet? Well, the bluer the feet, the healthier the bird and greater its chance of mating:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/wildlife/blue-footed-booby
You can see these birds on most of the islands all of the year, but June is particularly good for opportunities to see their mating displays. The prime aim of a male is to expose his feet, which he does by lifting them up and down as he ‘dances’ and then spreading its wings wide.
June is when we run our Marine Life & Photography island-hopping safari, achieving particularly close encounters with Blue-footed Bo***es in the far southwest of Isabela. This is amongst lava tunnels eroded into isolated rock islands, some of which maintain natural bridge connections.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/galapagos-wildlife-marine-life-photography-trek-snorkel

Galapagos Islands Responsible Wildlife Diving Snorkel & Adventure holiday vacations with Marine Biologists, Whale Shark Researchers, Photographers & BBC Presenter Ecologist guides

12/09/2023

Galapagos Wildlife & Marine Life Part 1: Snorkeling with Sharks & Rays
We enjoyed some spectacular encounters with sharks & rays on Aqua-Firma's Galapagos Wildlife Marine Life & Photography journey in June:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/galapagos-wildlife-marine-life-photography-trek-snorkel
Warm waters encouraged schools of Hammerhead into our snorkel sites, alongside dozens of , eagle and huge schools of fish.
Juvenile black-tip sharks showed up beautifully amongst fallen , through whose roots we also watched Golden Cownose Rays glide.
Some sharks must keep swimming to 'breath', but White-tip Reef Sharks can suck water through their gills whilst resting inside lava tunnels.
To join us on the same journey in June next year visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/galapagos-wildlife-marine-life-photography-trek-snorkel
For scuba diving with sharks, join our Shark Research Insights & Photography Dive Liveaboard 25 Jun – 02 July, 2024:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/galapagos-shark-research-insights-photography-dive-liveaboard

30/08/2023

It's International Whale Shark Day, with our next expert-led Whale Shark Research trip heading to Madagascar in mid-October; just when we can usually expect an annual peak in encounters. For information about how to join us there visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/madagascar-whale-shark-research-islands-marine-life-lemurs
… or on one of our other Ocean Giant Expeditions to the Galapagos, Mexico, Komodo, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, the Caribbean, Arctic & Antarctica visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experience-types/ocean-giant-research-conservation-photography

10/08/2023

In honour of yesterday's World Indigenous Peoples Day ... and every day honour of the role they play in preventing forest burning and consequent climate change.

Amazon Rainforest - Linking Indigenous Land Rights and preventing Deforestation in the Amazon Brazil Xingu river - conservation and eco travel Ecuador Peru Brazil

03/08/2023

We were wondering how record global water temperatures might affect sightings on our Research trips this July. Perhaps in response, bonito schools spawned their eggs further east, where we found in their usual abundance & enjoyed many hours of fantastic encounters.

Here's Dr Clare Prebble removing barnacles from a satellite tag, which immediately responded by emitting fresh readings.

Click below to find out how you can join us same time in 2024:
https://aqua-firma.com/destinations/mexico
... & click below for details about our Whale Shark Research - Marine Life, Islands & trip running 12 - 19 Oct, 2023:
https://aqua-firma.com/destinations/madagascar

07/07/2023

Tropical Andes to Amazon Part 3: Indigenous Culture & What it Protects
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/andes-to-amazon-rainforest-choco-cloud-forest-volcanoes
The lowland focus of this trip is an area Achuar communities have set aside as a preserve. like these Red Howlers; and birds like this Troupial and Hoatzin, can be seen and heard throughout.
Beyond, the forest canopy remains largely unbroken; mile upon mile of rainforest, stabilising the global climate. The Achuar still hunt here, primarily using blowguns. These are perfectly quiet, using thin darts laced with poison extracted from a liana.
The Achuar use dozens of plants as medicines too, including concoctions they believe boosted their immune systems during COVID.
Early morning wayusa tea accompanies dream-sharing and communal consideration of hunting, marriage; and formerly wars with neighbouring tribes, which used to be the biggest cause of male death amongst Achuar.

30/06/2023

Tropical Andes to Amazon Part 2: Scenery
Here's some views from Aqua-Firma's Tropical Andes to Amazon journey - just completed in Ecuador:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/andes-to-amazon-rainforest-choco-cloud-forest-volcanoes

The Achuar Indigenous people are guardians over a vast area of in ; choosing their traditional life over modern ways which lead to deforestation and climate change.

In the Tropical Andes, our partner Rainforest Concern has helped local farmers develop sustainable alternatives to slash and burn farming, building a corridor of protected from the high Andes to Choco region.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/travel-guides/rainforest-4-climate-wildlife-travel-conservation/ecuador-colombia-mindo-choco-andes-rainforest-corridor

https://rainforestconcern.org/

24/06/2023

Tropical Andes to Amazon Part 1: Wildlife
Here's a few wildlife photos from a fantastic Tropical Andes to Amazon journey just completed in Ecuador.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/andes-to-amazon-rainforest-choco-cloud-forest-volcanoes

A troop of ~50 Squirrel was one of many highlights, found within a no-hunting reserve our Achuar Indigenous partners and guardians protect within a huge swathe of Amazon

Golden-headed Quetzals, wild Cock-of-the-Rock mating displays and were highlights in the Choco-Andean Rainforest Corridor.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/travel-guides/rainforest-4-climate-wildlife-travel-conservation/ecuador-colombia-mindo-choco-andes-rainforest-corridor

Our conversation partner, Rainforest Concern, needs all the help they can get to buy more corridor land; and prevent populations of Pumas, Spectacled Bears, Ocelots & more from being isolated by . Visit:

http://rainforestconcern.org

07/06/2023

A tribute to World Oceans Day
https://www.aqua-firma.com/news/2022/08/30/whale-shark-research
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experience-types/ocean-giant-research-conservation-photography
http://www.aqua-firma.com/rainforest4climate

16/05/2023

Here’s a focus on bright colours from the Galapagos.

Looking forward to Aqua-Firma’s Wildlife, Marine Life & Photography island-hopping journey next month. It’s not too late to join us in June 2023 …. or book now for June 2024.

For details visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/galapagos-wildlife-marine-life-photography-trek-snorkel

Photos by Ralph Pannell

03/05/2023

It's World Leopard Day, so here's an image from Sri Lanka, taken on one of our best safaris for opportunities to see leopards; as well as a whole host of other wildlife such as Sloth Bears, Asian Elephants & Jackals.

25/04/2023

It's World Penguin Day, so here are photos of these most entertaining of birds in Antarctica, South Georgia and the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Penguins are the only ones which exist in the Northern Hemisphere. 2023 could be a critical year for them, with a significant El Niño developing. El Niños usually delay the arrival of the cold water Humboldt Current to the Galapagos. These cold waters bring a seasonal increase in fish, without which Galapagos Penguins will not lay eggs; or worst still, abandon their young.

https://www.aqua-firma.com/marine-life/penguins/galapagos-penguins

https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/galapagos

https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/south-georgia

https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/antarctica

Photos by Shifaan Thowfeequ, Ralph Pannell & Simon Pierce

22/04/2023

For Earth Day, here's a few photos from Madagascar where our aim to plant 2023 more trees has been fulfilled with our local conservation partners Voakajy and local communities.

As these trees grow, they will create a corridor of habitat to enable endangered Black & White Ruffed Lemurs to move from unprotected rainforest, into a 74,000 acre forest reserve we helped create in 2016.

For details visit:

https://www.aqua-firma.com/news/2022/12/22/madagascar-christmas-trees

And for information about visiting Madagascar with us visit:

https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/madagascar

22/03/2023

After difficult economic times in Sri Lanka, there is a great sense of relief and hope today, as the country secures a US$3 billion bailout from the IMF.

Here are some of the country's assets, photographed this past week. If looked after, these can be part of a great sustainable future for Sri Lanka.

For 10 top reasons to visit Sri Lanka this year visit:

https://www.aqua-firma.com/news/2022/12/20/sri-lanka-top-reasons-to-visit

27/02/2023

It’s International Polar Bear Day and here's one with a rather unique backdrop on the rocks of Baffin Island, in the High Arctic of Canada.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/canada
Svalbard is another great place to see Polar Bears - best seen between May and August:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/svalbard-spitsbergen
Photo by Aqua-Firma Polar Guide & Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey.

Address

Square Sail House
Charlestown
PL253NJ

Telephone

+441428620012

Website

https://www.aqua-firma.com/

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Videos

Here’s a great video shot by Karen Czekalski, snorkelling with Humpback Whales on one of AQUA-FIRMA’s trips to the Silver Bank Whale Sanctuary in the Caribbean Sea. These week-long trips, hosted by an AQUA-FIRMA marine scientist, take us to a restricted area where we are based on a fully equipped and very comfortable motor yacht. We find ourselves surrounded by Humpback Whales which come to the area each March to breed and give birth in warm tropical waters. Male humpbacks seeking a mate are regularly seen breaching and slapping the sea surface with their huge fins. Females that give birth here are much more tranquil and allow their curious calves to swim close to us, making for some unforgettable encounters. Visit: https://www.aqua-firma.com/marine-life/humpback-whale ...for further information about Humpback Whales and best places to see them.

Face to Face - Marine Researchers take Photo IDs

This beautifully close flyover by a Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) was filmed by Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey, on our recent Manta Ray Research, Coral Triangle & Dragons trips to Komodo in Indonesia. https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/indonesia Our research partners, the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), have identified more than 1,000 individual manta rays in Komodo. Each day we also explore some truly World-class coral reefs here, within the Asian Coral Triangle where our planet's great diversity of corals and coral reef fish can be found. Our next expedition, suitable for snorkellers and divers alike, will be Oct - Nov, 2020; hosted once again by Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey and researchers from MMF. For information about the best places to see manta rays around the world, visit: https://www.aqua-firma.com/marine-life

Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with Dolphins in Madagascar on Aqua-Firma's Whale Shark Research & Photography experience. For photographs of Whale Sharks, Turtles, Lemurs, Chameleons, some stunning islands ... & details about how to join us in Madagascar, visit: www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Madagascar/ Video (c) Ralph Pannell Aqua-Firma

Fossa Apex Predator Madagascar (c) Ralph Pannell AQUA-FIRMA

This is a female Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) Ralph Pannell filmed in the rainforests of central Madagascar. These animals are the apex predator in Madagascar. Although they appear cat-like, they are closely related to the mongoose family (Herpestidae). Whilst we enjoyed about 45 minutes with her, these animals are rarely seen in the wild. www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Madagascar/ Video taken by Ralph Pannell during AQUA-FIRMA's Lemurs, Golden Frogs & New Rainforest Reserve - Pioneering Conservation Adventure in Madagascar. Next running in October 2018.

Whale Shark - Biggest Fish in the Sea, Surface Feeding in M...

BIGGEST FISH IN THE SEA feeding vertically in Mexico. www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Mexico/ Whale sharks reach an incredible 20 metres in length. To see and learn about these beautiful Ocean Giants, join Aqua-Firma Whale Shark Research and Photography teams at seasonal aggregation points around the world: www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Tanzania/ www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Galapagos/ www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Madagascar/ www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Mexico/ For more destinations and experiences from the Equator to the Poles visit www.aqua-firma.com

Whale Shark Research & Coral Reefs Mafia Island Tanzania AQUA-...

Here’s a video shot by whale shark researcher Dr Chris Rohner, showing some of the fantastic marine life we see at Mafia Island on Aqua-Firma Whale Shark Research & Conservation experiences each November. Drone footage courtesy of whale shark scientist Dr Simon Pierce. For information about how to join us in Nov 2017 visit: www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Tanzania/ Chris & Simon will once again be our research hosts on the trip, with lots of video and photography tips they can impart, as well as up to the minute research information about whale sharks. To join our Whale Shark Research & Filming experience to Mexico hosted by Chris in July 2017 visit: www.aqua-firma.com/countries/Mexico/