Aqua-Firma

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

31/12/2024

Face-to-face with 11 S***m Whales & a few other scenes from Aqua-Firma Ocean Giant Expeditions in 2024. Click here:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experience-types/ocean-giant-research-conservation-photography .. to see how you can join us in the company of and more in 2025 & 2026. AQUA-FIRMA's hosts include leading researchers, marine scientists & underwater photographers. Destinations range from Tropical , the & ; to and

01/09/2024

It’s just been International Whale Shark Day, so here are photos from recent AQUA-FIRMA Whale Shark Research trips to the Galapagos and Mexico, taken by our host Whale Shark Researcher, Dr Clare Prebble – Principal Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation.
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experience-types/conservation-in-action
The other photos come from Tanzania, where we are excited to be resuming our Whale Shark Research & Coral Reef experiences in December next year. It is particularly beautiful to see whale sharks there, swimming over shallow white-sand banks, surrounded by golden trevally fish. We also find Tanzania’s healthiest and most diverse coral reefs. For details visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/whale-shark-mafia-island-research-coral-reef-snorkel-dive-photography-tanzania

02/07/2024

Aqua-Firma will be planting a further 2024 trees this year in Madagascar, fulfilled with our Madagascan partners Voakajy and local communities. As these grow, they will reinforce a corridor of habitat to enable endangered Black & White Ruffed to move from unprotected into a 74,816 acre forest reserve Aqua-Firma helped to create in 2016:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/news/2024/06/28/madagascar-lemur-rainforest-corridor-rewilding
We began this corridor last year with 2,023 trees. Whilst this area is rather difficult to visit, you can see the progress of thousands more trees planted in the northern part of the reserve on our Pioneering Adventure – Lemurs, Golden Frogs & New Rainforest Reserve in October:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/lemurs-madagascar-rainforest-conservation-adventure-holiday
For further information about Aqua-Firma journeys throughout visit:
https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/madagascar

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

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.

Hawksbill Turtle Meets Reef Shark in Sri Lanka

Here’s a short video introduction to Hawksbill Turtles – this one filmed on reefs in Sri Lanka we visited on this year’s Blue Whale Snorkelling & Photography trips. See what unsettles the turtle at the end of the clip. For more information about Hawksbill Turtles and where you can hope to see them, visit our online Marine Life Guide: https://www.aqua-firma.com/marine-life/hawksbill-turtle For some Hawksbill Turtle and reef shark bycatch on these reefs, join one of our Blue Whale Snorkelling & Photography trips to Sri Lanka in March 2020: https://www.aqua-firma.com/experiences/blue-whale-snorkel-freedive-photography-sri-lanka

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/destinations/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. https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/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/destinations/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/destinations/tanzania www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/galapagos www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/madagascar www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/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, Coral Reef & Photography experiences each November. Drone footage courtesy of whale shark scientist Dr Simon Pierce. For information about how to join us in Nov 2021 visit: https://www.aqua-firma.com/destinations/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.