TENTATIVE ITINERARY
From
Seattle, many of the flights to Managua are overnight. To arrive at mid-day on
the 10th you would want to leave Seattle on the evening of the 9th.
Some families may want to leave Seattle on the 8th and tour or rest
in Managua one day before being picked up in Managua to go out to Puesta del
Sol. For those arriving to Managua early, we can help arrange a hotel in Managua that will provide transportation from
the airport, lodging and serve breakfast the next morning before we depart for
Puesta del Sol. Estimated cost will be approximately $60-70/room.
Scheduling
at Marine Puesta del Sol will need to be flexible to deal with windy seas,
unpredictable whale locations, etc., but here is our plan.
DAY 1 (10th,
Saturday): Pick-up at airport or hotel in Managua (for those who came down
early) after everyone has cleared customs.
Travel by van to Marina
Puesta del Sol (bumpy 3+-hr adventure along Lake Managua, through farmland,
past beautiful volcanoes). Arrive at Puesta del Sol in the late afternoon/early
evening.
Check into Puesta del Sol
and have dinner at the resort.
After dinner introduction to
humpback whale research and project goals.
DAYS 2 (11th,
Sunday): Orientation/training for assisting in research
Organize schedule for boat
work, break into teams to search for and study humpback whales, or other
optional recreational activities (see below).
Evening presentations on
whale biology and research
DAYS 3-7 (12-16, Monday-Friday):
Research and optional activities
Teams for research or other
recreational activities.
At least one excursion to
Leon or local countryside will be available.
Evening session to debrief,
presentations
DAY 8 (17th, Saturday):
Pack up in early morning
Return to Managua- flights
out that day or other travel plans
Optional recreational activities: Each research day participants will wither go out in the boats or choose from a recreational activity based at Puesta del Sol. Options include swimming in the pool, tennis, exploring mangroves in kayaks, horseback riding (additional fee), or walking or swimming on the long stretch of beach on the property.