Tokelau Expeditions

2010 dates:
9th - 14th June 2010

2011 dates:
22nd - 27th June 2011

Departure from Samoa: The S/V Southern Cross will be tied up at the main yacht marina (in Apia harbour) on the day of departure (ie Wednesday), please meet there at 10am and passengers will be assigned their bunks

For those passengers arriving on the direct Air NZ flight from Los Angeles, you will only have a few hours in Samoa before we depart on our voyage in the afternoon. All food will be supplied during the voyage

Swain's Island: This small American Samoan island has been owned by one family for over one hundred years - at the island there will be a small caretaker community in residence. We spend a few hours ashore and check out their lagoon and the old copra plantation buildings. There will be time for some snorkeling and scuba diving

Some of the Swain's islanders may be hitching a ride with us from Apia, and/or sending along some stores of food and equipment, as this small island is rarely visited

Nukunono Atoll: We plan to arrive at the capital of the Tokelau Islands in time to have our passports stamped, and then fit in a guided tour of the big lagoon.

Staying ashore at the Nukunono Hotel for the night is also a recommended option, especially if you like some local flavour in your travels - please pay your local hosts directly in cash - about $40US per person per night is the norm at this small hotel

This is a very large atoll, so there is plenty of opportunity for exploring uninhabited motu and relaxing on golden sandy beaches - and for those keen on getting below the waves, we will aim for some scuba dives along the dropoff on the western shore

Arrival in Apia: We will arrive at the Apia Marina on Monday morning - this will give us enough time to process passports etc, so that passengers can catch the direct flight back to Los angeles on Monday evening

You will be free to visit Samoa on Monday afternoon - If a dose of civilization is on your wish list, then a visit to Aggie Grey's Hotel should be first on your list of things to do. If you want some local colour, then we recommend the Apia public market - it is large, cheap, and a lot of fun

Diving: All of the islands on this voyage have excellent snorkeling and diving. We provide all equipment without additional charge (a licence is required for scuba diving)

Help on board: We much appreciate passengers who help us with the running of our vessel and also while onshore setting up camp etc - this type of team work adds greatly to everyone's experience

Price: US$1,900

For a map of the Tokelau Islands click here