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 THALASSA
SAILING
AND ECOTOURISM
- Whale
and dolphin spotting
Marine mammal sound interaction.
- Sailing,
swimming and wind-surfing in crystal clear waters.
- Exploration
of the astonishing Greek marine ecosystem
- Observation of the most
important marine species.
- Observation of plankton micro-organisms with a microscope.
-
Guided Snorkelling tour and underwater photography
 Take part in an
exciting journey exploring the
Ionian Sea
. The
Ionian Islands
represent the most diverse and most beautiful island
complex in the Greek waters. Judging by past experience and the annual sunshine
records a summer of sun and cloudless skies is not a surprise. During July and
August the annual North western wind ¨maistros¨, prevents the temperature from
reaching a peak and promises some quality sailing at the protected southern side
of the islands
Our cruise host is the Ionian sea.
It's name derives from the ancient story of Io, who was a beautiful princess who
had an affair with God Zeus. That provoked the anger of Goddess Ira (Zeus wife)
who chased her to death. Zeus turned her into a cow in order to save her and
tried to hide her. Ira discovered the truth and used a very irritating bug
called ¨oistros¨ that chased the cow everywhere, so the poor animal was driven
to madness and committed suicide by jumping in the Ionian waters.
The islands are orientated in such a way that their southern part is protected
and provides an ideal shelter from the wind. They consist a magnificent island
complex and provide a variety of environments. We will be able to explore the
smaller islands that are remote and unspoiled, while our destinations meet
anchorages of unique natural beauty and picturesque "choras". We will
walk the narrow alleys and learn about the history and culture of the region.
You can savor the traditional dishes at selected taverns or discover the chef in
you aboard the yacht's kitchen. We will also visit islands that are famous for
their entertainment and their cosmopolitan life
Onboard you can learn to recognize the most important species
of marine fauna and flora. View magnificent birds in flight, enjoy dolphins at
play and experience firsthand the miraculous underwater world. The hydrophone
(an ear to the sea) offers you the unique experience of listening to dolphins
echolocating and communicating with one another. Participate in a study of
cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and help photo-identify and name not just
species but distinct individuals as well. Using the microscope (an eye to the
sea) you will be amazed by the richness and diversity of organisms invisible to
naked eye. The
ship will be equipped with the latest version of digital maps and software with
the ability to record every day's tracks and the specific positions of dolphin
contacts (sightings). We will be able to gather information about their
frequency and distribution in the field area, which are statistically analyzed
in the laboratory and can give us many clues about their population size and
their abundance. Are they living permanently in the specific sea area, are they
immigrating, which are the reasons of their presence there, which is the
structure of their societies, are they in danger by human activities and
pollution? These are some of the questions that need to be answered. You will
have the opportunity to reveal these secrets. Your
guide will acquaint you with the most important method of recognizing the
specific individuals: the photo-identification method (PID), which is harmless
and is widely used in order to create a well informed database with
characteristic photographs of dorsal fins. Dorsal fins are the dolphins'
fingerprints and can reveal the identity of an individual. They often have scars
that are permanent and can be captured by the photographic lens, in order to
separate the individuals and begin studying them in a more continuous
basis.
Would
you like to name a dolphin? Sail with us now!
Read
a full day account here
Experience guided night snorkelling, listen to
the sound of the waves and enjoy a barbecue at a remote anchorage. Observe the
Moon with our telescope and learn the summer constellations and the myths that
surround them.
Savor the most
delicious traditional dishes and have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing
cocktail onboard. Bear in mind that all the above activities are voluntary. Our
program is designed to meet both the requirements of those who seek an active
sailing vacation and those who just want to relax and enjoy. You can participate
to Thalassa ecotourism tours by renting a double cabin or the whole
yacht.
All-Inclusive
charter cruise and tour:
fuel, water and port fees;
professional marine biologists/sailors
full breakfast daily on yacht;
use of all yacht equipment and amenities
professional guided tours;
dolphin and whale watching
Rent Your Cabin Today ! Cabin
rates available - single or double
4 cabins for 8 guests
47 foot catamaran with bimini top, CD player, windsurf, sailing dinghy and
inflatable dinghy,
Check
in after 1700 and check out by 0900
Mapped Itinerary sailing the Ionian Islands
Ports of call: 1. Lefkas, 2. Meganissi,
3. Kioni, 4. Bbq Bay, 5. Kalamos, 6. Fiskardo
7a. Paxoi or 7b. Sivota. The tour ends at Lefkas
Click here to read
biography of Vasili
THALASSA'S MARINE BIOLOGIST
GUIDE AND SKIPPER
Vasilis
ECOLOGICAL STUDIES WHILE
SAILING
Your yacht is equipped with modern
research equipment such as a microscope, hydrophone (for listening to dolphin
sounds), binoculars and cameras. Recreational equipment for your
enjoyment: wind surf, snorkeling gear, inflatable dinghy with outboard, on board
library of educational marine manuals and videos.
The hydrophone (an ear to the sea) offers you the unique experience of listening
to dolphins echo-locating and communication with one another.
 You
will discover the secrets of the sea under the helpful guidance of experienced
marine biologists. View magnificent birds in flight, enjoy dolphins at play and experience
firsthand the miraculous underwater world.
You will study and learn to recognize the most important species of marine fauna
and flora. Using the microscope (an eye to the sea) you will be amazed by the
richness and diversity of organisms invisible to the naked eye.
You will participate in a study of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and help
photo identify and name not just species but distinct individuals as well.
 Thalassa's
PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
The Thalassa team of marine biologists
and your skipper/guides aim to keep off the "main" track and avoid
holiday clichés. They want you to experience first hand the serene beauty and
tranquility of the Ionian islands with a focus on the ecosystem and
sailing.
Most important, the team encourages fun, relaxation and adventure. A virtual
part of the program is visiting magnificent beaches for swimming, snorkeling,
wind surfing or just sun bathing.
Thalassa's DAILY PROGRAM and
ACTIVITIES
We will follow specific routes
that aim to discover the natural beauties of the islands and are planned by
taking into account the gathered data about the weather conditions, the status
and facilities of the ports and the abundance of marine species in the area. The
land base is the cosmopolitan port of Zakinthos, that lies in the south-western
part of the island complex. The first day of our cruise, Saturday, will start as
early as possible. Our boats will be ready to welcome you onboard and settle.
You will have the time to prepare your supplies and to be acquainted with the
crew. We will spend the first night in port, where you can get a taste
of the local nightlife. Then on Sunday the trip begins!
Never daily itineraries will be identical. We truly believe that without a warm
and nourishing breakfast a sailor can't begin his day. About 9:30, after
breakfast, we will leave the port and start to sail. Depending on the weather
forecast a certain route will be chosen which will give us the opportunity to
conduct research on the study area. We will be able to learn the basic sailing
in practice and the essentials of scientific cetacean research. Experienced
biologists will teach you how to recognize the most important marine species and
help with the data gathering.
 Around
15:00 we will have the opportunity to rest and swim in an amazing and
crystal-clear beach. Depending on our schedule we will be able to visit
cosmopolitan and organized beaches, where we can find all the facilities. We can
windsurf, learn to sail a small dinghy, or even just sunbathe and visit a
beachside "taverna". Not all the days will be the same, so there will
be days when we will anchor in secluded bays to enjoy relaxation and serenity or
prepare our snorkeling gear for an exploration of unknown sea paths. In the bay
we will have the opportunity to perform a plankton trawl and observe the
diversity of miniscule organisms, in the boats microscope.
The sunset will find us in the sea, close to a sheltered port where we will
spend our night. There, you will have the time to make a hot bath and enjoy a
walk on the quay. A multimedia lecture will be held and afterwards we will be
able to savor the traditional recipes. We must state, that even your night
schedule has alternative options, carefully designed and some nights will be
spent in uninhabited bays, where we can light a fire, make a barbecue and
explore the constellations of the night sky using a telescope.
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J. Coffin sums up
her experience and we thank Jane and her friends for sailing with Exas Yachts!
Our sincere thanks Jane for your trip summary!!!!
"Exceptional" skipper services. Vasilis is a
professional and a highly personable individual. He went out of his way to
create a course (consulting us at all times and putting up with our questions
with good humor) that was unique and provided varying aspects of Greece that was
highly enjoyable for someone that has never been to Greece before. His love for
what he does is evident. I would highly recommend him to others." As
a sailor, I appreciated the opportunity to talk to the skipper about courses
being charted...The skipper spent time explaining the charts, how certain legs
were plotted, etc." "As an added bonus, the cooking skills of the
skipper as he and crew served up a fabulous afternoon feast of freshly caught
fish. I'm not sure that life could have gotten any better than that."
About sailing with Exas Yachts
again: "Absolutely. I am actually interested in the same time
frame next year. Same boat and hopefully same skipper.
I found that Exas Yachts was highly professional and pleasant. It is a relief to
deal with people that are organized and willing to take extra measures for their
customers (human side). I think it is important for those individuals that may
be considering taking a vacation of this nature to note that they will have an
incredibly convenient and less complicated vacation. Competent and bi-lingual
contacts both from an organizational and operational perspective. Booking was
"very smooth and very professional. I felt as though everything was under
control at all times." As someone that has visited Greece on several
occasions, I have to say that this was the most enjoyable trip thus far. I
commend Exas and their choice of skipper".
The Yacht - Nautitech 435
Catamaran. The 43 foot catamaran was exceptionally
comfortable. This boat is also very stable and a good option for individuals
that are not familiar with boats and/or are prone to sea sickness. Cabins are
quite comfortable and there is more than enough room on the boat
(inside/outside) for 8 people to interact or to spend time on their own.
The ARION Experience.
"Day trips. Stopping for afternoon swims/snorkeling allowed everyone a
chance to explore places they might never see if they were on foot or touring by
car. The interest that skipper and crew had in marine biology and
preservation in Greece was evident. They both took time to discuss aspects of
the marine environment and various species that inhabit Greek waters. Using the
hydra-phone on board was an added bonus. The eventual sighting of and sailing
with a small male sperm whale was more than we could have hoped for. And at the
end of the day, we were able to witness a new moon rising over the ocean from
the castle/fortress of Monemvasia. Another perfect day.
Evening stops: The course was well thought out so we visited islands that were
quite different form one another. In the evening, one could explore, enjoy a
meal in town, shop, dance or stay on the boat.
Exas Worldwide Yacht Charters Inc
188 Reading Avenue
Oaklyn, New Jersey 08107
Tel: (856) 854-3891 Fax: (856) 854-3175
Email: info@exasyachts.com
Contact in Greece: Tel: (011 30
210) 9882008 Mobile# 6944 753208
Fax: (011 30 210) 9882023
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