Our Team 
Our Tour Experts Richard Dawkins is probably the best known evolutionary biologist in the world today and certainly the world’s best-known atheist who has debated the existence of God with many people, most notably Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury. He was the first Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University, a position that was created by Charles Simonyi, the software billionaire, especially for him.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
Hawaiian Islands Cruise with Richard Dawkins and New Scientist
| Departure date | Duration | Prices Start from | Tour Expert | Max Group Size | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23/10/20 | 9 Days | £8,495 ex. flights | Richard Dawkins | 32 | FULL |
Hawaii is one of the earth’s youngest island chains with a geological makeup including white, black, even green and red sand beaches. Learn about the geology of the islands that are born of fire and made up of the world’s most active volcanoes. Led by British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins and supported by New Scientist, this is an insight into Hawaii that goes beyond the everyday.
Onboard a boutique 36-passenger yacht, you will cruise the islands of Molokai, Lana’i, Maui, and Hawai’i – also known as the ‘Big Island’. And, each of these will present a unique spirit and enticing features during this luxury yacht charter – be prepared to explore remote coves and shorelines by foot, snorkel, paddleboard and kayak, discover Hawaii’s rich traditions and be entranced by spectacular natural wonders. Discover the history of the ancient islands through traditional feasts, local music and dancing.
Introducing your expert
Richard Dawkins
01285 601 784
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1Richard Dawkins
Travel in conjunction with New Scientist and evolutionary biologist, Richard Dawkins.
2Private yacht charter
Travel aboard the exclusively chartered, high-end yacht, Safari Explorer.
3Remote islands, coves and shorelines
Visit local Hawaiian communities and snorkel waters rich with marine life.
4Night Time Snorkelling
Enjoy a thrilling night-time snorkelling adventure with giant manta rays.
Explore our suggested itinerary
- Days 1 - 4Big Island
- Day 5Big Island Hawaii - Maui
- Day 6Maui - Lanai
- Day 7Lanai - Maui
- Day 8Maui - Molokai
- Day 9Molokai
Why travel with Steppes Travel and New Scientist to Hawaii?
This voyage is well-suited to those who aspire to experience the more remote areas of the Hawaiian Islands and partake in a more authentic tour of the archipelago. A small boat is carried onboard the Safari Explorer enabling you to navigate even closer to the dramatic coast of Lana’i.
Accompanied by British evolutionary biologist, Richard Dawkins, who will – in his own charming and insightful way – show you the earth’s youngest island chain and its rare geological makeup.
Who are New Scientist Discovery Tours?
New Scientist is an English-language magazine that covers all aspects of science and technology. They are based in London, where they publish editions in the UK, the United States, and Australia. In 2019, they launched a range of new amazing science-inspired tours across the globe. With experts on board and in the company of fellow travellers who enjoy the discovery of science.
Steppes Travel are pleased to support this partnership and have some great tours with New Scientist to India, Madagascar, Hawaii, Galapagos, and Japan.
What happens on a typical day on this Hawaii cruise?
Wake up for breakfast at around 07:00 am. There may then be a morning land-based excursion. This may include a short hike, a historic site visit, or searching for local wildlife. Return to your boat for lunch. Afterwards, there will be some time at leisure before your water-based excursion. This could include a small boat cruise, or a chance to see the marine life from the water with a snorkel trip. Return to the boat for pre-dinner drinks and a short briefing on the plan for the following day. After dinner, enjoy a talk by one of your onboard crew or Richard.
What activities are available during this cruise?
You will be able to snorkel, paddleboard and kayak amongst the myriad of sea life that is native to the volcanic shores, or simply relax on deck and observe dolphins and green sea turtles from this unique vantage point.
Can I extend my time in Hawaii?
It is possible to add additional nights before and/or after the boat journey to allow for further exploration of the inland areas. Please speak to one of our experts to discuss further possibilities, which include discovering the volcanoes of Big Island or taking in the drama of Kauai.
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Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Moderate ActivitySingle Supplement
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
Flexibility
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf and the above is an indication of the cost, based on return flights departing from London. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- Accompanied by Richard Dawkins on board the Safari Explorer
- One night's accommodation in Kona
- Seven nights accommodation on board the Safari Explorer
- Night snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta rays
- Island history at the Lana‘i Culture and Heritage Center
- Snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiff exploration
- Airport transfers
- All meals whilst on board the Safari Explorer
- Port fees
- Drink onboard
- £25 contribution to ‘Trees and Science’ in mitigation of your carbon emissions
- £25 to help fund the communities, conservation agencies and NGOs that we work with
What is excluded
- International flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for onboard crew
Why a Steppes expert-led group tour
1.Experience matters
We have been running insightful and groundbreaking group tours since our inception in 1989. We have worked with institutions such as the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum and run wildlife tours in conjunction with conservation agencies such as Fauna & Flora International, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Orangutan Foundation, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Jane Goodall Institute.
2.Like-minded travellers
Steppes Travellers are like-minded people; interesting, interested and curious. Our group tours, usually consisting of eight to ten travellers, aim to create an easy and informal atmosphere – we have a lot of fun on our tours and many friendships have been formed.
4.Peace of mind
When you travel on one of our group tours, you will be looked after by our local agents and your tour expert with the back-up of our 24-hour emergency number and duty manager. All our holidays are fully bonded and protected – our ATOL number is ATOL 6495.
3.It’s about who you know
We have developed an enviable pool of expertise from which to choose our tour experts, who we carefully select based on their knowledge, companionship and personality. Often, these experts can use their influence to facilitate private access to sites not typically open to the public.
Our future tour dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 601 784
| Departure date | Duration | Prices Start from | Tour Expert | Max Group Size | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23/10/20 | 9 Days | £8,495 ex. flights | Richard Dawkins | 32 | FULL |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
01285 601 784Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?
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