Midway Atoll reopens

After six years’ closure, the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, over 1,100 miles WNW of Honolulu, once again is admitting visitors. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is allowing Oceanic Society, a nonprofit marine conservation organization, to offer educational tours during the months November to July.

In 2008 there are several week-long tours for groups of 16 people. $4,890 per person, double, includes the flight from Honolulu, guided natural history expeditions, bird-watching, one lagoon boat trip and unlimited beach snorkeling. Participants also can help on habitat restoration projects.

Contact Oceanic Society (Fort Mason Quarters 35, San Francisco, CA 94123; 800/326-7491, www.oceanic-society.org).

Midway Atoll Visitor Services also may allow up to three cruise ships to visit and open docking facilities to prearranged sailboat visits by individuals. Visit www.fws.gov/midway.