The New York Times-20080127-Midway Will Reopen for Small Groups of Tourists

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Midway Will Reopen for Small Groups of Tourists

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Midway Atollan American territory of three islands and a lagoon laced with coral reef in the middle of the Pacific Ocean -- is reopening after a six-year hiatus. Populated by albatrosses (left), Hawaiian monk seals, green turtles and spinner dolphins, it's also part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which is the country's largest marine conservation area, and is the only site within the monument open to the public. The Oceanic Society, a nonprofit marine conservation organization, will lead weeklong tours there (no more than 16 people may visit at a time), starting in March. Daily expeditions include bird watching and snorkeling, and participants will stay in single and double occupancy rooms with private baths (they are upgraded 1960s barracks built for post-cold-war troops). The cost is $4,890 per person and includes the flight from Honolulu. Information: www.oceanic-society.org.

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