Humpback whales and Orcas have been sighted in large numbers feeding on herring. Scott Portelli and Waterproof Expeditions offers great opportunities for Whale Watching, photography and snorkeling in the crystal clear Arctic waters, which is an experience in itself!
This trip is for anyone interested in Orcas, Humpback whales, white tailed Eagles, Arctic winter, Northern lights, Moose and spectacular landscape. The best time of the year for this phenomena is November through the end of February when the balance between light and access to herring and whales is at its best. The winter days in Norway provide excellent light for photography. We will spend the daylight hours looking for whales and other wildlife and, if the opportunity occurs, snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
With the newly rebuilt live aboard yacht MV ‘Malmö’, we are flexible to follow the herring and the Orcas deep in the fjords and deliver great chances of success.
During the darker hours you will enjoy the warm and cozy comfort of the expedition yacht while our expert guides entertain you with presentations and educational information on wildlife and cinematography. Excellent food is served with a fine selection of wines and beers.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Evenes or Tromso airport and transfer to the harbor to board the MV Malmö in the afternoon.
Day 2 – 6
We follow the schools of herring and pods of Orcas in the protected surroundings of the beautiful Norwegian fjords. Prepare for cold but rewarding days out at sea with spectacular sightings of an unique display of nature. Have your cameras charged and whenever possible be ready to slip into the cold water for a Polar Snorkel adventure or enjoy the phenomena from the spacious deck on board the comfortable expedition yacht, MV Malmö.
Day 7
Disembarkation and transfer to the airport.
Vessel
A comfortable expedition vessel, recently refurbished and a piece of maritime history, with large wooden deck space and ‘al fresco’ dining area. With 2 large zodiacs and experienced expedition team, the ship provides the ideal platform for small groups, families, friends and incentives looking for the ultimate Arctic wildlife experience in the utmost comfort.
The vessel carries a maximum of 15 guests in 7 outside twin cabins.
4x Twin cabins with bunk beds and private shower and toilet in the cabin
2x Twin cabins with bunk beds and shared facilities and washbasin in the cabin
1x Triple cabin with bunk beds and private shower and toilet in the cabin
All cabins are serviced daily and a laundry service is available.
International cuisine is served in the cozy lounge with bar and direct access to the ‘al- fresco’ dining area outside.
The bar is stocked with alcoholic beverages and sodas and of course we take care of your special wine request.
A separate Saloon with lots of books and tv screen is a great room for relaxing moments after an exciting day full of adventures.
Dates & Rates
Start and finish in Tromso:
14 – 20 November 2017 – limited availability
21 – 27 November 2017 – limited availability
7th – 13th January 2018 – limited availability
Twin Private Cabin € 3.385 per person
Twin Shared Cabin € 3.295 per person
Triple Private Cabin € 3.185 per person
Rwanda is a beautiful place with a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and lush rain forests. The Virunga Missive mountain ranges borders 3 countries (Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and is home to the last remaining Mountain Gorillas. This is where our gorilla trekking journey to see these amazing primates begins.
The Volcanoes National Park is regulated quite extensively and is an example of ongoing conservation success. The local guides, trackers, porters and regulatory government bodies work seamlessly to preserve the natural resources, educate tourism and provide ongoing support for research programs and the health of the Mountain Gorillas.
We visited 3 gorilla families during our time in Rwanda with uniquely different characteristics and behavioural traits. But each visit was a privilege and more humbling than the next. This is one of the last remaining intimate wildlife encounters you can have on the planet and it is an experience that leaves manly lost for words.
March/April is a good time to visit, just before the raining season kicks in. The weather is mild and perfect for trekking.
The process is like a well-oiled machine. You arrive at the permit office early in the morning to register, then you are greeted by the sounds of locals performing traditional singing and dancing in the outdoor gardens with a backdrop of the Volcanoes mountains rising behind. A taste of the culture and beautiful surroundings set the scene for the start of the adventure.
Permits are verified and guides discuss the various options for the families that will be visited each day. They allocate each visitor to a specific gorilla family, generally based on physical fitness and preference of the group.
The next step is the briefing from the vastly knowledgeable guides. A position highly sort by many Rwandans but also one that involves an extensive application and training process. The guides brief us about the family we will visit and the various personalities and characteristics of the group as well as the history/genealogy of the Gorilla families and their daily lives and behaviour.
We drive to the parks edge where we set off trekking across farmland until we hit the barrier that surrounds the forest, a small rock wall that spans 75km that marks the border of the national Park. This is where the farmland ends and the forest begins and is a true indication that conservation is in motion as this restricts any encroachment of the land into the forest.
It is at this point that our guides brief us about the etiquette and behaviour we should abide by while in the forest. We also get a brief lesson in how to speak Gorilla. The various sounds indicating we are saying “hello” I am not a threat, or understanding when a gorilla wants us out of the way by warning us with a serious of open mouth sounds. It is quite straight forward but it helps you understand the communication while in the forest.
Before we even reach the start of the forest, the trackers are already making their way through the lush vegetation in search of the Gorilla family. The Trackers stay in the forest each day to see where the Gorillas settle for the evening, then the next morning they know where to start their search. The guides and the trackers are in constant communication by radio and it is not too long before we get a call from the trackers saying they have found the family we will visit.
The trekking time can vary from group to group as they move through the forest in search of food and ideal places to rest. But on average you may trek from 1.5-2 hours for most of the groups. But most of the trekking is through thick rain forest and when it rains the terrain becomes muddy. It is real jungle trekking, not just walking a well-worn path.
The first family we visited was the Muhoza group. This family consists of 13 individuals and a large silverback.
We meet the trackers only meters from where the family group is and are advised to remove all backpacks and leave any food and water behind and only take our cameras with us. We quietly and slowly make our way through the thick scrub only to be greeted moments later by a large Silverback. We are on his path and we immediately give way as he moved towards his preferred food source. With little to no concern for us and with the clear understanding we were getting out of his way, he sat only a few meters away and proceeded to eat the lush green vegetation.
The family was spread around the forest but less than 100 meters away from each other. As we settled into the scrub the gorillas started to move around us and above us in some instances as they climbed across the thick scrub. A Juvenile walks past and finds a comfortable spot in the shadow of the forest. We move around to the other side of the scrub and in a small green opening in the forest a mother and her small baby rest. The youngsters are curious and will make their way towards the curious humans, but generally mum has a firm hold on the little ones not to let them venture too far.
Each group is allowed only one hour with the gorillas per day and the time goes so fast it is like a dream and you try and fathom where you are and how accepting these impressive creatures are by letting us into their environment. It takes some time to sink in and words can barely describe the feeling. Humbling, privileged, overwhelming, and once you realise this, your time with the Gorillas is over.
But the addiction has begun, and lucky for our group we have a few more days with the Gorillas to look forward to.
Each day begins the same, the locals performing, the guides negotiating, the briefing beginning. But no two days are ever the same with the Gorillas and we are lucky enough to visit a different family today. And Lucky being the operative word, as we are told the Hirwa group we are visiting is called the ‘Lucky One’. The silverback (Muninya) has begotten a good number of children and plays the role of a doting father and truly looks after his children, and is a definite favourite with the females.
We enter the forest ready to hike another 1.5 hours, but to our surprise the trackers tell us that the family is close. Real close as it takes us 20 minutes to get to the family, and what a special group this truly is. In the clearing 4 youngsters play with each other rolling around, grabbing feet and fur and pushing each other around like siblings might do. The day is perfect, sun is shining and the gorillas have found and open patch of vegetation to play and groom each other.
We are watching the youngsters when from behind us Muninya walks confidently towards us knowing we will move out of his way quickly so he can make his way to his youngsters. He lays down right in the middle of the group of gorillas and starts to groom some of the children who return the favour. Such a special moment and even more so as a youngster keeps eyeing out my long lens and with each glance moves closer to investigate. He climbs a small branch but to the little ones surprise it is not strong enough to hold his weight and he quickly tumbles back down into the scrub. But still persistent he climbs closer again as the branch falls towards me and I am told to move back from the curious youngster not to encourage any contact or close interaction. The guides are very conscious of abiding by the rules in order to protect the Gorillas from any disease or other threats. They are so embedded in the lives of the Gorillas and really take pride in what they are doing and what their country has achieved through conservation.
The Third family was the Sabyinyo group. This family consists of 18 individuals and 2 large silverbacks and one old male called Big Ben who was going Bald. The main silverback is called Guhonda and ironically was born the same year as me and is the oldest Silverback in the Rwandan Volcanoes National park. This group was truly special. The entire family unit was a configuration of males and females of all ages with Juveniles playing and mothers nurturing their young. It was a beautiful insight to the family life of this group and Gorillas in general.
But at the end of each day, we leave the Gorillas and hope to meet them again some other time. Being up close and personal with any large animal is a privilege, but it is the connection you feel while sitting only meters away from these Gorilla families that truly softens the heart. Anyone that has had this on their bucket list for a long time should move it up to the top of the list, there is truly no experience like it and with such a small population left on the planet, it is worth doing sooner rather than later.
Falkland Islands Wildlife Photography Trip – February 2018 (7 or 14 days)
The Falkland Islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean off South America are the perfect destination to experience the wonders of nature and wildlife; an unpolluted environment with fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and stunning white sand beaches. Wildlife is free to roam and many species have chosen the Islands as their home including gentoo and magellanic penguins, southern sea lions, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins and over 200 species of birds.
Join me on this exclusive trip for a maximum of 5 guests for the most wildlife encounters you will have in one amazing place. See penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, a multitude of bird life and so much more as we explore 5-6 Islands over a 2 week period. The highlight of this trip will be a visit to these islands:
Saunders (Rock hoppers, nesting albatross, birds of prey) Bleaker island (Magellenic penguins, rock hoppers, cormorants) Carcass Island (Elephant seals, gentoo penguins, magellenic penguins, rock hoppers, sea lions, birds of prey)
Sea Lion Island (Elephant seals, gentoo penguins, magellenic penguins, rock hoppers, sea lions, birds of prey, cormorants)
Volunteer Point (King penguins, gentoo penguins, magellenic penguins)
This trip is designed to maximise your time with the wildlife and experience a small group intimate experience. Join multi-award winning photographers on the ultimate wildlife opportunities to see sub-antarctic species in one of the most accessible places on the planet.
Expedition Highlights
Boutique tour group – Maximum 5 people.
Unique up close and personal wildlife viewing including visits to penguin and seal colonies, bird watching opportunities and experiencing the natural beauty of the Islands.
Expert photographic advice from award-winning wildlife and nature photographers.
Dates: 10 February to 24 February 2018
Duration: 7 or 14 days
Start: Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile
Finish: Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile
Included: Internal flights (Falklands), accommodation (14 days), all meals, expert award winning wildlife and nature photographers as guides/hosts.
Excluded: Overnight Accommodation Santiago prior to tour, Excess baggage costs on local flights
Note: Excess baggage on internal flights if you choose to bring more than the domestic luggage allowance which is 20kgs
(Excess luggage is charged at gbp1.40 per kilo per flight sector on the domestic flights.)
The International luggage allowance would be 2 pieces at 23 kgs each (46 kg total) per person when you book with the group.
Costs:
7 day Tour visiting Saunders, Bleaker and Carcus Islands – £2,650
14 Day Tour Visiting Saunders, Bleaker, Carcus, Sea Lion Island, Volunteer Pt, Stanley – £4,900
This is an exclusive private tour with 4 people maximum
If you want to find out more contact me for these 2018 dates,
Most of the excursions are by 4WD or the walk is less than 500 meters from where we stay, so we can comfortably get around and see all the amazing wildlife up close and personal with minimal travel.
Your Hosts
Scott Portelli is a Sydney based photographer who has traveled the world extensively photographing in some of the most remote destinations, including The Arctic, Antarctica, Falklands, Galapagos, Azores, Africa and the South Pacific.
Scott is an award winning wildlife, nature, aerial and underwater photographer. A member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) he is regarded as a leading professional in his field.
In 2016 he was announced National winner of the Sony World Photography awards and in the same year awarded at the prestigious wildlife photographer of the year. He was recently awarded at the National Geographic Nature Photographer of the year, receiving an honorable mention.
With his experience in the Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, he brings a wealth of knowledge to every expedition and ensures that each trip optimizes photographers chances to capture the best that the wildlife in the region has to offer. He teams up with one of the most accomplished wildlife and nature photographers in Australia, David Stowe, to bring you an intimate experience in this amazing destination.
David Stowe is a Sydney based professional photographer with over 20 years experience photographing people and wildlife.
He has a deep passion for the environment and the wildlife within it, especially birds. There’s not many corners of Australia that he hasn’t gone to in search of rare and beautiful species and he wouldn’t be offended if you called him a bird nerd!
In 2015 he was awarded the Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year, and has also been awarded by the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) as a Master of Photography, and two time winner of the NSW “Science Wildlife and Wild Places Photographer of the Year”.
His bird images have been featured in many books and magazines, as well as the Pizzey & Knight Field Guide to Australian Birds App.
A friendly guy who loves helping people learn more about photographing nature and by doing so hopefully inspiring people to look after our precious planet.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Saunders Island
Day 2 – Saunders Island
Day 3 – Saunders Island
Saunders Islands was the site of the first British settlement in the Falkland archipelago. The island is now one large farm of about 30,000 acres and is well known for its sizeable colony of Black browed albatross in addition to being home to elephant seals, king penguin and rock hoppers. The North of the Island is made up of two large peaks and it is the thin strip of land between these peaks known as ‘the Neck’ which is home to large colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins.
Day 4 – Bleaker Island
Bleaker Island is home to 3 species of penguin, a large imperial cormorant colony, southern giant petrels, many smaller birds, a variety of waterfowl on the ponds and is one of the few places where the rare flying steamer duck can be observed. Marine mammals such as southern sea lions and dolphins are often seen in the area. The settlement is situated in the middle of the island and still operates as a cattle and sheep farm.
Day 5 – Bleaker Island
Day 6 – Carcass Island
Carcass Island is a haven for small bird species including Cobb’s wren, striated caracaras (known locally as “Johnny Rooks”), white bridled finches and short-eared owls. Elephant seals bask on the northern beaches, magellanic penguins reside close to the settlement, gentoo penguins and other marine mammals inhabit the southern end of the island. The scenery is varied with beautiful white sandy beaches, tussac paddocks, rocky hills and clifftops.
Day 7 – Carcass Island
Day 8 – Carcass Island
Day 9 – Sea Lion Island
Sea Lion Island is home to elephant seals, gentoo penguins, magellenic penguins, rock hoppers, sea lions, birds of prey and cormorants. Beautiful tussac plantations cover one fifth of the island and provide a perfect habitat and protection for much of the island’s varied fauna. Opportunities for photography and wildlife watching are limitless and start literally steps away from the purpose-built Lodge. Besides the tussac, there are sand beaches, cliffs, freshwater ponds and heathland, all with their own wildlife. Pods of killer whales may be seen between November and January circling the island in pursuit of the elephant seals and sea lions that breed there. Leopard seals and larger whales are also seen from time to time. A memorial to the HMS Sheffield, sunk in nearby waters, is also situated on the island.
Day 10 – Sea Lion Island
Day 11 – Sea Lion Island
Day 12 – Volunteer Point
Volunteer Point is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in the Falklands. There is an abundance of bird activity in the area and is home to the largest king penguin colony in the Islands, as well as gentoo and magellanic penguins, waterfowl and other birds. Volunteer Beach itself is a beautiful white sandy beach, approximately 2km long, and is where many of the penguins can be seen entering and leaving the ocean.
Day 13 – Volunteer Point
Day 14 – Stanley (transfer to airport back to Punta Arenas)
This is an exclusive trip with a maximum of 10 guests
Ever thought about snorkeling with Leopard Seals or Penguins, or diving beneath the ice in a polar region, or just exploring the landscape and it’s natural wonders? Antarctica is the most remote destination on the planet. Abundant wildlife, massive icebergs the size of cities, spectacular untouched mountain ranges. whales glide by in search of food, penguins huddle together in the thousands and seals play in the nutrient rich southern ocean. It is a photographers paradise.
In February 2018 we are running a diving, snorkeling and photography trip to Antarctica. Spend 11 days in Antarctica, the last remaining wilderness on the planet. The workshops are designed for all levels and if you are feeling brave you can grab a drysuit and get in the water for a different perspective.
This Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail itinerary features the best of Antarctica across ten days and allows for more exploration, with only one crossing of the Drake Passage. Get up close with tabular icebergs, vast colonies of Adelie and gentoo penguins and dramatic volcanic landscapes in the ice-filled Weddell Sea; the Antarctic Peninsula’s many islands are alive with leopard seals busy with courtship, bustling penguins and maybe whales!
Diving/Snorkeling in Antarctica with Leopard seals and Penguins
Exploring the landscape surrounded by Icebergs and an abundance of wildlife
Photography workshops with award winning photographer Scott Portelli
Dates: 25 February to 7 March (ANP120)
Duration: 11 Days | Fly/Sail
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile (fly to King George Island)
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship: Polar Pioneer
Activities: Sea Kayaking (From US $1050pp), Scuba Diving (From US $975pp), Polar Snorkelling (From US $600pp) Snorkeling/Diving (US$975 Supplement)
Included: Accommodation during the voyage, All meals, Daily cabin service, All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises, Port taxes and charges, All entry fees to historic landings sites, Educational lectures and guiding services from our expert team, Access to our on board doctor and basic medical services, An Aurora Expeditions’ multi-purpose waterproof jacket, Professionally produced voyage journal (one per booking), Free gumboot hire during the voyage,
Flight from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams, Transfer from Puerto Williams’ airport to Polar Pioneer, including Puerto Williams town and surrounds tour, Luggage transfer from Polar Pioneer to King George Island airstrip, Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas, One night accommodation in Punta Arenas post voyage (26 Feb 2018), Comprehensive pre-departure information.
DECK
CABIN
PRICE PER PERSON
Deck 3
Triple, shared facilities
US $9,500
Deck 3
Twin, shared facilities
US $11,200
Deck 4, 5
Twin, private facilities
US $13,500
Snorkeling/Diving Supplement (From US$975pp)
Sea Kayaking (From US $1050pp)
To register your interest to join us in Antarctica for this once in a life time experience, click here.
Pre departure information for this tour, click here
Fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams, enjoy a tour of the scenic port before being warmly welcomed aboard Polar Pioneer. We’ll have introductory and safety briefings before our evening’s cruise down the Beagle Channel.
Days 2 to 3 – Drake Passage
Ease into shipboard life as we cross the Drake Passage. Our naturalist and paleontologist expand our Antarctic knowledge and prepare us for landings. The outer decks and flying bridge provide excellent space to see and photograph wildlife.
Days 4 to 6 – Weddell Sea
We spend the next few days exploring the ice-filled Weddell Sea where weather systems and shifting pack ice dictate our schedule: we hope to visit the large Adelie and gentoo penguin colonies of Brow Bluff, and fossil-rich Seymour Island. We may hike to spectacular vantage points on Beak or Devil Islands; large tabular icebergs and volcanic scenery create long lasted memories.
Days 7 to 9 – Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula’s western flanks offer long summer daylight and ice-free waters; we visit historic huts and Zodiac cruise through narrow straits and majestic icebergs, and if we’re lucky, whales. The few landing points we hope to visit are Half Moon Bay, Lemaire Channel, Hydrurga Rocks and more.
Day 10 – King George Island
We arrive at mountainous King George Island. If time and weather permit we explore penguin and seal-rich waters of Fildes Bay and visit the surprising Trinity Church at Bellingshausen Station, before catching our charter flight back to Punta Arenas in Chile, where we transfer to our overnight accommodation.
Day 11 – Punta Arenas
After breakfast at the Cabo de Hornes Hotel, bid a fond farewell to your fellow passengers as you make your journey home or continue on with your own arrangements.
Please note that all of our itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. Our itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.
Photography Expedition in Antarctica 2018 with International Award winning wildlife and nature photographers, Scott Portelli and Joanna Lentini
TREKKING, PHOTOGRAPHY
This is an exclusive trip with a maximum of 10 guests (2 spaces left on this tour)
Ever thought about getting up close and personal with Leopard Seals or Penguins, or just exploring the landscape and it’s natural wonders. Antarctica is the most remote destination on the planet. Abundant wildlife, massive icebergs the size of cities, spectacular untouched mountain ranges. whales glide by in search of food, penguins huddle together in the thousands and seals play in the nutrient rich southern ocean. It is a photographers paradise.
In March 2018 Award winning photographers Scott Portelli and Joanna Lentini are running a trekking and photography trip to Antarctica. Spend 17 days in Antarctica, the last remaining wilderness on the planet. The workshops are designed for all levels and if you are feeling brave you can grab a drysuit and get in the water for a different perspective.
We hope to explore fossil-rich islands, historic huts and set foot on the continent before retracing Shackleton’s heroic journey to save his men – first to Elephant Island, then on through waters where blue, sei and fin whales roam. South Georgia offers nesting albatross, mating elephant seals, the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and a visit to Shackleton’s grave.
Exploring the landscape surrounded by Icebergs and an abundance of wildlife
Trekking in the footsteps of Shackleton
Dates: 7 to 24 March 2018
Duration: 17 nights/18 days| Fly/Sail
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Santiago OR Punta Arenas, Chile (fly from Stanley, Falklands/Malvinas)
Ship: Polar Pioneer
Activities: Sea Kayaking (From US $1325pp), South Georgia Alpine Crossing (From US $1250pp), Snorkeling/Diving (US$975 Supplement)
Included: Accommodation on board Polar Pioneer, All meals, Daily cabin service, All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises, Port taxes and charges, All entry fees to historic landings sites, Lectures and educational and guiding services from our expert team, Access to our on board doctor and basic medical services, Complimentary custom-designed Polar Expedition jacket, Professionally produced voyage journal (one per booking), Free gumboot hire during the voyage, Luggage transfer from hotel in Ushuaia to Polar Pioneer on day of boarding, Transfer from Polar Pioneer to Stanley airport, including tour of Stanley, Post-voyage flight from Stanley to Punta Arenas OR Santiago (no reduced fare for finishing in Punta Arenas), Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Your Hosts:
Joanna Lentin
Joanna Lentini is an award-winning photographer and editor based in the greater New York City area. Joanna’s passion for the natural world and photography ignited from an early age and has led her to explore diverse environments around the planet—from the Arctic to the Coral Triangle.
Wildlife remains Joanna’s deepest passion, and her work both topside and underwater has taken her face to face with some of the planet’s most incredible creatures, ranging from sharks and crocodiles to polar bears and snow monkeys. Through her imagery she hopes to inspire a greater appreciation for the planet and its last wild places.
Joanna’s has contributed images and published articles for various print and online publications including: Sport Diver, Ocean Geographic, Dive Photo Guide, ScubaDiver AustralAsia, Dive Advisor, and ScubaDiver Ocean Planet. She has been awarded in several international photography competitions and was recently one of a few women awarded in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year photography competition.
Having lived in 4 countries across 3 continents, she has now visited 50+ countries, is a certified PADI Master Scuba Diver and Aquanaut, and is a member of the Ocean Artists Society. She holds a bachelors degree in Entrepreneurial Studies from Rider University, and is a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography.
Scott Portelli
Scott Portelli is a Sydney based photographer who has traveled the world extensively photographing in some of the most remote destinations, including The Arctic, Antarctica, Falklands, Galapagos, Azores, Africa and the South Pacific.
Scott is an award winning wildlife, nature, aerial and underwater photographer. A member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) he is regarded as a leading professional in his field.
In 2016 he was announced National winner of the Sony World Photography awards and in the same year awarded at the prestigious wildlife photographer of the year. He was recently awarded at the National Geographic Nature Photographer of the year, receiving an honorable mention.
With his experience in the Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, he brings a wealth of knowledge to every expedition and ensures that each trip optimizes photographers chances to capture the best that the wildlife in the region has to offer. He teams up with one of the most accomplished wildlife and nature photographers, Joanna Lentin, to bring you an intimate experience in this amazing destination.
DECK
CABIN
PRICE PER PERSON
Deck 3
Triple, shared facilities
US $14,300
Deck 3
Twin, shared facilities
US $17,200
Deck 4, 5
Twin, private facilities
US $20,790
Sea Kayaking (From US $1325pp)
South Georgia Alpine Crossing (From US $1250pp)
To register your interest to join us in Antarctica for this once in a life time experience, click here.
Pre departure information for this tour, click here
Step aboard Polar Pioneer in Ushuaia in the late afternoon to a warm welcome, introductory briefing and an evening departure along the Beagle Channel with your shipmates.
Days 2 to 3 – Drake Passage
As we cross Drake Passage, we keep watch for giant petrels, wandering and black-browed albatross and our first icebergs. Fur seals and penguins pepper the sea surface as we approach our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4 to 6 – Antarctica Peninsula
An autumn dawn greets us in spectacular Antarctic Sound where we may stop at towering Brown Bluff before pushing on into the Weddell Sea. There’s a strong fossil focus this time of year, as the pack ice movement may allow a continental landing and visits to the world-renowned fossil beds of Seymour, Vega and James Ross islands, and Nordenskjold’s Hut on Snow Hill Island.
Days 7 to 9 – Scotia Sea
So exposed is Cape Wild on Elephant Island, landings are rare, but we’ll try, if only to pay tribute to the man who’s leadership kept Shackleton’s men alive for four months while awaiting rescue. We keep watch for great whales while sailing the Scotia Sea to South Georgia.
Day 10 – South Georgia
We enter King Haakon Bay and attempt a ceremonial landing at Cave Cove, Shackleton’s first landfall before continuing up past Peggotty Bluff, where Shackleton, Worsley and Crean set off to cross the island.
Days 11 to 14 – South Georgia
While our “Crossers” negotiate Shackleton’s historic route, we immerse ourselves in one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles. King penguin rookeries half-million strong, chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni penguin colonies, wandering albatross on nests, beaches thick with elephant and fur seals. We hope to walk the final leg of Shackleton’s epic, from Fortuna Bay to Stromness, before visiting “The Boss’s” grave and whaling museum in Grytviken.
Days 15 to 17 – Scotia Sea
Crossing the Scotia Sea, we watch for whales and enjoy entertaining talks by our expedition team as we cruise back towards the Falklands Islands/Malvinas. On this leg we are usually travelling into the prevailing weather so it is difficult to estimate our arrival time in the Falklands.
Day 18 – Falkland Islands/Malvinas
Dawn greets us in the Falkland Islands/Malvinas capital, Stanley; where we bid farewell to Polar Pioneer. You have the option of either spending more time exploring the Falkland Islands or continuing on to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile.
Please note that all of our itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. Our itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.
Last night was the highlight of my photographic career, being awarded in Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016, the most prestigious photography competition in the world, is an honour and a privilege to say the least. I truly am ecstatic to be recognized for my work and humbled to be among such talented photographers competing on the world stage. Definitely one of my proudest moments and an unforgettable night as we dined in the great hall of the Natural History Museum surrounded by impressive dinosaur skeletons, stunning architecture, as the top 100 award winning images chosen from over 50,000 images across 95 countries, were revealed to a room full of excited photographers.
The image, ‘Collective Courtship’ was captured while diving in South Australia. Here’s the summary from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year website: “Scott spent hours in the cold shallow waters capturing one of nature’s greatest events, the spawning of giant cuttlefish. In this aggregation, a line of suitors are poised in the background, waiting for a chance to mate with the female. Scott finally framed the ideal composition when the onlookers momentarily faced the same way.”
Male giant cuttlefish, like these, can grow up to one metre long. They flicker colourful patterns to mesmerise and attract females. Small males are sneaky. They mimic female posture and colouring, going unnoticed in the group, then mate with the females when the larger males look away.
Dive Packages for 10 days including flights & Accommodation Categories for Amateurs & Professionals Attend Photo Workshops, Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner
Includes:
Return flights from Sydney
10 nights accommodation at Leanda Lei Apartments
Return airport transfers
10 dive package around Lord Howe Island
2 night dives
All dive gear
Refreshments in between dives
Morning tea at the Museum to kick off the event
Gala Dinner at the Golf Club to conclude the event and announce the winners
Price: $2,950
Workshops:
Attend workshops with Scott Portelli & Michaela Skovranova to learn more about your photography or tweak what you already know. workshops will include practical and in classroom techniques.
The Australian Giant Cuttlefish aggregation is truly one of nature’s great events. Thousands of cuttlefish congregate in the shallow waters around the Spencer gulf in South Australia, to mate and perpetuate the species. The cuttlefish like alien beings, display an array of patterns, textures and colours to indicate their intentions. As male courts a female or wards off other males, and entourage of suiters stay poised for an opportunity to mate with the female. A visual delight and a rare glimpse of nature in all its glory.
Want to see one of the rarest most elusive creatures in the underwater world? Then Sydney is the place to dive. The east coast of Australia has some of the best underwater habitats in which the Weedy Seadragon thrives.
But they are not always easy to find as they camouflage themselves in the kelp that resembles their colour and features. I have been diving in Sydney for over 20 years and know the underwater terrain of many of the dive sites across Sydney north and south.
I have been photographing the various stages of the Weedy Seadragon’s life cycle in order to gain valuable data and learn more about their behaviour and population along our coastline.
If you would like to join a private guided tour to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures, I can organise dives around Sydney to some of the best hotspots for seeing Weedys.
These beautiful coloured dragons are closely related to the seahorse, being a member of the Syngnathidae family.
There is nothing more intimate than being up close and personal with some of the most impressive creatures on the planet, the rare endangered Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. There are two trips running, one will be a 6 day trip with 2 permit days and an optional 3rd in Rwanda. The other will be a 6 day trip with 2 days in Uganda trekking with the mountain gorillas and and an optional 3rd day with the Gorilla sin Uganda. If this is on your bucket list, now is the time to go. there are less than 800 Gorilla’s left in the Mountains.
Check out what it is like to spend time with these amazing primates that are virtually on the brink of extinction. This is your chance to see these beautiful Mountain Gorillas in their natural environment:
Gorilla Trekking Rwanda (6 day tour) 2018
Synopsis of Trip:
Where: Rwanda
When: March 2018
Length of tour – 6 days
Group Size: Maximum 7 people
Pricing: £6,235 British Pounds
Includes: accommodation & meals as stated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), airport meet/greet & airport transfers as per itinerary, private professional English speaking driver/guide & private 4×4 vehicle throughout, transfers to all visited areas as per itinerary, park entrance fees as per itinerary, four Gorilla Permits per person. Excludes: international flights, possible fuel surcharge, possible departure tax, early & late check in/out at lodges/camps/hotels, visas, tips, items of personal nature, items not mentioned in the `Includes` section
Day by Day Sample Itinerary Rwanda (6 day trip)
Day 1
Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
Upon your arrival into Kigali International Airport (KGL), you are met by your private professional English speaking driver/guide and private 4×4 safari vehicle and head up to the Volcanoes National Park. Note that arrival should be before 1pm, for those arriving on later flights, please book a night in Kigali beforehand. A ‘true island in the sky’, the Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the worlds few remaining Mountain Gorilla, which were first studied here in 1959 by George Schaller, and through the 1960’s by Dian Fossey and her colleagues. In the afternoon you’ll have a briefing where Scott will take you through the next few days and ensure you are properly prepared for your encounters with the gorillas!
Overnight accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel – You will find a warm welcome at Five Volcanoes, which is ideally situated close to the park headquarters for the start of the gorilla treks. The hotel comprises of 13 double/twin en-suite rooms and a two bedroom VIP cottage. After a day of trekking what better way to relax than in the sparkling swimming pool followed by a visit to the sauna and/or steam room. The hotel also has on site massage rooms to help you unwind even further.
Day 2 -3
Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy 2 days of gorilla tracking. The gorillas we are allowed to track belong to either one of ten habituated family groups. An early breakfast and you’re off to the park headquarters at Kinigi to register and be allocated your gorilla family for today. Once this is done, you set out by vehicle to the start of on your gorilla safari. The gorillas are by no means tame, and are completely wild animals. However, experienced guides will accompany you on your gorilla tracking, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts.
Scott will guide you through how to get the best out of your photographs and in the evenings, go through them with you so you can improve your skills in following days.
Overnight accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 4
Optional Gorilla Trek, Golden Monkey or Dian Fossey Visit
Today you have a chance to either track the gorillas another time, head out in search of the golden monkeys or visit the remains of the Karisoke Research Centre where Dian Fossey worked, which includes a chance to visit the meadow of where her mountain hut used to be, with views of Bisoke, Karisimbi and Sabyinyo peaks. These activities must be booked at time of booking and are not included in the quote. For those who wish to relax at the lodge and recuperate after the last day’s activities, then this is of course also an option!
Overnight accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 5
Optional Gorilla Trek, Golden Monkey or Dian Fossey Visit
Today you have a chance to either track the gorillas another time, head out in search of the golden monkeys or visit the remains of the Karisoke Research Centre where Dian Fossey worked, which includes a chance to visit the meadow of where her mountain hut used to be, with views of Bisoke, Karisimbi and Sabyinyo peaks. These activities must be booked at time of booking and are not included in the quote. For those who wish to relax at the lodge and recuperate after the last day’s activities, then this is of course also an option!
Overnight accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 6
Volcanoes National Park – Kigali
Breakfast at the lodge. Hot lunch or packed lunch from the lodge depending on flight departure time (earliest flight should leave at 2pm). Drive back to Kigali and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Gorilla Trekking 2017 Trip Report
Have a read of the Gorilla Trekking Trip report visit to Rwanda and the Volcanoes National Park:
