Antarctica

Australian & NZ Subantarctic Islands

Expedition travel is all about shared experience and collective knowledge. A gathering of individuals with endless stories of adventure that cross the divide between generations, only to find a mutual appreciation of the journey each has made to arrive at the furthest corners of the globe.

The Sub -Antarctic islands are remote, unforgiving, vulnerable, yet filled with life that thrives. Despite the harsh elements that create challenges for those that inhabit the region, life has found a way to exist and more importantly adapt and become one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystem on Earth.

The jewel of the Sub-Antarctic region is without a doubt the impressive Macquarie Island. Situated at latitude of 54” 30’ South and Longitude of 138” 55’ East, the rugged mountains, lush green landscapes, eclectic flora and diversity of wildlife species, make this a world class destination sort by many but visited by few.

Today, Macquarie Island is listed as a World Heritage Area, which is managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife service as a Nature reserve. During any visit to Macquarie Island you are accompanied by a Parks ranger to guide you through the specified areas. Many of the rangers have spent 6 months or more on the island running research programs and managing these natural resources. Vastly knowledgeable the team impart their experience and understanding of this delicate environment, bringing the past and the present into focus.

Literally thousands of animals leave the marine environment to mate, give birth and feed in the nutrient rich Sub-Antarctic sanctuary of Macquarie Island.

Four species of penguin including King, Gentoo, Royal and Rockhopper, breed on the island and congregate in large numbers all along the coast line. Penguins have developed specialised physiology to withstand the extreme cold of the Sub-Antarctic temperatures. Their feathers are tightly packed and have a layer of blubber to keep them insulated. They are the perfect design for this part of the world.

A first glimpse of the penguin colonies from the ocean heightens the visual senses, followed by the sounds of thousands of penguins before your sense of smell is awakened by the pungent odour of the colonies drifting on the ocean breeze. The sheer numbers and space they inhabit across the island is indicative of the thriving populations.

King Penguins are probably the most iconic part of Macquarie Island and represent the pristine environment that has become a sanctuary for the many penguin species coexisting in this remote Sub-Antarctic island. These penguins are the reason we were here. After many months of permit applications and expedition planning, we were about to get in the water to photograph these majestic marine birds. However, this would prove to be a challenging task.

The King penguins stand at just under a meter and can weigh up to 12kg on average. On land they move reasonably slow as they make their way from the ocean to their colonies at the base of the mountain range. In the water they move at high speeds and can be difficult to track as they quickly change direction leaving a trail of bubbles in their wake. On top of this, our time was limited so we had to determine where our best opportunities to photograph the penguins underwater might be.

Finally, we noticed some rock pools where the King Penguins were entering before coming to land. Carefully entering the water, we moved to the back of the rock pools as the penguins entered the pools from the Southern Ocean. The pools were small, but the penguins demonstrated their agility as they zipped around the rock pools before leaping out to dry land to continue their march back to the colonies.

The Royal Penguins seemed much more curious in the water and would often come in closer to investigate the camera. The curious Royal penguins are endemic to Macquarie Island of which is the largest colony found only on this remote stretch of land.  Royal penguins only breed on Macquarie Island and it is estimated that population numbers are more than one million pairs.

I must admit, I fell in love with the Royal penguins, they had personality and their overtly curious nature made them even more enduring. Deliberate in their actions, they would often come in for a closer look and surround me as I sat on the beach absorbing everything around me. With no real predators on land they were confident enough to interact with anything or anyone that came their way. Truly a unique experience.

Lusitano Bay off Macquarie Island, was a haven for king penguins, the sheer numbers in the water were remarkable, let alone the colonies that shrouded the coastline. Hundreds of penguins rafted along our zodiac’s, curious enough to see what was going on and take a break from their daily foraging duties. Nonetheless, King penguins still dominate the landscape and travel great distances to search for food to feed their young chicks.

Elephant seals also line the beaches of Macquarie Island and they are a dominant presence across the sub Antarctic regions. An era of exploitation saw the seal populations decimated between the 1800s to early 1900s, and the Southern Elephant seal numbers decreased dramatically during this period. However, a rapid recovery after the cessation of sealing saw an increase in numbers to over 60,000 individuals. The breeding season of Southern Elephant seals on Macquarie island begins late August and females usually come ashore approximately a week before giving birth. Pups increase in size from the fat rich milk from their mothers and the weaners can reach up to 200 kilograms in weight in less than 3 weeks.

These charismatic youngsters are thigmotactic and will look for any opportunity to nuzzle up to a warm body. Probably one of the most engaging animals you could meet, baby elephant seals are the embodiment of cuteness and very interactive. Their big affectionate eyes are endearing, and they have no fear.

Adult elephant seals during the mating season will fight with each other for dominance of the beach where they defend their harem of females. These battles between beachmasters can be bloody and brutal. The males have the overpowering urge to mate and will corral a group of females and spend their time defending their fleeting dominance of the harem. It is a constant battle for position, which sometimes ends in severe injuries to the loser.

The Sub-Antarctic is home to a myriad of seabirds, too numerous and varied to define in a typical species but more an evolutionary tale as new species is identified each year. The Southern Royal albatross is only found on Campbell and the Auckland Islands and nowhere else in the world, an endemic species that is the second largest of the Albatross species on the planet, with wing spans up to 3 meters.

The Southern Royal albatross has a repertoire of breeding behaviours including synchronised preening and calling, bill clacking and the language of dance. As the sun heads towards the horizon in the afternoon hours, the sound of gliding birds coming into land dominates the skies above. Like 747’s coming in for a landing, these large birds will swiftly arrive to join the evening ritual. They undertake their dancing rituals in search of the appropriate mate. These rituals can last for years before a mate is finally narrowed down and chosen.

To watch these rituals in all their glory and the intricate communications, that will eventually determine a mating pair, that will stay together for life, was truly fascinating. Wings expanded, vocalising and clacking bills these colossal birds put on an impressive display of sight and sound.

The nesting happens high up on top of Campbell Island, where we follow a 6km track through the spectacular inside valley of the island along a winding ridge of thick tussock grass until we reach the cliff tops that line the edge of the island. Harsh winds pound against the cliffs as the Southern Ocean demonstrates its power, moulding the rugged terrain of these emote island landscapes. At one point we walked the track to the sea edge as the wind pushed us back in retreat and the sea spray drenched us entirely. A clear reality of life in this part of the world.

But despite the extreme elements the flora and fauna were abundant. Walking along the track there were fields of lavender megaherb, daisy, lichen and Bulbinella, with a myriad of colours stretching across the landscape. As we made our way through the thick tussock grass we were startled by Hookers Sea lions that had decided the view and the comfortable grass were better at this elevation. But as soon as we reached the Royal Albatross we had a whole new perspective on the landscape and these incredible birds. We spend the last remain daylight hours watching as rare albatross crossed our path in search of a mate.

Bio Security is probably the most important factor when visiting remote isolated Sub Antarctica islands. Penguin colonies are vulnerable and susceptible to disease and other introduced contaminants, so the strict bio-security protocols in place help protect all the species from the spread of disease through human contact in the area.

This process starts before you even step foot off the ship. We are summoned to the lecture room to partake in the vacuuming ritual. Each piece of clothing, camera bag, equipment etc is thoroughly vacuumed with a clear focus on dislodging any evidence of seeds that could be introduced to a pristine environment. Velcro is one of the worse carriers, so we carefully pick out anything resembling a seed or a foreign object.

The next stage is submerging our boots in a sterilising chemical called Virkon, which is designed to basically kill any germ or bacteria, coupled with a scrubbing brush, this seems to be an effective system to keep these Eden’s disease free. We repeat the same process each time we get on and off the ship to ensure the integrity of all our gear.

Planning a journey to film and produce such a rare series of images involves a great deal of preparation and coordination to ensure success. Unexpected weather conditions, unpredictable wildlife and potential risk of not having an accessible place to land can make things difficult. The Sub Antarctic is a harsh environment to work in but when you overcome all the challenges you realise how much of a privilege it is to be able to visit these remote parts of our amazing planet.

Thanks for all the support from:

Lenovo – https://www3.lenovo.com/au/en/
Paddy Pallin Outdoor Clothing & Equipment – http://www.paddypallin.com.au/
Aquatech Imaging Solutions – https://aquatech.net/
HEC’s Stealthscreen wetsuits – https://www.hecsaquatic.com/
Australian Geographic – http://australiangeographic.com.au/
Olympus Australia – https://www.olympus.com.au/

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Antarctic Explorer – Diving, Snorkeling 2018 (Fully Booked)

Diving, Snorkeling, Photography

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

Poster-Antarctica-Tour-Page

Download Forms

Medical Form
Personal Details Form
Client Booking Form
Pre-departure information Snorkeling
Pre-departure information Scuba Diving

Expedition Highlights – Antarctic Explorer

  • Fly/Sail Itinerary: more time to explore!
  • Spectacular icebergs in the Weddell Sea
  • Discover fossil-rich Seymour Island
  • Gorgeous long summer days on the peninsula
  • Some of the region’s largest penguin colonies
  • Historic huts and volcanic landscapes
  • Snorkeling option (surcharge applies)

Day 1 – Beagle Channel

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.

anp-120-map showing the journey of antarctic explorer tour

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.

 Antarctic Explorer tour promotional poster with seals penguins albatross icebergs

Download Forms

Medical Form
Personal Details Form
Client Booking Form
Pre-departure information Snorkeling
Pre-departure information Scuba Diving

antarctica south georgia tour promotional poster

ANTARCTICA 2018 – In the Footsteps of Shackleton (2 spaces left on this tour)

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.

Joanna-Lentini-guide Antarctica 2018

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.

Scott-profile-Antarctica1

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

south-georgia-web-collage-penguins-seals-elephant-seals

Download Forms

Medical Form
Personal Details Form
Client Booking Form
Pre-departure information Snorkeling
Pre-departure information Scuba Diving

Poster-Antarctica-Tour-Page-seals-icebergs-underwater-photography

Expedition Highlights

  • Vast tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea
  • Historic huts and whaling history
  • Attempt to land at Elephant Island
  • Fur seals, albatross & thousands of King penguins
  • Snorkeling option (surcharge applies)
  • Shackleton Alpine Crossing (surcharge applies)

Day 1 – Beagle Channel

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.

Map of tour Antarctica 2018

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.

 Antarctica tour poster - penguins seals albatross and icebergs

Download Forms

Medical Form
Personal Details Form
Client Booking Form
Pre-departure information Snorkeling
Pre-departure information Scuba Diving

 

Poster-Antarctica-Tour-Page

Antarctica Expedition 2016/17

Antarctica Expedition 2016/2017

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. It is a photographers paradise.

In December/January 2016/17 we are running a snorkeling and photography trip to Antarctica. Spend NYE 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.

Snorkeling/Diving in Antarctica with Leopard seals and Penguins
Exploring the landscape surrounded by Icebergs and an abundance of wildlife

Dates: 25-12-2016 to 04-01-2017
Duration: 11 days | Fly/Sail
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile (fly to King George Island, Antarctica)
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship: Polar Pioneer
Activities: Snorkeling/Diving, Kayaking (US$975 Supplement)

Included: Accommodation on board Polar Pioneer, All meals, Lectures, Naturalists, Photography Guidance, flight from Punta Arenas to King George island and all facilities.

DECK CABIN PRICE PER PERSON
Deck 3 Triple, shared facilities US$ 8,725.00
Deck 3 Twin, shared facilities US$ 10,200.00
Deck 4 Twin, private facilities US$ 12,340.00

Snorkeling/Diving Supplement US$975

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

Download Forms

MEDICAL FORM
PERSONAL DETAILS FORM
CLIENT BOOKING FORM_FILL IN

Pre-departure-info-antarctica-snorkeling

Pre-departure-info-antarctica-diving

Poster Antarctica Expedition 2016/2017

Day 1

Make your way to our joining hotel in Punta Arenas, Chile. This evening’s briefing will prepare us for our charter flight and our first leg of our expedition to Antarctica!

Day 2

We first fly from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, Antarctica to be warmly welcomed aboard Polar Pioneer. We settle in for safety and environmental briefings to prepare us for landings as we set off across Bransfield Strait.

Days 3-8

We wake in the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard robust Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations. Zodiac cruising brings us close to intricately shaped icebergs and seals basking on ice floes whilst our kayakers glide into secluded bays.

Stepping ashore on the continent itself creates an everlasting memory, especially if it involves a bum-slide down snow slopes. We immerse ourselves in nature, spontaneity and having fun, making sure to pause and celebrate as we bring in the New Year.

We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night as well. If the weather allows, we’ll have a sleep-out on the ice – a must for any Antarctic explorer!

Days 9-10

As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories.

Day 11

We enjoy a gentle cruise along the Beagle Channel in the early morning. We disembark after breakfast for onward travel or to savour more time in Ushuaia.

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.

Antarctic Peninsula_2014_ART_ANP108 Antarctica Expedition 2016/2017

 

 

 Antarctica Expedition 2016/2017 poster

Download Forms

MEDICAL FORM
PERSONAL DETAILS FORM
CLIENT BOOKING FORM_FILL IN

Pre-departure-info-antarctica-snorkeling

Pre-departure-info-antarctica-diving