In 2019 Waterproof Expeditions and Scott Portelli join forces to bring you some new and exciting expeditions in Tonga. with over 17 years taking people to swim with humpback whales in Tonga combined with Waterproof Expeditions who are experts in adventure and expedition travel around the world, this venture see’s us offering some of the best experiences with whales you could ever imagine.
Just released for 2019, new tours to swim with the humpback whales in Tonga:
12th – 19 July – Tour #2 – 7 Days on the water
20th – 27th July Tour #3 – 7 Days on the water
9th – 16th August – Tour #4 – 7 Days on the water
20th – 27th August – Tour #5 – 7 Days on the water
1st – 8th October – Tour #6 – 7 Days on the water
9th – 16th October Tour #7 – 7 Days on the water
17th – 24th October Tour #8 – 7 Days on the water
Contact us for more information on how you can join one of these amazing trips.
One of my favourite times of year in Tonga is when Garrett and his family turn up for their annual pilgrimage to swim with the whales. I love the enthusiasm and connection they have with the whales. Their bucketlist journey takes them all around the world. Their latest v-blog really captures the essence of their last trip here with us in Tonga. Can’t wait to see you guys again next season. I love this video!!
This Lord Howe Island Photographic shootout event just got bigger and better. We now have options for wildlife and bird enthusiasts, snorkelers and water people and hard core divers alike. 3 different packages and 12 categories that you can compete for on land and in the water.
WIN Amazing Prizes!
Holiday Packages for 10 days including flights & Accommodation Categories for Land based and underwater photographers Attend Photo Workshops, with Scott Portelli Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner
Includes:
Return flights from Sydney
Accommodation
Workshops with our Hosts
Airport Transfers
Dinner on Arrival
Gala Dinner and Presentation Night
Dive and Snorkel Gear
Price: $4,200
DIVER’S PACKAGE:
10 dives around Lord Howe Island
1 night dive
Dive Guide
NON DIVER’S PACKAGE
8 guided walks with local expert Jack Shick
3 boat trips with local expert Jack ShickSNORKELER’S AND NON DIVER’S PACKAGE
6 guided snorkels
4 guided walks with local expert Jack Shick
Workshops:
Attend workshops with Scott Portelli to learn more about your photography or tweak what you already know. workshops will include practical and in classroom techniques.
If you want to join us for the Lord Howe Island Shootout and hone your skills at our workshops, please email scott@scottportelli.com for more information.
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.
