Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer

Meals
10 Breakfast(s), 8 Lunch(s), 9 Dinner(s)

Transport
Expedition cruise ship , zodiac

Accommodation
Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)

• Welcome Briefing
• Citizen Science Program
• Daily Briefings and Recap
• Onboard Lecture Program
• Onboard Lecture Program
• Daily Briefings and Recap
• Citizen Science Program
• Guided walking Excursions
• Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
• Onboard Lecture Program
• Daily Briefings and Recap
• Citizen Science Program

• Explore an unspoiled wilderness, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are in their abundance. Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
• Look out for seals and whales, when sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed.
• Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping and snowshoeing.
• Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the Expedition Team.
• Participate in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to vital research, including photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale – who help to track and identify individual whales as they journey across the oceans.

• The Ocean Nova is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.   Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.  Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Nova has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.  The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the gym will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.