Polar Wildlife Voyages - thenaturaltravelcollection.com · see wildlife, that few ever have, which is possibly the polar regions’ most powerful allure … and to achieve that, nothing

2019/20

Polar Wildlife Voyages

Polar Voyages

Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest polar wildlife voyages2

Why visit the polar regions? It wasn’t until the 20th century that mankind reached the poles, and names such as Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton have become synonymous with the spirit of exploration. The idea of visiting these remote ‘ends of the earth’ still captures the imagination, and a polar voyage remains at the top of many people’s travel wish-lists. A chance to cruise along the edge of a glacier, watching spellbound as it calves; to pass icebergs or break through pack-ice, safe in your ice-strengthened vessel; experience a sun that never sets; see rare wildlife and vast colonies of seabirds – these are once-in-a-lifetime thrills. However, it is the chance to visit somewhere, and see wildlife, that few ever have, which is possibly the polar regions’ most powerful allure … and to achieve that, nothing beats a small-vessel voyage.

Our polar voyages On a polar voyage with Wildlife Worldwide you will be on a specially adapted vessel that accommodates around 130 passengers or fewer. All of the vessels we have chosen are ideally suited in size, speed, safety and stability for exploring these remote, beautiful and frozen regions of our planet. Our polar holidays fall somewhere between a cruise and an expedition voyage in nature. Our aim is to take you into the wilderness, in the company of a team of onboard experts and a highly experienced expedition crew, to witness some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and wildlife. We organise a selection of exclusively chartered voyages and carefully selected scheduled departures on other vessels.

Our destinations We offer voyages to the Arctic, the Russian Far East and Antarctica. In the Arctic and Russian Far East we visit Spitsbergen, Wrangel Island and Kamchatka, whilst our Antarctic voyages include such destinations as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Wildlife, itineraries & time of year All our departures are designed to coincide with the best time of year for seeing the special wildlife and landscapes of the region. To find out the optimum time for viewing the species most important to you see our calendars on pages 4 & 14. Whether you wish to see polar bears in the Arctic, or experience the excitement of an emperor penguin rookery in the Weddell Sea, just tell us your wildlife priorities and our expert inhouse team will advise on the best polar voyage for you. Life onboard & landings Once onboard, you will be in the company of expert naturalists and expedition crew. Exact itineraries for each departure will be determined by the captain and crew, and are informed by weather conditions, sea state and recent sightings. Voyages typically include a mix of ‘sea days’, during which there may be a programme of lectures, and landings – on average, two each day. Most landings are made in Zodiacs, with approximately 10 people in each, and you will normally spend about two to four hours in any one place.

Contact our expert wildlife team to start planning your polar adventure.

The remote polar regions are home to some of the world's most unique wildlife and offer unforgettable wildlife experiences, from seeing the iconic polar bear, to sitting amidst huge colonies of penguins in a vast, icy wilderness. At Wildlife Worldwide, we arrange dedicated charters to the Arctic, Antarctic and Russian Far East, as well as tailor-made options to these regions on hand-picked vessels and itineraries.

[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 3

Most people, at some time in their lives, dream of visiting the ‘ends of the earth’. Whether you wish to travel to the Arctic, Antarctic or Russian Far East, we hope you enjoy our first dedicated polar brochure which is packed with ideas to inspire your polar voyage. At Wildlife Worldwide, we have been operating successful voyages to the polar regions for over 25 years. Most of our team has been to the Arctic, Antarctic, or both, and we have a combined wealth of experience about what makes a wonderful polar voyage – in terms of wildlife, comfort, safety and the chance to make the most of your time in these, arguably our planet’s most remote and fascinating wilderness regions. You’ll find a choice of trips to the Arctic, Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Russian Far East within this brochure – and we look forward to helping you plan your trip-of-a-lifetime polar voyage.

Chris Breen, Founder

Polar Cruising 2/3

The Arctic & Russia’s Far East 4/5

Festival of Wildlife – Spitsbergen 6/7

Around Spitsbergen 8

North Spitsbergen 9

Wrangel Island with Mark Carwardine 10/11

Kamchatka with Mark Carwardine 12/13

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands 14/15

Classic Antarctica 16

Great Antarctic Voyage 17

Frozen South Adventure 18/19

Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea 20

South Georgia 21

Our Polar Vessels 22

Voyage Planner for 2019/20 23

Welcome

Contents

Polar Bear

Polar Voyage Key

Penguins

Whale watching

Birdwatching

Photography

“ Slowly, the island began to become more distinct, and

two snow-capped peaks burst through the misty cloud that cloaked this isolated landmass. The peaks grew larger and larger as we approached, until we passed right between the two towering mountains, imposing

‘guardians’ of this polar world. We dropped anchor in the serene waters of a sheltered cove behind these rock goliaths, the only sounds those of waves breaking and bird calls echoing around the mountains.”Chris Smith, Wildlife Worldwide Spitsbergen - July 2018

& Russia’s Far EastThe Arctic

Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest polar wildlife voyages4 [email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Home to iconic wildlife such as polar bear, Arctic fox, snow goose and caribou on land, and a wealth of marine life including humpback whale, orca and pinnipeds, the Arctic is a dream destination for many wildlife enthusiasts, and it is possible to reach some areas in just a few hours’ flight from the UK.

Summer in the northern hemisphere opens a brief window of opportunity to explore the High Arctic, and our Arctic voyages offer a chance to navigate not just the Svalbard Archipelago, separated from the North Pole by less than 1,000 kilometres, but also the Russian Far East.

Frequency of Sightings:

Arctic Wildlife Calendar

May

Aug

Jul

Jun

Best time to see polar bears on pack-ice along the northern coast of Spitsbergen.

Polar bears make landfall, particularly on Spitsbergen and Wrangel Island.

Excellent time of year for pinnipeds, especially walrus around the coast of Spitsbergen.

A good time to see the Arctic’s pinnipeds and their offspring, including harp and bearded seals.

Best time to see cetaceans in the Arctic, both in abundance and variety.

Walrus haul out on the beaches, while seals are attracted to the remaining ice-floes.

The peak of the breeding season – fledglings start to leave the nest, which attracts predators.

More cetaceans arrive from the south, as well as increased sightings of beluga whale.

Huge numbers of seabirds such as little auks, guillemots and puffins start to breed.

As the sea ice retreats, polar bears become isolated on land across the High Arctic.

The majority of cetaceans are still feeding in Arctic waters, but some have begun to migrate south.

Cetaceans begin to arrive in the waters of the High Arctic after their annual migration.

The Arctic’s birdlife begins to arrive in preparation for the short breeding season.

Polar bear sightings are less frequent as the summer draws to an end and prey is hard to find.

As the sea ice continues to retreat, pinnipeds are less frequently found as they follow the ice.

The last fledglings leave the nest, and some bird species begin to migrate south.

Low Medium High


Land

Extent of Summer Sea Ice 2017

Festival of Wildlife: Spitsbergen 12 May 2020 Trip details see pages 6/7

Wrangel Island with Mark Carwardine 22 Jul 2019 Trip details see pages 10/11

Kamchatka with Mark Carwardine 7 Jun 2019 Trip details see pages 12/13

Kamchatka Peninsula

Spitsbergen

Wrangel Island

Arcti

c Circ

le

North Pole

Festival of WildlifeSpitsbergen


Join our team of expert naturalists, photographers and expedition crew in May 2020 on a specially chartered cruise to Spitsbergen, timed to maximise our chances of encountering polar bears on the pack-ice.

Festival of Wildlife Team

Nick GarbuttBret CharmanMark CarwardineChris Breen Nick JoynesNick Acheson


The chance to join a polar voyage is always an exciting prospect. However, combine a cruise to the High Arctic in the company of a team of expert naturalists, award-winning photographers and experienced expedition

crew, at the best time of year for seeing polar bears – our primary focus – and you have the ingredients for a magical, once-in-a-lifetime, polar voyage. And this is exactly what we are offering in May 2020. We have chartered the ice-strengthened Ocean Adventurer for our most ambitious Festival of Wildlife yet, a voyage to Spitsbergen, the main island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. We have chosen to travel in May in order to maximise the amount of time we can spend amongst the pack-ice and therefore increase our chances of seeing the most iconic Arctic species of all – the magnificent polar bear. Spitsbergen and the surrounding islands and pack-ice are home to one of the world’s highest populations of polar bears. Each year, when the pack-ice begins to break up, bears head to the mainland to spend the summer on shore. Individuals are often seen from expedition vessels and, if we are very fortunate, they may even approach the vessel. Spitsbergen’s spectacular coastline is characterised by glaciers flowing into the sea, such as the impressive Monaco Glacier – a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes. The island’s high cliffs provide refuge for thousands of little auks, as well as Brünnich’s guillemot and Atlantic puffin. It is also possible to see long-tailed skua, northern fulmar, king eider, ivory gull, snow bunting, black guillemot, and Arctic terns which migrate between the two poles every year. Arctic foxes patrol around the base of cliffs, hoping to chance upon an injured auk or early chick, while reindeer browse the mossy tundra. The rich seas around Svalbard

are equally impressive and home to a wealth of marine life including blue, fin and humpback whales plus beluga, pinnipeds such as harbour, ringed and bearded seas as well as walrus. With almost 24 hours of daylight at this latitude at this time of year, we should be in for a real feast of wildlife viewing! Our specially chartered vessel, the Ocean Adventurer, provides a perfect base for exploring the Arctic wilderness around us. We will aim to make daily Zodiac excursions (where possible), and landings at points of particular interest. Our expert team includes naturalist Nick Acheson, Wildlife Worldwide Founder Chris Breen, naturalist, author and TV presenter Mark Carwardine, award-winning photographers Nick Garbutt and Bret Charman and Wildlife Worldwide Director Nick Joynes. We will also be accompanied throughout the expedition by the Ocean Adventurer’s team of specialists whose expertise cover a range of fields, from ornithology and marine biology to geology and Arctic history. Since our first Festival of Wildlife in 2004, this winning formula – of a range of wildlife-based excursions alongside a programme of expert-led workshops and talks – offers a very special celebration of wildlife for all those who take part, so please do join our expert team onboard in 2020!

Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen Since our first Festival of Wildlife in 2004, this winning formula – of a range of wildlife-based excursions alongside a programme of expert-led workshops and talks – offers a very special celebration of wildlife for all those who take part. So please do join Nick Acheson, Wildlife Worldwide Founder Chris Breen, Mark Carwardine, photographers Bret Charman and Nick Garbutt, and Wildlife Worldwide Director Nick Joynes as well as other guest speakers for this 8-night chartered voyage to Spitsbergen. Group, 12 May 2020 11 days, from £5,995 (including flights)

Ocean Adventurer

Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest polar wildlife voyages8

AroundSpitsbergenJoin one of our Around Spitsbergen voyages which go in search of seabird colonies, Arctic fox, walrus, seals and the magnificent polar bear, amongst some of the planet’s most spectacular scenery.

Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago and only a few hours’ flight from the UK, yet this is an extraordinary land of dramatic mountains, tundra, glaciers and icebergs. Our 10 and 12-day Around Spitsbergen

voyages aim to circumnavigate Spitsbergen itself, and also visit some of the archipelago’s smaller islands, if ice conditions permit. Distances are relatively short between sites of interest in the archipelago, so there will be plenty of opportunities to explore in Zodiacs, or make landings onshore.

The wildlife watching around Spitsbergen is exceptional: the impressive Monaco Glacier is a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwake; opportunist Arctic foxes patrol cliffs for young birds falling from nesting ledges; bearded seals cruise scenic fjords; little auk colonies 200,000-strong compete for space on sea-cliffs;

walrus wallow in lagoons. Beluga whales can be seen in ice-floes, and there’s always the possibility of the ultimate Arctic encounter – the mighty polar bear.

Our Around Spitsbergen voyages all follow a similar itinerary and operate between May and September each year, aboard a variety of carefully selected ships. Highlights include cruising along the sculpted face of the 14th July Glacier in Zodiacs; looking for polar bears on Phippsøya Island, one of the most northerly islands in the Svalbard Archipelago and seeing herds of wallowing walrus around Moffen Island. In Ny Ålesund, the world’s most northerly permanent settlement, there’s a chance to view artefacts belonging to famous Arctic explorers including Amundsen, and there’s a breeding ground for barnacle goose, pink-footed goose and Arctic tern near the village.

Around Spitsbergen Sail through a wonderland of mountain and glacial scenery and enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters in this polar bear and birding paradise. Highlights include an exhilarating Zodiac cruise along the spectacular 14th of July Glacier, where large numbers of seabirds nest on the nearby cliffs.

See page 23 for departure dates 10 days, from £5,525 (voyage only)

Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest polar wildlife voyages [email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 9

NorthSpitsbergenOur week-long North Spitsbergen voyage offers the best opportunity for seeing polar bears on pack-ice, as well as a host of other exciting Arctic birds and mammals.

Lying some 650 kilometres north of Norway, and separated from the North Pole by 965 kilometres of frozen ocean, the Svalbard Archipelago covers an area about the same size as Ireland. This is the High Arctic – a land characterised

by jagged peaks and huge glaciers, ice-floes and tundra. The island of Spitsbergen endures complete darkness for four months in the winter, while during the brief summer reindeer graze, the tundra bursts into bloom and sea-cliffs teem with breeding seabird colonies in 24-hour sunlight. In this harsh environment, a mere 3,000 people live in just four settlements, connected by only 50 kilometres of road.

Our North Spitsbergen voyages offer a choice of itineraries, expedition vessels and cabin types, to suit your requirements. All operate between May and August, and some departures are

designated ‘polar bear specials’ – these spend more time sailing along the edge of (and through) pack-ice in search of polar bears.Whichever vessel and itinerary you choose, a visit to northern Spitsbergen offers an exciting mix of stunning landscapes and spectacular wildlife including vast colonies of breeding seabirds, seals, walruses, whales, Arctic fox and polar bears.

Highlights may include cruising along the sculpted face of the Monaco Glacier in Zodiacs; looking for Ross’s gull and polar bears in pack-ice round Phippsøya Island, just 870 kilometres from the geographic North Pole; a hike on the tundra island of Andøya in search of common eider, king eider and pink-footed goose; sailing into Hinlopen Strait and attempting a landing on Nordaustlandet, home to Svalbard reindeer, breeding ivory gulls, and walrus; or spectacular glaciers favoured by bearded seals at Raudfjord.

North Spitsbergen This week-long voyage provides an intoxicating mix of astonishing landscapes, stunning coastline and spectacular wildlife, including huge colonies of seabirds, plus walrus, whales, Arctic fox and polar bear. The long daylight hours offer maximum time to admire this icy realm.

See page 23 for departure dates 8 or 10 days, from £4,275 (voyage only)

with Mark CarwardineWrangel Island

Join renowned zoologist and author Mark Carwardine and other expert naturalists on our 14-night expedition voyage to Wrangel Island, in search of polar bears and other iconic Arctic wildlife.


It’s hard to find anywhere more remote than Wrangel Island. Lying to the north-west of Alaska, and to the north of eastern Siberia, the journey to reach it is only made possible by the retreat of the pack-ice during the summer … but for the

keen naturalist, it’s an effort rewarded by the sight of rare whales, flowering tundra and vast ‘cities’ of breeding seabirds. Our 14-night expedition cruise crosses the Arctic Circle and sails through the Bering Strait to the Chukotka Coast, and from there to Wrangel Island, one of the world’s last great undiscovered wildernesses.

On our voyage to Wrangel Island, you will be accompanied throughout the cruise by renowned zoologist and author Mark Carwardine as well as a team of other expert naturalists and experienced expedition crew. Zodiac outings and multiple landings provide numerous opportunities to see walrus, musk ox, Arctic fox, reindeer and a wealth of birdlife including snow goose, snowy owl and king eider, plus gulls such as glaucous, ivory, Ross’s and Sabine’s. We also hope to see polar bear, as Wrangel Island

has recently gained a reputation for excellent sightings of these magnificent animals.

The sea around Wrangel Island boasts the largest population of Pacific walrus, while grey whales migrate from their breeding lagoons on the coast of Baja California to feed here. Orca, beluga, humpback, fin and bowhead whales as well as various beaked whales are all present too.

The soils of the ancient steppe nurture over 400 plant species, many of which are endemic, while the presence of mammoth tusks and skulls, and the sheer variety of terrain and geological formations within such a small area all attest to Wrangel’s rich natural history and unique evolutionary status. The island’s human history is also fascinating, and we will learn about its rich heritage as we explore the northern coast of Chukotka with guided walks, Zodiac trips and lectures to help us understand and appreciate this High Arctic region in more depth.


Wrangel Island with Mark Carwardine Explore the remote wilderness of Wrangel Island in the Bering Strait with its prehistoric-looking landscapes and phenomenal wildlife. This 14-night cruise aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov takes you right to the ‘top of the world’ between Russia and Alaska, in the company of Mark Carwardine.

20 Jul 2019 18 days, from £12,875 (including flights)


with Mark CarwardineKamchatka

Join Mark Carwardine and a team of experts for our 16-night voyage to the remote Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East, in search of rarely seen whales, a host of exciting seabirds, Steller’s sea eagles and Kamchatka brown bears.

The Kamchatka Peninsula juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk from the far eastern tip of Russia. Although lying at a similar latitude to Scotland, icy Arctic winds from Siberia give Kamchatka a climate similar to that of the polar

regions. Isolated, and lying on the renowned Pacific Ring of Fire, Kamchatka was closed (even to Russians) for decades. It is only now, some two decades after perestroika, that it is possible to travel to this part of Russia. Few people have been to many of the places we visit on this voyage, yet it is one of the richest corners of the world for marine life, in both variety and sheer abundance. We have chartered the 50-passenger Spirit of Enderby – a comfortable, ice-strengthened polar expedition ship – for this once-in-a-lifetime 16-night voyage. Travelling through some of the world’s most remote and least-visited regions, we go in search of bears, whales and other wildlife, making additional excursions and shore landings in Zodiacs, which enable exceptionally close encounters.

Our journey takes us from Sakhalin Island to the Shantar Islands, then across the Sea of Okhotsk and through the northern Kuril Islands, before sailing along the Kamchatka Peninsula and across the Bering Sea to the incredibly remote Commander Islands. The seas here really do offer visitors a cetacean bonanza. Among the species we’ll be hoping to see are the critically endangered North Pacific right whale, along with bowhead, sperm, blue, fin, minke and humpback whales. The rarely seen western grey whales inhabit these waters too, as well as the eastern race. Beaked whales such as Baird’s and Cuvier’s, plus two separate orca populations (occupying different ecotypes) are also possible, as well as Pacific white-sided dolphin, and both harbour and Dall’s porpoises. Avian highlights include huge colonies of tufted puffin, horned puffin and other seabirds, plus the mighty Steller’s sea eagle; we’ll also be on the look-out for ribbon seal, northern fur seal, Kamchatka brown bear and the endearing sea otter.

Tufted puffin Kamchatka Brown bear Sea otter Pacific Ring of Fire


Kamchatka with Mark Carwardine This unique voyage provides a rare opportunity to explore the Russian Far East and observe its fascinating wildlife. With Kamchatka brown bears, Steller’s sea eagles and a remarkable array of cetaceans all possible, there is no end of intriguing species that we encounter during our 16-nights on board.

7 Jul 2019 20 days, from £14,995 (including flights)


It is impossible not to be impressed by the scale, grandeur and wildness of Antarctica – a land of ice-choked waterways and brash-ice, immense glaciers, and icebergs that jut out of the ocean like vast blue-and-white teeth. It almost defies belief that any life can survive here, and yet the seas are rich in whales, dolphins and other marine life, while albatrosses, penguins and a host of other seabirds breed in vast numbers on the sub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. All our Antarctic voyages take you to the best wildlife sites, at the most accessible time of year, and are accompanied by a team of onboard expert naturalists, photographers and expedition crew. Our programme includes trips to witness albatross chicks and vast breeding colonies of penguins on South Georgia, emperor penguins incubating eggs in the Weddell Sea, cetaceans and seals along the Antarctic Peninsula and a wonderful variety of other wildlife.

Frequency of Sightings:

Antarctic Wildlife Calendar

Nov

Feb -Mar

Jan

Dec

Beginning of the breeding season. Only opportunity to visit emperor penguin colony.

Penguin rookeries grow, with chicks starting to hatch across the Antarctic.

Leopard seals seen around the Peninsula and southern elephant seals on South Georgia.

Antarctic fur seals give birth on South Georgia, and Weddell seals are seen on the Peninsula.

Watch cetaceans as they feed on krill in the fertile waters of the Southern Ocean.

Best time to see leopard seal along the Peninsula; southern elephant seals return to South Georgia.

Many bird species have chicks on South Georgia, while albatross species incubate their eggs.

More cetaceans arrive from the north, with humpback sightings being the most frequent.

Wandering, grey-headed and black-browed albatrosses found around South Georgia.

Excellent opportunities to see and photograph multiple species across the Antarctic region.

Southern right, fin, minke, humpback and blue whales can all be seen at this time.

A variety of cetaceans start arriving in the Antarctic after their annual migration.

Young wandering albatross begin to stretch their wings before their first flight.

Chicks of macaroni, gentoo and chinstrap penguins congregate on South Georgia.

Southern elephant seals moult on South Georgia, and often seen fighting amongst themselves.

Many chicks start to fledge, leaving albatross species to raise their young through the winter.

Low Medium High

South Georgia & the Falklands

Antarctic Circle

Antarctica


South Pole

Antarctic Peninsula

WeddellSea

Ross IceShelf

The FalklandIslands

South Georgia

Amery Ice Shelf

Drake Passage

Land

Extent of ice shelves

Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea 14 Nov 2019 Trip details see page 20

Frozen South Adventure with Mark Carwardine 12 Nov 2020 Trip details see pages 18/19

Classic Antarctica Departures Nov-Mar Trip details see page 16

Antarctic Circle

South Atlantic Ocean

Southern Ocean

Classic Antarctica This voyage offers a perfect introduction to the Antarctic, visiting prime wildlife sites along the Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland Islands. Encounter huge rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, beaches adorned with wallowing elephant seals, and whales and dolphins along the way.



ClassicAntarcticaAn incredible voyage visiting prime wildlife sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland Islands. A perfect introduction to Antarctica.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great White Continent, with some of the best scenery and wildlife. All our Classic Antarctica voyages include as much wildlife watching as possible, while allowing

you plenty of time to enjoy the region’s breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, glaciers, blue-streaked icebergs and rugged mountains along the way. There are more whales and dolphins here than anywhere else on earth. You may be accompanied by a school of porpoising hourglass dolphins, follow a pod of orca amongst ice-floes, or spot the powdery white blow of a humpback whale in front of an iceberg.

Your journey begins and ends in the southernmost town in the world, Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. You then travel across the infamous Drake Passage, accompanied by albatrosses and other seabirds, watching for whales and dolphins en route. Your first stop will be the South Shetland Islands, where you visit enormous penguin rookeries, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals, and observe wallowing southern elephant seals. A highlight of your visit will be sailing into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island, and perhaps even taking a dip in its thermal waters. Your onboard expedition team will attempt an average of two landings each day (weather conditions permitting).

You then move on to the Antarctic Peninsula itself, where you will have plenty of time to experience the special magic of this awe-inspiring wilderness. You visit enormous rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, and see blue-eyed shag, kelp gull and Cape petrel, snowy sheathbill and many other birds. You

are also likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, while orca, humpback and minke whales are often encountered at close range. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the voyage will include visits to: Paradise Harbour (filled with a dazzling number of icebergs); the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels (extraordinarily beautiful waterways choked with ice between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers); Port Lockroy (with thriving colonies of penguins); and Peterman Island (with Adélie and gentoo penguins, skuas and blue-eyed shags).

Finally, you will head back north across the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn and making your way back to Ushuaia.


VoyageGreat AntarcticFrom the vast wildlife populations of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, to the magnificent scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula, this is the ultimate Antarctic experience.

Sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina, this 19 or 20-day expedition offers the most comprehensive Antarctic wildlife voyage in our programme, combining visits to the best sub-Antarctic and Antarctic wildlife hotspots with a chance to

see some of the region’s most impressive scenery.

You will receive a warm welcome from the residents of the Falkland Islands, where you explore some of the privately owned outlying islands, home to great concentrations of wildlife. Flightless steamer duck, and Magellanic and gentoo penguins are just some of the highlights on Carcass Island, while nearby West Point boasts fantastic rockhopper penguin and black-browed albatross colonies. Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins are often seen along the coast, or riding the bow wave alongside your vessel.

Next you enjoy two days of pelagic whale and birdwatching – perhaps with the odd wandering albatross wheeling overhead for company – and cross the Antarctic Convergence before arriving at the remote, rugged and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. This sub-Antarctic island has astonishing concentrations of wildlife as well as awe-inspiring scenery, ranging from impressive mountains and mighty glaciers, to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. Renowned as a superb destination for birders, many

species breed here including wandering albatross, southern giant petrel and Antarctic fur seal; and hiking glaciated terrain to hilltops will give you magnificent views of king penguin rookeries. The island also played a significant role in Ernest Shackleton’s epic journey after the sinking of his ship, the Endurance, and you will visit his grave at Grytviken, a once-active whaling station.

Your exploration of the Peninsula will include visits to penguin rookeries, encounters with marine mammals and navigating iceberg-filled channels. Sightings and encounters vary from trip to trip and, although it is impossible to specify exactly what you’ll see, we are confident you will not be disappointed.

Great Antarctic Voyage This ultimate Antarctic experience combines the phenomenal wildlife of the sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia, to the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore dramatic wilderness areas and visit huge penguin colonies, all amongst hauntingly beautiful polar scenery.

See page 23 for departure dates 17 to 20 days, from £11,675 (voyage only)


AdventureFrozen SouthLed by conservationist and zoologist Mark Carwardine, and photographer Joe Cornish, this unique wildlife expedition voyage includes visits to the Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

If a visit to Antarctica is high on your wildlife travel wish-list, then this is the trip for you. This special Antarctic voyage visits a wealth of wildlife-rich and scenic locations, along with a series of presentations and lectures from Mark

Carwardine, Joe Cornish and other members of our expert onboard expedition team. Our base for this expedition cruise is the comfortable ice-strengthened Akademik Sergey Vavilov, which we have exclusively chartered for 19 nights. You will have plenty of time ashore to enjoy breathtaking wildlife spectacles during the long austral summer days, mingling with hundreds of thousands of penguins, huge elephant seals and a wealth of other birdlife. Your adventure begins (and ends) in Ushuaia, from where you sail north-east towards the Falkland Islands looking out for whales, dolphins, petrels, albatrosses and other wildlife as you travel. Among the seabirds you can expect to see following the ship are black-browed albatross and southern giant petrel. Highlights of your time in the Falkland Islands are likely to include huge gentoo, Magellanic and rockhopper penguin rookeries, as well as a large breeding colony of southern elephant seals, and sighting of the resident orcas. Next you cross the Antarctic Convergence, where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the temperate zone,

and beyond which you begin to see icebergs. Your destination is South Georgia, home to more than five million seals and 50 million seabirds. This remote outpost on the edge of Antarctica offers some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on earth and something of a sensory overload! There will be plenty of opportunities during your five full days around the island to see and photograph: courting macaroni, king and chinstrap penguins; the birth of Antarctic fur seal pups; male southern elephant seals fighting to establish territories on the beaches; albatrosses and South Georgia pipits; the picturesque effects of snowstorms, cloud formations and sunlight on the island’s many different habitats. Now you cross the Scotia Sea to the South Shetland Islands, home to enormous rookeries of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, Antarctic fur seals, and southern elephant seals. From there your vessel crosses the Bransfield Strait to the Antarctic Peninsula itself. Enormous penguin rookeries, blue-eyed shag, kelp gull, Cape petrel, snowy sheathbill and many other birds will be among the highlights, along with Zodiac excursions past towering icebergs. Crabeater, Weddell and leopard seals are found in the waters here, as well as a variety of cetaceans such as humpback and Antarctic minke whales, and orca which, if very fortunate, we may see hunting in small groups.

Wandering albatrosses King penguins Southern elephant seal Adélie penguin


Frozen South Adventure Following the huge success of our 2015 wildlife expedition to South Georgia, by popular demand we return to this glorious and unforgettable region. The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica are all on the itinerary of this most comprehensive of wildlife voyages led by renowned zoologist Mark Carwardine and photographer Joe Cornish.

12 Nov 2020 20 days from £12,995 (voyage only) Mark Carwardine Joe Cornish


of the Weddell SeaEmperor PenguinsJourney through the pack-ice of the Weddell Sea to reach the Snow Hill Island rookery and marvel at the sight of up to 4,000 pairs of breeding emperor penguins on this exciting Antarctic voyage.

Sailing onboard a powerful purpose-built icebreaker, you will visit the Snow Hill Island emperor penguin rookery and observe these extraordinary birds early in their breeding season. This trip is ideal for nature lovers and keen

photographers as you will have extended time in the rookery, with plenty of time to observe and record the penguins in their natural environment.

The emperor penguin is one of the most fascinating and rewarding birds in the world to see. The only ‘true’ Antarctic bird, emperor penguins breed in the middle of the winter – in continual darkness for months on end and with tempevratures reaching -60°C. They have no nest; the female lays a single egg, which is then incubated on the male’s feet for nine weeks. Our emperor penguin voyages are timed for early spring, when the chicks have hatched and the colony is alive with activity.

The aim of the captain and expedition leader is to position the icebreaker to give the best chance of efficient helicopter flights to the rookery. You will be transferred by helicopter, conditions permitting, to a landing site (carefully chosen to ensure that the emperors are not disturbed or stressed by helicopter noise) about two kilometres from the rookery. From there you walk for about 45 minutes, along a well marked path across the sea ice, to within a short distance of the penguins. Visiting early in the breeding season, the emperor chicks are still young, so you may see them brooding on their parents’ feet, or huddling together in large communal crèches. Nothing can match the sight of these most hardy of birds tobogganing with surprising speed across the ice, or ‘shooting’ out of the sea onto the shore.

Next we head for the 20 or so volcanic islands and islets that comprise the South Shetlands, where the sight of further breeding colonies of penguins, and seals hauled out on the shorelines, awaits. Sailing through a narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island, and a visit to the crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, home to chinstrap penguins, are among the other highlights here.

Finally, you must leave Antarctica and head north back to Ushuaia, enjoying more seabirds and whales as you return to more temperate climes!

Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea This voyage to the Weddell Sea offers a unique highlight - three days are reserved to visit, by helicopter, an emperor penguin colony, situated south of Snow Hill Island. Getting close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a unique and memorable experience.

14 Nov 2019 11 days, from £9,875 (voyage only)


South GeorgiaMarvel at the sight of hundreds of thousands of penguins, breeding albatrosses and extraordinary scenery on this unusual voyage to South Georgia, arguably the most rewarding single destination in the Antarctic region.

Situated more than 1,000 kilometres east of the Falklands, the crescent-shaped island of South Georgia is one of the wildest and most remote in the South Atlantic. Defined by glaciated peaks and a rugged coastline, South Georgia

can only be reached by sea – and is a full two days’ sail from the Falkland Islands.

Despite its isolation and size (roughly that of Mallorca), this island boasts a wealth of wildlife activity almost unmatched in the Antarctic region. Huge numbers of seabirds, and marine mammals such as southern elephant and Antarctic fur seals, choose to breed along its shores. Apart from the rusting remains of former whaling stations the island is virtually unspoilt by man, so offers those fortunate enough to visit a unique opportunity to see the area’s superb wildlife and spectacular scenery.

South Georgia is blessed with numerous wildlife hotspots, of which the most celebrated is Salisbury Plain. Here several large glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop for the tens of thousands of king penguins that nest and nurture their young in the plain’s tussock grass. Indeed, sometimes these plains are even referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the South’, such is the astonishing abundance of wildlife found there. However, this is just one of several king penguin rookeries that can be found on the island, along with those of chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni.

South Georgia is also a refuge and breeding ground for four species of albatross. These avian giants have the longest wingspan of any bird in the world and use their broad wings to ride the ocean winds, gliding for hours above the open water. Wandering, black-browed, light-mantled and grey-headed albatrosses can be all be seen raising their chicks on the island, often against a backdrop of breathtakingly spectacular scenery.

Following a thorough exploration of South Georgia, it is time to sail back to mainland South America via the Falkland Islands after what is likely to be the wildlife experience of a lifetime.

South Georgia Embark on a superb voyage to South Georgia, the wildest and most remote of the UK’s Overseas Territories. After exploring the abundant wildlife of the Falkland Islands, it is a two-day journey to South Georgia, where you will find snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and huge numbers of seabirds and marine mammals.



Polar VesselsOur Expedition Vessels All of the vessels we use for our polar voyages are small (with capacity for 50 to 130 passengers), comfortable, ice-strengthened and have decks and view points for wildlife viewing; they also carry Zodiacs for extra boat trips (we aim for two each day) and shore excursions. All the vessels we work with also include a highly knowledgeable and skilled onboard team of naturalists, as well as an expedition leader and often an onboard photographer, all of whose expertise adds a great deal to each voyage. Being able to relax and enjoy your onboard experience is a vital element in any polar voyage, and all of the vessels we use have been carefully chosen by our team.

What is included in the voyage price The price of your voyage includes almost everything you need whilst onboard. However, each ship and trip varies, so please refer to the individual Travel Plan for full details. All voyages include: • Guided shore & Zodiac excursions • All meals whilst onboard • A team of expert guides & naturalists • Lectures & presentations

Many of our voyages also include an expert onboard photographer.

Ocean AdventurerAkademik Sergey Vavilov

Kapitan Khlebnikov Plancius

Ortelius Akademik Ioffe

To see a full selection of our polar vessels please visit our website and for details for each vessel please request a Travel Plan.

Ship Departures Nights Start/End Location TriplePrice from

TwinPrice from

SuperiorPrice from

North Spitsbergen

Plancius

27/05/201903/06/201910/06/201917/06/2019

7 Longyearbyen/Longyearbyen £3,795 £4,275 £5,575

Ocean Adventurer

01/06/201909/06/201915/07/2019


Akademik Sergey Vavilov19/06/201928/06/2019


Around Spitsbergen

Plancius03/07/2019

9 Longyearbyen/Longyearbyen £4,725 £5,525 £7,14517/08/2019

Ortelius 19/08/2019 11 Tromsø/Longyearbyen £5,275 £6,125 £7,925

Akademik Sergey Vavilov08/06/2019

11 Longyearbyen/Longyearbyen £6,245 £7,225 £9,84507/07/2019

Kamchatka with Mark Carwardine (dates & prices inclusive of flights)

Spirit of Enderby 07/07/2019 19 Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk/Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky £12,995 £14,995 £15,595

Wrangel Island with Mark Carwardine (dates & prices inclusive of flights)

Kapitan Khlebnikov 20/07/2019 17 Anadyr/Anadyr £11,075 £12,875 £13,275

Festival of Wildlife: Spitsbergen 2020 (dates & prices inclusive of flights)

Ocean Adventurer 12/05/2020 10 Longyearbyen/Longyearbyen £4,995 £5,995 £7,795

Classic Antarctica

Plancius

10/11/201920/11/2019

10 Ushuaia/Ushuaia

£6,195 £6,775 £8,095

09/01/202006/02/2020

£6,875 £7,500 £8,945

Ortelius 03/01/2020 10 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £6,875 £7,500 £8,945

Ocean Adventurer

12/11/201921/11/201929/12/201903/03/2020

10 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £6,100 £6,900 £9,100

Akademik Sergey Vavilov

27/11/2019 10 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £7,225 £8,975 £10,645

07/12/2019 Ushuaia/King George Island £8,025 £9,925 £11,125

05/03/2020 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £7,225 £8,975 £10,645

Akademik Ioffe06/12/201904/03/2020

10 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £7,225 £8,975 £10,645

Great Antarctic Voyage

Plancius30/11/2019

18 Ushuaia/Ushuaia£10,550 £11,675 £13,395

19/01/2020 £11,990 £13,295 £15,925

Ortelius 16/12/2019 18 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £11,075 £12,325 £14,775

Ocean Adventurer 14/02/2020 19 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £10,700 £12,200 £16,300

Akademik Sergey Vavilov09/11/2019 18 Stanley/Ushuaia £11,275 £12,945 £15,325

28/12/2019 16 Stanley/King George Island £13,495 £15,395 £18,175

Akademik Ioffe

18/11/2019 18 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £11,275 £12,945 £15,325

18/01/2020 17 Stanley/King George Island £14,375 £16,345 £19,375

15/02/2020 18 Stanley/Ushuaia £14,995 £17,695 £20,550

Emperor Penguins of the Weddell SeaOrtelius 14/11/2019 10 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £9,225 £9,875 £11,295

South GeorgiaAkademik Sergey Vavilov 26/10/2019 14 Punta Arenas/Ushuaia £8,175 £9,925 £11,675

RCGS Resolute 7/11/2019 14 Punta Arenas/Ushuaia £10,475 £11,895 £12,695

Frozen South AdventureAkademik Sergey Vavilov 12/11/2020 19 Ushuaia/Ushuaia £12,495 £12,995 £17,995


All from prices shown in this brochure are voyage only, except where specified and are based on two people sharing the lead in category of a twin cabin.

Other cabin categories are available on each of these vessels. Please contact our team for further details.

Polar Voyage Planner - 2019/2020

© Wildlife Worldwide 2019 No portion of this brochure may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Wildlife Worldwide.

01962 [email protected]

www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Wildlife Worldwide is a part of the Natural Travel Collection Ltd, a small independent travel company that places a special emphasis

on sustainable tailor-made and small group holidays.

Wildlife HolidaysWe create outstanding

Photographs courtesy of: Chris Breen, Ewen Bell, Mark Carwardine, Bret Charman, Chris Collins, Nick Garbutt, Ben Haggar, Ira Meyer,

Katya Ovsyanikova, Nicky Souness & Jean Pierre Sylvestre

Long Barn South, Sutton Manor Farm, Bishop’s Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA, United Kingdom

Over 300 locations worldwide, handpicked for the best wildlife viewing.

Over 25 years of creating the finest wildlife holidaysKnowledgeable & passionate team of wildlife expertsFlexible tailor-made holidaysSmall group wildlife & birding trips worldwideCommitted to conservation & responsible tourismExpert local naturalist guides24-hour on-call service for peace of mind100% independent100% financial protection

Festival of WildlifeSpitsbergenJoin our team of expert naturalists, photographers and expedition crew in May 2020 on a specially chartered cruise to Spitsbergen, timed to maximise our chances of seeing polar bears on the pack-ice.

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