Antarctica Through the Camera Lens

TOP CHOICE FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS! With a special photographer Guest: NATE LUEBBE


Antarctic Peninsula

Duration: 11 days
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage


Included
Optional


NATE LUEBBE
Photographer
Utah-based Nate Luebbe is a self-taught photographer and lifelong explorer of the outdoors, an avid environmentalist, conservationist, and raconteur of experiences. His passion for photography started as a way to catalog all his outdoor experiences and to live in the moment. He describes standing on a summit watching the sun fade beyond the horizon, and the stars slowly emerge from the inky blackness as an event that consumes one on a level that’s nearly indescribable. Taking those feelings and attempting to freeze them into a single still frame is an incredible challenge, something that truly motivates him to get out and experience the world. As an ambassador for the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective, Nate pushes the limits of Sony cameras and lenses to create dynamic and inspiring photographs and videos that reveal the spirit of adventure. Nate has photographed grizzlies in Alaska and Yellowstone Park, northern lights in Norway, and polar bears on the Hudson Bay coast. His portfolio also includes a stunning array of landscape and wilderness photos from around the world.

Itinerary

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Day 1 | Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by the staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Day2 | Welcome Aboard!
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff.

This is not just any cruise, but a photo cruise, designed specifically for amateur photographers of all skill levels. It will be a cool and unforgettable journey. You will have the opportunity to photograph some of the most pristine and remote wilderness areas in the world, and to develop your photography skills in the company of like-minded fellow travelers.

Day 3-4 | Across the Drake Passage
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, you turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. Humpback and fin whales are watched along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. You also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. It is hoped to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of your second day at sea.

This cruise was designed for amateur photographers of all skill levels, so use this chance to make new friends, exchange your photo experience and attend our photography master classes. Discussing ISO and exposure is always better in our cozy bar, restaurant, or lounge.

Day 5-8 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
During the next four days, you explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be your first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. You will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. It is hoped to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

Throughout the islands and on the mainland, you find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. At this time, penguin pairs are taking turns incubating their eggs. This is a good time to observe the importance of pebbles in penguin culture, as prized nesting material to be stolen from rivals and given to mates. Also at this time, a high concentration of sea ice provides opportunities for seals and penguins to congregate on ice floes, a situation that attracts killer whales. Minke whales have started to arrive and leopard seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies. Photographers will appreciate the pristine appearance of undisturbed snow across the landscape in this early summer month.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. The knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. The precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. The experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With nearly 20 hours of daylight per day, every opportunity are seized to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, a photo cruise to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take great shots and to capture images that will be treasured for years to come.

Day 9-10 | Back across the Drake Passage
It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are your constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as you enter the calm Beagle Channel, you enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Day 11 | Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell is bidded to youin Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by the staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Day2 | Welcome Aboard!
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff.

This is not just any cruise, but a photo cruise, designed specifically for amateur photographers of all skill levels. It will be a cool and unforgettable journey. You will have the opportunity to photograph some of the most pristine and remote wilderness areas in the world, and to develop your photography skills in the company of like-minded fellow travelers.

Day 3-4 | Across the Drake Passage
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, you turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. Humpback and fin whales are watched along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. You also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. It is hoped to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of your second day at sea.

This cruise was designed for amateur photographers of all skill levels, so use this chance to make new friends, exchange your photo experience and attend our photography master classes. Discussing ISO and exposure is always better in our cozy bar, restaurant, or lounge.

Day 5-8 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
During the next four days, you explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be your first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. You will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. It is hoped to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

Throughout the islands and on the mainland, you find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. At this time, penguin pairs are taking turns incubating their eggs. This is a good time to observe the importance of pebbles in penguin culture, as prized nesting material to be stolen from rivals and given to mates. Also at this time, a high concentration of sea ice provides opportunities for seals and penguins to congregate on ice floes, a situation that attracts killer whales. Minke whales have started to arrive and leopard seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies. Photographers will appreciate the pristine appearance of undisturbed snow across the landscape in this early summer month.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. The knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. The precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. The experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With nearly 20 hours of daylight per day, every opportunity are seized to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, a photo cruise to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take great shots and to capture images that will be treasured for years to come.

Day 9-10 | Back across the Drake Passage
It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are your constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as you enter the calm Beagle Channel, you enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Day 11 | Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell is bidded to youin Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!


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INCLUSIONS

• 1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Hotel
• Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation
• Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2
• Shipboard accommodation
• All meals on board throughout the voyage
• Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily
• All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team
• Branded expeditions parka
• Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
• Welcome and Farewell cocktails
• All port fees
• Group transfer to airport or central location right after disembarkation
• Pre-departure materials
• Digital Voyage Log
• Wi-Fi on board

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare
• Transfers from the airport to the hotel if arriving prior to Day 1 of the program
• Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
• Luggage and trip cancellation insurance
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations
• Personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls
• Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings
• Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person
• Staff gratuities
• Kayaking, camping
• The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or the expedition company before, during or after the cruise;
• Pre- or post-cruise travel expenses


* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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