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Wildlife Photography Trip
(with Scuba Diving Option)

“...Is it fair to assume that most people are fascinated by Antarctica, the ice continent? Are you fascinated?

The Antarctica trip had always intrigued me. In fact, I was consumed with the dream of going to Antarctica for many years. In 1976, I decided to make the dream a reality and joined three friends as we set sail on a 72-foot Catch delivering this vessel from Australia to Argentina. However, a three-week gale storm with 100 mph winds, 50-foot towering waves and temperatures below zero foiled our attempt to visit this alluring and prized destination.

We didn't reach our destination as we were more concerned with survival and delivering the vessel. This experience, still so vividly ingrained in my memory, fueled my desire to visit Antarctica. Through the years I became consumed by the dream till.... on January 14, 2002 I will attempt the trip again! This time, better prepared, I will be on board an ice strengthened vessel which is fully equipped for diving and of course, with a few cameras at hand..."
- Amos Nachoum

Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands are some of the truly unspoiled regions of the world. The mysterious White Continent, with its multi-colored icecaps, glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountains, offers unparalleled scenery and photographic opportunities. A large population of penguins, whales, seals and seabirds congregate in the food-rich waters along the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic shores.

See the story “Frozen Under” in the National Geographic December, 2001 issue - a very good story and images about Antarctica and diving under the ice, by Roff Smith with photography by Maria Stenzel.

For our scuba diving trip to Antarctica, our 210 foot, specially designed expedition vessel, “Grigoriy Mikheev,” is built of steel with an ice-strengthened hull, an anti-roll system and is powered by twin 1700 horsepower engines - perfect for polar seas explorations.

Oceanwide Expedition from the Netherlands pioneered sport diving in Antarctica five years ago under the leadership of a very good friend on mine, Goran Ehlme from Sweden. Goran and I know each other from our mutual work in the past ten years in Norway filming and photographing Killer Whale behavior.

The Antarctica scuba diving trip takes full advantage of the 24 hours of daylight during the austral summer and the presence of most birds on the ice shore and marine mammals by the coastline.

Our trip starts at Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. From there, we sail along the Beagle Channel and south across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands. Here we visit Penguin Island on the southern shore of King George Island, before going on to Hannah Point, with its Elephant Seal colony and many different species of Penguins. Deception Island has a volcanic crater entered from the sea through the narrow passage known as Neptune’s Bellows. At paradise Bay, we set foot on the Antarctic Continent. We then sail through the narrow and spectacular Lamaire Channel. Mountains and glaciers surround the channel, which is frequently visited by several species of whales, Minke, Humpback and possibly the enormous Blue whale as they journeying up and down the sheltered Antarctic Peninsula waterway.

Sailing south to the Penguin rookeries at Pleneau, and on to visit Petermann Island, the most southerly site for Gentoo Penguins, we have good chance here of seeing Minke Whales, Leopard Seals and Weddell Seals. South, beyond the Polar Circle, we sail into the beautiful Crystal Sound, full of glaciers flowing between the high mountains.

Then we turn north to visit Wiencke Island, with its sheltered anchorage at port Lockroy, the site of a secret British wartime base. Beautiful Weddell Seals abound and whale bones on shore testify to whaling times now past. Next, we sail through Neumayer Channel, to the Melchior Islands and on through the Gerlache Strait to Trinity Island. Finally, we re-cross the Drake Passage to Ushuaia and return safely back home.

TRIP ITINERARY & INFORMATION

About the 'Grigoriy Mikheev'

The ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ is a modern and comfortable research vessel of the Hydro-graphic Institute in St. Petersburg. She was built in 1990 in Finland, was designed as an ice-strengthened vessel, and is now under long-term contract by Oceanwide Expeditions. She has been converted in the Netherlands for passenger use and is ideally suited for expedition cruising. The vessel measures 66 meters (210 feet) in length, 12.8 meters (42 feet) in breadth, has a draft of approximately 3.5 meters (12 feet), and a displacement of 2000 tons. Powered by two 1700 horsepower diesel engines, she is capable of speeds of 12.5 knots. She has a range of 70 days of independent operation and is ISM certified.

The vessel is strongly built of steel with an ice-strengthened hull, perfect for the polar seas. An enthusiastic Russian crew of around 20, all highly experienced in ice navigation, operates the ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’. Russian captains are recognized experts in polar navigation.

• The ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ provides accommodation for 46 travelers in comfortable twin and superior cabins. All cabins are outside, with a desk, windows and ample storage space
• Six twin cabins without bath have upper and lower berths and washbasins. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located on Deck 3
• Fourteen cabins with private facilities are located on Decks 3 and 4 and have upper and lower berths
• Three superior cabins with private facilities located on Deck 4 have a double sofa bed and a separate single bed

The ‘Grigoriy Mikheev’ has a large bridge (where you are almost always welcome) and good open deck-viewing areas. She carries a full complement of Zodiac craft, excellent for landings and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. Excellent cuisine prepared by international chefs is served in the dining room, which also acts as the lecture room. Other public areas include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary and sauna. 

Cost Details:

Cabin Type	Twin Non-Private	Twin Private	Superior
Non Divers	$4,990 (US)	$5,690 (US)	$6,650 (US)
Divers (Including $950 supplement)	$5,940 (US)	$6.640 (US)	$7,800 (US)

• Deposit: Minimum of $2,000 is required to secure your space on board the Antarctica Trip
• All rates are quoted per person in US$, based on twin occupancy.
• Twin non-private and Twin private cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share price
• US$ rates apply for all sales outside the area of the European Union

Tour price includes:

• Voyage aboard the Grigoriy Mikheev
• All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
• All diving services, tanks and weights
• Photography Presentation and Instruction
• Leadership by experienced expedition staff
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• Comprehensive pre-departure material

Not included in Tour Price:

• Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
• Pre and post land arrangements; transfers to/from the vessel
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes
• Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance ( which is strongly recommended)
• Excess baggage charges on all flights
• All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided)
• Additional costs incurred due to independent travel arrangements

Payment Policy & Deposit:
When we receive your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive and detailed Trip Preparation Bulletin about the experience and the destination. All flights and trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until confirmed reservation.

• A non-refundable deposit of $2,000 is required to secure a space on board the Expedition
• Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure.
• We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
• Refund is made if replacement was found less unrecoverable costs of sales, administration special promotion.
• Cancellation must be made in writing, 90 days before departure.
• No refund is made for unused part of the itinerary.

What to Pack for the Land Excursions:

• Waterproof Back-pack for excursions
• Warm (thermal) underwear
• Warm trousers, such as ski pants
• Warm jacket, with good wind insulation , made of materials such as Gore-Tex
• Waterproof clothes (for our zodiac cruises)
• Warm sweaters
• Mittens, gloves, and a warm cap, warm socks
• Very important: warm, waterproof rubber boots. No hiking shoes, because they will always leak on a wet underground, when leaving the zodiacs ashore and when crossing a stream. We do not supply any extra rubber boots onboard. You must bring your own!
• Sun lotion (especially for the Antarctic) and sunglasses.

Electric current:
220 V / 50 Hz. US passengers will need a 220 V / 110 V converter.

Diving:
Plan on 1 to 2 dives per day "weather and ice permitting".

Diving Equipment:
All divers must have at logged at least 20 dry suit dives. You will need the following equipment:

• Dry suit with hood
• Thick and warm underwater garment (2 sets), dry gloves or extra under gloves
• Freeze protected regulator
• 2 separate regulators, because we dive with special bottles with two separate outlets
• Stabilizing jacket, BC
• Depth and pressure gauges, watch or computer
• Knife
• Mask, fins and snorkel
• Weight belt (weights available onboard)

Equipment Onboard:
Onboard we have our own compressor (200 liters) and approx. 30 steel bottles of 12 liters (DIN and Yoke connection) with two separate outlets and weights. We do not have any rentals on board. Please make sure you pack all your dive gear before leaving.

Travel Documents:
US citizens are required to have a valid passport and round-trip air ticket.

Please note that the itinerary in the Antarctic is always "weather and ice permitting.” It is always possible that because of the pack and drift ice, a change in our sailing schedule will result. It's also possible that certain bays or fjords are closed because of ice. In such cases, we will re-route our voyage. Possible alterations that relate to weather and ice conditions can never be a reason for claims, reimbursements or whatsoever. When changing the itinerary, we can assure you that we will do our utmost to provide the best alternate plan.

Information current as of January, 2005. Dates and prices may be subject to change without prior notice.

For Booking and/or further questions, contact Amos:
Phone: (415) 923-9865
Toll free: 866-423-4383
Email:

EXPEDITION PROFILE

Where:
Antarctic Peninsula

Max No. of Guests:
21 Divers and 23 Non-Divers
Duration:
12 nights / 13 days

TRIPS IN 2006:
Date: Feb. 25 - March 8, 2006
Cost for Divers:
$5,940 / $6,640 / $7,800 per person (including $950 diving supplement)
Cost for Non-Divers:
$4,990 / $5,690 / $6,650 per person
Availability: 12 Divers, 10 Non-Divers

Registration:
Deposit of $2,000
Registration Form.

Sample roundtrip airfares to Ushuaia, Argentina:
$1130 from Miami
$1150 from NY
$1180 from LA

Facility:
The 210 foot Grigoriy Mikheev powered by twin 1700 HP Engines.

Activities:
Shore excursions via Zodiac, up to 8 days of diving, 1-2 dives per day as conditions permit.

Temperature:
In Water: 28°F
Air Temps: 10-40° F
Wind Chill Factor:
0°F and colder.

EXPEDITION TRAVEL
Subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.

Ushuaia
Beagle Channel
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Penguin Island
King George Island
Hannah Point
Deception Island
Neptune’s Bellows
Lamaire Channel
Pleneau

Petermann Island
Wiencke Island
Lockroy
Neumayer Channel
Melchior Islands
Gerlache Strait
Trinity Island

WILDLIFE
Whales:
Humpback Whales
Blue Whales
Minke Whales
Orcas

Seals:
Elephant Seals
Leopard Seals
Weddell Seals

Penguins
Adélie
Chinstrap
Gentoo
King
Macaroni
Magellanic
Rockhopper
Giant Albatross

---------------------------

NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary for each voyage will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Day 1
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through the Beagle Channel.

Days 2 & 3
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up-welling zone. In this area we may meet Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black-browed Albatrosses, Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson's Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands we glimpse the first icebergs.

Days 4 - 9
NOTE: A typical itinerary in the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.

At Deception Island, we will try to land at Baily Head with its colony of ten thousands of Chinstrap Penguins. Deception Island is a huge volcano whose crater opens into the sea, creating a natural harbour for the ship. Here we find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, thousands of Cape Pigeons and many Dominican Gulls, Brown and South Polar Skuas and Antarctic Terns. Wilson's Storm Petrels and Black-bellied Storm Petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay.

We will sail to Orne Islands with its large colonies of Chinstrap Penguins and a beautiful view across the Gerlache Strait. Later we continue to Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island. It contains a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. From there we sail through Paradise Bay with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, where there is a chance we will see large whales. We will have opportunities for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords.

We sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. We will also try to land at Pleneau Island home to Elephant Seals. In this area we have a good chance of encountering Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales.

Sailing north through Neumayer Channel and Gerlache Strait we arrive at Charlotte Bay with a very beautiful landscape and, again, possibilities for zodiac cruising among the icebergs, where we may encounter Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and Minke Whales.

Half Moon Island is a beautiful volcanic island with Chinstrap Penguins, Gentoo Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Sheathbills and Brown Skuas. Weddell Seals and Elephant Seals may also be spotted. The crew of the Argentine station is very hospitable. We may also choose to land at Hannah Point, which has a very rich wildlife featuring Elephant Seals, Cape Pigeons, Southern Giant Petrels, Macaroni Penguins and Gentoo Penguins.

Days 10 - 11
In the Drake Passage we have again a chance to see many seabirds.

Day 12
We depart early morning in time to catch the connecting flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. This domestic flight to Buenos Aires is scheduled to arrive in ample time to connect with the international flights to the USA or to Europe.