16-26 March, 2014
This is a unique opportunity to spend 10-days in the Antarctic Peninsula studying humpback, Minke and killer whales.
March in the Antarctic Peninsula is a critical time for whales as they build their energy stores for the long migration to tropical breeding grounds or to maintain energy in order to survive in ice-choked waters, so it’s anticipated that we’ll see whales in abundance, particularly humpbacks.
Guests on this special departure will learn how to document whale numbers, help to conduct photo surveys, determine movement patterns of marine mammals and identify individual animals. They will also be able to locate and document the behaviour of whales previously fitted with satellite tracking devices.
Our special guest on board is Dr Ari Friedlaender, a Research Scientist at Duke University, who has been to the Antarctic nearly 20 times on scientific voyages. His current project is to track the long-term movement patterns of humpback whales around the Antarctic Peninsula to understand how climate change and global warming are affecting whales and other krill predators.
There is growing evidence that some humpbacks remain in ice-free areas for longer periods due to warming climates and this expedition aims to determine how the numbers change throughout the course of the Antarctic summer.
Take a look at this video filmed by one of our expedition team on the marine mammals voyage in March of this year ... wow!
Prices start from US$6290pp based on triple share, while twin accommodation begins at US$8590pp.
Suites range from US$10,090pp to US$11,190pp.
The Ship
Accommodation for this voyage is on board the impressive ice-strengthened ship, Akademik Sergey Vavilov, which has been designed for polar research and has the comfort and safety of passengers as its first priority. Features include a massage room, sauna, salt water plunge pool, plus top deck observation lounge, dining room, library and theatre style presentation room.
