Antarctic Explorer

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Dave Coustick

  ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

  

  Written February 2012

  A wonderful experience - both wildlife and scenery - significantly helped by the efficient and knowledgable staff. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing penguins really close up - they came even closer to us than I thought possible; at times pecking (gently) at us.

   Also sailing through the Lemaire Channel in sea ice and sunshine - a great job by the Vavilov's captain. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Fantastic. "Woody" was so enthusiastic and able to modify the itinerary seamlessly when required due to weather etc. This gave us the opportunity to go through the Lemaire Channel and its sea ice in a zodiac - a great experience.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Bring plenty of memory cards, and sit down and be patient with the penguins and they'll come closer.

   
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  Enid Astley

  ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

  

  Written February 2012

  What can I say?! The most amazing trip, far exceeding the expectations that I had held for a lifetime! Each experience seemed to surpass the last , and I hold the memory in my head each day since returning home. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Zodiac cruising on a sublime cloudless day, encircling aquamarine icebergs, quietly observing a leopard seal casually lounging on an icefloe. The intense colours, the stark white of the ice and snow contrasting with the deepest blue ocean. The sound of penguin chatter and raucous calls,  the soft patter of penguin feet while I sat very still on the beach, listening, absorbing and watching the astonishingly beautiful scene before me. Humpback whales breaching and the whoosh of the sea as they played out the spectacle. Hourglass dolphins accompanying the ship as we approached Cape Horn. Listening to the group leader, Shane, reading a short poem about the wandering albatross and lost sailors  as we approached land at Tierra del Fuego.. Sitting with like minded people, conversing about our adventure. The feel of the ship under my feet as I stood at the bow, looking, watching and looking...

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Brilliant! Shane was professional, informative, kindly and always concerned for our safety, well being and enjoyment!! Cannot speak too highly of him. Inspirational.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Read up on Antarctica before you go, it will enhance your awareness of what to look for. Take more memory cards than you think you'll need. Sea sickness pills are provided and are effective( although we were very lucky - no Drake shake!). Take your time when on shore, stay still and the penguins will come to you. Take time to look, look and look... there is nowhere else on earth like this....you wont see anywhere like it and it deserves to be experienced fully. The ship is warm, you dont need outdoor gear inside! High factor suncream and moisturiser is necessary- the weather can be snowy, dry , windy, cold, sunny - protect your skin. Forget about your phone- no signal after the Beagle Channel. Its good to be able to email but dont get hung up on it- you can do that at home. And perhaps when taking photos- just put your camera aside sometimes and look around you...

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The yellow jackets from Quark are pretty much indestructible! Marvellous item of clothing, plus the interactive fleece is great! I cannot recommend Quark and Exodus highly enough. Every aspect of the trip was planned and executed without a hitch- the only thing that prevents you doing anything is the weather- control is an illusion..! Take every opportunity to absorb each minute of the trip- it is unique and totally unforgettable. Do not wait to go.

   
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  Bruce Cripps

  ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

  

  Written January 2012

  Exodus and Quark had the perfect recipe for the adventure of a lifetime. Helpful and efficient pre-trip planning. The Vavilov, a great vessel for the expedition that was immaculate and had a very accommodating crew. An outstanding knowledgeable and friendly Expedition Team with an inspirational leader who always wanted to go the extra mile to make it happen. A very varied, educational, exciting and memorable itinerary - with an abundance of spectacular scenery and exceptional wildlife sightings. The informality onboard and the friendliness of the 97 passengers who represented 17 different countries was so enjoyable. Beat that! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Back onboard after our trip ashore at Petermann Island, when a vast pod of Killer Whales surfaced and were coming straight for the ship. The action was absolutely enthralling. The pod eventually went under the vessel, resurfaced on the portside, then headed straight for Chris who was returning to ship in his Zodiac with the Kayaks. Camcorder footage to die for ! 

  During our Zodiac cruise around Neko Harbour we were lucky enough to see a group of six penguins sequentially dive from a snow covered hill into the water below. Their expressions and movements were hilarious.

  The scenery and tranquility of the sail from Ardvord bay to Danco Island was breathtaking, and the views from the hills above Paradise Harbour and Neko Harbour were memorable.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  To say that "Woody" made this trip is not an exaggeration, and I know 96 passengers who were of the same opinion.

  His leadership skills were awesome. In addition to always being pleasant, friendly and helpful, his boundless enthusiasm, energy and humour were truly infectious.

  The smooth running of the expedition did not happen by accident. It was the result of a great deal of hard work, planning and improvisation with great attaention to detail.

  "Woody" and his team made it all happen and it was a privilege to have him as our leader.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are considering making a trip to Antarctica, do not hesitate. Do it, you will not be disapointed. Quite a lot of money, but worth every penny, and more. . .

  Based on our experience we would not hesitate in recommending Exodus Travel and we hope to work with them again.

  We are in our 60s and have been lucky enough to enjoy some pretty special experiences including the Wildebeest crossing in the Masai Mara, Sperm Whales and Dolphins in New Zealand, and Grizzlies gorging at the end of the Salmon Run in Northern British Columbia, but for us, Antarctica is number one so far. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Where next ?

   
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  Robert Payne

  ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

  

  Written December 2011

  my first thoughts goto kim christie, for rescueing my holiday when it looked doomed as the vessel went tech, she acted quickly and efficiently with getting me on another trip, sometimes it is not just the dream of making it on the greatest adventure in the world, but the great people behind the scenes who make it possible. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I Think if it was the beautiful pristine landscape that took my breath away!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Chad was my group leader on one ocean, and he worked tirelessly to make everyone happy, even when he looked exhausted himself still kept on cracking the jokes and smiling

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure your have a quality  camera with fast shutter speed to catch all the wildlife action

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  only about 13000 people a year get this opportunity, and if there is one holiday you remember in your rocking chair days, it WILL be this ONE !!!!

   
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  Mark Mills

  ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

  

  Written December 2011

  Having dreamt of visiting Antarctica since i was a child, a recent life-changing event inspired me to take the plunge. I wish i had taken that plunge years ago, it was stunning. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  For me, the most awe-inspiring moment was when the captain of the ship announced land ahoy, my first sight of Antarctica made my heart race. I've been fortunate to visit many parts of the world in my flying career but the seventh continent feels like a trip to another planet.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was Doctor Lynn Woodworth, she is an authority on polar marine life and conservation, possesses a warm and welcoming nature, has a positive outlook on life and has the rare skill of making people feel special. Her team adore her and I strongly recommend her as your group leader.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  My only suggestion would be to pack lightly, our ship, the Vavilov, was extremely comfortable and warm with an excellent crew and delicious, copious food. My expectation was of living in a harsh environment so i took far too many layers of clothing. We were issued a technical jacket with zipped-in fleece which was ideal protection against the elements for our shore landings, the boots that were loaned to us were so comfortable and warm that i have now bought my own.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  There was a special atmosphere onboard the Vavilov, partly down to the adventure that we were embarking on and partly because it was a first 'cruise' for many onboard; in my opinion the atmosphere was created mainly by the team of marine biologists, geologists, historians, ornithologists and other scientists. It was an education in all things Antarctic; the knowledge, enthusiasm and welcoming spirit of this group of professionals made the experience unique.

  I heartily recommend that you wait no longer to discover the greatest wilderness.

   
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  Louisa Richardson

  ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

  

  Written February 2011

  Having drooled over numerous glorious pictures of Antarctica, I had long dreamed of experiencing it for myself. Antarctica over-delivered on my extremely high expectations with mind-blowing scenery, plentiful wildlife and ever-changing weather. Travelling on the Sea Spirit was an absolute pleasure; the on board staff were brilliant without exception and did everything they could to make sure we were comfortable and entertained. I can now only sit back in wonder at my own photographs knowing that I am now a participant and no longer merely a distant spectator. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were so many moments. The friendly gentoo penguin chicks who pecked at our legs and anything else they could reach on Aitcho Island. The breaching humpback whales who chose to somersault in front of a huge glacier not far from the ship. The enourmous tabular icebergs which floated serenely past the ship. The stunning view from the top of the hill above Neko Harbour and the thrilling toboggan back down to the bottom. Our evening Zodiac cruise around the icebergs dotted with several species of seal. The slideshow at the end; it was amazing to look back at all the things we had seen and done in such a short space of time.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Cheli could not have done more to ensure that our Polar expedition ran smoothly. She enthused, organised and entertained in equal measure and used her Kiwi sense of humour liberally. She is obviously a very competent leader and it was a pleasure to get to know her.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are into photography, a polarising filter is a good idea. Don't bother taking walking boots - you won't use them. The wellington boots supplied are all you need on shore and are easier to clean than walking boots (compulsory to avoid bio-contamination between sites). The Sea Spirit is a posh ship but there is absolutely no need to dress up on board; the trip is still first and foremost a polar expedition. You may like to take something a bit smarter to wear at the captain's dinner but this isn't compulsory. Make sure you bring waterproof trousers; these are compulsory if you want to go ashore. Vegetarians are well catered for on board. Binoculars are supplied in the cabins but it is probably best to bring your own as they are not top quality.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you are in any way interested in wildlife and wilderness, you cannot possibly be disappointed by Antarctica. Do the longest trip you can manage; you will not want to come home!

   
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  Karen Eastwood

  ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

  

  Written January 2011

  An absolutely amazing trip that surpassed all expectations. The cabin was bigger than expected, the food great, the wildlife plentiful and close, the crew were friendly, organisation was superb and there was so much to do I didn't even get to read my book! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  My Highlights were a 2hr Zodiac cruise amongst the ice seeing some most amazing formations.

  The polar plunge .. where I jumped off the gangway into the Antarctic waters and was pulled back in again by Sergi the Russian sailor.

  Landing on my Seventh continent on Christmas Day and then celebrating later with a barbecue on the back deck.

  Watching the Humpback whales from the ship with the Captain making awesome maneuvers to make sure we got the best shots.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader and her team were incredible. They were all very knowledgeable and passionate about their jobs. They created a very relaxed atmosphere on the ship and nothing seemed too much trouble.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do it!  Book early if you want to do any of the extra activities. I regret not picking a longer trip that went to South Georgia. I had an extra week in Patagonia walking and visiting the Purto Moreno Glacier which was awesome.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I did have a problem with kayaking. Staff on board were suppotive but ultimately there was nothing they could do. I contacted Exodus on my return and was happy with the way they responded and the high level of customer service they demonstrated. I consequently would have no qualms travelling with them again or recommending them to others.

  The jackets we were given were excellent and did their job well. At the end we were given a dvd with a slideshow of the trip, all the timetables, menu's etc plus folders of other peoples photos. A great idea as it means I have some amazing photos of my trip that my little camera couldn't have taken. I also liked the idea of a cashless boat and the fact that the tip was divided up equally amongst all staff.

   

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