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Antarctic Explorer

Tripcode: PSX

Countries visited: Antarctica, Argentina

Adult Group Holidays Leisurely Polar Expedition Special Interest Wildlife Wilderness
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Our Clients’ Reviews


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Average Review Rating: 4.8 from 19 reviews.

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  • ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    The whole trip was exceptionally well organised and was up there with my most inspriational trip ever (and I have done a fair bit of travelling!!))  Antarctica is definately a place you should experience a once in a lifetime experience. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    This is a hard one to answer as the whole trip was awsome, the most amazing moment was a close encounter (close enough to touch!) with a humpback whale.  We were in two zociacs and the humpback came and played with the boats for over half an hour it brought tears to your eyes that such a huge creature could be so interactive and gentle with boats that it outsized by many times.  Close up and personal.

    Penguins galore while you can stay the recommended 5 meters away from them dont be surprised that they dont pay the same attention to the rules!!!  If I am to use an analogy in the future for teams it will be to have the determination of a penguin getting to their nesting sites sometimes at the top of mountains.  Sheer resilliance and determination. 

    It was inspirational to see the working and historical scientific/research sites that our guides could inform us of the great work that had been done to inform our future. 

    What did you think of your group leader?
    Group leader from exodus was very inmative and our leader and the ships tour leaders got as much out of the trip that was possible for the whole group.  Made sure we had the information we needed and were always on hand to give answers to quesitons and ensure our trip was safe and most importantly enjoyable.  As a photographer the opportunities were massive.
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Yes go for it ensure you look at the guidelines on what to bring and what is available on ship, I took most of my camera kit and used it all there are sooo many opportunities for great photographs.  Remember to take the time to sit back be quiet and take in the sounds views and experiences of Antarctica put the camera down and experience the place.  Take lots of memory cards and a back up to ensure you have enough space for the images you will get.

     Plenty of layers and a spare pair of socks.

    If you get the chance tag an extra day on at Beunos Aires a great experience and if its summer there v. hot remember to take an outfit that will work in this temperature. 

    Is there anything else you would like to add?
    Dont hesitate to go for it, I had a wonderous time with fabulous like minded people and learnt so much from the guides and fellow travellers.
     
  • ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    Our trip to the Antarctic Peninsula was simply 'mind-blowing' 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Any description of Antarctica is always full of 'expletives'. Quite honestly where do you start? Its awesome, pristine, 'bigger' than you can imagine. The glaciers and the thickness of the snow cover was simply mind boggling. Listening to the occasional 'calving' glacier making a noise like 'gun fire' sometimes startled you as often it happened some distance away without you actually seeing the event itself. The clearness and crispness of the air was an absolute tonic. The penguin colonies ('rookeries') were simply amazing. You read about how close you can get to the wildlife there but it was quite suprising actually how close you could get to them. They were seemingly oblivious to the presence of man and therefore we were able to study their natural behaviour. It was a very humbling experience indeed and you felt 'at one' with nature, a part of the whole. Someone said to me back home before we left 'Why go there won't a photograph of a particular animal or bird have the same effect? Well you just have to visit a penguin rookery or a seal haul-out to experience the unforgettable sights sounds and oh yes -'odour' like no other and the adventure of course of actually making landfall on the most remote and pristine continent on Earth. You don't get that experience from photographs! It is such an exciting feeling when you actually set foot on the continent itself.

    Describing a specific inspirational moment is impossible as you have to think about the whole picture. The landscape, the glaciers, the wildlife, the silence, the light, the people. There is no experience quite like it on our planet. It was one 'big adventure' from start to finish!

    What did you think of your group leader?
    All the 'One Ocean' guides were good. They were knowlegable, skillful, caring and considerate at all times. The expedition team leader was Chad who was exceptional I have to add. His cool, calm quiet leadership made such a difference to the trip I'm sure. We all felt very safe in his capable hands. We have nothing but praise too for the ship's Captain and crew. They worked efficiently, quietly and discreetly in the background.
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Most trips to the Antarctic Peninsula start at Ushuaia in Southern Patagonia. They call it 'The end of the World' but don't be put off by that rather deceiving descriptive! Its a city with a population of 70,000 to 80,000 people so its quite substantial. It is very much a 'frontier' town much like Jenneau in Alaska if you have been there. It is quite vibrant and I would suggest spending a few days there before (or even after) your cruise to explore the area such as taking a boat trip into the Beagle Channel or a trip to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park. Maybe the best way to do this might be to hire a car but our trips were organised. What clothing to take with you will probably take up much of your time in planning beforehand! But make sure you take enough base layers with you and warm and 'waterproof' gloves. The expedition ship we went on namely the 'Akademic Ioffe' provided waterproofs and gum boots which you keep for the duration of the voyage and 'wash down' after each shore visit. Do wear good footwear on deck ie- 'hiking boots' as it can get slippy and you don't want to be breaking any limbs when you are out there! Its even more important to wear good footwear if you hit foul weather in the Drake Passage and a unexpected wave can cause a sudden jolt which may cause you to lose your balance. The golden rule then of course is 'keep one hand for the ship'! We took warm quilted coats with us which were not waterproof. They are fine but bulky to pack. If you have taken sufficient base layers with you then the kit the ship supplies may be sufficient for you. We went in January and it wasn't incredibly cold out there in fact it was colder in the UK when we got back! Don't forget the 'sun block' and UV protection sunglasses. Make sure you take 'plenty' of memory cards for your cameras!

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    You may have thought about a trip to Antarctica for a long time. Of course its expensive getting there and there is no getting away from that but a voyage to this pristine white continent can be simply life changing. Savour every moment. A trip to Antarctica will give you a better understanding of the fragile planet upon which we all live.

    Remember it when you return home and be an ambassador for this remote and fascinating continent.

     
  • ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    This was the most amazing trip. From the first moment we got on the ship to the moment we left we were by turns pampered, well fed and treated to an array of various difference experiences on an untouched continent. I can highly recommend this and with the level of quality of all aspects of this trip I would expect anyone from anywhere to enjoy it. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
    I could choose some of the amazing trips or juddery but visually astonishing zodiac tours but I won't. It may seem simple but the best moments for me were when I was on top of the ship looking out at the serene untouched enviroment. i was wrapped up warm but the cold wind on my face and the silence was amazing. Usually we are surrounded by the noise of people and traffic but when you are the only one looking out and there is no-one in sight and just the peace of solitude all around it is simply breathtaking.
    What did you think of your group leader?
    Our leader was an Aussie called Woody who was always around wearing his shorts, whatever the weather. The group leader was very experienced and ran a well organised and ordered team of professionals. He kept the slight distance I would expect from a leader but was at the same time highly approachable and willing to help if anyone needed anything at all. This chap knows what he is doing!
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
    Go, it is stunning. Make sure you take warm clothes though, and underlayers are always good as well.
    Is there anything else you would like to add?
    Thankyou Exodus. I visited my final continent in style and will always remember my trip.
     
  • ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

    Very goodVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

    Written

    Wonderful trip.  Well worth the effort despite some stressful moments in the beginning.  Antarctica is a very special place.  Cannot be compared to any other travel experience.  So glad I went.   Would have given 5 stars but for my experiences prior to and at the beginning of the trip. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
    The Penguins.  Waking up after a night in the snow to see a Penguin looking at me.  Seeing a Whales head surface near our Zodiac.  The sheer pristine beauty of the place.  The "blue icebergs" and the stillness.  Nature at its purest and most unspoilt.  The wonderful staff.  The professional photographers and the interesting lectures.  The memory stick of the trip, including photos was a great momento.  
    What did you think of your group leader?
    Kim Christie.  I did not know she was on the trip until a few days into the trip despite exchanging emails prior to the trip. Could have done with her help in Ushuaia (see "Anything you want to add"). 
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Wish I'd taken a hat with ear flaps and an inbetween coat.  Sometimes my triple goose down parka was a bit too warm (it can get quite warm in the sun when worn together with the waterproof outer gear) and my thin jacket (for the BA sun) was not warm enough for Ushuaia.  The thin inner finger gloves are very useful when taking photos.  Thermals are a must.  Layers of thin polo necks best.  Tee shirt OK in ship but need warm coat for deck.  No special shoes/boots required.  Rent wellington boots, waterproof jacket and trousers on ship.  Travel light. Take lots of film and extra batteries.

    Worst airport (BA to Ushuaia) experience I've ever had (and I've done a lot of travelling).  Long queues.  Very few of the staff speak English.  Chaos.  So nearly missed flight.  Met quite a few other people who had a similar experience.  Get to the airport early.  Coming back was better.  Nice little airport at Ushuaia.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?
    Did not get my final travel documents until a week before my departure date.  I had to call and ask where they were.  Even then, they were not complete.  There was no separate document re "Ushuaia joining instructions".  I sent an email and got an apology and some instructions  Also, why was I not booked in at the Hotel Albatross (the meeting point for departure to the ship) as Kim and her companion were?  I have no complaints about Hotel Las Lengas. They were very helpful but it is a good 10-15 minutes walk to the Albatross Hotel.  Also, I was told by Kim that I could leave my bags at the Albatross Hotel until our departure to the ship in late afternoon.  Check out at the Hotel Las Lengas was 1000.   When I got to the Albatross Hotel (around 1030) they would not let me store my luggage there.  They said they only stored luggage for people staying at the hotel.  They said they had had this problem before and had informed the various companies before.  They gave me the name of a place in the town where I could leave my luggage.     I could not find it and ended up leaving my luggage at the Tourist Office (who were very helpful).  One more thing - I was booked into a triple cabin but there were other single people on the ship who did not book a single cabin but ended up in a cabin on their own.  Kim was aware of this and said she would look into it.   
     
  • ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

    Very goodVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

    Written

    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.
     
  • ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    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.
     
  • ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    An excellent and informative introduction to Antarctica. You could not wish for a better trip. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
    The Icebergs, stunning beauty and serenity
    What did you think of your group leader?
    Very well informed, and a good attention to bio-security
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
    Read the pre-trip advice carefully, bring sufficient drink to avoid steep on board prices.
    Is there anything else you would like to add?
    Be prepared to make new life-long friends
     
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