Tag Archives: travel to Antarctica

Natural Habitat Adventures Introduces Charter Flights, Making Antarctica Sailing Expedition More Accessible

NatHab-Antarctica

BOULDER, CO– Natural Habitat Adventures, a leading nature travel company, has just introduced a new opportunity for guests to fly to and from the White Continent on its Antarctica Sailing Expedition—The Ultimate Polar Nature Adventure (http://www.nathab.com/expeditions/arctic-antarctica/antarctica-expedition/) on chartered flights, included in the program price.

“Choosing to fly both ways by chartered plane allows guests to save time,” said Ben Bressler, founder and president of Nat Hab. The option bypasses the voyage across Drake Passage, a journey that typically takes three days in seas that are notorious for frequent gales.

The new “fly both ways” itinerary will debut with the Dec. 12, 2016, departure from Punta Arenas, Chile. Two additional round-trip flight itineraries have been added for 2017. The 12- to 17-day adventure (depending on itinerary chosen) also offers departures that fly one way across Drake Passage and sail the reverse. Guests aboard all departures will explore the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the 75-foot polar expedition sailboat Australis.

Flights land at King George Island in the South Shetland group where guests will board the ice-strengthened sailing vessel to begin an exclusive polar nature adventure. Each departure accommodates just seven guests on this unique-to-Nat Hab vessel that offers a taste of how legendary expeditioners encountered Antarctica. The per-person rate is from $22,995. In addition to the expedition cruise and flight, pre- and post-voyage hotel accommodations are also included.

NatHab-Antarctica shipS/V Australis is a modern sailboat that’s a seasoned veteran of polar waters, with state-of-the-art navigation and safety equipment. A crow’s nest with ladder access offers 360-views and fantastic wildlife viewing. Guests are hosted by Nat Hab’s naturalist Expedition Leader and crew members, who provide hearty and tasty meals throughout the journey.

The nimble dimensions of the 75-foot Australis allow exploration of remote coves, narrow passages and isolated beaches that larger ships can’t access. And in contrast to the typical ship-based Antarctica voyages that generally spend four to seven days making shore excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula, this itinerary calls for eight to 12 shore adventures (depending on weather and sea conditions), several of which are exclusive to this vessel.

While some ships offer a single night’s camping on the ice at an additional cost, Nat Hab holds special permits from the National Science Foundation that allow its guests to spend up to six nights camping ashore (weather permitting, included in the voyage price) in remote locations frequented only by penguins and seals, rather than ship-based crowds. Guests also enjoy intimate kayak outings and extended hikes to view whales, seals, penguins, a multitude of seabirds and astounding icebergs at close range. The company employs the best and most up-to-date equipment available, including top-quality safety and survival gear, tents, kayaks and camping equipment.

NatHab-Antarctica3The skipper of the S/V Australis, Ben Wallis, has an impressive maritime resume. On or around boats since before he could walk, he sailed at age 16 in the prestigious Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, sparking his interest in Southern Ocean sailing. In 1997 at age 18, he began crewing on yachts in Antarctica alongside his father, a seasoned skipper in polar waters. He worked his way up to skippering the S/V Australis, operating in both Arctic and Antarctic polar regions for approximately eight months each year. He holds multiple certifications for offshore safety and sea survival training and guides a crew that is also exceedingly experienced in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters.

For more information see http://www.nathab.com/expeditions/arctic-antarctica/antarctica-expedition/

For information on all of Nat Hab’s trips, descriptive itineraries, date availability and reservations, call 800.543.8917 or visit www.nathab.com. Click HERE to order a copy of the 2016 catalog.

Natural Habitat Adventures is a world leader in responsible adventure travel and nature-based ecotourism. Since its founding in 1985, the company has offered eco-conscious expeditions and wildlife-focused small-group tours to the planet’s most remarkable nature destinations. Inspired and created from years of scouring the planet for the singular and extraordinary, Nat Hab’s itineraries are artfully crafted experiences that are far from “typical.” Trips are guided by professional naturalist Expedition Leaders, and Nat Hab enjoys a longstanding reputation for hiring some of the world’s best guides. Conservation is at the forefront of everything NHA does, and its philosophy is simple: tourism must work with and benefit local communities, which will in turn find value in protecting natural resources and wildlife. NHA is proud to be the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, sharing a mutual commitment to travel as a means of helping to protect the world’s wondrous natural places.

 

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Lindblad Expeditions Searching for Memorabilia to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

In 1966 Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first ever citizen-explorer expedition to Antarctica – at the time it was almost as extraordinary as a lunar launch would be today. It also marked the creation of the category of expedition travel.  He opened up the remote regions of the world and countless opportunities for so many, helping them to experience and think of the world differently.

Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered travel to the Galapagos Islands, as well as measures to protect the fragile ecosystem from being overrun by tourists.
Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered travel to the Galapagos Islands, as well as measures to protect the fragile ecosystem from being overrun by tourists.

In 2016 Lindblad Expeditions will honor Lars-Eric’s vision and his courage in myriad ways as they mark the 50th Anniversary of these two major milestones. Their efforts begin with a search for memorabilia from Lindblad voyages in the 60s or 70s – from the legendary first expedition to Antarctica in 1966 to other remote parts of the world.  The search is on for:

  •  Expedition photos – ideally with Lars-Eric Lindblad and/or his expedition team – but all are welcome;
  •  Vintage ship photos or photos aboard the ship;
  •  Original voyage documents including vintage luggage tags, patches, pins or other collectibles: parka, tee, etc. plus any short Lars-Eric stories/anecdotes;
  •  Postcards or letters from someone on a voyage.

The collection of memorabilia will be used in a multitude of ways, including being featured (with credits) in the updated version of Lars-Eris Lindblad’s autobiography, Passage to Anywhere that will chart the history of expedition travel from 1966 to now.

To share your materials, send negatives and/or collectibles via tracked mail (please insure any items of value to you) to: Lindblad Expeditions, c/o Elissa Marton, 96 Morton Street, 9th Floor, NY, NY 10014.  Small digital files should be emailed to [email protected]; and large digital files can be uploaded to http://anniversary.expeditions.com. ; Items will be photographed and returned via tracked mail.

For more information about Lindblad Expeditions visit http://www.expeditions.com/ or call 1-800-EXPEDITION.

 

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