March is not a very common time to travel to Antarctica. The weather, while unpredictable all year round, tends to get colder and the daylight quickly shortens as the continent starts to plunge into winter. Every season, no matter the destination, has its own draws as well as its downfalls. We were lucky to not only travel in this more quiet travel month, but on a cruise that was the Marine Mammal themed expedition.
As winter was approaching, this often meant the whales of the Antarctic are most visible and active, and boy did they put on a show for us! I’ve never been much of a wildlife or animal lover, aside from my dogs and cats. However, it’s hard not to be fascinated by all of the animals you get to see and more importantly learn with a team of expedition guides and scientists on board that are so patient about the creatures.
A moment I will never forget came over the intercom while crossing the Drake Passage. Killer whales had been spotted off the ship bow. The rush to grab jackets, binoculars and more and race to the outside decks was audible throughout the ship. These orcas put on a show! We spent at least an hour watching pod after pod approach the ship, swim next to us, under the ship and in front of us. The scientists on board argued afterwards if we saw 103 or 105 in total.
Day 2 of our cruise was not even in Antarctica yet, and we received a highlight of the trip. Officially, we saw fur seals, leopard seals, weddell seals, crabeater seals, killer whales, minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, gentoo penguins, adelie penguins and so many more! Even if wildlife isn’t a strong focus of your trip planning, take a look at what each time of year is known for and what sounds the most appealing to you. And if you love whales, aim for that March time frame.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.