Birding the Australian Bight
« All Spirit of Enderby cruise options




| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Heritage Suite | Mini Suite | Superior Plus | Superior | Main deck | Main Deck Triple | |
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
- Included in the cruise fare is a pre-departure hotel night, group dinner as well as breakfast the next day prior to embarkation.
Day 1 Depart port of Albany, Australia
Your adventure begins in charming Albany, Australia where you sail from the Princess Royal Harbour. You are invited to join the expedition crew on the bridge as your crew sets your course through King George Sound.
Days 2-7 At Sea
With the whole week on the ocean you have time to see everything. The potential seabird list for this week is staggering: 46 species of tubenoses occur in these waters, including 14 species of albatross. Not all of these species are here at this time of year but you will see a large portion of them. Some of the more common ones are likely to include Indian Yellow-nosed, Buller’s, and Shy Albatross; Great-winged and White-chinned Petrel; Fairy Prion; Sooty, Short-tailed and Little Shearwater; White-faced Storm-petrel and Common Diving-petrel. But the focus will be on finding the more unusual species, and many exciting discoveries are possible. In the waters off southeast Australia and Tasmania, birds to look out for are Southern Royal, Northern Royal, and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross; Soft-plumaged, Mottled, Gould’s, Grey, and Westland Petrel; Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm-petrel.
In addition to the tubenoses you will see plenty of other seabirds and wildlife; you might catch a glimpse of the Little Penguin and perhaps its predator, the Southern Fur Seal. With so much ocean to explore, you’ll encounter other predators like sharks and whales and may see the Australasian Gannet as it plunge dives for its prey. Add to this the innumerable skuas, gulls and terns who remain your faithful travel companions and you have the enviable opportunity to increase your ‘life list’ of the most incredible seabird sightings imaginable.
Day 8 Port of Hobart, Tasmania
Your final harbor is in Hobart a busy seaport at the foot of Mt. Wellington, bustling with restaurants and culture. Bid farewell to your fellow voyagers as you are transferred to the city or airport.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 180 Days or more | $950 per person |
| 179-91 days | Deposit |
| 90 days or less | 100% trip cost |
Spirit of Enderby





- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 48
- Ice Breaker Ship
The Spirit of Enderby is perfect for expedition travel. It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodations with semi-private and private bath facilities. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top New Zealand and Australian chefs. The Spirit of Enderby measures 72 meters in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots.
The real focus and emphasis of every expedition aboard the Spirit of Enderby is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that you visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew.
Life onboard Spirit of Enderby
The Spirit of Enderby was designed and built as a Research Vessel and still undertakes some research work when not involved with passenger cruises. Ship amenities and services include:
The Bar: ‘Globe’
Situated on the Middle deck aft (400 level cabins), enjoy the range of beverages available (beers, wines, soft drinks and spirits). Opening hours are variable, depending on the activities of the day onboard (e.g. lectures, landings). Opening hours are indicated on daily program.
Dining Room: ‘Ice Culture’
Australian and New Zealand chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available. The chefs onboard can prepare food according to your special dietary needs (providing this information in advance of departure date, specified on the booking form). The Spirit of Enderby regrets to inform that Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are NOT available onboard.
Expedition Equipment:
Carried on the Spirit of Enderby is a fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places. Also, specially designed and built Hovercraft give you unprecedented capability in Antarctica, allowing you to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.
Library:
A well stocked library is located on the Middle Deck. Guests are welcome to use it at any time. The Library carries card and board games and is equipped with electricity outlets to facilitate the use of laptops, video cameras and digital cameras.
Lecture Room:
This room has seating for all the passengers to attend lectures and films screened during the voyage. It is well equipped for Power Point presentations, slide shows, video films and similar. It is located below the Lower Deck.
Medical Service:
The Spirit of Enderby carries a Medical Adviser and a well-equipped medical clinic situated on the Middle Deck. The medical adviser is available 24 hours a day.
Communications:
The Spirit of Enderby is equipped with the Iridium satellite phone for phone calls and for receiving and sending emails.
Accommodations aboard the Spirit of Enderby
Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, and fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows with great views.
Mini Suite
A small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower. toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.
Superior Plus
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior
Cabins have one bunk (an upper and lower – two), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Main Deck
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Main Deck Triple
This cabin has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
The History of Spirit of Enderby
The name Spirit of Enderby honors the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800’s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Sub-antarctic Island in the world.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
![]() | Heritage Suite Upper Deck, large lounge area, separate bedroom with matrimonial bed, private bath facilities and panoramic windows |
| Mini Suite Upper deck, small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, private bath facilities and windows | |
![]() | Superior Plus Upper and Middle Decks, two lower berth accommodations with private bath facilities and window |
| Superior Middle Deck, upper and lower berth accommodations, private bath facilities and window | |
![]() | Main deck Main Deck, two lower berth accommodations with shared bath facilities. |
![]() | Main Deck Triple Main Deck, triple accommodations with shared bath facilities. |




















