Join the Spirit of Enderby on this spectacular cruise following the steps of Douglas Mawson, as this expedition takes you to explore the Antarctic coastline directly south of Australia. Unbeknownst to Mawson and his men, they had discovered the windiest place on the planet - renowned as the ‘home of the blizzard'. Mawson's Hut at Cape Denison still stands, protected against the extreme weather for which the region is renowned. If you are unable to make a landing at Mawson's Hut, look to the west and Cape Martin and the Petrel Islands for a number of really exciting landings, and to the east and the northern Ross Sea region including the Balleny Islands and Cape Adare for some equally stunning wildlife encounters and landings including some fascinating historic sites.
Highlights
Visit Enderby Island, the most beautiful of all the Subantarctic Islands
Discover Macquarie Island & enjoy its high concentrations of unique wildlife
Explore the Australian Antarctic Base & observe the southern elephant seals
Walk to the nesting site of the southern royal albatross
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
In the morning, transfer to the port where the staff welcomes you on board the Akademik Shokalskiy. As you settle into your cabin, your adventure begins.
North East Island is the largest of The Snares and staggeringly, this one island is claimed by some to be home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. Zodiac cruising the rugged coastline, learn how the islands got their name and encounter Snares crested penguins, Cape petrel and Buller’s albatross on the imposing cliffs. Encounter Antarctic terns, white-fronted terns, red-billed gulls, tomtits, and fernbirds.
Characterized by towering cliffs and rugged sea stacks, these islands have borne witness to many a shipwreck in days gone by. Spend the day ashore on Enderby Island, which is perhaps the most beautiful of all the Subantarctic Islands. Here find parakeets flitting above carpets of red, white, and yellow wildflowers and on the beaches beyond, the rare Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion. Land in Carnley Harbour and if conditions are suitable climb to a shy albatross colony, otherwise explore sites within the harbor.
Take the chance to learn more about the biology and history of these islands and the tempestuous Southern Ocean through informal lectures with the experts. This particular stretch of ocean is very productive and you can expect many seabirds, including five or six kinds of albatross and numerous species of petrel.
This remote, rocky outpost which endures roaring westerly winds supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Four species of penguin, king, royal, rockhopper and Gentoo, breed here. You will never forget your first experience in a ceaselessly active ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors. Also meet with the Park Rangers, visit the Australian Antarctic Base, and observe the hundreds of southern elephant seals along the beaches.
Soaring albatross and petrels circle the vessel as you steam ever southward through the Southern Ocean. Lectures now concentrate on the Antarctic region and beyond the bow of the ship, drifting icebergs of extraordinary shapes begin to appear. Maneuvering in close for your first ice photographs pass the Antarctic Circle and into the continent’s realm of 24-hour daylight. Relax in the ship’s bar and catch up with some reading in the library. If you have brought your laptop with you there is time to download and edit photos while they are fresh in your mind.
Your first landing on the remote East Antarctic coastline is Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, notoriously known as the ‘home of the blizzard’. Here you can see (and experience) Mawson’s Hut and its environs which include other relics from the 1911-14 expedition and Adelie penguins. West from Cape Denison is the French Research Base, Dumont D’Urville which, if permission is granted and ice conditions permit, you can visit. There is also an Emperor penguin colony nearby. Breeding season is over but there could be birds around. Other landings could include Port Martin (abandoned French Base) and the McKellar Islands. Cruise in the Zodiacs looking for wildlife.
East from Cape Denison follow the ice edge towards the Balleny Islands. It is a very productive area for cetaceans; large numbers of humpbacks have been recorded here. The Balleny Islands were discovered in 1839, by a sealing Captain in the employment of the Enderby Brothers. Because of their location, remote and isolated, they are rarely visited. The islands are rugged and landing sites are rare, but if conditions are right you can Zodiac cruise Sabrina Island where there is a small colony of chinstrap penguins. This is also one of the few places where greater snow petrels breed. Further south is Cape Adare, arguably one of the most historic sites in all of Antarctica. It was here in 1895 that one of the first landings on the Antarctic continent was made and in 1899 the first party to winter over in Antarctica built their hut here.
Other potential sites in the Northern Ross Sea where you may land if ice and weather conditions permit include the Possession Islands. These were named by Sir James Clark Ross in 1842 after he had landed on them and claimed the region in the name of Queen Victoria. A little further south is Cape Hallett, the site of a joint American-New Zealand base from 1958-1973 when it was abandoned. It was demolished in the 1990s and now the Adelie penguins are reclaiming the site which was rightfully theirs anyway. From Cape Hallett you can get amazing views of the northern transantarctic mountains.
Taking time to rest and enjoy shipboard life in the bar or library after the excitement and long daylight hours of the Antarctic, you have time for lectures on your final destination and for some pelagic bird spotting.
Drop anchor in Perseverance Harbour, an occasional refuge for southern right whales who come here to calve. Walk to the nesting site of the southern royal albatross and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs growing on the hills. These huge wild flowers that have adapted to the harsh conditions have unusual colorings and weirdly-shaped leaves. Also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island shags, light-mantled sooty albatross, and sea lions.
At sea en route to the Port of Lyttelton, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy your last few days of shipboard life and to reflect on an amazing experience. On your last evening you can review and celebrate your discoveries over a farewell dinner.
Day 30: Christchurch | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive at the Port of Lyttelton early in the morning. After breakfast, customs formalities, and a last minute opportunity to bid farewell to your expedition team, disembark and board the complimentary coach transfer to a central city drop off or Christchurch Airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$16,000
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Main Deck Triple
One cabin located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, one upper bunk bed, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
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Main deck
Thirteen cabins located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
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Superior
Four cabins located on the Middle Deck,with one lower and one upper bunk, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
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Superior Plus
Eight cabins located on the Upper and Middle Decks,with two lower bunk beds, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space. and private bath facilities.
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Mini Suite
Two cabins located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
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Heritage Suite
One cabin located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, forward- and side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single pull-out bed, desk and table area, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
Notes
- Travel Insurance is mandatory for all passengers aboard the Spirit of Enderby.
- 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.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
29 Breakfasts, 28 Lunches, 29 Dinners
29 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Pre- & Post- Cruise Transfers
Complimentary boot rental is available. However, due to the limited supply of boots available aboard the ship, it is recommended that you bring your own rubber boots for best fit and availability. Youth size boots are not available.
House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl.
dinner/breakfast)
All expedition shore excursions
Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 131 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 131 reviews on
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The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.
Jennifer Howard Schroeder
1 day ago
Kevin got right on our request and had us booked within the week
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2 days ago
The info on the website was laid out very well. I did some comparisons with other tours and found Adventure Life met a lot of what I wanted in an Antarctica trip at the cheapest price. Requested a quote on Claudia contacted me right away. She answered a lot of questions the I had via email even though she offered to discuss via phone call. I’m more of an email person so appreciated how she accommodated that and answered all my questions. And when I was ready to book, she quickly got the ball rolling with getting our spots reserved on the trip my friend and I wanted. Thanks again, Claudia!
Hazel Araza
2 days ago
(1) great information on the website and throughout all the "materials." (2) Jane Packer is great: knowledgeable, responsive, takes a personal interest and tone, seems to care about the customer as a person not a sale.
Larry Bethune
2 days ago
great people doing a wonderful job to make our voyages happen.