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WildWings, 577 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3AF.UK
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NEW! Three fantastic itineraries to choose from, guaranteed departures with Dick Filby onboard and, two different ways you could win a free place!!
Client quote: ‘Dick is an outstanding leader, an extraordinary and wonderful experience’
Antarctica is truly like nowhere else on Earth, a continent of dramatic ice-covered mountains, never-ending snowfields, innumerable glaciers and colossal icebergs fractured into fantastic shapes. Captivated and spellbound by the incredible and ever changing beauty of our surroundings, you will thrill to the unique wildlife spectacles that unfold daily on these trips.
Throughout these voyages, landings are made at the best areas for wildlife. Sturdy Zodiac inflatables allow us to go ashore at the remotest of places with ease and comfort. The days spent at sea on these trips are a major highlight for wildlife observation too. A key element of our success is that by travelling in a group we will have many keen eyes, ensuring that more birds and cetaceans are spotted than on the average voyage. We also include a day’s bird watching excursion in Ushuaia to visit our favourite local birding hotspots including several in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, and will seek the local specialities including Magellanic Woodpecker.
WildWings have been sending people to Antarctica for nearly 20 years now and we have learnt that the best bird and wildlife experience needs the right itinerary, on the right ship with the right staff. This new unique partnership with our preferred operator, One Ocean Expeditions, allows us to offer three superb itineraries, all featuring Dick Filby, one of the UK’s most experienced Antarctic tour leaders. Dick will be joining their larger than average expedition teams onboard, and will work closely with the expedition leaders to maximise the wildlife opportunities throughout each voyage. In addition to their expedition staff, One Ocean Expeditions are unique in offering the services of their Adventure Concierges onboard too, to look after every last little detail. There will also be an opportunity on all three voyages to spend a night, ‘camping’ ashore, for those that wish, a wonderful additional wilderness experience. We can offer these voyages not only at special prices, but with WildWings extra inclusions (pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia with guided birding excursion to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park) and with two different chances to win a berth, now surely is the time to book that life-long dream trip!
All three voyages offer all the expected birds and mammals of the Antarctic Peninsula including the crossings of the Drake Passage. Chinstrap, Adelie and Gentoo Penguins, Wandering, Royals, Black-browed, Grey-headed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, both Giant Petrels, Southern Fulmar, Cape, (Lesser) Snow, Soft-plumaged, Blue and White-chinned Petrels, Antarctic and Slender-billed Prions, Wilson’s and Black-bellied Storm-Petrels, Common Diving Petrel, Antarctic Shags, Snowy Sheathbill, Chilean, Brown and South Polar Skuas, Dolphin and Kelp Gulls plus Antarctic Terns being the expected birds species. If you are lucky in the Drake Passage other species may include Great-winged, Atlantic, Kerguelan and/or Grey Petrels and down around the ice, Antarctic Petrels can appear at any time (voyages 2 and 3 are best for this species). The expected cetaceans on these voyages would be Humpback, Antarctic Minke and Killer Whales plus Peale’s and Hourglass Dolphins but many more species are possible and seen such as Blue, Fin and Southern Right Whales. Other marine mammals should include Weddell, Crabeater, Antarctic Fur and Leopard Seals. In addition to the spectacular wildlife you will also wonder at the ice, its shapes, colours and hues and soak in some of the most amazing scenery on earth in the ever changing light. Photographic (still and video) opportunities are superb throughout.
There is no doubt amongst those that have travelled to the Antarctic region on voyages that have included South Georgia - be they birders, naturalists or the general tourist - that they rate this unique island as awesome as the Antarctic itself. The scenery is incredible; the penguin rookeries immense - how King Penguins are usually everybody’s favourite. You have not lived until you have seen nesting Wandering Albatrosses. The beaches filled wall-to-wall with Fur Seals have to be seen to be believed. Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses are the most haunting of all the albatross, and that the sea crossing, filled with birds and often whales, is a major highlight in itself. Preceded with the splendours of the Falklands, and followed with the best of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetlands, this is truly the ultimate Antarctic trip.
Most people only do one Antarctic trip in their life, and, if they do not include South Georgia, then they may always regret it. There is no doubt that we consider this to be the perfect itinerary for the trip of a lifetime. As we travel, we will also marvel at the exploits of the early explorers, especially Shackleton, and in particular his incredible open boat journey from Elephant Island culminating in the traverse of South Georgia to save his men. All this they accomplished without the help of modern navigation aids or high performance clothing. Voyage 2 includes the Falklands and South Georgia therefore offers additional species such as King, Macaroni and Magellanic Penguins, albatross colony visits, Gray-backed Storm-Petrel, Georgian Diving Petrel, South Georgia Shag, Sub-Antarctic Skua plus ‘land’ endemics such as Falklands Flightless Steamer Ducks, South Georgia Pintail and Pipit, Striated Caracara etc. Additional marine mammals should include Commerson’s Dolphins and Southern Elephant Seals.
Voyage 3 will venture into the northwest Weddell Sea via the Antarctic Peninsula and offers the best chance of seeing Emperor Penguin, which have breeding colonies around this part-frozen sea. We will even try to get close to the site of one of them, Snow Hill Island. This sea is one of Antarctica’s iceberg factories and we will navigate amongst the huge bergs flowing northwards into the southern ocean. Some of these bergs can hold flocks of Snow, Cape and Antarctic Petrels too. We will scan this incredible wilderness for adult or juvenile Emperors, which will be dispersing from their colonies. Humpbacks, Antarctic Minke and Killer Whales can often be seen in the open waters between the ice.
Our vessel for these expedition cruises will be the Marina Svetaeva, built in 1989. With a maximum passenger capacity of 89, we can expect to make two landings and/or Zodiac cruises each day. This vessel offers a number of advantages over the 50 or so passenger ships, not least her larger size meaning greater stability on the open ocean, very important for maximising sea watching on the crossings of the Drake Passage and Scotia Sea. She is very stable and a ‘scope and tripod can often be used on deck, whilst at sea! Originally built for scientific polar exploration, she has lots of open deck space in all directions, ideal for sea-watching and photography and is quiet too, allowing for closer encounters with cetaceans. This ship has one of the highest ice-class ratings, and her experienced staff and crew are dedicated to ensuring that you have a successful, comfortable, safe and enjoyable trip and that you see as much of the wildlife as possible. The Zodiac drivers will take us safely ashore, and also on more leisurely cruises as well, so we gain an even more intimate and unique perspective of the seabirds and marine mammals in this stunning wilderness.
The atmosphere on board is relaxing and informal and meals are taken at a single open sitting in two dining rooms. Western chefs produce an international choice of cuisine throughout the voyage. At certain points during your voyage a speedy or take away dining option will be available to minimise time in the dining room and maximise time on deck for those that wish. The cabins are comfortable and all have an outside view (porthole or window), lower berths, desk and chair plus storage space and power points. All cabins include bathrobes and all with private facilities and the suites also include toiletry kits, a hairdryer and a tea/coffee maker. Other on board facilities include an fitness room, sauna and polar plunge pool, lounge, presentation room, bar, gift shop and a well-stocked library. The spacious bridge is usually open for those who wish to learn about navigation, see the ship's charts, or simply sea watch in comfort and is stocked with wildlife ID guides and spare pairs of binoculars. You can also spend time in the Adventurer’s Lounge on the helo-deck, where the ship’s Adventure Concierges will serve you hot chocolate, tea and coffees whilst you sea-watch!
Whether you are a serious birder, a keen naturalist, or just want to see the most incredible place on earth, don't miss this chance to join the best leader on the best ship, on the ultimate itineraries. And you could even go for free!
1: Antarctic Peninsula 27th January – 6th February 2011
Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia, overnight hotel.
Day 2: WildWings Birding excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Board Marina Svetaeva and sail down the Beagle Channel.
Days 3 - 4: At sea, crossing the Drake Passage.
Days 5 - 9: The Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands (planned landings may include Elephant Island, King George, Half Moon, Aicho, Livingstone and Deception Islands, Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay on the continent itself plus Zodiac cruises and at least one ‘continent’ landing).
Days 10-11: At sea, crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia after breakfast.
Voyage 2: Antarctica, the Falklands & South Georgia 6th – 24th February 2011
Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia, overnight hotel.
Day 2: WildWings Birding excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Board Marina Svetaeva and sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 3: At sea.
Days 4 - 5: The Falkland Islands (planned landings may include Carcass and West Point Islands plus Port Stanley)
Days 6 - 7: At sea, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence which can be a wildlife hotspot (see 2010 trip report).
Days 8 - 10: South Georgia (planned landings may include Salisbury Plain, Prion Island for nesting Wandering Albatross, Grytviken, King Haakon Bay, Peggotty Bluff, Cooper, Royal and Hercules Bays plus Zodiac cruises)
Days 11 – 13: At sea via the South Orkneys and northern Weddell Sea (subject to ice conditions).
Days 14 - 17: The Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands (planned landings may include Elephant Island, King George, Half Moon, Aicho, Livingstone and Deception Islands, Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay on the continent itself plus Zodiac cruises).
Days 18-19: At sea, crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 20: Disembark Ushuaia after breakfast.
Voyage 3: Weddell Sea Explorer 24th February – 8th March 2011
Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia, overnight hotel.
Day 2: WildWings Birding excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Board Marina Svetaeva and sail down the Beagle Channel.
Days 3 - 4: At sea, crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 5: Deception Island, South Shetlands.
Day 6: Antarctic Sound.
Days 7 – 11: Exploring inside the Weddell Sea, surrounded by tabular icebergs and a chance of Emperor Penguin. We plan a ‘continent’ landing too.
Days 10-11: At sea, crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia after breakfast.
NB: The exact voyage itineraries are subject to ice, weather and local conditions at the time.
Holiday Information
1: Antarctic Peninsula 27th January – 6th February 2011
2: Antarctica, the Falklands & South Georgia 6th – 24th February 2011
3: Weddell Sea Explorer 24th February – 8th March 2011 (12 nights for the price of 10 nights!)
Leader: Dick Filby plus the ship’s expedition team.
WIN YOUR VOYAGE COST BACK!!! – All passengers names for the three voyages booked with us will go into a hat and one lucky passenger will have their fare refunded! (Draw takes place 30/11/10, purchase necessary.)
5% discount and guaranteed no fuel surcharge if following the payment of the deposit, 50% of the balance is paid within 30 days of booking.
Discount price guarantee*
| Prices per person sharing: | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Triple with washbasin | £3659 | £6995 | £3659 |
| Triple with private facilities | £3995 | £7659 | £4759 |
| Twin with washbasin | £4995 | £8659 | £4995 |
| Twin with private facilities, | £5325 | £9659 | £5325 |
| Shackleton Suite | £5659 | £10,325 | £5659 |
| One Ocean Suite | £6459 | £11,659 | £6459 |
Single cabins 1.5 twin share price.
*If the ship’s operator markets any of these voyages at a discounted price at any time before 90 days prior to departure, all passengers will qualify for the lower prices.
Exchange rate £1 = US$1.5.
US Dollar prices available for non-UK residents.
Price includes: Accommodation and all meals aboard ship (with free tea and coffee 24 hours), port taxes, Zodiac landings, services of WildWing’s Dick Filby and ship’s expedition staff including lecture and film programmes at sea, optional overnight camping in Antarctica, pre-voyage WildWings hotel night in Ushuaia (with breakfast), WildWings birding excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia with picnic lunch led by a top English-speaking local bird and wildlife guide, daily sea watching sessions (at sea), evening checklist, use of onboard library, WildWings pre-tour information pack and day-by-day checklist of mammals and birds, group transfers in Ushuaia to and from ship, souvenir voyage CD log and free onboard wet weather gear and boot loan onboard.
Price excludes: Flights UK – Ushuaia (available from £899 including pre-paid taxes and current fuel surcharges), additional pre and or post cruise hotel nights in Ushuaia and/or Buenos Aires if required, other meals and all drinks in Argentina, other drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature onboard, crew gratuities (we suggest $10 per passenger per day aboard ship), passport fees, travel insurance.
Deposit: £1200 per person.
A colour brochure with more information about the ship is available plus our recce tour report and species list from the February 2010 voyage to Antarctica, The Falklands and South Georgia with One Ocean Expeditions is on our website or available from us.
ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN A VOYAGE TO ANTARCTICA WITH ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS and WILDWINGS!
Come and see us in Marquee 4 at the 2010 British Bird Fair, August 20th – 22nd and enter our prize draw, tickets £1 each. All proceeds to the Save the Albatross campaign. The draw will take place at 16.00, 22nd August for this berth, the voyage will be chosen by One Ocean Expeditions, for travel during the 2010/11 season. No cash alternative.
the world really is one ocean............
Read the February 2010 Antarctica, The Falklands and South Georgia Trip report here
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WIN YOUR VOYAGE COST BACK!!! All passengers names for the three voyages booked with us will go into a hat and one lucky passenger will have their fare refunded! (Draw takes place 30/11/10, purchase necessary.) 5% discount and guaranteed no fuel surcharge if following the payment of the deposit, 50% of the balance is paid within 30 days of booking. ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN A VOYAGE TO ANTARCTICA WITH ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS and WILDWINGS! Come and see us in Marquee 4 at the 2010 British Bird Fair, August 20th – 22nd and enter our prize draw, tickets £1 each. All proceeds to the Save the Albatross campaign. The draw will take place at 16.00, 22nd August for this berth, the voyage will be chosen by One Ocean Expeditions, for travel during the 2010/11 season. No cash alternative.
the world really is one ocean.. |