Incredible wildlife of Macquarie Island

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Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: Shokalskiy

Southern Ocean

Long recognised for their rich biodiversity, the Subantarctic Islands are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This places them in a select group of only 180 natural sites that have been designated as ‘the most important and significant natural habitats' on the planet. They are also afforded the highest conservation status and protection by the Australian and New Zealand governments and access to these islands is by permit only. On this expedition we offer you the unique chance to explore, photograph and understand these wonderful places in the company of knowledgeable and passionate guides

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  • Comprehensive itinerary with all the major sub-Antarctic islands
  • Countless rare bird species, albatross, penguins, as well as cetaceans, seals and a host of other wildlife
  • Guaranteed appeal to pelagic enthusiasts, penguin fanatics and those interested in island endemics
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and with the highest conservation status
The name of this voyage ‘Galapagos of the Southern Ocean' reflects the astounding natural biodiversity and the importance of these islands as a wildlife refuge. The islands all lie in the cool temperate zone with a unique climate and are home to a vast array of wildlife including albatross, penguins, petrels, prions, shearwaters and marine mammals like sea lions, fur seals and elephant seals. The flora is equally fascinating; the majority of it being like the birds and endemic to these islands. This expedition includes four of the key Subantarctic Islands, The Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell. Each one is different, and each one is unique - just like this expedition.

At A Glance

Trip Quick Facts

Prices from: 7750.00
Duration: 14 days
Location: Southern Ocean
Start: Hobart, Australia
Finish: Invercargill, New Zealand
Availability: November-December

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Photos on this page copyright: T Bickford, Kovsyanikova, Aaron Russ, Meghan Kelly

Stewart's Take

Sail from Hobart to the sub-Antarctic to see albatross, penguins, seals and more!

Overview

Long recognised for their rich biodiversity, the Subantarctic Islands are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This places them in a select group of only 180 natural sites that have been designated as ‘the most important and significant natural habitats' on the planet. They are also afforded the highest conservation status and protection by the Australian and New Zealand governments and access to these islands is by permit only. On this expedition we offer you the unique chance to explore, photograph and understand these wonderful places in the company of knowledgeable and passionate guides.
Day 1: Hobart Meet your fellow voyagers and expedition staff for an informal get-together over dinner at the hotel, where you will stay overnight. Days 2-3: Enter the Southern Ocean We transfer you to the port where staff will welcome you on board the Akademik Shokalskiy, and as you settle into your cabin, our adventure begins. As we make our way through an area known as the Furious Fifties in the tumultuous Southern Ocean, we will learn more about the flora and fauna as we prepare for our arrival at Macquarie Island. En route there are great birding opportunities which may include the Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Little Shearwater. We will endeavour to spot the Fairy Prion, Fulmar Prion and Antarctic Prion – never an easy task – but we should get some great views. Other species to be on the lookout for include the Soft-plumaged Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, Grey-backed Storm-Petrel, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel and the Black-bellied Storm-Petrel. Days 4 to 5: Macquarie Island Described by one Australian explorer as “One of the wonder spots of the world” this is the only place in the world where the beautiful Royal Penguin breeds. Three other species of penguins, the King, Gentoo and Rockhopper also breed here. You will never forget your first experience of a noisy ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors and where you will be immersed in a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks; territorial disputes; petty pilfering and courtship displays. This all happens amongst the hundreds of Southern Elephant Seals lolling on the beaches and dunes. On arrival we meet with scientists and Park Rangers based here who will accompany us on all our landings. Day 6: At Sea We head north from Macquarie Island through waters rich in seabirds towards Campbell Island. We invite you to join the captain on the bridge, to keep a keen lookout for birds and for whales. Today there will also be briefings and lectures in preparation for our visit. Days 7 to 8: Campbell Island – Perseverance Harbour We spend two days exploring the island by foot taking in the panorama of rocky islets and sea stacks; once the lonely preserve of settlers and seal hunters and now returned to nature. Enjoy an easy walk to the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross at Col Lyall or walk across the hills to Northwest Bay and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs on the hills. These huge pink and yellow wild flowers have adapted well to the harsh conditions. We also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island Shags, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross and, on the beaches beyond, young male sea lions testing their strength. Day 9: Auckland Islands – Carnley Harbour These islands have witnessed many a shipwreck in days gone by. Loaded in human history, they harbour tales of castaways, bullion and Coastwatchers through to today’s scientific visitors. Today we land in Carnley Harbour and, if weather and sea conditions permit, visit the Shy Mollymawk colony at South West Cape or, if weather is not suitable, we will select one of a number of other sites available to us. Day 10: Auckland Islands – Enderby Island Named for a distinguished shipping family and one of the most beautiful islands in the group, this is a great birding location and a chance to see everything from the famous Southern Royal Albatross and Northern Giant Petrel to parakeets, Bellbirds and the endemic shag, teal and snipe. Sandy Bay is one of three breeding grounds on the Auckland Islands for the rare Hooker’s, or New Zealand, Sea Lion. Day 11: At Sea At sea en route to the the Snares Islands, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on our amazing experiences. Day 12: The Snares – North East Island 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 we learn how the islands got their name and encounter Snares Crested Penguins, Cape Petrel and Buller’s Albatross on the imposing cliffs. We are also likely to encounter Antarctic Terns, White-fronted Terns, Red-billed Gulls, Tomtits and Fernbirds. Day 13: At Sea At sea en route to the Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to recap the highlights of our expedition and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as we complete the last few miles of our journey. Day 14: Invercargill We arrive at the Port of Bluff early in the morning. After breakfast, customs formalities and a last minute opportunity to bid farewell to your expedition team, you disembark and board our complimentary coach transfer to downtown Invercargill or Invercargill Airport.

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Expedition Vessel: M/V Akademik Shokalskiy

expedition ship Akademik Shokalskiy

The Akademik Shokalskiy is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research. This class of vessel is world renowned for polar exploration, because of its strength, maneuverability and small passenger numbers. The Shokalskiy provides comfortable accommodation in double and twin cabins with private facilities. All cabins have outside windows and ample storage space. On board there is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room, where the science team and expedition staff will present a programme of talks.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included Pre/Post cruise transfers, one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (inc. dinner/breakfast), all on board ship accommodation with meals and all expedition shore excursions.
Excluded All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance. Sub-Antarctic island landing fees.
Additional Charges - Landing Fees of $800 per person for visits to sub-Antarctic Islands. These will be added during the booking process. Deposits - Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments - Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Cancellations - All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a $US750.00 per person administration fee. For cancellations received within 179 and 121 days of the embarkation date the full deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 120 days prior to the departure date the total price is forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 90 days and full payment has not yet been received, the total price will still apply and any unpaid monies are due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms - Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Heritage Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
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Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: Shokalskiy

November-December

14 days

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21st November 2021 - 4th December 2021: 14 days

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