Antarctica Bound

This page is used to share insights into Antarctica Bound adventures and share the experiences had by us and others. Enjoy as we share our stories!

[antarcticabound-blog]

Rutland Water - Birdfair

Simon and John from Antarctica Bound had a great weekend at this year’s Birdfair at Rutland Water and thanks to everybody who visited our stand. It was good to see both customers who had been to Antarctica since last year and all those who are still looking forward to making the trip South.

It was especially interesting to see how many visitors were looking for itineraries including South Georgia and the Falklands. As anybody who has visited the region knows, South Georgia really is the jewel in the crown with amazing birdlife combined with other wildlife and scenery.

The Falklands too have so much to offer and as a destination in their own right, with regular flights via the RAF from Brize Norton or from Punta Arenas in Chile, ideal for combining with itineraries in Patagonia.

So, there was lots to talk about – and that was only Antarctica – we were also representing Arctic Bound with new options in the North, including exciting expeditions to the Russian far East.

Our next fair is the Adventure Travel Show at Olympia in London in January. Come and see us there too!

[antarcticabound-blog]

Rockhopper Penguin - Antarctica

The Rockhopper Penguin is a much-loved bird, due to its long eyebrow-like crests which give it a cheeky appearance. This appearance is borne out by its feisty and noisy nature.

Rockhoppers are the smallest of the polar penguins, weighing just 2.5 kg approximately, with a height of 45-58cm. They have white underparts with blue-black upper parts. Their distinctive crest, running from the eyes to end in spiky black and yellow plumes makes them easy to identify. Rockhoppers have red eyes, pinkish orange bills and pink, webbed feet. They are deep sea divers, feeding on krill, amphipods and small fish and squid.

These little penguins are wide-ranging and can be found on most of the islands in the Antarctic region. They have major colonies on the Falkland Islands.

Antarctic Bound's luxury vessel, LAustral, sails 04-19 January 2014 to take in the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. 30% discount for early bird bookers; a chance to see Rockhopper Penguins up close. Call us for more information: 0800 678 5236

Rockhopper Penguins are so named for their chosen habitat of the rocks and crevices found on rocky shorelines. Rather than the typical penguin waddle, they bound and hop across the rocks where they nest – hence the name!

Rockhopper nests consist of small stones, maybe lined with dried grasses. Two eggs are laid, the first one usually being significantly smaller than the second. The smaller egg is generally lost to predators or fails to hatch. Both parents share the thirty-four day incubation period, after which the male guards the chick until it joins a crèche of other chicks. These crèches provide warmth and safety in numbers for the chicks until they are ready to go out to sea at around ten weeks old (in February/March).

Sadly, these appealing little penguins are currently listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. With their numbers in decline they may soon be on the “red list” as an endangered species. The usual suspects are generally agreed to be responsible for the decline in Rockhopper numbers: commercial overfishing and pollution, specifically oil pollution.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Antarctica Adventure - Last Days

STEVE’S ANTARCTIC TRIP BLOG MARCH 12

Day 10

Today we are heading back to Ushuaia the Drake Passage is being kind to us this morning. We are getting the chance to share our photos and swap email addresses. This trip has been a great success and my group of 10 has grown, we have adopted a few more recruits and already they are asking for ideas for a trip in 2013. The thoughts are a South Georgia only expedition or another Arctic trip. Watch this space

Day11 So this is the last day of the expedition, we are having a day of recaps of the landings we did and sharing our different stories of the excursions we all took. The divers seem to have had very productive landings and talking to one of my group members who took the dives I think a dive group may be something I look into. The expedition is a good way of seeing Antarctica and trying out different activities that you maybe never would have tried at home. I had never kayaked or camped on the ice before but I'm sure kayaking will be on my list of to do things when I get home. Overall I am very impressed with the concept although it has been hard for them to organise trying to fit everyone in on the activities I think everyone is going away happy with their experience. I have talked to my group and the feedback has been good.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Antarctica Kayaking & Zodiac Cruising

Day 9

Today we are heading to Cierva cove on the peninsular which has a beautiful bay surrounded by ice bergs, the activities today are kayaking and zodiac cruising and the divers may also get the chance to go out.

I took the zodiac cruise excursion around the impressive ice bergs, we came across leopard seals even killer whales and penguins. The kayakers came back very impressed with their experience, seeing the wildlife and being so close to the ice from there kayaks must have been special. They came across three leopard seals on their outing.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Swimming In Antarctica

Day 8.

This morning we were cruising to Neko harbour, the sun was shining and the expedition leader announced that we could take a hike and if we wanted, a swim! We left the ship on the zodiacs at 9am and we were issued with a pair of snow shoes as the glacier was covered. The view from the top with the sun out was perfect and gave us all some great pictures. Back down on the beach the swimmers decided to take the plunge, their faces were a picture. I had experienced this in the Arctic so I opted out of this one. A great end to a perfect morning.

After lunch I took the option to hike to Almirante Brown Station on Paradise bay. I had attended the photo workshop on board just before the landing and our task was to get an image which had an anchor or an abstract image. I wasn't sure I had passed today's assignment but it gave me something to aim for rather than just clicking away. Tonight the campers slept in just the bivvy bags on the ice and had the experience of hearing avalanches and ice cracks in the night.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Hiking Antartcica Trip

Day 7. Today we took a hike on Peterman Island, it has a very dramatic landscape and has a colony of Gentoo and Adelie penguins. The guide shared a story about two researchers from Vernadsky station being stranded on the island in 1996 because the ice that surrounds the island had melted and it would be a least 2 months for the ice to form back so they could ice travel back to the research station. These guys were never seen again and vanished without a trace – a chilling tale in cold surroundings!

At the end of the hike and on my way back to the zodiacs I came across two sea lions posing on a rock. They were posing for the camera and I managed to get some good close up shots.

Today’s real heroes were the mountaineers. They went out early this windy morning to climb Mt Scott, one of the peaks overlooking Pleneau Bay and the Lemaire Channel. We saw them struggling up the snowy side of the 982 m high peak. When they were picked up in the afternoon they were all grinning, having successfully climbed Scott Peak on the centenary of Scott reaching the Pole

After lunch the winds became really strong and all the afternoon activities had to be cancelled.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Antarctica Kayaking - Adventure Trip

Day 5. Anyone for kayaking?

So I had survived my night camping on the ice and back at the ship my name was down for the afternoon kayaking trip. I had never even sat in a kayak so I wasn't sure what to expect. We geared up and set our kayaks up ready to be lifted down to the zodiacs we then drove out to our spot and off we paddled.

Then scenery was outstanding and we did spot some diving penguins but we were told to look out for the leopard seals and to warn the group of a sighting. Leopard seals have a reputation for being aggressive, they will hunt for penguin but this is only a small part of their diet and will take out other seals also. They have sharp teeth that can puncture a zodiac and there has been one fatal attack on a female diver but no other fatalities on humans have been recorded. The leopard seals only enemy is a killer whale and they have never been hunted by man.

We didn't come across any this time, but there was one sighting whilst in Port Lockroy. It was in the shallow waters close to the rocks where the penguin chicks were playing, but we were unable to get close enough to get a good look; from what I did see they were very fast in the water and a lot bigger than expected.

Day 6. Ukranian Research Station, Vernadsky

A wet and windy afternoon visiting the Ukranian research station ‘Vernadsky.’ This former British base is nestled in amongst the Argentine Islands and proudly continues atmospheric and meteorological research that was first started decades ago. The mountaineers marched over a snowdome on the island, overlooking the historic Wordie House along the way. The dive team explored Skua Creek and enjoyed the underwater examination of a bergy bit. Unfortunately the strong winds forced the cancellation of kayaking, however the paddlers joined the rest of us for a warm welcome from the base scientists and technicians, which made up a little bit for the grey weather.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Antarctica Prize Draw

If you didn’t manage to get to the London Birdwatch, we will around again at our usual stand at the International Birdfair at Rutland Water in August – make a note of the dates, Friday 17th to Sunday 19th.

By that time, John from our office will have been to check out Kamchatka, our exciting new destination and will hopefully have seen the Spoon-billed Sandpiper for real in its own environment. Come by and hear all about it and plan your visit for next year.

We had several lucky prize-draw winners at Barnes, including Vicky from Beaconsfield, who won a super North Face jacket and fleece, courtesy of Oceanwide Expeditions, Linda from South London who was sent £100 of M&S vouchers courtesy of Aurora Expeditions and Ann from Brighton and Jean from Worcester, who each won copies of Frank Todd’s superb book on Birds and Mammals of Antarctica.

We’ll have more prizes at Rutland!

[antarcticabound-blog]

Antarctica Trip - March

STEVE’S ANTARCTIC TRIP BLOG MARCH 12

This is part of Steve’s account of his trip to Antarctica in March.

Day 4. Finally we had arrived in Antarctica!

I had set my alarm for 4.30am so I could see the sun rise over the ice bergs. The weather did not do us justice I'm afraid as it was overcast and snowing. There were just 2 of us on the bridge hoping for the weather to change but after an hour we gave up and went back to bed until the wake up call at 7am.

Our first landing of the day was at Port Lockroy which has a research station a post office/museum and a large colony of Gentoo penguins. My first penguin encounter was disturbed by two skuas diving in to kill a chick! I was not prepared for one of my new friends to be dinner for someone and I really couldn't believe what I was seeing but I suppose this is the way it goes. The skuas had an audience of other penguins who were looking on in horror, the way the penguins gathered around the scene was really sad to watch.

Moving on, some of the other penguins were very inquisitive trying to nip at our boots and waterproof trousers, this landing was not a disappointment. In the afternoon we took a zodiac cruise over to Jougla point and our group had opted for a hike up to the top; the wind and snow was hard going but the view was breathtaking. After the hike our zodiac cruised around some of the ice bergs, fantastic electric blue structures, one housing a seal, and groups of penguins were diving in and around which made fascinating viewing.

Back at the ship an announcement that the first camping group were to get together to set up the camp before the sun set. We took a short zodiac cruise over to the ice where we had to arrange all the tents in a specific way so the wind and snow wouldn't disturb us too much. The erection took around an hour and we then went back to ship for a BBQ on deck!

After dinner it was time to disembark ship for the campers; I wrapped up as warm as possible and took the 1st zodiac over to camp. It was a tricky ride as it was now pitch black and lots of floating ice blocked the way to the landing site. Our zodiac arrived safe and sound, we climbed up the ice and found our home for the night. For a moment I had regretted my decision, it was extremely windy and snowing and the noise from the wind battering the tent made us feel as though we were going to take off.

After sharing stories with my tent buddies, we switched of the torch and tried to get some sleep. I could hear the penguins curiously shuffling around our tent pecking away at the canvas and then I finally nodded off. I woke a couple of times in the night to the wind battering the tent but apart from that the next noise was our 6.30am wake-up call from the camp leader. I had survived the extremes of Antarctica and had ticked a box I never thought I would ever tick.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Bird Fair London

Antarctica Bound and Arctic Bound spent the weekend at the London Wetland Centre with a stand at the inaugural London Birdwatch event.

It was great to catch up with customers who have travelled with us to the Polar regions and to meet lots of new potential travellers – thankyou for coming to say hello!

Our good friend, Mick Brown, the well known ornithologist, who many expeditioners have met as a lecturer and guide in both the Arctic and the Antarctic, gave a fascinating and well-received talk on Antarctica, on our behalf in the main theatre. He also spent lots of time on the stand talking with visitors about what they will see and do on their trips. He is always enthusiastic about the Arctic and the Antarctic, but this time he was especially keen to share his experiences in the Falklands and that jewel of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia, where there is a greater concentration of wildlife than anywhere else on the planet!

Quite a few people we spoke to have already been to both the Arctic and the Antarctic and were looking for something different. We were able to tell them about lots of new options. Two of these are true odysseys – one is a trip between Ushuaia in Argentina and Invercargill in New Zealand taking in the Peninsula, crossing the Antarctic Circle, visiting the Ross Sea area and the sub-Antarctic islands. The other is across the top of the world from Anadyr in Eastern Siberia, through the Bering Straits and on to Murmansk.

The other exciting addition to our portfolio is a series of trips in the Russian Far East itself, one of them in search of the rare and endangered spoon-billed sandpiper. John from Arctic Bound is taking this trip in June. Come and talk to him about his experiences at the Rutland Birdfair in August.

See you there!

[antarcticabound-blog]

London Bird Watch - April 2012

London Bird Watch 20, 21, 22 April 2012. WWT Barnes, London. Closest Underground - Hammersmith, Rail – Barnes.

Antarctica Bound will be exhibiting at London Bird Watch (Stand 115). Essential for all birder and wildlife enthusiast in the London area, London Bird is a “must” in the bird watching calendar.

Come and meet us - there’s a chance to win fantastic prizes including a £100 RSPB shop voucher, a Polar Parka plus many more prizes when you enter our free drawer. Meet Mick Brown on Friday & Saturday also at the stand, an experienced Polar guide, ornithologist and speaker. Mick’s lecture “Day in the life of a Polar Guide” on the Friday 11am is sponsored by Antarctica & Arctic Bound and not to be missed.

It’s a really great day out for all of the family and a super opportunity to experience WWT Barnes. See you there!

London Bird Watch

[antarcticabound-blog]

Antarctica Adventure Trip - March

STEVE’S ANTARCTIC TRIP BLOG MARCH 12

This is part of Steve’s account of his trip to Antarctica in March.

I live in the north of England, so I flew from Manchester via Paris to Buenos Aires, arriving mid morning. It is the end of summer in Argentina, so it was really warm when I arrived. After the long drive from the international airport, I checked in to my hotel and then went for walk round the city centre.

Buenos Aires is an elegant city with a Mediterranean feel, lots of shops, cafes and open spaces. I went to La Recoleta Cemetery to see Eva Peron’s tomb and also to the home of that other Argentinian legend, Maradona – the Boca area with its street markets and brightly painted buildings. The other must-dos in Buenos Aires are a tango show and a grilled beef restaurant and I did both. The tango is amazing and the steak was the best I have ever had.

Morning flight to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, the city at the end of the world. I stayed overnight here too – it is worth arriving the day before you sail just in case there are any delays en-route – the ship isn’t going to wait for you.

Ushuaia is a small town with not a lot to do, although many people joining the ship did spend time touring in the national park or birdwatching in the days beforehand – I wish I’d had more time – maybe next visit.

Day 1. 4pm and on board the Plancius. First briefing and meet our expedition leaders. The excitement begins with an unusual sighting of Sei whales right inside the Beagle Channel. Dinner, a few drinks and bed. This is part of Steve’s account of his trip to Antarctica in March.

Days 2 & 3 at sea in the Drake Passage. I had been warned about crossing the Drake but nothing can prepare you for the experience. Not many people turned out today but I seem to be coping better than others. I don't think the bar will be as full tonight!

Briefings and lectures on what we should expect for the following day when we finally arrive in Antarctica.

Somehow I have been persuaded to camp on the ice tomorrow night, I suppose I can't let the team down so I have also put my name down for hiking and kayaking as well!

The birders are already happy, having seen different albatrosses, petrels, skuas and more.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Adventure Travel Blog - March

Steve from Antarctica Bound has just returned from his first visit to Antarctica where he joined one of Oceanwide Expeditions’ unique Basecamp adventures. On this itinerary, you not only get to travel down to the Antarctic Peninsula, but you also stay on the ice and take part in your choice of adventure activities.

Steve went kayaking and hiking and camped out overnight on the ice. Over the next few weeks we will post a diary of what he experienced each day on his trip.

Steve is not a Scuba diver, so that is one activity he did not take part in. But he did spend a lot of time with those who did and they reckoned, without exception, that diving the Antarctic was their best ever experience! The marine life is, of course, unique and includes giant isopods, amazingly coloured starfish and the bloodless fish with their own anti-freeze composition. The divers also saw penguins in their own underwater environment but did not witness any leopard seal kills – a disappointment to some but not to others!

Diving under the ice was particularly special and the non-divers were treated to movie and still photography shows of the underwater world back on board the ship in the evenings.

Scuba is not available on all Antarctic sailings, so make sure you talk to Antarctica Bound before you go.

[antarcticabound-blog]

Welcome to Antarctica Bounds first blog!

Now weve started, we are planning to post regular items of interest to polar travellers.

These will mainly include updates on Antarctica Bound and our sister company, Arctic Bound; what's new with our partner expedition companies and operators and how you can get the most out of your trip south.

We'll talk about what to take (and what not to take) with you, options for stopovers and side-trips, after all, this might be the only time you venture to these latitudes and things you definitely should not miss.

Most of all, we want to know what you want to hear about, so please send us your comments and help us to make Antarctica Bound come alive!

[antarcticabound-blog]

terst post

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed vel tincidunt ipsum. Mauris auctor dui quis ipsum dapibus a dictum velit posuere. Quisque cursus aliquet tempor. Duis non venenatis arcu. Sed pellentesque purus sed dolor gravida consequat. Aliquam diam ante, commodo ut imperdiet a, laoreet a ante. Cras dignissim aliquam turpis ut tempor.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed vel tincidunt ipsum. Mauris auctor dui quis ipsum dapibus a dictum velit posuere. Quisque cursus aliquet tempor. Duis non venenatis arcu. Sed pellentesque purus sed dolor gravida consequat. Aliquam diam ante, commodo ut imperdiet a, laoreet a ante. Cras dignissim aliquam turpis ut tempor.

[antarcticabound-blog]

test post

[antarcticabound-blog]

Ski Adventure South Georgia

South Georgia - A ski Adventure of a life time

Ski Expedition in the footsteps of Shackleton  17th December 2011.

Following a successful ski expedition this year we will be once again offering a second ski expedition with dedicated ski guide team across South Georgia in 2011.

A team of six international participants and two mountain guides have successfully completed their self supplied ski crossing of South Georgia which follows the historical footsteps of Shackleton, Crean and Worsley. The rout took them across remote South Georgia island from King Haakon Bay to Stromness. All accomplished in 4 days with field camps at Murry Snowfield, Great Nunatak and Fortuna west side.

This ski expedition is aimed at keen skiers who are up for an adventure which will include a challenging traverse across the island with ski hauling by way of sledge. The distance covered will be 40-50 Kms and retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route. Non skiers are also welcome on the expedition and can also get involved with opportunities to get active.

If you are interested in this trip of a lifetime numbers will be restricted and therefore please enquire early to avoid disappointment. Deadline for application to do the Ski Crossing must be received by 20 April 2011.

Prices start at £5995 per person (based on a quad cabin shared) for the main expedition including flights from Santiago de Chile to Falklands where the expedition starts. The Ski Crossing will cost and extra  £3713 per person. International flights not included but can be arranged. Call 0800 988 5578 or view www.antracticabound.com for further information and an application form.