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Request further details or information.Galapagos of the Southern Ocean
This is without doubt one of the most inspiring and informative journeys into the Southern Ocean ecosystem that one can make. Long recognised for their rich biodiversity, the Subantarctic islands lying to the south of New Zealand are World Heritage sites, afforded the highest conservation status and protection by both the Australian and New Zealand governments.
The name of this expedition conveys a sense of the astounding natural biodiversity and the importance of these islands as wildlife refuges. They lie in the cool temperate or Subantarctic zone and are home to some of the most abundant and diverse wildlife on the planet. These islands not only play an important role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem – they also have a rich human history. Our journey takes us as far south as Macquarie Island, described as ‘one of the wonder spots of the globe’ as well as Campbell Island, the Auckland Islands and the Snares. It is a journey that will forever change your appreciation of the Southern Ocean and its wildlife.
Landings at the Subantarctic Islands are by permit only as administered by the Government of New Zealand. No landings are permitted at Snares Is.
Circumstances may be encountered during our voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed during the voyage.
The name of this expedition conveys a sense of the astounding natural biodiversity and the importance of these islands as wildlife refuges. They lie in the cool temperate or Subantarctic zone and are home to some of the most abundant and diverse wildlife on the planet. These islands not only play an important role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem – they also have a rich human history. Our journey takes us as far south as Macquarie Island, described as ‘one of the wonder spots of the globe’ as well as Campbell Island, the Auckland Islands and the Snares. It is a journey that will forever change your appreciation of the Southern Ocean and its wildlife.
Landings at the Subantarctic Islands are by permit only as administered by the Government of New Zealand. No landings are permitted at Snares Is.
Circumstances may be encountered during our voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed during the voyage.
Departures
Galapagos of the Southern Ocean
10 December, 2012 to 21 December, 2012
10 December, 2012 to 21 December, 2012
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Main Deck Triple
$5050.00 USD pp
Main deck triple cabin: 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.
Main Deck
$6000.00 USD pp
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Superior
$6500.00 USD pp
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.
Superior Plus
$6950.00 USD pp
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Mini Suite
$7400.00 USD pp
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.
Heritage Suite
$7990.00 USD pp
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.
Galapagos of the Southern Ocean itinerary:
Day 1: Port of Hobart, Australia
Our adventure begins in Historic Hobart. Meet your fellow voyagers and Expedition Staff for an informal get-together over dinner at the hotel, where you will stay overnight.
Days 2-4: At sea
Two days at sea to familiarise yourself with the ship and to get to know your fellow voyagers
Days 5-6: Macquarie Island
The only place in the world where the beautiful Royal Penguin breeds, this remote outpost in the middle of the roaring westerly winds supports a breathtaking concentration of wildlife. 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. We meet with scientists and Park Rangers based here and also seek out the thousands of Elephant Seals lolling on the beaches and dunes.
Day 7: At Sea
Take in informal lectures with our experts on the Subantarctic Islands and the tumultuous Southern Ocean; relax in the ship’s bar or catch up on your reading in the library. Crossing the confluence of warmer and cooler waters at the Subantarctic Convergence we can expect the birdlife to be abundant including five or six kinds of albatross and petrel. Join us on the bridge, where we keep a keen lookout for them and for whales.
Day 8: Campbell Island
We spend two days exploring the island by foot and take 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 ‘mega herbs’ growing on the hills – huge pink and yellow wildflowers that have adapted 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: 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. We land in Carnley Harbour to visit the Shy Mollymawk colony and perhaps spot the beautiful Wandering Albatross spreading its huge wingspan above the cliffs. With an island named Disappointment and a mountain called the Tower of Babel this unique archipelago has to be seen to be believed.
Day 10: Enderby Island
Named for the same distinguished shipping family as our own vessel 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 Sea Lion.
Day 11: Snares Islands
North East Island is the largest of the Snares and, staggeringly, this one island is 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 12: Arrive Bluff
On arrival in to Bluff we transfer you to central city location or Invercargill airport for your flight
Spirit of Enderby
The 'Spirit of Enderby' is perfect for Expedition Travel. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort.
It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation (refurbished in New Zealand Nov '04). The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.
Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew.
The 'Spirit of Enderby' measures 72 metres 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. What makes this Expedition Vessel absolutely unique is the equipment we carry including:
a) our 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.
b) Our specially designed and built Hovercraft (2) give us unprecedented over ice capability in Antarctica allowing us to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.
The name 'Spirit of Enderby' honours 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 Subantarctic Island in the world.
Technical description:
- Classification: Russian register KM ice class
- Year built: 1984
- Accommodation: 50 berths expedition
- Shipyard: Finland
- Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)
- Register: Russia
- Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
- Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)
- Bunker capacity: 320 tons
