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India’s Wild Heart

Adventure Travel, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel, Trip Departures India, ,

On this exciting new adventure, Anita & Mandip Soin invites you to celebrate the outdoors and the freedom to explore it with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the wilderness we must protect.This is a celebration of the Indian tiger population that has risen to 2967 tigers as of 2018.We enjoy not just the wilderness and natural heritage of India but explore the fascinating built heritage of this region.

This journey supports the World Wide Fund for Nature ‘Give back to Nature’ programme.


A soft and mystical land, peppered with ancient temples and forts, where the forests are teeming with wildlife and are punctuated by ionic cities like Khajuraho with its ancient erotic temples.Here you will find many stunning historical monuments, a plethora of national parks and a rural lifestyle that will take you back to the Kipling India of our childhood.Jungle Book brought to life our first interaction with Mowgli, Shere Khan, Bagheera, Baloo and other lifelike characters running free in the jungles. On this journey, we relive the delight by visiting their abode. 

About Ibex Expeditions & Taj Safaris


Ibex Expeditions, celebrates over 40 years of excellence in bespoke adventure, safari and luxury travel in India since 1979. Recognised for their deep environmental policies, Ibex has been conferred four international and two National awards.Led by Explorer, Mandip Singh Soin, and the only Indian to receive the Citation of Merit by the Explorers Club, USA for his diverse adventures. Both Mandip and his wife Anita have explored seven continents and believe firmly in protecting our wilderness and curating journeys for those that choose to tread lightly. Mandip is the Founder of Ibex Expeditions and the Founder President of the Responsible Tourism Society of India. He also serves on the Board of the Adventure Travel Conservation fund.

Taj Safaris lodges from the family of the Taj Hotels group redefines luxury and environmentally friendly comfort amid nature furnished with greenery! Taj Safari lodges offers an enthralling experience and the philosophy is to maintain sustainability to the highest level with a low footprint in harmony with the local community’s needs. They offer the best experiences through their highly trained Naturalists.

This journey designed by Ibex Expeditions & Taj Safaris takes us through the Panna National Park with the Pashan Garh lodge set in 200 acres of private wilderness; onto the Mahua Kothi lodge set in a 45 acre private forest in the Bandhavgarh National Park in the Vindhya hills and finally, to Banjaar Tola set in a 90 acre Sal forest on the banks of the river in Kanha.The heart of India’s wild is home to the Bengal tiger, leopard, wild boar, antelope, and more.When you travel with us on this journey, you support the Worldwide Fund for Nature’s Give back to Nature program to ensure other species of wildlife are protected to eternity.

Highlights:

  • An experience to enjoy a personally led journey with explorers Mandip & Anita Soin.
  • Exploring three of Central India’s premier wildlife forests.
  • Tracking wildlife including tiger, leopard, wild boar, and a variety of antelope, birds and more.
  • Stay at the charming Pashangarh lodge, Mahua Kothi lodge, and Banjaar Tola lodge.
  • Visiting the Kalinjar fort.
  • A ‘give back’ component towards the Give Back to Nature program of the World-Wide Fund for Nature India.
  • A night safari at Pashangarh, Panna.
  • Jungle safaris at all parks in private jeeps.
  • A nature walk and village visit at Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh.
  • A cooking class at Banjaar Tola, Kanha.
  • A visit to a tribal village and to the Kanha Museum of Life and Art in Kanha.

 ITINERARY

07 March Arrive Jabalpur by flight from Delhi – Panna National Park

We take an early morning departure, explorer style to reach Jabalpur by 0800 hours and continue to Panna National Park by road, 220 Kms away and check into the Pashan Garh lodge. 4-5 hours Today in the late afternoon, we will take a short bird watching walk within Pashangarh and later tonight, we will do a night safari in the buffer area of the park.

Pashan Garh is a unique lodge nestled in the untamed wilderness in a 200-acre forest. Here we have a unique opportunity of enjoying a night safari. The habitat restoration initiative that the Taj Safaris team has undertaken has resulted in a green cover.Panna is situated in the Vindhya Hill range and spreads over the Panna and Chhatarpur districts in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. Panna National Park is the most important protected area in the north- central highlands of India, as it links the eastern and western populations of wild animals through the Vindhya ranges.Situated just 40 km from the world-famous temples at Khajuraho, Panna National Park is located along the banks of the Ken River. The Park, with its deep ravines, cascading waterfalls and thick teak forests, is predominantly a plateau, with sprawling flatlands punctuated by hills, deep valleys, and gorges. The terrain is largely rocky and uneven.There are mixed dry deciduous forests with short grasses and open woods. Lower altitudes are characterized by taller grasses and closed woodlands. Common bamboo also occurs on hilly slopes and gorges.

Home to the majestic tiger, guests may also see leopard, wolf, hyena, jackal and sloth bear. The reserve is also well known for sightings of Nilgai, Sambar, chital, wild boar, and Indian crocodile.

│Pashan Garh Lodge│Lunch and dinner

│Lunch and dinner


08 March -Panna National Park

Early morning, we will have a wake-up tea, after which we depart for a jungle safari accompanied by a resident naturalist, with a break for a picnic breakfast.After a morning of sightings, we return to the lodge.Reminiscent of meeting Fred, Barney and the Flintstones family, you stay in stylish stone cottages huddled atop a hill, facing a waterhole and forest, and await eagerly to see an antelope wandering in the wild and perhaps, seeing the big cat. Inspired from the local dry-packed stone houses of the region, the uneven stones add to its charm.

The crocodile is omnipresent greeting you and the interiors are a contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cotton and cotton lace chandeliers.After lunch, we head into the forest again for another park ride in private jeeps.This evening we will enjoy a talk by Mandip titled ‘Tales of an Explorer’, an anecdotal, humorous account of four decades of living on the edge in the outdoors.

09 March – Panna National Park

After breakfast, we will proceed on an excursion to the Kalinjar fort which is      60 Kms away.

│Pashan Garh Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Many decisive battles were fought for the possession of this strategically located fort in ancient, medieval and modern times. The fort is also symbolic of cultural and religious glory. The famous temple here is the Neelkantha, the tallest Kala Bhairava image and a number of sculptures.After lunch, we will drive to Khajuraho town for a guided tour of the temples.The temples at Khajuraho were built under later Chandela kings between 950 and 1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the original 85 temples, the 25 surviving are among the finest in India. They are built mostly of fine sandstone from Panna in shades ranging from pink through buff to pale yellow although granite was used.There is a belief that the erotic temple sculptures illustrate Kama Sutra, the sensuality outside the temple contrasting with the serenity within. The name Khajuraho is derived from Khajura-date palm, which grows freely in the area and perhaps because there were two golden khajura trees on a carved gate here.

We return to the lodge by late evening.

│Pashan Garh Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

09 March -Panna National Park – Bandhavgarh National Park (200 km, 4-5 hours)

  This morning, we head for our next destination of Bandhavgarh. We reach for a late lunch.Late afternoon we will proceed for a guided nature walk. The nature trails offered in the buffer zone of the park is a wonderful time to get acquainted by the smaller creatures, be they butterflies, beetles, and a multitude of wildflowers.

│ Mahua Kothi Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

This compact park with a core area of 105 sq. km and a buffer zone of 437 sq. km is in the Vindhya hills. It is famous as the place in which the white tiger originated and before becoming a National Park in 1968, it was the game preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa.The management has embarked on a conservation program and protection from disease, fire, grazing, and poaching have all been factors in the recovery of the wildlife area. It is set in rugged hills and marshes that used to be perennial and now support a vast grassland savanna. There are also interesting cave shrines that are scattered around the park.

 10 March -Bandhavgarh National Park

Early morning, we will head to the park for a game drive accompanied by expert Naturalists. We will look for not just the tiger but all species of fauna and flora. We will also stop for a picnic breakfast.

After lunch, we head out into the forest for another safari and return by evening to the lodge.

│ Mahua Kothi Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

11 March -Bandhavgarh National Park

After breakfast, we will visit a local village and interact with the locals and see their untouched way of life. These villages are on the periphery of the park where farming is practiced in age-old methods with simple tools and ingenuity. Tribes like Baiga, Gond and Kol amongst others, live in homes plastered with cow dung.We then return to the lodge for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive in search of leopards, tigers and more.Tonight, we will sit beneath the Mahua tree and have dinner. The tall tree stands at the edge of the grassland and here we enjoy a special dinner adorned by lanterns. This dinner is a unique dining experience with barbecue cuisine.

│ Mahua Kothi Lodge│Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

12 March -Bandhavgarh National Park – Kanha National Park (250 Kms, 5 hrs.)

After an early breakfast, we will drive to Kanha National park with a packed lunch.The afternoon is free and later we can enjoy an optional cooking class by the chef who will unveil simple tips on Indian cooking.

 Banjaar Tola lodge│ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

 13 March -Kanha National Park

At dawn, we will leave in special jeeps of Banjaar Tola with our Naturalists through dense jungles and grasslands laden with mist and a deep orange orb for the sun in the sky.

Kanha is rich in biodiversity and has an excellent population of tigers and leopards. The Barasingha (Hard ground swamp deer) are the mascots of Kanha and herds can be seen in grasslands as well as in ponds feeding on aquatic plants.

After lunch, we will visit a nearby tribal village, interacting with the locals and learning about their ancient culture. Gond and Baiga are the two prominent tribes found here. These were a hunter-gatherer, forest-dwelling communities that practiced a harmonious coexistence with nature. Remnants of that lifestyle can still be glimpsed here, although the younger generations are fast adapting to modern ways.

│ Banjaar Tola lodge│ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

14 March -Kanha National Park

   This morning we head into forest to view wildlife of the area and return to the lodge for lunch.After lunch, we will visit the Kanha Museum of life and art. The museum showcases Gond and Baiga tribal traditional paintings that draw inspiration from forests and wildlife. At 1430 hours, we will return to the park for another drive looking for gaur and jackals.This evening we have a farewell bush dinner with lanterns and a rustic wooden cart. Some local delicacies like the Baiga chicken will be served. The Baiga dancers in traditional dress move lithely as the compelling drumbeats reverberate.

│ Banjaar Tola lodge   │ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Crossing Border – The rivers on the Siang & Brahmaputra

Adventure Travel, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel, Trip Departures India, ,

ASSAM * ARUNACHAL PRADESH

11th – 20th November 2022 | 9 nights/10 days

The Brahmaputra is the third largest river in the world and the largest in India. It originates from the northern side of the Himalayas, in Burang County of Tibet and flows through the ranges before breaking through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam finally entering Bangladesh.

Through its journey it has different names – Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, Jamuna in Bangladesh, and the Brahmaputra in Assam.

The Tsangpo flows into Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang on which we will raft. 

 

Highlights:

  • Hosted by Anita & Mandip Singh Soin.
  • Stay at an eco-lodge in a tropical forest in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Day rafting on the River Siang with Grade 4 rapids.
  • A 5-night river cruise downstream on the Brahmaputra from Jorhat to Silghat near Tezpur.
  • Explorer-style deluxe boat – the Charaidew II, varied cuisine and knowledgeable local guides with evening presentations, including a moonlit sandbank barbecue dinner.
  • A chance to view the Himalayan peaks of 22,000 feet high of Arunachal Pradesh. (Weather permitting)
  • Visit Majuli Island, one of the largest islands in the world and see the potters and the traditional mask-making process by the local community.
  • Visit a monastery with an eclectic museum and a Sattriya performance by the ‘dancing monks’ at Kamalabari monastery, Auniati.
  • Stay at the boutique Wild Mahseer Lodge, visit Mishing tribe and tree planting to make this journey Carbon Neutral.
  • Jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park – a world heritage site.
  • Wildlife viewing through float rafts on the Jia Bhoroli River.
  • Visit a biodiverse haven of the Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark.
  • Walk-in Nameri Sanctuary for Birdwatching & visit the Hoollongapar Gibbon WLS for Hoolock Gibbons sightings, India’s only ape.
  • Contribute to the Give Back to Nature programme of the WWF India

 

11 Nov        Delhi – Dibrugarh – 3-hour drive to Pasighat

Friday         On arrival at 1140 hours, we will drive to Pasighat and check into the Aborcountry River camp located on the banks of the mighty River Siang. Traditional tribal dancers of the Ayeng tribe, will welcome us.

 

The suggested flight is via Vistara departing at 0750 hours from Delhi and arriving at 1140 at Dibrugarh via Bagdogra.

 

(All arrivals from other parts of the country should be at the same time, no later than 1200 hrs. Arriving a day earlier is recommended should flight timings not match.)

 

Pasighat is the headquarters of East Siang district in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at the Eastern foothills of the Himalaya at 155 metres above mean sea level, Pasighat is Arunachal’s oldest town.

The Aborcountry River camp is an eco-lodge and is located on the banks of the Siang River in the middle of a tropical forest.

Dinner at the Lodge-Camp.

Temperatures: High 25 and low 10 Celsius

12 Nov        Aborcountry River camp – Rafting 4-5 hours – AR Camp

Saturday      Drive 2 hours north along the Siang River to Rottung and put in for a half day rafting section of almost four hours or more. Encounter big class 4 rapids along the way. We will stop enroute on the banks for a packed lunch. The Put-out is at Aborcountry beach, welcomed with snacks and tea. Return to camp.

An exciting journey down one of the World’s greatest rivers. The river, after flowing gently eastwards through Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, cuts into the Greater Himalayas and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Namche Barwa before it enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang.

 

Temperatures: High 25 and low 10 Celsius

 

13 Nov        Aborcountry River camp – Neamati Ghat – Charaidew II

Sunday       After breakfast, we drive to Neamati Ghat at Jorhat, a journey of 5 hours to board your vessel. Time permitting, if we arrive by noon, we can also visit a local village at Neamati. Lunch on arrival on the boat.

 

After a relaxed evening enjoy a welcome dinner onboard.

The Charaidew is one of the longest boats on the river.

 

The cabins have balconies and views of the passing river. We will do excursions to see historical, cultural, and natural wonders.

Temperatures: High 28 and low 14 Celsius

 

14 Nov          Charaidew II

Monday      Early morning, we will disembark and drive to Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary at Mariani. We will walk through the forest with a local forest guard in search of Hoolock Gibbons, India’s only species of ape as well as a wealth of birdlife. Enjoy a simple breakfast surrounded by nature just outside the sanctuary.

Once back at the vessel, we will cruise to visit a riverside village – Salmara of Majuli Island.

The village is famous for preserving a unique way of pottery making. Villagers here still practice the old beaten clay process of making earthen pots.

After a relaxed evening enjoy a traditional instrumental performance onboard followed by dinner.

Temperatures: High 28 and low 14 Celsius

15 Nov          Charaidew II

Tuesday       Whilst we enjoy our breakfast this morning, we will cruise down to Kamalabari Ghat at Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

A microcosm of Assamese culture, Majuli represents rural idyll in Assam.

A stronghold of the peaceful religion of neo-Vaishnavism, the elegant island satras for celibate monks at the island highlight a unique way of life where the faithful live simply, offering worship through gayan-bayan (Songs and musical instruments) and recitation of holy scriptures.

We will visit a monastery at Auniati with an eclectic museum, and then enjoy a Sattriya performance by the ‘dancing monks’ at Kamalabari monastery. If possible, we shall also see the traditional mask-making process at Majuli before cruising downstream for an hour or two.

During our time at Majuli, we will also come across wetlands and water bodies that are home to various migratory and resident birds during the winter months.

Tonight, we will enjoy a BBQ on a deserted sandbank of the Brahmaputra River under the open sky.

Subject to river and weather conditions.

Temperatures: High 28 and low 14 Celsius

16 Nov          Charaidew II

Wednesday Today will be a full day of sailing. We shall take time to pause and walk through the bankside village of Jamugiri.

Your accompanying guide and naturalist will brief you as you observe the simple riverine lifestyle of the locals in Assam.

In the afternoon, Kaziranga National Park will be on the port side, and you may have sightings of wild elephants, water buffalos and other mammals from the vessel. You may view the endangered Gangetic dolphin.

 

Temperatures: High 28 and low 14 Celsius

 

17 Nov          Charaidew II

Thursday     Early morning cruise down to Silghat. After a relaxed breakfast we proceed to enjoy a riverside lunch at Diphlu River Lodge. 

 

Post lunch, experience a jeep safari through its Western Range of Kaziranga National Park with good woodland as well as its grassland and wetlands.

 

Covering an area of approximately 430 sq km, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros as well as the Indian Wild water Buffalo.

It has also earned the distinction of having the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers making this park an incredibly rich biodiverse hotspot. With its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, this park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer, and capped langur.

 

Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise. Bird species found are the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, and more.

Temperatures: High 28 and low 14 Celsius

18 Nov          Charaidew II – Wild Mahseer lodge

Friday                        We disembark from the boat and drive to the Wild Mahseer Lodge, an hour away.

Wild Mahseer is a unique heritage stay for visitors to experience mindful tourism while living within the biodiverse haven of the Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark.

Unravel the mystique of tea and history on the tea garden tour and hear the story of how tea was introduced in India over “ChaiKiBaat” and a tea tasting session with tea experts.

Trees planting in and around the property.

 

Tea gardens walk 4:00 pm

 

Temperatures: High 28 and low 16 Celsius

 

19 Nov          Wild Mahseer Lodge

Saturday      Today, we will leave at 6 am for Nameri National Park, a birders’ paradise, with photographers, ornithologists who have spent days in this forest studying behavior patterns of these birds.

Temperatures: High 28 and low 16 Celsius

 

20 Nov          Wild Mahseer Lodge – Guwahati airport

Sunday         This morning, we will walk the Botanic Trail through the botanic ark (EHBA) with our naturalist. We will also experience tree hugging and visit the spice hub.

Check out after lunch at 12:00pm and take a scenic drive enroute Guwahati Airport. We will all ideally take the evening flight back to Delhi.

 

This journey is limited to 36 participants of Ibex Expeditions will have the Charaidew II as an exclusive chartered boat.

Castaway On the beautiful Andaman Islands

Adventure Travel, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel, Trip Departures India, ,

In 1978, 3 student friends travelled in the Bunk class on a Rs. 50 ticket from Kolkata to Port Blair. Their aim was to trek, study the local tribes, do some deep-sea fishing and climb Barren Island Volcano.

Their permit for Barren Island was never granted by the Government of India. In 2002, Mandip led an International Ecotourism & Volcano expedition, visiting 13 islands and presented a report to the Government on low impact tourism strategy as a sustainable option in these islands. A permit to Barren Island was granted and his team of anthropologists, National Geographic photographers and explorers, all ascended it.The following year, the volcano had an eruption. 

The team visited Car Nicobar and came to the conclusion that it was not ready to receive Tourism.

Given the fragility of these islands, Ibex Expeditions has curated a journey with the idea of travelling with conscious travellers. India’s most remote state, the Andaman Islands is situated more than 1000km off the east coast in the middle of the Bay of Bengal. Thickly covered by deep green tropical forest, the archipelago supports a profusion of wildlife, including some extremely rare and endemic species of birds. The beaches and the pristine reefs that ring most of the islands are unique.Filled with colorful fish and kaleidoscopic corals, the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea feature some of the world’s richest and least spoilt marine reserves.Situated on the ancient trade route between India and Myanmar, the Andaman’s were visited by the Navy of the English East India Company in 1789 and in 1872.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Ross Island and see the earthquake ruins during World War II.
  • Visit Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
  • Visit the Cellular Jail & witness the Son et Lumiere in the jail.
  • An interaction with The Andaman Nicobar Environment Team.
  • Snorkeling at Radhanagar beach.
  • Kayaking through Mangrove creeks.
  • Visiting a Karen village, a tribe originally from Burma.
  • Trek to Saddle Peak and visit the sandbar of Smith Island.
  • Night walk with Naturalist guide through the Mahua forest. 
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
  • Cruise through Ritchie’s Archipelago & a Game Fishing experience.
  • Snorkeling at Turtle Beach Reef.
  • Trek to Elephant Beach. 
  • Bird watching.
  • Rock pooling to see octopus, clams, starfish, mudskippers, sea cucumbers at Neil’s Cove.
  • Photography leader Himraj Soin.
  • A journey led by Explorer, Mandip Singh Soin FRGS.

ITINERARY

17-25 February 2023 – 07 Nights/ 08 Days

1 FEB – PORT BLAIR

Activity: Visit Ross Island, Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cove Beach

Arrive at Port Blair by flight and transfer to hotel, then visit Ross Island. The erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the British regime, Ross Island holds atmospheric ruins of old buildings damaged by earthquakes at the time of Japanese occupation during World War II. The historical ruins include the Chief Commissioner House, Church, and Bakery all in a dilapidated condition with fig trees growing around and through them. [There is a direct flight from Delhi with a return via Chennai or Vishakhapatnam. There are also flights going via Kolkata and Chennai].

Then proceed to visit Corbyn’s Cove Beach (the only beach in Port Blair).

Later, visit the Cellular Jail to attend the Son-et-Lumiere, Kala Pani’s famous Sound and Light show that depicts the horrors of incarceration at the Cellular Jail while it was administered as a penal colony under British Rule.

Optional activity: Jet Ski /Parasailing at Corbyn’s Cove

DAY 1 – WANDOOR

Activity: Island Ecology Sessions with ANET

Visit ANET Field Research Station & Transfer to Havelock

Depart early morning for Wandoor (45 minutes’ drive) for an interactive session with the field staff. ANET is a Research & Education field station and hosts researchers from MCBT, NCBS, NCF, IISC and Dakshin all through the year. The Andaman Nicobar Environment Team is a multi-disciplinary research hub, environmental conservation and education centre in the Andaman Islands. You will be exposed to live at an active research station and will participate in a walk through the forest & mangroves surrounding the base, which will expose you to and give you an understanding of island ecology. After brunch at ANET, return to Haddo jetty to board your ferry to Havelock. 

 

Barefoot at Havelock Drawn from the Earth

Barefoot at Havelock is an environment conscious resort; a space that we hope is truly one of a kind. In keeping with our ethos – drawn from the earth – we believe in giving back to our environment and community as well. We strive to create and share the true Andaman experience with in our resort and on our excursions. The Andaman of your imagination, of white sand beach and lush green rain forest is the reality of our location and we have worked hard to ensure our landscape matches your dreamscape.

The Trees

The land we are built on was once a banana plantation flanked on either side by thick tropical rain forest s. We began our journey by planting many hundreds of endemic saplings that have now grown in to a canopy of tall fairy-tale trees, seamlessly merging in to the forest around us.

The Cottages

Drawing from vernacular architecture, the cottages and villas are built using natural, renewable material – cane, thatch and wood. The wood is sourced from plantations that have a certified replanting program. As they are built raised on stilts, the cottages and villas do not interfere with the runoff after rains.

The Birds

The ornithologists have spotted over 50 species and subspecies of birds within the resort, including most of the 22 species endemic to the Andaman Islands. We have chosen not to add pathway lighting so as to not disturb our resident endemic owls. Instead, we give you flashlights, to enjoy your experience in the midst of the jungle.

The Island Life

Very few staff is from mainland India and most are Andaman settlers, including the Andaman Karen.

Waste Management

Kitchen waste water flows through grease traps and sewage is directed in to septic tanks before being taken through our Sewage Treatment Plants.  A natural purification process then takes over, ensuring the ground water is not polluted and the water table is undisturbed. We have limited our use of non-bio-degradable waste and are moving towards complete elimination, while also choosing responsible means of disposal.

Barefoot at Havelock is the first eco-retreat on Radhanagar Beach set in the lush green forests of this island. Their social responsibilities and initiatives are in place.  Once at Havelock, enjoy the evening at the Radhanagar Beach (Rated by TIME Magazine as the Best Beach in Asia), and soak in the atmosphere of the resort, which is set behind the beach nestled in the regenerated rainforest, and bordered on three sides by primary rainforest.  

DAY 2- HAVELOCK ISLAND

Activity: Snorkel at a near-shore reef and Kayak in the Mangroves

Snorkeling:The guides will take you through calm blue shallow waters to a good spot for beginner snorkelers. It’s easy to slip on your gear, get your head down in the water, be mesmerized at first sight by the underwater life and then just continue snorkeling. 

Kayaking: Havelock has an extensive network of mangrove creeks, and experienced paddlers (including a National Games Champion who has represented India in the Asian Games) will teach you the basics and take you on a guided excursion through the mangroves.  Return in the evening to your resort. 

HOTEL: Barefoot at Havelock

DAY 3 – HAVELOCK to WEBI & DIGLIPUR

Activity: Visit a Karen Village

The vehicles will be with you early morning to take you to Havelock jetty. Your ferry will depart Havelock in the morning (time varies depending upon the Government ferry schedule prevalent at the time) for your transfer to Rangat by Government ferry. The journey to Rangat, on a direct sailing, will take 2 ¼ hours; and if via Strait Island and Long Island, it will take 4hrs.At Rangat jetty, you will be met by our vehicle, which will transfer you to Webi village (2 hours, 80kms), at Koh Hee homestay, for a traditional home-cooked Karen lunch.Webi, in the Burmese-Karen language, means “Hidden Village” and this is the first and oldest settlement in all of Middle and North Andaman. Your host, Saw John, has served more than 20 years at ANET, retiring as the base leader, and is a font of local knowledge.Visit the Andaman Karen Center where your hosts will give you an introduction to the Karen tribe and demonstrate the making of basic handicrafts.

Proceed thereafter to Kalipur (Diglipur) ~2 hrs.  

HOTEL: Turtle Resort Guest House, Kalipur (Diglipur)

DAY 4 – SADDLE PEAK TREK & SMITH ISLAND SANDBAR

Activity: Trek to Saddle Peak / Visit the sandbar off Smith Island

Depart at 5 am from Turtle Resort and drive to the entrance of the Saddle Peak National Park to climb Saddle Peak, 732m, the highest point in Andaman. The trail goes through the Saddle Peak National Park and is 8kms in each direction, a comfortable 5-7hr trek in total. The trail starts along the coast and then begins its uphill ascent through the tropical rainforest. The views show the jungle and sea, and the outlying islands of the archipelago.On your return, take a speedboat from Aerial Bay to visit the sandbar off Smith Island, where you can swim and snorkel.

HOTEL: Turtle Resort Guest House

DAY 5 – HAVELOCK ISLAND

Activity: Night Walk at Radhanagar 

After breakfast, take a packed lunch and depart from Turtle Nest, to catch your return ferry from Rangat (timings depend upon the Government ferry schedule in force on the day).The journey to Havelock, on direct sailing, will take 2 ¼ hours; but if via Strait Island and Long Island, it will take 4hrs (Sailings only on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday).Once at Havelock, return to Radhanagar Beach to relax and unwind.

In the evening, join the resort naturalist for a walk in the vicinity of the resort at Radhanagar, heading through the Mahua forest and also along the seashore, looking at nocturnal creatures going about their nightly routines.Stargazing is often rewarding as, on a cloudless night, the views of the night sky are simply ethereal. Return to the resort for dinner and turn in to bed early to get rid of the fatigue from your hectic travel and trek over the past few days

HOTEL: Barefoot at Havelock

DAY 6 – HAVELOCK ISLAND

Activity: Paddle boarding & Archipelago Cruise/Game Fishing

After breakfast, proceed to Govindanagar Beach at Barefoot Scuba to commence your next activity. 

Stand Up Paddling (Paddle boarding): The waters here are calm and shallow, making it perfect to learn Stand Up Paddling (SUP), or Paddle boarding. It is harder than it looks, but the instructors will endeavor to have you standing on your board by the end of the session, making self-propelled progress on the surface of the water even as you are able to spot fish/coral through the crystal clear waters, from your vantage point on the board.

Cruise through Ritchie’s Archipelago and further afield for Game Fishing: The fishing gear will be loaded along with snacks and you will head out in the afternoon for a cruise through the islands of Ritchie’s Archipelago. 

The uninhabited islands north of Havelock, namely Wilson, Nicholson, Peel, John Lawrence, Henry Lawrence, Outram and Inglis together create a labyrinth of green forest amidst the cerulean sea. Up to 2 people can fish from each boat at a time, but for those just along for the ride, the journey is the destination itself.

HOTEL: Barefoot at Havelock

DAY 7 – HAVELOCK ISLAND

Activity: Snorkeling at Aquarium and Turtle Beach Reef

After breakfast at Barefoot at Havelock, return to Barefoot Scuba to commence your next activity, snorkeling.

Snorkeling: From Barefoot Scuba, board the boats that will take you to some of the best offshore snorkeling sites in the vicinity of Havelock Island. The reef off Turtle Beach is in good condition and a good alternative to the commercialized Elephant beach reef also in the vicinity. The waters here are usually calm and with little wave action, so beginner snorkelers, who have already had one experience at a near-shore reef should be comfortable hopping off the boat and into the ocean for their first offshore snorkeling experience.

You will then take the boat to the Aquarium which is renowned for larger aquatic life with a more constant and steady wave action. As the Aquarium is off a promontory on the Southwest corner of the Island, this is a little ‘push’ towards the shore as the tide ebbs and flows stronger here. The snorkeling here is a little more challenging but remains safe and is extremely rewarding.

Return to the resort in the afternoon to spend the remainder of your day at Radhanagar   

HOTEL: Barefoot at Havelock

DAY 8 – HAVELOCK ISLAND

Activity: Rock pooling + cycling / Bird watching

Trek to Elephant Beach & Bird watching: 

Spend the day cycling and then walking between the forests/ mangroves/ coast/farms around the southeastern side of Havelock, past Kalapathar beach. The excursion departs from Barefoot Scuba Resort at Govindanagar Beach and entails cycling 8km to Kalapathar Beach with your guide. Kalapathar is a scenic beach, access to which is through a wonderful coastal road. Common sightings include flocks of green imperial pigeons, Asian glossy starlings, black-naped orioles and various parakeets. Other sightings include the white-headed starling, Asian fairy bluebird, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Woodpecker.  Spend time at Kalapathar beach before cycling back to your departure point.

Rock pooling: The naturalist will take you for a walk in the intertidal zone during low tide, and point out creatures living in rock pools in the day e.g. octopus, clams, starfish, mudskippers, sea cucumbers and many other denizens of the shallows. The rock pools are within easy walking distance of the resort, between Radhanagar Beach and Neil’s Cove.

HOTEL: Barefoot at Havelock

DAY 9 – HAVELOCK ISLAND – PORT BLAIR

Activity: Trek to Elephant Beach and Bird watching + Scuba Dive at Nemo Reef (Optional)

Trek to Elephant Beach & Bird watching: 

The trek to Elephant Beach (1 hr. each way) commences from a drop off point 3 km from the resort, and winds through fields, forest and mangroves before reaching a beach. The bird watching trail is rewarding for forest and littoral species. Elephant Beach has a local operators association conducting watersports such as Jet Ski, glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling and you may choose to stay and partake in these. 

Scuba: At Barefoot Scuba, kit out for your first ever dive experience at Nemo Reef). Your instructors will guide you through the theory and familiarize you with all equipment and then take you to Nemo Reef for your first ever scuba dive. Please ensure that the medical form is completed and shared with us prior to arrival to ensure that there are no contraindications in your medical history that would exclude you from diving. 

In the afternoon, take the ferry back to Port Blair, and check in to the hotel.

Optional Activity: Jet Ski /Snorkeling/Watersports at Elephant Beach & Scuba

HOTEL: Fortune Resort Bay Island

DAY 10 – DEPARTURE

Transfer for your onward flight after breakfast.

 

 
 

AS THE RIVER FLOWS …A cruise down the Brahmaputra

Adventure Travel, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel, Trip Departures India, ,

A voyage through Assam on the tempestuous Brahmaputra River is an indelible experience. Once it reaches Assam, it becomes the Brahmaputra or son of Brahma.

We pass by historic temples and get glimpses of life in the remotest parts. 

The boats are small in size, comfortable and filled with character. The décor is fresh and stylish, featuring handlooms, bamboo paneling, and locally made cane and rattan furniture. With only 12 cabins, it is ideal for a small group of friends.

Cycles on board and tuk-tuks allow for independent exploration.

Trip Leaders

Himali Singh Soin is a writer and David Soin Tappeser is a musician. 

Together, they travel the world with the belief that everything, a rock, a cloud and a river, is alive. 

This sensibility frames this journey, meaning we will chat, read, listen in silence, record what we see in any way that we like, and experience a way of being that feels more fluid, like a boat. 

ITINERARY

19 – 26 December 2021
07 Nights/ 08 Days

19 December Delhi – Guwahati – Kaziranga

This morning you will fly to Guwahati and drive to Diphlu River Lodge for the next 2 nights. After a leisurely lunch, we will go on a jeep safari in the western range of the park. We will walk in the nearby rubber plantation accompanied by our in-house guide and visit a Karbi village.Covering an area of approximately 430 sq. kms, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and the Indian Wild Water Buffalo. It has also earned the distinction of having the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers (one every five sq. km.) making this park an incredibly rich biodiversity hotspot. 

With its marshy swamps and thickets of elephant grass, this park supports large populations of Indian elephants, Indian bison, swamp deer, and capped langurs.

​Besides wildlife, Kaziranga National Park is also a birding paradise. A few of the bird species found here are the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, White-tailed Eagle, and Himalayan Griffon.

Kaziranga National Park also frequently draws comparisons to the Serengeti in Africa due to the park’s abundance of wildlife and birds.

Lunch, Dinner at lodge.

20 December –Kaziranga

After breakfast, go for a morning Jeep Safari in the Bura Pahar Range of the park. Return to the Lodge for lunch and later go for an afternoon Jeep Safari in the Central Range.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.


21 December – Kaziranga – Ship

Today, after an early breakfast check out from the lodge and drive to the Eastern range of the park for a morning jeep safari before embarking on your cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra.

After the safari, drive a short distance to Dhansiri Mukh where your country boat will be waiting for you to take you to ABN Sukapha, your home for the next 05 nights. Once onboard, enjoy your lunch while sailing downstream until we moor for the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

 

22 December – Nameri National Park – Silghat

 

This morning, we cruise downstream with Kaziranga National Park on the left bank to Viswanath, which is known for a revered Ahom period Shiva temple. Take a walk ashore before continuing the voyage down to Tezpur.

After lunch, we will visit the 6th century Da Parbatia temple ruins with its beautifully carved portal. Later, explore the town by cycle rickshaw, stopping at Cole Park with its medieval stone carvings saved from sites all over the region. Wander through the local market. Our ship will be waiting at the town’s waterfront for us to reboard.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

 

23 December – Ship – Tezpur – Ship

After an early breakfast, drive for two hours to the Nameri National Park at the foot of the blue hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the old North East Frontier Agency.The day is spent mostly cruising downstream with jungle-covered hills rising on either side. Here, we take a float trip of around 2 hours down the Jia – Bhoreli River through the park. There is excellent bird-watching here including the great Hornbill and a chance of sighting wild elephants.

After lunch, take a village walk before returning to the ship and cruse downstream.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

24 December –Ship – Jotiabari – Ship

We shall still have some time to pause and visit a riverside village, with its lush green fields of vegetables and corn. Your accompanying guide and accompanying naturalist will brief you as you observe the ways of life in Assam. Continue downstream and moor for the night near Ganesh Pahar.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

25 December – Ship – Kamakhya temple – Ship

Merry Christmas

This morning, we shall reach Guwahati after breakfast. Disembark at Uzanbazar Ghat, State Museum and later up Nilachal Hill to the Kamakhya temple with its tantric rites and animal sacrifices. The vessel will cruise down and wait for you at Pandu port.As you have your lunch on board, we will start cruising downstream under the Saraighat Bridge to the little town of Sualkuchi, loud with the clatter of looms, and visit its silk-weaving workshops on foot. We shall see the whole process of silk manufacture, from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and hand-weaving into exquisite Mekhela Chadars (a two-piece sari, the traditional attire of Assamese women).

Christmas dinner on a sand bank with fairy lights. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

 

26 December – Disembark – Guwahati

We will cruise up to Pandu Port for disembarkation and transfer to Guwahati airport for your onward journey.

​This itinerary, including the cruise and approximate driving durations, is subject to river and weather conditions.

PERU: Journey to a home of ancient cultures

Trip Departures International,

Join us in our journey to Peru, a region that was once home to several ancient cultures. From the Norte Chico civilization in the 32nd century BC, the oldest in the Americas, to the Inca Empire, Peru has one of the longest histories of civilization of any country, tracing its heritage back to the 4th millennia BCE.

10 nights / 11 days

Day 01
Arrival Lima
Fly into Lima airport where you will be received by an Ibex representative holding a placard with your name on it followed by surface transfer in your vehicle to your hotel. Check in to your hotel and catch up on jet lag. 

Casa Republica
When fog bundles its colonial facades and high rises, Lima’s enchantments come across as all too subtle. After Cairo, this sprawling metropolis is the second-driest world capital, rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs.

Day 02
Lima
After breakfast your guide picks you up from the hotel and takes you visit Larco Museum. This is one of the best organized museums in Lima, showing a complete perspective of the different stages of cultural development in the Peruvian territory, establishing at the same time a chronological parallel with the most significant civilizations around the world.

Lunch takes place at Café del Museo.

After lunch you will start your visit to Lima City. Despite a general belief saying that Lima has not much to offer, during this afternoon you will note that this city has an impressive past and history to learn about. Your guide leads you to downtown for visiting the main Plaza, the Santo Domingo Monastery and the Osambela Colonial house.

The Santo Domingo stands up for its 15th Century “Azulejos Sevillanos”, as well as the paintings, gardens and immensely significant tradition housed within its walls.

Then you walk to Osambela colonial house; if you are lucky and the weather helps, you may be able to watch the sea from the top of the “tower´s” house, from where the original owner, an important trader, did watch his ships arriving from overseas. Finally you walk a few minutes to Casa Aliaga, an exceptional colonial house, which once belonged to one of the conquerors and that has been inhabited uninterruptedly by the same family until today.

Day 03
 Lima
The Word Travel Awards recently named Peru as the World´s leading culinary destination, and Lima is with no doubt the food capital of South America. Amazing biodiversity, a fabulously huge variety of local ingredients, pre-Columbian and Spanish culinary traditions mixed with influences from all over the world and the creativity of local chefs are some of the elements that have and are still building a fantastic local cuisine.

Your guide-chef meets you at the hotel to start a day full of experiences, where you will be able to have a glimpse of the Peruvian life-style, seen from the perspective of food. A 45-minute drive takes you to south of Lima, to an organic farm where the owner will show you the amazing self-sustainable circle that they have created based on Guinea Pig (cuy) breeding. Together with learning about endemic ingredients and getting in touch with local entrepreneurs you will be inspired as to how this initiative is changing lives in remote Andean Communities.

Following this, you are driven to a charming private house in the Lurin Valley for a fascinating cooking experience while enjoying a Pisco Sour. You may also want to take the time to visit the pottery studio owned by the hostess’ family, who happens to be one of the most renowned producers of fine ceramics in Peru.

Your day ends back in Barranco district where you can go for a short walk through the charming streets, art galleries and shops.

Day 04
Lima – Cusco by flight – Ollantaytambo by road
In the morning, a representative meets you at the hotel and takes you to the airport to board your flight to Cusco.

On arrival at Cusco airport, you are welcomed by your tour guide, who joins you for the one-and-a-half hour drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The Valley is located 500 meters lower than Cusco City, today we are going to visit Pisac Inca ruins, a quite impressive archaeological site, where you will find large terraces, ancient cemeteries and a number of buildings formerly used as residences for high-ranked personalities, and also as worship areas. Together with the archaeological site, the traditional market is one of Pisac’s attractions; there you find the time to walk slowly from one stand to the other, admiring the typical art-crafts and at the same time watching and even trying some of the local products.

Dominated by two massive Inca ruins, the quaint village of Ollantaytambo (known to locals and visitors alike as Ollanta) is the best surviving example of Inca city planning, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. After the hordes passing through on their way to Machu Picchu die down around late morning, Ollanta is a lovely place to be. It’s perfect for wandering the mazy, narrow byways, past stone buildings and babbling irrigation channels,

Day 05
Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, you visit Ollantaytambo archaeological site and walk the narrow streets of which is famous for being the last Inca Village still populated until our days. This is for sure our favorite village in the Sacred Valley.

Today´s lunch is not just lunch but a whole experience during which you will visit an organic farm set on an old Inca Terrace and participate on the preparation of a traditional Pachamanca. The Pachamanca is an ancient cooking technique consisting in an earth-oven in which native ingredients such as different kinds of tubers, vegetables and meats are wrapped in local herbs and cooked underground using wood-fire heated stones. The owner of this place just started a tiny traditional distillery, where he is developing fascinating products using different Andean ingredients. You may want to have a look at it and perhaps try one or two sips of the Andean Whisky! Not to forget the visit to the coffee roaster followed by an expresso full of Andean flavour.

Day 06
Ollantaytambo – Excursion to Chinchero

In the morning you will drive to Chinchero where you will participate on a weaving demonstration followed by a hands-on workshop focused in the process of natural dying.

During this activity you will meet and share time with a group of master weavers who have spent over 35 years working together in reviving their traditional weaving techniques. Today, their main objective is to weave high quality textiles. In addition, it was 20 years ago when over 50 children started to learn the art of weaving and producing textiles. This has become an excellent initiative to preserve the unique textile traditions.

To complement the experience, lunch today takes place in a traditional house right by the workshop.

During the afternoon you may still find the time for a visit to Maras Salt terraces and maybe Moray.

Day 07
Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes by train

During the morning your guide meets you at the hotel to lead you to board a train. The journey is almost two-hour long.

Once in Aguas Calientes station, your guide leads you to the bus-stop, to take the 25 minute bus ride up to the ruins. The Incas worshiped nature, and built many of their structures in harmony with the dramatic landscape. Your guide will take you through the lost citadel, explaining the different theories surrounding each section. During the afternoon you have the time to continue the visit around the citadel, or perhaps going for a walk to an interesting area such as the “Inti Punku” or Sun Gate, the point from where Inca Trail hikers are able to watch Machu Picchu for the first time. Depending on your physical condition, this walk may take from 45 to one hour uphill walking, and then from 30 to 45 minutes on the way back to Machu Picchu.  Whenever you are ready, you can take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.

Important Notice: Please consider that Inca Rail (train company covering the service to Machu Picchu) doesn’t allow passengers to travel with voluminous baggage, allowing only a small piece of hand-luggage that should travel with the passenger. This is why we suggest traveling with a small backpack or bag, where you can pack only what is strictly necessary to spend two nights in the Machu Picchu area.

Vista Al Rio

Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, this town lies in a deep gorge below the ruins. A virtual island, it’s cut off from all roads and enclosed by stone cliffs, towering cloud forest, and two rushing rivers.

Day 08
Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo by train – Cusco by road

After breakfast, transfer to railway station to board train to Ollantaytambo. On arrival at the station, drive to Cusco.
Remainder of the day is at leisure after check in.

Antigua Casona San Blas

Although Machu Picchu is to be considered the symbol of the Inca Empire, reputation earned thanks to its spectacular location and architecture, the true Inca jewel is Cusco, ancient capital of the Empire, where the Incas did rule and were considered god-kings. In addition, the arrival of the Spanish Conquerors and the Catholic faith, brought another huge architectural transformation, resulting in a completely unique City

Day 09
 Cusco

After breakfast, your guide meets you at your hotel and takes you visit the most representative sites of the city, which gives you the chance to appreciate, in a very specific way, the complexity of the Peruvian history.

You will visit the 16th Century Cathedral and the rich Colonial treasures it houses; you will also visit the Santo Domingo Convent, once the Sacred temple of the Sun, also known as the Qoricancha, which inner walls were, according to the chronicles, once completely covered in gold, housing natural-size gold statues.

Then you will have enough time to either visit the San Pedro Market, Cusco’s main market, where you will be able to experience the real Cusco and its people’s customs, or either walks along the San Blas traditional neighbourhood, which narrow streets resemble the charm of ancient towns in southern Spain. 

After enjoying some free time for lunch, your transport picks you up to go visit the nearby archaeological Incan sites, and Sacsayhuaman among them. On the way you find the opportunity to watch Cusco from above, clearly appreciating the original Inca design of the City, over which the Colonial and Modern Cusco have been built.

You visit Sacsayhuaman, commonly called “fortress”, because of the huge stone blocks that make up its walls, but really not designed for the purpose of being a fortress, but an important worship area.

You have time to also visit the Quenco, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay archaeological sites.

Day 10 Cusco

After breakfast, you visit Andahuaylillas a pictures colonial town which used to be a “reducción de indios”, or a center where native farmers got catholic instruction from Spanish priests in colonial times. There you find a unique baroque church with amazing murals, paintings and altars. Then you will visit Huaro and Canincunca Churches.  Here you can still sense the mixture of catholic and pre-Columbian tradition. Then you drive back to Cusco.

During the afternoon you will visit a local jeweller where you can do some shopping.

Day 11
Cusco – Lima by flight – Depart
Morning is at leisure.
Transfer to airport to board scheduled flight to Lima airport.

THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA: A journey with a purpose

Antarctica Matters, Trip Departures International,

Join us in our journey to the whitest, driest, coldest, windiest continent on earth, February 2020.

THIS EXPEDITION JOURNEY IN BRIEF:

1. Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
2. Explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
3. Learn about the environment and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists
4. Experience abundant wildlife: penguins, seals, whales and more!
5.Become an Ambassador to help in spreading the message of protecting the Antarctica.

11 nights / 12 days

Trip Overview:
The 12-day Antarctic Peninsula voyage offers an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities as well as possible stops at active scientific or historic bases.

Detailed day wise itinerary

Arrive  Ushuaia

Day 1 Arrive in Ushuaia anytime today, or take advantage of our complimentary flexible arrival program and arrive up to 24 hours in advance. You’ll be staying at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Today is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers.


Embarkation
Day 2 After a complimentary buffet breakfast, you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship.

On board, you’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.


Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 3 and Day 4 As we make our way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare us with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where we’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. We’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If we’re lucky, we may see some of them fully breach from the sea.


South Shetland Islands
Day 5 and Day 6 In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.

Our first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.


Antarctica
Day 7 to Day 9 As we head south across the Bransfield Strait, we enter the Trinity Coast and Gerlache Strait. Here we may explore picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback whale favored Wilhelmina Bay,the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.

Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell and Crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.


Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 10 and Day 11  As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.


Disembarking at Ushuaia
Day 12  Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.