Press Digest 26th March 2007

For its annual Magnificent Mammals voyage to Antarctica in March 2008, Peregrine Adventures has teamed up with WDCS, the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society, inviting the Society’s Senior Research Fellow, leading conservationist and whale expert, Erich Hoyt, to join guests aboard the Peregrine Mariner for this special expedition. Peregrine Adventures’ 10-day voyage departs Ushuaia 6th March 2008.

March is recognised as being the optimum time to see whales in the southern ocean as they have spent the last few months feeding and are now in the mood for a spot of fun! It is the best opportunity to enjoy incredible displays of breaching and hunting. It’s not unusual for a humpback to launch its 45-tonne body clear of the water, or to ‘spy hop’ to get a good look at the tourists! Erich Hoyt, a marine mammal specialist with over 30 years experience, will join Peregrine’s regular team of Antarctic experts, sharing his extensive knowledge on all things whale related, ensuring guests get the most from this wildlife adventure.
Board the Peregrine Mariner in Ushuaia and set sail through the Beagle Channel for the South Shetland Islands and waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula. Cruise through some of the most dramatic scenery the ‘White Continent’ has to offer especially at Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay, where icebergs of all shapes and sizes, calved from glaciers, erode into awesome natural sculptures. The itinerary focuses on areas with the greatest promise of finding whales. Years of experience have taught the expedition staff where the favoured feeding grounds for humpback and minke whales are to be found – see them dine on krill, the ‘power lunch’ of Antarctic wildlife. At this time of year the South Shetland and Antarctic Peninsula area boast an abundance of spectacular marine mammals. In addition to humpback and minke, fin, southern bottlenose, southern right and killer (orca) whales, as well as five seal species, including southern elephant seal, Antarctic fur seal and the predatory leopard seal, all frequent these icy waters. A range of other activities is available throughout the voyage including Zodiac cruising amongst the icebergs and shore visits for closer views of gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins.

The voyage costs from just £3,990 p/p including onboard accommodation in a main deck cabin, all meals, all shore excursions and expertly guided wildlife viewing.
Flights are not included.

For this voyage only, in order to raise funds for whale and dolphin conservation, Peregrine recommends bookings are made through the travel arm of WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, out of the blue on 01249 449533/547. Alternatively you can visit www.wdcs.org/outoftheblue