Press Release Digest 21st May 2007

NEW LIFE IN ICY WATERS
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & THE WEDDELL SEA

Carnivorous sponges, 585 new species of crustaceans and hundreds of new worms are amongst the unique new species recently discovered in the dark waters of Antarctica’s Weddell Sea, where Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance met its icy fate in 1915. Getting closer to this remarkable discovery, tailor-made natural history specialists Wildlife Worldwide offer an 11-night expedition voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea aboard the 2000-tonne, ice-strengthened research vessel Aleksey Maryshev. Departs London 14th January. (Also 13th February 2008 departure aboard The Polar Star).

Board the Aleksey Maryshev in Ushuaia and set sail through the Beagle Channel for the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through some of the ‘White Continent’s’ most dramatic scenery, passing spectacular glaciers and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. As well as the team of naturalists and expedition staff, keeping a constant look out for whales and seabirds from on deck, seminars on wildlife prepare travellers for the adventures ahead. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence, Wandering Albatrosses and Antarctic Petrels may be observed overhead, while Zodiac-landings on Penguin Island, close to King George Island, offer sightings of vast groups of penguins. Next, sail into the Weddell Sea through the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound, surrounded by sculptured icebergs. Visit Brown Bluff, a ice-capped, flat-topped mountain with a prominent cliff of reddish-brown volcanic rock. Here, observe Emperor Penguins, the world’s largest penguin species, on the ice-edge between Snow Hill Island and James Ross Island. Continue through myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords of Paradise Bay with opportunities for Zodiac cruising between icebergs in the inner reaches of the fjords. Antartica’s exceptional ocean-dwelling mammals such as Humpback, Minke and Oca Whales, Commerson’s Dusky and Bottle-nosed Dolphin are all regularly spotted during this voyage. At Hannah Point, Southern Elephant, Weddell and Antarctic Fur Seals can also be observed before recrossing the Drake Pass, returning to Ushuaia and conclusion to the voyage.

The tour costs from £5,295 p/p based on twin share cabin, including scheduled international flights, en-route hotel accommodation, full board accommodation on ship and expertly guided wildlife viewing activities.