Photography expedition
ANTARCTICA
RETURN TO THE WHITE CONTINENT
ANTARCTICA
RETURN TO THE WHITE CONTINENT
Start: December 8, 2023, Ushuaia
End: December 21, 2023, Ushuaia
Guides:
Dmitry Arkhipov,
Mike Reyfman,
Joshua Holko
Filling fast
End: December 21, 2023, Ushuaia
Guides:
Dmitry Arkhipov,
Mike Reyfman,
Joshua Holko
Filling fast
The expedition fee is per person based upon cabin selection:
* Main Triple, shared facilities USD $12,990
* Main Twin, shared facilities USD $14,790
* Upper/Captain's Twin, private facilities USD $15,990
* Captain's Mini Suite, private facilities USD $17,990
* Captain's Full Suite, private facilities USD $19,990
* Main Triple, shared facilities USD $12,990
* Main Twin, shared facilities USD $14,790
* Upper/Captain's Twin, private facilities USD $15,990
* Captain's Mini Suite, private facilities USD $17,990
* Captain's Full Suite, private facilities USD $19,990
Antarctica is miraculous; a remote, white continent of stark and beautiful desolation.
Antarctica is miraculous; a remote, white continent of stark and beautiful desolation. For Nature photographers, Antarctica is without doubt the gold standard against which all other photography destinations are measured. Nowhere else on earth offers such incredible landscape and wildlife in such a pristine and remote environment. Best of all, we have timed our expedition in order to provide the best possible chance for fantastic icebergs and great light. This expedition to Antarctica is Led by Joshua Holko (Wild Nature Photo Travel).
The expedition is for a strictly limited number of 52 participants plus fivephotography guides and expedition leader. We have chartered the full ship - the ice hardened expedition ship M/S Polar Pioneer with a highly experienced crew so that we can get as close as possible to giant icebergs for the best photographs. Our expedition ship the 'Polar Pioneer' is equipped with sufficient zodiacs and crew for all photographers to be shooting simultaneously with plenty of room to spare for camera equipment. So bring what you need! We invite you to join us on a 14 days (13 nights) photography expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula in December 2023. Get ready for the ultimate return to Antarctica Expedition
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
• Gigantic tabular icebergs in Antarctic Sound
• Vast Adélie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguin colonies
• Antarctic Wildlife and Landscape Photography
• Midnight Sun light for Photography
• Giant glaciers, Mountains and Snow Fields
• Ice Hardened, Expedition Class Ship 'Polar Pioneer'
ITINERARY
Based on previous photography expeditions to Antarctica in December we plan to use the travel route as illustrated on the map over page. However, our final itinerary may change due to ice, weather and other environmental conditions.
Day 0
We recommend you plan to arrive at least one day early in Ushuaia, Argentina in case of lost luggage or other delays. There are many good hotels in Ushuaia and we can recommend one for you.
Day 1
Departure from Ushuaia, sailing out the Beagle channel and into the Drake Passage. We begin our welcome to Antarctica lectures.
Day 2
At sea. We cross the Drake Passage and begin our journey toward Antarctica. Our photography begins almost immediately with Albatross, Petrels, and many other sea birds that follow our ship as we traverse the Drake. We will have a number of briefings and lectures during the voyage in order to help you prepare for our first photography session in Antarctica.
Day 3
First landing at the South Shetland islands. Our landing site will be chosen based on the prevailing weather conditions. We also expect to encounter and photograph our first icebergs.
Day 4-12
We will be visiting some of the best areas for wildlife and landscape photography during our time in Antarctica. Areas we plan to visit include Antarctic Sound (home of gigantic tabular icebergs), the surreal Deception Island in Whalers Bay (home of rusty whalers remnants), Astrolab and south toward the spectacular Lemaire channel. If conditions permit we will traverse the Lemaire channel in first light and land at Petermann Island. At this time of the year we expect areas like the Weddel sea to be mostly closed with ice, but there will be many other areas for us to explore and photograph including an attempt at the Lemaire Channel. We will take advantage of weather and light to maximize our photographic opportunities at all times.
Day 13
At sea heading toward South America, Argentina.
Day 14
Return back to Ushuaia. Disembark. End of Service.
Based on previous photography expeditions to Antarctica in December we plan to use the travel route as illustrated on the map over page. However, our final itinerary may change due to ice, weather and other environmental conditions.
Day 0
We recommend you plan to arrive at least one day early in Ushuaia, Argentina in case of lost luggage or other delays. There are many good hotels in Ushuaia and we can recommend one for you.
Day 1
Departure from Ushuaia, sailing out the Beagle channel and into the Drake Passage. We begin our welcome to Antarctica lectures.
Day 2
At sea. We cross the Drake Passage and begin our journey toward Antarctica. Our photography begins almost immediately with Albatross, Petrels, and many other sea birds that follow our ship as we traverse the Drake. We will have a number of briefings and lectures during the voyage in order to help you prepare for our first photography session in Antarctica.
Day 3
First landing at the South Shetland islands. Our landing site will be chosen based on the prevailing weather conditions. We also expect to encounter and photograph our first icebergs.
Day 4-12
We will be visiting some of the best areas for wildlife and landscape photography during our time in Antarctica. Areas we plan to visit include Antarctic Sound (home of gigantic tabular icebergs), the surreal Deception Island in Whalers Bay (home of rusty whalers remnants), Astrolab and south toward the spectacular Lemaire channel. If conditions permit we will traverse the Lemaire channel in first light and land at Petermann Island. At this time of the year we expect areas like the Weddel sea to be mostly closed with ice, but there will be many other areas for us to explore and photograph including an attempt at the Lemaire Channel. We will take advantage of weather and light to maximize our photographic opportunities at all times.
Day 13
At sea heading toward South America, Argentina.
Day 14
Return back to Ushuaia. Disembark. End of Service.
OUR EXPEDITION IS DEDICATED TO PHOTOGRAPHY
"After traveling with Joshua Holko and Wild Nature Photo Travel I simply can't imagine going with anyone else. These guys are the real deal." - Robyn Mills - Photographer "If you want to experience and photograph the real Antarctica, look no further than Joshua Holko and Wild Nature Photo Travel" - Martyn Lucas - Photographer
"After traveling with Joshua Holko and Wild Nature Photo Travel I simply can't imagine going with anyone else. These guys are the real deal." - Robyn Mills - Photographer "If you want to experience and photograph the real Antarctica, look no further than Joshua Holko and Wild Nature Photo Travel" - Martyn Lucas - Photographer
ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION FOCUS
The main focus of this expedition will be Antarctic wildlife including penguins, seabirds, seals, and possibly even whales. We also plan to photograph snow and ice covered landscapes and icebergs. Our expedition has been timed early in the season so we expect fantastic icebergs and a breathtaking winter landscape. Experience has shown us that this will give you the best possible photo opportunities whilst giving us ample opportunity for a landing at Deception Island and a cruise through the Lemaire channel.
Antarctica is one of the hot-spots for photographing penguins, seals and icebergs in a great landscape. We will be landing early in the morning and late in the evening to get the best possible light conditions, which you will miss out on an ordinary tourist trip. We will schedule much longer stops than usual when going ashore in order to provide participants with enough time to get excellent pictures. We will be using five zodiac boats to get ashore or when searching for the wildlife at sea. With 9-10 full days near the Antarctic Peninsula, this expedition is for nature photographers who want more quality time with the Antarctic wildlife and landscape.
EXPEDITION SHIP POLAR PIONEER
WHY TRAVEL TO ANTARCTICA WITH US?
• Unlike most tourist cruises to Antarctica, where you are sharing space with regular travelers, our expedition is a full charter dedicated to providing the best possible photographic experience for all aboard. You will be sharing the expedition only with dedicated and passionate photographers.
• Our expedition uses an ice hardened ship that is limited to the small group size of just 52 photographers. IATTO restrictions enforce the number of visitors to Antarctica rigorously. With only 52 photographers you will not miss any opportunity or suffer any landing restrictions due to large passenger numbers.
• Our expedition has been timed as one of the last in the season in order to provide the very best opportunities for great light and fantastic icebergs.
• Photography on our expedition is our primary focus and concern (after safety). Our catering staff understand our requirement to be working when the light is at its best. As such our meal times are flexible and not regimented to ensure we maximize all opportunities.
• Our program is 100% tailored towards photography.
• The photography guide leaders: Joshua Holko and his team are all full time professional Nature photographers who specialize in Polar Photography and who have a combined total of well over twelve seasons of experience and more than twenty four expeditions to Antarctica.
• Our Expedition Leader has spent more than ten summers in Antarctica and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced expedition leaders in Antarctica.
• Our Naturalist is also a professional Nature photographer with more than eight years experience in Antarctica.
• Our expanded photographic guide team is quite simply the best in the business. With a combined total of well over sixty expeditions to Antarctica our guides know and understand what you are looking for in your photography and are dedicated to ensuring you capture the best possible images during the expedition.
THE TOUR PRICE COVERS
• Accommodation on board Polar Pioneer and use of all public areas for the duration of the expedition • All meals on board • All Photography Guide Services • All sightseeing, shore excursions and zodiac rides as required for the cruise itinerary • All Port landing service charges • Lectures, DVD's Slide shows and films on boa d ship • Service of the vessel's Expedition Staff • Basic attention and treatment by the ship's Medical Doctor • Pre-Departure Information and Briefing
THE TOUR PRICE DOESN'T COVER
• Air or land transportation to or from the ship • Excess baggage on any flight • Vaccination costs / passport / visa fees (if required) • Airport departure or arrival tax or any government taxes or levies • Items of a personal nature, laundry, bar charges, phone calls, etc. • Any travel or personal insurances or emergency evacuation charges • Any hotels, meals, transfers or other services before or after the expedition • Any medication or treatments by the ship's medical staff other than basic day-to-day necessities • Please note that travel insurance is mandatory and is not included in the expedition cost.
• Accommodation on board Polar Pioneer and use of all public areas for the duration of the expedition • All meals on board • All Photography Guide Services • All sightseeing, shore excursions and zodiac rides as required for the cruise itinerary • All Port landing service charges • Lectures, DVD's Slide shows and films on boa d ship • Service of the vessel's Expedition Staff • Basic attention and treatment by the ship's Medical Doctor • Pre-Departure Information and Briefing
THE TOUR PRICE DOESN'T COVER
• Air or land transportation to or from the ship • Excess baggage on any flight • Vaccination costs / passport / visa fees (if required) • Airport departure or arrival tax or any government taxes or levies • Items of a personal nature, laundry, bar charges, phone calls, etc. • Any travel or personal insurances or emergency evacuation charges • Any hotels, meals, transfers or other services before or after the expedition • Any medication or treatments by the ship's medical staff other than basic day-to-day necessities • Please note that travel insurance is mandatory and is not included in the expedition cost.
The expedition fee is per person based upon cabin selection:
* Main Triple, shared facilities USD $12,990
* Main Twin, shared facilities USD $14,790
* Upper/Captain's Twin, private facilities USD $15,990
* Captain's Mini Suite, private facilities USD $17,990
* Captain's Full Suite, private facilities USD $19,990
Prices quoted are per person in $USD, based on twin-share. If you wish to have your own private cabin there is a single occupancy of 1.8 times the twin share price. No single travel fees apply if you are willing to share your cabin (triple & twin cabins only). Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. Participants will be notified in writing in this event Payment Terms
A deposit of $4,000 USD must be paid at time of booking to secure your place.
A further payment of $6,000 USD is due 1st September 2022. The balance is due by the 1st of March 2023.
Deposit Methods Accepted: Credit card (Visa and MasterCard) or Direct Deposit. 3% surcharge for credit cards.
* Main Triple, shared facilities USD $12,990
* Main Twin, shared facilities USD $14,790
* Upper/Captain's Twin, private facilities USD $15,990
* Captain's Mini Suite, private facilities USD $17,990
* Captain's Full Suite, private facilities USD $19,990
Prices quoted are per person in $USD, based on twin-share. If you wish to have your own private cabin there is a single occupancy of 1.8 times the twin share price. No single travel fees apply if you are willing to share your cabin (triple & twin cabins only). Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. Participants will be notified in writing in this event Payment Terms
A deposit of $4,000 USD must be paid at time of booking to secure your place.
A further payment of $6,000 USD is due 1st September 2022. The balance is due by the 1st of March 2023.
Deposit Methods Accepted: Credit card (Visa and MasterCard) or Direct Deposit. 3% surcharge for credit cards.
Our standard workshop policy requires an initial non-refundable deposit for reservation of your space and your payment balance in full prior to the commencement of the workshop date, unless otherwise noted. If we do not receive the balance on or before the due date, and we are unable to get in contact with you via the contact details you have provided, we will try to fill your spot off the waiting list. If the expedition is canceled for any reason, your deposit will be refunded in full. Wild Nature Photo Travel Pty Ltd. trading as Joshua Holko Photography and Joshua Holko are not responsible for any financial commitments that registered attendees have with any third parties such as airlines or other travel services.
We recommend that you do not book any flights or accommodation until such time as your registration has been confirmed and your deposit paid.
We recommend that you do not book any flights or accommodation until such time as your registration has been confirmed and your deposit paid.
Participating in this voyage does not require a high level of physical fitness.*
Please be sure that you can:
**Once on shore, you can walk for shorter or longer distances - it is up to you. Landing details will be given in advance of each landing.
Seasickness
Don't let a fear of seasickness scare you away! For all but the most sensitive, seasickness is rarely a big problem. It's a good idea to bring medication if you get seasick or are unsure, but you may find that you do not need it after a couple of days once you have your "sea legs." Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort.
Please be sure that you can:
- Stay without medical assistance for the duration of the trip;
- Be sufficiently stable on your feet that you can, for example, stand on a bus/train in normal conditions without holding or holding with one hand;
- Walk several hundred yards on an uneven surface without getting exhausted;**
**Once on shore, you can walk for shorter or longer distances - it is up to you. Landing details will be given in advance of each landing.
Seasickness
Don't let a fear of seasickness scare you away! For all but the most sensitive, seasickness is rarely a big problem. It's a good idea to bring medication if you get seasick or are unsure, but you may find that you do not need it after a couple of days once you have your "sea legs." Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort.
REGISTRATION FORM