Georgia Travel Guide

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Aqua-Firma Journeys: Exclusive Wildlife and Adventure voyage to remote South Georgia- an Exploration of the ‘Galapagos of the South'

In December 2011, wilderness and wildlife experts Aqua-Firma will be embarking on a new Exclusive South Georgia voyage. South Georgia is an island hotspot for wildlife in the vast Southern Ocean, with some of the sub-Antarctic region's most dramatic mountain landscapes. Until now, visiting this remote island has only been possible as a small part of a longer ships passage en route to Antarctica. This 14 day voyage will now give South Georgia the focus it rightly deserves -delving into the island's unique history which includes Ernest Shackelton's epic rescue trek across the island in 1914.

 

Dubbed ‘the Galapagos of the South', South Georgia has some of the most abundant wildlife on earth and this will be the highlight of our voyage. It has 4 species of penguins including one million king penguins, over 200,000 gentoo penguins and around 12,000 chinstraps penguins. It is also home to over half the world's elephant seals whose average adult male weighs 2 ½ tonnes and measures 16 feet in length.  Other wildlife includes fur seals and reindeer, introduced to the island in the early 20th century.

 

Of birdlife you can see prions, skuas, and South Georgia's endemic pintail; but of special interest is the Wandering Albatross, whose 3 ½ metre wingspan is the largest of any bird and whose courting rituals involves elaborate posturing and vocalisation.

 

All of this wildlife lives amidst some of the sub-Antarctic's most dramatic landscapes. Jagged mountains and calving glaciers create irresistible photo opportunities for even the most amateur of photographers.

 

A team of polar experts will take guests on coastal cruises in small rigid inflatable boats. There will also be extended walks amongst wildlife on the beaches and coastal fringes; whilst snowshoes are provided for exploring deeper inland. The wildlife is fearless of humans and if anything, a safe distance needs to be kept from the elephant seals – especially when fearsome males pitch bloody battles over females. Encounters with wildlife here are probably more dramatic than in the Galapagos. History is never far away. The Whaling History Museum, abandoned wooden ships and the grave of Shackleton himself, provide fascinating historical perspectives.

 

This expedition voyage will be of particular interest to those who have previously been to Antarctica, and for those who have briefly tasted South Georgia and want to come back for more. For the highly adventurous keen to ‘walk' in Shackleton's own footsteps, the option exists for a 4 day ski traverse right across the island. A maximum of 12 participants have the opportunity to become self sufficient for a 4 day , 40 km mountain traverse through steep, glaciated and often snow covered terrain, all the while hauling a sledge. They will be accompanied by experienced expedition guides who will help take them across glaciers and through alpine passes. At night the team will sleep in tents, deep in snow and ice covered sub-Antarctic wilderness.

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

1. Aqua-Firma specialises in expert led tailor made and small group exploration of wilderness and wildlife where land meets water.  Their modes of exploration include inspiring combinations of:

 

1.  
   
   
   1. Polar sailing and small ship voyages
   
   
   2. Wildlife & marine life safaris
   
   
   3. Expert led photography holidays
   
   
   4. Canoe and lodge safaris
   
   
   5. Rafting expeditions
   
   
   6. Yacht charters
   
   
   7. Conservation in action experiences
   
   
   8. Snorkelling & scuba diving
   
   
   9. Family adventures
   
   
   10. Photographic holidays
   
   
   
   

 

1. Aqua-Firma is the only travel company to offset the carbon emissions of its clients' polar voyages, and flights booked through the company in joining its polar journeys. Aqua-Firma does this via a Rainforest4Climate programme set up in partnership with Rainforest Concern.

 

1. 2011 Dates and Prices

 

December 3rd - 17th

Port Stanley - Port Stanley

Includes return flight Santiago - Port Stanley   

       

Quad: £5890

Twin with port hole: £6790

Twin with window: £7090

Twin deluxe: £7550

Superior: £8250

 

About the Author

Aqua-Firma is a travel company driven by a long developed passion for exploring and conserving the best of our planet's wilderness and wildlife - in particular where land and water meet.  The areas surrounding the great oceans, rivers, lakes and icecaps can provide some of the most dramatic encounters with wildlife and the natural world.

 

Our experiences have been created with the input of marine and environmental scientists, professional sailors and divers, conservationists and leading naturalist guides; people who have a passion to communicate the environments they know best.  The result is the opportunity to experience wilderness locations in ways which are invigorating, enlightening and responsible.

For further details about Aqua-Firma's Exclusive South Georgia Voyage or any other Antarctic voyages, please visit www.aqua-firma.com

For further press information and photography please contact Ralph Pannell at

Aqua-Firma Worldwide Ltd. on 0844 412 0848 / 01428 620012 or email

ralph@aqua-firma.co.uk

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