Additional information
Dates (Leopard Seals) |
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Antarctica’s glacial beauty of towering snow-capped mountains with glistening ice formations ranging from blue to white, makes this expedition to the seventh continent one of life’s great experiences.
Aided by technical support onboard the Hans Hansson, Amos conducts dramatic open water dives along the walls of grounded icebergs. We explore to find the Leopard seals hunting ground in uncharted inlets and bays. Our chances increase dramatically since we are allowed and able to stay for many days at any promising location. Since the small vessel has very minimal impact on the environment, we are free to move everywhere. We also invest a few days in search of Orcas, following them to see if we are lucky to witness this highly-capable species execute their signature hunting maneuvers.
Amos Nachoum is a distinguished figure in wildlife and underwater photography, with a remarkable career spanning over four decades. His unique ability to blend exploration and artistry has captured the attention of audiences worldwide, with his work being prominently featured in esteemed publications such as National Geographic and The New York Times.
His talents have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year award, received twice in recognition of his unparalleled skill and commitment. Amos is the founder of Big Animals xpeditions, inviting adventurers to join him on extraordinary journeys to witness the majesty of wildlife in both marine and terrestrial environments.
His 2019 documentary, “Picture of His Life,” highlights his relentless pursuit of excellence and undying passion for wildlife photography. It chronicles his quest to photograph a swimming polar bear in the Canadian Arctic, showcasing his ability to connect with nature’s most magnificent creatures.
Joining Amos on an expedition transcends the ordinary adventure; it is a profound learning experience, an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world, under the guidance of a master photographer. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the planet’s incredible biodiversity. Amos Nachoum’s expeditions are a celebration of wildlife, a journey of discovery and appreciation, from the depths of the oceans to the far reaches of the mountains.
February 22, 2021
Group assembles in Puntarenas Chile, recommended to arrive one day earlier
February 23
We fly to Antarctica, private 2 1/2 hour flight to King George Island, including all our luggage, no extra fee all included. Upon arrival, we board the vessel and start our cruising and diving
February 23 – March 10
See Below for Destination
March 10 or 11
Depending on the weather pattern, we leave and start cruising back to Port Williams, Chile.
On arrival we transfer for a flight to Puntarenas and then stay overnight at local hotel
March 15
Depart Chile to your next destination
Temperature
Water 28 – 34°F (-2 – -1°C)
Land 10 – 40°F (-12 – 4°C)
Visibility
100+ feet (30+ meters)
85′ Live-aboard expedition dive boat, Hans Hansson
Antarctica’s glacial beauty of towering snow-capped mountains with glistening ice formations ranging from blue to white, makes this expedition to the 7th continent one of life’s great experiences. Its geography is topped by the unique behavior of millions of penguins consisting primarily of four species: adélie, gentoo, chinstrap, and the less commonly sighted emperor penguins. These flightless birds are challenged throughout their life by Antarctica’s frigid elements and the imminent danger of one voracious predator, the leopard seal.
Our Antarctica expedition is specifically timed to coincide with the fledging of penguin chicks when these young birds first venture out from the warm comfort under their parents’ chests. It is a period when the chicks begin to explore the frigid water to learn swimming and feeding skills. Unlike their clumsy waddle on land, penguins are adept swimmers. Once they depart, food deprived adults venture into open water to hunt fish for themselves and their chicks.
The timing is perfect to observe one of Antarctica’s only predators, the leopard seal, feed on penguins. Posing motionless in shallow bay, almost appearing like a harmless rock, the spotted seals wait patiently in shallow water for the opportunity to devour the young penguins. We only recently discovered that the leopard seal does not solely dominate the food chain.
Dates (Leopard Seals) |
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