Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in a Zodiac watching Killer Whales (about 90) swimming towards us.  Absolutely thrilling.Humpback whales passing under the Zodiak and rolling slightly to look at us.  Unforgetable.Sitting with hundreds of penguins watching them going about their business and watching us with great curiosity.  I have some wonderful photographs of penguins studying the landing of the Zodiacs with a very amusing tilt of the head. Leopard seal with the biggest gape when it threw its head back to yawn.  Barbeque on deck surrounded by wonderful Glaciers and Icebergs in beautiful sunshine.  We were very lucky with the weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the expedition crew were superb.  Nothing was too much trouble for them and all were very knowledgeable.They worked very hard to give us the most memorable experience. The ships crew each and everyone succeeded in making this one of the best experiences of my life.I would like now to go to the Arctic before I am too old.  Having said that the oldest person on our trip was 85.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Warm hat, gloves and something to cover your throat to keep the draught out when move swiftly in the Zodiacs.  The Jackets supplied were absolutely superb.No time to read or anything as the expedition crew give lectures and displays and eating so much excellent  food,  meeting so many new friends and staying in touch when you return. 

Suggestions

Please just Go for It!  Slide down a wonderful slope on your bottom,  see the most wonderful sunsets, water that is crystal clear, and lots of animals both in and out of the water that are just as curious about us as we are about them. I would love to do it again.  Maybe the North Pole next.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Icebergs, stunning beauty and serenity

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very well informed, and a good attention to bio-security

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the pre-trip advice carefully, bring sufficient drink to avoid steep on board prices.

Suggestions

Be prepared to make new life-long friends

Most Inspirational Moment

I could choose some of the amazing trips or juddery but visually astonishing zodiac tours but I won't. It may seem simple but the best moments for me were when I was on top of the ship looking out at the serene untouched enviroment. i was wrapped up warm but the cold wind on my face and the silence was amazing. Usually we are surrounded by the noise of people and traffic but when you are the only one looking out and there is no-one in sight and just the peace of solitude all around it is simply breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was an Aussie called Woody who was always around wearing his shorts, whatever the weather. The group leader was very experienced and ran a well organised and ordered team of professionals. He kept the slight distance I would expect from a leader but was at the same time highly approachable and willing to help if anyone needed anything at all. This chap knows what he is doing!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go, it is stunning. Make sure you take warm clothes though, and underlayers are always good as well.

Suggestions

Thankyou Exodus. I visited my final continent in style and will always remember my trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Zodiac cruising on a sublime cloudless day, encircling aquamarine icebergs, quietly observing a leopard seal casually lounging on an icefloe. The intense colours, the stark white of the ice and snow contrasting with the deepest blue ocean. The sound of penguin chatter and raucous calls,  the soft patter of penguin feet while I sat very still on the beach, listening, absorbing and watching the astonishingly beautiful scene before me. Humpback whales breaching and the whoosh of the sea as they played out the spectacle. Hourglass dolphins accompanying the ship as we approached Cape Horn. Listening to the group leader, Shane, reading a short poem about the wandering albatross and lost sailors  as we approached land at Tierra del Fuego.. Sitting with like minded people, conversing about our adventure. The feel of the ship under my feet as I stood at the bow, looking, watching and looking...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant! Shane was professional, informative, kindly and always concerned for our safety, well being and enjoyment!! Cannot speak too highly of him. Inspirational.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read up on Antarctica before you go, it will enhance your awareness of what to look for. Take more memory cards than you think you'll need. Sea sickness pills are provided and are effective( although we were very lucky - no Drake shake!). Take your time when on shore, stay still and the penguins will come to you. Take time to look, look and look... there is nowhere else on earth like this....you wont see anywhere like it and it deserves to be experienced fully. The ship is warm, you dont need outdoor gear inside! High factor suncream and moisturiser is necessary- the weather can be snowy, dry , windy, cold, sunny - protect your skin. Forget about your phone- no signal after the Beagle Channel. Its good to be able to email but dont get hung up on it- you can do that at home. And perhaps when taking photos- just put your camera aside sometimes and look around you...

Suggestions

The yellow jackets from Quark are pretty much indestructible! Marvellous item of clothing, plus the interactive fleece is great! I cannot recommend Quark and Exodus highly enough. Every aspect of the trip was planned and executed without a hitch- the only thing that prevents you doing anything is the weather- control is an illusion..! Take every opportunity to absorb each minute of the trip- it is unique and totally unforgettable. Do not wait to go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Back onboard after our trip ashore at Petermann Island, when a vast pod of Killer Whales surfaced and were coming straight for the ship. The action was absolutely enthralling. The pod eventually went under the vessel, resurfaced on the portside, then headed straight for Chris who was returning to ship in his Zodiac with the Kayaks. Camcorder footage to die for ! During our Zodiac cruise around Neko Harbour we were lucky enough to see a group of six penguins sequentially dive from a snow covered hill into the water below. Their expressions and movements were hilarious.The scenery and tranquility of the sail from Ardvord bay to Danco Island was breathtaking, and the views from the hills above Paradise Harbour and Neko Harbour were memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

To say that "Woody" made this trip is not an exaggeration, and I know 96 passengers who were of the same opinion.His leadership skills were awesome. In addition to always being pleasant, friendly and helpful, his boundless enthusiasm, energy and humour were truly infectious.The smooth running of the expedition did not happen by accident. It was the result of a great deal of hard work, planning and improvisation with great attaention to detail."Woody" and his team made it all happen and it was a privilege to have him as our leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are considering making a trip to Antarctica, do not hesitate. Do it, you will not be disapointed. Quite a lot of money, but worth every penny, and more. . .Based on our experience we would not hesitate in recommending Exodus Travel and we hope to work with them again.We are in our 60s and have been lucky enough to enjoy some pretty special experiences including the Wildebeest crossing in the Masai Mara, Sperm Whales and Dolphins in New Zealand, and Grizzlies gorging at the end of the Salmon Run in Northern British Columbia, but for us, Antarctica is number one so far. 

Suggestions

Where next ?

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing penguins really close up - they came even closer to us than I thought possible; at times pecking (gently) at us. Also sailing through the Lemaire Channel in sea ice and sunshine - a great job by the Vavilov's captain. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. "Woody" was so enthusiastic and able to modify the itinerary seamlessly when required due to weather etc. This gave us the opportunity to go through the Lemaire Channel and its sea ice in a zodiac - a great experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring plenty of memory cards, and sit down and be patient with the penguins and they'll come closer.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the most awe-inspiring moment was when the captain of the ship announced land ahoy, my first sight of Antarctica made my heart race. I've been fortunate to visit many parts of the world in my flying career but the seventh continent feels like a trip to another planet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Doctor Lynn Woodworth, she is an authority on polar marine life and conservation, possesses a warm and welcoming nature, has a positive outlook on life and has the rare skill of making people feel special. Her team adore her and I strongly recommend her as your group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only suggestion would be to pack lightly, our ship, the Vavilov, was extremely comfortable and warm with an excellent crew and delicious, copious food. My expectation was of living in a harsh environment so i took far too many layers of clothing. We were issued a technical jacket with zipped-in fleece which was ideal protection against the elements for our shore landings, the boots that were loaned to us were so comfortable and warm that i have now bought my own.

Suggestions

There was a special atmosphere onboard the Vavilov, partly down to the adventure that we were embarking on and partly because it was a first 'cruise' for many onboard; in my opinion the atmosphere was created mainly by the team of marine biologists, geologists, historians, ornithologists and other scientists. It was an education in all things Antarctic; the knowledge, enthusiasm and welcoming spirit of this group of professionals made the experience unique.I heartily recommend that you wait no longer to discover the greatest wilderness.

Most Inspirational Moment

I Think if it was the beautiful pristine landscape that took my breath away!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chad was my group leader on one ocean, and he worked tirelessly to make everyone happy, even when he looked exhausted himself still kept on cracking the jokes and smiling

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your have a quality  camera with fast shutter speed to catch all the wildlife action

Suggestions

only about 13000 people a year get this opportunity, and if there is one holiday you remember in your rocking chair days, it WILL be this ONE !!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first ever trip where i have travelled alone and the sense of personal achievement was enormous.Watching a glacier calveThe captain of the Vavilov turning around to extend a whale watching encounterThe stillness and beauty after climbing a mountain ridge for phenomenal views...quite humbling!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely fantastic. Demonstrated a professional but relaxed manner with all guests and always striving to maximise the experience with flexible itinaries

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had some "wobbles" before i went re- travelling alone mostly, but i would say to anyone who is hesitating to go for it. The comradeship between passengers is heartwarming and there is nowhere on earth quite like it. I would go back in a heartbeat. By far the most stunning place on earth i have ever seen!The ship is warm and comfortable so take some light clothing for the evenings. I almost overheated in my thermal gear ;-)

Suggestions

Thankyou to exodus. The support i had from the team in the booking office was invaluable. I almost missed out on this trip through self doubt but all my questions were answered honestly and gave me enough reassurance to go ahead. Because of this i look forward to my next adventure with them.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many moments. The friendly gentoo penguin chicks who pecked at our legs and anything else they could reach on Aitcho Island. The breaching humpback whales who chose to somersault in front of a huge glacier not far from the ship. The enourmous tabular icebergs which floated serenely past the ship. The stunning view from the top of the hill above Neko Harbour and the thrilling toboggan back down to the bottom. Our evening Zodiac cruise around the icebergs dotted with several species of seal. The slideshow at the end; it was amazing to look back at all the things we had seen and done in such a short space of time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cheli could not have done more to ensure that our Polar expedition ran smoothly. She enthused, organised and entertained in equal measure and used her Kiwi sense of humour liberally. She is obviously a very competent leader and it was a pleasure to get to know her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are into photography, a polarising filter is a good idea. Don't bother taking walking boots - you won't use them. The wellington boots supplied are all you need on shore and are easier to clean than walking boots (compulsory to avoid bio-contamination between sites). The Sea Spirit is a posh ship but there is absolutely no need to dress up on board; the trip is still first and foremost a polar expedition. You may like to take something a bit smarter to wear at the captain's dinner but this isn't compulsory. Make sure you bring waterproof trousers; these are compulsory if you want to go ashore. Vegetarians are well catered for on board. Binoculars are supplied in the cabins but it is probably best to bring your own as they are not top quality.

Suggestions

If you are in any way interested in wildlife and wilderness, you cannot possibly be disappointed by Antarctica. Do the longest trip you can manage; you will not want to come home!