DIVING WITH LEOPARD SEALS ALONG ANTARCTICA'S PENINSULA
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BigAnimals Expeditions | AntArticA February 10 - March 3, 2019
Diving with LeoparD SeaLS
aLong antarctica’S peninSuLa
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.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, cA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAchouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Expeditions | AntArticA February 10 - March 3, 2019
Ocean Tramp - is a 66 feet ketch rigged
“nature at its Best. sailboat, with 5 cabins. She very comfortably can
carry 8 guests plus three crew members and one
scientist. She is a very fast sailboat thanks to her
the Leopard seal
Listen to Your heart pound.
the eight- to eleven-foot muscular
Antarctic orcas ”
Largest of the carnivores, Antarctic
long length, making for a short passage the
sailing across the Drake. She is ideal for
photographers, hikers, divers, scientists and all
sort of expeditions that need a large capacity
vessel with plenty of storage as well as the
needed comfort when living on a sailboat for
leopard seal has a dark grey back with orcas hunt deep into pack ice for leopard longer periods of time.
a lighter grey stomach. it’s named for its seals as well as penguins. sharp, conical She has a broadband 4G radar, forward looking
white throat with black body spots. teeth make them a formidable predator. A sonar, autopilot, media drive for watching
often weighing more than a ton, they pod of killer whales is capable of coordi- movies, onboard PC with WiFi internal net for
sharing files, public wireless printer and
are similar is length (not weight) to nating their attack by communicating with
scanner, chart plotter, Satellite Iridium Phone
the walrus. these sharp-toothed carni- clicks and calls; then as they approach a with email and weather download capabilities, a
vores lock their jaws together to allow seal they become absolutely silent. oppor- large separate kitchen and a large saloon for 12
them to sieve krill when they are not tunists, early in the season, they have been guests. She carries all the safety equipment
devouring penguins. known to follow icebreakers to attack seals required, including Epirb beacon, 2 SARTs, a
and penguins that might have been inac- linethrowing device, 2 liferafts, flares, Handheld
cessible to them. VHFs, SOLAS lifejackets, inflatable lifejackets, Full
Co2 engine room firefighting system, etc. She is
a very sturdy and comfortable boat with huge
forward and aft decks for transporting
equipment, samples, and making your life easier
when dealing with equipment or diving bottles
and compressor
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, cA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAchouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Expeditions | AntArticA February 10 - March 3, 2019
our approach is one of stealth and
patience. Witnessing this unbelievable
scene of the food chain’s ultimate
predation is almost unimaginable.
however it is possible through the
specific logistics BigAnimals set up for
this adventure. having a vessel that is
permitted to explore remote passages
and islands, we stay away from the
crowded routs and with intimate team
of only eight guests we take our time
in observation till we have to spring
into action.
in addition to these experiences, we
will have the opportunity to access the
continent by zodiac to explore historic
explorer huts that were preserve very
well in 20 to 30° F temperatures. this
Antarctic expedition is not for the faint
You will quickly become aware that you have
“ surpassed a pinnacle in adventure travel.
Antarctica’s glacial beauty of towering
snow-capped mountains with glistening
”
of heart and is designed for adventurers
not tourists. As such, we have an
unsurpassed level of freedom during
our 21 days to explore this polar
wilderness governed by cold and ice.
ice formations ranging from blue to We generally spend 14 to 16 days diving
white, makes this expedition to the 7th out on the peninsula and there are no
continent one of life’s great experiences. limitations.
its geography is topped by the unique it often takes many long hours wait-
behavior of millions of penguins consisting ing in and around the water to witness
primarily of four species: adélie, gentoo, predation events, and schedule flexibility
chinstrap, and the less commonly is absolutely necessary to obtain quality
sighted emperor penguins. these flight- images. With rV Braveheart, our work-
less birds are challenged throughout horse of a boat, and two zodiacs that will
their life by Antarctica’s frigid elements, each carry only four guests, the possibilities
and the imminent danger of one voracious orcas are even one step above leopard are endless. We can stay wherever we
predator, the leopard seal. seals and are the only Antarctic predators like for as long as we need to capture
our Antarctica expedition is specifically capable of taking down the raw power of the amazing predation only accessible
timed to coincide with the fledging of an 11-foot long leopard seal. they are less in this remote location at the bottom of
penguin chicks when these young birds commonly sighted than the graceful the world.
first venture out from the warm comfort aerobatic humpbacks, but they’re unique We will also have the incredible
under their parents’ chests. it is a period feeding technique and preference for opportunity to dive icebergs. Diving an
when the chicks begin to explore the these large, strong pinnipeds make them iceberg is an ethereal experience. you
frigid water (28 to 34°F) to learn swim- Antarctica’s apex predator. feel engulfed by its massive and undeni-
ming and feeding skills. unlike their As the leopard seals rest on floating able presence almost as if standing next
clumsy waddle on land, penguins are icebergs between hunting and feeding to a huge mountain and looking up, but
very adept swimmers. once they have on penguins, orca pods strategically and instead your floating next to it and look-
departed, food deprived adults venture cooperatively hunt them down. the pod ing down. the visibility in this frozen
into open water to hunt fish for them- will split into two teams, with one team blue world is beyond imagination and is
selves and their chicks. moving forward in front of the iceberg, sometimes even disorienting. the heavy
the timing is perfect to observe the and the second team staying behind. winter sea ice in Antarctica prevents too
hunting behavior of one of Antarctica’s on some internal signal between the two- much water movement and keeps the
only predators—a time when the leop- orca teams, the team in front will charge sediment from being stirred up by waves,
ard seal feeds on penguins. Posing mo- forward on the surface of the water using and the visibility distance is essentially
tionless in shallow bay, almost appearing their forceful tails to create a watery wake. as far as the eye can see.
like a harmless rock, the spotted seals they churn the water back and forth mak- Being in one of the world’s most
wait patiently in shallow water for the ing the iceberg rock until the seal either incredible landscapes watching the
opportunity to devour the young penguins. slides off or jumps into the water. there is predatory scenes that we will observe,
We only recently discovered that solely no chance of escape for the seal and a you will quickly become aware that
the leopard seal does not dominate the bloody scene ensues as the orca goes for you have surpassed a pinnacle in
food chain. the kill. adventure travel.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, cA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAchouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Expeditions | AntArticA February 10 - March 3, 2019
Antartica
Feb 10 -Mar 3, 2019
AntArticA ExPEriEncE: 18 years
DAtEs: February 10 - March 3, 2019
DurAtion: 21 days
MAx no. oF GuEsts: 6
PricinG: $35,600 per person based
on double occupancy
rEGistrAtion: Deposit of $12,000
VEssEL: 66' Ocean Tramp, Sailboat
ActiVitiEs: Live-aboard expedition
dive boat, leopard seal and
AMos nAchouM orca diving, ice berg cruising, hiking
among penguin colonies and
Expedition Leader historic explorer sites
Amos has over 35 years experience as tEMPErAturE: in-Water: 28-34°F
a wildlife adventure guide, and
18 years experience diving in Antarctica.
Enhance your (-2-1°c) on-Water: 10-40°F (-12-4°c)
triP PricE incLuDEs:
Professional photography will be
done with Amos nachoum, who was
photographic skills • Ocean Tramp, 21 days and 20 nights
• Airfare from Punta Arenas,Chile - King
the BBc wildlife photographer of the
year in 2007 and 2008.
with Amos. George, Island, Antarctica
• All meals throughout the voyage
he will be coaching individuals on
wide-angle and ambient-light photography
the Experience is • All shore excursions and activities
throughout the voyage by Zodiac
of big animals. Priceless! • All diving services, tanks and weights
Amos’ explorations have been Photography presentation and
featured on national Geo, BBc and the instruction
Discovery channel. BigAnimals Expeditions BigAnimals’ unique services – • Leadership by experienced
recreates the same adventures and photo raising the bar of services in every expedition staff
opportunities for you. adventure we operate around the • All miscellaneous service taxes and
Amos uses his leadership and photo- world is our policy. port charges throughout the program
graphy skills to artfully capture the lives We lead by example with immaculate
of ocean Giants whose existence is safety record. Each wildlife expedition
under threat, but whose hope of survival triP PricE ExcLuDEs:
is carefully scouted before offered to
is linked to us communicating the truth. • International airfare
the public and we schedule departures • overnight in ushuaia, Argentina
BigAnimals Expeditions are designed only during peak animal presence and • Land travel arrangements
to add value to your life experience, to behavior displays, led by Amos nachoum’s • Passport and visa expenses
generate attention for endangered and based on his 35 years of diving and • Government arrival and departure
species, to aid in their preservation and photographing ocean Giants. taxes
to provoke public awareness and opinion. our Antartic Expedition is strictly • Baggage, cancellation and personal
limited to only 8 privileged guests. this insurance (strongly recommended)
is with consideration of the animals’ • Excess baggage charges on all flights
welfare and behavior, your safety and • All items of a personal nature such as
provides you with room to move freely, beverages and telecommunication
ample space in which to photograph • customary gratuity at the end of the
and film, with personalized attention voyage for stewards and other service
and advice. personnel aboard (guidelines will be
provided)
• unused portion of the itinerary above
is not refundable
• Additional costs incurred due to
independent travel arrangements
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, cA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAchouM PhotoGrAPhy
BigAnimals Expeditions | February 10 - March 3, 2019
antartica itinerarY > February 10 - March 3, 2019
We strongly suggest you arrive a day countering humpback whales, minke
or two early to Punta Arenas, Chile, to whales, fin whales and orca predation. At
Pleneau sland, we sail among the stun
make sure all your gear is arrived with
ning vestiges of once massive icebergs,
you . We will advise you 90 days before
an ‘iceberg graveyard.’At Pleneau we
departure on hotel of our choice to fre quently bring back the best images of
meet. leopard seal predation, as well as from
coverville, Port Lockroy, Astrolabe and
DaY 1 Gourdin island. During this time, activities
FEB 10 include zodiac cruises, snorkeling, scuba
– ArriVE in Punta Arens Chile and diving, hiking, photography workshops,
connect with the flight to Antarctica, King and lectures. With only 8 guests on board,
George Island. we can be flexible in our itinerary to take
Upon arriving to the Island we soon advantage of the best that Antarctica has
proceed and board the vessel waiting for to offer, and better respond to weather
us and cruise away after you settle with all and ice conditions to pursue wildlife en-
your gear on board counters and photographic opportuni-
ties: visiting secluded bays, seeking out
remote sites for penguin colonies and
DaY 2 - 17 leopard seals, staying out long hours for
FEB 11- Feb. 28 shooting in rare bright light conditions.
– these are eighteen amazing days of All in all, we’ve created a perfect platform
for both amazing photography and un- PAyMEnt PoLicy AnD DEPosit:
cruising and leopard seal and orca diving forgettable life experiences. When we receive your deposit, we will
as we explore the vast islands of the send you a comprehensive and detailed
DaY 18 - 21
southwest Antarctic Peninsula. From De- trip Preparation Bulletin about the expe-
ception island in the north (weather per- rience and the destination. All trip costs
mitting, we will land at Bailey head with MAr 6 -MAr 10 are subject to change without prior no-
its colony of tens of thousands of chin- – We leave the Antarctic Peninsula and tice until your reservation is confirmed.
strap Penguins) we sail through the start our cruise back to ushuaia, crossing A deposit of 33% of the total trip price is
breathtaking Gerlache strait and Lemaire the Drake Passage again, at which you’re required to secure space on the trip.
channel. We have a good chance of en- now an old hand. Leave the vessel to Full payment is due no later than 90 days
catch the connecting flight from ushuaia before departure.
to Buenos Aires and onward. We reserve the right to sell any space
that is not paid in full by 60 days before
departure.
cAncELLAtion PoLicy
-Must be made in writing.
More than 120 days before trip:
deposit will be refunded less
administration fee
-90 days or less before trip: Deposit
will be refunded if space is sold,
less unrecoverable costs of sales,
and administration costs.
-no refund is made for unused part
of the itinerary.
-
the- following are subject to change:
-cost of services which are not
included in the expedition price
-Flight time and schedule
-Weather, water temperature,
and animal behavior
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, Pacific Grove, cA 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAchouM PhotoGrAPhy
Biganimals expeditions | antartICa February 18 - March 10, 2019
ApplicAtion Form
expedition antartica | expeditions Dates: february 18-march 10, 2019
Personal InformatIon
first name last name
Date of Birth Gender: female male
address
City state Zip
Work Phone Home Phone
email
Citizen of Passport # Place Issued & Date
trip price $35,600 per person, double occupancy. Deposit of 1/3 is required to secure space= $12,000 non-refundable.
final payment due 90 days before departure. $
Please make your check payment to Biganimals expeditions, 189 evans ave #a, Pacific Grove, Ca 93950.
overseas payment can be done via bank wire, instructions will be sent to you upon receipt of this application.
Promotional code
travel insurance: Yes no Provider Policy #
travel insurance is prerequisite and mandatory on Biganimals adventures. We need to have your policy number..
Do you carry diving insurance? Yes no Provider Policy #
Diving experience/Years in Diving
Diver must have a minimum of 50 hours Drysuit diving experience.
Where & When last 3 Dive experiences? 1 2 3
How do you rate your Diving skills? Beginner Inter advanced expert
How do you rate your Photography and/or Video skills?
no interest Beginner Inter advanced expert
Biganimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 evans ave #a, Pacific Grove, Ca 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © amos naCHoum PHotoGraPHY
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