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A journey to Antarctica is almost like traveling to another world. The continent was a secret guarded by the stormy Southern Ocean till about 250 years ago. Situated around the South Pole, it is covered almost completely with snow and ice. It holds over 90% of the world’s ice. Icy mountains, with massive ice sheets and gorgeous glaciers, dominate the landscape. The waters are scattered with icebergs, some of them towering over the ship. This is a place of extremes – the coldest, driest, highest and windiest of all continents. And, a continent that has never had a permanent human settlement. No wonder Antarctica has held the explorer captive in its charm ever since its discovery!
There is a brief window every year, during the Antarctic summer, when it becomes possible to travel to this wonderland. Temperatures get slightly warmer. The days are long enough to make darkness disappear. Many species of penguins are nesting at this time, and the rookeries become the centre of all activity. Drawn to the penguin activity, Leopard Seals start making an appearance close to these rookeries. And, the rich oceans draw mighty Whales from the north.
Darter Photography invites you on the 2024-edition of our photography tour to the White Continent. This December, we travel on a brand new ship – the Ocean Explorer – in collaboration with Quark Expeditions. This luxurious small ship is a great way to explore Antarctica. Come, experience the White Continent, and photograph the wonders at the end of the world!
Jump to ◆ Tour Highlights ◆ Tour Itinerary ◆ Our Ship ◆ Frequently Asked Questions ◆ Travel Information ◆ Tour Price ◆ Photography Mentor ◆ Sign Up
Tour Highlights
- Explore Antarctica – one of the most remote and least visited places on Earth – in the comfort of a brand new small luxurious ship
- Witness the extreme landscapes of Antarctica that are continuously shaped by the elements – by sea, on foot and by air!
- See and photograph charismatic wildlife – Albatrosses, Penguins, Seals, Whales, Dolphins and much much more
- Understand more about the ecology, geology and short history of this continent during your time on the ship
- Learn and explore wildlife and landscape photography under the mentorship of Darter’s Wildlife Photography Experts
- Get your photographs reviewed periodically on the tour to understand your photography strengths and what you could improve upon
- Experience the journey to the White Continent, memories (and photographs) of which you will cherish for a lifetime
Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to pre-tour hotel. Ushuaia is a beautiful city set in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago amidst the southern Patagonian mountains and opening into the Beagle Channel. We’ll meet for a pre-departure orientation in the evening.
- Day 2: You have a good part of the day to explore Ushuaia or head to the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. Embarkation will be in the late afternoon. After checking into your cabins of the ship, say goodbye to South America as you sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America.
- Day 3 to Day 4: As the ship cruises through the open seas of the Drake Passage, we spend the days learning more about Antarctica and its unique geology and ecosystems. We’ll also have photography sessions to prepare ourselves for the next few days of photography. Of course, we get interrupted from time to time as Albatrosses and other pelagic birds fly alongside our ship.
- Day 5 to Day 8: The sight of the first icebergs brings about an air of excitement on the ship. We get our first glimpse of the stark and beautiful Antarctic landscape as the South Shetland Islands come into view shortly after. Very soon, it is time for our first landing to explore the landscape. As we admire the most remote landscapes on the planet, penguins surround us very soon. And the cameras can’t stop clicking away! Over the next few days, we make multiple trips out from the ship on Zodiacs to experience the Seventh Continent and the Islands around it. Brilliant blue icebergs, stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife – penguins, sheathbills, skuas, seals and whales – keep us fully occupied.
- Day 9 to Day 10: The journey back takes us back on the Drake Passage, as we spend the days reviewing photographs and learning more about what we’ve witnessed.
- Day 11: The journey of a lifetime comes to an end as we disembark at Ushuaia, with everlasting memories and our memory cards filled to the brim.
Please note that the itinerary above is subject to fair weather and other factors. Darter Photography reserves the right to make changes to the above itinerary at any point of time. Also, please note that photographs in the slideshow are indicative and dependent on various external factors.
Ocean Explorer – Our Ship
Deck Plan – Click to enlarge
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to the Quark Expedition fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.
Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.
For this expedition, we have blocked the Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom for the group. If you’d like to opt for a cabin of a different category, please write to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour is for photographers and travellers who want to explore the White Continent of Antarctica. Note that the participants are not required to be experts in photography or carry professional equipment. Beginners as well as serious photographers benefit through our personalized attention to photography sessions and on field assistance. Non photographers interested in exploring the White Continent of Antarctica are welcome too.
How do we tackle the extreme cold weather?
December is summer in Antarctica. Temperatures are normally around freezing, but the weather here can be quite unpredictable. Darter Photography will advise you on the warm gear and photography equipment that you’ll need to carry on the tour. In addition, you’ll receive a complimentary Parka and Gum Boots (on loan) from Quark Expeditions that’ll keep you warm on the tour.
I am not a keen photographer. But I want to visit Antarctica with your group. Can I still join?
Yes. If you are interested to explore the pristine landscapes of Antarctica and view rare wildlife, you are welcome to join this tour. On this expedition, we offer a non-photographer pricing. Please write to us for details and terms.
Can I bring my non-photographer partner with me?
Yes, you can. Your partner will experience the White Continent of Antarctica and enjoy the journey with the group. On this expedition, we offer a non-photographer pricing. Please write to us for details and terms.
What photography guidance is provided on the tour?
Antarctica offers almost unlimited opportunities for photography – both wildlife and landscape. Your mentor from Darter Photography will coordinate with you before the tour to choose the appropriate photography gear. During the tour, he will guide you about the techniques and tips to photographing the landscapes of the White Continent and the wildlife there. He will also review your photographs periodically to ensure that you make the best of the journey.
Travel Information
Travel between your city of origin and Ushuaia is not included in this tour. Please note the following while planning your travel to Ushuaia and back.
Day 1: Arrival at Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the southern-most city in the world and has air connectivity from Buenos Aires. We recommend that you reach Ushuaia latest by the evening of Day 1. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to the included group hotel. If you choose to arrive a few days earlier, we can help you with choosing your hotel and help you plan activities in and around Ushuaia.
Day 2: Embarkation
You are free to plan the first half of the day around Ushuaia. During the pre-tour orientation of Day 1, you will be given some assembly points around Ushuaia from where you’ll be transferred to the pier for embarkation.
Day 11: Flying out of Ushuaia
Disembarkation is usually early morning, around 8:30AM. The airport is around 20 minutes away from the pier. It is recommended to book your flight around noon or later just to add some buffer.
Visa and Vaccinations
Argentina Visa: Indian citizens need a Visa for Argentina. Allow at least 4 weeks for the Visa process as you’ll need to attend a personal interview at their consulate in Delhi or Mumbai. More details on the Argentina Visa can be accessed here If you have a valid US visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization can be obtained online.
Yellow Fever Vaccine is required for travel to Argentina from India. This is administered in all major cities with different schedules. Ensure you take the vaccination at least 2 weeks before you travel.
Tour Price
The tour price is USD$ 10,950, plus taxes as applicable, for the Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom cabin on Ocean Explorer.
The price includes
- Booking on Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom cabin on Ocean Explorer for Quark Expeditions’ Antarctic Explorer program on Dec 1-11, 2024
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Photography sessions, field guidance and regular reviews by Darter Photography mentor
- Formal and informal presentations by Quark Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- All port taxes
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast
- Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
- Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility
- Polar plunge, if you choose to do one
- A photographic journal documenting your expedition
The cost does not include
- 5% GST for Indian nationals only
- Tax Collected at Source (TCS) for Indian nationals only. The Govt of India mandates TCS to be collected on all international travel bookings. The TCS amount will be remitted to your PAN account at the end of the financial quarter.
- International or internal flights unless specified
- Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
- Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
- Tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages
- Miscellaneous extras
- Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Medical care
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew (recommended USD 8-12 per cruise night)
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
- Anything not specified in the Includes list above
Please note that the above is subject to favourable weather and other conditions. In case of any obstacles, we will do our best to make alternate plans. The cost of the tour or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions during the tour days.
Cancellation Policy
Photography Mentor – Shreeram M V
Shreeram is a professional wildlife photographer and passionate naturalist. He has photographed wildlife across the length and breadth of India, as well as various parts of the world including Africa, New Zealand and Antarctica.
His approach to wildlife photography is to tell stories through his photographs – about the place and its habitats, the diversity of flora and fauna and human interactions with the wilderness. He works on assignments with magazines (such as Sanctuary Asia, Saevus, Nature InFocus, JLR Explore) and corporates (including TVS Motor Company) that have been enriched by this approach. His personalised style of mentorship, where he works with the participants’ individual interests and strengths, has been much appreciated over the years.
Shreeram has been on three expeditions to the Antarctic peninsula so far. He is in love with the unbounded wilderness of the White continent and always looks forward to a new experience with every journey. View some of his photographs from Antarctica here – Shreeram M V Photography
Sign Up
To sign up for the tour, please fill in the form below. You may also email us at photography@darter.in or call Shreeram (+91 97400 83260) / Manish (+91 99988 66669).
Early Booking Offer: If you register with a 30% down-payment before March 25th, we have a special offer on the tour price for you. To sign up for the tour or if you have any questions for us, please write to us at photography@darter.in .