SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND - October 2009

Welcome to Fathom Expeditions’ Custom Polar Voyages

Introducing SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND
A grand expedition to South Georgia from the Falklands
October 3-17, 2009.

Magnificent South Georgia Island lies at the bottom of the world surrounded by the Antarctic Ocean. It is a place of incredible beauty with its jagged peaks rising up like a flooded Swiss Alps from the ocean depths. Glaciers and icecaps blanket the interior and wildlife and seabirds cover the shore. Lying outside Antarctica’s winter pack ice, South Georgia is the only outcrop of land for 500 miles. Wildlife rush ashore in the spring to breed and our expedition coincides with this enormous migration. Thousands upon thousands of King Penguins. Beaches after beach of battling elephant seals. 10-foot wandering albatross dance with the hope of finding a mate. All this and more in a pristine wilderness setting amidst the Antarctic Ocean.

Fathom Expeditions 2009 custom South Georgia cruise represents 14-nights dedicated to exploring South Georgia. The trip allows guests a complete and thorough examination of the island, its history and abundant wildlife. Our hand-picked lecture and guide team includes some of the world’s very best such as South Georgia explorers and authors, Tim and Pauline Carr; Shackleton IMAX Expedition Leader, Dave German; and veteran polar historian, Robert Reader among others.

Our ice-rated expedition ship, the M/V Ushuaia, carries just 82 guests and is purpose built specifically for the polar regions. She has the experience and ice strength to carry us in complete comfort exploring some of the planet’s most majestic scenery.

Each day we will use our fleet of Zodiac boats to their fullest landing on isolated beaches, cruising glacier faces and photographing icebergs. Once again, we plan to hike the remote parts of South Georgia venturing inland on the gravelly beaches and unnamed hills to follow Sir Ernest Shackleton’s route and to hike for stunning views.

The whales will be arriving to South Georgia at this time of year and we look forward to cruising with resident populations. Often Killer Whales can be seen outside Cumberland East Bay. Three species of penguins will be in full chick rearing mode with curious youngsters blanketing beaches and rocky shores. Our comfortable small ship allows everybody to go ashore at one time where our guides lead smaller groups for custom activities relating to photography, wildlife, hiking, iceberg/whale cruising and historical walks.

Throughout the journey, our lecturers lead an informal presentation series engaging us with tales of exploration history, whales, penguins, seals and adventure while providing insight into the surrounding environment. A strong historic Shackleton theme will pervade the trip. Of course, we also have culinary delights and fine wines to ensure warmth and smiles at the end of the day.

Whether your goal is to simply spend unhurried time with wildlife or to hike in isolation following Shackleton and Tom Crean, this trip is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime journey - an ideal balance of relaxation and exploration, adventure and comfort, education and experience.

Space is limited, so please give us a call for details on this lifetime trip, or to simply chat about your interests. Our field experts are standing by to share their enthusiasm.