Fathom Expeditions

Feb 16-Feb 28, 2012 / 2013 - Iceberg art galleries, valleys filled with penguins – Antarctica brings astounding wildlife, ice, history and scenery together in grand proportions to inspire the curious  traveller in a thousand ways.

David German - Founder and Expedition Leader

David German is founder and managing director of Fathom Expeditions Inc.
He leads the Fathom Expeditions'  guide teams, he is a CANON professional photographer and takes a person hand in designing every itinerary.

His extensive knowledge of Antarctica and the entire European and North American Arctics extends over 16 years and 75 small ship expeditions Pole to Pole. He maintains an intimate knowledge of the global small ship fleet with a focus on ice-rated and polar vessels. He has personally led trips to both ends of the earth on numerous ice-vessels varying in size from 12-200 passengers.  Read More

Dave Hahn - Guest Lecturer and Guide

Dave Hahn is a mountain-climbing-guide, lecturer and journalist from Taos, New Mexico in the Southwestern United States.

He is best known for reaching the summit of Mt. Everest nine times (a record for non-Sherpa climbers) and for participating in several improbable high altitude rescues. Hahn was instrumental in three expeditions to Everest’s North Side; searching for clues as to the fate of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, lost on the mountain in 1924. He documented the 1999 discovery of Mallory’s body at 27,000 ft.

Dave Hahn has also guided extensively in Antarctica, having reached its highest point, the Vinson Massif, a record 25 times. He has made a specialty of leading the “Shackleton Traverse” in the course of numerous expeditions by ship and boat to South Georgia and has been a regular field-guide and lecturer for Fathom Expeditions on trips to the Antarctic Peninsula. Read More

Rob Reader - Polar Historian

Robert Reader is a larger-than-life veteran of over 65 Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. His six-foot-two frame, coupled with his enthusiastic story-telling expertise brings Antarctic history alive as we travel in the realm of the great explorers. Robert is intimately familiar with the heroic Age of Exploration and the pioneers who first ventured to the bottom and top of the world. He will cover the dramatic endeavours of the Endurance, Nordenskjold, Charcot, Scott, Bellinghausen and much more. Read More

Expedition Ship: M/S Polar Pioneer

Over the past 15 years, we have led Arctic and Antarctic voyages on a dozen expedition ships covering the full range of sizes and styles.

After leading 16 amazing trips aboard Polar Pioneer, She has become one of our favourites by far, and we are thrilled to be operating this custom trip on such an accomplished passenger vessel.

Affectionately called "The Pioneer", She has achieved numerous expedition firsts throughout Antarctica. Her A-1A Super ice-rating allows us to venture safely into ice, remote bays and sensitive areas without disruption. Originally built in the famed polar shipyards of Finland, Pioneer has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 48 passengers for our trip in 25 comfortable twin cabins and suites. An ice-strengthened polar ship, Pioneer is very well appointed and provides loads of deck space and an open bridge policy. The fleet of inflatable Zodiac boats ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on otherwise inaccessible coastlines.

All cabins include a desk and ample storage space. Public areas feature a large dining room (one sitting), a lounge and bar, sauna, conference room with modern multimedia equipment, a well-stocked library and a small infirmary. Our expert captain, officers and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation and have a great love and passion for this ice-covered world. Fathom's specialist team of international expedition leaders and lecturers are all extremely experienced, enthusiastic, helpful and dedicated. Onboard chefs prepare excellent cuisine including many local specialties and the bar is well-stocked with carefully selected wines and spirits for celebrations at the end of each day.

Please give us a call for more details or e-mail: info@fathomexpeditions.com

Trip Overview

TERRA AUSTRALIS INCOGNITA, the Unknown Southern Land, lies at the bottom of the world surrounded by the Antarctic Ocean. It is a place of profound beauty, isolation, and wilderness - a world blanketed with ice at times 13,000 feet thick and 60,000 years old.

Fathom is proud to offer this award-winning Antarctic cruise that allows guests a complete and thorough examination of three sides of the Antarctic Peninsula including the surrounding islands. Our hand-picked lecture and guide team is made up of eight veteran experts who have worked in Antarctica for over a decade. Your guides include Shackleton IMAX leader, David German and Antarctic/Everest explorer, Dave Hahn. The cruise’s exceptional guide to guest ratio translates into superb interpretation on land and at sea as we make 2-3 landings per day with loads of time on shore. Our A-1-A Super ice-rated polar ship carries just 48 guests which is a luxury. She is purpose built for polar cruising, built in the famed shipyards of Finland. She has the experience and manoeuvrability to carry us in complete comfort exploring some of the planet’s most majestic scenery. We have sailed on her over a dozen times before and she is our favourite vessel for Antarctica.

Each day, guests and guides will use the fleet of landing boats to their fullest potential stopping on isolated beaches, cruising glacier faces and photographing icebergs. Once again, we offer optional hikes at these remote destinations venturing inland from the beaches to explore for fossils and hike volcanoes to stunning views. An optional night of camping is included for guests, weather permitting.

This time of year, the whales have arrived and the ice has spread out allowing us access to remote shores. Three species of penguins will be in full chick rearing mode with curious youngsters blanketing beaches and rocky shores. Our small group size allows everybody to go ashore at one time with guides leading smaller groups for custom activities relating to all Antarctic interests and some custom goals, as well.

Throughout the journey, expert lecturers lead our presentation series, engaging us with tales of exploration history, geology, wildlife, photography and adventure while providing insight into the surrounding environment and conservation. A strong historic theme of Shackleton and Endurance will pervade the trip. Of course, there are also culinary delights and fine wines to ensure warmth and smiles at the end of each day.

Whether your goal is to simply step upon the Antarctic continent or to relax with penguins or to hike up volcanoes for high point views, 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 or to simply chat about your interest in Antarctica, the Arctic, Scotland or the Galapagos. Our field experts are standing by to share their passion.

Call for full details or a brochure 1 (800) 621-0176.