Jonathan Zaccaria grew up in France and graduated as an engineer in spectrometry. His work brought him to Antarctica to the French Dumont d’Urville Station, best known for its role in the documentary March of the Penguins. He made another overwinter in the only international station in the Antarctic. Later, he began working as a guide on board expedition ships in Antarctica and the Arctic. He has worked for 10 years in the polar regions, leading trips on small, expedition vessels.

Aaron was born and raised in Berlin, Germany, where he studied Geological sciences as an undergraduate. In Edinburgh, Scotland, he achieved his M.Sc. in Petroleum Geoscience before heading to the polar regions for the first time in 2017. Since then, he has been traveling to the Arctic and to Antarctica regularly. His main passion is the geology of these places, but next of being a guide and lecturer. He frequently has been in the role of Assistant Expedition Leader and Expedition Leader. Due to his love for the wildlife in these regions, he started to program educational applications under the developer name Polar Guide App to spread knowledge about the animals to a broader audience. Over all these years in the industry, he has been mentoring a lot of guides and has been a polar bear safety trainer for guides in the Arctic in Norway. He welcomes you on board and hopes that you will leave with precious memories and with a better understanding and appreciation for the polar regions.

With decades of combined experience in the maritime profession and kayaking, your guides lead you through your kayaking excursions as you glide amid ice floes. Along the way, they point out incredible wildlife as you venture near penguins, seals, whales and more.

Look to the water and learn more about the whales, seals and penguins that make these icy waters their home with the help of PhDs and Masters in biology and marine biology, as well as guides with experience in whale watching tours. Discover the importance of the delicate ecosystems and how to help keep it unspoiled.

Experts who studied bird biology and behavior help you identify the various species of seabirds found throughout the polar regions. They’ll pass their knowledge onto you as you keep your eyes on the sky, appreciating the different birds that make the biodiversity of these regions.

Capture the perfect footage of your polar expeditions with the assistance of professional photographers and videographers. They will teach you expert techniques to find the right lighting and angles for recording proof of your explorations.

Professionals with masters, doctorates and law degrees share their knowledge of natural history, local and indigenous communities – including the Inuit, Aymara and Quechua – the history of polar exploration and the creation of the Antarctic Treaty System.

Scientists, PhDs and founding members of the Polar Footprint Association, including experts with 30 years’ teaching experience, who have worked with environmental research and literacy help you connect more closely with the environment. Their passionate lectures will inspire you to gain a greater appreciation for nature.

Experts who study polar weather and atmospheric changes help you understand the importance of these regions and how they affect the world.

Expedition guides with experience in mountaineering, hiking and other activities, including about 25 years working in polar regions, help bring you to incredible vantage points as you step foot in remote landings.

Atlas takes you closer to your environment as you embark on one of the custom-made Zodiacs made for World Voyager ™, World Traveller ™ and World Navigator ®. Cruising Antarctic coasts, your knowledgeable experts guide you through the continent’s many wonders. As your Zodiac driver navigates the waters, stop and listen to the natural sounds that surround you. At first, you might think it’s all silence, but if you focus, the cries of snow petrels echo in the distance. You may encounter marine wildlife while out on the water, so focus on the soft but distinct rush of water and watch for the bubbles just before a breach. This is an essential excursion that truly gives you a pure feeling of triumphant exploration.

All Expedition Experiences operate if weather permits. Occupancy is limited. If you need to make a cancellation, you must do so no later than 72 hours before your sailing date.

Connect with your wild side as you plunge into the icy waters of Antarctica, much like the seals and penguins of the continent. The moment of truth comes as you approach the edge of the platform and prepare to make the jump. But with your fellow explorers cheering you on, it’s easy to take on the challenge. And feel free to be a spectator as you cheer on your fellow explorers while they take the dive.

All water and land programs operate if weather permits.

Your expedition guide may lead you to dedicated points for the best views and instruct you on how to properly interact with wildlife at a safe distance so that you leave only footprints behind. Pique your curiosity with field interpretations on location.

All water and land programs operate if weather permits.

You could spend a night camping in Antarctica for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. This is one of the few encounters that truly brings you as close to the continent and its raw beauty as possible. Expedition guides build the camp in the afternoon as you spend a day exploring the grounds. Before settling in for a night in the camp, you have one last chance to grab a hot meal and shower on board. Once the Zodiac brings you back to shore, it’s a truly wild experience as you and your fellow adventurers are left with required gear, drinking water, and a few extra layers of clothing for warmth.

All expedition experiences have limited occupancy and are subject to cancellation if minimum participation is not met. Excursions operate if weather permits. Requests for reservations may be made in advance, however, payments and reservation confirmations will be processed once you are on board the yacht. If you need to cancel your reservation, you may do so up to 72 hours prior to voyage departure to receive a full refund. Prices shown are subject to change any time without notice.