Our expedition leaders, guest lecturers, researchers and other experts in their fields guide and educate you through your Antarctica expedition. Immersing you in your remote destinations with FREE shore landings and Zodiac safaris, they bring you closer to extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. They’ll also guide you on paddling, kayaking and standup paddling excursions. Their expert guidance enriches your explorations while helping to keep the environment pristine.
Expedition Leaders
Jonathan Zaccaria Aboard World Navigator®
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.
Jean-roche de Susanne Aboard World Voyager™
Expedition Manager
Jean-Roche de Susanne left France at 24 for a backpacking trip to discover Latin America. After a year of adventure, he arrived at the Galápagos Archipelago first as a volunteer, then became the Galápagos National Park Graphic Designer. In 2005, he graduated as a Galápagos Naturalist Guide, when he started his career as a naturalist and then expedition guide. In 2011, Jean-Roche expanded his horizons and became a tour leader in countries including Cuba, Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, France, Spain and Portugal. In 2019, he combined his experience in tourism and communication to join Polar Expedition cruises and explore Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Ekaterina Uryupova Aboard World Traveller™
Ekaterina Uryupova grew up in Siberia. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Lomonosov Moscow State University and a master’s in international journalism from the University of Salford. Her disciplines include marine biology, oceanography, climate impact on ecosystems and interdisciplinary research efforts in environmental protection. Her experience in the Antarctic includes an internship at the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty in Argentina and at the Smithsonian Institution in the US. She is currently a member of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) and Permafrost Young Researchers Network (PYRN). She has worked in both Antarctica and the Arctic for over 10 years.
Christophe Bassous Aboard World Traveller™
Christophe Bassous grew up in West Africa, where he also went to school and later completed his small plane pilot license. He left for Quebec, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Montreal. Christophe pursued a career in the medical industry but continued to be active in tourism as a diving instructor and managing his own tour operator business focused on skiing and diving. He has sailed from the Mediterranean Sea to the Polynesian lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean to Cape Horn. Christophe has led expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica aboard cruise ships for the last ten years. His lectures primarily focus on underwater ecosystems, but he also lectures on the history of exploration, geopolitics, and wildlife.
World-Class Expedition Team
Every Antarctica expedition is led by an experienced, international team that consists of up to 14 wilderness guides, naturalists, tourism professionals and other experts with decades of combined experience. They have explored Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, British Columbia, Patagonia, the Galápagos and many more remote destinations of the world, bringing this experience to your expedition for a comprehensive exploration.
Kayak Guides
With decades of combined experience in the maritime profession and kayaking, your guides lead you through your paddling, sea kayaking and standup paddling excursions as you glide amid ice floes. Along the way, they point out incredible wildlife as you venture near penguins, seals, whales and more.
Biology and Marine Biology
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.
Ornithology
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.
Photographers and Videographers
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.
History, Culture and Governance
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.
Ecology and Nature Conservation
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.
Polar Meteorology and Climate Change
Experts who study polar weather and atmospheric changes help you understand the importance of these regions and how they affect the world.
Mountaineering and Hiking Experts
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.
Antarctica Expedition Excursions
Included and Optional Experiences
Your expedition team leads the way on your watersport excursions, Zodiac safaris and shore landings. With their assistance, you experience the polar regions to the fullest.
On Water
Zodiac Safari | Included
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.
Polar Plunge | Included
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.
Standup Paddling | $75 Per Guest, Per Outing
For experienced stand-up paddlers a distinctive immersion in Antarctica happens with a stand-up paddle boarding excursion. It’s easy to admire the incredible scenery as you float atop chilly waters, facing the continent’s cliffs and peaks on the horizon.
You’ll feel a thrill run through you as you dip your paddle into the water, breaking the slush ice sitting atop the surface. Your excursion guide helps you spot marine wildlife as it passes nearby your paddle board, giving you the chance for that awe-inspiring moment you came all this way to capture. You can even pause and sit or lay down on your paddle board to gaze up at the impossibly blue sky overhead, looking for petrels, or other seabirds in the area. For added safety, a Zodiac driver follows close behind to help you on your journey.
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All expedition experiences have limited occupancy and are subject to cancellation if minimum participation is not met. The onboard crew will provide a brief tutorial for proper use of the equipment that will also help determine your physical ability to operate it safely and properly. 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.
Sea Kayaking | $350 Per Guest
Alongside a kayak master, experienced kayakers have the opportunity to set off through Antarctica’s unspoiled waters. Our kayak masters help you navigate the ice floes as you make your way through the water channels that bring you close to nature. With their guidance, you can safely cruise through the waters, perhaps even coming close to penguins as they dive from the ice floes into the sea. Sea kayaking offers a unique point of view of The White Continent as each paddle stroke takes you further from the ship and deeper into the heart of Antarctica. As you rush through the waters with your kayak, the astonishing blues and whites of the icebergs take your breath way. But take a few minutes to be still as well, because that’s when incredible moments can take place, like the possibility of a whale breaching the water’s surface mere feet away from your kayak.
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Excursion is charged one time for as many outings as possible based on weather conditions. The onboard crew will provide a brief tutorial for proper use of the equipment that will also help determine your physical ability to operate it safely and properly. 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.
On Land
Expedition Landings | Included
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.
Camping | $500 Per Guest, Per Outing
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.
Read More
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.
To Book, Call your Preferred Travel Advisor or our Voyage Specialists at 1.844.44.ATLAS (28527)
Always Included
FREE cultural immersion
FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
FREE stocked in-room minibar
FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
FREE afternoon and high tea
FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
FREE pre-paid gratuities
FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
FREE reusable water bottle
FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
Exclusively on Polar Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE private charter jet service*
FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
FREE polar plunge
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
FREE use of knee boots
FREE private group transfers between airport and yacht*
FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay on all Antarctica expeditions
FREE 1-night post-cruise hotel stay on select Antarctica expeditions
*Available on Antarctica and select Arctic expeditions
Exclusively on Epicurean Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion includes culinary experience ashore, such as local market visits, specialty tastings and more
FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
FREE culinary presentations and wine tastings
FREE cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings
FREE events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack
Exclusively on Cultural Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions
FREE authentic, local experiences and on board events on select expeditions
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