Traveling in Antarctica"I felt as though I had been plumped upon another planet or into another geologic horizon of which man had no knowledge or memory."Richard Evelyn Byrd, Alone Once the domain of explorers who had fallen under its mystic spell, and the whalers and sealers who had discovered the rich bounty of its frigid waters, Antarctica continues to weave its magic, profoundly affecting the lucky traveler who visits these mysterious shores. Towering mountains rise abruptly out of the sea, shrouded with thick glaciers thundering down to freezing waters ... spectacular sunsets, tinted in delicate shades of rose, lavender and gold, seem to go on forever ... icebergs of fanciful shape and impossible hue float on glossy waters, like rough-cut diamonds scattered by a giant unseen hand. Antarctica's ethereal landscape shimmers with a savage beauty and raw power that exceeds the expectations of even the most jaded traveler. In this most elemental of environments, a vast array of wildlife, impressive in its sheer variety and numbers, flourishes each spring and into the late summer as the Antarctic Peninsula "reawakens" from its dark slumber. Millions of penguins, thousands of seals, whales by the hundreds, and countless seabirds all gather during a short four-month period to court, breed, and rear the next generation. The proliferation of wildlife is astonishing, given the frozen, unforgiving landscape that harbors it.
Antarctica with Mountain Travel-SobekThe remote "seventh continent" is not a place to cut corners when it comes to travel. When you travel with Mountain Travel-Sobek, you get the best naturalists and leaders; the most interesting, imaginative itineraries; maximum time ashore; and the most fulfilling experience imaginable! Our small group size, a maximum of 38 passengers per voyage, ensures you have a personal and intimate experience, shared with a small band of congenial fellow explorers. With the highest ratio of staff to passenger in the industry, you are assured personal service and expertise.We hand-pick our knowledgeable naturalists, guides and tour leaders. Many have made 30 or more trips to Antarctica, but more importantly they are hands-on people -- biologists, geologists, ornithologists, historians, oceanographers, botanists, and general naturalists, each with many hats to wear. When they are not leading lectures, slide shows, and open discussions, you'll find them on the bridge, up at the bow, or back by the stern at any time of the day or night. Most are expert Zodiac pilots with extensive training and experience. Mountain Travel-Sobek has been conducting responsible tour programs for 26 years. We care deeply about the places we visit. As one of the founders of responsible Antarctic tourist guidelines and a charter member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), we not only abide by these rules, but constantly monitor sites we visit and explore.
Each season we turn in reports and recommendations for each place we've
visited. By carefully documenting these sites with photographs and notations,
we hope to improve and protect the future of this wondrous place. Each
landing is carefully scouted and group concentration is monitored for minimal
impact. On-site inspections, penguin counts, chart corrections, soundings, and
observational notes are a matter of course for our staff and crew. Your
participation is always welcome.
 For more information, visit the Mountain Travel-Sobek Web Site or join us next season for a unique exploration of this truly amazing land -- it's like nowhere else you've ever been!
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