their words
“I had experiences on this expedition that I will remember for the rest of my life”
Spending time in Antarctica had been a lifelong dream, and my journey with Wild Planet Expeditions exceeded every expectation. Matty shared the beauty and magnificence of Antarctica and its incredible wildlife, guiding our photography with his award-winning expertise and ensuring we had the most enjoyable and memorable experiences.
We sailed through breathtaking Antarctic waters, explored remote landscapes, and had unforgettable daily encounters with wildlife. Highlights included sculpted icebergs, glaciers, mountainous coastlines, albatrosses on the Drake Passage, and watching scores of humpback whales bubble-net feeding. Snorkelling alongside leopard seals and penguins, witnessing their resilience in the harsh environment, and experiencing Antarctica’s rich human history made this expedition truly extraordinary. The small-group format allowed us the flexibility to adjust plans based on weather and wildlife opportunities, always with environmental sensitivity and safety in mind.
-Emeritus Professor William (Bill) Gladstone, Marine Biologist
“I’d 100% recommend Wild Planet Expeditions and wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip”
An incredible trip to Antarctica, expertly organised and guided by Matty. He managed our small group of strangers living on a boat for a month with patience and care, always helpful and ensuring everyone felt included.
From the moment I booked every question, no matter how small, was answered quickly and thoughtfully by Matty or Scott. It felt more like arranging a trip with friends. Although photography was the focus, every guest’s needs were met, making it the trip of a lifetime.
Going on a small boat was more expensive but offered an exponentially better experience than what we saw from cruise ship tours. I was nervous at first, but as they say, you regret the things you don’t do more than the things you do—and this was one of the best experiences of my life.
-Mark Hughes
My four-week trip to Antarctica on the Icebird 60ft 10-person boat was a truly amazing adventure and something I will always remember.
The scenery in Antarctica was stunning and changed every day – it felt like we visited a different world. We had many opportunities to watch and photograph the wildlife in different settings. I liked going out on the dinghy to get closer (although not too close) to the different seals and icebergs so that we could get some great photos.
Matty did a great job of leading the expedition and making sure the trip went without a hitch. He was very easy to get along with and made sure that everyone had a great time. Before the trip, he provided lots of advice and packing lists so we were all fully prepared. He planned out the trip meticulously, taking into account everyone’s interests. He was also always willing to share his expertise, offering photography tips and educating us about wildlife.
The crew on our boat did an exceptional job throughout the trip. Their primary concern was our safety, while also ensuring we made the most of the trip. They were great hosts, friendly, and very flexible in letting us do different activities such as hikes on land, camping out at night or dinghy rides to get closer to the sights. Their cooking onboard was phenomenal. We had a huge variety of meals, all of which were delicious and far exceeded my expectations.
Life on board the boat was a fantastic experience in itself. The guests and crew got on really well on the trip, building a great sense of camaraderie. We could have as much downtime as we wanted but helping out on the boat (e.g. assisting with anchoring or putting up sails) also really added to the trip.
-Mark Keaveney
“I would highly recommend the trip to anyone looking for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, to visit one of the most remote and beautiful regions in the world.”
“don’t waste your money on a cruise ship-type expedition, you’ll be disappointed.”
If underwater photography is your thing and you want to maximise your chances of getting images in Antarctica, then this is the way to do it.
Small group, small boat, and with people, like Wild Planet Expeditions, who have the experience and know what they are doing.
-Mick Valos
“As an ambitious underwater photographer, I can absolutely recommend the trips from Wild Planet Expeditions.”
Scott’s competence and expertise in wildlife, local conditions, etc., are extraordinary. In particular, the knowledge of the behaviour of the animals and the correct selection of locations at the right time bring maximum success. His likeable way and tireless drive motivate you to go to your limits and beyond every day. The results speak for themselves. I will come back!
- Lars von Ritter Zahony