Kayaking
In Antarctica, the experience of kayaking in almost 24-hour daylight will refresh your soul. The quiet presence makes the kayak the ideal craft for watching wildlife unobtrusively in a non-threatening manner, as we paddle beside colonies of penguins and seabirds, past seals sleeping on ice floes and watching whales .
Kayaking can also be carried out in a wide variety of other locations that we visit, the channels and fjords of Tierra Del Fuego, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Negotiating these secluded and remote waterways provides real opportunities for new discoveries as Xplore is very much in an exploratory mode.
Zodiac's are also available for shore excursions and support.
Note: Kayak's are available on a "By request basis" only, additional charges for hire apply.
Sail training
Xplore is an ideal vehicle for Sail training, with Captain Stephen Wilkins, a certified Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster Ocean instructor and examiner. On specific trips, candidates develop knowledge of coastal and offshore navigation, learn how to manage the boat in heavy weather, read and understand weather forecasts and more…
Meeting all criteria required for RYA certification testing.
Mountain climbing and trekking
Our sturdy sailing vessel provides the ideal way to reach untouched spots for land exploration. Antarctica is a place of awesome beauty, but in this beauty hides inherent dangers, especially when mountaineering and climbing. For this reason we strongly recommend these activities for experienced climbers or with a minimum of one professional mountain guide, Xplore can arrange a qualified professional upon request.
Xplore also has the capacity to carry all the equipment needed for your successful climbing expedition and can assist with supply lists and logistics.
Note: additional charges apply for a professional mountain guide and hired equipment.
Wildlife and marine life viewing
The destinations we visit are among the world's wildest and most biologically rewarding. From Antarctica, to the mountains of Patagonia; icy fjords, to the supreme diversity of the tropics - isolated from the rest of the world’s temperate zones; Xplore’s scope provides a unique assemblage of wildlife – sea birds, seals, whales, penguin colonies, and more.
Indeed it was Charles Darwin’s experiences in Patagonia, as much as the Galapagos, that inspired "The Origin of Species." Specialized tours can be arranged for both scientific and recreational study.
Wreck discovery
Over the centuries, the southern oceans have claimed thousands of ships. Not many regions of the world exhibit so many wrecks : as passage around Cape Horn was brutal for tall ships. Historic figures such as Sir Francis Drake, Sarmiento de Gamboa, Jules Dumont d'Urville, James Cook, Robert Fitz Roy and Phillip Parker King, among others, left behind indelible marks of their explorations in southern lands and oceans.
As the age of discovery and conquest merged into an era of commerce, this vital trade route through the Magellan Strait invited steam ships to these treacherous waters.
Many shipwrecks await discovery along the coast of South America, the Falklands and South Georgia by the intrepid adventurer and dreamer.
Photography
Nothing prepares you for the colours of the high latitudes, and especially Antarctica. The shades of blue and cyan seen in icebergs tantalize the imagination. The air is so clear the low summer sun creates tonalities in the sky, and reflections in the water that demand to be rendered in colour.
It's almost impossible to describe the quality of the Antarctic light. To appreciate why it has an almost preternatural quality one must understand it contains no dust, no pollen and no moisture. The consequent transparency of the air removes all distance clues. You can be standing on the deck of the boat looking out over the ocean, and be unable to differentiate between an iceberg one mile away the size of a building, or the top of a mountain 30 miles distant. There are no visual clues, such as haze, to help you scale what is being seen.
When combined with the fact that in mid-summer, because of the high latitude, the sun is never very high in the sky, and there is a warmth to the light, even at midday. Together with the almost surreal blue and cyan of the ice and snow, it produces a magical impression in most people, along with a sense of euphoria in photographers.
Xplore is a perfect platform for photographers, cinematographers and artists to capture the beauty of this region. Not only is the landscape extraordinary, but the wildlife is also extremely attractive for photographers. Various species of penguins, pinnipeds, whales and birds native to this frozen continent, unafraid of humans, are willing subjects -- especially the penguins: well-know “film robbers” in Antarctica!
Scientific support
Much science and useful research can be conducted by travelling aboard Xplore : observational data on seabirds, pinnipeds, whales, flora, oceanography, brief population censuses ashore, site surveys, and so on.
Utilizing the services of a self sustaining sailing vessel, such as Xplore, is a real advantage in terms of mobility and efficiency of your research efforts. Xplore provides a cost-effective mobile base camp for land-based research, or safe and comfortable platform for sea-based projects.
Our experienced team can assist with detailed information on landing sites and access routes as is required.
- Contact us to discuss the specific needs of your project.
Diving
The Antarctic Peninsula has a fascinating variety of marine life, including sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, fish, jellyfish, sponges and sea stars. You often see seals and penguins, and whales in season, while exploring the icy waters. Because ice isn’t static, but is always in motion, each dive has the surprising potential of opening a door on a new and never-before-visited setting.
Due to the remote location and challenging conditions, a high level of expertise is required of the dive team. All divers must present proof of adequate training and advanced qualifications prior to departure; and have all appropriate dive and safety equipment.
Xplore can be equipped, on request, with diving weights, tanks and compressor, additional charges apply.
Documentaries - Film support
Because Xplore Expeditions provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience, capturing images and memories is essential. Additionally, many expeditions require documentation of their efforts and accomplishments, for personal reasons or commercial purpose. In either case, our crew is keenly aware of the camera person’s needs and will cooperate with their needs (including charging capabilities for most equipment).
For climbing and mountaineering films, Xplore can also provide a professional mountain guide if needed , additional charges apply.
Expedition support
Expeditions are one of our key passions and motivations for launching Xplore. The possibilities of a variety of endeavours, in the remote areas we love, are unlimited. Xplore Expeditions is eager to put together the excursion and project you have in mind.
Whatever you objectives and needs; Xplore Expeditions is willing and capable of helping you to design a safe and successful mission. Please contact us for logistical help and information.
Leadership training
Xplore Expeditions is a unique training platform for leadership skills, due to the remote localities that she is based in, and the experience Captain Stephen Wilkins and his consultants have in personnel development.
Captain Wilkins has been employing teambuilding and leadership exercises in his work for decades. In the 2000/01 BT Global Challenge, he led a team of amateur sailors around the world aboard a 22m sailing yacht. Novices at the start, Wilkins’ crew became a cohesive team of expert sailors under his tutelage and guidance, successfully racing 32,000nm through gruelling conditions.
With well-planned and carefully customised training programs, companies and individuals can focus on key criteria and objectives tailor-made for your requirements, while Xplore Expeditions manages the details and logistics.
But being in a remote location doesn’t mean the program or facilities are basic. Quite the opposite: Xplore caters to your group (of up to eight people) with land-based options, as well as waterborne craft and sailing, to draw the best from participants. The catering and hospitality the group enjoys during these programs means that after a challenging day out, a well-earned meal, relaxation and socializing is to be had by all.
Every training program is unique : based on your specific objectives and requirements. For further information contact Xplore Expeditions for a consultative discussion on how we can make not only the difference in your corporate or team goals; but also provide lifelong memories for your group.
Captain Wilkins has been employing teambuilding and leadership exercises in his work for decades. In the 2000/01 BT Global Challenge, he led a team of amateur sailors around the world aboard a 22m sailing yacht. Novices at the start, Wilkins’ crew became a cohesive team of expert sailors under his tutelage and guidance, successfully racing 32,000nm through gruelling conditions.
With well-planned and carefully customised training programs, companies and individuals can focus on key criteria and objectives tailor-made for your requirements, while Xplore Expeditions manages the details and logistics.
But being in a remote location doesn’t mean the program or facilities are basic. Quite the opposite: Xplore caters to your group (of up to eight people) with land-based options, as well as waterborne craft and sailing, to draw the best from participants. The catering and hospitality the group enjoys during these programs means that after a challenging day out, a well-earned meal, relaxation and socializing is to be had by all.
Every training program is unique : based on your specific objectives and requirements. For further information contact Xplore Expeditions for a consultative discussion on how we can make not only the difference in your corporate or team goals; but also provide lifelong memories for your group.
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