Travellers itching for the adventure of a lifetime will be pleased to know that Chimu Adventures is sailing a limited number of passengers to the most remote corner of Antarctica, Commonwealth Bay, this December. It will be the only cruise to depart from Hobart to East Antarctica in 2018.
The exclusive expedition cruise, In the Wake of Mawson will set sail from Hobart, Tasmania on 10 December 2018 aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy and end 28 days later in Invercargill, New Zealand.
The voyage, which accommodates less than 50 passengers, incorporates 11 days of sailing on the Southern Ocean through an area called the ‘Roaring Forties.’
The Akademik Shokalskiy by Chad Carey
The bay is a big part of Australian Antarctic history. Sir Douglas Mawson and his team built one of Australia’s most historically important structures, Mawson’s Huts, here during the 1911 to 1913 Australasian Antarctic expedition.
Constructed in 1912, the huts have endured over 100 years of ferocious Antarctic conditions. Less than 300 tourists have made the journey to Commonwealth Bay in the past six years.
Access to the huts is only possible under very specific conditions so setting foot in the huts isn’t guaranteed but the December 2018 expedition hopes to maximise the chances with an extended itinerary of 28 days which will include extra time in Commonwealth Bay.
Mawson’s Huts
“You never know until you get there what the forces in Antarctica are going to dish up and this is what makes the travel style so exciting.”
Chimu Adventures co-founder, Chad Carey.
Circumstances depending, the expedition will also visit Macquarie Island which is home to millions of penguins of four different species.
The trip will also pay a visit to New Zealand’s Sub Antarctic territory of Campbell Island, the Auckland Islands with its Shy Albatross and sea lion varieties before disembarking in Invercargill, New Zealand.
Sandy Bay in Macquarie Island by Chad Carey
“The past few years that Chimu have sailed to these remote areas and the sights we have witnessed have always been such an adventure, regardless of the conditions.”
Chimu Adventures co-founder, Chad Carey.
For the rest of the month, Chimu is offering a US$1500 per person discount on the 28-day adventure. Spaces are strictly limited so early booking is highly recommended. See In the Wake of Mawson for more details.
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