<p>This expedition voyage is the ultimate Antarctic adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. Encounter an extraordinary diversity of seal species, world famous penguins, and the towering, ever majestic icebergs that define Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes. At this time of year, large numbers of humpback whales gather to feed on abundant krill, creating some of the most exhilarating whale watching opportunities imaginable. Many of these gentle giants travel with their calves, while sightings of orcas and minke whales are also frequent on this exceptional journey into one of the planet’s last untouched regions.</p><p><br>Aboard the agile, ice strengthened Ocean Nova and during Zodiac excursions, scan the icy waters for the powerful silhouettes of whales as they glide through drifting ice floes or shatter the polar silence with spectacular acrobatics. Add close encounters with curious penguins, basking seals, and a remarkable variety of seabirds, and this unforgettable expedition becomes a truly immersive experience in the wild beauty of Antarctica.</p><p>Box Rallies has long been driven by a simple but powerful mission: turning adventure into meaningful contributions for cancer research. This special expedition continues that, ensuring the adventure doesn’t just change you, it helps change the future for others. Between 12% to 17%* of your total trip will go directly toward funding cancer research while you get to experience the truly remote destination of Antarctica.<br>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Note this is a dedicated fundraising cruise partnering with Box Rallies raising funds for the Cancer Council. To book this departure, applicants must apply through the Box Rallies application process.&nbsp;</em><br><br><strong>Got a question? Check out our FAQ section on the </strong><a href="https://www.chimuadventures.com/en-au/Icebox-Expedition"><strong>Icebox home page.&nbsp;</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>This coastal exploration links major cultural centers with lesser‑visited natural areas along the Pacific side of the Americas, from Peru’s arid coastline to the tropical forests farther north. </strong>Explore pre‑Columbian archaeological sites, observe rainforest and mangrove ecosystems and visit ports that highlight the region’s living traditions. Opportunities for Zodiac cruising, guided nature walks and local cultural interactions within these coastal communities. Wildlife sightings are a particular highlight of this itinerary which may include diverse marine life, tropical birdlife, monkeys and species unique to the region’s varied climates.</p><p>The voyage also includes a full Panama Canal transit, offering insight into its historic engineering achievements, operation and strategic importance. As the voyage progresses into Central America, the landscape shifts toward dense rainforest and mangrove habitats, offering additional opportunities for nature‑focused excursions. Educational programming onboard provides contextual support for each region’s history, archaeology, ecology, conservation and the way these modern-day communities are evolving. The itinerary balances time ashore with scenic cruising, giving a broad overview of landscapes ranging from tropical forests to desert‑influenced coastlines.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>*Please note that while we will make every effort to ensure that passage can be secured through the Panama Canal on the stated day, intervention from the Panama Canal Authority may alter the date and time of our intended passage.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>Embark on a journey of discovery on this 11-day journey designed for wildlife lovers; set sail towards the location where whales gather in their most significant numbers on the Antarctic Peninsula. As you enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, sculptured icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, imposing mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters all lie in wait.</strong></p><p>While sailing on the nimble and ice-strengthened Ocean Nova and exploring by Zodiac, scan the icy waters for the silhouettes of these mighty marine mammals as they glide through ice floes or break the Antarctic silence with spectacular acrobatics.</p><p>Add encounters with curious penguins, basking seals, and many fascinating seabirds, and you’ll be on track for a journey you’ll never forget.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Embark on the classic adventure to the 7th continent on this 12 day Antarctica cruise voyage. </strong>Travel onboard the premium expedition vessel, Discoverer, which is well equipped to handle the journey to the White Continent. From zodiac landings in quaint penguin rookeries, to cruising past towering icebergs and kayaking near impressive glaciers, no two experiences are the same. You will enjoy twice daily excursions in Antarctica and spend the maximium amount of time off the ship. The expert expedition crew onboard will delight, with lectures and citizen science projects that you will be able to participate in onboard during sea days and down time. This voyage is one not to be missed!&nbsp;</p>

<p>Enjoy this 8-day <strong>Galapagos Islands cruise</strong>, visiting sites and islands such as <strong>Balta, Santa Cruz Highlands, Dragon Hill, Chinest Hat, Prince Phillips’s Steps, Darwin Bay, Puerto Egas, Tagus Cove and Buccaneer Cove.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Explore lava tunnels, encounter giant tortoises, nesting sea turtles and witness unique volcanic formations. You will be able to snorkel with sea lions and Galapagos penguins and spot a range of diverse bird life including Red and Blue-footed bobbies, the flightless cormorant and frigate birds.</p><p>Immerse yourself in the Galapagos' wonders on this unforgettable expedition onboard the ultra luxury <strong>Hermes</strong>, a modern catamaran with all of the creature comforts you would expect and many bonuses such as a spa, unpacking service and a 24/7 butler.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Check out some of the other itinearies onboard the Hermes:</strong> <a href="/galapagos/northwest-islands-cruise-hermes">5 Day North West Islands Cruise</a>,<a href="/galapagpos/central-western-islands-hermes"> </a><a href="/galapagos/hermes-luxury-galapagos-4-day-cruise">4 Day Central Islands Cruise</a></p>

<p>Experience the stunning beauty of the Galapagos Islands on the Hermes Galapagos Cruise, spanning seven days and six nights. Your adventure begins with an early flight to San Cristóbal Island, where you’ll take in breath-taking views from Tijeretas Hill and learn about the unique history of the islands at the Interpretation Centre. From there, you’ll explore Española Island, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant bird colonies, including the famous waved albatross. Enjoy both snorkelling and wildlife watching at Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez, where playful sea lions and diverse marine life abound.<br><br>As you continue your journey, visit Floreana Island, where you'll discover its unique beaches and the intriguing history of Post Office Bay. After exploring the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz and observing giant tortoises, venture to Dragon Hill to see land iguanas and flamingos. The trip also includes a visit to the enchanting Genovesa Island, a paradise for bird enthusiasts with its large colonies of red-footed boobies. Finally, you’ll enjoy a peaceful morning at Black Turtle Cove, paddling through mangroves while keeping an eye out for manta rays and sea turtles. This itinerary promises a deep connection with nature and unforgettable encounters with the remarkable wildlife that make the Galapagos so special.</p>

<p>The Ross Sea region of Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Planet Earth and one of the most fascinating places in the continent’s human history. With shipping restricted by impenetrable pack ice to just two brief months each austral summer, few people have ever visited this strange and beautiful territory, with opportunities for non-scientific personnel limited to a handful of tourist expedition ships. Heritage Expeditions offers such a voyage on its own fully equipped and ice-strengthened ship, crewed by some of the most experienced officers and sailors in the world and staffed by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable Guides. This is a unique opportunity to experience nature on a scale so grand there are no words to describe it.</p><p>The Ross Sea takes its name from Sir James Clark Ross who discovered it in 1842. The British Royal Geographical Society chose the Ross Sea for the now famous British National Antarctic Expedition in 1901-04 led by Robert Falcon Scott. That one expedition spawned what is sometimes referred to as the 'Race to the Pole'. Ernest Shackleton almost succeeded in 1907-09 and the Japanese explorer Nobu Shirase tried in 1910-12. Scott thought it was his, but was beaten by his rival, Norwegian Roald Amundsen in the summer of 1911. Shackleton's Trans Antarctic expedition in 1914-17 marked the end of this 'heroic' or 'golden age' of exploration, but many of the relics of this era, including some huts, remain. The dramatic landscape described by these early explorers is unchanged. Mt Erebus, Mt Discovery and the Transantarctic Mountains are as inspiring today as they were 100 years ago. The penguin rookeries described by the early biologists fluctuate in numbers from year to year but they still occupy the same sites. The seals which are no longer hunted for food, lie around on ice floes seemingly unperturbed. The whales, which were hunted so ruthlessly here in the 1920s, are slowly coming back, but it is a long way back from the edge of extinction, and some species have done better than others. Snow Petrels, Wilson's Storm-Petrels, Antarctic Prions and South Polar Skuas all breed in this seemingly inhospitable environment.</p><p>There is so much to do and so much to see here, from exploring historic huts and sites to visiting penguin rookeries, marvelling at the glacial ice tongues and ice shelves and understanding the icebergs and sea ice. Then there are all the seabirds, seals and whales to observe and photograph, modern scientific bases and field camps to visit and simply the opportunity to spend time drinking in the marvellous landscape that has always enthralled visitors.</p><p>Lying like stepping stones to the Antarctic continent are the little known Subantarctic Islands. Our journey includes The Snares, Aucklands, Macquarie and Campbell Island. They break our long journey but more importantly they help prepare us for what lies ahead, for these islands are part of the amazing and dynamic Southern Ocean ecosystem of which Antarctica is at the very heart. It is the power house which drives this ecosystem upon which the world depends.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p><strong>Sailing from Chile toward Peru, follows the Humboldt Current north along the coast, focusing on wildlife encounters, coastal ecology and significant cultural sites rather than long days at sea. </strong>The Humboldt Current, known for being one of the world’s most productive ocean currents, its rich marine life and distinctive desert‑meets‑ocean geography give incredible opportunities to observe penguins, other diverse birdlife with some seabirds in large colonies, sea lions, playful dolphins, whales and more biodiversity supported by this unique ecosystem. Landings may include visits to small ports, research areas, or protected reserves where naturalists highlight regional conservation efforts.</p><p>Landings and shore excursions to this rugged coastal desert landscape, incorporates time in select ports and coastal communities where you are introduced to local traditions, regional history, fisheries and archaeological heritage shaped by this unique environment. Overall the itinerary balances scientific insight with accessible exploration, giving special moments for wildlife viewing, photography, guided walks and cultural interpretation for a well‑rounded regional overview of how the Humboldt Current shapes life along this stretch of South America.<br>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span>Join this 9 day, superior experience of Quito and the Galapagos Islands. The cruise offers all the creature comforts of superior accommodation onboard the MC Seaman Journey, a luxurious sixteen passenger catamaran, and three nights accommodation in Quito at the boutique five star Illa Experience hotel.</span></p><p><span>You will enjoy a few days sightseeing Quito from the hotel, which is centrally located in the city’s old town, before boarding your cruise and experiencing the spectacular scenery, natural wonders and incredible flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. There, you will observe Galapagos tortoises in their habitat, snorkel the white coral beach of Cerro Brulo, observe sea lions and sharks at Espanola Island and spot blue-footed boobies and albatrosses at Suarez Point.</span></p><p><span>Every day of this express South American tour is an adventure as you encounter the fascinating and colourful creatures who call these islands their home.</span></p><p><strong>This superior itinerary includes accommodation onboard the Seaman Journey - a luxurious 16 passenger catamaran and three nights in Quito staying the Illa Experience hotel, a boutique 5 star hotel located in the city's old town, this hotel&nbsp; is the perfect base to explore the best sights and attractions the city has to offer.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>PLEASE NOTE: The Galapagos itinerary included in our Signature Package is valid for 2025 departure dates only. In 2024 Seaman Journey have changed the routing and duration of their cruises. Please contact us for more information and for pricing/availability.</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. </strong><a href="https://www.chimuadventures.com/en/contact"><strong>Contact us</strong></a><strong> for more information.</strong></p>

<h2>GALAPAGOS CRUISE&nbsp;</h2><p><span>Join our 11-day in-depth exploration and superior <strong>Galapagos Islands cruise</strong> starting in <strong>Quito, Ecuador’s</strong> capital.</span></p><p><span>This tour and cruise offers all the creature comforts, starting with a three night stay in Quito at the boutique five star Illa Experience hotel. Centrally located in the Quito’s old town, the hotel is the perfect base to explore the city’s attractions such as the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus), San Francisco Catholic Church, Capilla del Hombre museum and El Panecillo (a monument to the Virgin of Quito).</span></p><p><span>From Quito you will fly to the <strong>Galapagos Islands</strong> and board the MC Seaman Journey, a luxurious sixteen passenger catamaran for your cruise. Highlights of your cruise include observing <strong>Galapagos tortoises</strong> in their habitat, snorkelling at Punta Vicente Roca and Mangle Point, exploring the lava flows and red rocks of Santiago Island and becoming a buccaneer in the pirate hideaway of Tagus Cove.</span></p><p><strong>This superior itinerary includes accommodation onboard the Seaman Journey - a luxurious 16 passenger catamaran and three nights in Quito staying the Illa Experience hotel, a boutique 5 star hotel located in the city's old town, this hotel&nbsp; is the perfect base to explore the best sights and attractions the city has to offer.</strong></p><p>* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.</p><p>PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. <a href="https://www.chimuadventures.com/contact">Contact us</a> for more information.</p>