Aqua-Firma launches new Arctic Wildlife & Marine Life Sailing Voyage

This September, travel company Aqua-Firma will be embarking on an exciting new Wildlife and Marine Life Sailing Voyage in Spitsbergen onboard a classic three masted Tall ship. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) January 22, 2011 - Aqua-Firma is pleased to introduce a new addition to their existing Arctic Wildlife Sailing Voyage programme. In September, Aqua-Firma will be embarking on an exciting new Wildlife & Marine Sailing Voyage onboard a classic three masted barquentine. This is usually the best time to the region's marine life, including the ghostly white beluga, humpback whales, minke whales and sei whales. There is also the possibility of seeing orcas. Aside from the wealth of marine encounters one can expect on this voyage, those onboard can hope to see polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses and reindeer.

The voyage will set out to North Spitsbergen where one can find favoured hunting grounds for polar bears, whilst walruses can be spotted at various haul-out sites. There will also be opportunities to encounter a number of seal species, including bearded, harp and ringed. Of birdlife, the ptarmigan is particularly interesting as it is one of the few birds capable of enduring the harsh Arctic Winter.

The majority of the voyage will be spent amidst Spitsbergen's dramatic western coast, dominated by towering cliffs, deep fjords and glaciers with calving ice fronts. These magnificent Arctic landscapes are not only home to some incredible wildlife and marine life, but also likely to provide some superb photographic opportunities. At this time of year, the days are long and there are opportunities to observe beautiful sun rises and sunsets. There may also be the possibility to seeing the Northern Lights. On shore treks will provide opportunities to explore historical sites such as former whaling stations and Pomor hunting sites.

Aqua-Firma and its team of polar experts have previously run a succession of successful voyages to Spitsbergen and are fully experienced in both Arctic sailing and diving. Among the expedition team onboard this exclusive sailing voyage are Aqua-Firma's very own Marine Scientist and polar expert Charlotte Caffrey, who has herself explored large areas of the world above water and below. Although there will not be any diving under the ice on this trip, there will be a series of evening talks and lectures, including photo details from Charlotte's diving in the Arctic and Antarctica. Throughout the expedition, the expert expedition staff onboard will be on hand to offer their own personal experience of the Arctic, as well as sharing their knowledge about its wildlife, marine life, geology and history. Depending on weather conditions at the time, passengers may also have the opportunity to try their hands at hoisting the ship's sails, an opportunity not to be missed.

This stunning vessel offers 16 comfortable cabins, with a choice of double or twin berths and even family units, all fully equipped with en suite facilities. With her three observation decks, she is an incredible ship from which to experience the local wildlife. Her lower decks provide the best vantage points to view mammals such as polar bears, which will be out on the ice with their cubs during September. Meanwhile, her upper decks are ideally suited for scanning the waters below for emerging marine life and looking out for harbour and bearded seals, which can usually be spotted lying on the edge of ice floes. The ship also boasts two onboard zodiacs, enabling passengers to explore the Arctic Wilderness in greater depth and ride to the shore, where a number of treks will be undertaken and various wildlife encounters can be sought.

For further press information and photography please contact Ralph Pannell at Aqua-Firma
Worldwide Ltd. on 0844 412 0848 / 01428 620012 or email ralph ( @ ) aqua-firma dot co.uk

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