Birding the Australian Bight

Overview

The waters south of Australia are amongst the best in the world for seabirding. Huge albatross soar up from the Southern Ocean, elusive Pterodroma Petrels cruise far offshore, massive colonies of shearwaters gather on the water before heading in to their breeding grounds and tiny storm-petrels patter on the water. Many birders visit these seas on day trips, but our voyage is a unique opportunity to spend an entire week in this bird rich area, living aboard our comfortable ship. The journey departs from Albany and culminates in Hobart. Along the way we will maximise our birding potential by following the continental shelf, the richest feeding area along the coast. At strategic locations we will also ‘chum’ for seabirds; prepare yourself to be surrounded by seabirds and to marvel at their numbers and diversity. This week-long pelagic voyage is a great opportunity to search for Southern Ocean species rarely seen in Australian waters and we should also encounter a good variety of cetaceans.

Dates & Prices

Departures:

Birding the Australian Bight: 1264

Birding the Australian Bight

Voyage #:
1264

02 December, 2012

10 December, 2012

Cabin options

Heritage Suite

Accommodation:

Heritage Suite

Heritage Suite: Has a large lounge area, a separate bedroom with double bed, a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers and fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. There are large forward and side facing windows to allow great views.

Capacity:
2

Occupancy:
Sole Occupancy

Occupancy:
Twin Share

Sole Occupancy:

$10,400.00 USD pp

Twin-Share:

$5,200.00 USD pp

Triple:

$0.00 USD pp

Availability:

Available

Mini Suites

Accommodation:

Mini Suites

Mini Suites: Have a separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or a sofa in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. The Mini Suites have windows.

Capacity:
2

Occupancy:
Twin Share

Occupancy:
Sole Occupancy

Sole Occupancy:

$8,400.00 USD pp

Twin-Share:

$4,200.00 USD pp

Triple:

$0.00 USD pp

Availability:

Available

Superior Plus

Accommodation:

Superior Plus

Superior Plus cabins: Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Capacity:
2

Occupancy:
Twin Share

Occupancy:
Sole Occupancy

Sole Occupancy:

$6,300.00 USD pp

Twin-Share:

$3,500.00 USD pp

Triple:

$0.00 USD pp

Availability:

Available

Superior

Accommodation:

Superior

Superior cabins: Cabins have bunks (an upper and lower berths), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Capacity:
2

Occupancy:
Twin Share

Occupancy:
Sole Occupancy

Sole Occupancy:

$5,040.00 USD pp

Twin-Share:

$2,800.00 USD pp

Triple:

$0.00 USD pp

Availability:

Limited

Main Deck

Accommodation:

Main Deck

Main deck cabins: Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin and porthole. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.

Capacity:
2

Occupancy:
Twin Share

Occupancy:
Sole Occupancy

Sole Occupancy:

$4,140.00 USD pp

Twin-Share:

$2,300.00 USD pp

Triple:

$0.00 USD pp

Availability:

Limited

Main Deck Triple

Accommodation:

Main Deck Triple

Main Deck Triple: This cabin has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and wash basin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins

Capacity:
3

Occupancy:
Triple Share

Triple:

$2,000.00 USD pp

Availability:

Limited

Additional charges

Landing Fees/Local Payment not applicable

$0.00 USD pp

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Itinerary

birding the australian bight ITINERARY:

Day 1: Depart Port of Albany

Your adventure begins in charming Albany, Australia where we sail from the Princess Royal Harbour. You are invited to join the expedition crew on the bridge as we set our course through King George Sound.

Day 2 to 8: At Sea

With the whole week on the ocean we have time to see everything. The potential seabird list for this week is staggering: 46 species of tubenoses occur in these waters, including 14 species of albatross. Not all of these species are here at this time of year but we will see a large portion of them. Some of the more common ones are likely to include Indian Yellow-nosed, Buller’s, and Shy Albatross; Great-winged and White-chinned Petrel; Fairy Prion; Sooty, Short-tailed and Little Shearwater; White-faced Storm-petrel and Common Diving-petrel. But the focus will be on finding the more unusual species, and many exciting discoveries are possible. In the waters off southeast Australia and Tasmania, birds to look out for are Southern Royal, Northern Royal, and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross; Soft-plumaged, Mottled, Gould’s, Grey, and Westland Petrel; Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm-petrel.

In addition to the tubenoses we will see plenty of other seabirds and wildlife; we might catch a glimpse of the Little Penguin and perhaps its predator, the Southern Fur Seal. With so much ocean to explore, we’ll encounter other predators like sharks and whales and may see the Australasian Gannet as it plunge dives for its prey. Add to this the innumerable skuas, gulls and terns who remain our faithful travel companions and you have the enviable opportunity to increase your ‘life list’ of the most incredible seabird sightings imaginable.

Day 9: Port of Hobart, Tasmania

Our final harbour is in Hobart a busy seaport at the foot of Mt. Wellington, bustling with restaurants and culture. Bid farewell to your fellow voyagers as we transfer you to the city or airport.

Maps

Ship Information

Spirit of Enderby

Our vessel, the 'Spirit of Enderby' is perfect for Expedition Travel. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort.

It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation (refurbished in New Zealand Nov '04). The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.

Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew.

The 'Spirit of Enderby' measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. What makes this Expedition Vessel absolutely unique is the equipment we carry including:

a) our fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places.

b) Our specially designed and built Hovercraft (2) give us unprecedented over ice capability in Antarctica allowing us to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships.

The name 'Spirit of Enderby' honours the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800’s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.

Technical description:

Classification: Russian register KM ice class
Year built: 1984
Accommodation: 50 berths expedition
Shipyard: Finland
Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)
Register: Russia
Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)
Bunker capacity: 320 tons

Deck and Cabin plan:

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What are people saying?

It was a pleasure to be part of an expedition that was run in such a professional manner

Oren Harel, New Zealand

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