When Australis began to pioneer new routes several years ago, a new alliance was formed with the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), because for the first time we were going to visit a southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) colony in Karukinka Natural Park along the western shore of Tierra del Fuego. As part of the partnership, Australis agreed to transport and expedite the work of WCS researchers and scientists working on wildlife conservation studies in the region. But there was mutual benefit: Having them onboard allowed us to arrange special presentations for our passengers on local flora and fauna from people who were experts in their fields.

In order to reach the different shore landing points that we visit on our routes, our expedition cruise ships are equipped with a small fleet of Zodiacs. These rubber boats are versatile, very safe and able to navigate even among the icebergs that we encounter at some of our landing points.

Last week, photographer and videographer Morten Anderson and his team were on board the Vía Australis to shoot footage for promotional videos on the new routes that we started this season.