Off The Beaten Path

Yes, we know we are late in sending out a New Years update, but kind of a lot has been happening! Year 2 of the Covid Era – otherwise known as 2021 – certainly presented its challenges with the ongoing border restrictions requiring many trips to be rescheduled. However, we also discovered new opportunities with fresh itineraries and exploration in Croatia and Greece, incredible big animal interactions in Mexico with massive schools of mobulas and baitballs attracting sealions, whales and marlin galore, and a return to one of our favorite parts of the world – God’s Pocket in British Columbia.

Year 3 of the Covid Era – 2022 – held great promise with 3 Antarctica trips planned, including one in commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of Ernest Shackleton’s death. Unfortunately, despite all our precautions including vaccination requirements and multiple Covid tests pre-trip and pre-boarding the ship, Omicron managed to foil our plans. Mid-way through our first expedition earlier this month, Oceanwide Expeditions made the responsible decision to turn the ship around after multiple positive Covid tests resulted in quarantine for some and a dramatically reduced program for the rest of the group. Rather than push it and deliver a less than optimal experience, Oceanwide made the decision to cancel the rest of the Antarctic season. As difficult as it was, as much as we wanted to get back to the ice, we support their decision to operate only the best quality program.

On the plus side the short time we had in Antarctica was magical and reminded us once again why this place is such a wonderment. Becky Kagan Schott managed to get some great shots, as usual, and those images will keep us going until we get back to the ice in August – this time to the Arctic! Can you say polar bears!

With all the time we now have on our hands, we set out to find some new opportunities. We will be checking out a couple of new destinations in the next few months…we could tell you more, but we would have to kill you! We also set up two separate trips to visit one of our favorite big animal destinations – SOCORRO! We can’t wait to get back there and play with the mantas, dolphins, and hopefully, humpback whales.

- March 5 – 13, 2022 on the Nautilus Belle Amie! Price starting at $4275 USD for a stateroom berth including all taxes and park fees. Only 10 total spots! Contacts us for details!
- April 30 – May 8, 2022 on the Nautilus Belle Amie with 17 total spots and pricing starting at $3950 USD for a triple berth. Contact us for details! We don’t expect these spots to last for very long nor will they be listed on our website so please contact us as soon as possible to reserve your spot!

We are also hopeful that Tasmania will happen this year as Australia has indicated it will shortly roll back a temporary hold on visas that had been implemented in response to Omicron. If that occurs soon, we are considering adding a second Tasmania trip into the mix during the dates of March 25 – April 4th. As these trips only have a maximum of 12 total spots, please let us know if you are interested in that possibility. We will make a final decision in mid-February.
Other countries are also moving forward with reopening plans with Philippines and Indonesia making the leap forward. And EU has streamlined their entry requirements by eliminating pre-arrival Covid tests for vaccinated travelers. Things are moving forward…we promise!

And don’t forget all the other possibilities in 2022:

NEW! March 5 – 13: Socorro Islands on the Nautilus Belle Amie with mantas, dolphins, and whales oh my! 2 spots remaining
April 4 – 14: Tasmania. Full though accepting waitlist for those interested if we add a second trip.
NEW! April 30 – May 8: Socorro Islands on the Nautilus Belle Amie. 12 spots remaining
May 9 – 18: Kalimaya resort in Indonesia. A women’s only trip to benefit the Women Divers Hall of Fame Scholarship and Internship Fund. Full but accepting waitlist
June 4 – 11: Mobula Aggregation and Orcas in the Sea of Cortez. 6 spots remaining
July 1 – 12: Raja Ampat to Lembeh transition trip. Sold out but accepting waitlist.
July 11 – 24: Lembeh and Derawan Islands. 5 spots remaining
August 19 – 29: Spitsbergen and Kvitoya. Sold out but accepting waitlist
Sept 17 – 29: Brazil exploring Recife and Fernando da Noronha. 6 spots remaining
Oct 14 – 24 and Oct 24 – Nov 3: Exploring the length of the Sea of Cortez on the Gallant Lady. Spots on both trips!

With all this going on, 2022 will be gone before we know it….and wait until you see the 2023 we have in store for you! Keep an eye on the website for LOTS of new trips and exclusive adventures coming up!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT FAITH AND PAUL AT:

[email protected]

1-619-405-2493 / 1-619-997-5323

Or check out the latest on our website at