New Zealand
April 20 – 30, 2024
Happening Now!
More Photo Pros. More Photo Ops. The Most Extraordinary Way to Explore Antarctica.
February 6 – 17, 2025
- More time on the Antarctic Peninsula—more than most expeditions!
- Seven photo pros and five naturalists on board our own private ship. Other expeditions have only one or two. A 7:1 ratio of guests to pros!
- We go where larger ships can’t—so you can capture more amazing photographs.
- Many single-occupancy cabins available.
- We control the entire ship—it’s just our group on board!
EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT OF $1,000: Register by April 30, 2024, and you will get $1,000 off. This is applied to your balance payment.
Join us on one of the best ships that sail the Antarctic waters, the ice-strengthened M/V Sea Spirit. We’ve assembled a world-class team of pro photographers, expedition leaders, and naturalists to provide photography instruction, information, and guidance throughout the expedition.
We have chartered the entire ship for this expedition. We control the itinerary. This allows us to maximize photographic opportunities with as many shore landings, zodiac cruises, and as many days in Antarctica as possible. Our ship is small and can go to all potential landing sites. Our group will be approximately 70-80 guests, including 7 pros and naturalists from the ship crew.
On this 11-day all-inclusive photographic expedition, you’ll have opportunities to photograph the beautiful and diverse wildlife and incredible polar landscapes of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic Peninsula. We’ve timed our expedition during the summer months, when there’s plenty of penguins and access to all the possible landing sights. Penguins will be conducting their rituals in the rookeries, and humpback whales will be feeding in the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the continent.
This year’s expedition is longer than most trips: we have six days at the Antarctic Peninsula—more than most expeditions. Because our ship and group size are smaller, we have access to all approved landing spots in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica—we can go places where the large cruise ships can’t. Not only that, but our smaller group size allows us more time for photography at each landing, which is severely compromised when you are on a ship with hundreds of passengers.
You can expect to see and photograph abundant wildlife: whales (orca, minke, and humpback), seals (crabeater, elephant, leopard, and Weddell), penguins (chinstrap, gentoo, and likely Adélie), blue-eyed shags, and many albatrosses, petrels, and other sea birds.
Everything is all-inclusive from when we embark on our ship until we say goodbye. There will be presentations on wildlife and landscape photography and beginning and advanced post-processing. Also, the ship crew will provide naturalist lectures, about the wildlife, history and geology.
On board Sea Spirit, there’s plenty of space in the common areas to relax, read a book, or talk photography. We have rooms available for instruction, lectures, presentations, image reviews, and critiques. Meals on board are quite good: the breakfast buffet has both continental and hot options, lunch is served buffet-style, there’s an afternoon tea in the common area, and the day ends with a three-course dinner. Mealtimes are set by us and are based on our shore excursions—photography first!
Most Antarctica trips are not fully dedicated to photography, and because they are on tourist cruise ships with 150, 200, or 250+ passengers, they can’t get as close to the landings as we can. Our Zodiacs will zip you to shore safely and quickly, so you will have more time for photography. With Muench Workshops, you will be with like-minded photographers and travelers interested in maximizing every opportunity to capture amazing wildlife and landscape images and to learn as much as possible from the pros and naturalists on the team. But don’t worry. Your non-photographer spouse/partner/traveling companion will enjoy this expedition just as much as everyone else. They will also enjoy the landscape and wildlife and the education from the expedition staff and naturalists.
We have single or twin cabins of various sizes, and we have many suites as well. Tuition for this expedition depends on your choice of accommodation.
Your Pros
Location
Antarctica
Dates
February 6 – 17, 2025
Availability
$1,000 Discount!
Limited to 86 Guests
Itinerary
About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.
This itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain, Muench Workshops and Expedition Leaders to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success!
February 6, 2025: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina before 1:00 PM this day. A room at our local hotel is included in your tuition on this night. We have a mandatory “Meet the Team” session at 4:00 PM, where we will distribute important information. Details will be provided ahead of time.
February 7, 2025: After breakfast we’ll provide shuttle rides to the town of Ushuaia. We will inform you of what time you need to be at the pier, where we will warmly welcome you aboard the luxury expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.
February 8–9, 2025: After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.
February 10–14, 2025: We now explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.
The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We hope to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.
Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. This is a good time to observe the importance of pebbles in penguin culture, as prized nesting material to be stolen from rivals and given to mates. Also at this time, many seals and penguins congregate on ice bergs, a situation that attracts killer whales. Minke whales have arrived and leopard seals can be spotted patrolling the coast near penguin colonies. Photographers will appreciate the snow and ice covered mountains above the numerous whale sightings. February is Antarctica’s most active wildlife month as all wildlife maximizes the Austral summer’s brief window. Penguin chicks start fledging and learning to swim, skuas and leopard seals are predating, and whale sightings become common .
In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness.
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With nearly 20 hours of daylight per day, we seize every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
February 15–16, 2025: It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
February 17, 2025: After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. We provide a bus transfer to the airport for flights out after 11:00 AM. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is an excellent opportunity to experience a different point of view, providing a unique way to experience Antarctica for those less focused on photography. Sea Kayaking is available for an additional $800. This will give you the opportunity to kayak in up to 7 different locations throughout the expedition. There is a minimum of 8 people for this excursion. If you wish to sea kayak, please leave us a note in your registration.
Fitness
Easy: You must be able to get in/out of Zodiacs into the surf, and walk on uneven and possibly slippery ground on land.
Flights
Arrive Ushuaia – Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH), Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego before 1:00 PM on February 6, 2025. Flights out can be made after 11:00 AM on February 17, 2025. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Expedition parka
- Meals and lodging onboard the ship.
- Waterproof boots for shore excursions.
- Many hours of basic and advanced Lightroom instruction.
- Multiple image reviews and post-processing sessions.
- Naturalist lectures and presentations on board.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 8 pros.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
Payment Terms
- Your non-refundable deposit will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further non-refundable payment is due by July 1, 2024.
- The non-refundable balance is due not later than November 1, 2024.
- The payment amounts are determined by your cabin choice.
- In addition to our standard Terms and Conditions, for this workshop all payments are non-refundable, and this is why we recommend comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancelation.
- While not expected, we do reserve the right to add a surcharge for possible fuel cost increases. This can happen even right up until the time of the expedition, but we try to get as much notice as possible.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
| Cabin Choice | Tuition | Deposit | Further Payment | Balance Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Deck Suites | $15,495 | $5,495 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Main Deck Suites as Single | $22,995 | $7,995 | $8,000 | $7,000 |
| Owner’s Suite | $23,495 | $7,495 | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Premium Suite | $19,995 | $6,995 | $7,000 | $6,000 |
| Deluxe Suite | $18,995 | $6,995 | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Deluxe Suite as Single | $28,495 | $9,495 | $10,000 | $9,000 |
| Superior Suite | $17,495 | $6,495 | $6,000 | $5,000 |
| Superior Suite as Single | $25,995 | $8,995 | $9,000 | $8,000 |
| Classic Suite | $16,495 | $5,495 | $6,000 | $5,000 |
| Classic Suite as Single | $24,995 | $8,995 | $8,000 | $8,000 |
Testimonials
“I just came back from a trip to Antarctica with Muench Workshops. One of the most enjoyable and informative trips I have ever taken. Muench Workshops provided seven photo specialists and at least five tour/wild life specialists to help us to improve our photographing skills and to enjoy what the Antarctica provides in a very environmentally friendly way. The staff was very friendly, patient and eager to help us to enjoy the trip. I will strongly recommend anyone who is interested in taking a trip to see Antarctica to look into the opportunities Muench Workshops provides. ”
“I can honestly say that this was by far my best trip and photo workshop ever. I was impressed before it began and only became more so throughout the workshop. The pros were approachable. I appreciated how they all offered assistance all the time, were always ready to answer questions, and just great to be around. It felt like we were amongst friends. I left feeling encouraged and motivated to shoot more, learn more, and explore more with my photography skills. ”
“I still talk to my friends about last year's Antarctica and Patagonia workshops. ”
“The most perfect trip ever from start to finish. The guides and pros worked so hard to keep us well entertained and busy from the moment we hit the ship. I was exhausted at the end, but lots of full memory cards and a full heart. ”
“I have never had better, more personalized service, even in a 5 star resort. ”
“Beyond belief, from the weather to the Muench Workshops staff and the expedition staff. Honestly, it was a remarkable experience. ”
“The presentations given by the pros were very good, especially the one on composition. ”
Behind the Scenes
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