Pioneering small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is inviting guests to join them and contribute to citizen science on an authentic voyage of discovery through remote, uncharted Australian waters in the search for rare and elusive pelagic seabirds and cetaceans.
The family-owned and operated cruise company’s Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ described the new 9-day expedition, Seabirds & Cetaceans of Australasia from Port Vila to Hobart, as “an epic east coast pelagic”.
“This voyage has been specially designed with birders, whale, dolphin and cruise enthusiasts and adventurers in mind and offers guests the rare opportunity to explore an extraordinary cross-section of the southwestern Pacific including the shallow waters near Chesterfield Reefs, deep waters of the Coral Sea and the edge of the Southern Ocean,” said Aaron.
“As much of our journey will be through waters poorly, or never before, surveyed for seabirds and marine mammals we expect to make some intriguing discoveries including possible new sightings in Australian waters,” he said.
“This voyage offers an incredible opportunity for citizen scientists to significantly expand the knowledge of the distribution of many poorly known and seldom seen seabird species.”
Starting in Port Vila, the the voyage will sail immediately offshore, crossing to the north of New Caledonia, past the super remote Chesterfield Reefs and from there towards Australian waters and southbound, far offshore, all the way to Hobart.
“With much of the voyage being in rarely explored Australian waters, this expedition is a must-do for any birders and naturalists wishing to visit some of the most far-flung and rarely visited reaches of Australian waters,” said Aaron.
Seabirds & Cetaceans of Australasia
15 – 23 November 2024
Port Vila, Vanuatu, to Hobart, Australia
