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Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris

Ecotourism & Conservation
in the Antarctic

Antarctica © Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris

By traveling with Cheesemans’ to the Antarctic, you become a guest of the awe-inspiring southern polar region on a thoughtfully planned expedition that demonstrates a true reverence for your geographical host. Our vessel operator affirms our belief that providing in-person, immersive polar encounters creates long-term benefits for preservation because personal experience is the most impactful impetus for advocacy and action. Shore landings, outdoor activities, wildlife sightings, and on-board presentations given by renowned naturalists are orchestrated to engage and inspire travelers to be life-long protectors of a landscape relatively few will ever see in person.

The Antarctic’s ecotourism industry is taking specific steps to promote and adhere to responsible practices. Our operator was instrumental in developing environmental and safety guidelines set by IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and continues to maintain leadership positions in this organization.

They set industry standards and are constantly working to reduce negative environmental impacts in a number of ways:

  • Adding new ships with the most advanced green technologies and upfitting current ones with lower emissions engines.
  • Recycling as often as possible.
  • Banning all single-use plastic on vessels.
  • Using on-board water treatment and desalinating systems.
  • Equipping cabins with biodegradable shampoo and soap in recycled packaging.
  • Zealously following responsible wildlife viewing practices.
  • Buying supplies locally whenever possible from trusted, sustainable suppliers.
  • Assisting scientists in research projects.

By traveling to the Antarctic, you will experience a world described as unspoiled and pristine; however, this would not be the case without these deliberate efforts made by responsible and passionate operators and travelers.

Humpback Whale © Scott Davis

How Can You Make A Difference?


How You Can Actively Contribute

CONTRIBUTE

  • Keep an eBird list for each outing – you don’t need to track EVERY bird you see. See our Reading and Resource List for more details.
  • Take GPS-referenced wildlife and nature photos, and upload to iNaturalist. See our Reading and Resource List for more details.
  • Participate in citizen science projects on board.
Sharing

SHARE

  • Give a talk about your experience to a local wildlife or nature group or host a virtual webinar to reach a much wider audience!
  • Post your experiences on social media so others can learn more.
  • Submit a written, video, or audio testimonial for Cheesemans’ to share with future travelers.
Acting Locally

PRESERVE

  • Support local vendors if you buy memorabilia to take home.
  • Turn off lights and fans when leaving your room.
  • Refill the provided reusable bottle with the purified water on board.
  • Use the biodegradable soap and shampoo stocked in your bathroom.

We’d love to hear other ways you are actively participating, so please share that with us on our Facebook groups.

Organizations You Can Support

Happy Whale – This initiative employs ecotourists around the globe to identify individual marine animals.  People send pictures to Happy Whale, and the mammals are identified by their unique markings.  This not only contributes to the scientific study of whales, but also provides a way to tell the whales’ stories which, in turn, inspires people to take action in conservation efforts.

The Polar Citizen Science – This collective engages polar travelers in data collection as a cost-effective way to provide information that will enhance understanding and facilitate protection of the polar regions.

South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) – This organization dedicated conservation organization committed to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of South Georgia. Established in 2005, SGHT has spearheaded significant projects to restore and protect the island’s unique ecosystems and historical sites. Notably, the Trust’s flagship project, the Habitat Restoration Project, successfully eradicated invasive rodents, enabling the recovery of native bird populations and the regeneration of natural habitats. Through meticulous research, environmental stewardship, and educational initiatives, SGHT continues to ensure that South Georgia remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a place of historical significance for future generations.