Where Desert
Meets Ocean
Sail from Valparaiso to Callao, where desert meets ocean — discovering Chile and Peru's striking Pacific coast, ancient geoglyphs, and vibrant cities along the way.
Valparaiso
Begin your journey in Chile's colorful coastal gem — a city of steep hills, street art, and maritime charm.
Atacama Desert
Step into the world's driest desert — a landscape of lunar valleys, salt flats, and endless skies.
Stargazing Skies
Experience the clearest night skies on Earth under the stars of northern Chile.
Paracas & Nazca Lines
Fly over Peru's mysterious Nazca Lines and explore the wildlife-rich Paracas National Reserve.
Wildlife Encounters
Spot Peruvian Boobies, Inca Terns, Andean Flamingos, and Bottlenose Dolphins along the Pacific coast.
Cultural Heritage
Discover traces of ancient civilizations and vibrant coastal towns rich in history and tradition.
Life Onboard
Enjoy lectures from expert guides, creative workshops, and quiet moments in our Library and Observation Lounge.
Valparaiso - Callao
From
Dates
30 Mar 26 - 8 Apr 26
Duration
9 nights
Ship
SH Vega
Experience the natural wonders of the Atacama and Paracas Desert, cruise along the arid coastline of Chile and Peru. From the colorful houses of Valparaiso to the driest desert in the world, the Atacama and its otherworldly sand dunes, you'll experience a journey of extremes. Visit uninhabited wildlife havens, see prehistoric geoglyph line drawings in the Paracas desert, and discover world-class coastal towns and bustling cosmopolitan cities.
Travel Photo Tour
A fully immersive creative journey to the world's most photogenetic landscapes, this Travel Photo Tour voyage is designed to expand your vision — and your lens — helping you see the world with greater depth, insight, and meaning.
Accompanying this epic voyage are acclaimed travel photojournalists Peter Crass and Chris Crass. Prepare to capture glaciers, fjords, and untouched wilderness while learning to turn light, emotion, and movement into powerful, story-driven images of your journey.
This isn't just photography — it's storytelling. Each day offers new opportunities to frame wildlife encounters, cinematic landscapes, and authentic cultural connections. By the end, your photographs will become far more than memories; they'll reveal your personal narrative of discovery.
Peter Crass
Peter Crass is a photographer and travel advisor, and the founder of Travel Photo Tour, a company dedicated to immersive, photography-focused expeditions. His programs pair breathtaking destinations with advanced instruction designed for photographers of all levels, offering guests both technical mastery and deeper creative insight. Through expert guidance, dynamic environments, and carefully curated experiences, Peter empowers travelers to unlock their full storytelling potential.
Chris Crass
Chris Crass is a landscape photographer and award-winning travel filmmaker whose creative vision is shaped by a life lived across continents. Born in San Francisco, raised in the Dominican Republic, and fully location-independent for the past four years, he pursues stories in some of the world's most remote and compelling places. His distinctive style blends adventure with artistry, showcasing each destination in its best light and inspiring others to seek their own extraordinary journeys.
This partnership with Swan Hellenic feels like a natural fit. We share the belief that travel should inspire, transform, and broaden your perspective. Swan Hellenic takes travelers beyond the known — where the most remarkable stories begin — and I can't wait to guide guests through these incredible landscapes. From enthusiastic hobbyists to seasoned photographers, our photojournalist program offers something for every avid explorer.
~ Peter Crass
Travel photo tour program inclusions
- •Over $1200 of FREE Creative Training
- •Your full photojournalism package is complimentary when you book this voyage.
- •Begin with a pre-voyage online course, continue with hands-on workshops at sea, and take part in guided photo outings that bring every destination into focus.
- •Personal instruction from Peter Crass and Chris Crass at every step. From mastering light and composition to capturing wildlife behavior and powerful narratives, they'll help you refine your craft across glaciers, fjords, zodiac cruises, and shore explorations.
- •A beautifully crafted hardcover photo book, curated after the voyage, featuring your own images, personal reflections, and shared moments; a lasting testament to your journey and the story only you could tell.
A fully immersive creative journey to the world's most photogenetic landscapes, this Travel Photo Tour voyage is designed to expand your vision — and your lens — helping you see the world with greater depth, insight, and meaning.
Accompanying this epic voyage are acclaimed travel photojournalists Peter Crass and Chris Crass. Prepare to capture glaciers, fjords, and untouched wilderness while learning to turn light, emotion, and movement into powerful, story-driven images of your journey.
This isn't just photography — it's storytelling. Each day offers new opportunities to frame wildlife encounters, cinematic landscapes, and authentic cultural connections. By the end, your photographs will become far more than memories; they'll reveal your personal narrative of discovery.
Peter Crass
Peter Crass is a photographer and travel advisor, and the founder of Travel Photo Tour, a company dedicated to immersive, photography-focused expeditions. His programs pair breathtaking destinations with advanced instruction designed for photographers of all levels, offering guests both technical mastery and deeper creative insight. Through expert guidance, dynamic environments, and carefully curated experiences, Peter empowers travelers to unlock their full storytelling potential.
Chris Crass
Chris Crass is a landscape photographer and award-winning travel filmmaker whose creative vision is shaped by a life lived across continents. Born in San Francisco, raised in the Dominican Republic, and fully location-independent for the past four years, he pursues stories in some of the world's most remote and compelling places. His distinctive style blends adventure with artistry, showcasing each destination in its best light and inspiring others to seek their own extraordinary journeys.
This partnership with Swan Hellenic feels like a natural fit. We share the belief that travel should inspire, transform, and broaden your perspective. Swan Hellenic takes travelers beyond the known — where the most remarkable stories begin — and I can't wait to guide guests through these incredible landscapes. From enthusiastic hobbyists to seasoned photographers, our photojournalist program offers something for every avid explorer.
~ Peter Crass
Travel photo tour program inclusions
- •Over $1200 of FREE Creative Training
- •Your full photojournalism package is complimentary when you book this voyage.
- •Begin with a pre-voyage online course, continue with hands-on workshops at sea, and take part in guided photo outings that bring every destination into focus.
- •Personal instruction from Peter Crass and Chris Crass at every step. From mastering light and composition to capturing wildlife behavior and powerful narratives, they'll help you refine your craft across glaciers, fjords, zodiac cruises, and shore explorations.
- •A beautifully crafted hardcover photo book, curated after the voyage, featuring your own images, personal reflections, and shared moments; a lasting testament to your journey and the story only you could tell.
Valparaiso
Perched on steep hills above the Pacific, Valparaíso enchants with its maze of colorful houses, vintage funiculars, and vibrant street art — a city of bohemian soul and maritime heritage where your journey begins.
Coquimbo
A gateway to Chile's Elqui Valley and its star-studded skies, Coquimbo blends coastal charm with mystical energy — a place where ocean breezes meet the serenity of the desert.
Antofagasta
Set between the Pacific and the Atacama Desert, Antofagasta opens the way to otherworldly landscapes — from Moon Valley's sculpted dunes to salt flats shimmering under an endless sky.
Arica
Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Arica offers sun-drenched beaches, ancient geoglyphs, and a rich blend of Andean and coastal cultures at Chile's northern frontier.
Matarani
The "Port of Arequipa," Matarani is your gateway to the dramatic volcanoes of southern Peru and the highland charms of the White City — a land where mountains meet the sea.
General San Martin
From the Paracas National Reserve to the mysterious Nazca Lines, this desert region reveals nature's artistry and ancient wonder — a haven for flamingos, sea lions, and seabirds.
Callao (Lima)
Historic port of Peru's vibrant capital, Callao leads to Lima's colonial splendor and world-renowned cuisine — a fitting finale to a voyage rich in culture, coastlines, and discovery.
Expedition Highlights
An ocean voyage along the Pacific coast of Chile and Peru from Valparaiso to Callao aboard our boutique ice-class ship, SH Vega.
Nazca Lines
Fly over the Nazca Lines, one of the most mysterious shapes and lines on earth.
Atacama Desert
Visit the high-altitude Atacama Desert plateau filled with turquoise lagoons, llama-filled plains and sizzling salt flats.
Arequipa
Explore Peru's white city of Arequipa and its renowned colonial architectural masterpiece, the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Expedition Highlights
An ocean voyage along the Pacific coast of Chile and Peru from Valparaiso to Callao aboard our boutique ice-class ship, SH Vega.
Nazca Lines
Fly over the Nazca Lines, one of the most mysterious shapes and lines on earth.
Atacama Desert
Visit the high-altitude Atacama Desert plateau filled with turquoise lagoons, llama-filled plains and sizzling salt flats.
Arequipa
Explore Peru's white city of Arequipa and its renowned colonial architectural masterpiece, the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Expedition Itinerary
9 nights exploring Chile and Peru — from the Atacama's desert horizons to Peru's ancient geoglyphs and coastal charm.
Day 1
Valparaiso, Chile
One of Chile's oldest cities, Valparaiso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical funicular. UNESCO-listed, it's a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and bustling plazas. The former home of Chile's most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, is open to the public in Isla Negra. Leaving Valparaiso, the fertile Casablanca Valley is known for Chilean white wines.
Day 2
Coquimbo, Chile
Once Chile's gold and copper hub, colourful harbour town Coquimbo sits on the rocky Peninsula Coquimbo hills. On top of the town is the Cross of the Third Millennium. The main square, La Serena lighthouse and views from La Serena viewpoint are among highlights. Ancient petroglyphs are found in the Limari Valley's Enchanted Valley park. The fertile Elqui Valley produces papayas, wine grapes for Chile's famed Pisco.
Taste of Coquimbo
included- •Follow the coastal road to the Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena, a 1950s National Heritage landmark
- •Visit a local papaya facility and sample artisanal papaya products
- •Explore Pueblito Peñuelas and enjoy a tasting of handcrafted Pisco
- •Conclude at Fuerte Lambert, a restored 19th-century fort with sweeping views of Coquimbo Bay
Day 3
At Sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship's observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert's view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
- •Lectures on the history of the region
- •Photography workshops
- •Wildlife spotting
- •Discussions with experts
Day 4
Antofagasta, Chile
Steeped in culture on Chile's pristine Pacific coast, Antofagasta has a turbulent history. It was once part of Bolivia until Chile's 1883 War of the Pacific victory reshaped borders, giving Chile the city's horseshoe bay while landlocked Bolivia. Initially a prosperous mining hub, today Antofagasta draws visitors to its coastal beauty and proximity to Atacama Desert highlights like moonscape salt flats, lagoons and vast deserts.
Highlights of Antofagasta
included- •Explore the Huanchaca Ruins, remnants of a major 19th-century silver smelter
- •Stroll through the historic district's Victorian architecture, cathedral, and Plaza Colón clock tower
- •Visit restored port landmarks, including the Former Lighthouse and Customs House
- •Marvel at La Portada, a dramatic natural rock arch carved by the Pacific
Nitrate and Desert
optional- •Visit the historic Railway Museum of Baquedano, home to vintage locomotives
- •Step into the ghost town of Oficina Chacabuco, a preserved saltpeter settlement
- •Pause at the Tropic of Capricorn marker
- •Enjoy panoramic views of La Portada, a dramatic coastal rock arch
Atacama Desert & Pachamama Ceremony
optional- •Discover the immense Atacama Salt Flat and its stunning wildlife
- •Explore the adobe church and charming streets of San Pedro de Atacama
- •Witness the lunar landscape of Valle de la Luna
- •Experience a traditional Pachamama ceremony
Sunset and Stars
optional- •Watch the sunset over the Pacific from the Caleta del Cobre viewpoint
- •Enter the Atacama Desert, famed for the clearest night skies on Earth
- •Stargaze with an astronomer beneath the iconic Hand of the Desert sculpture
- •Enjoy Chilean wine, local appetizers, and folkloric music by a desert fire
Day 5
At Sea
Back at sea, unwind as SH Vega sails north along Chile's desert coast. Enjoy a spa treatment or a workout with ocean views, join a lecture from our onboard experts, or simply relax in the observation lounge over a glass of wine. Visit the bridge, take in the vast Pacific horizon, and watch for seabirds and dolphins as we make our way towards Arica.
- •Visit the spa and gym
- •Meet the officers during a bridge visit
- •Relax in the Observation Lounge
- •Enjoy afternoon tea in the Club Lounge
Day 6
Arica, Chile
Bordering the Atacama, the world's driest desert, Arica – Chile's northernmost city – features an elegant cathedral designed by Gustave Eiffel and an archaeological museum showcasing some of the world's oldest mummies. Nearby, the Atacama boasts the planet's tallest sand dunes. Birds like the Chilean flamingo and Andean condor inhabit the stark yet beautiful desert landscape. The picturesque Pomerape and Parinacota volcanoes rise majestically across the shimmering waters of Chungara Lake.
Valley Explorer – Arica to Poconchile by Train
included- •Travel on the historic Arica–La Paz railway, operating since 1913
- •Ride through dramatic landscapes from the arid coast into the fertile Lluta Valley
- •Reach Poconchile, a desert town with deep cultural roots
- •Visit the historic church and enjoy folkloric dances before returning to port
Lluta River Wetland & Local Culture
optional- •Walk through the protected Lluta River wetland, home to ~130 bird species
- •Spot endemic shorebirds like the Peruvian Thick-knee and White-backed Stilt
- •Ascend Morro de Arica for sweeping views and a refreshing Mango Sour
- •Visit the city's main fruit and vegetable market and discover local produce
Arica & Ancient Cultures
optional- •See ancient geoglyphs in the Lluta Valley and visit the 17th-century town of Poconchile
- •Take part in a traditional Pachamama Ceremony honoring Mother Earth
- •Explore a museum dedicated to the Chinchorro — the world's oldest mummies
- •Learn about the unique mummification practices dating back to 5000–3000 BC
Day 7
Matarani, Peru
The port of Matarani is the gateway to Arequipa, Peru's White City, with the still-active El Misti volcano looming. Arequipa's colonial buildings carved from white volcanic sillar rock reflect the influence of volcanism on the landscape. Other landmarks include Inca ceremonial sites and the Museo Santuarios displaying the famous mummy of a girl, Juanita. Santa Catalina Convent, guarded by high walls, is a 16th century citadel within the city.
A Day Exploring Arequipa
included- •Take in panoramic views of the "White City" from Carmen Alto and Yanahuara
- •Explore the Main Square, Cathedral, and La Compañía Church with its rich Jesuit heritage
- •Walk through the Santa Catalina Convent, a timeless cloister of courtyards and quiet streets
- •Enjoy a traditional lunch with local folklore before returning to Matarani
Mejía Lagoons
optional- •Discover the protected Mejía Lagoons National Sanctuary along Peru's Pacific coast
- •Walk through salt marshes, reed beds, and traditional salt-mining areas
- •Spot migratory and endemic birds, including flamingos, herons, egrets, and the Peruvian Thick-knee
- •Enjoy peaceful lagoon scenery framed by golden beaches and ocean waves
Cooking Demonstration & Mollendo Excursion
optional- •Explore the coastal town of Mollendo, known for its beaches and guano bird colonies
- •Observe local fishermen and watch guano birds soaring over the Pacific
- •Join a cooking demonstration to learn Pisco Sour and Peruvian Ceviche
- •Enjoy lunch with traditional dances celebrating local culture
Day 8
At Sea
It's the perfect time to socialize with the Swan Hellenic team and your new friends as you reflect on the expedition voyage. Take in the views, listen to new lectures and make the most of your time with the expedition team. Dine a la carte in the Swan Hellenic restaurants with new friends or relax in your stateroom with a movie and room service.
- •Discussions with experts
- •Visit the bridge for the final time
- •Presentation of guest photos & voyage video
- •Certificate ceremony
- •Sharing stories with fellow guests
- •Farewell gala dinner
Day 9
General San Martin, Peru
The port of General San Martin serves as a gateway to the wonders of Peru's Paracas Peninsula. From here, guests can take flights over the Nazca Lines to witness geometric designs and mysterious geoglyphs. Nearby Paracas and Pisco offer speedboat excursions to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands and vineyard visits discovering the Pisco-making process. In Tambo Colorado, well-preserved Inca ruins offer a glimpse into the lives of Inca nobility.
Ballestas Islands
included- •Cruise by speedboat across Paracas Bay and see the mysterious Candelabra Geoglyph
- •Circle the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds
- •Learn about the islands' history of guano harvesting and their protected ecosystems
- •Return to San Martin Pier or stay in town and use the shuttle bus back to the ship
Flying Over the Nazca Lines
optional- •Take off from Pisco for an aerial flight over the UNESCO-listed Nazca Lines
- •See iconic figures such as the monkey, dog, spider, hummingbird, and geometric shapes
- •Learn about the Nazca civilization's engineering and the mysteries behind the geoglyphs
- •Experience steep banking turns for optimal viewing during the 1.5-hour flight
Paracas National Reserve
optional- •Visit the Interpretation Center to explore Paracas' geology, history, and wildlife
- •Experience the striking landscapes of Red Beach and Yumaque Beach
- •See the remains of "La Catedral," a dramatic rock formation shaped by nature and time
- •Enjoy sweeping desert–ocean views before returning to the pier
Day 10
Callao, Lima
Lima, Peru's capital, sits between the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains with the seaport of Callao. The bustling city's renowned culinary scene features a local favourite, ceviche. The UNESCO World Heritage historic centre features colonial-era architecture including Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. Nearby, the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids, Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, offer a glimpse of the Inca civilization's history.
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition life as we take you to the furthest more remote regions of the world. The day by day plan and experiences are given as a guide with the actual itinerary depending on weather, ice conditions and guidance of the captain and expedition leader.
What's Included
Transport & Accommodation
- Your selected stateroom
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack
- Refillable water bottle
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
Not Included
Charter flights
- To the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk)
Group return transfers
- From airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
One night pre-cruise accommodation
- With breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)
What's Included
Transport & Accommodation
- Your selected stateroom
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack
- Refillable water bottle
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
Not Included
Charter flights
- To the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk)
Group return transfers
- From airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
One night pre-cruise accommodation
- With breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)
Wildlife
Spot Peruvian Boobies and striking Inca Terns along the cliffs, watch Andean Flamingos grace desert lagoons, and Bottlenose Dolphins dance beside the ship on Chile and Peru's Pacific coast.
Peruvian Booby
Andean Flamingo
Bottlenose Dolphin
Inca Tern
Wildlife
Spot Peruvian Boobies and striking Inca Terns along the cliffs, watch Andean Flamingos grace desert lagoons, and Bottlenose Dolphins dance beside the ship on Chile and Peru's Pacific coast.
Peruvian Booby
Andean Flamingo
Bottlenose Dolphin
Inca Tern
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
What our guests say
What our guests say
SH Vega
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Vega features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Vega has you covered.
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Vega features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Vega has you covered.
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC5 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck
Launched in 2022
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna
Fine Dining
Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, Pool Bar & Grill
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC5 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck
Launched in 2022
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna
Fine Dining
Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, Pool Bar & Grill
Staterooms
Bright and spacious staterooms — your cozy home away from home.
Oceanview 20 m²
FROM
FEATURES
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Balcony 25 m²
FROM
FEATURES
- 5 m² private balcony
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Junior Suite 32-36 m²
FROM
FEATURES
- 6 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room area
- Luxurious en-suite bathroom
Suite 41 m²
FROM
FEATURES
- 5-10 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
Premium Suite 41 m²
FROM
FEATURES
- 8-12 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and shower
- Walk-in wardrobe
Expedition Team
Ralf Klug
Expedition leader
With a degree in Hotel Management alongside a wealth of first-hand hotel and hospitality experience, Ralf is a highly accomplished dive instructor, Zodiac driver and Antarctica field guide. Originally from Germany, his career has taken him the world over, from luxury resorts across Europe and the Caribbean to the wilds of Antarctica and many more in between. His unique skillset has since led him to life as an experienced, passionate and knowledgeable cruise expedition guide.
Juan Jose Apestegui
Marine Biologist
Born in the coffee country of Costa Rica, Juan José "JJ" Apéstegui turned a fascination with nature into a lifelong calling. With over 30 years of experience as a naturalist and Expedition Leader, JJ has travelled extensively through the Americas, Europe, Africa, the polar regions and beyond, broadening his expertise across ecosystems and continents. A passionate natural historian with a particular fondness for birds, he brings deep insight into both environmental and cultural encounters. Fluent in Spanish, English and French, JJ's storytelling style is as engaging as the landscapes he explores.
Sue Walsh
Ornithologist
Sue has travelled widely watching wildlife from the poles to the equator on all seven continents. She has been fascinated by all aspects of the natural world since studying geology back in the seventies. She is also an accredited bird ringer/bander which has allowed her to travel and ring birds in different countries. She has been lecturing on cruise ships since 2014, offering a range of informative talks on regional wildlife.
Ralf Klug
Expedition leader
With a degree in Hotel Management alongside a wealth of first-hand hotel and hospitality experience, Ralf is a highly accomplished dive instructor, Zodiac driver and Antarctica field guide. Originally from Germany, his career has taken him the world over, from luxury resorts across Europe and the Caribbean to the wilds of Antarctica and many more in between. His unique skillset has since led him to life as an experienced, passionate and knowledgeable cruise expedition guide.
Juan Jose Apestegui
Marine Biologist
Born in the coffee country of Costa Rica, Juan José "JJ" Apéstegui turned a fascination with nature into a lifelong calling. With over 30 years of experience as a naturalist and Expedition Leader, JJ has travelled extensively through the Americas, Europe, Africa, the polar regions and beyond, broadening his expertise across ecosystems and continents. A passionate natural historian with a particular fondness for birds, he brings deep insight into both environmental and cultural encounters. Fluent in Spanish, English and French, JJ's storytelling style is as engaging as the landscapes he explores.
Sue Walsh
Ornithologist
Sue has travelled widely watching wildlife from the poles to the equator on all seven continents. She has been fascinated by all aspects of the natural world since studying geology back in the seventies. She is also an accredited bird ringer/bander which has allowed her to travel and ring birds in different countries. She has been lecturing on cruise ships since 2014, offering a range of informative talks on regional wildlife.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.