This spectacular 26 day visit to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands Islands started with a flight from Punta Arenas in Chile to an airstrip on King George Island in Antarctica's South Shetland Islands. Here we boarded the 6 passenger sailing yacht Ocean Tramp for a 13 night voyage down and up the peninsula, then, after transferring to the 12 passenger Hans Hanssen, we had a further 12 nights exploring the area. Set amongst amazing landscapes of ice and mountains, we visited dozens of penguin colonies and enjoyed seeing whales and seals from on board the two ships and from numerous zodiac cruises.

Both voyages were absolutely superb, they were booked through Visionary Wild who had a sub-charter from Quixote Expeditions, the owners of both boats. We were guided throughout by Daisy Gilardini. Daisy is a one of the world's top polar wildlife photographers, but also a delightful and enthusiastic guide. For the second part of the trip we were led by Visionary Wild's Justin Black, a superb landscape and wildlife photographer.

My thanks to both guides, and to Quixote Expeditions and their wonderful crews!