When you embark on a Seabourn expedition to Antarctica, you're not just experiencing the world's most remote continent, you're exploring it under the guidance of some of the world's most accomplished naturalists, scientists, and polar guides. During the upcoming expedition seasons, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit will each host a hand-selected team of 23 experts who bring decades of field experience and a passion for the natural world.

"Expeditions with Seabourn are where luxury meets adventure, and our expedition teams are at the heart of that experience, their storytelling and expertise turn every landing, Zodiac ride, and onboard lecture into unforgettable moments of discovery."

Mark Tamis, Seabourn President

Your Guides to the Great White Continent

Throughout your voyage, the expedition team will be your constant companions in discovery. They'll lead Zodiac® landings, shoreside exploration, guide kayaking excursions and share insights during enriching lectures on wildlife, climate, and polar history. Submarine pilots will take you beneath the surface in custom-built U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 submarines, revealing Antarctica's stunning underwater world. From personalized wildlife spotting to the exhilarating Polar Plunge, each moment is designed to deepen your connection with this remote and remarkable continent.

Meet some of the remarkable experts who will guide your journey:

Expedition Leaders

Luciano "Luqui" Bernacchi has spent over 15 years guiding expeditions in polar regions and currently serves as Director of the Glaciarium Ice Museum in his home of Patagonia, Argentina. His expertise as a Senior Polar Guide brings unparalleled knowledge to every landing.

From Iceland, Fridrik P. Fridriksson brings over a decade of polar guiding experience and speaks several languages, ensuring guests from around the world feel at home in the Antarctic wilderness.

Juan Restrepo is a Columbian geologist who has explored every continent and brings more than a decade of leadership experience in global expedition travel. His career began as a Divemaster on luxury yachts before expanding into full-time exploration.

With more than 20 years of experience at sea, Dominic “Dom” Del Rosario has led voyages across the polar regions, Asia, and the South Pacific and is an expert small-boat driver for remote landings.

Expedition Coordinators

Born in the Netherlands, Gillelli Benkarim is a certified Divemaster and former hospitality professional, Gillelli combines diving and guest service expertise to create meaningful expedition experiences and promote ocean conservation.

Chris Clarke hails from Northwest England and has dedicated 16 years to expedition cruising. Having served six Antarctic seasons and helped launch Seabourn's Alaska program, her deep love of remote landscapes drives every expedition.

Submarine Team

Dr. Merel Dalebout, an Australian marine biologist who discovered several new species of beaked whales during her career. Now as a submarine pilot, she combines scientific expertise with a passion for exploration, taking guests to places few have ever seen.

Spanish-born Isaac Yebra brings dual degrees in Environmental Biology and Geology, along with over 20 years of experience as both a submarine pilot and flight instructor. A conservationist at heart, he operates a sustainable olive oil and truffle farm near Barcelona when not exploring polar waters.

Image Masters Program and Photographers

The expedition photographers lead Seabourn's Image Master's Program, a hands-on workshop offering in-depth, in-the-field instruction on wildlife and expedition photography, composition, technique, and editing—ensuring you're equipped to capture every moment, from breaching whales to calving glaciers.

John Shedwick, originally from Blackpool, England, is a former member of the Lake District Mountain Rescue Team who has captured landscapes from the Andes to Japan's Minami Alps.

Australian Harry Rogers brings six years of field experience in wildlife and cultural documentation, known for his minimalist, natural-light imagery that tells powerful stories.

Kayak Guides

Robert Egelstaff is a world-renowned expedition canoeist named among the Top 20 in the world by Paddler Magazine. With paddling experience on all seven continents and the British Canoe Union's rare Honorary Coach title, he leads Seabourn's kayak program while lecturing on history and exploration.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Brandon Payne has guided expeditions across Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and the UK. His background in Environmental and Geographical Sciences enriches every paddle stroke.

Naturalists

U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain Paul Niles has a background building aviation training facilities worldwide, bringing decades of maritime expertise to every voyage. Originally from California, he's passionate about sharing his deep knowledge of ocean ecosystems and Pacific Northwest marine life with fellow explorers.

River Niles has navigated everything from Alaskan fjords to Antarctic ice shelves as a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain. The Texas native, now based in Seattle, combines Peace Corps experience in China with maritime skill, bringing cultural connection and infectious enthusiasm to every expedition.

Lecturers

Marine biologist Emily Fosbery from Australia has hands-on research experience across Western Australia and the Indo-Pacific, working with whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. On Seabourn’s Antarctic expeditions, she shares her passion for conservation and marine education with guests.

Brent Houston has conducted more than 30 years of wildlife research across 400+ expeditions. He's received two U.S. Navy Antarctic Medals and is known as one of the foremost penguin experts in the world, having contributed to National Geographic Traveler and Jane Goodall's Hope for Animals and Their World.

Will Wagstaff, based in the Isles of Scilly, rounds out the team as a veteran wildlife guide and author of Falkland Islands: The Bradt Travel Guide. A Seabourn lecturer since 2016, he's known for his deep expertise in birdlife and wildlife interpretation.

Zodiac Driver

Gabor Zsolt Tamasi, from Transylvania, has been a Seabourn team member since 2015. Gabor transitioned from hospitality to expedition guiding with the launch of Seabourn Venture and Pursuit and has now explored 80+ countries and is a certified RYA Zodiac operator.

Your Unforgettable Antarctic Experience Awaits

Join Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit on extraordinary expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. Explore breathtaking destinations including the Lemaire Channel, Deception Island, and Neko Harbour, where immense glaciers and towering icebergs create a spectacular backdrop. Each guest receives a complimentary Helly Hansen PolarShield parka with removable insulated liner and a WaterShield waterproof backpack for comfort and protection throughout the journey.

With Seabourn's world-class expedition team by your side, every moment in Antarctica becomes a rich, immersive learning experience and an unforgettable journey of discovery.