Antarctica Webinars

Whale researcher Ari Friedlaender, Ph.D., has taken more than 40 trips to Antarctica to study whale behavior—including traveling with Nat Hab guests on the Hanse Explorer! Brooke Mitchell talks with Dr. Friedlaender about his research on whale biology and behavior and how these cetaceans adapt to changes in their environments. Learn what whale pregnancy rates can tell us about climate change, find out how scientists get close enough to these colossal creatures to study them, and discover the effects of ecotourism on whale conservation.

Antarctica is home to some of the most resilient animals on Earth. Join Expedition Leader Lianne Thompson as she plunges into the watery world of Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals—two species that have made remarkable recoveries after historic population declines. Learn about their unique adaptations, from the deep-diving capabilities of elephant seals to the thick, insulating fur of...well...fur seals. Lianne describes their hunting strategies, social structures and dramatic mating rituals and shares photography tips to help you capture the essence of these playful marine mammals.

Humpback whales possess remarkable sensory adaptations that allow them to navigate, communicate and thrive in diverse marine environments. Expedition Leader Lianne Thompson dives into the roles the five senses of touch, hearing, sight, taste and smell play in humpback whale behaviors such as feeding, migration and social interactions. She also addresses conservation challenges like noise pollution and climate change and highlights the importance of protecting humpback whales and their habitats.

You may know that Nat Hab is the world's first carbon-neutral travel company (humble brag), but our commitment to conservation goes beyond offsetting. Brooke Mitchell chats with Chief Sustainability Officer Court Whelan about our 2024 conservation successes and challenges, as well as our goals for 2025. Find out how sustainability and conservation travel go hand in hand, and learn more about our conservation programs, from philanthropy projects in the regions we visit to trip scholarships for inspiring eco-educators!

Just like human fingerprints, many animals sport unique patterns of coloration, stripes or other features that let us identify them as individuals. Expedition Leader Maria Marcias explains how photo identification is used by conservationists to study and protect marine animals. Learn what identifying individual animals—in particular gray whales—can tell us about a species as a whole, and meet some gray whales that researchers in Baja have monitored for years. Plus, find out how your photos can aid in scientific data collection and conservation efforts!

Antarctica is the ultimate grail for many adventure travelers. Expedition Leader Daniel Stavert shares how we explore the White Continent on two Antarctica offerings: our 17-day Sailing Antarctica: A Polar Wildlife Expedition and 13-day Ultimate Antarctica by Private Expedition Yacht. Tour the ice-worthy vessels we use to ply polar waters, and find out what activities to expect, including Zodiac excursions, kayaking, hiking and encounters with whales, seals, penguins and other wildlife. Get tips on what to pack to stay warm in this extreme environment, and learn what sets these trips apart from other more conventional Antarctica voyages.

Dive into the fascinating world of the killer whale, apex predator of the ocean. Expedition Leader and marine biologist Eric Ramirez shares the natural history of killer whales (also known as orcas), including their biology, ecology, dietary habits, communication skills and behavior. Learn about the different types of killer whale subspecies, delve into family dynamics and gain insight into their global distribution and importance in the ocean food chain. Eric will also highlight current research and ongoing orca conservation efforts.

Did you know that more than two-thirds of the planet’s freshwater is stored in glaciers and ice caps? In this installment of her Nature’s Decoders series, Expedition Leader Nikki Sentinella explores the many ways ice affects life on Earth, from shaping the terrain to storing water and sequestering carbon. Learn the differences between sea ice and glacial ice, find out what gives glacial lakes their brilliant blue hue, and discover the effect sea ice formation has on the Arctic food web, including polar bears.

The Big Bad Wolf had a toothy grin, but when it comes to animals with the strongest bites, he doesn't top the list! Expedition Leader Arpita Dutta introduces us to creatures with some of the world’s most menacing jaws, including predators like the polar bear, jaguar, hippo and leopard seal. Learn how scientists measure bite force and how a strong bite serves a wild animal, from attacking and defending against other animals to tearing and grinding food.

What's it like to embark on a 17-day journey to Antarctica aboard our private polar expedition yacht? Two Nat Hab staffers recently found out! Join Adventure Concierge Jack Reppy and Adventure Specialist Amanda Rofheart as they share tales of their adventures on the White Continent, including kayaking, hiking and camping, and exploring iceberg-strewn waters by Zodiac. See their photos of whales, seals, penguins and other polar wildlife, and hear stories of life on board an ice-strengthened motorsailer.

Meet some of the residents of one of the most extreme ecosystems on Earth! Expedition Leader Daniel Stavert introduces us to the albatrosses that glide over the Drake Passage, the penguins that waddle across the ice, and the seals that dive for prey in Antarctica’s frigid waters. He also touches on the history of the continent plus details of our two small-group sailing trips through this pristine wilderness Learn all about the experiences you’ll have, from kayaking among icebergs to camping on the ice and hiking ashore.

A follow-up to last week’s intro to the fin-footed marine mammals of the Arctic, this session presents five individual species of seal and walrus and examines the challenges they face in a rapidly changing North.

Seals, sea lions, walruses...all are pinnipeds! The name is derived from the Latin, meaning “fin-footed,” and these marine mammals are ingeniously adapted to their northern environments. Join us to discover all the fascinating details.

Penguins…They’re charming, whimsical and entertaining. They’re also amazing adapters to a changing planet. Join us for everything you ever wanted to know about these dapper denizens of Antarctica and the southern latitudes.

From deep-blue glaciers as large as skyscrapers to whales, penguins and frost-nipped polar researchers, Expedition Leader Colby Brokvist shares his love for the seventh continent.

Weaving in tales of his polar exploits, Colby Brokvist contrasts the unique elements of the planet’s most northerly and southerly climes.