Trusted Partners for Polar Research
At Consulting Antarctica, we are proud to provide comprehensive science support and vessel operations for research projects across Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Our team combines over 26 years of operational experience with deep regional knowledge and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship — ensuring that every expedition meets the highest standards of safety, compliance, and scientific integrity.
Operational Excellence for Research Missions
We work alongside leading universities, researchers, and production teams to design and deliver complex field programs — from marine mammal tagging and aerial imaging to oceanographic studies and documentary filmmaking.
Our expertise covers:
- Expedition planning, permitting, and environmental documentation
- Vessel and small-boat operations for science and film support
- Coordination of helicopter, drone, and SUAS activities
- Biopsy, tagging, and sampling logistics
- Data collection and sample management under strict ethical and environmental protocols
Featured Expedition: Collaborative Antarctic Cetacean Research 2025
In March 2025, we operated the California Ocean Alliance Collaborative Antarctic Cetacean Research Expedition, a multidisciplinary mission led by Dr. Ari Friedlaender from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with participation from Stanford, Miami, Duke, and Berkeley University.
This was the largest privately funded whale research expedition ever conducted in Antarctica, proudly operated by Consulting Antarctica | Spirit of Sydney Expeditions, with Darrel Day serving as Expedition Leader on board.
The expedition achieved exceptional results, including:
- Deployment of the first heart monitor ever placed on a whale
- Remote biopsy and aerial imaging operations (photogrammetry, multispectral, and thermal infrared)
- Authorized close-range research encounters under scientific permit — providing valuable insights into whale behavior and physiology
During the expedition, the BBC and Berkeley University filmed onboard for upcoming documentaries highlighting the importance of collaborative ocean science and responsible field operations in Antarctica.
Beyond California Ocean Alliance
The California Ocean Alliance expedition is the largest project we have worked on, but it is just one of many scientific collaborations we have proudly supported.
Over the years, we have provided science support to numerous researchers and institutions, including
- Dr. Tom Hart, Oxford University — Penguin observation during the pandemic
- Dr. Meagan Dewar, Federation University (Melbourne, Australia) — Avian Flu studies during the 2024–25 season
- University of Dartmouth and Cambridge University — Archaeological survey of 1820 sealing sites in the South Shetland Islands (2024–25 season)
- Dr. Steven Emslie, University of North Carolina Wilmington — Remote-area sampling in the Ross Sea, including Cape Crozier ASPA #124, Balleny Islands, Upper Terrace at Cape Adare, Terra Nova Bay, and Cape Hallett ASPA #106
These missions reflect our long-standing role in enabling meaningful research across some of the most remote and environmentally sensitive regions on Earth.
Supporting Science and Storytelling
In addition to research logistics, we have collaborated on numerous international film and media projects, providing specialized operational and permitting support for major productions, including:
🎬 HBO and Munchies – The first ever cooking show filmed at sea
🎥 VICE – “Season Three: Our Rising Oceans”, winner of an Emmy Award
🐧 BBC – Rockhopper Penguins, Blue Planet II and Blue Planet III
📸 National Geographic – Expedition support for photographers, mountaineers, drysuit divers, and kayaking projects, including:
• An Icy World in Meltdown (Nov 2021, 23-page feature)
• Andrew McAuley’s epic 1,000 km sea kayaking expedition
🌍 Disney Nature – “Penguins”, released on Earth Day 2019
📺 Disney+ – Secrets of Penguins with Bertie Gregory, to be released April 2025
Our Commitment
From the first permit application to the last sample safely stored, Consulting Antarctica provides the expertise and logistical framework that allow scientists and filmmakers to focus on what matters most — discovery.
Learn how we can transform your vision of Antarctic exploration into a reality.
✓ Unforgettable adventures
✓ Effortless experience