Q: Noemie, thanks for your time. What was it about this trip with Intrepid that made you want to come along?
A: Antarctica has always been this incredible bucket list destination that I’ve dreamed of visiting so I absolutely jumped at the opportunity to come on board with Intrepid.
This trip is designed for wildlife lovers like me and I’m really excited that the focus is on whale conservation and observing migration during peak season.
Obviously, the option to get to jump in a kayak had me sold straight away too. I’m really looking forward to getting to paddle on the water that’s home to the most incredible marine life in the world.
Q: Even though it’s still eight months away, the excitement is clearly building.
A: There are moments in my current everyday life where I just get a little surge of excitement when I think about what’s instore for me next March and I pinch myself that I’ll get to tick of this dream to visit and learn about such a remote and pristine part of the world.
It’s been so cool to share the news about this Intrepid trip to my community and to receive such excitement, personal recounts and advice back as well.
I’m looking forward to sharing the countdown and the experience itself. I feel so lucky to have something so exciting to look forward to.
Q: Have you done any research prior to your visit to Antarctica?
A: I’ve already gone over the itinerary so many times and spoken to some travellers that have experienced Antarctica with Intrepid as well.
I want to be as present as I can be. It’s going to be such a new experience for me: from the boat trip to the landscapes and the expedition.
I just want to soak it all up as we venture into such an untouched part of the world. One of the parts that I’m really looking forward to is going to explore up close and search for wildlife in the Zodiacs!
I’m also looking forward to hearing from polar experts and being able to ask them all the questions I have.
It’s going to be an intimate group on the boat and I can’t wait to share this once in a lifetime trip with a small group of likeminded travellers and for us all to be WOWed together.
The only thing I’m hoping for is to have somewhat smooth sailing on the Drake Passage!!
Q: What is it about Intrepid that attracted you to work with the company in the first place?
A: When I say Intrepid are the dream partnership – I truly mean it and I feel so incredibly lucky and grateful to work with them.
Already the act of being an intrepid person – someone that is bold, brave, fearless and adventurous – is something I really try to channel and aspire to constantly be.
What I love the most about Intrepid as a company is their belief that travel can be a force for good.
From promoting wildlife conservation and ethical animal tourism to locally based leaders and indigenous community led experiences, I see Intrepid as a leader in ensuring travel is not just about consumption, ticking off a list and surface level tourism.
I’ve always loved travelling and exploring the different communities and cultures chasing rivers has brought me to.
Travelling has taught me so many life skills and I really value the way Intrepid promotes safe travelling for women that can break down barriers and promote empowerment too.
It’s been great hearing such incredible experiences from Intrepid travellers since sharing this partnership. Intrepid and I share the same ethos for travelling and discovery so I can’t think of a better company to represent when doing my sport on the world stage.
Q: What can guests on this trip with you expect to learn about your life and career?
A: At one point I’ll borrow the lecture mic from polar experts and share some personal insights in the pursuit of chasing the gold medal in Paris.
I’m really excited to have an intimate group with whom to share these real and raw insights into my career as well as my experience building resilience and some special behind the scenes from Paris.
Obviously, guests can also expect to get some top kayaking tips for when we go out in the sea kayaks and even get a glimpse of pre-World Championship training in the little Ocean Nova gym!
Q: You mentioned whale conservation earlier. Clearly that’s an important topic for you.
A: Of course, and I hope it’s an important topic for everyone. I’ve always been so fascinated by whales, their social behaviours, cognitive ability and cheekiness too!
They’re a keystone species that contribute so much to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and enhancing marine biodiversity across so many regions.
Whale conservation really is such a multifaceted issue that concerns us all and this trip will help educate us on marine biology, glaciology and how to safeguard whale populations and ensure a sustainable future for this part of the world.
This trip will also enable us to participate in the Happy Whale project which is a citizen science initiative contributing to global conservation efforts.
Q: Finally, what memories do you hope to bring home with you from this trip?
A: Memories to last a lifetime! I know that I will be showing photos of this trip for the rest of my life and will jump at any occasion to share stories on the incredible experience, friendships and lectures learned as soon as someone mentions anything closely related to the topic!
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey. 11-days, departs March 9, 2026. Prices start from $14,940.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au
