Media Release: Chimu Adventures Looks to the Future of Antarctic Cruising with New Investors

Chimu Adventures Looks to the Future of Antarctic Cruising with New Investors

Intrepid Travel to remain a key distribution partner for global sales

September 25, 2024 – Chimu Adventures has announced investment from Nordic Hamburg, a leading shipping company with investments in various shipping segments including cruise vessels which provides also maritime services with a proven track record in ship management, safety, and low emission progress. This investment will enable Chimu to embark on a new phase of growth and innovation in the polar expedition market with a focus on low emission cruising.

Nordic’s investment will see Intrepid Travel divest its stake in Chimu Adventures. While Intrepid will no longer have an ownership interest in Chimu, the company will remain a close distribution partner and will continue to offer polar journeys, which are aligned with the Intrepid experience to their customers. 

Chimu and Intrepid had entered into a three-season charter of the Ocean Endeavour ship to Antarctica. The upcoming 2024/25 season on the Ocean Endeavour will operate under the Intrepid brand for the third and final season. Customers can look forward to the same onboard experience and expert crew.  

Chimu has signed to take a new vessel, the Ocean Nova starting in March 2026. This well-known vessel, renowned for its lower emissions will offer a more intimate and immersive experience for guests.  This is the first step in Chimu’s long-term plan toward lower impact operations. 

With this investment and the new ship, Chimu is poised to offer even more purposeful Polar itineraries for our changing market.

"We're thrilled to join forces with Nordic, leveraging their shipping expertise to expand our polar offerings and advance low emission technology in this industry for the future,” said Chad Carey, Managing Director of Chimu Adventures. 

“Our continued partnership with Intrepid will allow us to maintain our commitment to delivering purpose-driven, experiential polar adventures. As we look ahead, we're also excited to extend the Chimu brand and business model into the North American and European markets," Carey added.

Commenting on the changes, Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton said: “We are proud of what Intrepid achieved in Antarctica, but now with our ship lease ending, it is the right time for us to re-evaluate our approach.” 

Alongside the Antarctic operation, Chimu will continue to serve as an aggregator for all reputable vessels in the region. This allows Chimu to offer a premium range of options to its customers and ensure they find the perfect expedition to suit their needs and preferences.

Chimu will also continue to offer personalised Latin America itineraries, tailored to individual preferences and timeframes.

For media enquiries, please contact: 
Meg Hall  - Marketing manager
PH: 02 94581211
E: meghall@chimuadventures.com

Lucy Siebert 
Head of Global Corporate Communications 
+61 432 770 828 
lucy.siebert@intrepidtravel.com

ABOUT CHIMU ADVENTURES
Founded in 2004, Chimu Adventures go-to for all Latin America, Antarctica and Arctic travel requirements, from small ship expedition cruises to personalised itineraries, plus all international and domestic flight and transfer arrangements. Our specialist knowledge means we can offer the best options for everything. We use our own operations on the ground to access to an immense range of accommodation and activities and work personally with our traveller's style and budget, tailoring to their individual needs. 

Our team is committed to the destinations which we operate in and are proud members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) Adventure Travel Trade Association and Latin America Travel Association. For more information visit www.chimuadventures.com. 

ABOUT INTREPID TRAVEL       
Intrepid Travel has been a world leader in responsible travel for 35 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel, which comes to life on more than 900 trips all designed to truly experience local culture. With its own network of destination management companies in 27 countries, Intrepid has unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally recognized for their commitment to transparency and ethical travel, they became B-Corp certified in 2018. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has raised more than $15.5 million for more than 160 partners. For more information download the company’s 2023 Integrated Annual Report and follow Intrepid on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn.