ABOUT POLAR LATITUDES EXPEDITIONS
An Expedition Team That’s Extraordinary in Multiple Ways Working in the polar regions demands a rare combination of skill, experience, and adaptability – and our expedition team brings all of that, and more. Beyond their deep expertise, broad range of talents, and enthusiasm for the places we visit that quickly spreads to everyone around them, they are quick to respond to changing weather or ice patterns, while always keeping an eye toward the next unforgettable opportunity. They also happen to be some of the nicest and most welcoming people – the kind you’ll enjoy exploring with by day, and sharing stories, meals, or an evening cocktail with after.
Gert van Dalen joined us as Expedition Leader in 2024, bringing with him a long and storied relationship with the natural world. Ever since he was young, Afrikaner Gert has displayed boundless curiosity towards the intricate relationships between biota. After graduating from the oldest technical high school in South Africa, he pursued his dream of working closely with wildlife. By age 20 he was managing his first game preserve, combining his two greatest passions – exposing people to nature’s greatest wonders, and safekeeping the same. In 2018, he traded Land Cruisers for Zodiacs, and has been sailing from pole to pole ever since.
Lori Gross brings a diverse background and set of skills to her role as Assistant Expedition Leader, including over two decades working in sustainable tourism and education, a thriving career as a photographer and guest speaker, and a travel resume covering all seven continents. Lori’s list of accomplishments includes securing major funding for magnet schools, designing interactive exhibits for nature centers and museums, developing field studies for teens, and winning several prestigious photography awards. But her greatest love remains Antarctica, and sharing it with all our guests.
Meet Some of Our Team In addition to their extraordinary
knowledge and experience, our team members are incredibly fascinating individuals, hailing from many countries, wttith diverse backgrounds, talents, and stories to share. Here are some of the Expedition Leaders who may be leading your next great polar adventure.
Danny Edmunds has worked as a photographer, diver, travel writer and Expedition Leader in some of the most remote parts of the world. He’s driven Zodiacs in every ocean, radio-tracked Spectacled Bears in the Ecuadorian Andes, surveyed horse-mussel beds off the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales, and updated the Bradt Guides to Mozambique and Spitsbergen. Danny spent 16 months living south of the Antarctic Circle working as a Boating Officer at Rothera, the British Antarctica survey base, and has twelve seasons’ experience aboard ships in the southern Ocean. Should you find yourself in a Zodiac with Danny, you’re have lots to talk about.
Maria Cashin has a deep love for the outdoors, and mountains in particular, that has taken her around the world for more than 30 years. Originally from the maritime province of Newfoundland, Maria earned a degree in Geology from the University of Calgary, and is a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. She has also owned and operated her own mountaineering company, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. In 2012, she combined her professional qualifications, extensive guiding skills, and geology background to join the polar expedition industry, much to the delight of our wide-eyed guests.
Hannah Lawson has been sharing her love of birdlife and marine mammals aboard expedition ships since 1999. After studying zoology at the University of Liverpool, she worked as a wildlife artist and muralist in Africa for several years. Hannah later gained her Masters in Natural History Illustration from the Royal College of Art in London, while leading projects with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. She continues to pursue her art while working for us as a wildlife guide and expedition leader.
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