- Polar Pioneer
- Research Ship
- 54 Capacity
- 20 Days
-
View Departure>
- Price from
- $999,999,999
Summary : South Georgia’s remote, untamed landscape is simply stunning. Marvel at the haunting cries of light-mantled sooty albatross, adorable fur seal pups learning to swim and herds of reindeer cantering across lush, grassy flats. Hike up tussock-covered slopes, past mossy streams for magnificent views of macaroni penguins, courting albatross and glaciated mountain peaks. Scattered across the mighty Southern Ocean, the tiny arc of windswept islands and harbors are some of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Famed for its abandoned whaling stations and Shackleton’s heroic journey, South Georgia is home to literally millions of fur seals and penguins, wallows of elephant seals, herds of reindeer and nesting albatross. This remarkable voyage also includes time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and Falkland Islands.
Activities : Birding, Hiking, Kayaking, Photography
PRICING
Prices from
$999,999,999 to $0
Itinerary
Day 1
Ushuaia / Embark
Embark in the late afternoon to a warm welcome before you set sail along the Beagle Channel.
Day 2
Atlantic Ocean
Albatrosses, giant petrels and tiny Wilsons storm petrels escort you across the Atlantic Ocean. Your naturalist and historian enliven the crossing with informative talks, and you prepare for the first landing.
Day 3 – 4
Falkland Islands
Visit an outlying island in the Falkland group, greeted onshore by a fascinating mix of sea lions, elephant seals, Magellanic penguins and waterbirds. Continue to Stanley, the Falklands’ undeniably British capital, which features an excellent war museum, quirky post office, picturesque houses, welcoming shops, and pubs.
Day 5 – 6
Scotia Sea
Cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by your expert naturalist and historian, and keeping watch for kelp-skirted Shag Rocks.
Day 7 – 10
South Georgia
There will be ample time to explore the network of harbors along South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, visiting wildlife havens that include the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbours, 3000-meter peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and a plethora of penguins.
Day 11
Scotia Sea
As you cross the Scotia Sea, watch for whales, seabirds and your first icebergs. Enjoy time to discuss South Georgia, learn about Antarctica, and prepare for more landings.
Day 12 – 13
South Orkney Islands
Pack ice permitting, step ashore on the dramatic South Orkney Islands, before crossing whale-rich waters to Elephant Island, integral to Shackleton’s survival story.
Day 14 – 16
South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula
Visit the South Shetland Islands before sailing overnight down Gerlache Strait. Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where you plan to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.
Day 17 – 18
Drake Passage
Return to the realm of the albatross, as you head north across the Drake Passage.
Day 19
Ushuaia / Disembark
Dawn greets you in the Beagle Channel as your ship motors to the dock in Ushuaia. Bid farewell and continue onward travel, or stop in Ushuaia, known as the world’s southern most town.
Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The policy provider, policy number and emergency contact phone number must be provided prior to departure date. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends that the travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.
Sea Kayaking Option: $1,250 per person (11/12/2012 only)
Traveling in these sturdy, easy-handling, reliable kayaks is an exciting, low impact way to explore the stunning bays and wildlife breeding grounds at South Georgia! If you wish to take this option, please advise us when you make your booking as numbers are limited. Please note, some sea kayaking experience is necessary.
Photography Option: $250 per person (11/12/2012 only)
Antarctica is a photographers dream. Whether it be sitting quietly in the middle of a penguin rookery, visiting quaint historic sites or enjoying the thrill of whale and leopard seal encounters amongst the icebergs, there are an overwhelming number of opportunities to snap to your heart’s content. Catering to both amateurs and the more serious photographer, your on board professional will pass on tips to get the most out of your equipment and the unique Antarctic conditions.
Diving and Snorkeling Option: All Departures
Diving and snorkeling can be offered on Polar Pioneer voyages with a minimum of 8 participants. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for details.
Included:
Cabin accommodations on the ship; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; lectures and guide services; medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board); boots (for loan onboard); port taxes and port charges.
Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; visa, passport, and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; travel insurance; meals not included in ship cruise itinerary; items of a personal nature; gratuities to the ship's crew are left to the discretion of the passenger.
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