- Polar Pioneer
- Research Ship
- 54 Capacity
- 17 Days
- 2014
View Departure>
- 2014
- Jan 9 Thu
- Jan 25 Sat
- Price from
- $11,900
Summary : This spectacular journey combines the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. South Georgia’s remote, untamed landscape is simply stunning. Scattered across the mighty Southern Ocean, the tiny arc of windswept islands and harbours 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, and nesting albatross. In Stromness, Leith and Grytviken Harbours, the well-preserved remains of vast whaling factories sit quietly at the base of 3000-meter high mountains. The nearby bays are home to king, macaroni and rock hopper penguins.
Activities : Birding, Hiking, Kayaking
PRICING
Prices from
$11,900 to $18,975
Itinerary
Day 1
Embarkation / Ushuaia, Argentina
Embark in the late afternoon to a
warm welcome before setting sail along the
Beagle Channel.
Day 2 – 3
Drake Passage
Your Drake Passage crossing offers excellent bird-watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from your expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition staff. You’ll have time to meet fellow travelers, chat, read and prepare for the days ahead. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while sightings of penguins, fur seals and king cormorants announce your approach to the South Shetlands Islands.
Day 4 – 6
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica! Explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic continent, with visits to busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and making a continental landing.
Day 7
South Shetlands / At Sea
Approaching the whale-rich waters and steep slopes of Elephant Island, hope for a clear view of where Shackleton’s men wintered beneath their upturned boats. With luck, take Zodiacs ashore near Point Wild.
Day 8
South Orkney Islands
Following in Shackleton’s wake, cross the Scotia Sea detouring to the remote, mountainous South Orkney Islands. Zodiac cruise through a maze of icebergs to land at a beach bedecked with penguins, seals, and lichen-encrusted boulders.
Day 9
At Sea
You’ll have time to reflect on all you’ve seen and learned, and to prepare for the next phase of your journey as you continue across the Scotia Sea.
Day 10 – 13
South Georgia
We have 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-metre 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 14 – 16
At Sea
Keep watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks and wildlife while crossing the Scotia Sea, entertained by your expert naturalist and historian.
Day 17
Falkland Islands
Dawn greets you in the British capital of Stanley, Falkland Islands. Bid farewell and continue onward travel, stop in the Falkland Islands or continue onto Punta Arenas in Chile.
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.
Reverse Itinerary: 1/25/2014 (Falkland Islands to Ushuaia, Argentina).
Optional Flights: $660 per person (1/9/2014, 1/25/2014). Optional flight from the Falkland Islands to Punta Arenas, Chile (or reverse).
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 (1/9/2014, 1/25/2014). Traveling in these sturdy, easy-handling, reliable kayaks is an exciting, low impact way to explore the stunning bays and wildlife breeding grounds of Antarctica. 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.
Included:
Cabin accommodation on the ship; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; lectures and guide services; boots (for loan onboard); medical service of the resident medical officer onboard; port taxes and service charges.
Not Included:
Airfare; optional flights from the Falkland Islands to Punta Arenas: $660 per person (1/9/2014, 1/25/2014); accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; fuel surcharge may apply; optional sea kayaking activities, items of a personal nature; travel insurance; and gratuity to the ship's crew is at your discretion.
