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Itinerary - In Brief
Itinerary - Detailed
Day 1:
Ushuaia
Board your ship in Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, at the southern tip of South America. Setting sail in the early evening, you travel through the Beagle Channel. The long days mean you'll have plenty of evening light to take in the beauty of the channel and the wildlife in the area.
Days 2-3:
Drake Passage
You cross the Drake Passage with your team of experts stationed on deck to help us spot whales and identify seabirds. You’ll also have the chance to take part in the onboard presentation series preparing you for your adventures on the “White Continent”. Talks on wildlife, ice and polar history create enormous anticipation that builds as you cross the Antarctic Convergence. Here the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You’ll notice a sharp drop in temperature at this point. Huge icebergs loom against the horizon and seabirds such as the wandering albatross and petrels are regularly in view.
Days 4-11:
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic
Your itinerary for these days is necessarily flexible and is dependent on ice and weather conditions. Your route will be decided by your expedition leader in consultation with the ship’s captain. You may start by sailing as far south as possible, hopefully to the Antarctic Circle, and then working your way back north along the peninsula and finally visiting the off-shore South Shetland Islands group. Otherwise, this order may be reversed meaning you first cruise among the volcanic South Shetland Islands before travelling to the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula. Whatever the case, you’ll make your first landing on day 3 or day 4. The itinerary focuses on the areas with the greatest promise of wildlife.
Cruise among the South Shetland islands and the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, travelling ashore as frequently as possible in inflatable zodiac boats. You may make shore excursions to Livingston, Half Moon and King George Islands. Admiralty Bay, on King George Island, is a favored feeding ground for humpback whales and, with luck, you may see them dining on krill.
At crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, observe a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags while at Livingston Island, discover more flourishing wildlife. Here there are Weddell and elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels, Antarctic terns and rookeries of chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni penguins.
Weather permitting, you may enter the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island, a recently active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands in the world. Steam rises in places along its shores where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the thermal waters of the bay. Here, the very adventurous may choose to take a dip, if conditions are suitable. You may also observe the island's large chinstrap penguin colony and enjoy spectacular walks to the higher points on the crater rim.
You then head further south, to Paradise Harbor or Hope Bay, both situated on the Antarctic mainland. Here, you’ll be stunned by some of the most dramatic scenery the continent has to offer--a photographers paradise. Ringed with overhanging ice cliffs, the bay is filled with a remarkable assortment of floating icebergs that reflect a stunning array of colors, including the most exquisite blues, turquoises and indigos.
If conditions are favorable, you may have an opportunity to spend a night ashore, camping out on the ice, if you wish. This is an unforgettable experience with the lights of the southern sky bathing the landscape in an eerie luminescence.
On one or two occasions you may go ashore to visit some of the research stations maintained by various countries. On board while you cruise between landing points, spend time on the bridge or on deck just marvelling at the glory of the passing scenery, particularly through the Lemaire Channel. Penguins are often seen “porpoising” in the water, or resting on ice flows in this area. As well, you’ll have the chance to bask in a magnificent twilight that precedes the short nights that last only a couple of hours.
South of the Lemaire Channel, you may find clear conditions that will allow you to travel right down to the Antarctic Circle. Here too the scenery is extraordinary, and it’s particularly exciting to realize you’ve crossed the line into this remote stretch of southern sea. It’s a great feeling.
It will likely be with some sadness that your leaders will eventually turn the ship back heading north for the final leg of this remarkable journey.
Days 12-13:
Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula (or the South Shetlands depending on your chosen route), you head back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn. You celebrate the conclusion of your adventure and last evening together on board, at the Captain’s Dinner as you make your way down the Beagle Channel.
Day 14:
Ushuaia
In the early morning, you arrive back in Ushuaia where your cruise ends. You are transferred to your hotel, or to the airport for your onward flight.
Notes:
Included:
Airport arrival transfer in Ushuaia; Transfer on day one from meeting point to pier and departure transfer on last day of voyage from Ushuaia pier to airport or hotel; Ship-board accommodation for 13 nights; 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners; Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers; All meals, afternoon teas most days; Access to public viewing areas; Shore excursions by zodiac boat; Overnight camping (subject to suitable weather); On-board lectures, videos, slide and film shows; On-board medical officer; Comprehensive pre-departure booklet and expedition manual.
Not Included:
All airfares; Visa and passport fees, airport departure taxes; Pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel accommodation; laundry; postage; telephone calls; drinks; medical expenses; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges; gratuities to staff and crew.
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