HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore
the spectacular Antarctic wilderness in a casual atmosphere of
like-minded travelers
- Experience
abundant wildlife including immense penguin colonies and other
seabirds, seals and even some of the great whales at close range
- Cruise
in comfort along towering icebergs, serrated maritime mountains and
luminous glaciers
- Zodiac
landing craft allow visitation on remote shorelines and otherwise
inaccessible areas
- Ship
allows an "open bridge policy" to observe its sophisticated navigation
equipment and provides an excellent location to view wildlife and the
landscape (subject to weather and critical navigation maneuvers)
- Expert
naturalist guides
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
ITINERARY
Day
1: Embarkation – Ushuaia, Argentina
Our
journey to Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia, in southern
Argentina. We gather at our central meeting point and transfer to the
pier and embark our expedition ship, Akademik Sergey Vavilov. After
settling in to our cabins and exploring the ship, we meet our
expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we
enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner and cast off, bound for Antarctica
and the adventure of a lifetime.
Day
2-3: Drake Passage
Crossing
the Drake Passage, we sense the anticipation as we make our way ever
closer to the white continent. As we cross these fabled waters, our on
board naturalists spend their time on deck looking for whales, and in
the presentation room leading lively discussions about the marine life
of the Antarctic. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence is an exciting
event as we scan the waters for marine mammals feeding on the abundance
of krill in the frigid waters. Large icebergs will now be a regular
feature. The history of early polar exploration is another popular
theme. Perhaps you will pick up some valuable tips from our onboard
photographic guide, learning about image composition, the subtle and
soft polar light and all the basics of good camera craft.
Day
4-8: Antarctic Peninsula
Now
that we have arrived in Antarctica, we plan our route primarily based
on typical marine mammal migrations and activity for this time of year.
With our knowledge of marine mammal feeding grounds, we can pick and
choose the areas to explore. We will modify our itinerary based on
sightings and encounters with the whales.
We
find at this time of the season the whales are more social and
demonstrative, which leads to incredible viewings from the ship and the
zodiacs. We spend as much time as possible off the ship, exploring in
our inflatable zodiac boats marveling at the magnificent glaciated
mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula.
We
may get as far south as Peterman Island, cruise the Lemaire Channel and
view the magnificent iceberg ‘graveyard’ at Pleneau
Island. Other classic sites include Paradise Harbour, Orne Harbour and
the dome-shaped Cuverville Island. In all these locations expect to see
an abundance of Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, and birds such
as skuas and gulls. Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins all inhabit
the region. Wilhelmina Bay is a known whale
‘hotspot’ and a place we are sure to spend some
time exploring.
We
plan to set foot on the continent in this vicinity and, if the weather
allows, some may choose to camp ashore overnight. Other onshore
activities could include hikes of up to several miles, visits to
historic huts, science stations and places offering incredible views of
the coastline and ice-filled bays. Whatever your vantage point, whether
it is onboard or onshore expect to feel transformed as you experience
twilight and the rich abundance of wildlife from the very bottom of the
planet.
The
excitement is not yet over. A final highlight will be a visit to the
South Shetland Islands. Weather permitting, we hope to visit Deception
Island with its sizeable chinstrap penguin rookery at Baily Head. Here,
inside the sunken volcanic caldera, is a perfect museum of natural and
exploration history, with its old buildings and rusting remnants from
the whaling era. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a spectacular
hike to the crater rim offers a challenge. Other sites we sometimes
visit in the South Shetlands include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor or
Hannah Point.
Day
9-10: At Sea
Our
final days returning to South America are spent catching up on journal
entries, or perhaps downloading and reviewing photos in the multi-media
room with our photography expert. The wonderful lounge and bar on our
ship provides fantastic panoramas and is a great place to sit with a
book and a cappuccino. The educational presentations continue and we
enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition
Leader. A particular highlight of our return journey will be frequent
sightings of the majestic albatross, petrels and other seabirds as they
soar above the ship on the winds of the Drake Passage. Approaching the
entrance to the Beagle Channel in the soft evening light, we enjoy a
special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. It’s a
great time to reflect on a special journey to the white continent.
Day
11: Ushuaia
In
the early morning, we arrive in the city of Ushuaia, Argentina. It is
time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be
transported to their hotels, to a meeting place or to the airport for
return flights home. It will be possible to connect to flights through
to Buenos Aires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise,
enjoy a night in town or venture further afield to explore the
highlights of Patagonia.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage
as outlined in the itinerary
- All
meals during the voyage
- All
Zodiac excursions
- Extensive
program of educational presentations from experienced team of
naturalists
- On
board welcome reception and dinner and farewell dinner
- Afternoon
tea with fresh snacks each afternoon
- Coffee,
tea, hot chocolate throughout the day
- Onboard
medical officer
- Access
to our special programs on board (such as hiking, photography)
- Overnight
camping—please note that this activity is free of charge, we
provide all the necessary equipment and gear and you can decide once on
board if you wish to participate – no pre booking required.
Camping is only available on some departures
- Rubber
boots are available in many sizes as are rain jackets and bib pants
- Use
of multimedia station. We have a multimedia room where you can download
your photos at the end of the day if you wish
- Foul
weather gear set – rain jacket, bib pants and Lacrosse
gumboots (wellington boots); Or SeaLine water proof backpack, Bushnell
waterproof binoculars and Lacrosse gumboots (wellington boots).
(Carrying Wellington boots in your luggage can add to weight limit
imposed by the airlines.)
- Transfers
from the meeting point in Ushuaia to the pier to board the ship on Day
1 and transfers from the pier to the meeting point or airport on the
last day of the cruise
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Sea
Kayaking: USD 795 per person
