HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
three diverse and spectacular biomes including the temperate Falkland
Islands, sub-Antarctic South Georgia and the frozen Antarctic continent
- Encounter
hundreds of thousands of stately king penguins on the beaches of
incomparable South Georgia
- Experience
abundant wildlife including seabirds, seals and even some of the great
whales at close range
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: Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome
to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point
of our expedition. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a
transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included
in the price of the voyage. For the rest of the day you are free to
explore the city. Take advantage of souvenir shopping and a variety of
dining options in the city center.
Day
2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
In
the afternoon we provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you
aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and
get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary
adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams
coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness
where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through the Beagle
Channel on our first evening is wonderful and there is already the
possibility of marine mammal encounters.
Day
3-4: Across the Drake Passage
After
transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del
Fuego, we head south across the Drake Passage. On the way we cross the
Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean.
The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of
rough seas. Briefings, orientations, and lectures from our expert staff
prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica.
Day
5-8: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The
wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and
ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration
opportunities. This is a real expedition. Our experienced captain and
expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as
conditions and opportunities warrant. We exploit every opportunity to
experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and excursions
via Zodiac.
The
Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most
impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife
viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are
surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and
immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an
image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a
variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with
penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special
places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of
various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office.
The
South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and
will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful
island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and
historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from
Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.
Farther
south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the vast Gerlache Strait area
contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery.
Day
9-10: Southern Ocean
From
Antarctica we head northeast toward South Georgia. Pelagic seabirds
including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can
readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom
windows and balconies. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures
from our expert staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Day
11-14: South Georgia Island
This
is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration
opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather
conditions we encounter. Again you can be sure that the best possible
advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature
in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe
opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place.
South
Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivalled paradise for
subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of
100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross,
penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at
Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and
three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins
including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The
recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this
wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.
The
bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an
increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of
Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by
the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place
of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
Our
days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous
meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and
wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Day
15-16: Southern Ocean
From
South Georgia we head west toward the Falkland Islands. Presentations
and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard
recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent.
Day
17-19: Falkland Islands
The
remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’
paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more of the isolated outer
islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily
accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine
mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches
while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various
whale and dolphin species. Our route and exploration opportunities are
dependent on weather among these windswept islands.
We
also intend to visit Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the
Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along
the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the
governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch
outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of
shipwrecks in the harbor.
Day
20-21: South Atlantic Ocean
From
the Falkland Islands we proceed north toward Puerto Madryn. We keep a
lookout for marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. This is also
the time for our End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and
farewell dinner.
Day
22: Disembarkation in Puerto Madryn, Argentina
After
breakfast we say farewell in the city of Puerto Madryn. We provide a
group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to
spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in
Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible
adventure to the ice!
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia
- Group
transfers from the airport to the hotel on a day prior to departure
- Group
transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
- Group
transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodations
- All
scheduled landings/excursions
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader &
Expedition Team
- All
meals on board throughout the voyage
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails
- Rubber
boots on loan for shore landings
- Expedition
jacket
- All
port fees
- Pre-departure
materials
- Digital
Voyage Log
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 895
- Photography:
Free
