HIGHLIGHTS
- Fantastic
glaciated scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
- Outstanding
wildlife observation on shore, Zodiac cruising and from the ship
- Visits
to historic sites and science stations
- Learn
about the environment, wildlife, history and ecology from polar experts
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple Cabin with Shared Facilities | Twin Cabin with Shared Facilities | Twin Cabin with Private Facilities | Mini Suite | Owner's Suite | 0 |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple Cabin with Shared Facilities | (Mid-range)
Mini Suite | (High-end)
0 |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Punta Arenas (Chile) – Falkland Islands
Our
journey commences this morning in the southern Chilean city of Punta
Arenas. We meet at a central location before transferring to the
airport for our scheduled flight to Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
(This flight is included in the price of your voyage). After a short
90-minute journey we are met on arrival and transferred to the pier.
Stanley is currently home to just over
2,000
residents and is reminiscent of a rural town in coastal Britain. It is
charming with brightly colored houses, pretty flower-filled gardens, a
quaint cathedral and several local pubs. There is time to explore the
town before ship embarkation. 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, dinner and
cast off for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day
2: West Point Island and Saunders Island
Overnight
we have navigated across the north of the Falkland Island archipelago
and today offers an incredible introduction to the wildlife of the
Sub-Antarctic. Our plan is to explore the island of West Point and
nearby Saunders Island. West Point is known for its rockhopper penguin
rookeries and substantial nesting black-browed albatross colony. The
opportunity to observe these spectacular birds in close proximity, and
on the nest is an immense privilege and an experience not easily
forgotten.
Repositioning
the ship, a visit to the wildlife-rich Saunders Island beckons. Along
the white sand beaches and in the surrounding tussock grass we hope to
encounter no less than four penguin species living in close quarters
including Gentoo, Magellanic and rockhopper the impressive king
penguin, with their colorful orange, gold and grey plumage. We depart
the Falkland Islands tonight bound for South Georgia.
Days
3-4: At Sea – Towards South Georgia
We
chart a southeasterly course bound for South Georgia. The seabirds once
again join us in the Southern Ocean. Our educational presentations
continue and are always popular.
History
is a key theme of this voyage and the epic story of Sir Ernest
Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition is central to any trip to
South Georgia. Perhaps you will pick up some valuable tips from our
onboard photographic guide, learning about image composition, the
subtle polar light and all the basics of good camera craft. We will
also learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the
hearts of our guides and crew.
Days
5-8: Exploration of South Georgia
South
Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern
Ocean’ – and as we approach the deep bays of this
rugged, rocky outcrop, you will begin to see why. Launching the Zodiacs
we begin our exploration of the island, in the vicinity of Elsehul Bay.
Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal will line
the dark sand beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and
their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations,
including Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbor. The island
is also home to large numbers of nesting albatross as they fill the
skies above, coming and going from the nest.
South
Georgia is a thrilling location for history lovers and the rusting
relics of the early whaling industry are all around us. We hope to
observe several of the old stations at locations including Leith,
Husvik and Stromness. A highlight is a visit to Grytviken –
the largest of the whaling stations, situated at the head of Cumberland
Bay. It is here we visit the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton. For
many, being in the presence of the great explorer will be a highlight
of the trip. An excellent museum at Grytviken, maintained by the South
Georgia Heritage Trust and the restored church built by the original
Norwegian whalers provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Days
9-11: At Sea – Towards Antarctica
Weather
and ice will dictate our crossing of the Scotia Sea from South Georgia
to Antarctica. As with all of our itinerary planning, our Expedition
Leader and Captain will make a decision based on the sea and ice
conditions at the time. The South Orkney Island group represent the
peaks of a submarine mountain range called the Scotia Arc, connecting
South Georgia to the South Shetland Islands. Often shrouded in fog and
surrounded by ice much of the year, a chance to visit these islands
doesn’t come often. As we edge ever closer to the frozen
continent, large icebergs announce our arrival in Antarctic waters. If
conditions allow, we hope to see the dark cliffs of Elephant Island
appear on the horizon. Shackleton and his men were encamped here for
many months, having lost HMS Endurance in the thick sea ice, far to the
south in the Weddell Sea in 1915. From the tiny beach at Point Wild,
Shackleton and six companions set off on the rescue mission to South
Georgia, aboard the tiny lifeboat, James Caird. To this day, the epic
ocean crossing is considered one of the greatest in history. If
conditions allow, we will attempt a landing at Point Wild on Elephant
Island.
Days
12-16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Around
60 miles off the coast of the Antarctic mainland we find the South
Shetland Island chain. Possible landing sites could include King George
Island, Half Moon Island or Yankee Harbor. Weather conditions
permitting we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera of
Deception Island. There are some outstanding hikes at these locations
and the old whaling station and aircraft hangar at Deception Island beg
for further exploration.
After
so much anticipation, we enter the icy waters of the Antarctic
Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbor or Cierva Cove. Snow
covered mountains soar from the dark waters. Along the shoreline in the
bays and harbors of the Peninsula lives an incredible abundance of
wildlife. Large rookeries are home to chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie
penguins. Seals live on the ice floes, including the powerful leopard
seal that we hope to encounter. Gulls, skuas and cormorants are also
found nesting and feeding at many sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.
We
explore by Zodiac boat and on shore where a range of exciting
activities await. Locations we hope to visit include Wilhelmina Bay,
Orne Harbor, Cuverville Island and the
Errera
Channel. Join the photographic guide taking pictures of stunning
icebergs. Or enjoy a hike to the top of a snowy mountain saddle with
one of our adventure guides. If the opportunity presents itself, visit
a science base or an old historic hut. The sea kayakers may paddle up
to several miles from the ship, offering a truly memorable experience.
Days
17-18: At Sea – Return to South America
This
morning we say goodbye to our expedition team and transfer ashore by
Zodiac. We walk from the shore landing site past the Chilean research
station and up towards the airstrip where we board our special charter
flight. This flight takes a little over two hours and is included in
the price of your voyage. Upon arrival into Punta Arenas a transfer
from the airport into town is provided.
Day
19: Arrive Ushuaia (Argentina) – Voyage Concludes
In
the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is time to say
farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported
to their hotels 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
- Comprehensive
pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare
for your trip
- Transfers
in Punta Arenas to the airport on Day 1 and airport transfer upon
disembarkation in Ushuaia (or to local hotels) on Day 19
- Scheduled
flight from Punta Arenas to Stanley (Falkland Islands)
- Shipboard
accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping.
Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes that open on
each deck
- All
breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage with
daily afternoon tea
- 24-hour
tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar/lounge plus in-cabin tea and coffee
making facilities
- Experienced
Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily
off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore
landings
- Guided
hikes and walks on shore of various durations for guests of all
abilities
- Visits
to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural
beauty and science stations
- Educational
presentations and talks by polar experts in their field (i.e. marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, etc.). Onboard or on shore
- Resident
photography guide available to assist all guests plus access to
computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up and
management
- An
emergency trained medical physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated
hospitality team including Hotel Manager, four chefs, professional bar
staff and Adventure Concierge staff
- Onboard
sauna, plunge pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center including massage
options (charge applies for massage and treatments)
- Access
to well-stocked polar reference library
- End
of voyage video, photos and take-home USB
- Port
fees and all permits to access visited areas
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 795
- Camping:
Free (weather permitting)
