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 | Main Deck Triple | Twin Private | Superior | Superior Plus | Shackleton Suite | One Ocean Suite |
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Flight
Package
Cost: USD 495 per person
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Main Deck Triple | (Mid-range)
Superior Plus | (High-end)
One Ocean Suite |
|---|
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Flight
Package
Cost: USD 495 per person
ITINERARY
Day
1: Punta Arenas (Chile)
Our
journey commences in the southern Chilean port city of Punta Arenas. We
gather at a central meeting point and transfer to the wharf where we
embark our expedition ship. After settling into our cabins and
exploring the ship, we meet the expedition team and fellow passengers.
Excitement is in the air and we enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner. We
chart a course through the Straits of Magellan and are on our way,
bound for Antarctica – and what promises to be an incredible
adventure.
Days
2-4: At Sea – Towards Antarctica
The
Drake Passage is rich in bio-diversity and showcases a great abundance
of wildlife. We will be joined by hundreds of seabirds including the
wandering albatross. Giant petrels and smaller Cape petrels are also
constant companions as we make our way south. Photographing these
magnificent birds takes patience and skill and our photography expert
will be on hand to show you the best techniques. Join the
ship’s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations
of our modern expedition vessel. Throughout the day our onboard experts
educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, the
wildlife and history of the locations we hope to visit in the coming
days. As we approach the coastline of Antarctica, we encounter more
icebergs and anticipate our first whale sightings.
Days
4-6: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Peninsula
Excitement
is in the air as the magnificent snowy peaks of the South Shetland
Islands are laid out before us. Depending on ice and weather
conditions, we enter the South Shetlands via the McFarlane Strait, with
an objective of Half Moon Island, or nearby Yankee Harbor. Arriving on
shore, a sizeable rookery of chinstrap penguins act as a very noisy
welcoming committee and we hope to observe our first substantial
elephant seal colony here. There are some good hiking options along the
rocky beach to a high point. Otherwise, observe the chinstraps at close
proximity as they establish their nests. Overnight we cross the
Bransfield Strait and are now along the coastline of continental
Antarctica. Our itinerary is deliberately flexible to account for early
season ice conditions, and to take advantage of optimal snow conditions
at several of our favorite landing sites. Our planned exploration
starts in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbor and neighboring Cierva Cove
– both beautiful locations and the perfect introduction to
Antarctica. Both spots provide excellent Zodiac cruising and it is
fascinating to observe the very beginning of the penguin breeding cycle
and the courtship rituals that take place. We keep our eyes out for the
powerful leopard seal, which we frequently find hauled out on the ice
floes around here. We continue our journey and are now on our way to
Antarctic Sound - the gateway into the icy Weddell Sea. Depending on
the seasonal ice conditions, we visit a number of outstanding locations
on the way into the Weddell. Our plan is to sail the ship into the
flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island. This is a very dramatic
place and history is all around us as we explore the old whaling
station, with the rusted old boilers and dilapidated wooden huts. At
the far end of the beach is an old aircraft hangar. This is where
Australian, Sir Hubert Wilkins, made the very first flight in
Antarctica in 1928. There is also an outstanding hike, high up onto the
rim of the crater. The Aitcho Islands provide some great hiking routes
showcasing the colorful mosses and lichens found on the island. Gentoo
and chinstrap penguins nest here and on the beaches, we usually
encounter seals coming and going from the surrounding waters. Fort
Point situated on Greenwich Island is another possible location for a
visit.
Days
7-8: Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea and Elephant Island
Our
next objective is to enter the icy Weddell Sea, through the broad
channel that separates the continent of Antarctica from Joinville
Island. At first, we are awe-struck by the sheer size of the tabular
icebergs in this area and their presence always makes for exciting
navigation on the ship. This region is also home to some of the largest
Adelie penguin rookeries found in Antarctica. After several busy days
of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetlands and
Antarctic Sound, we head for Elephant Island – a location
forever connected to the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS
Endurance expedition a century ago. On the windswept north coast,
exposed to the swells of the South Atlantic is Point Wild. It was here
that Shackleton and his exhausted men camped under their upturned boats
more than a century ago – pondering their chances of
survival. Shore landings here are often notoriously tricky due to
strong winds and pounding surf on the rocky beach. This is a thrilling
location for anyone with a passion for polar history.
Days
9-11: Scotia Sea – Towards South Georgia
As
we depart Elephant Island we cannot help but ponder the journey made by
Shackleton and his four companions – as they attempted the
near impossible – navigating 800 nautical miles in a 30 foot
converted lifeboat across the tempestuous Scotia Sea to South Georgia.
We make a much easier time of the crossing in our modern expedition
ship. Onboard experts keep us busy with fascinating presentations and
lead lively discussions throughout the day. The great pelagic seabirds
are sure to keep us company – and we anticipate excellent
sightings of albatross and giant petrels soaring on the winds of the
South Atlantic Ocean. Anticipation builds as the mountainous peaks
appear on the horizon, marking our arrival at South Georgia.
Days
12-14: Exploration of South Georgia
We
spend the next three days exploring the coastline of South Georgia.
Dark sand beaches, tussock covered hinterland and a backdrop of
towering peaks and glaciers are a feast for all the senses. South
Georgia has often been called the greatest wildlife show on Earth.
Seals cover the beaches, seabirds fill the skies and living in
rookeries of immense sizes are the majestic king penguins. Our aim is
to visit a number of these vast colonies – where naturalists
estimate that more than 100,000 adult and juvenile penguins live in
close proximity. Locations could include Gold Harbor, Royal Bay, St
Andrews Bay and Salisbury Plain. Dotted along the coastline are the
rusting relics of the early whaling era. The largest of these locations
is Grytviken. Here we find a fascinating museum and a beautifully
restored Norwegian Lutheran Church. Adjacent to the old whaling station
lies a small cemetery. This is the final resting place of Sir Ernest
Shackleton – who was laid to rest here in 1922. For many
onboard, being in the presence of the great polar explorer is a
highlight of the trip. We continue our journey along the coastline,
hoping to visit Stromness – another former whaling station
– and the final destination of Shackleton and companions
Frank Worsley and Tom Crean, having made the near impossible traverse
across the interior of South Georgia against all odds.
Days
15-17: At Sea – Towards the Falklands
By
now we are in sensory overload, our cameras full of images and our
journey towards the Falkland Islands commences. The spectacular
seabirds, including several albatross and petrel species, are our
constant companions soaring above the ship. The onboard educational
program continues, and our experts recap our remarkable journey to
date. These days provide a good opportunity to catch up on journal
entries, sort through your images at the multimedia station and catch
some rest after a busy two weeks of activity.
Day
18: Falkland Islands
We
wake to the sight of landfall in the Falkland Islands. Approaching Sea
Lion Island, we first note the very barren and windswept landscape,
exposed to the prevailing weather that originates in the Drake Passage.
We launch the Zodiacs and go ashore to view the incredible diversity of
wildlife found at this location. Three species of penguin including
gentoo, Magellanic and rockhopper, as well as southern elephant seals
and South American sea lions, are known to inhabit the area. King
cormorants and striated caracaras are just some of the bird species we
expect to see. As we cruise along the coast of the Falklands, bound for
Stanley, we enjoy a special dinner attended by the ship’s
Captain.
Day
19: Arrive Stanley (Falkland Islands) – Voyage Concludes, Fly
Back to Santiago
This
morning we pass through ‘the Narrows’ and into the
port of Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. We say goodbye to
our crew and after some free time to explore the town, make our way to
the airport for our special charter flight to Santiago - Chile's
stylish capital city. On arrival in Santiago, our journey comes to an
end. Onward regional and international flight connections may be
possible this evening. Discuss the options with your booking agent. A
transfer is provided to a downtown location for those choosing to stay
and explore Santiago and the delights of Chile.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive
pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare
for your trip
- Transfers
to the ship on embarkation day and from the ship to the airport on
disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping.
Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes
- 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 a well-stocked library full of polar reference books
- 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 per person
- Camping:
FREE (weather permitting)
