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
|
| Start Date | End Date | Standard Plus Triple | Standard Twin | Standard Plus Twin | Premier Twin | Premier Single | Superior Twin | Suite Twin |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Standard Plus Triple | (Mid-range)
Premier Twin | (High-end)
Suite Twin |
|---|
Day
1: Ushuaia
In
the afternoon we will board the USHUAIA. A welcome drink and then an
introduction to the crew and expedition staff will follow, and we will
have time to get to know our new shipmates. The ship will then set sail
towards the Western Falkland Islands (Malvinas), known for their rugged
beauty and wealth of seabirds and waterfowl.
Day
2: At Sea
The
open bridge policy on the USHUAIA allows us to join the officers on the
bridge and learn about navigation, watch for marine life, and enjoy the
views of the open ocean. These waters are also home to an interesting
group of seabirds, which often ride the currents created in the wake of
the ship, such as albatrosses and petrels. Join the expedition staff
and naturalists on deck whilst we are at sea as we search for seabirds
and other local wildlife, such as orcas and dolphins. An interesting
selection of lectures will help us to prepare for our first excursions
in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
Day
3: Western Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
On
the western coast we might visit the following islands:
West
Point Island
West
Point Island lies off the most north-westerly point of mainland West
Falkland (Malvinas). The attractive settlement sits on the edge of a
small harbor on the eastern side of the Island, in the lee of Black Bog
Hill and Michael´s Mount. The valley between these two peaks
rolls over the center of the island to the dramatic Devil´s
Nose, one of the Island´s main attractions. From here
visitors are treated to splendid views of Cliff Mountain, the
Island´s highest point at 1,250 ft (381 m), and the highest
cliffs in the Falklands. This is where we will encounter a vast colony
of Rockhopper Penguins and Black-browed Albatrosses, nesting together
in close vicinity.
Carcass
Island
Carcass
Island lies to the north-west of the Falkland archipelago (Malvinas). A
mature tussac plantation covers much of the lower ground below Jason
Hill to the east. The availability of abundant cover and the absence of
cats, rats and mice throughout the island have made for a spectacularly
large population of small birds, which is one of Carcass
Island´s most delightful features. Gentoo and Magellanic
Penguins do also nest here. Peale´s and Commerson´s
dolphins come frequently close to the shoreline to get a glimpse of the
visitors as well. At the settlement with its beautiful gardens, we are
invited to enjoy tea and cookies with the locals.
Overnight
we will sail around the northern islands of the archipelago in easterly
direction to reach the capital, Stanley, in the following morning.
Day
4: Eastern Falkland Islands (Malvinas) / At Sea
In
the morning hours we will have time to explore the quaint little town
of Stanley and its wonderful Museum, souvenir shops and pubs. The town
was established in the early 1840´s. Isolation and the
weather conditions made life hard, but progress was gradual and
punctuated by the extremely eventful times of involvement in two world
wars. For those who are more interested in the outstanding wildlife the
Islands have to offer, you do not even have to leave town to enjoy it.
Southern Giant Petrels often fly close to the shoreline. The endemic
Falkland Steamer Ducks abound on the shorelines while Kelp Gulls can
often be seen flying together with Dolphin Gulls. The less obvious but
frequent visitors to Stanley area are Black-crowned Night Herons,
Red-backed Hawks and Peregrine Falcons. Turkey Vultures are regularly
seen on top of any prominent building. Many pairs of Upland Geese
frequent the park and it might be nice to take a stroll around the
gardens of town to see some of the singing birds as well.
In
the early afternoon it is time to set sail, heading for South Georgia.
Days
5 and 6: At Sea
An
extensive lecture program will be offered during the days at sea.
Expert naturalists share their knowledge of the wildlife and unique
ecosystems we will encounter throughout our voyage. South Georgia is
widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and inspiring places on
earth with more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet.
Day
7: At Sea / South Georgia
South
Georgia will come in sight! Though extremely isolated, it has amazing
scenery ranging from high mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords
and low-lying grassland.
Days
8 to 10: South Georgia
Our
exact itinerary will depend on local land and sea conditions but the
following destinations are among those that we would like to explore:
Salisbury
Plain
Sometimes
called the "Serengeti of the South", Salisbury Plain is a wildlife site
without parallel. Several large glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop
for the tens of thousands of King Penguins that nest in the tussac
grass of this remarkable ecosystem. The wide beach makes for excellent
walking as we visit the colony, where we are literally surrounded and
delightfully outnumbered by throngs of curious, gentle penguins.
Elephant and fur seals also abound, as well as Southern Giant Petrels
and the occasional wandering Gentoo Penguin. Prepare for an
awe-inspiring experience, as the elephant seals are giving birth on the
beaches.
Prion
Island
Prion
Island is a beautiful tussac-grass covered islet. If we are lucky we
will get the opportunity to see a breeding colony of Wandering
Albatross on top of it. We will climb to the summit on a wooden
boardwalk, which takes us close to their nests and offers comfortable
viewing platforms.
Grytviken
Grytviken
lies within King Edward Cove, a sheltered harbor tucked between Hope
Point and Hobart Rock on the western shore of Cumberland East Bay. The
rusting ruins of the Grytviken whaling station are situated on a level
plain at the head of the cove, backed by steep hills and mountains. Now
the site of the South Georgia Museum, the station remains a focal point
of interest for many visitors, as does Sir Ernest
Shackleton´s grave in the nearby whaler´s cemetery
and his memorial cross on Hope Point.
The
scenery in this area is exceptionally beautiful even by South Georgia
standards: the glaciers and snow covered peaks of the Allardyce Range -
Mt. Sugartop, Mt. Paget, Mt. Roots, Nordenskjöld Peak, Mt.
Kling and Mt. Brooker - form a magnificent backdrop to the cove, and
the views from King Edward Point in particular, must be among the
finest on earth.
Godthul
Situated
9km east of Cumberland East Bay on the eastern shores of Barff
Peninsula, Godthul is a 3km long inlet that lies between Cape George
and Long Point. Gentoo Penguins are abundant on the tussac plateau and
Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses echo off the natural cliff amphitheater
that encircles the harbor. A floating factory ship serviced by two
whale catchers was stationed here each summer between 1908 and 1929. A
small shore depot supporting the whaling operations was established
close by the stream in the southeast corner of the harbor, and the
rusting barrels, wooden shed and boats are fascinating relics of the
whaling era, as is the impressive collection of whale and elephant seal
bones scattered along the beach.
St
Andrews Bay
The
surf beaten coastline at St. Andrews Bay runs north-south in a 1.86
mile (3 km) long uninterrupted sweep of fine dark sand, covered in
penguins and seals and bounded in the interior by the Cook, Buxton and
Heaney Glaciers. The bay hosts the biggest colony of King Penguins on
South Georgia. Early in the season, the beach is also carpeted with fur
and elephant seals. Such a large assemblage of wildlife attracts an
entourage of persistent and voracious scavengers. Sheathbills dart in
and around the penguin colony. Cape Petrels nest in a small number on
the cliffs north of St. Andrews Bay. Leopard seals patrol the rocks at
this end of the beach too, hunting for penguins along the edge of kelp
beds. A few White-chinned Petrels and Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses
nest on the tussac slopes. Brown Skuas and Antarctic Terns breed on the
outwash plain and scree slopes at the north end of the beach, defending
their nest sites with their characteristic noise and vigor.
Cooper
Bay
Cooper
Bay is found at the southeast extremity of South Georgia. There is a
wealth of wildlife at this site, in a spectacular setting. Chinstrap,
Gentoo and maybe one or two Macaroni Penguins dot the tussac slopes and
there are plenty of fur seals on the beaches. Fascinating volcanic
rocks tower over small fjords, giving a stunning invitation for a
thrilling zodiac cruise to watch wildlife from the waterfront.
Drygalski
Fjord
Drygalski
Fjord is also located in the far south east of the island. The glaciers
found in this dramatic fjord have retreated significantly in recent
decades, but they still remain one of the most striking features of
this coastline, particularly the Risting and Jenkins Glaciers. With a
little luck, we might see the glaciers calve and witness the birth of a
new iceberg from on board the ship.
Days
11 and 12: At Sea
We
spend the next two days crossing the Scotia Sea towards the Antarctic
Peninsula offering opportunities to be out on deck, catch up on some
reading, check through and edit our photos, or simply reflect on the
magical experiences of the last days on South Georgia. Lectures and
other activities will be offered throughout these days.
Day
13: Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands
We
hope to have a chance to visit the enigmatic Elephant Island. Sir
Ernest Shackleton fans will need no introduction to this historic
windswept island. In 1916 Shackleton was forced to leave 22 of his men
stranded on these shores, while he and five others embarked on an
unbelievable last-ditch rescue attempt. What followed is one of the
greatest rescue stories of all time. Every passenger will return with a
greater knowledge of this gripping tale of adventure in a truly
remarkable part of the world.
Day
14: At Sea
Our
expedition team will prepare you for our experience in the Antarctic
Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Day
15 to 17: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
In
the area of the Antarctic Sound, we will try to visit the following
sites:
Argentine
Antarctic Station Esperanza
We
will try to sail the passage to the east side of the Antarctic
Peninsula, which traverses the Antarctic Sound and runs
northwest-to-southeast. Hope Bay and the Argentine Station Esperanza
are located on the western side of the Sound.
Brown
Bluff
Brown
Bluff, a promontory on the Tabarin Peninsula, is located south of Hope
Bay. Both of them might be possible landing sites. The Weddell Sea
represents the center of the Peninsula´s Adélie
Penguin population.
Paulet
Island
Paulet
and the already mentioned sites, might give us ample proof of this. The
numbers of penguins are breathtaking. The region also teems with
vibrant exploration history. The most bizarre of these tales involves
the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-03 under the command of
geologist Otto Nordenskjöld. Four visitor sites have links to
this expedition: Hope Bay, Paulet Island, Snow Hill Island, and Cape
Well-Met on Vega Island. Our expedition staff will be pleased to share
their exciting story with you. Nordenskjöld´s
expedition was the first to overwinter in the Peninsula. His ship the
Antarctic, under the command of the famous Norwegian whaling captain
Carl Anton Larsen, was trapped in the ice and sank, but the men
survived on different locations and even managed to carry out
significant scientific research in the area.
Our
plan is to sail through the Gerlache Strait into the Northwest
Antarctic Peninsula area.
Gerlache
Strait
This
region of broad straits, mountainous islands, protected bays, and
narrow channels offer moments of solitude. A profusion of tall peaks
humans have never climbed and vast glaciers flowing inexorably seaward
are the physical features here.
Hydrurga
Rocks
We
might visit Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islets, which lie east of
Two Hummock Island in the Palmer Archipelago, at the northern entrance
of the Gerlache Strait. Chinstrap Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags and Kelp
Gulls are confirmed breeders here.
Cuverville
Island
We
might also go to Cuverville Island, which lies in the scenic Errera
Channel, in the center of the Gerlache Strait. A well-defined raised
beach forms a nesting site for many Gentoo Penguins here. On our way
north we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands.
Deception
Island
Deception
is the largest of three recent volcanic centers in the South Shetlands.
Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of
Deception Island is truly amazing. Once inside, the rising slope of the
black, cinder-covered volcanic rim can be walked uphill to a rather
spectacular vantage point.
Half
Moon Island
This
crescent-shaped island, in the entrance of Moon Bay between Greenwich
and Livingston Islands, is home to Chinstrap Penguins in breathtaking
surroundings.
Days
18 and 19: At Sea
We
leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our
lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales.
We will also enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and
reflect on the fascinating adventures we have had over the past days.
Day
20: Ushuaia
We
arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the
USHUAIA after breakfast.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage
as indicated in the itinerary
- All
meals throughout the voyage
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac
- Program
of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
expedition staff
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive
pre-departure material
- Detailed
post-expedition log
