An easy-going Antarctica adventure that packs the most into its 12-day itinerary. Visit penguin rookeries and keep an eye out for whales, leopard seals and other unique wildlife. We'll visit historic research bases and enjoying unforgettable walks on the White Continent surrounded by snowcapped peaks, giant tabular icebergs and crystal-blue seas.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer independently to our conveniently located hotel. Next morning, eat breakfast at your hotel before enjoying a leisurely day exploring on your own. In late afternoon, your Expedition Team welcomes you aboard your ice-strengthened ship as we sail into the scenic Beagle Channel to begin your Antarctic adventure.
Day 3-5: Crossing the Drake Passage, into South Shetland Islands
We cross the famed Drake Passage looking out for Wandering Albatross and other seabirds from the ship's spacious decks and promenades. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath warmer waters from the temperate zones. Expect to sight the South Shetland Islands, lying just to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, late in the afternoon on Day 4. On our planned landings you will explore penguin rookeries and have chances to spot Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals on the beaches or hunting their prey. And keep an eye out for Antarctica's only two flowering plants, which thrive here during the short southern summer. On many visits the ship is able to sail through a narrow passage leading into the sunken volcanic caldera of Deception Island. Here, if the tide allows, you may wish to strip down to your bathing suit and take a dip in the thermal waters of Pendulum Cove.
Day 6-9: Antarctic Peninsula
The centerpiece of our expedition is the Antarctic Peninsula, the most readily accessible part of the White Continent, with its vast snow-covered landscapes ringed by jagged mountains. Count on seeing extensive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins, plus a wide diversity of other bird life, including Blue-eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Snowy Sheathbills, Cape Petrels and Antarctic Terns. You may also encounter Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as orcas, and humpback and Minke whales. Our exploration of the Peninsula typically begins with a visit to Paradise Bay or nearby Neko Harbor, both offering unforgettable views of calm, iceberg-filled waters. We visit the thriving Gentoo Penguin colonies at Port Lockroy, site of the secret British scientific station established in World War II by James Marr, who as a young Boy Scout visited Antarctica with Shackleton. Back aboard the comfortable ship, we make use of the ice-strengthened hull to navigate some of the most breathtaking waterways in the world. If pack ice and icebergs allow, we pass through the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, dramatically narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. On some voyages we sail south of the Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island, where Adelie and Gentoo Penguins, skuas and Blue-eyed Shags nest close to our landing site. Our expedition may also round the northern tip of the Peninsula to navigate Iceberg Alley, where huge tabular icebergs drift northward into the Antarctic Sound.
Days 10-12 : Back across the Drake to Ushuaia
We leave Antarctica behind, returning north across the Drake Passage. But the adventure is not over - there are still plenty of opportunities to view whales and myriad species of sea bird while strolling the ample decks. After the final morning's breakfast, transfer to town for further exploring or directly to the Ushuaia airport to catch your outbound flight.
(Ship: M/V Orlova)
Departure Dates 2008: Nov 9, Nov 19, Nov 29
Departure Dates 2009: Feb 10, Feb 20, Mar 2, Nov 10, Nov 20, Nov 30, Dec 10
Departure Dates 2010: Dec 10
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Additional fuel surcharge of $58/night on ship, per person, for Antarctic departures between Oct 2008 - Mar 2009.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabinmate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Standard Twin Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the shared price
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Also see tour packages in:
Antarctica
Antarctica
Boating and Sailing
Glacier Tours
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