This voyage is the reverse of our other two South Georgia voyages. Shackleton's epic story of survival, which started with the sinking of his ship, Endurance, in the Weddell Sea six months previously, symbolizes heroic Antarctic exploration. During the trip we managed to visit all of the accessible sites significant to The Boss's Southern Ocean epic. This is a magical region, where only a privileged few have walked among the tussock grass, sat quietly near an albatross nest, or gazed at the enormity of an ice cliff reflected in still, midnight-blue water.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia
Board the ship Polar Pioneer mid-afternoon, then embark in the early evening. The Beagle Channel provides a fine view of the mountains and beech forests of Tierra del Fuego.
Day 2: Drake Passage
While crossing the Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross and petrels, you are busy with lectures and briefings.
Day 3: Crossing the Antarctic Convergence
By mid-afternoon, you should have crossed the Antarctic Convergence cold water boundary to Antarctica, and hope to see our first icebergs near the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4-5: Gerlache Strait
In the beautiful Gerlache Strait, get upclose with penguins, seals and whales. Using a Zodiacs you'll cruise among the ice or make landings.
Day 6: Antarctic Sound
At the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Sound is often choked with icebergs but this waterway provides a wildlife-rich corridor into the Weddell Sea. Begin retracing Shackelton's path near Paulet Island.
Day 7: Elephant Island
If the weather is kind you will land on the steep slopes of Elephant Island, the unexpected home for Shackelton's men for many months.
Day 8: South Orkney Islands
Cruise among the mountainous South Orkney Islands.
Day 9: En route to South Georgia
Cruising the Scotia Sea towards South Georgia.
Day 10: Cave Cove, South Georgia
Enter King Haakon Bay on South Georgia, hopefully stopping for a ceremonial landing at Cave Cove where Shackelton made his first landfall after the epic open boat voyage.
Days 11-15: South Georgia
Exploring the whaling stations, bays and promontories of South Georgia. These will be busy days as you immerse in South Georgia's extraordinary wildlife diversity - at places like Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour, where hundreds of thousands of king penguins line the beach, or Albatross Island, where the lords of the Southern Ocean, the wandering albatross, nest among tussock grasses.
Days 16-17: At Sea
While at sea you will have time to enjoy the delights of birdwatching from the outer deck and reflect on our days on South Georgia.
Day 18: Falklands
Visit the southern islands of the Falklands, bristling with nesting birds.
Day 19: At Sea
Complete the lecture program during the short hop to the South American coast.
Day 20: Disembark in Ushuaia
Dock in Ushuaia after cruising back along the Beagle Channel in the early morning. Transfer to a city hotel or commence your homeward journey.
Departure Dates: Feb 27, 2008 (Ship: Polar Pioneer)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
-Kayaking Options: US$725 ($925 for Nov 9 departure)
-Diving Options: US$700
-Alpine Crossing Options: US$700
-Climbing Options: US$200
-Camping Option: There is no supplementary charge for this option. Participation will be confirmed at booking on a first come, first served basis.
-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 cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
S. Georgia and S. Sandwich
Antarctica
Falkland Islands
Boating and Sailing
Glacier Tours
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