Antarctic Peninsula with South Shetlands
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11 days:
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Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
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Departure: November 10, 2019
Description
This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, we take in the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
- We recomend scheduling your arrival in Ushuaia with at least one day in advance in order to avoid any flight delays.
- Security rules must be obeyed by all passengers.
- The itinerary is referential only, and it may be changed according to weather conditions in the area. Flexibility is a must for the success of all expeditions.
- 2019 Departure: November 10
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.
Days 2 & 3: at sea
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Albatrosses, Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs.
Days 4 – 7: Antarctica
We will sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, we will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. If we land on Danco Island we can observe Gentoo Penguins and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers calving at sea level. We enjoy the landscape surrounded by alpine peaks during zodiac cruises. In Paradise Bay again with its myriad icebergs, we have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent again. We shall have the opportunity for a zodiac cruise in the inner parts of this amazing water way. In this area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, we hope to get a chance to visit the old British research station, now living museum and post office at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. This area offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and camping. When the snow conditions allow we use snowshoes on regular landings which vastly improves mobility and safety in heavy snow conditions.
Day 8: South Shetland Islands
The volcanic islands of the South Shetlands are windswept and often shrouded in mist, but do offer subtle pleasures. There is a nice variety of flora (mosses, lichens and flowering grasses) and fauna, such as Gentoo Penguins, Chinstrap Penguins and Southern Giant Petrels. In Deception Island our ship braves into the entrance of the crater through the spectacular Neptune’s Bellows. Deception itself is a sub-ducted crater which opens into the sea creating a natural harbour for the ship. Here we find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, thousands of Cape Petrels and many Kelp Gulls, Brown and South Polar Skuas and Antarctic Terns. Wilson’s Storm Petrels and Black-bellied Storm Petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. Alternatively we may try to land at Hannah Point at Livingston Island. The area is closed off to visitors for part of the season as it is a high density wildlife area with species such as Chinstrap penguins, Gentoo penguins, and Southern Elephant seals. Around noon we depart for the Drake Passage.
Days 9 – 10: At sea
On our way north we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 11: Ushuaia
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.
Accommodations
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Double Superior Cabin
or similar category, depending on availability.
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Porthole Quadruple Cabin
or similar category, depending on availability.
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Porthole Triple Cabin
or similar category, depending on availability.
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Porthole Twin Cabin
or similar category, depending on availability.
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Twin Deluxe Cabin
or similar category, depending on availability.
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Twin Window Cabin
or similar category, depending on availability.
Important note: In the event that one of the hotels does not have availability, it will be exchanged for a hotel with similar characteristics.