from $11,995* per person | 15 Days | January, February |
Luxury accommodations
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Exertion level: 3
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Operator: Polar Cruises |
24 people max
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This expedition offers you the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula. Extended time in the region allows you to go beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture south of the Antarctic Circle. You’ll enjoy more time for communing with penguins and visits to less-frequented landing sites.
In Brief:
• Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
• Visit research stations on Adelaide Island;
• Witness the quintessential Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, Elephant Seals, whales and more;
• Experience the Western Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites;
• Learn about Antarctica’s geology and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists.
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Locations visited/nearby
Antarctica, South America
Itinerary
Day 1
Ushuaia, Argentina
Your Antarctic adventure begins with an overnight stay in the southernmost city in the world - Ushuaia, Argentina. If you arrive early, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy around the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, and the city offers a wide range of shops for dining and shopping.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
Today you join your ship and head south towards Antarctica! Named for the British ship HMS Beagle, the Beagle Channel will be your gateway to the south, charming you with an abundance of birdlife. You’ll likely spot penguins, cormorants, petrels, and black-browed albatross. Once through the channel you’ll say goodbye to land and prepare to spend your first night at sea.
Days 3 and 4
Crossing the Drake Passage
The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to stare out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.
Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your Expedition Team. You’ll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.
Days 5 to 8
Exploring the Peninsula
With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make a final approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready, as the continent’s coastline will make its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic. You’ll see plentiful icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes.
As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites we may visit, including Neko Harbor, Petermann Island, or Pleneau Island. While weather dictates which specific landing sites we can visit, each one presents a new collection of wildlife and natural attractions.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and camping in Antarctica are a couple of extra activities you’ll want to book ahead of time and experience at least once.
Days 9 and 10
The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’ S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, a special area that you’ll experience during the midnight sun if you’re on our first voyage of the season.
Days 11 and 12
Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. We’ll continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily as we travel north along the western Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will also be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.
Days 13 and 14
Drake Passage to Ushuaia
Re-crossing the Drake, Antarctica fades away and you’ll be left with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the time passing the Drake Passage fly by, independent of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up their series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of some of the great landing sites and wildlife you’ve visited over the course of your voyage.
Day 15
Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Today you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and your fellow travelers. You’ll disembark in the morning so that you may catch your homeward bound flights.
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