CELEBRATING ANTARCTICA

 

Join private guides Andrew and Mike Rae on a journey to the edge of the world, a frontier few will ever see. Due to its incredible remoteness and weather and temperature extremes it is one of the last pristine wilderness landscapes left.

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This voyage brings to life all that was endured by Shackleton and the men of the Heroic Age of Exploration.

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This is not just a visit to the Antarctic peninsula but a hands-on immersion into the ecology and conservation of the region, with a special focus on the world's biggest marine mammals - whales! ​

 

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Day 1 - Arrival

Explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to an optional visit to the heart of Tierra del Fuego. Travel in 4×4 vehicles and explore this wild and remote area. The excursion finishes with an Argentine BBQ… always a winner amongst visitors to Ushuaia.

In the early evening, you can join the optional pre-embarkation briefing at the hotel which is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travellers. All guests need to arrive at the hotel no later than the evening of day two.

 

Day 2 - Embarkation

After a complimentary buffet breakfast, you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Once on board, you’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the ship’s officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past porpoising Magellanic penguins, Rock Cormorants, and Black-browed Albatross.

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Day 3 & 4 - Drake Passage

As we make our way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare you with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually we’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where we’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.
Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in SeaBird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. We’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If we’re lucky, we may see whales fully breach from the sea.

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Day 5 - South Shetland Islands

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
Our first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals

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Days 6, 7, 8 and 9 - Antarctica 

As we head south across the Bransfield Strait, we enter the Trinity Coast and Gerlache Strait. Here we may explore picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback whale-favoured Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as the U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell and Crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur seal. Minke and Humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.

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Days 10 & 11 - Drake Passage 

As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. We then celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.

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Day 12, Ushuaia

Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

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