Destinations: Antarctica , Argentina , Central and South America
Activities: Expedition Cruises , Safari
One of the most exciting voyages in the South Seas, going south of the Antarctic Circle and beyond, into waters untouched by all but the lucky few.
The aim on this voyage is to head as far south as ice and weather permit. The ice-rated ship enables us to navigate through some of the world's most breathtaking waterways - many littered with brash ice, 'growlers' and colossal, stunning icebergs. After a few days exploring the 'deep south', there are further shore excursions on the northerly route along the Antarctic Peninsula. The ship is small enough to navigate through the narrow Lemaire Channel, with glacial walls towering high on both sides, leading to a jigsaw of jewel-like islands that are home to huge penguin rookeries, elephant seals and countless seabirds. There are also whales: imagine a pair of humpbacks, at least 30 tonnes of mammal, rising imperiously against a turquoise ice-wall viewed from a Zodiac only a few metres away, and you have the essence of the Antarctic. If you can spare the extra time, the rewards of such a unique icy pilgrimage are immeasurable. FREE pair of Opticron binocularsAnyone booking a Polar Expedition voyage by 31 December 2009 will receive a magnificent set of the acclaimed Opticron Countryman 8x42 binoculars. They come with a 10-year guarantee and are critical on any wildlife holiday. In the Poles they are as important as your passport! Photographic & Whale SpecialAkademik Sergey Vavilov, 26 February 2011Led by Paul Goldstein this voyage will navigate below the Antarctic Circle to icy wildernesses rarely witnessed. By this time of year the sea has warmed comparatively, attracting legions of krill which then seduce the squadrons of Humpacks, Minkes and sometimes Orcas. It is possible to see and photograph whales in many areas of the world, but seldom with lumps of cobalt blue ice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral as shimmering backdrops.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Our journey begins in Ushuaia where we will overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Morning is free to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area, to do some last minute shopping, stroll around Ushuaia and down to the port or maybe go for a walk in the nearby National Park. The transfer to the ship takes place in the afternoon. Once on board there is a get together for introductions to the expedition team, to learn about the ship and its layout, talk about the itinerary for the next 10 days and participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. Departure from Ushuaia is normally around 6:00 p.m, and we set sail through the Beagle Channel in the early evening. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.
Day 4
Sea conditions in the Drake Passage can vary from dead calm (known as 'Drake Lake'), to rough and stormy (known as 'Drake Shake'). As you cross the Drake Passage our team of experts is out on deck to help you spot whales and identify seabirds. There is also a program of talks, covering the wildlife, the ice, and polar history. This prepares you for your adventure to the 'White Continent'. The excitement intensifies as you cross the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You feel the change as the air gets cooler. Huge icebergs loom up against the horizon in increasing numbers, and Wandering albatrosses, petrels and other birds which thrive in this cold, remote ocean are frequently seen.
Day 12
Our itinerary for these days is necessarily flexible, and will be decided upon by your expedition leader in consultation with the ship's captain. It will depend on ice and weather conditions, and may start by sailing as far south as possible, hopefully to the Antarctic Circle, and then working our way back north along the peninsula and finally visiting the off-shore Shetland Islands group. On the other hand the order may be reversed, first cruising among the volcanic South Shetland Islands before travelling to the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, and further south. The itinerary focuses on the areas with the greatest promise of wildlife, and frequent shore excursions are planned at perhaps Livingston, Half Moon, Aicho or King George Islands. This area is a favoured feeding ground for Humpback whales and, with luck, you may see them dining on krill. Nearby, around 80,000 Adelie penguins have established one of the largest rookeries, alongside Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, providing great opportunities for photography. At crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, a breeding colony of Chinstrap penguins shares their territory with fur seals and Blue-Eyed shags; while at Livingston Island you may observe Weddell seals, Elephant seals, skuas, Giant petrels, Antarctic terns and rookeries of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins. Weather permitting you may also enter the flooded caldera of Deception Island, a recently active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands in the world. Steam rises from the black sand beaches in places along its shores where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the steaming thermal waters of the bay - although this is very much dependant on the tide and the hot water flow. You may also observe the island's large Chinstrap penguin colony and enjoy spectacular walks to the higher points of the crater rim. We then head further south, to Paradise Harbour or north to Hope Bay, both situated on the Antarctic mainland, to see some of the most dramatic scenery the continent has to offer. Here, there are further opportunities for spectacular photography. Ringed with overhanging ice cliffs, the bay is filled with a wild assortment of floating icebergs that reflect a stunning array of the colours, including the most exquisite blues, turquoise and indigo. On one or two occasions we may also go ashore to visit some of the research stations maintained by several different countries on the peninsula or offshore islands. Back on board whilst we cruise between landing points, you will be tempted to spend time out on deck if conditions are calm, just watching and marvelling at the glory of the passing scenery. Penguins are often seen 'porpoising' in the water, or resting on ice flows, which pass by the ship, and the scenery of the Lemaire Channel can be absolutely breathtaking. South of this channel we hope that the seas will be clear enough to take us right down to the Antarctic Circle; the scenery remains outstanding, and although there's no 'marker on the sand', it's a great feeling to know when we've reached the line. Sadly, all great things must come back to an end, and we eventually turn the ship, and head back north for the final stages of a remarkable journey.
Day 14
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula overnight our ship heads back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn, weather permitting.
Day 15
In the early morning you arrive back in Ushuaia where your voyage ends. You are transferred either to town on to the airport for your onward flight to Buenos Aires.
Departure Dates
07/01/2010, This departure is on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov.09/01/2010, This departure is on the Ocean Nova.
09/02/2010, This departure is on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov.
09/02/2010, This departure is on the Ocean Nova.
08/01/2011, This departure is on the Ocean Nova.
11/01/2011
21/01/2011, This departure is on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov.
26/01/2011, This departure is on the Akademik Ioffe.
13/02/2011, This departure is on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov.
26/02/2011, This departure is on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov.
Prices
Date: Base Price07/01/2010: £5310
09/01/2010: £8119
09/02/2010: £5310
09/02/2010: £8119
08/01/2011: £7970
11/01/2011: £7970
21/01/2011: £6250
26/01/2011: £6250
13/02/2011: £6250
26/02/2011: £4770
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Trip ProfileExpedition cruising in comfortable conditions.
Accommodation
13 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel Ushuaia.
Food
Full board while on the ship, breakfast only at hotel.
Group Size and Age
Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff. Please see Misc. Information below for details of capacity onboard the ships.
