HIGHLIGHTS
Beyond
the Polar Circle: Wilkins Ice Shelf
The
voyage is a true expedition, exploring the very rarely visited region
of the Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay and Alexander Island. We
visit places discovered by De Gerlache on his polar expedition (June
1887 – March 1899) onboard the Belgica. This voyage leaves
Ushuaia and heads straight for the Antarctic Circle, we aim to spend
all of the voyage South of this latitude. The variety of landings, the
remoteness and wilderness experience in this region are rivalled by
very few places on earth.
We
will see Antarctic Ice shelves, land on islands where very few have set
foot and enjoy this awe-inspiring spectacle far from the beaten track
of regular Antarctic expedition cruises. A range of Antarctic wildlife
may be seen including Humpback and Minke whales, Orca, Leopard,
Elephant, Crabeater, Weddell and Antarctic Fur seals- maybe even a
Ross’ seal. Gentoo and Adelie penguins, skuas, terns and
giant petrels are to name just some of the species we may see.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: End of the world, start of a journey
Your
voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to
be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern
tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this
small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of
the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for
the remainder of the evening.
Day
2 – 3: Path of the polar explorers
Over
the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same
experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted
these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale
spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence
– Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when
north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas
– you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone.
Not
only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering
albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses,
light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars,
Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels
are a few of the birds you might see.
Day
4: Through the Pendleton Strait
You
arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula near the Antarctic Circle in the
afternoon. If sea ice allows it, you can then continue through
Pendleton Strait and attempt a landing at the rarely visited southern
tip of Renaud Island. Here you have the opportunity to see the first
Adélie penguins of the trip as well as enjoy spectacular
views of the icebergs in this surreal, snow-swept environment.
In
the afternoon we sail to the Fish Islands and encounter one of the
southernmost Adélie penguin and blue-eyed shag colonies in
the Antarctic Peninsula.
Spending
the night in the area of Crystal Sound the scenery will leave you
staying up until the small hours, there is a chance to see Orca,
Humpback and Minke Whale in this area.
Day
5: Detaille Island and The Gullet
Detaille
Island – You may make a landing at an abandoned British
research station here, taking in the island’s lofty position
and imposing glaciers scenery.
We
then sail through The Gullet, one of the most impressive narrow
channels in Antarctic, with towering mountains either side, birds
following the ship and playful penguins and seals frolicking in the
water as we sail through this very special part of the journey. If ice
conditions allow we will also carry out a landing or cruise in the
afternoon.
Day
6: Porquoi Pas and Horseshoe Islands
Discovered
and charted by the famous explorer Charcot, Porquoi Pas offers pleasant
landing on a rocky beach with a backdrop of the Moider Glacier- a
gentle walk from the landing site gives an impressive view over it.
Antarctic Fur Seals enjoy relaxing on the small plain behind the beach
and add a nice addition to the wildlife that we encounter on this
voyage.
After
lunch we head towards Horseshoe island- so called because of its
distinctive shape- an abandoned research station provides an insight
into the early days of scientific research and original artefacts
remain on show to appreciate how different the way of life was in those
pioneering days. The hut is set among some of the most beautiful
scenery in Antarctica with views over the mountains and snow of
Porquois Pas Island as well as the islands own mountain range. A
photographic landing in many senses- two old wooden boats remain at the
landing site as if waiting for their final launch to work in the icy
waters around the islands.
Day
7 - 10: George IV and Wilkins Ice Shelf
Provided
ice and weather conditions allow we will head towards
Antarctica’s ice shelves (the George IV and Wilkins), we hope
to show you the scale of these vast cliffs and expanses of ice that
will dwarf us and our ship. A range of Antarctic wildlife from Humpback
whales, Fur seals and Adelie penguins and maybe if we are lucky we may
see one or more Ross’ seal.
Day
11: Jenny and Leonie Islands
Jenny
Island will give another aspect to your Antarctic experience, here you
will be able to see raised beaches, hanging glaciers and moss carpets.
The island is popular with wildlife too with terns, skuas, Elephant
Seals, Leopard Seals and Adelie penguins all being regular visitors.
A
landing at Leonie Island will take your breath away, there is the
possibility to undertake a hike to the peak of the island offering a
dramatic panorama of Marguerite Bay and Adelaide Island.
Day
12: Webb Island and Lagoon Island
Lagoon
island is the most northern island of the Leonie Islands group, also
discovered and charted by Jean-Baptiste Charcot. This low laying island
will provide a stark contrast to the previous days with its gently
sloped beaches and flat areas to explore, the wildlife here will vary
depending on snow cover- if there is little snow the ground is almost
desert like in appearance.
Day
13 - 15: Familiar seas, familiar friends
Your
return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake,
you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered
from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you
now, and you to them.
Day
16: There and back again
Every
adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end.
It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that
will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Hondius (Expedition, 170-guests)
MV Hondius offers luxury accommodation for up to 180 passengers. The ship has a luxury standard while Oceanwide's signature cozy and informal atmosphere. Hondius the strongest ice-strengthened vessel will be in the polar regions and will be equipped with stabilizers, and great trips for advanced, innovative exploratory quality in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage
aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All
meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee
and tea.
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program
of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
expedition staff.
- Free
use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage
transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in
Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled
group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly
after disembarkation).
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive
pre-departure material.
Excluded
from this voyage
- Any
airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre-
and post- land arrangements.
- Passport
and visa expenses.
- Government
arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals
ashore.
- Baggage,
cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess
baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry,
bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The
customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other
service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 550
- Zodiac
Cruising
- Shore-based
Walking
