Antarctica And South Georgia Air-Cruise

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get a chance to visit Elephant Island, where the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia
• Keeping an eye out for the region’s abundant birdlife, and opportunities to take great pictures
• Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton
• At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins
• At Cooper Island, see a large colony of macaroni penguins which is also the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses
• Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you make your way to Ushuaia

ITINERARY

Itinerary at a Glance
Join us for a remarkable experience that takes you through the western Antarctic Peninsula, through Elephant Island to South Georgia. The South Georgia and Antarctica air-cruise allows you to sail through the nutrient-rich waters and, each day, disembark with our expert polar guides having time to either hike, snowshoe, or kayak in bays nearby. As we make our way to South Georgia, you will follow in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, like Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. After reaching South Georgia, visit some of the largest colonies of penguins in the world, including the king penguin, and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses.

Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise Antarctica21 staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. At Explorers House, enjoy local gastronomy as you meet your fellow adventurers.

Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. A short vehicle transfer takes you to the shore of Fildes Bay where a Zodiac takes you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Day 3 - 6: Exploring Antarctica Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the everchanging opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Gerlache Strait, the Penola Strait, and the Antarctic Sound.

Day 7: Elephant Island Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While the stormy conditions of this area rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.

Day 8 - 9: Sailing to South Georgia As we sail northward, our historian and our naturalist guides offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge while keeping an eye out for the region’s abundant birdlife.

Day 10 - 13: Exploring South Georgia The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands, and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. At the peak of the breeding season, it is said to have the highest concentration of wildlife per square meter on the planet. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.

Day 14 - 16: Sailing towards South America As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.

Day 17: At sea and Beagle Channel Approach the South American continent and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you make your way to Ushuaia.

Day 18: Ushuaia, Argentina Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
• Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.
• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
• Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
• Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
• Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino,
• water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition.
• Loan of waterproof boots for landing.
• All guided shore excursions.
• Lectures and entertainment on board.
• Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee.

Optional Trip Extras:

• Sea Kayaking
• Hiking & Snowshoeing
• Hotel and Transfer Package