Emblematic Antarctica

HIGHLIGHTS

• An expedition cruise to discover the Antarctic Peninsula and its most beautiful secrets surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
• Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
• Explore the magic of Antarctica with a sea kayak adventure. Lead by experienced, State-Certified kayak guides, you will skim the water’s surface amid the ice. For more information about your kayak tour, please go to the section ‘PONANT activities’ and to book your kayak tour, contact your cruise advisor.
• Hiking opportunity.
• Visit research stations and former whaling stations, if conditions allow.
• Lectures and information sessions hosted by our naturalist guides, covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, environmental protection and educational discovery in the respect of environment.
• Landscapes: a multitude of drifting icebergs, ice floes, imposing glaciers and tall, snow-covered mountains.
• Wildlife: humpback whales; Gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins; leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals; and numerous seabirds.
• For your comfort, your cruise package includes an overnight in Buenos Aires the day before embarkation and the flights to/from Ushuaia (for details, see the “Included in your cruise” tab).

Subject to weather conditions. The expedition highlights, encounters with the wildlife and itinerary described illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
The activities mentioned are given as examples, the programme of activities will be fine-tuned as the departure of your cruise approaches and will be available on the website.

ITINERARY

Day 2  Ushuaia

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Day3-4  Crossing the Drake Passage

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience.  You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Day5-9  Antarctic Peninsula

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula.  Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

Day 10-11 Crossing the Drake Passage

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Day 12 Ushuaia

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

WHAT'S INCLUDED

For your serenity, PONANT has organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day prior to embarkation

The day before embarkation – Buenos Aires

• Meet at Ezeiza international airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative.
• You will be transferred to your hotel.
• Check-in from late morning.
• Lunch on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon.
• Organised dinner for the group at the hotel.
• Overnight at the hotel.

Embarkation Day – Buenos Aires/Ushuaia

• An early morning breakfast will be served before leaving to the airport for you flight Buenos Aires – Ushuaia.
• Transfer to the airport.
• Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia selected by PONANT in economy class. Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.
• Meet and greet at the airport (English-speaking assistance).
• According to the flight schedule, PONANT will adapt services and activities before your transfer to the pier for embarkation.

Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Disembarkation.

• Meet and greet at the port (English-speaking assistance).
• Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT in economy class.
• Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.

Your programme includes

• A transfer from airport to your hotel, the day before embarkation.
• 1-night accommodation in Sofitel Recoleta the night before embarkation.
• Early check-in available from late morning.
• Hospitality desk at the hotel in Buenos Aires.
• Return flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT, in economy class.
• Services of local guides, in Ushuaia.
• Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
• Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

Your programme does not include

• Tips for the local guide.
• Personal expenses.
• Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
• Hotel contact

Hôtel Sofitel Recoleta 5*
Posadas 1232, C1011 Buenos Aires
Téléphone : + (54) 11 4819-1100

Please note:

• The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.
• Summer season in Buenos Aires: temperatures may be very hot, but often between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).
• Summer season in Ushuaia: temperatures vary between 41 °F (5 °C) and 65 °F (15 °C)
• We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Duration and order may vary.
• PONANT will adapt the content of the transfer offer from and to airport according to your flight schedule.

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.