Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the spectacular Antarctic wilderness in a casual atmosphere of like-minded travelers
• Experience abundant wildlife including immense penguin colonies and other seabirds, seals and even some of the great whales at close range
• Cruise in comfort along towering icebergs, serrated maritime mountains and luminous glaciers
• Zodiac landing craft allow visitation on remote shorelines and otherwise inaccessible areas
• Ship allows an "open bridge policy" to observe its sophisticated navigation equipment and provides an excellent location to view wildlife the landscape (subject to weather and critical navigation maneuvers)
• Expert naturalist guides

ITINERARY

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city, or visit the many boutique shops before for your expedition to Antarctica.

Day 2: Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as we depart - the next time you see land we’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

Day 3 – 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we’ll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

Days 5 – 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. Weather permitting we’ll be able to make our first landing on the afternoon of day 5. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience.

We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!

Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour. You can make a bit of noise yourself too by listening to the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier.

Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you on this wonderful part of the world.

Days 9 – 10: Drake Passage to Ushuaia
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We’ll arrive in Ushuaia in the morning for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled
• Photographic journal documenting the expedition
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• An expedition parka to keep
• Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard ship
• Group transfer in Ushuaia from airport to hotel on Day 1
• One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast
• Arrival airport pick up for those arriving on day 1 of the tour
• Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
• Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport

• Kayaking: USD 995
• Camping: USD 295
• Paddling: USD 295