HIGHLIGHTS
- Sail
South of the Polar Circle
- 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
- Sail
south of the Antarctic Circle
- 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 and the
landscape (subject to weather and critical navigation maneuvers)
- Expert
naturalist guides
- Sail
south of the Antarctic Circle
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Depart from Ushuaia
Embark
the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture
staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous
Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
Days
2-3: Crossing The Drake Passage
Named
after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters
in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a
biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer
northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which
sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks
the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the
passage, the naturalist staff will be out with you on deck to help with
the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many
albatrosses, which follow in our wake.
The
USHUAIA´s open bridge policy allows you to join our officers
on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy
the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well.
The
first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we
have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and
islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the
brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage our
lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience
your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3.
Days
4-9: Exploring South Shetland Islands and The Antarctic Peninsula and
Endeavor to Cross the Polar Circle
Exquisite
beauty and pristine landscapes are waiting for you on the western side
of the Antarctic Peninsula. Myriads of icebergs with different shades
and shapes are floating free in the waterways around the continent. The
Antarctic Peninsula´s remarkable history will also provide
you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early
explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery
and a wide variety of wildlife. Apart from Adélie, Gentoo
and Chinstrap Penguins and other seabirds you are likely to encounter
Weddell, crabeater, fur and leopard seals as well as Minke whales and
orcas at close range. At this time of year it is also very likely to
encounter big cetaceans, such as humpback, Finn and Sei whales in the
area.
We
hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways the area has to
offer, such as: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel
and the extremely narrow Lemaire Channel. Possible landing sites may
include: Paradise Bay, which is perhaps the most aptly named place in
the world with its impressive glacial fronts and mountains, Cuverville
Island, home of the biggest Gentoo Penguin colony in the Peninsula
surrounded by glaciers and castellated icebergs, and the British Museum
and Post office Port Lockroy.
As
further exploration will lead us far South of the Lemaire Channel in
quest of the Polar Circle, we might also visit the Ukrainian Station
Vernadsky, the former British base Faradey, where the ozone hole was
first spotted, the rugged Yalour Islands and south of the Polar Circle
Detaille Island.
On
our way North we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands. The
volcanic island group is a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries
and seals hauling out on the shorelines make every day spent here
unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded
caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing, so is visiting the
crescent shaped island Half Moon, home to Chinstrap Penguins in
breathtaking surroundings.
Days
10-11: At Sea Crossing the Drake Passage, Northbound
We
leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our
lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales
and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on
the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
Day
12: Arrival at Ushuaia
We
arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the
USHUAIA after breakfast.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage
aboard the Ushuaia as indicated in the itinerary
- All
meals throughout the voyage aboard the Ushuaia
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac
- Program
of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
expedition staff
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive
pre-departure material
- Detailed
post-expedition log
