Spend more time below the Antarctic Circle and witness stunning landscapes, range of penguin rookeries and large flat-topped tabular icebergs! This special voyage takes us to the glaciated coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through the Argentine Fish and Yalour Island archipelagos on our way to the Gerlache Strait region where you'll explore a number of significant historic sites. With the company of our expert guides, you will be sure to enjoy each day exploration in the safe hands of our friendly team.
Duration: 13 Days
Our journey commences in Punta Arenas, located in southern Chile, where we board our two-hour flight (included in voyage price) across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Upon arrival at the King George Island in Antarctica, we embark our ship via Zodiac inflatable crafts.
Overnight we have navigated across the Bransfield Strait and awake to the towering peaks of the Antarctic continent. For the next five days we have a varied itinerary pushing southwards with much to see and do. We will be opportunistic, making shore landings in locations navigating to our ultimate objective below the Antarctic Circle. Planned visits might include Port Charcot, several locations in the Fish and Argentine Island archipelagos which allow for zodiac cruising and potential shore landings, a hike on Winter Island to explore the old British Antarctic Suvey Hut- Wordie House, Petermann Island, and a cruise through Lemaire Channel if ice allows. Along the way we hope to make a visit at Pleneau Island.
Given optimal ice conditions, we aim to sail south of the Antarctic Circle. A favoured landing site here is Detaille Island, home to an abandoned British science hute, providing a glimpse into the harsh life of early Antarctic scientists and researchers. We are at the mercy of prevailing ice conditions navigating even further south. Years of experience tell us that late February gives us our best chance of reaching Marguerite Bay. We may take the ‘shortcut’ through a narrow channel known as 'the Gullet' if the passage is ice-free. Otherwise, we could navigate around the outside of Adelaide Island - which will take more time, yet bring us to the same destination.
We leave this magical place and chart a course north back to South America, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition. We celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition with a special dinner.
In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. It will be possible to connect to flights through to Buenos Aires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy a night in town or venture further afield to explore the highlights of Patagonia.
Located on deck 3, 1 upper berth and two lower berths (one of the lower beds can be converted to a sofa), a washbasin, writing desk, chair, storage space, two portholes, shared washroom facilities.
Located on deck 4, 2 lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa), a writing desk, storage space, wardrobes, semi-private facilities — a shared washroom with the adjacent cabin.
Located on deck 3, 4 and 5, two lower berths, writing desk, chair, in-room clock radio with iPod connector kit, storage space, wardrobe, window (cabins on deck 3 have portholes instead of windows), private bathroom, shower.
Located on deck 3 these cabins have two lower berths, sofa, writing desk, chair, storage space, private bathroom, shower, porthole, access to the outer decks, the dining room and gangway.
Located on deck 4 and 5, 1 double bed in separate sleeping area, sofa bed, sitting area, writing desk, iPad with polar literature, documentaries and movies and webmail access, mini bar, private bathroom, capsule coffee maker, mini stereo, window.
Located on deck 5, 1 double bed in separate sleeping area, sofa bed, large forward facing windows, large table, sitting area, writing desk, iPad with polar literature, documentaries and movies and webmail access, mini bar, private bathroom, shower, bathtub,, capsule coffee maker, mini stereo.
*Expedition gear package
Included in the expedition, you will have free use of essential gears needed for the trip. This package includes quality waterproof/windproof jacket, bib-pants, insulated rubber boots, and a set of binoculars.
