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
Witness an abundance of wildlife over your entire journey.
Visit significant historic scientific station
Exciting ice navigation through glaciated coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, Antarctica
Day 2-6: Drake Passage and Antarctic Peninsula - towards the circle
Day 7-10: Below the circle - Detaille Island and Marguerite Bay
Day 11-12: Drake Passage & Cape Horn
Day 13: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
*13 and 14- day itineraries are also available. Itineraries slightly change depending on selected departure dates. Please refer to the Dates Tab for more information or call us for more details.
**In 2020 the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island will be
replaced by a ship crossing from Ushuaia. The expedition will take an
extra day, a total of 14 days.
Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, Antarctica
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.
Days 2-6: Drake Passage & Antarctic Peninsula
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.
Days 7-9: Antarctic Circle
Given optimal ice conditions, we aim to sail south of the Antarctic
Circle. A favored 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.
Days 10 - 11: Drake Passage & Cape Horn
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.
Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina
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.
Departs - Selected dates (listed below)
SHIP CABINS: AKADEMIK SERGEY VAVILOV
Main Deck Triple Share
Located on Deck 3 these cabins have an upper and two lower beds. One of the lower beds can convert to a sofa during the day. Facilities are shared. There is a washbasin with cold/hot water in the cabin, a writing desk/chair, in-room clock radio with Ipod connector kit, and ample storage space. These cabins have portholes.
Additional features and amenities:
Bathrobes
Twin Semi-Private
Located on Deck 4 these cabins have two lower berths (one which can convert to a sofa during the day), a writing desk, in-room clock radio with Ipod connector kit and ample storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins). All cabins have a window which opens.
Additional features and amenities:
Toiletry kit
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Bathrobes
Twin Private
These cabins are located on Decks 3, 4 and 5. All cabins have two lower berths, a writing desk/chair, in-room clock radio with ipod connector kit and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window (the two cabins on Deck 3 have portholes instead of windows).
Additional features and amenities:
Toiletry kit
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Bathrobes
Superior
Located on Deck 3 these cabins have two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair, in-room clock radio with Ipod connector kit and ample storage. Facilities are private and have portholes.
Additional features and amenities:
Toiletry kit
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Vanity kit
Bathrobes
Upgraded bed linen/duvets
Shackleton Suite
These cabins are located on Deck 4 and 5. All cabins have one queen sized double berth in separate sleeping quarters. The sofa in the main section of the cabin can convert to a bed making these cabins suitable for a group of three. There is a writing desk/chair, a comfortable arm chair. An Ipad with polar literature, documentaries and movies and webmail access, a sound system with IPod/MP3 player connectivity. There is also and Ipod dock/alarm clock. Facilities are private and all cabins have windows, which can be opened.
Additional features and amenities:
Upgraded bed linen/duvets
CD player/mini stereo system with connection for Ipod/mp3 player
Use of our CD selection
Mini bar/ice bucket
Hairdryer
Capsule coffee machine & tea maker
Toiletry kit
Vanity kit
Organic cotton luxury logoed bathrobes
Arrival gift basket with healthy snacks and a bottle of wine
Binoculars and wildlife reference book
Complimentary webmail account
Complimentary use of an expedition ‘Sea Line’ dry-bag for the duration of the voyage
One Ocean Suite
Located on Deck 5 this cabin has a double berth in separate sleeping quarters with up-graded bedding. In the main section of this cabin, there is a sofa which can convert to a single bed, a large writing desk/chair, several arm chairs, an Ipad with polar literature, documentaries and movies, IPod Dock Alarm Clock and IPod Speaker System for main room. Facilities are private and have a shower and bathtub. This cabin has windows overlooking the both the bow and to the portside of the ship, which can be opened.
Additional features and amenities:
Upgraded bed linen/duvets
CD player/mini stereo system with connection for Ipod/mp3 player
Use of our CD selection
Mini bar/refrigerator
Hairdryer
Capsule coffee machine + tea maker
Toiletry kit
Vanity kit
Organic cotton luxury logoed bathrobes
Arrival gift basket with healthy snacks and a bottle of wine
Binoculars and wildlife reference book
Complimentary webmail account
Complimentary use of an expedition ‘Sea Line’ dry-bag for the duration of the voyage
Stabilisation: Active stabilisation via internal ‘anti-roll’ ballast syste
Zodiacs: 10
What's included?
One-way flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island **2019 season only
On-board accommodation
All transfers to/from airport, hotel and ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
All meals throughout the voyage
Scheduled shore excursions and Zodiac landings
Leadership of experienced expedition leaders and naturalist staff
Overnight camping (subject to weather conditions)
Expedition gear package*
Comprehensive pre-voyage information package
Port fees and access permits
What's not included?
Air transportation
Passport, visa, immigration fees
Airport taxes
Additional hotel nights
Optional sea kayaking - US$795 per person
Travel protection plan
Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
Laundry service
Gratuities
Any items not listed as included
Notes
*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.
**In 2020 the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island will be replaced by a ship crossing from Ushuaia. The expedition will take an extra day, a total of 14 days.
