This journey takes us to one of the world’s
most awe inspiring destinations. With visits along
the way through the South Shetland Islands we arrive
on the mainland, on the Antarctic Peninsula and are
dazzled by perhaps the most dramatic scenery to be
found anywhere on earth.
Sailing aboard our well-appointed expedition vessel,
we see Antarctic nature in all its glory. These areas
boast an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, including
five seal species and massive penguin rookeries of
gentoo, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a profusion
of seabirds from albatross to skuas. A wildlife highlight
may well be watching a variety of magnificent whale
species in close proximity as they crest the surface
of the waves.
On the White Continent, we also see remarkable landscapes
of ice. At Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay we find many
icebergs dotting the waters, including some that are
colossal in size, containing natural caves shrouded
in an eerie translucent light. On land, there is a
sweeping ice sheet, masking mountains and filling
trenches binding together an entire continent that
is about the size of Africa. We’ll even have
the chance to camp ashore on this expanse of ice if
conditions are suitable.
Even in the company of our experienced expedition
crew, some of whom have travelled to Antarctica over
100 times, it still seems astonishing to think of
the early explorers attempting to conquer this beautiful,
yet formidable land.
Note:
Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes
to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
We board our Peregrine expedition vessel in Ushuaia,
on Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America.
In the early evening, we set sail charting a course
through the Beagle Channel.
Meals included: 1 dinner
Days 2 - 3: Drake Passage
As we cross the Drake Passage, our team of experts will
be out on deck to help us spot whales and identify seabirds.
We’ll also have the chance to take part in the
onboard presentation series preparing us for our adventures
on the “White Continent”. Talks on wildlife,
ice and polar history will create enormous anticipation
that continues to build as we cross the Antarctic Convergence.
Here the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the
warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We’ll
notice a sharp drop in temperature at this point. Huge
icebergs loom up against the horizon and seabirds such
as the wandering albatross and petrels are regularly
in view.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 4 - 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
We cruise among the volcanic South Shetland Islands
and the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, travelling
ashore as frequently as possible in inflatable 'zodiac'
boats. We’ll hope to make shore excursions to
Livingston, Half Moon and King George Islands beginning
on day 3 or day 4. Admiralty Bay, on King George Island,
is a favoured feeding ground for humpback whales and,
with luck, we may see them dining on krill. At crescent-shaped
Half Moon Island, we’ll observe a breeding colony
of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with
fur seals and blue-eyed shags while at Livingston Island,
we’ll discover more flourishing wildlife. Here
there are Weddell and elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels,
Antarctic terns and rookeries of chinstrap, gentoo and
macaroni penguins.Weather permitting, we’ll also
hope to enter the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception
Island, a recently active volcano and one of the most
perfect crater islands in the world. Steam rises in
places along its shores where the cold Antarctic waters
mix with the thermal waters of the bay. Here, the very
adventuresome may choose to take a dip, if conditions
are suitable.Our journey continues onto Paradise Harbour
or Hope Bay, both situated on the mainland. Here we’ll
see some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.
We’ll observe an impressive array of icebergs
in many different shapes and sizes, including those
that have eroded into natural ice sculptures as well
as city-block sized 'tabular' bergs which break from
the thick ice shelves. If the weather is temperate,
we’ll have the chance to set foot on the Antarctic
continent, and even, to spend a night camping out on
shore if you wish. The lights of the southern sky bath
the landscape in an eerie luminescence, making this
camping experience truly remarkable.The days are long,
and the short nights are often preceded by a wonderful
twilight. On board, we’ll spend ample time on
the bridge or on deck simply marveling at the glory
of the passing scenery.
Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Days 9 - 10: Drake Passage
We leave the Antarctic Peninsula, heading back
across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage.
The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape
Horn. We celebrate the conclusion of our adventure and
last evening together on board, at the Captain’s
Dinner as we make our way down the Beagle Channel.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 11: Ushuaia
In the early morning, we’ll arrive back in Ushuaia
where our cruise ends. You’ll be transferred to
your hotel, or to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
08
DEC 2007 |
5500 |
6750 |
7200 |
8650 |
9050 |
9750 |
10750 |
11
DEC 2007 |
5500 |
6750 |
7200 |
8650 |
9050 |
9750 |
10750 |
18
DEC 2007 |
5500 |
6750 |
7200 |
8650 |
9050 |
9750 |
10750 |
02
JAN 2008 |
7250 |
8050 |
8650 |
9700 |
10450 |
11200 |
12150 |
27
JAN 2008 |
7250 |
8050 |
8650 |
9700 |
10450 |
11200 |
12150 |
18
FEB 2008 |
5600 |
7050 |
7450 |
8750 |
9250 |
9950 |
10950 |
24
FEB 2008 |
6150 |
7750 |
8200 |
9650 |
10200 |
10950 |
12050 |
28
FEB 2008 |
5600 |
7050 |
7450 |
8750 |
9250 |
9950 |
10950 |
06
MAR 2008 |
5600 |
7050 |
7450 |
8750 |
9250 |
9950 |
10950 |
Kayaking
Option |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
Availability Key |
Available |
Limited |
Waitlist |
| *
All prices in USD. |
Onboard the Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov
On this exciting expedition, we have the opportunity
to thoroughly explore the South Shetland region and
Antarctic Peninsula searching out breathtaking bays
and islands, and marvelling at extraordinary natural
wonders. We’ll also hope to travel further into
the polar regions than on any other expedition, journeying
as far as the Antarctic Circle at 66* 33’ south.
Aboard our well-appointed expedition vessel, we see
Antarctic nature in all its glory. The offshore South
Shetland group boasts an abundance of wildlife, including
five seal species and massive penguin rookeries of
gentoo, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a profusion
of seabirds from albatross to skuas. A wildlife highlight
may well be watching a variety of magnificent whale
species in close proximity as they crest the surface
of the waves.
On the Peninsula, we expect to visit Paradise Harbour,
dotted with spectacular icebergs, beautiful Hope Bay,
and if ice conditions permit, the superb Lemaire Channel,
with its glacial walls rising high on both sides.
We’ll be stunned by the mainland itself made
up of a remarkable sweeping ice-sheet that masks mountains
and fills trenches, binding together an entire continent
that is close in size to Africa. One can only marvel
at the resolve of the early explorers in their quest
to conquer this inhospitable land.
Now we are the explorers and it’s our chance
to undertake a range of exciting activities amidst
some of the most dramatic scenery to be found on earth
from zodiac cruises and sea kayaking to wildlife watching
and hiking. If conditions are suitable, we may even
have the chance to camp ashore on the expanse of continental
ice. (It has become a hallmark of our Antarctic program
to offer a range of options catering to various interests.
We’ll break into small groups for zodiac cruising
excursions, wildlife watching, sea kayaking, as well
as extensive hikes on shore.) Or you may simply wish
sit for hours onshore near a penguin rookery, contemplating
the remarkable commotion all around. The choice is
yours.
Note:
Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes
to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
We board our Peregrine expedition vessel in Ushuaia,
on Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America.
In the early evening we set sail, charting a course
through the Beagle Channel bound for Antarctica.
Meals included: 1 dinner
Days 2 - 3: Drake Passage
We make our way across the Drake Passage in
the company of our team of naturalists who’ll
be on a constant lookout for whales and seabirds from
the ship’s deck. We can also spend time partaking
in the onboard education program. Seminars on wildlife,
polar ice and Antarctic history will prepare us for
the extraordinary adventures to come on the 'White Continent'.The
excitement intensifies as we cross the Antarctic Convergence,
where the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the
warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We’ll
feel a distinct change as the air gets cooler, and notice
increasing numbers of huge icebergs looming on the horizon.
Wandering albatrosses, petrels and other birds which
thrive in this cold, remote ocean are sighted regularly,
not to mention whales which we’ll hope to see.
On Day 3, we’ll likely have our first glimpse
of Antarctica late in the day as we approach the South
Shetland Islands.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 4: South Shetland Islands
Today we enjoy an unforgettable Christmas spent
in Antarctica. We’ll cruise among the volcanic
South Shetland Islands and travel ashore via zodiac
boats. Depending on conditions, our first landing on
Deception Island promises an abundance of wildlife and
natural wonders. In addition to seeing the island’s
large chinstrap penguin colony, we’ll hope to
visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception, a recently
active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands
in the world. Steam rises in places from the black sand
beaches along its shores. The very intrepid may wish
to take a dip here where the icy Antarctic waters mix
with the steaming, thermal waters of the bay.We’ll
plan on making another shore excursion, if weather conditions
permit, at beautiful Half Moon Island. This little crescent-shaped
island offers spectacular vistas and a wealth of wildlife
sightings, including a breeding colony of chinstrap
penguins that share their territory with fur seals and
blue-eyed shags.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 5: Antarctica
Today we plan on visiting Esperanza Base, Argentina’s
established scientific research station. One of the
uncommon species in Antarctica is the human being, and
we may see some at work during a tour of the base. There’s
also a large Adelie penguin colony in the area, and
by this time of the year, many will be tending to chicks
born some weeks ago. The waters around Hope Bay are
filled with these penguins “porpoising”
to and from their feeding grounds, in a never-ending
quest to provide food for their young. It’s a
quest that comes with danger, as the occasional leopard
seal often lies in wait for a meal of its own.Travelling
through these waters of the Antarctic Sound, we’ll
be treated to some of the most dramatic scenery the
continent has to offer. Often referred to as “iceberg
alley”, these waters are packed with hundreds
of different shaped icebergs that have calved from glaciers.
Many have eroded into natural ice sculptures while others
known as ‘tabular’ bergs are the size of
city blocks with sheer sides and flat tops. Watching
these mammoth icebergs from our close vantage-point
is an extraordinary experience. The days are long, and
the short nights are often preceded by a wonderful twilight.
We’ll be tempted to spend time on deck marvelling
at the glory of the passing scenery.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 6 - 8: Weddell Sea, Antarctica
We’ll be operating in true expedition style as
we see how far the sea-ice will let us push into the
iceberg factory that is the Weddell Sea on the eastern
side of the peninsula – one of the lesser visited
parts of Antarctica. Snow Hill Island will hopefully
be one of our first ports of call. It was here that
adventurer Otto Nordenskjold and some of his party had
to endure two winters in 1902 and 1903 before a miraculous
rescue. Given good weather and ice conditions, there
is some terrific hiking on shore with some truly superb
views from the beach, and even better ones if you choose
to climb the hills above.We may visit Seymour Island
where scientists are still finding fossils from the
remains of the world’s largest penguins, discovered
here a century ago. Other islands that we may be able
to reach include Devil Island, Vega and Vortex. Back
in 1998 on Vega, a team of Argentinean and U.S. scientists
found fossils of a duck-billed dinosaur, as well as
the remains of Antarctica's most ancient bird and an
array of giant marine reptiles.If conditions allow,
over the next few days we’ll push further into
the Weddell Sea near the islands on its western shore.
We’ll hope to investigate an emperor penguin colony
known to live deep in the area and we’ll attempt
to get as close as possible. Eventually, if we can continue
even further south, we’ll basically be backtracking,
following the same route as Sir Ernest Shackleton who
drifted on the ice with his crew after his ship, the
Endurance sunk.We’ll make as many shore excursions
as possible, and spend time cruising amongst the astonishing
shapes and colours of the icebergs. At least once on
our journey, you’ll want to stay awake long enough
after dinner to watch the sun try to set, at about 11:35pm.
Watching the wonderful array of pastel colours lighting
up the sky, is a mesmerising, almost hypnotic, Antarctic
experience you won’t want to miss.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Day 9: Paulet Island
Today we turn back to the north and visit Paulet Island,
the site of one of the largest penguin colonies in the
Antarctic Peninsula. Amidst the crowds of Adelie penguins
and their chicks, one can discern the ruins of a stone
hut built by shipwrecked sailors of an earlier age.If
sea conditions are favourable, we’ll then head
towards Elephant Island for a memorable shore excursion.
This remote and rocky island was home to the heroic
Endurance sailors for many months while Shackleton went
to seek rescue.Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch,
1 dinner
Days 10 - 11: Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, we make the journey
back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake
Passage. We’ll make our way to Tierra del Fuego
once again and then complete the crossing when we round
Cape Horn. From there, we’ll be in the sheltered
waters on the eastern side of South America. We celebrate
the conclusion of our adventure and last evening together
on board, at the Captain’s Dinner as we make our
way down the Beagle Channel.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 12: Ushuaia
In the early morning we’ll arrive back in Ushuaia
where our voyage ends. You’ll be transferred to
your hotel, or to the airport for your return flight
home.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
| |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
25
JAN 2008 |
8150 |
9150 |
9550 |
10950 |
11600 |
12200 |
12900 |
06
FEB 2008 |
8150 |
9150 |
9550 |
10950 |
11600 |
12200 |
12900 |
| Kayaking
Option |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
Availability Key
|
Available
|
Limited
|
Waitlist
|
|
* All prices in USD. |
Onboard the Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov
From Ushuaia we sail the Beagle Channel in an easterly
direction to the Falkland Islands. We’ll explore
West Point Island where rockhopper and Magellanic penguins
and black-browed albatross nest among tufts of tussock
grass. At Volunteer Point we’ll meet brightly-coloured
king penguins. History buffs will be keen to explore
Port Stanley – the smallest and most isolated
capital city in the world.
In the company of the great wandering albatross we
navigate eastward until the spectacular ice-crowned
mountains of South Georgia appear on the horizon.
Our first landfall is the abandoned whaling station
at Grytviken, where we visit the grave of Sir Ernest
Shackleton, one of the greatest Antarctic explorers.
In the following days we thread our way through the
magical fjords and bays of this South Atlantic ‘Ark’.
As the only speck of land for many hundreds of miles,
South Georgia is one of the planet’s most astonishing
wildlife havens. A sea of 100,000 colourful king penguins
crowds the beaches at Salisbury Plain against a backdrop
of towering snow-covered mountains. Another 75,000
nest at the Bay of Isles. South Georgia is also home
to mind-boggling numbers of elephant and fur seals,
macaroni penguins and important populations of albatross.
We continue our journey to the South Orkney Islands,
where huge breeding grounds of Weddell seals have
recently been discovered. Crossing the Scotia Sea
we enter a magical world of icebergs and ice-covered
mountains as we reach the South Shetlands and the
bays and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. On frequent
excursions ashore and by inflatable Zodiac boat, we’ll
view Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, as well
as humpback and minke whales and several species of
seal.
Note:
Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes
to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
You board the Peregrine Mariner in the afternoon at
Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of South
America, and sail through the Beagle Channel in the
early evening. The long days mean plenty of evening
light in which to experience the beauty of the channel,
and to perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.
Meals included: 1 dinner
Day 2: At Sea
We sail in a north-easterly direction, enjoying a series
of presentations that prepare you for the coming adventure.
On deck the first sightings of albatross and petrels
add to the sense of excitement.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 3 - 4: Falkland Islands
Reaching the Falklands overnight, you then explore the
islands of the West Falkland Archipelago on your first
shore excursions, perhaps including West Point, Carcass
or Saunders Islands, both rich in marine wildlife and
bird life. The breathtaking cliffs at West Point are
home to busy rookeries of rockhopper penguins and magnificent
black-browed albatross. Magellanic penguins nest in
the tall tussock grass on privately owned Carcass Island,
where you may see a variety of land birds. While here
you may also observe oyster catchers, geese and the
endemic steamer duck along the rocky shores. The next
day you visit Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands,
with its brightly painted houses and renowned philatelic
bureau and excellent museum. Stanley Harbour exudes
an aura of history from the 19th century – especially
maritime history - when it was a major port for sailing
vessels attempting to round the Horn, or seeking refuge
after completing such a journey.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 5 - 7: At Sea
As we now head southeast your presentations continue,
discussing various aspects of conservation and the fascinating
history of South Georgia and Antarctic exploration.
You also have time to look for marine mammals and seabirds,
from the top deck of the Peregrine Mariner whales and
dolphins are often sighted. We cross the Antarctic Convergence
during this time, and a drop in temperature becomes
apparent.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Days 8 - 10: South Georgia
Reaching South Georgia you observe towering, snow-covered
mountains and glaciers when conditions are clear. South
Georgia is the most rugged and mountainous island of
the Southern Ocean is a spectacular sight. We will cruise
the more protected eastern coast of the island, seeking
out suitable landing spots as conditions permit. It
is hoped to get ashore at Salisbury Plain where colourful
king penguins crowd the beaches in numbers that will
leave you spellbound. The vast area is covered in a
sea of birds: of adults and their young in hundreds
of thousands. Another 75,000 pairs of king penguins
nest at St Andrews Bay. Everywhere, albatross, skuas
and giant petrels wheel overhead, whilst fur seals are
found in good numbers along the shore or are seen frolicking
in the water. At Grytviken, you visit the old whaling
station, and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, undoubtedly
one of the greatest of the Antarctic explorers.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Days 11 - 12: Sea and South Orkenys
Crossing the Scotia Sea to the southwest, we
head for Antarctica. If time and conditions allow we’ll
stop at the South Orkney Islands that are linked to
the Antarctic Peninsula by a massive range of sub-marine
mountains. This area is usually surrounded by sea ice
and often guarded by large icebergs. Time and weather
permitting, we may land at Coronation Island, known
for its extensive moss beds, nesting penguins and beautiful
snow petrels, or perhaps visit the Argentinian meteorological
station located on Laurie Island in this remote and
seldom-visited part of the world.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 13 - 17: South Shetland Islands and the
Antarctic Mainland
En route to the South Shetland Islands you may land
at Elephant Island, depending on the ship’s progress
and the weather. It is from this island that Sir Ernest
Shackleton set out for South Georgia in a small boat
in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable sailing
journeys of all time and returning 132 days later to
rescue his men. We spend several days cruising among
the South Shetlands, an archipelago of around 20 islands,
and the bays and channels of the Peninsula. You enjoy
frequent shore excursions by inflatable Zodiac boat,
exploring perhaps King George, Half Moon, Aicho or Livingston
islands. You experience superb encounters with Adelie,
chinstrap and gentoo penguins, and several species of
seal, as well as enjoying stunning scenery. Weather
permitting, you may enter the flooded caldera of Deception
Island to explore the abandoned whaling station or perhaps
enjoy a spectacular walk to some of the higher points
of the crater rim. At Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay on
the Antarctic mainland, you will witness some of the
most dramatic scenery the Antarctic has to offer. If
the weather is kind you’ll have the chance to
set foot on the Antarctic continent.
Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Days 18 - 19: Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula you head back across
the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The
crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 20: Ushuaia
In the early morning you arrive back in Ushuaia where
the cruise ends. You are transferred to your hotel or
to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19
NOV 2007 |
7800 |
9450 |
10050 |
11500 |
12350 |
13100 |
13850 |
22
NOV 2007 |
7800 |
9450 |
10050 |
11500 |
12350 |
13100 |
13850 |
| Kayaking
Option |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
Availability Key
|
Available
|
Limited
|
Waitlist
|
|
* All prices in USD. |
Antarctica, Falkland
Islands & South Georgia - 19 NOV 07, 22 NOV 07 * The best trip of
the season, bar none!
* Everything in the Falklands is in full breeding plumage.
* West Point Island & Carcass has everything! All
the birds including the rarest bird of prey in the world
- the Striated Caracara, which are very abundant. We
will see rockhopper, magellanic & gentoo penguins,
blackbrowed albatross and endemics in the Falklands
- all on the nest!
* The Falkland Island flowers and fields of Gorse are
in full flower.
* The best time to be in South Georgia.
* We plan on visiting the 2 largest King penguin colonies
in South Georgia.
* Although we are at the tail-end of the Elephant seal
breeding period, there is still some breeding/copulation/fighting
going on. There are few sights like seeing a 4 ton male
elephant seal copulating with a female that is a sixth
of its size. Seeing 2 males fight each other is a magical
experience.
* Long days mean there is a better chance of doing the
last part of the Shackleton walk from Fortuna Bay to
Stromness.
* There will be hundreds of thousands of fur seals crowding
almost every beach we visit. The big males are fighting
for territories and the females are starting to give
birth - look for the skuas fighting over the after-birth.
Onboard the Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov
This voyage is our most complete and varied Antarctic
adventure. It promises an in-depth and unforgettable
experience to the bottom of the world travelling to
the extraordinary Falkland Islands and diverse sub-Antarctic
islands before sailing further south to the remarkable
Antarctic Peninsula area.
Our first stop is the Falkland Islands in the South
Atlantic Ocean. This far-flung group of islands lies
north of the Antarctic Convergence and enjoys a relatively
warmer climate than our other destinations. As a result,
the mainly uninhabited Falklands support unique wildlife
not found further south, including sixty species of
migratory birds as well as the rare rockhopper penguin.
Our journey continues southeast, crossing the Antarctic
Convergence to the remote and hauntingly beautiful
island of South Georgia. Here amongst the soaring
snow-clad mountains and massive glaciers, we’ll
find huge king penguin rookeries, thousands of sub-Antarctic
fur seals, the comical macaroni penguin, as well as
spectacular wilderness that is perhaps, unequalled
on earth. We’ll also discover a remarkable history
here that reminds us of some of the world’s
most legendary explorers from Captain James Cook to
Sir Ernest Shackleton.
We then set course to the off-shore islands of the
Antarctic Peninsula, hoping to land at the remote
and often mist-shrouded South Orkney Islands. Then
we continue on to the South Shetland archipelago,
stopping at various islands whose waters are often
inhabited with feeding humpback whales.
On approaching the mainland, the splendours of Antarctic
nature will be on display. Thousands of differently
shaped icebergs dot the sea, penguins are seen porpoising
through the waters and various seals, including the
predatory leopard seal, use the ice flows as a resting
place. The Antarctic Peninsula itself boasts a profusion
of wildlife including five species of seal, massive
penguin rookeries with gentoos, Adelies and chinstraps
as well as a variety of whale species and seabirds
including albatross, petrels, shearwaters and skuas.
Extraordinary and inhospitable scenery greets us
on land. A sweeping ice sheet rises above the shore
line, binding together an entire continent, close
in size to Africa. One can only marvel at the resolve
of the early explorers in their quest to conquer Antarctica.
Note:
Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes
to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
You board the Peregrine Mariner in the afternoon at
Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of South
America, and sail through the Beagle Channel in the
early evening. The long days mean plenty of evening
light in which to experience the beauty of the channel,
and to perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.
Meals included: 1 dinner
Day 2: At Sea
We sail in a north-easterly direction, enjoying a series
of presentations that prepare you for the coming adventure.
On deck the first sightings of albatross and petrels
add to the sense of excitement.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 3 - 4: Falkland Islands
Reaching the Falklands overnight, you then explore the
islands of the West Falkland Archipelago on your first
shore excursions, perhaps including West Point, Carcass
or Saunders Islands, both rich in marine wildlife and
bird life. The breathtaking cliffs at West Point are
home to busy rookeries of rockhopper penguins and magnificent
black-browed albatross. Magellanic penguins nest in
the tall tussock grass on privately owned Carcass Island,
where you may see a variety of land birds. While here
you may also observe oyster catchers, geese and the
endemic steamer duck along the rocky shores. The next
day you visit Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands,
with its brightly painted houses and renowned philatelic
bureau and excellent museum. Stanley Harbour exudes
an aura of history from the 19th century – especially
maritime history - when it was a major port for sailing
vessels attempting to round the Horn, or seeking refuge
after completing such a journey.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 5 - 6: At Sea
Leaving the Falklands, our journey continues
southeast heading for the island of South Georgia. We’ll
have a chance to learn about Antarctic conservation
as well as the fascinating history of the area as our
onboard presentations continue. Of course, there’ll
be ample time to scan the seascape from the top deck
in search of marine mammals and seabirds. We’ll
cross the Antarctic Convergence on this leg of our journey
and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 7 - 10: South Georgia
We arrive in South Georgia, the most rugged and mountainous
of the many islands in the Southern Ocean. The towering,
snow-covered mountains and glaciers are truly magnificent
to behold. We’ll cruise the more protected eastern
coast of the island, seeking out suitable landing spots
as variable ice and weather conditions permit.We’ll
hope to get ashore at Salisbury Plain where colourful
king penguins crowd the beaches in numbers that are
simply astonishing. Hundreds of thousands of adult birds
and their young literally carpet the vast area. Another
75,000 pairs of king penguins nest at St Andrews Bay.
Everywhere, albatross, skuas and giant petrels wheel
overhead and fur seals are found in good numbers along
the shore or frolicking in the water.At Grytviken, we’ll
visit an old whaling station as well as the grave of
Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the greatest Antarctic
explorers of all time.
Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Days 11 - 12: Sea and South Orkneys
Crossing the Scotia Sea to the southwest, we’ll
head for Antarctica. Along the way, if time and conditions
allow, we’ll make a stop at the South Orkney Islands
linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by a massive range
of sub-marine mountains. This area is usually surrounded
by sea ice and often guarded by large icebergs.We’ll
attempt a landing at Coronation Island, known for its
extensive moss beds, nesting penguins and beautiful
snow petrels. We may also visit the Argentinean meteorological
station located on the seldom-visited island of Laurie.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 13 - 16: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic
Mainland
En route to the South Shetland Islands, we may be able
to land at Elephant Island. It was from here that Sir
Ernest Shackleton set out on a small boat for South
Georgia in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable
sailing journeys of all time and returning 132 days
later to rescue his men.We’ll spend several days
cruising among the South Shetlands, an archipelago of
bays, channels and some 20 islands off the Antarctic
Peninsula. We’ll enjoy frequent shore excursions
via zodiac boat, exploring various islands such as King
George, Half Moon, Aicho or Livingston. Here on these
beautiful islands, we’ll enjoy superb wildlife
encounters with Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins,
as well as several species of seal.Weather permitting,
we’ll enter the flooded caldera of Deception Island
and enjoy a spectacular walk to the higher points of
the crater rim, or we may explore an abandoned whaling
station nearby.Finally, we’ll arrive at the Antarctic
mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. Here we’ll
witness some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet.
We’ll hope for temperate weather so we can undertake
a shore excursion and set foot on the Antarctic continent.
Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Days 17 - 18: Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, we’ll
head back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake
Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding
of Cape Horn. Our final evening onboard is spent at
a special Captain’s dinner where we’ll celebrate
our extraordinary Antarctic adventures together.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 19: Ushuaia
In the early morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia
where the cruise ends. You’re transferred to your
hotel or to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
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09
JAN 2008 |
10850 |
11950 |
12950 |
14850 |
15750 |
16750 |
17850 |
06
FEB 2008 |
10850 |
11950 |
12950 |
14850 |
15750 |
16750 |
17850 |
| Kayaking
Option |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
Availability Key
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Available
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Limited
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Waitlist
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* All prices in USD. |
Onboard the Ioffe
The ice factory that is the Weddell Sea has become synonymous
with the torturous northerly drift of Shackleton’s
Endurance expedition. Images of massed pack ice and
human hardship add to the legendary status of this inaccessible
sea. This is a true exploratory voyage, heading into
rarely-visited regions, our course determined by the
weather and ice.
We’ll make landfall at the South Shetland Islands
at the northern tip of the peninsula, before testing
the limits of the sea ice as we push south into the
Weddell Sea. Along the way, we’ll celebrate
a true ‘white’ Christmas – but with
a little more luxury than Shackleton experienced!
We aim to visit Snow Hill Island, base for the Heroic
Age Nordenskjold expedition, and Seymour Island, where
scientists are still finding fossils of giant penguins.
We’ll head south among the islands of the western
shore of the Weddell Sea, in search of an emperor
penguin colony, as we virtually back-track along the
route the Endurance drifted.
Heading north, we hope to visit Paulet Island, site
of one of the Peninsula’s largest penguin rookeries,
and we’ll attempt the notoriously difficult
landing on Elephant Island, home for many months to
the Endurance sailors.
Note:
Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes
to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
We board our Peregrine expedition vessel in Ushuaia,
on Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America.
In the early evening we set sail, charting a course
through the Beagle Channel bound for Antarctica.
Meals included: 1 dinner
Days 2 - 3: Drake Passage
We make our way across the Drake Passage in the company
of our team of naturalists who’ll be on a constant
lookout for whales and seabirds from the ship’s
deck. We can also spend time partaking in the onboard
education program. Seminars on wildlife, polar ice and
Antarctic history will prepare us for the extraordinary
adventures to come on the 'White Continent'.The excitement
intensifies as we cross the Antarctic Convergence, where
the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer
waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We’ll
feel a distinct change as the air gets cooler, and notice
increasing numbers of huge icebergs looming on the horizon.
Wandering albatrosses, petrels and other birds which
thrive in this cold, remote ocean are sighted regularly,
not to mention whales which we’ll hope to see.
On Day 3, we’ll likely have our first glimpse
of Antarctica late in the day as we approach the South
Shetland Islands.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 4: South Shetland Islands
Today we enjoy an unforgettable Christmas spent
in Antarctica. We’ll cruise among the volcanic
South Shetland Islands and travel ashore via zodiac
boats. Depending on conditions, our first landing on
Deception Island promises an abundance of wildlife and
natural wonders.In addition to seeing the island’s
large chinstrap penguin colony, we’ll hope to
visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception, a recently
active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands
in the world. Steam rises in places from the black sand
beaches along its shores. The very intrepid may wish
to take a dip here where the icy Antarctic waters mix
with the steaming, thermal waters of the bay.We’ll
plan on making another shore excursion, if weather conditions
permit, at beautiful Half Moon Island. This little crescent-shaped
island offers spectacular vistas and a wealth of wildlife
sightings, including a breeding colony of chinstrap
penguins that share their territory with fur seals and
blue-eyed shags.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 5: Antarctica
Today we plan on visiting Esperanza Base, Argentina’s
established scientific research station. One of the
uncommon species in Antarctica is the human being, and
we may see some at work during a tour of the base. There’s
also a large Adelie penguin colony in the area, and
by this time of the year, many will be tending to chicks
born some weeks ago. The waters around Hope Bay are
filled with these penguins “porpoising”
to and from their feeding grounds, in a never-ending
quest to provide food for their young. It’s a
quest that comes with danger, as the occasional leopard
seal often lies in wait for a meal of its own.Travelling
through these waters of the Antarctic Sound, we’ll
be treated to some of the most dramatic scenery the
continent has to offer. Often referred to as “iceberg
alley”, these waters are packed with hundreds
of different shaped icebergs that have calved from glaciers.
Many have eroded into natural ice sculptures while others
known as ‘tabular’ bergs are the size of
city blocks with sheer sides and flat tops. Watching
these mammoth icebergs from our close vantage-point
is an extraordinary experience. The days are long, and
the short nights are often preceded by a wonderful twilight.
We’ll be tempted to spend time on deck marvelling
at the glory of the passing scenery.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 6 - 8: Weddell Sea, Antarctica
We’ll be operating in true expedition style as
we see how far the sea-ice will let us push into the
iceberg factory that is the Weddell Sea on the eastern
side of the peninsula – one of the lesser visited
parts of Antarctica. Snow Hill Island will hopefully
be one of our first ports of call. It was here that
adventurer Otto Nordenskjold and some of his party had
to endure two winters in 1902 and 1903 before a miraculous
rescue. Given good weather and ice conditions, there
is some terrific hiking on shore with some truly superb
views from the beach, and even better ones if you choose
to climb the hills above.We may visit Seymour Island
where scientists are still finding fossils from the
remains of the world’s largest penguins, discovered
here a century ago. Other islands that we may be able
to reach include Devil Island, Vega and Vortex. Back
in 1998 on Vega, a team of Argentinean and U.S. scientists
found fossils of a duck-billed dinosaur, as well as
the remains of Antarctica's most ancient bird and an
array of giant marine reptiles.If conditions allow,
over the next few days we’ll push further into
the Weddell Sea near the islands on its western shore.
We’ll hope to investigate an emperor penguin colony
known to live deep in the area and we’ll attempt
to get as close as possible. Eventually, if we can continue
even further south, we’ll basically be backtracking,
following the same route as Sir Ernest Shackleton who
drifted on the ice with his crew after his ship, the
Endurance sunk.We’ll make as many shore excursions
as possible, and spend time cruising amongst the astonishing
shapes and colours of the icebergs. At least once on
our journey, you’ll want to stay awake long enough
after dinner to watch the sun try to set, at about 11:35pm.
Watching the wonderful array of pastel colours lighting
up the sky, is a mesmerising, almost hypnotic, Antarctic
experience you won’t want to miss.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Day 9: Paulet Island
Today we turn back to the north and visit Paulet
Island, the site of one of the largest penguin colonies
in the Antarctic Peninsula. Amidst the crowds of Adelie
penguins and their chicks, one can discern the ruins
of a stone hut built by shipwrecked sailors of an earlier
age.If sea conditions are favourable, we’ll then
head towards Elephant Island for a memorable shore excursion.
This remote and rocky island was home to the heroic
Endurance sailors for many months while Shackleton went
to seek rescue.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 10 - 11: Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, we make the journey
back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake
Passage. We’ll make our way to Tierra del Fuego
once again and then complete the crossing when we round
Cape Horn. From there, we’ll be in the sheltered
waters on the eastern side of South America. We celebrate
the conclusion of our adventure and last evening together
on board, at the Captain’s Dinner as we make our
way down the Beagle Channel.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 12: Ushuaia
In the early morning we’ll arrive back in Ushuaia
where our voyage ends. You’ll be transferred to
your hotel, or to the airport for your return flight
home.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
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21
DEC 2007 |
6760 |
7600 |
7930 |
9090 |
9630 |
10120 |
10700 |
| Kayaking
Option |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
595 |
Availability Key
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Available
|
Limited
|
Waitlist
|
