Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
We board our expedition vessel at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of South America. In the early evening, we set sail travelling through the Beagle Channel. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy our first wildlife sightings. (D)
Day 2: At Sea
As we sail to the northeast, we have the chance to enjoy a series of presentations that will prepare us for all our Antarctic adventures to come. On deck, the first sightings of albatross and petrels are likely to add to the sense of excitement. (B,L,D)
Days 3 - 4: Falkland Islands
We arrive in the Falklands overnight and make our first shore excursion in the morning. Depending on conditions, we’ll explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago including West Point, Carcass or Saunders Islands, all rich in wildlife. We’ll find an abundance of land and seabirds with many migratory species in residence, such as the wandering albatross and its smaller relative the black-browed albatross.
The breathtaking cliffs at West Point are home to busy rookeries of rockhopper penguins and Magellanic penguins nest in the tall tussock grass on privately owned Carcass Island, where we may see a variety of land birds. Here, we’ll also hope to observe oyster catchers, geese and the endemic steamer duck along the rocky shores.
The next day we’ll visit Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, with its brightly painted houses and renowned philatelic bureau and museum. We’ll learn about the historic importance of the harbour in Stanley that served as a major port during the 19th century for sailing vessels attempting to round the Horn, or seeking refuge after completing the formidable journey. (2 X B,L,D)
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. (2 X B,L,D)
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. (4 X B,L,D)
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. (2 X B,L,D)
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. (4 X B,L,D)
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. (2 X B,L,D)
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. (B)
Itinerary
Please note that due to the exploratory nature of this expedition, weather, ice, wildlife or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to provide regular shore excursions, within the limits of safety and time constraints.
Budgeting
In addition to funds for on-board expenses, it is possible to purchase souvenirs such as books, t-shirts, stamps, windcheaters and caps at Stanley, Grytviken, and even at some of the research stations in the Antarctic Peninsula area. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in some locations but not all - $US cash may be required. British pounds will be needed if you wish to make a purchase on the Falkland Islands.
Clothes
Please read our Antarctic - Trip Information Guide booklet carefully. Though you don’t need to make expensive, specialist-clothing purchases for this trip, you will need clothes that adequately protect against cold, wet conditions. (Sea spray is common onboard zodiacs). It’s recommended that you have warm, waterproof clothing available for use upon arrival in Ushuaia to protect against inclement weather.
Onboard
The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world - at other times they are so smooth it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'! Though our vessels, the Peregrine Mariner and the Peregrine Voyager are among the most stable ships in their class it is impossible to remove all motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.
Gratuities
We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. The amount can be paid by Visa or Mastercard if you wish.
Sea Kayaking
There are separate trip notes for the sea-kayaking option. Please note that this option must be booked prior to your departure from home: it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior experience is required.
Safety
Safety is paramount on the voyage. Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to come to the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group and representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. Onboard you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and zodiac operations.
Visas
Falkland Islands: Visitors from the EEC, USA, Australia, Canada, Cyprus, New Zealand or South Africa do not need Visas. Check with the relevant Embassy or Consulate in their country for up to date visa information.
South Georgia: Check with the relevant Embassy or Consulate in their country for up to date visa information.
Argentina: Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British, Canadians currently do not require a visa for Argentina. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.
Antarctica: No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure from Ushuaia or Port Stanley (as the case may be) and also again at the end of your voyage. (To facilitate matters, our ground operators in Ushuaia or Port Stanley will usually collect your passport prior to departure in order that all passengers’ passports may be kept together for the duration of the voyage. After completion of port formalities on the return to Ushuaia or Stanley on the final morning, they will be handed back to you prior to your disembarkation from the ship.)
For most departures, your ship departs for the Antarctic continent from the port of Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, at the southern tip of Argentina. At the time of printing, no visas for Argentina are required by holders of Australian, New Zealand, British, Canadian, U.S.A. or European passports. Passengers holding passports issued by other countries should carefully check the situation with their travel agent or Argentinean consular authorities.
If your flight to Ushuaia travels via Santiago, tourist visas are required for Chile for some nationalities.
For the trip scheduled to depart from Port Stanley (and those departures scheduled to visit the Falkland Islands), visitors from Britain, the Commonwealth, North America, Chile and the European Community do not need visas as at the time of printing.
Visitors should check their particular situation with their travel agent, Peregrine, the nearest British Consulate, or contact the Travel Co-ordinator at the Falkland Island Government Office in London (tel: 020 7222 2375).
Information about the islands
The South Shetland Islands
An archipelago of over 20 islands just north of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Deception Island
You sail into the heart of this flooded volcanic island, one of the most interesting destinations in Antarctica. You go ashore to explore an old whaling station, and can enjoy a dip in the hot springs at Pendulum Cove.
King George Island
Home to a sizable colony of Adelie and Gentoo penguins, and some Chinstraps, King George is a favorite feeding area for Humpback whales, which can often be observed during summer feeding on krill.
Livingston
This was once an important hunting ground for seal traders, who decimated the local seal population. Today the island is again rich in wildlife, including Weddell, Elephant and Leopard seals, plus rookeries of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins, petrels, terns and skuas.
Half Moon
This is a delightful spot, close to Livingston Island, with a sizable rookery of Chinstrap penguins as well as nesting terns, Kelp gulls, fur seals and Blue-eyed shags.
Antarctic Penninsula
Against a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains and ice-blue water, the Antarctic Peninsula has a rugged coastline of bays and channels which offer excellent opportunities for exploration.
Hope Bay
Situated in the most northerly point on the peninsula, Hope Bay boasts one of the largest penguin rookeries on the continent (mostly Gentoo penguins).
Paradise Bay
With breathtaking panoramic views across the bay, this is one of the most beautiful places on the peninsula, home to terns, petrels, cormorants, seals, penguins and whales.
Lemaire Channel
This glacier-lined fjord offers a unique spectacle and is undoubtedly one of Antarctica's most beautiful passages. Minke and Humpback whales can often be observed, following in the wake of the ship.
South Georgia
South Georgia rises some 3,000 metres above the Scotia Sea, and is undoubtedly the most dramatic of all the Sub-Antarctic islands. Salisbury Plain is home to a vast rookery of brightly coloured King penguins, and at Grytviken you witness the remnants of a once-prosperous whaling industry that nearly decimated whale populations.
Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands have a haunting beauty, and in the outer islands you observe Elephant seals, Southern sea lions and a host of seabirds including the Black Browed albatross. At Stanley, the smallest capital city in the world, you stroll past quaint homes with a distinctly Victorian character. History buffs will be fascinated by its museums and memorial sites.
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