Antarctic Quest
This 20-day Antarctic quest expedition is for people who are always on the move with the chance to camp and kayak in the South Pole.
We offer an average of three activities off the ship per day while in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
The on-board education program introduces you to the flora and fauna of each region. The optional camping and kayak adventures are available on selected departures and should be booked in advance – and some boats (see end of itinerary) can offer cross-country skiing and mountaineering courses.
Day 1 - Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Arrive Ushuaia, usually by air from Buenos Aires. The first night at a hotel is included.
Day 2 - Embarkation Day
You have the morning to explore Ushuaia on your own and prepare for your cruise. Ushuaia is home to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Here, the snow-capped peaks drop dramatically into the sea and we head off for a series of short walks through this coastal park.
There is also the Beagle Channel. The Beagle Channel forms part of the border between Argentina and Chile. In addition to the great scenery, you can take a short boat trip into the channel and see many species of marine mammals and birds before embarking.
Day 3 – at sea
Take advantage of a day at sea to become familiar with the ship and members of the Expedition Team. You can take brisk walks around the deck in the fresh sea air, or attend a series of presentations that will prepare you for the adventures to come.
Day 4 – Falkland Islands (Islas Maldivas)
Two highlights of your exploration of the archipelago will be the warm welcome you receive from the residents and the extraordinary diversity of wildlife.
The fleet of Zodiacs carried on the ship will zip you to remote locations for active exploration. If the conditions are right, kayakers may wet their hulls, exploring still bays where dolphins are at play.
Days 6-7 – at sea
As the ship draws nearer to Antarctica, a sharp drop in water and air temperature may indicate that you have crossed the Antarctic Convergence. This invisible circumpolar, undulating line separates Antarctica from the rest of the globe.
Days 8-11 – South Georgia
Renowned as a destination for birders, South Georgia is a breeding ground for many species, such as Wandering Albatross, Southern Giant Petrels, and five penguin species. You'll hike glaciated terrain to hilltops with magnificent views of King Penguin rookeries.
South Georgia has many connections to the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. Ernest Shackleton is buried in the churchyard at Grytviken. One of the glaciers that cover the island is named after Otto Nordenskjold, the leader of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition which called at the island in 1902-03. Our polar historian will bring the past to life ashore and aboard.
Days 12-13 – at sea
En route to the Peninsula we'll keep you busy identifying seabirds, listening to engaging presentations on everything from the Antarctic food web to the life cycle of the humpback whale.
Days 14-17 – Antarctic Peninsula
The Expedition Team takes advantage to the long hours of daylight that occur so near the Antarctic Circle to plan the daily activities. The plans are communicated every evening in the daily bulletin delivered to your cabin.
An exploration of the Peninsula may include visits to penguin rookeries, research stations and encounters with marine mammals and iceberg graveyards. Although each voyage is painstakingly planned, it is impossible to provide prior to departure a definitive summary of the journey you will actually experience. The Expedition Leader in cooperation with the ship's Captain adjusts the route as the expedition unfolds to take advantage of the best weather and ice conditions. For this reason, no itinerary is the same.
There are a limited number of available optional adventures. We encourage you to reserve your camping or kayaking adventure when you book your cabin to avoid disappointment.
Days 18-19 – The Drake Passage
The notorious Drake Passage can be relatively calm, under the right weather conditions. Have seasickness medicine on hand just in case the Drake lives up to its reputation.
Day 20
After breakfast aboard the ship, we'll transfer you by bus to the passenger collection point at the end of the quay.
Camping and Kayaking
What is it like to camp in the Antarctic?
Past campers say that they spent most of the night outside their tents absorbing the silence. They reluctantly communicated in whispers, as they found speaking intrusive.
During the few hours of darkness that fall they are tempted to reach overhead, because the stars seem near enough to touch. Campers from the Northern Hemisphere find the constellations unfamiliar, adding to the other-worldliness of the experience.
All participants report that camping deepens their understanding of Antarctica in countless ways. Space is limited for this free optional activity.
What is it like to kayak in the Antarctic?
There is a lot to do within the first few moments of entering a kayak. Once you are settled and have a feel for the paddle in your hands, you will turn your attention to the surroundings. That is the moment, so our kayakers tell us, when you will truly understand that the experience of of paddling in Antarctica is like no other.
Crystal clear water supports the hull. Elemental sounds of water lapping and the drip of resting paddles are a counterpoint to the cry of penguins and the cracking of ancient ice. Dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape, for a short while you drift in awe. Kayaking costs GBP 365 / USD 695 extra per person.
FAQs
If I book this expedition, what additional major expenses will I incur?
All expeditions passengers are required to obtain and verify travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation. Please note that in many instances medical evacuation insurance can be obtained separately from trip cancellation coverage.
Transportation to and from the embarkation point is not included in the cost of the expedition.
Wearing the right clothes is essential. Mean coastal temperatures are seldom far below freezing. However sunny conditions may swiftly shift to storms with very cold winds and snow flurries. A complimentary parka is provided and we loan you a pair of boots for the duration of the expedition. Once you have booked, we will provide you with a complete list of what to pack.
What is the average age and nationalities of travellers on this expedition?
Adventure Ship travellers range in age from 20 to 80 - with the majority between 35 and 55. Most members of Adventure Ship expeditions are active, independent-minded travellers from around the world.
Must I understand English to participate?
Our voyages appeal to an international audience.
About 40% of the travellers who join these voyages come from countries where English is not the first language. English is the language used for all documents, communications, shipboard announcements and education program presentations.
While most of our travellers have a working knowledge of English, their level of proficiency with the language varies greatly.
Do I have to be fit to join one of these expeditions?
Adventure Ship expeditions are for active travellers. As many as three shore landings a day may be attempted in the Peninsula. Travellers must be able to make their way down a steep, narrow gangway, on the side of the ship to the Zodiac for shore landings.
Note: This expedition may not be appropriate for people with restricted mobility. None of the ships offer handicap facilities.
May my children accompany me on the expedition?
On this expedition we welcome children that are at least 12 years of age. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult willing to supervise them at all times. Note that the shipboard education programs are designed for adults.
About the boats
Akademik Ioffe
Capacity of 110 guests, optional camping and kayaking possible.
Scandinavian built for the Russian Academy of Science, this ship was designed to travel quietly, during hydro-acoustic research. The ship is exceptionally stable, yet maneuverable. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Ioffe has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots.
Akademik Shokalskiy
Capacity of 48 guests, optional camping and kayaking possible, as well as cross country skiing and mountaineering.
Akademik Shokalskiy was originally designed and built in Finland for polar and oceanographic research. The ship is small, nimble, and ice-strengthened, capable of reaching the nooks and crannies of Antarctica that many larger ships cannot. The vessel is equipped with Zodiacs. On selected departures, camping, kayaking, cross-country skiing and mountaineering adventure options are offered.
Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Capacity of 110 guests, no optional camping or kayaking possible.
Scandinavian built for the Russian Academy of Science, this ship was designed to travel quietly, during hydro-acoustic research. The ship is exceptionally stable, yet manoeuvrable. External stabilizers and a built-in trimming system provide exceptional stability. Akademik Sergey Vavilov has an ice-strengthened hull and a cruising speed in open water of 14.5 knots.
Ocean Nova
Capacity of 68 guests, optional camping or kayaking possible.
This ship delivers clean, crisp Scandinavian styling and a reputation as an excellent ship in the Antarctic. Built to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, Ocean Nova's ice-strengthened hull has enabled the ship to park in the ice of the Weddell Sea!
Rates include
Hotel accommodation, with continental breakfast, the night prior to embarkation
Shipboard accommodation from day of embarkation to disembarkation
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage
Zodiac transfers and sightseeing while aboard
Education program
Group transfer between hotel and vessel upon embarkation
Group transfer between vessel and airport following disembarkation
Rubber boots loan service
Complimentary parka on Akademik Shokalskiy and Ocean Nova
Photographic Journal on DVD
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
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