Departures:
11/26/2012
Ship(s):
Polar Pioneer
Trip Highlights:
This voyage is well-suited for active travelers who want to explore the Peninsula on a small-group expedition with camping, climbing, kayaking, and photography options.
Save 20% per person (up to $2,182 off).
Summary: Home to the second longest mountain chain on the frozen continent, the Antarctic Peninsula offers energetic expeditioners ascents of hundreds of unclimbed peaks rising several thousand meters and paddling on protected waterways. This voyage caters to all levels of expertise. Climbers can expect to make at least two one-day alpine ascents and have a go at iceberg-climbing when possible. For kayakers, a more leisurely pace provides time for longer excursions, either to paddle farther or spend more time among the icebergs.
Board your ship, the Polar Pioneer, in the afternoon. You'll set sail along the Beagle Channel this evening.
Day 2: At Sea
Overnight, weather permitting, you will have traveled into the Drake Passage. During the day you will begin last-minute preparation for your time onshore in Antarctica.
Day 3: At Sea - Antarctic Convergence
Today you cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and may see your first icebergs. In the evening, you approach the South Shetland Islands, weather permitting, a possible location for your first landing.
Days 4 - 8: Antarctic Peninsula
During these days you plan to explore the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait and Lemaire Channel area. You will use your Zodiacs to transport climbers ashore, to view the abundant wildlife, and to visit scientific stations. Weather permitting, you plan to make a minimum of two single-day climbs and (for those interested) to camp ashore for one night.
Day 9: Drake Passage
From Anvers and Brabant islands, you head north into the Drake Passage.
Day 10: At Sea
Your last day of lectures, and the final opportunity to enjoy the seabirds of the Southern Ocean. Weather permitting, you hope to cruise past Cape Horn before a farewell dinner provides a fitting finale.
Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina
You travel up the Beagle Channel to disembark in Ushuaia. You say farewell to new found friends as you follow your seperate paths. For those staying in Ushuaia the rest of the day can be spent at leisure in "The Town At The End Of The World." For those wishing to experience the delights of Tiera Del Fuego, it should be possible to make a brief sortie to the mountains behind Ushuaia.
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The policy provider, policy number and emergency contact phone number must be provided prior to departure date. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends that the travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this
Kayaking Option: $975 per person (11/26/2012). Pre-booked option.
Traveling in these sturdy, easy-handling, reliable kayaks is an exciting, low impact way to explore the stunning bays and wildlife breeding grounds along the Peninsula. If you wish to take this option, please advise us when you make your booking as numbers are limited. Please note, some sea kayaking experience is necessary.
Climbing Option: $350 per person (11/26/2012). Pre-booked option.
This voyage caters to all levels of expertise. Plan to make at least two one-day alpine ascents and have a go at ice-climbing when possible. Grounded icebergs provide unique challenges never to be repeated.
Photography Option: $250 per person (11/26/2012). Pre-booked option. Antarctica is a photographers dream. Weather it be sitting quietly in the middle of a penguin rookery, visiting quaint historic sites or enjoying the thrill of whale and leopard seal encounters amongst the icebergs, there are an overwhelming number of opportunities to snap to your heart’s content. Catering to both amateurs and the more serious photographer, your onboard professional will pass on tips to get the most out of your equipment and the unique Antarctic conditions.
Camping Option: (11/26/2012) One night, no extra cost (subject to weather and itinerary). Pre-booked option.
Camping in Antarctica is a fantastic way to experience - albeit it in a more comfortable and civilized fashion - the feelings of the early Antarctic explorers. Sleeping bags, mats and tents provided, however, if you have your own camping gear you may like to bring it with you.
Diving and Snorkeling Option: All Departures
Diving and snorkeling can be offered on Polar Pioneer voyages with a minimum of 8 participants. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for details.
Included:
Cabin accommodation on the ship; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; camping; lectures and guide services; medical service of the resident medical officer onboard; boots (for loan onboard); port taxes and service charges; pre-departure information and briefing; fuel surcharge (11/26/2012 departure).
Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; optional sea kayaking, photography, and climbing activities; laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges and phone calls; gratuity to the ship's crew is at your discretion; visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.