Departures:
01/26/2013
Ship(s):
Polar Pioneer
Trip Highlights:
Join an active exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands on an intimate Russian vessel with a sea kayaking option.
Summary: This spectacular journey combines the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands and the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. South Georgia is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. On the northeastern flanks of the island, the harbours that once sheltered large fleets of whaling ships are now home to a staggering variety and profusion of wildlife. In Stromness, Leith and Grytviken Harbours, the well-preserved remains of vast whaling factories sit quietly at the base of 3000-meter high mountains. The nearby bays are home to literally hundreds of thousands of king, macaroni and rock hopper penguins.
Today you board your flight in Santiago. On arrival to Port Stanley, you will be transferred to the group hotel.
Day 2: Port Stanley / Embarkation
Today you will be taken on a tour of Port Stanley. The Falklands capital, features an excellent war museum, welcoming shops and pubs. After your tour you will be transferred to the port in the late afternoon and board your ship, Polar Pioneer.
Day 3: Southern Falkland Islands
Today you aim to visit some of the southern, most isolated islands in the Falklands. Between the penguins' nests are gentle black-browed albatross sitting serenely upon beautifully molded mud nests. The air is filled with soaring albatross, turkey vultures, skuas and many species of sea birds.
Day 4: At Sea
Cruising towards South Georgia you will commence your lecture program. During the voyage’s various sea passages, you will learn about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 5 - 8: Exploring South Georgia
Your South Georgia landings are mostly along the northeast coast. You will see the world’s largest king penguin rookeries, wandering albatross on nests, beaches of elephant and fur seals, macaroni and rockhopper penguin colonies, walking Shackleton’s route from Fortuna Bay to Stromness, and you will visit the Grytviken’s whaling museum.
Day 9: At Sea
Sailing south, look out for great whales and possibly your first icebergs!
Days 10 - 11: South Orkney Islands
If pack ice allows, you go ashore in the dramatic South Orkney Islands, then across whale-rich waters to Elephant Island, hoping to take Zodiacs near Point Wild, where Shackleton’s men wintered over.
Days 12 - 14: South Shetlands / Exploring Antarctica
After visiting the South Shetlands, sail overnight down Gerlache Strait, awakening to the thrill of Antarctica! Weather and ice permitting, you’ll visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.
Days 15 - 16: Crossing the Drake Passage
North across Drake Passage, you’re treated to graceful displays by prions, petrels and majestic albatross. Once you’ve rounded Cape Horn, you recap your many experiences with shipboard friends.
Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembarkation
In the early hours you sail up the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia for disembarkation.
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.
Reverse Itinerary: 1/10/2013 (Ushuaia, Argentina to Port Stanley, Falklands)
Sea Kayaking Option: $1,250 per person (11/10/2012, 1/10/2013, 1/26/2013)
Traveling in these sturdy, easy-handling, reliable kayaks is an exciting, low impact way to explore the stunning bays and wildlife breeding grounds at South Georgia! 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.
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 accommodations on the ship; flight from Santiago, Chile to Port Stanley, Falklands (or Port Stanley to Santiago); transfer, accommodation and tour in Port Stanley; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; lectures and guide services; medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board); boots (for loan onboard); port taxes and port charges.
Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; visa, passport, and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; travel insurance; items of a personal nature; gratuities to the ship's crew are left to the discretion of the passenger.
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.