Departures:
12/06/2012
Ship(s):
Polar Pioneer
Trip Highlights:
Experience the highlights of Antarctica on a 54-passenger research ship with kayaking and photography options.
Save 20% per person (up to $2,244 off).
Summary: Soaring snow-capped peaks, sheltered waterways, sculpted icebergs glowing blue from within and a riot of wildlife characterize the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula. Explore the deep bays and fjords, where massive glaciers flank a rugged spine of snowy mountains. Scattered amongst penguin rookeries and basking seals, reminders of early explorers help bring history to life. Visit working scientific stations, which open the door to fascinating research. Make the most of time on this voyage with a Drake Passage crossing aboard the Polar Pioneer and return flight from King George Island.
Enjoy a hearty, late afternoon welcome from friendly staff and Russian crew. You have time to settle in to your cabin and explore the ship before an evening departure. Watch for dolphins and albatross during the sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 2: Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage crossing offers excellent birdwatching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition staff. Enjoy time to meet fellow travelers, chat, read, and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 3: South Shetland Islands
All eyes are peeled for your first iceberg and you feel the rush of adrenalin as you approach the South Shetland Islands and a possible landing.
Days 4 - 8: Exploring Antarctica
You make full use of daylight hours, taking every opportunity to explore the Peninsula’s wonders. Your expert guides will lead paddlers amongst the ice. Zodiac cruises, whale watching and a continental landing are on your wish list; flexibility is the key. You may visit scientific stations and historic sites, but your focus is close encounters with nature.
Day 9: King George Island / Disembark / Punta Arenas, Chile
Dawn greets you King George Island. Enjoy an early breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas.
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.
Sea Kayaking Option: $895 per person (12/6/2012). 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.
Photography: $250 per person (12/6/2012). 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.
Included:
Cabin accommodation on the ship; flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; lectures and guide services; medical service of the resident medical officer onboard; port taxes and service charges.
Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; sea kayaking option; photography option; items of a personal nature; travel insurance; and gratutity to the ship's crew is at your discretion.
Chile-Bound Flight: (Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas)
In case the return flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas experiences a delay, passengers on board the ship will continue cruising near King George Island, until the return flight to Punta Arenas can be arranged.
Aircraft for Antarctic flights:
The decision over which aircraft will be used for the Antarctica Fly and Cruise program is at the sole discretion of the tour operator. In case of unfavorable conditions or other circumstances beyond the tour operator’s control, either at the point of origin and/or at the destination, the tour operator reserves the right to fly different aircraft than the one described in the program information material.
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.