On your second day at sea, during the crossing of the Drake Passage, you pass your first icebergs, wildly carved by the wind and water, and observe wandering albatross and other seabirds skimming the swell, while whales breach the surface. Then, among the South Shetland Islands, and on the continent itself, you visit penguin rookeries and seal colonies, inspired by the fascinating wildlife and the beauty of the Antarctic scenery. This voyage is a great way to enjoy the incredible Antarctic experience.
3 departures annually, during Dec
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Board the 'Peregrine Endeavour' in Ushuaia, on Tierra del Fuego. Evening welcome cocktail party. 2 Cross the Drake Passage, enjoy whale spotting and identifying seabirds. Program of lectures covering wildlife, the ice and polar history. Cross the Antarctic Convergence where cold waters of the Antarctic meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. 3 - 6 Shore excursion in the South Shetland Islands, using inflatable 'Zodiac' boats. Admiralty Bay on King George Island is a favorite feeding ground for humpback whales. Nearby see 80,000 Adelie penguins. Half Moon Island breeding colony of Chinstrap penguins, fur seals and Blue-eyed shags. Livingston Island, observe Weddell seals, Elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels, terns and rookeries of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins. Visit flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. Steam rises from black sand beaches. Travel south to Paradise or Hope Bay to see dramatic scenery; Growler icebergs, which calve from glaciers erode into natural ice sculptures, while sheer sided flat-topped tabular bergs break from thick ice shelves are numbing in scale. 7 - 8 Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, head back across the Antarctic Convergence and Drake Passage, continue with lectures and discussions. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn, South America's most southerly point. 9 Arrive back at Ushuaia in the morning, where your cruise ends. Transfer to hotel or airport for flight back home.
Accommodation & Meals: Twin share accommodations aboard 'Peregrine Endeavor' FB (8 nts)
Mode of Travel: 52 passenger 'Peregrine Endeavor' research vessel, and 12-15 seat 'Zodiac' inflatable boat for shore excursions.
Comment: The 'Peregrine Endeavor' is a newly renovated, sophisticated Russian ice vessel ideally suited to expedition cruising. Faster, and with more room than other Antarctic vessels, she is not only highly maneuverable but her wide beam offers a greater degree of stability and comfort. Shore excursions are split into small groups of 10-15, designed to accommodate varying interests and levels of physical activity. Traveling with just 52 passengers also allows you to spend maximum time ashore. The aim is to enjoy two to three outings per day, depending on weather and ice conditions.
Group Size: Maximum 52 passengers, however groups of 12 to 15 on shore excursions.
Tour staff and support: Expedition leader and lecturer(s), captain, crew & hospitality staff on board.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price listed is per person, main cabin, based on twin share.Price varies from $3830 to $5540 according to standard of accommodation. Single cabin prices are 1.4 times the cost of twin share.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Argentina
Antarctica
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Glacier Tours
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