This trip combines the teeming wildlife of the sub-Antarctic islands with the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. We then cross the Scotland Sea to South Georgia, where snow and ice capped peaks line the skyline while lush tussock grass carpets the lower hills and abandoned whaling stations have been reclaimed by fur seals. Climbers will cross the island’s mountains in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps as paddlers enjoy close up encounters with majestic king penguins. As we journey deep into glacial bays, black-browed and wandering albatross, prions, terns and petrels soar overhead and elephant seals loll on beaches watched over by multitudes of macaroni and rock hopper penguins. Orcas and humpback whales feed in these waters and an endless array of picturesque icebergs are the backdrop for many paddling delights. We cap off this jewel of a trip with 3 days kayaking in the Antarctic Peninsula. Not to be missed! Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Embark Ushuaia Expeditioners will gather in Ushuaia, and have time to explore the bustling community that lays claim to being the world’s most southerly town. It sits beneath the spectacular mountains of Tierra del Fuego on the edge of the Beagle Channel. There are plenty of things to keep you occupied while waiting to board Polar Pioneer at 1600 (4 pm). You could take a trip to the Lapataia National Park by train or bus, or visit the small museum, which has informative displays about the original inhabitants and the current population of Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is a duty free port with a reputation for its Argentine chocolates, cheap alcohol and leather goods, and is a great place to buy souvenirs and presents. There are a host of excellent restaurants available whether for a quick coffee, or for an excellent meal of king crab or an Argentine barbecue. Our competent Russian crew will welcome us aboard Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we will settle into shipboard life and enjoy our first meal on board. Days 2: At sea, towards the Falkland Islands Cruising towards the Falklands we will commence our lecture program. During the voyage’s various sea passages, we will learn about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. We will be given guidelines for approaching the wildlife and talk about the implications of the Antarctic Treaty, as well as being briefed about using our Zodiacs for excursions from the ship. Our various destinations are a photographer’s paradise, for the professional and amateur alike. There will be discussions about how to protect your equipment from salt water and tips for taking good pictures. The sea kayakers will attend a briefing to distribute dry suits, porgies, life jackets, neoprene boots and dry bags The mood on board is definitely casual. A favorite pastime is to stand at the stern deck watching the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels, following in our wake, skillfully using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. Feeling transformed, we approach the Falklands, receptive and open. Day 3: Landing on the Falkland Islands Early this morning we should pass Beauchene Island which has a huge colony of nesting blackbrowed albatross. No landing is permitted here, but just passing close to this wild and remote island lashed by giant waves, the air filled with swooping diving birds, provides a sense of the power of nature. Weather permitting, we would like to visit one of the outer Falkland islands, New Island, half of which is owned by naturalist Ian Strange who is dedicated to the study and preservation of the wildlife. As we approach the islands, the kayaks will be brought out of the hold and rudders adjusted for our paddling pairs. We would like to paddle to shore, weather permitting. A short walk across the grassy slope behind Ian’s farmhouse brings us to a large rock-hopper penguin colony, balanced on the edge of spectacular cliffs that drop steeply to the crashing surf. Between the penguins' nests are gentle black-browed albatross sitting serenely upon beautifully moulded mud nests. The air is filled with soaring albatross, turkey vultures, skuas and many species of sea birds. We will also visit a small colony of Magellanic penguins whose burrows can be seen amongst the tussock grass. If we have time, we may also visit West Point Island where we will enjoy the hospitality of the family that owns and farms this island. We may walk or be ferried by jeep to another rock-hopper penguin rookery and black-browed albatross colony. Day 4: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands If time allows, we will visit Port Stanley, the capital of the Falklands. We can paddle to shore or out through the heads, visit the museum, go shopping, post letters or simply enjoy a beer at the Globe Hotel. We will leave the Falklands about lunchtime to head for South Georgia. Days 5-6: At sea bound for South Georgia Our lecture program will resume and we can share our experiences of the Falkland Islands. Between the Falklands and South Georgia you will be entranced by the ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow our wake. You may decide to join the whale watchers on the bridge, or just relax and read a favorite book. If time and weather conditions permit we could pass close to Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of jagged rocky islets protruding from the sea. Blue-eyed cormorants fill the air and the precarious nesting sites are white with guano. We should approach South Georgia some time during the evening on the sixth day. South Georgia is a tiny speck in the South Atlantic Ocean, located in one of the most desolate parts of our planet. A 3000 meters mountain range traces the spine of this long, narrow island. Between the mountains, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline. Days 7-10: South Georgia To us, South Georgia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Though geographically speaking the island lies in the sub-Antarctic area, as do the islands of Macquarie and Heard, it has a climate more in keeping with the true Antarctic regions. This is because South Georgia lies wholly within the Antarctic Convergence. We have four days exploring the network of harbors along the northern side of this wonderful island. We combine the fascination of local history with wildlife havens by visiting the old whaling station at Grytviken. Nearby are enormous penguin rookeries in St Andrew Bay, Royal Bay, Gold Harbor and Salisbury Plain, to name just a few. This is expedition kayaking and our paddle options will be adjusted daily to suit the weather and sea conditions. We will have time to both paddle and wander on shore to best experience this wonderful place. Day 11: At the Sea Leaving South Georgia we head across the Scotia Sea in a southwesterly direction towards the South Orkneys, a stunning group of remote and isolated islands. Day 12: South Orkney Islands The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of the sight of your first iceberg will remain with you forever. Today we hope to make landings and kayak on and around the South Orkney Islands. We may visit beautiful Shingle Cove on Coronation Island where we have our first view of Adelie penguins. Or we may visit the Argentinian station of Orcardas, where the remains of the 1904 Bruce Expedition hut can still be seen. Day 13: At the Sea / Elephant Island Today we set course for the Antarctic Peninsula. Our recaps and lectures will resume and there will be time to gather strength for the busy days ahead. We will attempt firstly to land on historic Elephant Island at the outer limit of the South Shetlands. A host of choices is now open to us and, depending on the ice and weather conditions, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. Our experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use this expertise to design our voyage from day to day. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather and ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. If the weather is kind we will aim for Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetlands. Days 14-16: Antarctic Peninsula Once we arrive in the calmer waters of Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, we hope to go kayaking twice a day, spending as much time on the water as possible. We can get ashore by kayak or use Zodiacs. Sometimes we will cruise along spectacular ice cliffs or encounter whales. In these situations we will appreciate the distinct advantage of being on a small vessel, which gives everyone the opportunity to experience these very special close encounters with wildlife. Our Australian or New Zealander chefs will prepare delicious meals that, accompanied by good conversation, will become a focal point of our shipboard life. For our paddling excursions we will choose between sheltered bays such as Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy and the Lemaire Channel. We would normally leave on a kayaking excursion immediately after breakfast or sometimes after lunch, returning to the ship for dinner. Most paddles range from two and a half to four hours. We endeavor to have at least one extended paddle where we will be away from the ship for most of the day and generally meet the ship at a different location. Days 17, 18: Drake Passage Time to head back to Tierra del Fuego, with lectures and videos to complete our Antarctic education. This is a time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and felt, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life. As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather conditions permitting. Day 19: Beagle Channel During the early morning we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia about 7 am. As soon as customs have cleared the ship we will be free to disembark. It’s a busy time, with people saying farewell to our crew and to fellow passengers who have shared the intensity of exploring this magnificent white wilderness. We head off in our different directions, hopefully with a new found sense of the immense power of nature. Notes: Price Includes: 
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