The western coast of the Antarctica Peninsula is etched with fjords; dozens of islands lie offshore. The result is a glorious maze of sheltered channels and inlets, where modern scientific stations and reminders of early explorers and the whaling industry are scattered among penguin rookeries and seal colonies. We begin our travels from the Argentine port of Ushuaia, on the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego. The journey provides time to learn about the frozen continent and its wildlife through a series of special lectures by Antarctic experts. The small group size makes it easier to truly appreciate the treasures of Antarctica, and Zodiacs allow us to cruise among icebergs and whales - and make easy landings at sheltered sites. A highlight of our voyages to the Peninsula is spending an optional night camping. After a hearty dinner on the ship, we pitch our tents ashore - or you can choose to sleep in the open to maximize this unforgettable Antarctic experience!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Board the vessel, Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sail down the Beagle Channel in the evening.
Day 2: Drake Passage
During the evening we enter the powerful Drake Passage. Lectures on the continent's natural history and briefings about landing in Antarctica are scheduled through the day, allowing plenty of time to watch graceful albatrosses and other seabirds from the outer decks.
Day 3: Antarctic Convergence
Crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, we may spot our first icebergs. In the evening we approach the South Shetland Islands, a possible location for our first landing.
Days 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula
For six days we will explore the deep bays and fjords of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Zodiacs allow us to we make close contact with whales, penguins and seals in the vicinity of Deception Island, Gerlache Strait, Paradise Bay, Andvoord Bay and the Lemaire Channel. There is time to visit scientific stations and historic sites but our emphasis is on the natural wonders.
Day 10: Drake Passage
Cruising out beyond the South Shetland Islands, we head north into the Drake Passage.
Day 11: At Sea
Our last day of lectures and a final opportunity to excite in the rich seabird life of the Southern Ocean. If the weather permits, we will cruise past Cape Horn before enjoying a farewell dinner.
Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia
We travel up the Beagle Channel in the early morning to disembark in Ushuaia where we farewell new-found friends.
Departure Dates: Dec 7, 2007 (Ship: Polar Pioneer)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
-Kayaking Options: US$725 ($925 for Nov 9 departure)
-Diving Options: US$700
-Alpine Crossing Options: US$700
-Climbing Options: US$200
-Camping Option: There is no supplementary charge for this option. Participation will be confirmed at booking on a first come, first served basis.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Also see tour packages in:
Antarctica
Antarctica
Boating and Sailing
Glacier Tours
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