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. Well-preserved remains of vast whaling factories sit quietly at the base of 3000 metre high mountains in Stromness, Leith and Grytviken Harbors. The nearby bays are home to literally hundreds of thousands of macaroni, rock hopper and king penguins.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia.
Board the Polar Pioneer in the afternoon and cruise down the Beagle Channel.
Day 2: At Sea.
At sea, sailing towards the Falkland Islands. We start our onboard lecture program.
Day 3: Falkland Islands.
Using the Zodiacs, we visit settlements and wildlife-rich islands on the southern side of the Falklands.
Day 4: Port Stanley, Falklands.
A brief stop in Port Stanley, capital of the Falklands, before cruising south-east towards South Georgia.
Days 5-6: At Sea.
Lectures alternate with time spent on the bridge and outer decks watching the Southern Ocean and the trailing albatrosses.
Days 7-10: South Georgia.
Enjoy four days exploring the network of harbors along the northern side of this wonderful island of South Georgia. 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 Harbour and Salibury Plain, to name just a few.
Day 11: En route to South Orkney Islands.
Cruising the Scotia Sea towards the South Orkney Islands. Hopefuly we will see our first icebergs!
Day 12: South Orkney Islands.
Among the mountainous South Orkney Islands.
Day 13: Elephant Island.
Attempt to land on wild and spectacular Elephant Island, where Shackleton's men wintered below an upturned rowboat.
Days 14-16: Antarctic Peninsula.
Cruise from the South Shetland Islands and through spectacular Gerlache Strait, passing the western flank of the Antarctic Peninsula. While cruising amongst the ice bergs we may attempt to enter Antarctic Sound and visit some of the magnificent penguin rookeries at the northern end of the Peninsula.
Days 17-18: Drake Passage.
Turn northwards into Drake Passage, re-entering the realm of the giant albatross. As Tierra del Fuego approaches, the air becomes warmer and we may smell the scent of green, grass-covered land.
Day 19: Disembark in Ushuaia.
During the morning we travel up the Beagle Channel to dock in Ushuaia, then transfer to the hotel or catch your flights homeward bound.
Departure Dates: Nov 9, 2007; Jan 7, 2008 (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
Falkland Islands
S. Georgia and S. Sandwich
Boating and Sailing
Glacier Tours
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