The Antarctic Peninsula is home to the continent's greatest variety and concentration of wildlife. Its nutrient-rich waters provide plenty of food for fish, penguins, seals and whales. On this voyage we have the best of both worlds - we sample the diversity of wildlife encountered only on the Peninsula, yet travel far enough south to cross the Antarctic Circle. By the end of the voyage, when the ship heads back north, you will have gained a rare understanding of Antarctica's wildlife, the frozen continents extreme natural beauty and these southerly latitudes.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia
Board the ship Polar Pioneer in the afternoon, then sail down the Beagle Channel in the evening.
Day 2: Drake Passage
Overnight, weather permitting, we will have travelled into Drake Passage. Today there is time for lectures, safety briefings and 'ocean-gazing' from the bridge or outer decks.
Day 3: Antarctic Convergence
Today we should cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and may see our first icebergs. In the evening we approach the Brabant and Anvers Islands area.
Days 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle
For six days we plan to explore the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula as far south as the Antarctic Circle, where the waters abound with whales at this time of the season. If ice conditions are favourable, we hope to enter the magical Crystal Sound and navigate a passage into Marguerite Bay through a very narrow channel called The Gullet.
Day 10: Drake Passage
Head north into the Drake Passage, past the last of the icebergs.
Day 11: At Sea
This is our last day of lectures and the final opportunity to enjoy the Southern Ocean's rich seabird life. A cruise past Cape Horn (weather permitting, of course) and a farewell dinner provide a fitting finale.
Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia
Travel up the Beagle Channel to disembark in Ushuaia, then transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in the 'town at the end of the world.' You may like to visit the nearby Lapataia National Park or walk in the mountains behind the town.
Departure Dates: Feb 5, 2008; Feb 16, 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
Boating and Sailing
Glacier Tours
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