Climbing & Kayakers - 12 days
Join us on a special 12 day expedition, ideal for those who wish to spend more time ashore, whether it be spent climbing, kayaking, walking or taking photographs. With a maximum of 56 passengers onboard, this small group adventure cruise offers greater flexibility to explore this incredible continent and the opportunity to camp overnight ashore, kayak through icy water or climb giant icebergs.
Day 1: Ushuaia
Arrive Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the world's most southerly city and board our Polar Pioneer expedition ship in the afternoon. We set sail down the Beagle Channel this evening, beneath the spectacular mountains of Tierra del Fuego. Overnight - Aboard ship (D)
Day 2: The Drake Passage
Overnight we enter 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. Overnight - Aboard ship (B, L, D)
Day 3: South Shetland Islands
We cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and may see our first icebergs. In the evening we approach the South Shetland Islands, a possible location for our first landing. Overnight - Aboard ship (B, L, D)
Days 4 - 9: Antarctic Peninsular
For six days we will explore the deep bays and fjords of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula in our extremely maneuverable ship. Using our Zodiacs, 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, the waters teem with whales, seals, fish and penguins.
If you're in search of further exhilaration, we offer sea kayaking and climbing on this expedition (at an additional cost). The Antarctic Peninsula offers energetic climbers hundreds of unclimbed peaks, we cater for all levels of expertise and plan to climb for two or three days during the expedition. For kayakers, paddling silently among icebergs and beneath majestic mountain peaks is an exhilarating experience offering some fantastic opportunities for viewing wildlife. Once we've arrived in calmer waters we plan to kayak two times a day. We intend to use the ship as a floating base camp, so that climbers, photographers and kayakers can spend more time at each location, for instance to make ascents of peaks or to concentrate on getting the right photographic light. Our emphasis is still on wildlife encounters and personal contact with the mountains, with the occasional visit to sites of historical interest or scientific stations. Our Zodiacs will be available for extended shore excursions for those who do not wish to climb or kayak. Overnight - Aboard ship (B:6, L:6, D:6)
If you're in search of further exhilaration, we offer sea kayaking and climbing on this expedition (at an additional cost). The Antarctic Peninsula offers energetic climbers hundreds of unclimbed peaks, we cater for all levels of expertise and plan to climb for two or three days during the expedition. For kayakers, paddling silently among icebergs and beneath majestic mountain peaks is an exhilarating experience offering some fantastic opportunities for viewing wildlife. Once we've arrived in calmer waters we plan to kayak two times a day. We intend to use the ship as a floating base camp, so that climbers, photographers and kayakers can spend more time at each location, for instance to make ascents of peaks or to concentrate on getting the right photographic light. Our emphasis is still on wildlife encounters and personal contact with the mountains, with the occasional visit to sites of historical interest or scientific stations. Our Zodiacs will be available for extended shore excursions for those who do not wish to climb or kayak. Overnight - Aboard ship (B:6, L:6, D:6)
Days 10 - 11: the Drake Passage
Bidding farewell to Antarctica we cruise out beyond the South Shetland Islands, heading north into the Drake Passage. We continue our Antarctic education with lectures and videos. On our last day at sea enjoy further lectures and a final opportunity in soak up the world of wheeling seabirds in the Southern Ocean. If the weather permits, we will cruise past Cape Horn before enjoying a farewell dinner. All meals and overnight aboard.
Overnight - Aboard ship (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 12: Ushuaia
Today we travel up the Beagle Channel in the early morning to disembark in Ushuaia where we farewell new-found friends. Arrival into Ushuaia port marks the end of our momentous Antarctic adventure!
(B)
Optional Activities
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Camping
Experience the Antarctic like a real explorer, with an incredible night camping ashore. Offered free of charge on all Antarctic Peninsular Adventure departures.
Kayaking Kayak against a spectacular backdrop of polar mountains, icebergs and glaciers and view wildlife up close! Available on all Antarctic Peninsular Adventure departures - surcharge applies. Climbing Ice climb on grounded icebergs and conquer unclimbed peaks. Available on two of the Antarctic Peninsular Adventure departures - surcharge applies. |
Tour Details
- Starts in: Ushuaia / Ends in: Ushuaia
- Departs: 07 Dec 2009
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:11, Lunch: 10, Dinner: 11
- Hotel Rating: Polar Pioneer Ship - Max. Group Size - 56
- Tour Guide: Yes
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