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11 Nights Antarctica Peninsula and Polar Circle
  • 11 Nights Antarctica Peninsula and Polar Circle

    $6,597.00Price

    On this 12-day inspiring cruise, we explore the Great White Continent's magnificent landscapes, glacial mountains and incredible wildlife before reaching 66°33′ – the Antarctic Circle.

     

    As our voyage begins, we pilots through the calm, gunmetal grey waters and sloping glaciers of Beagle Channel. Turning southward, our journey begins in earnest, and we enter Drake Passage. A body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Atlantic, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice! 

     

    In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. These nutrient rich waters lure a wealth of seabirds, albatrosses and several species of whales. Weather permitting, we catch our first sight of seals and penguins!

     

    With widen eyes, we will weave through the South Shetland Islands, a pearly necklace of glistering, ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes. Numerous Zodiac excursions are landfalls are likely. We are constantly on the lookout for whales, sea lions, elephant seals and an unbelievable amount of sea birds and penguins. 

     

    Continuing onward, we enjoy the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland during hikes and Zodiac excursions. Spread in isolation along the coast, we also see a number of manned and unmanned research stations, which we aim to visit before accomplishing our goal – crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south. Here, the sun is up for 24-hours a day during the austral summer. Our expedition may include visits to sites such as Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island.

     

    Dense pack ice forbids many ordinary vessel from reach this far south, but with the highest ice-class rating, Ocean Atlantic moves swiftly carrying us on an adventure for life. 

    Last Minute Specials:

     

    • 40% Off on Dec 15 2024 departure

     

     

    Please click "Prices and Departures" tab above for departure dates, cabin types and price details.

     

     

    Day 1: Arrival Ushuaia

    Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship, Ocean Atlantic. Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

     

    Day 2 - 3: Drake Passage

    Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Atlantic, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

     

    In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.

     

    Day 4: South Shetland Islands

    We will explore to the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain.

     

    Projected landfalls include: Elephant Island, home to elephant seals, sheer cliffs rising from the sea and snow-covered peaks; King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

     

    The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

     

    Day 5-9: Peninsula and Polar Circle

    As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. 

     

    Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas. Explore as far south as possible to Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island. Visit research stations and the Antarctic Circle, if ice conditions allow.

     

    The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings

     

    Day 10-11: At Sea

    Today, we depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.

     

    During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board and it provides the perfect opportunity to socialise with fellow travellers.

     

    Day 12. Ushuaia

    This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia where our tour ends. Transfer to airport.

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