Antarctica Expedition Cruise

For the early travelers, an expedition to the Antarctic was fraught with the unknown. Today this is seldom a factor as expedition cruise ships are well equipped to deal with the challenging environment. However, for many the idea of adventure is still the strongest appeal. This expedition is specifically designed to take a more exploratory approach to the program with the plan to perhaps make a first ever landing and to delve deep south to the rarely traveled areas. Of course, the program will also still include visits to some of the more popular sites on this lengthened and enhanced program.

Itinerary

Arrive in Argentina and embark the ship in the afternoon.

the Beagle Channel behind, the ship heads south into the Drake Passage crossing the Antarctic Convergence where the warmer Atlantic waters meet the cold Southern Ocean. Time onboard is well spent preparing for the days ahead with lectures and other presentations.

) For three days, explore the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula with continental and island landings as well as Zodiac cruising. During this time in this untouched wilderness expect to see Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap penguins, possibly Fur, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals, as well as Minke, Humpback and other whale species. Visits are planned to sites such as Petermann Island, Port Lockroy, Paradise Bay, Pleneau Island, Neumeyer Channel, Lemaire Channel and Neko Harbour.

Landings are planned at Deception Island and Half Moon Island. Here rookeries are inhabited by Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. The landscape is volcanic, its appearance a dramatic combination of steaming black lava sands and vast expanses of permanent ice.

Heading back to Ushuaia, take time while at sea to review recent experiences and learn more during informative lectures.

Arrive in Argentina and disembark after breakfast.

Notes