Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Categories Winter & Spring Cruises Small Ship Cruises Antarctica Cruises Adventure & Eco Travel Cruises

Please note that the itinerary is reversed on the January 3, 2015 departure.

Celebrate the summer solstice, Christmas and New Year on our first South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey, or summer in full bloom on the second. Our first voyage takes us to the Antarctic Peninsula, retraces Shackleton’s boat voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia, and finishes up in the Falkland Islands. Our second reverses this trip. Antarctica’s spectacular scenery and ice is matched by the sheer numbers of wildlife on South Georgia. Days remain long and filled with whales, penguins, leopard seals and historic sites.

Optional Kayaking

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh your soul. Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes in the north and south as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations.

Itinerary

Fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams. Enjoy a guided tour of the rustic port and beautiful surrounds. Embark Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon for introductory and safety briefings, then sail along the Beagle Channel.

Drake Passage offers excellent birdwatching from the outer decks or the warm bridge. Expedition team presents Zodiac and environmental briefings, and enlightening talks on Antarctica. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, penguins, seals and cormorants as we approach our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.

Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where we plan to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.

Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men wintered beneath their upturned boats. With luck we will go ashore to pay tribute to these hardy souls.

Following in Shackleton’s wake, we cross the Scotia Sea, possibly detouring to visit the remote South Orkney Islands if ice conditions allow.

We have ample time to explore South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, including the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbors, 3000-metre peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and penguins.

Keeping watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, we cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by our expert naturalist and historian.

Dawn greets us in the Falkland Islands capital, Stanley; where we bid farewell to Polar Pioneer. You have the option of either spending more time exploring the Falkland Islands or continuing on to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile.

Notes