Antarctica - The Polar Circle

Land Tour

15 days

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Antarctica - The Polar Circle
  • About
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  • Itinerary
  • Location

$AUD 1,360 per day

Departure: Ushuaia, Antarctica

Polar

Cruising south of the Antarctic Polar Circle is a bucket list item for many visitors to the Antarctic. On this comprehensive voyage aboard Sea Spirit we aim to combine our voyage to the Peninsula with a crossing of the fabled Antarctic Circle at 66°33'. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence into the Southern Ocean via the Drake Passage, we have ample time to explore the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of this remote continent. Our flexible itinerary includes planned visits to numerous landing spots around the South Shetland Islands, the beautiful Gerlache Strait area and we hope to sail through the Lemaire Channel before heading south to Crystal Sound. Practice your photography on dramatic frozen landscapes, spend a night camping on ice, kayak through the crystal waters, or just utilise the ship's fleet of zodiacs to explore the rich diversity of wildlife that flourishes along the shorelines. This journey has it all.
About
14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners
1 night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia on a triple or twin share basis (depending on ship berth configuration chosen)
Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on day 1 of itinerary
Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
Specialist expedition staff
All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board (charges may apply)
Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
Complimentary Polar Expedition Parka
Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
Pre-departure information
Digital Voyage Log
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport or hotel in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
Hightlights
Sail south and attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle
Narrow sheltered waterways and fjords
Spectacular mountains rising directly out of the sea
Great variety of terrain over short distances
The most wildlife-rich part of Antarctica - penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
Icebergs and active glaciers
Opportunity to camp on ice (optional charges apply)
Kayaking through Antarctic waters (optional charges apply)
Photography Workshops (optional)

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Join in Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our expedition. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. For the rest of the day you are free to explore the city. Take advantage of souvenir shopping and a variety of dining options in the city center.
Day 2 - Embark Ushuaia
In the afternoon we provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through the Beagle Channel on our first evening is wonderful and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.
Days 3-4 - Cross the Drake Passage
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.
Days 5-12 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
During the next eight days, we undertake an in-depth exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices. The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We plan to pass through the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains. On this special voyage, we have additional days devoted to pushing even farther south in our attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. The sublime icescapes in Crystal Sound and beyond are particularly austere, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting ice. Very few people have ventured this far south. This is a true expedition. Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. It is a dramatic time at the colonies. While some parents remain at the nest to guard against skua attack, others go fishing in seas patrolled by predatory leopard seals and killer whales. Meanwhile, fluffy chicks are starting to explore away from their nests. Also at this time, humpback and minke whales have arrived in great numbers and the feeding frenzy in is full swing. Crabeater and Weddell seals abound in these highly productive waters. In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature. This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With over 17 hours of daylight per day, we seize every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Days 13-14 - Drake Passage
It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
Day 15 - Disembark Ushuaia, where trip concludes
After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where we started. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice.
Location

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