This expedition holiday offers a truly special opportunity for you to not only be part of an extraordinary voyage to the Great White Continent, but also to participate in studies of marine mammal and research led by Dr. Annette Bombosch.  The adventure is in collaboration with the world’s leading independent non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education in the US, on a ground-breaking humpback whale study.

Highlights

• Be part of an extraordinary voyage to Antarctica
• Participate in marine mammal studies with Dr. Annette Bombosch
• Keep watch for Minke and humpback whale
• Discover hidden penguin rookeries & seal-haul sites
• Observe rare wildlife and stunning Antarctic landscapes
• Visit historic sites and scientific bases in Antarctica

Inclusions:

• International and domestic flights
• all transfers
• a night pre-cruise at the Arakur in Ushuaia
• Complimentary expedition parka
• Food, water, tea and coffee on board the ship

Quick Itinerary

Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day
Day 1: Ushuaia exploration
Day 2: Embarkation and sail through the Beagle Channel
Day 3-4: Cross the Drake Passage
Day 5-7: Antarctica
Day 8-11: Further south
Day 12-13: Sail back through the Drake Passage
Day 14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here

Departures and Prices

Day 1: Ushuaia exploration

Discover the southernmost city in the world. The city offers great museums, several shopping Centres and Argentinean leather markets. You can also go hiking towards Tierra del Fuego National Park if you have some time to spare.  Afterwards enjoy a complimentary stay at the stunning Arakur Resort & Spa, one of the Leading Hotels in the World.

Day 2: Embarkation and sail through the Beagle Channel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and prepare yourself for embarkation mid-afternoon. You are free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the hotel before transfer to the ship. The expedition team will provide an orientation briefing, following with a welcoming dinner by the Captain and his crew. After the event, the cruise ship will sail through the Beagle Channel and it will be the start of this adventurous journey.

Day 3-4: Cross the Drake Passage

While crossing the Drake Passage, your expedition team will provide fascinating presentations on the Great White Continent, with topics ranging from wildlife to history. The Citizen Science program is open to everyone who wants to help the team with their scientific research. You can take part in seabird sighting surveys or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. This is extremely important research, and the on-site data is carried out in partnership with the NASA and the Scripps Institute to understand how climate is changing and is impacting our environment.

Day 5-7: Antarctica

Depending on weather conditions and the level of ice, the Captain and Expedition Leader decide whether to explore Half Moon Island with its majestic snowy mountains, or into an active volcano where you make take the ‘polar plunge’ and take a dip into the relatively warm waters in Deception Island.  You will explore the waters of the Bransfield Strait, where you may spot whales known to frequent the area, drawn to its nutrient rich waters.

Day 8-11: Antarctica, further exploration

The team continue to discover the highlights of this incredible environment over the next four days.  You will explore the Gerlach Strait and its surrounding channel and islands, including stunning destinations such as Neko Harbour, the Lemaire Channel (known as ‘kodak gap’ due it’s staggering beauty), the Penola Channel and Wilhelmina Bay, where you may spot humpbacks. The region has remarkable marine mammal viewing opportunity and you could observe Weddell, Crabeater, Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals and Antarctic Fur Seals. There will also be opportunity to see vast penguin rookeries.  As part of the study, the team keep watch for Antarctic Minke and Humpback whales who are spotted frequently in the region, as well as the predatory Orcas, known as the “Killer Whale”.
You will have the special opportunity to set actual foot on the Antarctic Ice.  Your adventure may include visits to active scientific bases such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy (the famous ‘penguin post office’ where you can send a postcard to relatives from Antarctica) or Wordie House.

Day 12-13: Sail back through the Drake Passage

As the voyage heads north, you cross through the Drake Passage. This is a perfect time to share the experience with the rest of the travellers. The team will continue to provide lectures and presentations, and you can still spot the birdlife such as Albatross on your way back as well as whales.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Following a fond farewell from the Captain and expedition team, you disembark in the morning ready for your onward travel arrangements.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here