Antarctica | Antarctic Peninsula, The Falkland Islands & South Georgia
This Antarctic adventure promises an in-depth and unforgettable experience to the bottom of the world, travelling to the extraordinary Falkland Islands and diverse sub-Antarctic islands before sailing further south to the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula area.
| Duration: | 20 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW594 |
| Trip Style: | Standard |
| Departure Dates: | 23 Nov 2011, 13 Jan 2012, 07 Nov 2012, 11 Dec 2012, 13 Dec 2012 |
| Price: | From $11,350 |
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| Highlights: |
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Trip Details
Our first stop is the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. This far-flung group of islands lies north of the Antarctic Convergence and enjoys a relatively warmer climate than our other destinations. As a result, the mainly uninhabited Falklands support unique wildlife not found further south, including sixty species of migratory birds as well as the rare rockhopper penguin.
Our journey continues southeast, crossing the Antarctic Convergence to the remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. Here amongst the soaring snow-clad mountains and massive glaciers, we'll find huge king penguin rookeries, thousands of sub-Antarctic fur seals, the comical macaroni penguin, as well as spectacular wilderness that is perhaps, unequalled on earth. We'll also discover a remarkable history here that reminds us of some of the world's most legendary explorers from Captain James Cook to Sir Ernest Shackleton.
We then set course to the off-shore islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, hoping to land at the remote and often mist-shrouded South Orkney Islands. Then we continue on to the South Shetland archipelago, stopping at various islands whose waters are often inhabited with feeding humpback whales.
On approaching the mainland, the splendours of Antarctic nature will be on display. Thousands of differently shaped icebergs dot the sea, penguins are seen porpoising through the waters and various seals, including the predatory leopard seal, use the ice flows as a resting place. The Antarctic Peninsula itself boasts a profusion of wildlife including five species of seal, massive penguin rookeries with gentoos, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a variety of whale species and seabirds including albatross, petrels, shearwaters and skuas.
Extraordinary and inhospitable scenery greets us on land. A sweeping ice sheet rises above the shore line, binding together an entire continent, close in size to Africa. One can only marvel at the resolve of the early explorers in their quest to conquer Antarctica.
Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Day 1: Ushuaia
Day 1 is an arrival day and you can arrive at any time. You will be on your own to make your own discoveries in Ushuaia. A night in a hotel is included in the voyage price. No meals are included on Day 1.
Day 2: Ushuaia - Embarkation Day
A transfer from your hotel or town centre to the pier for embarkation on to the ship will take place at 4pm. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions. Once onboard, our expedition team will welcome you and once you've settled in we'll set sail from Ushuaia, charting our course through the Beagle Channel.
Meals included: 1 breakfast 1 dinner
Day 3: At Sea
As we sail to the northeast, we have the chance to enjoy a series of presentations that will prepare us for all our Antarctic adventures to come. On deck, the first sightings of albatross and petrels are likely to add to the sense of excitement.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 4 - 5: Falkland Islands
We arrive in the Falklands overnight and make our first shore excursion in the morning. Depending on conditions, we'll explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago including West Point, Carcass or Saunders Islands, all rich in wildlife. We'll find an abundance of land and seabirds with many migratory species in residence, such as the wandering albatross and its smaller relative the black-browed albatross.
The breathtaking cliffs at West Point are home to busy rookeries of rockhopper penguins and Magellanic penguins nest in the tall tussock grass on privately owned Carcass Island, where we may see a variety of land birds. Here, we'll also hope to observe oyster catchers, geese and the endemic steamer duck along the rocky shores.
The next day we'll visit Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, with its brightly painted houses and renowned philatelic bureau and museum. We'll learn about the historic importance of the harbour in Stanley that served as a major port during the 19th century for sailing vessels attempting to round the Horn, or seeking refuge after completing the formidable journey.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 6 - 8: At Sea
Leaving the Falklands, our journey continues southeast heading for the island of South Georgia. We'll have a chance to learn about Antarctic conservation as well as the fascinating history of the area as our onboard presentations continue. Of course, there'll be ample time to scan the seascape from the top deck in search of marine mammals and seabirds. We'll cross the Antarctic Convergence on this leg of our journey and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Days 9 - 11: South Georgia
We arrive in South Georgia, the most rugged and mountainous of the many islands in the Southern Ocean. The towering, snow-covered mountains and glaciers are truly magnificent to behold. We'll cruise the more protected eastern coast of the island, seeking out suitable landing spots as variable ice and weather conditions permit.
We'll hope to get ashore at Salisbury Plain where colourful king penguins crowd the beaches in numbers that are simply astonishing. Hundreds of thousands of adult birds and their young literally carpet the vast area. Another 75,000 pairs of king penguins nest at St Andrews Bay. Everywhere, albatross, skuas and giant petrels wheel overhead and fur seals are found in good numbers along the shore or frolicking in the water.
At Grytviken, we'll visit an old whaling station as well as the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the greatest Antarctic explorers of all time.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Days 12 - 13: Sea and South Orkney Islands
Crossing the Scotia Sea to the southwest, we'll head for Antarctica. Along the way, if time and conditions allow, we'll make a stop at the South Orkney Islands, linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by a massive range of sub-marine mountains. This area is usually surrounded by sea ice and often guarded by large icebergs.
We'll attempt a landing at Coronation Island, known for its extensive moss beds, nesting penguins and beautiful snow petrels. We may also visit the Argentinean meteorological station located on the seldom-visited island of Laurie.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 14 - 17: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
En route to the South Shetland Islands, we may be able to land at Elephant Island although it is usually tricky with the wave conditions. It was from here that Sir Ernest Shackleton set out on a small boat for South Georgia in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable sailing journeys of all time and returning 132 days later to rescue the rest of his crew.
We spend several days cruising among the South Shetlands - an archipelago of bays, channels and some 20 islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. We travel ashore as frequently as possible in inflatable Zodiac boats and hope to make shore excursions at Livingston, Half Moon and King George Islands. Admiralty Bay, on King George Island, is a favoured feeding ground for humpback whales and, with luck, we may see them dining on krill.
At crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, we'll observe a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags, while at Livingston Island we discover more flourishing wildlife. Here there are Weddell seals, elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels, Antarctic terns and rookeries of chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni penguins.
Weather permitting, we also hope to enter the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island - a recently active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands in the world. Steam rises in places along its shores, where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the hot thermal waters of the bay. Here, conditions permitting, the very adventurous amongst us may choose to take a dip. We also observe the island's large chinstrap penguin colony and enjoy spectacular walks to the higher points on the crater rim.
We then head further south to Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay, both situated on the Antarctic mainland. Here we'll be stunned by some of the most dramatic scenery the continent has to offer; truly a photographers paradise. Ringed with overhanging ice cliffs, the bay is filled with a remarkable assortment of floating icebergs that reflect a stunning array of colours, including the most exquisite blues, turquoises and indigos.
If the conditions are favourable we have the chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent. The days are long and the short nights are often preceded by a wonderful twilight. On one or two occasions we may attempt to go ashore to visit some of the research stations maintained by various countries. On board while we cruise between landing points, we will want to spend time on the bridge or on deck just marvelling at the glorious passing scenery, particularly when travelling through the Lemaire Channel. Penguins are often seen 'porpoising' in the water or resting on ice floes in this area.
Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Days 18 - 19: Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, we'll head back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn. Our final evening onboard is spent at a special Captain's dinner where we'll celebrate our extraordinary Antarctic adventures together.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 20: Ushuaia
In the early morning we arrive back in Ushuaia, where our cruise ends. If your flight departs today, a transfer is included (if on a morning flight you will be taken directly to the airport from the ship, if flying in the afternoon you will be transferred to the town centre and at a pre arranged time be taken back to the airport).
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Inclusions
- 18 nights Expedition Voyage, 1 night Comfortable hotel
- 19 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 18 dinners & afternoon teas on most days
- Arrival transfer from airport
- Transfer on embarkation day from hotel to ship
- Transfer on disembarkation day from ship to airport
- Complimentary expedition parka
- Port taxes and/or landing fees at Ushuaia, Stanley and South Georgia
- Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers
- Access to public viewing areas
- Shore excursions by Zodiac boat
- On-board lectures, videos, slide and film shows
- On-board medical officer
- Comprehensive pre-departure booklet and expedition manual
What's Not Included
- Gratuities to staff and crew
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
