Note: This cruise begins in Ushuaia and ends in Punta Arenas.
Ever since Captain Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle in 1773, Latitude 66°33’ S has beckoned explorers and adventurers. Even today, our champagne toast as we cross the line depends on the weather and ice gods. It’s worth every effort, as this voyage takes us to such magnificent sites along the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, as Crystal Sound and the Gullet. Our scuba divers may explore new sites while we visit penguin rookeries and other wildlife spectacles of the Antarctic summer.
“Cruising past the Antarctic circle, it's easy to see how difficult conditions were for early explorers. Our comfortable ship Polar Pioneer and its experienced crew travels without a rigid timetable, setting course based on a combination of conditions, passenger's interests and our famous enthusiasm for discovering new places.”
Gary Miller - Expedition Leader
Our actual program will vary to take best advantage of local conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. No two voyages are the same; there is always an element of the unexpected.
Day 1
Step aboard your home-away-from-home and settle in to your comfortable cabin. There’s time to greet fellow passengers, meet the staff and explore the ship before our evening’s cruise down the Beagle Channel.
Days 2
We cross Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross, petrels, fulmars and prions. Join our polar experts to learn about Antarctica’s unique wildlife and history, talk to fellow passengers, staff and crew, and prepare for landings with environmental and safety briefings.
Day 3
Spirits soar as air and water temperatures fall, marking our crossing of the Antarctic Convergence. All eyes are peeled for the first iceberg, the first penguin and the first glimpse of land. With luck we go ashore this afternoon.
Days 4 to 9
We explore the Peninsula’s west coast, with time to watch the frenzied activities of penguin parents and chicks, to Zodiac cruise amongst icebergs and revel in the unparalleled beauty of vast, Antarctic land and icescapes. Further south, ice conditions govern our movements. Whether we cross the Circle via the ‘inner route’ or the Bellingshausen Sea, we celebrate in style. With luck we reach magnificent Crystal Sound, pass through the Gullet and steam on to Marguerite Bay. We may visit historical Stonington, Pourquoi Pas and Detaille islands.
Crossing the Antarctic Cricle
Our exciting crossing of the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South is a highlight of this voyage. In order to accomplish the extra distance of this significantly longer voyage without compromising the quality of our Antarctic experience, the ship will motor south every night and during meal times. By the time we've crossed the Circle in Crystal Sound, we notice subtle changes in the Antarctic land and icescapes, and also in the distribution of wildlife. As we head north again, we understand more about the effect of southerly latitudes on Antarctic wildlife.
Day 10
We arrive at King George Island, time and weather permitting we will explore Fildes Bay and the remote Bellinghausen Church before meeting our charter flight back to Punta Arenas in Chile.
Please Note:
King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is one of the most remote places on earth, therefore it is hard to reach. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order to land there safely.
We highly recommend that you do not book your homeward flight or international departure from Chile on the same day as your scheduled flight from Antarctica. This will ensure there is some rescheduling flexibility, should weather not be favourable. In the event of bad weather, you will continue to be accommodated onboard Polar Pioneer. It is essential you provide Aurora Expeditions with you travel plans, so we can assist you in any eventuality.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
| Per Person USD Rates 2013-2014 |
Triple Shared
|
Twin Shared
|
Twin Private
|
Mini Suite
|
Captain's Suite
|
Kayaking Option
|
Charter Flight
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Photography Ushuaia - Falklands Charter Flight Falklands/Punta Arenas | $9,990 | $11,500 | $13,200 | $14,200 | $14,900 | $660 | |
|
Kayak Begins Falklands, ends Ushuaia Charter Flight Punta Arenas-Falklands | $11,440 | $13,485 | $15,875 | $16,525 | $17,735 | $1,295 | $660 |
|
Camp, Kayak Fly Antarctica to Punta Arenas | $6,700 | $8,200 | $9,400 | $10,500 | $11,800 | $995 | $1,200 |
|
Camp, Kayak Fly Punta Arenas to Antarctica | $6,700 | $8,200 | $9,400 | $10,500 | $11,800 | $995 | $1,200 |
|
Camp, Kayak | $7,920 | $9,360 | $10,500 | $11,735 | $12,990 | $995 | |
|
Kayak Embark Ushuaia, Disembark Port Stanley Charter Flight Falklands/Punta Arenas | $11,900 | $13,975 | $16,350 | $17,350 | $18,975 | $1,250 | $660 |
|
Kayak Embark Port Stanley, Disembark Ushuaia | $11,900 | $13,975 | $16,350 | $17,350 | $18,975 | $1,250 | |
|
Kayak Fly Antarctica to Punta Arenas | $7,200 | $8,700 | $10,025 | $11,085 | $12,200 | $995 | $1,200 |
|
Kayak Fly Punta Arenas to Antarctica | $7,200 | $8,700 | $10,025 | $11,085 | $12,200 | $995 | $1,200 |
|
Kayak | $8,200 | $9,700 | $11,025 | $12,080 | $13,200 | $995 | |
|
Mountaineering Shackleton Crossing | $12,415 | $14,700 | $17,195 | $18,800 | $19,990 |
Airfare Not Included. Rates are per person, based on twin-share. Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate.
Mandatory Flight for Fly/Cruise (Punta Arenas to Antarctica) and Cruise/Fly (Antarctica to Punta Arenas) - $1200
Optional Flight Punta Arenas / Falklands or Falklands / Punta Arenas $660
Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.
Optional Activities: Kayaking $995-1295, South Georgia Alpine Crossing $1250, Photography $250, Camping is Free.
Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance Required. All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
