You never know what we're going to discover when we set course for the Weddell Sea. It is a wild and exciting area, alive with wildlife and offering great scope for exploration. The day-to-day itinerary of this voyage is dependent on weather and ice conditions prevailing in the vicinity of the mighty Riser Larsen Ice shelf.
Nestled amongst ice floes is the little known Seymour Island whose fossil-rich rocks conceal the story of the disappearance of the dinosaurs and the collapse of the mythical Gondwana. The aim of this voyage is to explore these fossil beds under the watchful eye of Dr. Paul Willis, as well as to enjoy the wild life treasure chest of the northern Weddell Sea. We also hope to follow the incredible, compelling story of Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjold and his men (1901-1903).
We will travel in Zodiacs around the icebergs and wildlife havens of this lesser known part of the Antarctic Peninsula, and spend a few days on its better know west coast.
Day 1
Board Polar Pioneer dockside to a warm welcome. We have time to settle in, explore the ship and attend a welcome briefing before an evening sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 2
Ease into shipboard life as we cross the Drake Passage. Our naturalist and geologist expand our Antarctic knowledge, safety and environmental briefings prepare us for landings. The outer decks and flying bridge provide excellent space to see and photograph wildlife.
Day 3
Today we should cross the Antarctic Convergence, biological boundary to an icy world. Penguins and seals appear as we approach the South Shetland Islands, where we hope to make our first landing.
Day 4
Access to the Weddell Sea is totally ice-dependent. Calved from Weddell Sea’s massive ice shelves, the giant icebergs of Antarctic Sound on the Peninsula’s northeast coast create a memorable sight. We thread our way through waters alive with penguins against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, forged by volcanic activity.
Days 5-7
For the next three days, the whim of weather systems and shifting pack ice dictate our schedule. We may visit the vast penguin colonies of Brown Bluff, or Paulet Island, fossil-rich Seymour Island and historic Snow Hill Island. We may hike to spectacular vantage points on Beak and Devil islands. We may even reach the islands of Prince Gustav Channel. Wherever we go, wildlife, Heroic Age relics and haunting landscapes await.
Days 8-9
Returning through Antarctic Sound, we head for the Peninsula’s beautiful western flanks. We make full use of daylight hours and relatively ice-free waters to experience as much as possible. Wildlife stops on offshore islands, visiting historic huts and Zodiac cruising amidst bergs and whales are all possibilities.
Days 10-11
Petrels, prions and albatross accompany our ship across Drake Passage. The last shipboard talks help polish our Antarctic education before making a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn, time and weather permitting.
Day 12
A pre-dawn sail along the Beagle Channel and an early breakfast prepare us to dock in Ushuaia. There’s time for final photos and to say our farewells before disembarking.
* 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.
