Antarctica Travel - Weddell Sea and South Georgia

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Today, meet your fellow stalwart adventurers as we gather at a hotel in Ushuaia to spend the night. 

Day 2: Ushuaia / Embark

As a member of this expedition, follow in the wake of Otto Nordenskjold and Ernest Shackleton. We will visit historic sites, hike terrain and fly over pack ice floating on the same sea over which Shackleton and the crew of Endurance slogged in desperation. The names of these heroes will be on the lips of all aboard the icebreaker as she sails the Beagle Channel bound for the open sea.

Day 3 - 4: At Sea

As the icebreaker steams eastward through the Southern Ocean, we have a range of activities to engage you. from the obligatory safety drills to the lively discussions of Antarctic wildlife and history the Expedition Team will prepare you for the amazing experiences that lie ahead. Between the laughter and the fine dining there will be increasing anticipation as travelers learn how difficult it is to go ashore on Elephant Island.

Day 5: Elephant Island

The crew of Endurance sheltered on Elephant Island for four and a half months without the aid of helicopters, inflatable landing craft and navigation charts to assist them. Even equipped with modern conveniences, the local conditions challenge our Zodiac drivers. A successful shore landing will inspire a lifetime of conversation.

Day 6: Brown Bluff

Imagine how you will feel as you set foot on the Antarctic continent at Brown Bluff. You will be surrounded by Adelie and Gentoo Penguins, two of the six species of penguins you could encounter on this expedition. All who step ashore will receive a certificate marking the occasion.

Day 7: Paulet Island

In 1901, the vessel Antarctic sailed from Sweden with Otto Nordenskjold aboard. He reached Paulet Island in 1902, going ashore unaware that one year later the island would be the backdrop for a dramatic - some say miraculous - meeting. The account of the Swede's adventure, not as well known as Shackleton's, is equally as epic as that of the Irishman's. Our Expedition Team will ensure you become familiar with every suspenseful moment before you go ashore.

Day 8 - 11: The Weddell Sea

Onboard helicopters will provide aerial views of the pack ice as this expedition follows in the footsteps of the crew of Endurance. For five weeks, Shackleton used every ounce of leadership to encourage his men to drag three lifeboats up and over pressure ridges of ice and across treacherous leads. Our Expedition Leader, after examining weather and ice charts may arrange for all to explore the pack ice on foot. Unlike the crew of Endurance, expedition members will return to a warm cabin to enjoy wonderfully prepared meals at the end of their ice landing.

Day 12 -17: 95 Anniversary Celebration

The eastward journey will end at 70° 34' 23"S, 8° 10' 45"W. To reach the Princess Martha Coast, the ship will have sailed through 60 degrees of longitude. En route travelers will have visited three Emperor Penguin rookeries and research stations. All travelers will be a world away from all they have ever known.

During this portion of the voyage, we will mark the 95th anniversary of the sinking of Endurance. Jonathan Shackleton, whose kinsman played such a significant role, will provide a historian's perspective.

Day 18 - 20: The Weddell Sea

Aerial sightseeing aboard the icebreaker's helicopters affords spectacular views of the ship crushing through pack ice on the northward journey. The opportunities to take unique photographs will be unparalleled. Travelers are encouraged to pack a camera - and binoculars. There may be seals resting on ice floes below.

Day 21 - 22: South Sandwich Islands

Stretching 305 km (190 miles) from south to north, the volcanic South Sandwich Islands were first charted by the inimitable explorer - Captain James Cook in 1775. The First Lord of the Admiralty at the time was the fourth Earl of Sandwich. The astute Cook honored the Lord by naming the archipelago after him. During our visit, we'll go ashore to explore the largest Chinstrap Penguin rookery in the world. The sound of a million penguins calling to their chicks can be heard from a great distance.

Day 23: At Sea

We'll continue sailing north, but we will not have left Antarctica. Our destination is South Georgia, which lies south of the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary separating Antarctica from the rest of the world. While sailing, take your camera and binoculars on deck. Albatross and petrels should be gliding alongside the ship, as they have since sailors first navigated these waters.

Day 24: Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia

South Georgia may be the most awe-inspiring island in the Southern Ocean. Abundant wildlife, glaciers tumbling to the sea, vast tussock covered plains and fjords ensure one unforgettable moment after another. Those moments begin on the southeast coast, where a 1.6 km (1 mile) wide fjord slices 11.3 km (7 miles) into the island. The ship will cruise through the fjord toward a spectacular glacier. You will want to keep your camera handy as Macaroni and Chinstrap Penguins are found in rookeries in Cooper Bay.

Day 25: Gold Harbor, South Georgia

The vibrant King Penguins breed all year round at St. Andrew's Bay and Gold Harbour. Travelers will be able to photograph chicks, adolescents - so different from their parents that they were thought to be a different species - and adults. Full seals will be lolling on the beach against a back drop of a glacier. They will be sharing beaches with elephant seals.

Day 26: Grytviken, South Georgia

After two days of wildlife viewing, you'll be immersed in the history of Antarctica once again. Grytviken, a former whaling station, is the location of Sir Ernest Shackleton's final resting place. There will be time to pay your respects, before visiting Fortuna Bay.

Day 27 - 28: At Sea

Voyage recap sessions and identifying seabirds on the wing are two of the shipboard activities that will engage travelers during the crossing to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Travelers will keep a weather eye open as they cross the Antarctic Convergence.

Day 29: Stanley / Santiago, Chile

Upon disembarkation in Stanley, travelers will be transferred to the airport for the group flight to Santiago, Chile to spend the night.

Day 30: Santiago

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or to continue on one of our extensions.

End of services. (B)

(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner

Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Price (per person based on double occupancy)

• 30 days from $21,990
• Price based on check payment (please add 3% if paying via credit card)

What is Included

• All hotel accommodations
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary - B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner
• All sightseeing as shown as part of an open group (private tours available)
• Services of bilingual professional guides
• Airport transfers
• All gratuities except to guides
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
• Presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
• Expedition parka – yours to keep
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
• All helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day’s program

Additional Budget Considerations

• Kayaking:$795 p/person
• Camping: $195 p/person
• Mountaineering: $550 p/person
• Cross-Country Skiing: $550 p/person
• Group Charter Flight (approx. $690)

Items NOT included in the price

• International or Domestic flights unless stated in 'What is Included' section above. We will be happy to help you with your flight arrangements at your request.
• Personal expenses such as beverages; lunch or dinner (unless in the itinerary)
• Laundry services
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended - see our Travel Tips section for details)
• Excess baggage fees
• Communication charges
• Airport departure or arrival taxes
• Cost of obtaining passports or visas
• Gratuities to guides
• Any other expense not mentioned on what is included
• On icebreakers, any helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced on board

Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.

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