Luxury Expedition
- GuestsAntarctic Peninsula Adventure
Antarctic Peninsula Expedition
This classic 10-night expedition features a long list of highlights. We make visits to Elephant Island, Weddell Sea and the Shetland Islands as well as a number of landing sites on the peninsula where we explore the wildlife and scenery that makes Antarctica such a magical destination.- Guests
PROMOTIONAL OFFER
Save up to $1000 on 2019 when you book by November 30th, 2019
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Valid on new bookings only. Promotion can change at anytime and is subject to availability
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Outstanding wildlife observation on shore, Zodiac cruising and from the ship
- In-depth exploration of the Gerlache coastline and Antarctic Peninsula
- Visits to historic sites and science stations
- Learn about the environment, wildlife and ecology of Antarctica from polar experts
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:
Flight Package Cost: USD 995 per person
Flight Package Cost: USD 995 per person
Rates are listed per person in USD
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:
Flight Package Cost: USD 995 per person
Flight Package Cost: USD 995 per person
ITINERARY
Day 1: Santiago (Chile) to Stanley (Falkland Islands)We depart Santiago this morning on our special charter flight direct to Stanley, the small capital of the Falkland Islands. We are met on arrival and transfer from the airport into town. There is time to explore the town or enjoy a guided visit to nearby Gypsy Cove which provides our first opportunity for observing the local wildlife, including nesting Magellanic penguins and other sea birds. Making our way to the port, we board our expedition ship, RCGS Resolute in the afternoon. After settling into our cabins and exploring the ship, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcome cocktail and cast off to explore one of the most remote regions on Earth.
Days 2-3: At Sea – Towards Antarctica
We chart a southerly course for Antarctica. The Drake Passage is rich in bio-diversity and showcases a great abundance of wildlife. We will be joined by hundreds of seabirds including the wandering albatross. Photographing these magnificent birds takes patience and skill and our photography expert will be on hand to show you the best techniques. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife and history of the locations we hope to visit in the coming days. There is great excitement when the dark cliffs of Elephant Island appear on the horizon. This is one of Antarctica's most important historic locations and a fitting introduction. On the rocky beach at Point Wild, Shackleton and his men camped here for many months under their three upturned life boats, having lost their ship, HMS Endurance in the thick sea ice, far to the south in the Weddell Sea in 1915. It was from this location that Shackleton and six companions set off on the rescue mission to South Georgia, aboard the tiny lifeboat, James Caird. To this day, the epic ocean crossing and crossing of South Georgia on foot is considered one of the greatest tales in polar history. If weather conditions permit, we aim for a Zodiac cruise to view the site from close proximity. This is a thrilling location for history buffs and sets the scene for an exciting expedition.
Days 4-5: Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea and Northern Gerlache Strait
Navigating into Antarctic Sound we witness for the first time the vastness and majesty of the Antarctic icecap. It is an awe inspiring sight. We notice a significant increase in the number of huge tabular icebergs entering the Weddell. These massive icebergs break from the huge ice shelves to the south drifting here on the prevailing currents. Adelie penguin rookeries of staggering exist here – some contain more than 100,000 nesting birds. We have several fantastic locations to consider but the ice conditions will likely dictate our landing sites. Gourdin Island and Brown Bluff are two such locations featuring substantial penguin rookeries. The region is also full of history of early exploration and has fascinating geological sites with thousands of fossils strewn over the shoreline. We have a busy day of exploration on shore, in the Zodiacs and on the ship. The Gerlache Strait is an important whale migration corridor and we encourage you to be on the bridge or outer observation decks looking for the tell-tale blows of the migrating whale pods. With luck, we may even catch a glimpse of the resident orca group that inhabit this stretch of water. We have several interesting locations to explore over the coming days, such as Cierva Cove or nearby Mikkelson Harbor. This area provides great excursion options on shore, in the Zodiacs and for the sea kayakers. We start to encounter much larger numbers of nesting gentoo penguins with their distinct orange beaks. Chinstrap penguins are another species we will begin to view in the coming days. Kelp gulls, skuas and Imperial cormorants are just some of the sea birds we expect to observe. It takes a sharp eye to spot the snowy white plumage of the Antarctic petrel - always a treasured sighting for the bird lovers.
Days 6-7: Southern Gerlache Strait Exploration
Anvers Island is one of the largest of the off-shore ‘barrier’ islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. There are several outstanding sites here as well as on neighboring Wiencke Island. These locations provide us with opportunities to venture on shore, breaking into smaller groups. Enjoy a short or longer hike, wander over to observe penguins guarding their precious eggs or newborns on the nest, cruise in the Zodiacs or just sit and soak it all in. The choice is yours. A short transit across the Gerlache Strait brings us along the actual continental landmass of Antarctica. A potential shore landing at Paradise Harbor will be a highlight for many – as you step foot on the continent proper, for the very first time. A nearby hike up a snow-covered hill provides staggering 360-degree views. A Zodiac cruise or paddle into the nearby ice ‘cathedral’ of Skontorp Cove is another memorable experience. If the conditions are right, we aim to offer our overnight camping program to all adventurers somewhere in this vicinity. We have all the gear onboard and an experienced team to make this a night to remember. However, camping always depends on the weather and this activity is never guaranteed on any voyage. One of the largest gentoo penguin colonies along this stretch of coastline can be found on Cuverville Island, situated at the northern end of the Errera Channel. This is an important research site with the populations being carefully monitored by visiting scientists. Our naturalist guides will be able to tell you more about this important work. Cuverville is a good location for a Zodiac cruise and a circumnavigation of the entire island is sometimes possible. Other locations in the area we hope to explore include Willhelmina Bay. This is a known whale 'hotspot'. This is a magnificent location with towering glaciers tumbling off the mountainous spine of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 8: South Shetland Islands
The adventure is not over and if the weather conditions allow, we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island. This is a very dramatic place and history is all around us as we explore the old whaling station. At the far end of the beach is an old aircraft hangar. This is where Australian, Sir Hubert Wilkins, made the very first flight in Antarctica in 1928. The nearby Aitcho Islands provide some great hiking routes showcasing the colourful mosses and lichens found on the island. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins nest here and on the beaches, and we usually encounter seals coming and going from the surrounding waters. Fort Point situated on Greenwich Island is another possible location for a visit. Eventually we leave the snow-covered peaks of Antarctica behind us, pushing northwards on our return trip to the Falkland Islands.
Days 9-10: Drake Passage – Return to Stanley and the Falkland Islands
As we make our way back to Stanley and the Falkland Islands, the educational presentations continue, and we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. Join our photography experts at the multimedia station and download your precious images. Approaching the coast of the Falkland Islands in the early evening light, we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.
Day 11: Arrive Stanley (Falkland Islands) – Voyage Concludes, Fly Back to Santiago
This morning we find ourselves back in the port of Stanley. We say goodbye to our crew and after some free time in town, make our way to the airport for our return charter flight to Santiago. On arrival in Santiago our journey comes to an end. Onward regional and international flight connections may be possible this evening. Discuss the options with your booking agent. A transfer is provided to a downtown location for those choosing to stay and explore Santiago and the delights of Chile.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare for your trip
- Transfers to the ship on embarkation day and from the ship to the airport on disembarkation
- Shipboard accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping. Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage with daily afternoon tea
- 24-hour tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar/lounge plus in-cabin tea and coffee making facilities
- Experienced Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore landings
- Guided hikes and walks on shore of various durations for guests of all abilities
- Visits to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural beauty and science stations
- Educational presentations and talks by polar experts in their field (i.e. marine biologists, naturalists, historians, etc.). Onboard or on shore
- Resident photography guide available to assist all guests plus access to computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up and management
- An emergency-trained medical physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated hospitality team including Hotel Manager, four chefs, professional bar staff and Adventure Concierge staff
- Onboard sauna, plunge pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center including massage options (charge applies for massage and treatments)
- Access to a well-stocked library full of polar reference books
- End of voyage video, photos and take-home USB
- Port fees and all permits to access visited areas
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE OPTIONS- Kayaking: USD 795 per person
- Camping: FREE (weather permitting)
Contact Epic Polar!
We can assist in finding you the right trip, and provide exclusive discounts not advertised on our site. Find out more by completing the form or call toll free USA 1 888 423 4535 or Mobile/WhatsApp +1 604 970 0165
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