HIGHLIGHTS
- Attempt
a landing on an island where there’s a chance to encounter a
colony of around one million chinstrap penguins
- Celebrate
Christmas and New Year on this epic Antarctic voyage, visiting some of
the world’s wildest and most remote places with like-minded
adventurers
- Become
one of the very few to reach the South Sandwich Islands – a
corner of the world so rarely visited
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Stateroom Triple | Stateroom Twin | Superior Stateroom Twin | Balcony Stateroom C | Balcony Stateroom B | Balcony Stateroom A | Superior Balcony Stateroom | Junior Suite | Captain's Suite |
|---|
| Nov 09, 2023 | Nov 29, 2023 | 24,095 | 24,795 | 26,195 | 26,895 | 28,295 | 30,495 | 33,295 | 41,795 | 49,495 |
| Dec 21, 2023 | Jan 10, 2024 | 25,795 | 26,595 | 28,095 | 28,895 | 30,395 | 32,695 | 35,695 | 44,795 | 53,095 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Stateroom Triple | (Mid-range)
Balcony Stateroom B | (High-end)
Captain's Suite |
|---|
| Nov 09, 2023 | Nov 29, 2023 | 24,095 | 28,295 | 49,495 |
| Dec 21, 2023 | Jan 10, 2024 | 25,795 | 30,395 | 53,095 |
ITINERARY
Day
1 Arrival airport transfer and overnight in Ushuaia
Arrive
in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora
Expeditions and transferred to your group hotel (preferred flights
only). Upon arrival at your included hotel, kindly remind hotel
check-in staff to provide you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags.
Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.
Day
2 Embarkation Day
This
morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags
clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Please take your
cabin luggage down to hotel reception by 8.00 AM. Your luggage will be
collected from your hotel and transferred directly to port for
clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.
Keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day. Once
you have checked out of your hotel by 11.00 AM, you have free time
before meeting back in the hotel lobby at 2.00 PM to commence a tour of
Ushuaia.
Ushuaia,
capital of Tierra del Fuego is located at the shores of the Beagle
Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains giving you a unique
landscape in Argentina, which is the combination of mountains, sea,
glaciers and forests. On this
half day introductory tour, you will visit “La
Mision” neighbourhood, the old Government House, and the
upper area of the city, which offers beautiful panoramic views of
Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.
During
the excursion you will see the antique houses that belonged to the
first families settled in Ushuaia. The excursion ends with a visit to
the Old Prison Museum before transferring to the pier for embarkation
at approximately 4.00 PM. After
embarkation, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin
before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from
port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with
spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This
evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition
team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling
adventure to Antarctica.
(Breakfast
and dinner included. Lunch is at own expense)
Day
3 At Sea
As
we commence our trip across the South Atlantic Ocean towards the
Falklands~Malvinas, we make the most of our time getting comfortable
with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our
first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity
procedures, and start our lecture program to help you learn more about
the region’s history, wildlife and environment. Our
wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the
many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels
following in our wake. They rise and fall skilfully, using air currents
created by the ship to gain momentum.
Day
4 Falklands~Malvinas
The
Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West
Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven
of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches
and crystal clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true
wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife,
including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold,
nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location
for spotting marine life. There are
many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, each
offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. Your
experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this
area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day,
choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather and
wildlife opportunities.
We
generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Even though
we’re north of the Antarctic Convergence it can be quite
chilly here, so you’ll want to layer up before joining Zodiac
cruises into rocky coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals,
sea lions, dolphins and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also
transport you from the ship to land, where you may be able to visit
albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even have a
traditional English ‘tea and scones’ at a local
cottage. We also aim
to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands~Malvinas.
This charming town has a distinctly British character, with terraced
town houses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box!
Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a
post office and the fascinating Historic Dockyard Museum, with displays
on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and
links to Antarctica.
Day
5-6 At Sea
Between
the Falklands~Malvinas and South Georgia, you will be entranced by the
ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow our wake, skilfully
using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. On this
leg, we are usually travelling into the prevailing weather so it is
difficult to estimate our precise arrival time in South Georgia. Our
lecture program will continue highlighting all of the incredible sights
we have witnessed over the past few days. You will have ample time to
enjoy observing the sea birds, whale-watching from the observation
areas, or simply relaxing with a book. If time and weather conditions
permit, we could pass close to Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of
jagged rocky islets protruding from the sea, in the proximity of South
Georgia.
Day
7-10 South Georgia
As
you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for
Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it to be the
northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small
island only 176 km (110 mi) long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest
congregations of wildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South
Georgia is an island of incredible riches. On
approach, jagged mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often
spotted soaring around the ship. You’ll sail down the east
coast, taking in the spectacular glaciated scenery and enjoying a
little shelter from the prevailing westerly winds. This enchanting
coastline is yours to explore!
Your
experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this
area, will use their local knowledge to plan your voyage from day to
day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea
state and wildlife opportunities. We
generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Make sure you
layer up before joining Zodiac cruises around craggy coves and along
the rocky coastline in search of nesting penguins, seal haul-outs and
bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South Georgia’s
kelp forests as well - these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite
mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the
water’s surface.
Zodiacs
will also transport you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of
the largest king penguin colonies on earth, take a guided walk among
fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and
keep your distance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy
glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnants of South
Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to
Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of survival is
synonymous with this island. If you have chosen an optional activity,
you’ll have the option to do that whenever conditions allow. In addition
to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise through
fjords with towering cliffs of ancient stone, or into deeply indented
bays towards dramatic glacier fronts. This is a great time to find a
comfy spot in the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge to
enjoy uninterrupted views of South Georgia’s majestic coast.
Day
11-12 At Sea
As
we sail away from splendid South Georgia, enjoy presentations from the
expedition team to help prepare for our arrival to the wild South
Sandwich Islands. Perhaps you may want to practise your photo editing
skills, stay active in the gym, or simply watch seabirds frolic
alongside the ship.
Day
13-15 South Sandwich Islands
On
Captain James Cook’s second voyage of discovery
(1772–1775), he circumnavigated the globe in high southern
latitudes, without seeing land, casting doubt on the existence of the
Antarctic continent, which at that time was still unknown. It was
during this voyage Cook discovered the South Sandwich Islands and
landed on South Georgia Island, describing them as, ‘Lands
doomed by Nature to perpetual frigidness: never to feel the warmth of
the sun’s rays; whose horrible and savage aspects I have not
words to describe.’ He named
the South Sandwich Islands for Lord Sandwich, they are considered
together with South Georgia, as a UK Dependent Territory (see above),
and are uninhabited. Although Cook sighted a number of the islands,
several more were not discovered until Bellingshausen visited in 1819.
Located
about 740 km / 460 mi south-east of South Georgia, the islands form a
chain some 350 km / 220 mi long, comprising 11 large and several
smaller islands with a total area of about 600 sq. km / 230 sq. mi.
Most are ice-capped, and the tallest peak, on Montagu Island, reaches
1,370 m /4,500 ft. The climate is cold, with frequent snow and strong
winds. The islands are volcanic in origin and some remain active. The
island of Zavodovski, for instance, appears in constant eruption and
reeks of rotten eggs (the volcano itself is named Mt. Asphyxia), while
the islands of Visokoi, Candlemas, Saunders, and Bellingshausen all
show definite signs of activity. Bristol, Cook, and Thule islands are
heavily glaciated and show no signs of warmth or activity. All the
islands are steep-sided above the water, and fall away rapidly into
deep water (more than 1,500 m / 5,000 ft).
In
our trusted Zodiacs or kayaks, explore the coast of some the islands
and attempt landings if conditions allow. Little is known about these
islands, although the British Antarctic Survey has undertaken some
limited biological and geological work there, mainly in the 1960s.
Vegetation is very sparse. But there’s at least one
extraordinary wildlife spectacle: Zavodovski Island supports a
chinstrap penguin colony that numbers around one million penguins on
its steep volcanic slopes. Those who have seen this massive penguin
colony speak of it with awe.
Day
16-17 At Sea
Join
the expedition team to pick up photography tips or learn about the
white continent, and keep an eye out for your first iceberg as we sail
towards the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day
18-22 Antarctic Peninsula
It’s
almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica.
Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the
most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you
forever. Once we
arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South
Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices
available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience
approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as
you wish. Your
experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this
area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day,
choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice
conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We
generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day.
You’ll want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along
spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for
whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you
from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover
historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the
peninsula. While
ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or
perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains
towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an
optional activity, you’ll have the option to do that whenever
conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the
chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions
permitting!
In
addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise
some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from
the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or
feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make
your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its
splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as
they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to
experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Day
23-24 At Sea
Enjoy
a morning landing in Antarctica before commencing our crossing of the
Drake Passage. Swap photos with your fellow expeditioners or simply
relax and enjoy the last days of a truly unforgettable voyage to the
Antarctic.
Day
25 Disembark Ushuaia
During
the early morning, we sail along the Beagle Channel, before quietly
slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we begin disembarking at around
8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow travellers as we all
continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the
immense power of nature. A transfer to either downtown Ushuaia or to
the airport is included in the cost of the voyage.
NOTE: At the
conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing
Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there
are delays.
Sylvia Earle (Luxury Expedition, 126-guests)
Due to sail in October 2021 our new ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 - this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia's long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Arrival
transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1
- One
night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia on Day 1
- City
tour in Ushuaia on Day 2 (lunch not included)
- Luggage
transfer from your hotel in Ushuaia to ship on Day 2
- Transfer
from pier to downtown Ushuaia or to airport on Day 25
- On-board
accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
- All
meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer,
house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain’s
Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house
cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- All
shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational
lectures and guiding services from expedition team
- Free
access to our onboard doctor for consultations relating to
sea-sickness. A standard fee of US $60.00 (reclaimable through your
travel insurance provider) applies for medical consultations not
related to sea-sickness
- A
3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary
use of muck boots during the voyage
- Comprehensive
pre-departure information
- Port
surcharges, permits and landing fees
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Sea
Kayaking: USD 1,560
- Snowshoeing:
USD 420
- Snorkelling:
USD 800
