HIGHLIGHTS
- Step
ashore on the Antarctic continent to unforgettable vistas, bustling
penguins, swooping skuas and curious seals
- Raise
a glass as you join a small club of people to cross the Antarctic
Circle (conditions permitting)
- Zodiac
through glassy waters and gaze at the iridescent blues of gleaming
icebergs
- Stand
in awe at the world’s largest king penguin rookeries
- Hike
along pebble beaches and climb tussock steps with unexpected wildlife
encounters at every turn
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | Stateroom Triple | Stateroom Twin | Balcony Stateroom C | Balcony Stateroom B | Balcony Stateroom A | Superior Balcony Stateroom | Junior Suite | Captain's Suite |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Stateroom Triple | (Mid-range) Balcony Stateroom A | (High-end) Captain's Suite |
ITINERARY
Day
1 Ushuaia
Having
made your way to Ushuaia, you will be met by a representative of Aurora
Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. This evening, enjoy a
light refreshment as you meet your fellow expeditioners at a Welcome
Reception. Afterwards, dine at your leisure (dinner not included).
Accommodation:
Las Hayas Hotel (or similar)
Day
2 Embarkation
This
morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags
clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Your luggage will be
collected from your hotel and transferred directly to the port for
clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.
Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the
day. Enjoy free time after check-out, meeting back in the hotel lobby
at 2.00 pm to commence a short sightseeing 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 brief 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.
If
you choose to not participate in the sightseeing tour, you will need to
make your own way to the Prison Museum carpark by 3.45 pm to re-join
the group for the transfer to the pier for embarkation.
After
embarkation, you will have time to settle into your cabin before our
important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, we
will gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular
views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
Days
3-4 Drake Passage crossing
As
we commence the Drake Passage crossing, 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 Antarctica'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 our vessel. On sea days, you may can enjoy the facilities on
board the vessel including the gym, wellness centre or the relaxing in
one of the observation lounges.
Nearing
the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on
the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone
converging on one of the observation decks watching for our first
iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective
Days
5-10 Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle Crossing
It
is 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 will 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 will have the option to do participate in the
activity whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers
will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters -
conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time
during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement from the
expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your
life!
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 (open at the captain's discretion) for
uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for
the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve. Take a quiet
moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the
splendid white continent.
On
this voyage, under favourable conditions, we plan to cross the
Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at latitude 66°33'
south. This is certainly a special highlight for many expeditioners,
and the moment will be celebrated with a toast on deck (conditions
permitting). You have earned some boasting privileges, joining a small
group of lucky adventurers who have ventured to this part of the world.
As we approach The Circle, you will notice subtle changes in the
landscape and in the distribution of wildlife. The waters at this time
of year are rich with krill and we hope to see plenty of whales -
particularly humpbacks and minkes. We also hope to enjoy the spectacle
of penguins feeding their ravenous chicks.
Days
11-12 Scotia Sea
On
our way to South Georgia, we will sail cross the Scotia Sea, following
the route that Shackleton and five of his men took in order to find
help for the rest of their crew. On 24 April 1916, they piled into the
James Caird, the most seaworthy of their lifeboats, to attempt this
perilous journey to South Georgia, some 1290 kilometres (802 miles)
distance. Shackleton hoped to reach South Georgia in two weeks. There
he would enlist the help of the whalers to return to Elephant Island
and rescue the men who had been left behind.
As
excitement builds for South Georgia, catch up with fellow expeditioners
in the bar, keep a close watch for marine wildlife, or perhaps hear
more tales of the Shackleton story from our historian.
"Nearly
always there were gales. So small was our boat and so great were the
seas that often our sail flapped idly in the calm between the crests of
two waves. Then we would climb the next slope and catch the full fury
of the gale where the wool-like whiteness of the breaking water surged
around us."
-
Ernest Shackleton
Days
13-17 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 will sail along the coast, taking
in the spectacular glaciated scenery. This enchanting coastline is
yours to explore!
Make
sure you layer up before joining Zodiac cruises around craggy coves and
along the rocky coastline in search of porpoising penguins, seal
haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South
Georgia's kelp forests—these remarkable underwater ecosystems
are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the
water's surface.
Zodiacs
will also shuttle you 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 will have the option to do that
whenever conditions allow.
We
also aim to 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.
Days
18-20 At Sea
As
we sail towards the Falklands-Malvinas, there is plenty to keep you
occupied on board. Our expedition team will continue to share their
wealth of knowledge about the wildlife, history and natural world as
part of the onboard lecture series. You will have ample time to enjoy
observing seabirds from the stern of the ship, keeping a close watch
for whales and other marine wildlife, or simply enjoying the many
facilities available to you on the ship.
Day
21 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. We plan
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
22 At Sea
As
we sail towards Ushuaia, you may choose to spend your precious time
editing photos, enjoying the onboard facilities, or attend final
lectures. Celebrate the end of an unforgettable voyage with newfound
friends at a special Captain's farewell dinner.
With
lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience,
there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean
and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and
discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become
ambassadors for the Antarctic region, telling your family, friends and
colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its
conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the
region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
Day
23 Disembark in Ushuaia
During
the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly
slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark
around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as
we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of
the immense power of nature. A transfer to Ushuaia airport or to your
hotel is included in the voyage fare.
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.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All
transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- Welcome
reception/pre-embarkation briefing on Day 1.
- One
night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Santiago
on Day 1.
- Onboard
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 receptions including four-course dinner, house
cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- All
shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational
lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team
- Complimentary
access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial
consultation)
- One
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
Exclusions
- International
or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary
- Transfers
– unless specified in the itinerary
- Airport
arrival or departure taxes
- Passport,
visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
- Travel
insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotel
accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
- Optional
excursions and optional activity surcharges
- All
items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic
beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry
services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone
charges
Included
Activities
- Bird
watching
- Lectures
on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
- Photography
- Polar
plunge
- Trips
ashore
- Walking
- Whale
and mammal spotting
- Zodiac
cruises
Add-on
Activities
- Sea
Kayaking USD 1,695
- Snorkelling
USD 800