ANTARCTIC EXPLORER
FEATURING THE CHILEAN FJORDS
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ANTARCTIC EXPLORER
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Punta Arenas | Day at leisure |
| Day 2 | Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island | Embark on your ship |
| Days 3 - 10 | Antarctic Peninsula | Explore the Peninsula by zodiac and ship. Make landings on the continent and visit Penguin Rockeries |
| Day 11 - 12 | Drake Passage Crossing | Attend lectures and film presentations |
| Day 13 | Chilean Fjords | Fjords and channels flanked by majestic mountains |
| Day 14 | Punta Arenas | Farewell your fellow travellers |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Greg Mortimer
The Greg Mortimer is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking 120 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Sylvia Earle
The 2nd purpose built expedition vessel by Aurora Expeditions 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.
Besides the same revolutionary Ulstein X BOW hull design like the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features a distinctive Glass Atrium Lounge at the bow of the ship with a stunning panoramic view on both port and starboard side, Lecture theatre and lounge, a swimming pool and jacuzzi where you can admire impressive scenery while watching the world go by.
Please Note: The Sylvia Earle is currently under construction so all images are renders.
Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas
Overview:
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel. Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world’s most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile’s rich history. Tonight, gather to meet your fellow expeditioners and a briefing on the first leg of the expedition – your flight to Antarctica!
Day 2 Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island
This morning you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for your early morning charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one-and-a-half hours. On arrival into King George Island your expedition team is on hand to greet you for your Zodiac transfer to board your ship. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before the important briefings.
NOTE: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order for the plane to take off and land safely.
Days 3-10 Antarctic Peninsula
Over the next few days a host of choices are open to you, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design our voyage from day to day. This allows you to make the best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Because you are so far south, you will experience approximately 18-20 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. Generally the crew will try for two landings or Zodiac excursions each day; cruising along spectacular ice cliffs; following whales that are feeding near the surface; and landing on the continent and its off-shore islands to visit penguin rookeries, seal haul outs, historic huts, and a few of our other favourite spots along the peninsula.
There will be plenty of time for sleep when you get home! During this voyage, there will be an opportunity to camp ashore (weather and time permitting). This will give you the chance to sample the style of adventure that Scott, Shackleton and other legendary Antarctic explorers experienced, although with slightly better equipment and in more comfort! Rest assured the warm and comfortable ship with its hot showers will only be a short distance away!
Days 11 – 12 Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before you re-enter the Drake Passage for your return journey to South America.
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 you have seen and experienced.
As you approach the tip of South America, your Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Days 13 Chilean Fjords
Sail through fjords and channels flanked by majestic mountains discovered by European explorers over 500 years ago. Keep a look out for seabirds and marine wildlife including dolphins, sea lions, and whales preparing to migrate to Antarctica to fatten up on plentiful krill.
Day 14 Punta Arenas
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow passengers as you all continue on your onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.