ANTARCTIC SMALL SHIP EXPEDITION
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ANTARCTIC SMALL SHIP EXPEDITION
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Board the ship in Ushuaia and sail through the Beagle Channel |
| 2 - 3 | Drake Passage | Giant petrels and birdlife, Antarctic presentations |
| 4 - 7 | Antarctic Peninsula | Ice-filled fjords, spectacular icebergs, sea birds, penguins, seals, whales, Zodiac exploration |
| 8 - 9 | Drake Passage | Cape Horn, Beagle Channel |
| 10 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark in Ushuaia |
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Magellan Explorer
The Magellan Explorer is a new purpose built polar expedition vessel, with her maiden voyage being in November 2019. She offers almost exclusively Fly-Cruise voyages from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsula. She features 50 spacious cabins, a forward-facing observation lounge, an observation deck, and a dining room that accommodates everyone at one sitting. She also has an outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests to offer expansive views during exploration. Adventure activities include kayaking and snowshoeing.
Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The vessel has capacity for 72 passengers accommodated in simple and comfortable outside cabins, all with private facilities, including twin, triple and dedicated single cabins. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, she also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library and an infirmary. With a maximum of just 68 guests not only can they all be accommodated on a single flight from (or to) Punta Arenas – she also can get everyone into zodiacs and ashore in a short period of time – maximising exploration time.
Day 1 Ushuaia
OVERVIEW:
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your ship and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Antarctica.
Days 2 – 3 the Drake Passage
Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer. As you sail en route to the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the sight of Antarctic land.
Days 4 – 7 Antarctic Peninsula
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac boat and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. Enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge of the ship while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. No journey is the same, as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several locations that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places. Our adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiacs, lectures, and a very enjoyable time on board. Departure from Antarctica will be in the afternoon or evening of Day 8, depending on weather conditions.
Days 8 – 9 Drake Passage
Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks and participate in the presentations offered on various Antarctic topics in the lounge.
Day 10 Ushuaia, Argentina
The program ends upon arrival at the port in Ushuaia.