ANTARCTICA BY HELICOPTER – CROSSING THE CIRCLE AND PENINSULA

SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Ultramarine

The Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Ultramarine accommodates 199 guests and is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters to offer the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. With two dining areas, four bars, a panoramic lounge, theatre, library, spa and fitness centre, Polar boutique and an oceanview sauna your days at sea can be as busy or relaxing as you decide.

Day 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 2 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a central downtown location to enjoy some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the designated meeting spot near the pier, where you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation. After a late afternoon embarkation, sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the remote Antarctic wilderness.

Days 3 – 4 Drake Passage

Days 5 – 6 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Peninsula is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of your minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the elusive leopard seal. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with five different species of seals. Zodiac cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine mammals more intimately, such as Antarctic minke and humpback whales. Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the astounding beauty of Antarctica. Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs and glaciers and watching penguins waddling on the beach will become your daily entertainment. That’s in addition to the spectacular experience of soaring in a helicopter over the Antarctic landscape.

Days 7 – 9 Explore the Antarctic Circle and Southern Peninsula by Water, Land and Air

Helicopter operations in Antarctic are acutely weather-dependent. This itinerary is designed so you can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow you to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes when flying conditions are not favorable. Each day near the Antarctic Circle will showcase the flexibility and technical prowess of the expedition team, pilots and crew, who will look for opportunities to experience Antarctica well beyond its coasts. As Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctic Circle, you’ll have accomplished an impressive achievement as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to navigating this far south. Toasting the first explorers who ventured here over a century ago, you can raise a glass and take pride in the knowledge you’ve reached part of the world visited by a relative few.

Next on the itinerary are Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay, which comprise the geographical theater of focus on this incredible venture into the “deep south” of Antarctica. After visiting some of the region’s iconic penguin colonies and glacial features, continue south into Crystal Sound to cross the Antarctic Circle. Crystal Sound is known for its massive expanse of steep mountains that rise directly out of the sea. Visit Detaille Island and, weather-permitting, fly into the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula at the Antarctic Circle. The goal is to visit the British Antarctic Survey’s historical hut, and the Adélie penguin colony of Detaillle Island. Zodiac cruise in this area to see the colossal icebergs that formed from the glaciers fed by the snowfall in the coastal mountains of Antarctica. Seals frequently roam this coastal area. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, which features Castle Peak, a 2,380 metre massif. If weather allows, you may embark on the flightseeing experiences. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you witness the vastness of Antarctica and Crystal Sound.

Continuing further south, set out toward Marguerite Bay, which is rich in human history, stunning geological features, and expansive ice fields. The bay is separated from Crystal Sound by Adelaide Island. Ice conditions permitting, you may be able to transit slowly through the narrow passage between the mainland and the island. This channel is known as The Gullet, known for pulsing currents that can lodge and dislodge ice throughout the summer months. Keep your eyes focused off-ship for potential marine mammal sightings. To the west of Adelaide Island, the 70-kilometre-long Fuchs Ice Piedmont stretches out like a long ice tongue to east Arrowsmith Peninsula with multiple peaks rising 1,800 to 2,100 metres. Also explore Debenham Islands, named after Frank Debenham, a member of the advisory committee for the British Graham Land Expedition of 1934-37. The six main islands are named after Debenham’s children.

Days 10 – 11 Northbound along the Peninsula

By now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, crabeater and Weddell seal. Terms like ‘bergy bits’ and ‘pancake ice’ will become part of your vocabulary. As you head north, Zodiac excursions will occupy your days, and your Expedition Team will continue looking out for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on this journey south.

Days 12 – 13 At Sea

As you recross the Drake Passage at the end of your expedition, rest assured you’ll do so with a storehouse of memories to last a lifetime. You’ll have experienced moments—soaring in a helicopter over remote parts of Antarctica being one of the most memorable—which few travelers can ever claim. Your Expedition Team will have a few remaining presentations for you—including the guest favorite, the end-of-voyage photo and-video compilation showcasing the most unforgettable moments of your voyage. Remember to take advantage of Ultramarine’s amenities, especially Tundra Spa & Sauna, on the final days onboard.

Day 14 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast —but the adventures aren’t over. Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes your transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.