CHRISTMAS IN ANTARCTICA
__________________
CHRISTMAS IN ANTARCTICA
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Transfer from airport, night in hotel |
| Day 2 | Embarkation Ushuaia | Beagle Channel |
| Days 3 & 4 | At Sea | Crossing the Drake Passage |
| Days 5 & 6 | Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea | Channels and wildlife rich waters and huge tabular icebergs. Adélie penguins and seals and lookout for Orca |
| Days 7 & 8 | Antarctic Peninsula | Landfall on the peninsula, encounters with wildlife, attempt a sea ice landing and see several scientific bases and historic sites |
| Day 9 | South Shetland Islands | Zodiac cruising around the volcanic South Shetlands |
| Day 10 & 11 | Drake Passage | Make our way north again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. |
| Day 12 | Ushuaia | Smiles on weary faces, disembark in the morning options to catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Seaventure
The MS Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating which is the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. She can explore places that other vessels simply cannot. The Seaventure will take up to 139 guests and has enough Zodiacs to ensure all guests can leave the vessel and make landings or explore by Zodiac at the same time. With creature comforts in the well appointed staterooms and suites the ship also offers spacious common areas for socialising and attending information sessions when not out exploring. This ship has a beautiful dining area with picture windows to take in the views as well as an al fresco dining area when weather permits for outdoor dining.
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy your hotel accommodation set up high on the mountains or head out and discover this southernmost city in the world of Ushuaia. Located at the end of southern Patagonia the southern tip of Argentina and surrounded by sea and mountains, enjoy exploring the museums and Argentinean leather markets. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2 Ushuaia, Embarkation
After a final morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort, a mid afternoon transfer will take you to the beautiful MS Seaventure. Your expedition team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner. You’re on your way to Antarctica!
Days 3 & 4 At Sea, Drake Passage
As the ship heads toward white continent over the Drake Passage, numerous Polar Experts will prepare us with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. The Drake Passage spans 1,000 kilometres from the southern-most tip of South America to the South Shetland Islands (the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula). Eventually, you’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where you will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.
Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. You are likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If you are lucky, you may see some of them fully breach from the sea.
Days 5 & 6 Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea
We maneuver through the amazing channels and wildlife rich waters of the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, the perfect place to spend a memorable holiday season. The Antarctic Sound is well known for its huge tabular icebergs and the Weddell Sea offers a unique geography unlike anywhere else on earth. Here we enjoy the abundance of wildlife such as Adélie penguins and seals as we keep on the lookout for hunting Orca.
Days 7 & 8 Antarctic Peninsula
We will make landfall on the peninsula, experiencing marvelous encounters with wildlife as we stroll the stunning shores and adventure around the region’s spectacular bays and harbors. We’ll also have an opportunity to attempt a sea ice landing, as well as stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites.
Day 9 South Shetland Islands
The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer amazing abundance and beauty, so we’ll hop into our inflatable Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory.
Days 10 & 11 Drake Passage
Time to leave this magical place inspired, exhausted, and most likely changed forever. We make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We’ll have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and photography awards ceremony, then a final meal together.
Day 12 Ushuaia, Disembarkation
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, and perhaps some new friends for life, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
