SPIRIT OF ANTARCTICA FEATURING THE CHILEAN FJORDS
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SPIRIT OF ANTARCTICA FEATURING THE CHILEAN FJORDS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punta Arenas | Day at leisure |
| 2 | Punta Arenas | Board the ship and set sail |
| 3 | Chilean Fjords | Fjords and channels flanked by majestic mountains |
| 4 - 5 | Drake Passage | Giant Petrels and birdlife, possibly South Shetland Islands |
| 6 - 10 | Antarctic Peninsula | Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Leopard Seals and Whales |
| 11 - 12 | Drake Passage | Lectures and film presentations, possibly Cape Horn |
| 13 | Ushuaia | Disembark |
SHIPS 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
This purpose built expedition vessel, honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle and is the sister ship to the revolutionary Greg Mortimer. Accommodating on average 126 guests for each voyage, those lucky enough to experience an Antarctic journey on her can be assured of comfort and luxury coinciding with exploration and adventure. Besides the same revolutionary Ulstein X BOW hull design like her sister ship 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.
Day 1 Punta Arenas
After transferring to your downtown hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the sights Punta Arenas has to offer.
Day 2 Embark in Punta Arenas
After breakfast, check out of your hotel.
The township of Punta Arenas was founded in the 1500s and is the gateway to the Strait of Magellan. It was originally established as a prison colony and later the biggest commercial and supplying centre of all vessels travelling between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The town has since made a name for itself as the central base for exploring Patagonia and Antarctica. Admire the colonial-style architecture, Plaza Muñoz Gamero, Ferdinand Magellan’s statue, discoverer of the Strait of Magellan and the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean, and the Maritime Monument, representing the first settlers in the area. A walk along the waterfront promenade will allow for sights of the island of Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan in the distance. You may also be lucky enough to see the cormorants taking off over the sea.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the port to embark. Spend the evening getting to know your fellow expeditioners and expedition team.
Day 3 Chilean Fjords
Sail along the legendary Beagle Channel and enjoy splendid scenery of fjords and channels flanked by majestic mountains. Keep watch for the many seabirds and marine wildlife including dolphins, sea lions and whales preparing to migrate to Antarctica to fatten up on plentiful krill. In the evening, you will exit Nassau Bay, sail past Cape Horn and prepare to enter Drake Passage.
Days 4 – 5 Drake Passage Crossing
As the captain and expedition leader chart a course south, bound for the Antarctic Peninsula, prepare for your landings with bio security briefings and informative lectures. Keep an eye on the horizon for albatross and the first iceberg spotting of the voyage.
Days 6 – 10 Antarctic Peninsula
Arrive to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard robust Zodiacs, explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations, and cruise up close to intricately shaped icebergs and seals basking on ice floes. Kayakers paddle through narrow waterways in search of wildlife and serenity. Stepping ashore on the continent creates an everlasting memory. The expedition team make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night. A curious leopard seal cruising among spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch or loading Zodiacs after dinner for an orca cruise.
Days 11 – 12 Drake Passage Crossing
As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage there’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what you’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, the ship may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner with your newfound friends.
Day 13 Ushuaia
Cruise up the Beagle Channel early this morning before slipping in to dock in Ushuaia, where your voyage concludes after breakfast. Farewell your expedition team and disembark the ship.
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 some of the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
