WHALE SCIENCE VOYAGE
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WHALE SCIENCE VOYAGE
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 & 2 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Transfer from airport, explore this Antarctic Gateway City |
| Day 3 | Embarkation Ushuaia | Beagle Channel |
| Days 4 & 5 | At Sea | Crossing the Drake Passage |
| Days 6 - 8 | Antarctic Peninsula | South Shetland Islands, Half Moon Island, Livingston Island, Deception Island |
| Days 9 - 12 | Antarctica | Gerlache Strait and surrounding channels and islands. |
| Day 13 & 14 | At Sea | Drake Passage |
| Day 15 | Ushuaia | Disembark |
As the Antarctic summer comes to a close in March, migratory species like the Humpback are very active, socializing and feeding in preparation for the long journey ahead, while resident species like the Minke and Orca are also abundant.
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Hebridean Sky
The Hebridean Sky can accommodate 114 guests in 57 suites and has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Originally built in 1992 and refurbished in 2016 , this luxury cruise ship provides fine service and four-star amenities. Each suite has ocean views and is elegantly designed with a sitting area. Several suites have private balconies accessed via sliding glass doors.
Days 1-2 Ushuaia, Argentina
Overview:
The anxiety of missed connections and flight delays is eliminated by providing a two-night hotel stay at the beautiful Arakur Resort & Spa before embarking on your voyage. Most flights arrive in Ushuaia in the late afternoon or early evening. Bring your bathing suit, lounge in the spa, or take a bath, and then get over your jet lag with good night’s sleep. Day two is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. There is an optional evening briefing which is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers. All guests need to arrive at the hotel no later than the evening of day two.
Day 3 Embarkation in Ushuaia
This morning enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast. You then have time to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until your mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you’ll be greeted by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.
Days 4-5 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.
The length of our journey depends on sea conditions, but you should approach the South Shetland Islands in the evening of Day 4. Keep a keen watch for Pelagic whales as you approach the nutrient rich upwelling areas of the Continental Shelf.
Days 6-8 Antarctic Peninsula
Exploring the South Shetland Islands, you may visit Half Moon Island with its stunning backdrop of mountainous and glaciated Livingston Island. Or perhaps the crew will sail the ship into an active volcano with an opportunity to take a dip in the relatively balmy waters that surround Deception Island. Bransfield Strait, once the site of an abandoned whaling station, gives an excellent chance to see whales, who often return to its rich waters.
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Expedition Leader, Captain, and Marine Mammal experts will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and previous sightings to maximize your whale watching opportunities, while also exploring some of the lesser travelled areas of the Peninsula. The expedition team will aim for the most scenic bays and channels, with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
Days 9-12 Antarctic Peninsula
Heading further South, you will explore the Gerlache Strait and its surrounding channels and islands. This may include trips to picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or Neumayer Channel. You may have the opportunity to stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
At this time of year, most areas have amazing marine mammal viewing opportunities with Weddell, Crabeater and Elephant Seals often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard Seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback Whales are frequent visitors during this season and Orca sightings are also common.
Days 13-14 Drake Passage & Beagle Channel
As you leave this magical place and return north, again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, the presentation series will continue along with wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, you and your fellow travellers will celebrate the conclusion of the expedition with a special slideshow the expedition team will put together of your trip.
Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport or the city centre.
Day 15 Ushuaia
Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport or the city centre.
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.
