WHALE SEASON IN ANTARCTICA
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WHALE SEASON IN ANTARCTICA
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Arrive and explore Ushuaia |
| Day 2 | Embarkation Ushuaia | Beagle Channel |
| Days 3 & 4 | At Sea | Crossing the Drake Passage |
| Days 5 | South Shetland Islands | Penguin rockeries, seal wallows, bird colonies, whale feeding areas |
| Days 6 - 8 | Antarctica | Trinity Coast and Gerlache Strait |
| Days 9 & 10 | At Sea | Drake Passage |
| Day 11 | Ushuaia | Disembark |
SHIPS 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.
Days 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 Embarkation in Ushuaia
This morning, you 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 3-4 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 South Shetland Islands
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, the hope is to take as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The aim is set for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. Your first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer many options for interesting excursions. You may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.
Days 6-8 Antarctic Peninsula
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. You may 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.
Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell, Crabeater and Elephant Seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard Seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback Whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.
Days 9-10 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.
Day 11 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.
