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Trip Details

Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula (Adventure Options) - South Shetlands, Antarctic Peninsula, Penguin Rookeries, Lemaire Channel, Spectacular Glaciers, optional kayaking, and camping
11 Days | Departures 11/26/10, 12/17/10, 12/27/10  |  From $5 990

Locations:  Antarctic Peninsula | South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands | South Shetland Islands | Falkland Islands

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Testimonials  |   Ship types

Trip Highlights: This voyage is perfect for the active traveller who wants to explore the peninsula with a smaller group. Camping, climbing & kayaking options.

Rates: $5,990 - $10,480
Triple from: $5,990, Twin from: $7,190
Fuel surcharge may apply (subject to change)
Single Rate: 1.7 times double occupancy rate (standard twin cabins)

Sea Kayaking Supplement: $825 per person (dry suit included; offered on all departures)
Camping Option: One night, no extra cost (offered on all departures, subject to weather and itinerary)
Climbing Supplement: $250 per person (11/26/2010 only)
Photography Option: No extra cost (11/26/2010 only)

Ship - Polar Pioneer - Research Vessel
Passengers: 56

Introduction

The spectacular Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the continent. Only 40 hours or so south of Cape Horn by ship, this is a rugged spine of mountains flanked by huge glaciers. The western coast is etched with fjords; dozens of islands lie offshore. The result is a glorious maze of sheltered channels and inlets, where modern scientific stations and reminders of early explorers and the whaling industry are scattered among penguin rookeries and seal colonies.

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation
Board your ship Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sail down the Beagle Channel in the evening.

Day 2: Crossing the Drake Passage
Overnight, you enter the Drake Passage. Lectures on the continent's natural history and briefings about landing in Antarctica are scheduled through the day, allowing plenty of time to watch graceful albatrosses and other seabirds from the outer decks.

Day 3: Antarctic Convergence / South Shetland Islands
You cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and may see your first icebergs. In the evening, you approach the South Shetland Islands, a possible location for your first landing.

Days 4-8: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
For five days, you will explore the deep bays and fjords of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula in your extremely manoeuvrable ship. Using the Zodiacs, you make close contact with whales, penguins and seals in the vicinity of Deception Island, Gerlache Strait, Paradise Bay, Andvoord Bay and the Lemaire Channel. There is time to visit scientific stations and historic sites but our emphasis is on the natural wonders.

Day 9: Sailing toward the Drake Passage
Cruising out beyond the South Shetland Islands, you head north into the Drake Passage.

Day 10: At Sea
Your last day of lectures and a final opportunity for revelling in the rich seabird life of the Southern Ocean. If the weather permits, you will cruise past Cape Horn before enjoying a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Beagle Channel / Disembarkation
You travel up the Beagle Channel in the early morning to disembark in Ushuaia where you farewell new-found friends.

Notes:

Sea Kayaking Option: $825 per person, all departures
Traveling in these sturdy, easy-handling, reliable kayaks is an exciting, low impact way to explore the stunning bays and wildlife breeding grounds along the Peninsula. If you wish to take this option, please advise us when you make your booking as numbers are limited. Please note, some sea kayaking experience is necessary.

Climbing Option: $250 per person, 11/26/2010 only
At the cutting edge of climbing exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula, your guides have forged new routes on many of the continents magnificent peaks. From first ascents to ice climbing on grounded icebergs, they cater to all levels of expertise and interests. There will be at least two one-day alpine ascents and you may have a go at ice climbing where possible.

Camping Option: One night, no extra cost, offered on all departures (subject to weather and itinerary)
Camping in Antarctica is a fantastic way to experience - albeit it in a more comfortable and civilized fashion - the feelings of the early Antarctic explorers. Sleeping bags, mats and tents provided, however, if you have your own camping gear you may like to bring it with you.

Photography Option: No extra cost, 11/26/2010 only
Antarctica is a photographers dream. Whether it be sitting quietly in the middle of a penguin rookery, visiting quaint historic sites or enjoying the thrill of whale and leopard seal encounters amongst the icebergs, there are an overwhelming number of opportunities to snap to your heart’s content. Catering to both amateurs and the more serious photographer, your on board professional will pass on tips to get the most out of your equipment and the unique Antarctic conditions.

Included:
Cabin accommodations on the ship; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; camping; lectures and guide services; medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board); port taxes and port charges.

Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; optional kayaking or climbing options; visa, passport, and airport departure taxes; meals not included in ship cruise itinerary; items of a personal nature; gratuities to the ship's crew are left to the discretion of the passenger; fuel surcharge may apply.