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Trip Details

Antarctica, Crossing The Circle
Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Island, South of the Antarctic Circle - optional kayaking and camping
15 Days   |   Departure:  1/9/10, 2/9/10   |   From $9, 190

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

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Testimonials  |   Ship types

Trip Highlights:  Cross the Antarctic Circle aboard a slick, comfortable Danish ship with great guides, kayaking and camping options. All cabins have a private bathroom.

Rates: $9,190 - $18,290
Triple from: $9,190, Twin from: $12,990
Single Rate: $18,290
Camping Option: $195 per person; 1/9/2010, 2/9/2010 (minimum age 12 years, limited to 20 passengers)
Sea Kayaking: $795 per person; 1/9/2010, 2/9/2010 (minimum age 16 years)

Ship - Ocean Nova - Expedition Ship
Passengers - 68

Introduction

This expedition is ideal if you desire the extra time to really experience Antarctica. You fire up your spirit of adventure and take a few extra days to work your way south to explore some of Antarctica’s most pristine and rarely visited areas. There will also be plenty of time to explore the incredible wildlife colonies along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the South Shetland Islands. Aboard an ice-rated vessel, you will navigate through some of the world’s most scenic waterways – many littered with colossal icebergs. You will attempt to land on the Antarctic continent south of the Circle, and you may visit a couple scientific research stations as well.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in the southernmost city in the world and make your way to the Hotel Los Nires or similar hotel.

Day 2: Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego
Spend the morning with a local guide on a group excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, then enjoy a traditional Argentine BBQ asado lunch. Settle into your cabin and get to know the ship. You will meet your Expedition Team as the ship heads through the scenic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-5: Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands
Journey across the famous Drake Passage, named after the 16th-century English navigator Sir Francis Drake. As the ship sails, your naturalists and historians offer presentations on the marvels ahead. If weather allows, you can spend time on the deck spotting for albatrosses -- including the magnificent Wandering Albatross -- and other seabirds.

Days 6-12: Antarctic Peninsula
Your exploration of the Antarctic continent may begin with a visit to the aptly named Paradise Bay, or to nearby Neko Harbor. Glaciers fill the calm waters with an amazing vista of icebergs as you set foot on the Antarctic continent itself. During the voyage, expect to see enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins. You may also encounter Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as orcas, humpback, and Minke whales. If pack ice and icebergs allow, the ship navigates some of the most beautiful waterways in the world. Two in particular, the Neumayer and Lemaire channels, are impressive narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. Sailing south of the Lemaire Channel you may visit Petermann Island, where Adélie and Gentoo Penguins, skuas and Blue-eyed Shags nest close to the landing site.

The quest for the Antarctic Circle continues as the expedition pushes farther south. You will be in the vicinity of historic Stonington Island, which served briefly as a base for the
Byrd's Little America Expedition in 1940. The site also served as the base for Finn Ronne's 1947-48 Antarctic Research Expedition that mapped a great portion of the continent by air. You will mark your arrival at the southernmost location with a celebration on board.

Days 13-14: Drake Passage
You bid farewell to Antarctica as you sail north across the Drake Passage. The adventure is not over, as there are more opportunities to watch birds and whales cavorting in the open ocean.

Day 15: Ushuaia
Disembark after breakfast and transfer by bus to the Antarctic Unit office located at the entrance to the pier. If you are departing on the morning flight, the transfer continues to the airport.

Please note:
Read this itinerary as a guide only. Flexibility is the key to the enjoyment of this expedition. Every effort will be made to push for the Antarctic Circle. Since ice and weather conditions can change quickly, we cannot guarantee that the vessel will reach the Antarctic Circle. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.


Notes:
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Included:
One pre-cruise night hotel night with breakfast (The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travellers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel.); Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; All meals on board throughout voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program; Formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and guest speakers; Photographic Journal on DVD; A pair of rubber expedition boots on loan for shore landings. (So you don’t have to pack any.); Hair dryer in every cabin; Expedition parka to keep; 24-hour coffee, tea, cocoa, and bottled water; Comprehensive pre-departure materials; Group transfers from the hotel to the ship at the embarkation port, and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation – plus all baggage handling aboard ship; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; emergency evacuation coverage to a maximum of $100,000 per person (1/9/2010, 2/9/2010).

Not Included:
All airfare; fuel surcharge may apply; Passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation; Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance (please note, emergency evacuation coverage is included in rates for 1/9/2010, 2/9/2010); Excess baggage charges; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges; Telecommunications charges; Customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel (guidelines will be provided).