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Trip Details

Antarctic Peninsula - South Shetland Islands, Abundant Wildlife, Lemaire Channel - climbing, kayaking options
12 Days   |   Departures: 12/08/08   |   From $5 790

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 novice to expert climber and kayaker. One of the more active programs in Antarctica.

Rates: $5,790 - $9,790
Triple from: $5,790, Twins from: $7,190
Single Rate: 1.7 times the regular double occupancy rate
Climbing Supplement: $250
Kayaking Supplement: $825 (dry suit included)
Camping Option: One night, no extra cost; offered on all departures

Ship: Polar Pioneer - Research Vessel
Passengers: 56

Introduction

Home to the second longest mountain chain on the frozen continent, the Antarctic Peninsula offers energetic expeditioners ascents of hundreds of unclimbed peaks rising several thousand meters and paddling on protected waterways. This voyage caters to all levels of expertise. Climbers can expect to make at least two one-day alpine ascents and have a go at iceberg-climbing when possible. For kayakers, a more leisurely pace provides time for longer excursions, either to paddle farther or spend more time among the icebergs.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Board your ship, the Polar Pioneer, in the afternoon. You'll set sail along the Beagle Channel this evening.

Day 2: At Sea
Overnight, weather permitting, you will have travelled into the Drake Passage. During the day you will begin last minute preparation for your time onshore in Antarctica.

Day 3: At Sea - Antarctic Convergence
Today 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, weather permitting, a possible location for your first landing.

Days 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula
During these six days you plan to explore the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait and Lemaire Channel area. You will use your Zodiacs to transport climbers ashore, to view the abundant wildlife, and to visit scientific stations. Weather permitting, you plan to make a minimum of two single-day climbs and (for those interested) to camp ashore for one night.

Day 10: Drake Passage
From Anvers and Brabant islands, you head north into the Drake Passage.

Day 11: At Sea
Your last day of lectures, and the final opportunity to enjoy the seabirds of the Southern Ocean. Weather permitting, you hope to cruise past Cape Horn before a farewell dinner provides a fitting finale.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina
You travel up the Beagle Channel to disembark in Ushuaia. You say farewell to new found friends as you follow your separate paths. For those staying in Ushuaia the rest of the day can be spent at leisure in "The Town At The End Of The World". For those wishing to experience the delights of Tiera Del Fuego, it should be possible to make a brief sortie to the mountains behind Ushuaia.


Notes:

Climbing Option:
This voyage caters to all levels of expertise. Plan to make at least two one-day alpine ascents and have a go at ice-climbing when possible. Grounded icebergs provide unique challenges never to be repeated.

Sea Kayaking Option:
Travelling 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.

Included:
Cabin accommodation on the ship; all meals onboard; all shore excursions; lectures and guide services; medical service of the resident medical officer onboard; port taxes and service charges.

Not Included:
Airfare; accommodation or transfers before or after the cruise; optional sea kayaking activities, items of a personal nature and gratuity to the ship's crew is at your discretion; fuel surcharge may apply.