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Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius

12 Days Cruise

12 Days / 4 locations in Argentina and Antarctica

Cruise to Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius

“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for wide ranging activities.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Ushuaia
On Board the M/V Plancius
Meals: Dinner

We embark our vessel m/v Plancius in Ushuaia

In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.

 
Days 2 - 3     Drake Passage
On Board the M/V Plancius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

En-route to the Antarctic Peninsula where we cross the Antarctic Convergence

During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Albatrosses, Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs.

 
Days 4 - 9     Antarctic Peninsula
On Board the M/V Plancius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Antarctica!

We will sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. We will sail to the Neumayer Channel, where we position our ship for the multi activity base camp. The protected waters around Wiencke Island will become our playground for all activities. In this alpine environment there are great opportunities to scout the region on foot, per zodiac and during kayak trips. Walkers will find opportunities to use snowshoes on hikes near the shore lines and the mountaineers will find their challenge by climbing hills and viewpoints further inland. All climbs and excursions can only be conducted in good weather conditions. We plan to stay two overnights at anchor in order to implement two camp nights and two full activity days. We will visit the old British research station, now working museum and post office at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. We look out for leopard seals, Crabeater seals and whales. In good conditions and time allowing we sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Booth Island, Pléneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adélie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. We choose another camp site which is suitable and close to next day’s activity. At Neko Harbour we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of a huge glacier and enjoy the landscape during zodiac cruises, walks and kayak excursions. A small group of glacier walkers may climb up on higher grounds of the glacier. We will spend the night at Neko or near Paradise Bay with a camp erected ashore. We will leave early morning after breaking our last camp. We sail via Melchior Islands towards the open sea of the Drake Passage. We have again a chance of seeing many seabirds.

 
Days 10 - 11     At Sea
On Board the M/V Plancius
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

At sea en-route to Ushuaia

On our way north we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.

 
Day 12     Ushuaia
Meals: Breakfast

We disembark m/v Plancius in Ushuaia

We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast.

 

Notes

PLEASE NOTE: A Basecamp itinerary to the Antarctic Peninsula is illustrated below. This itinerary is for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities are free of charge

Price Includes
Voyage Aboard the Indicated Vessel As Indicated in the Itinerary.
All Meals Throughout the Voyage Aboard the Ship Including Snacks, Coffee an
All Shore Excursions and Activities Throughout the Voyage by Zodiac.
Program of Lectures by Noted Naturalists and Leadership by Experienced Expe
Use of Rubber Boots and Snowshoes
Luggage Transfer from Pick-up Point to the Vessel on the Day of Embarkation
Pre-Scheduled Group Transfer from the Vessel to the Airport in Ushuaia (Dir
All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program.
Comprehensive Pre-Departure Material
During Our “Basecamp” Departures, All Offered Activities (Including Camping
Price Does Not Include
 Any Airfare Whether on Scheduled or Charter Flights.
 Government Arrival and Departure Taxes.
 Baggage, Cancellation and Personal Insurance (which Is Mandatory).
 Excess Baggage Charges and All Items of a Personal Nature
 The Customary Gratuity at the End of the Voyages for Stewards and Other Ser
OCE-1269
1.28.15.WP26