Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Categories Winter & Spring Cruises Small Ship Cruises Antarctica Cruises Adventure & Eco Travel Cruises

Please note that the itinerary is reversed on the January 20, 2015 departure.

Antarctic adventures are best enjoyed midsummer, when near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out, early alpine climbing starts or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks and waterways are alive with whales and seals. We visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth.

Climbing

At the cutting edge of climbing exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula, Aurora’s guides have forged new routes on many of the continents magnificent peaks. From first ascents to ice climbing on grounded icebergs, we cater to all levels of expertise and interests. On voyages with our climbing option, we plan to make at least two one-day alpine ascents and have a go at ice climbing where possible.

Camping

Camping has become our most popular optional activity, with some of our passengers camping for the very first time in their lives in Antarctica! We provide all the equipment you need to experience - albeit it in a more comfortable and civilised fashion - the feelings of the early Antarctic explorers. There really is no better way to witness the stunning silence and array of colours of an Antarctic night sky. Camping is a free optional activity organized onboard our ship.

Kayaking

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh your soul. Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes in the north and south as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations.

Itinerary

Enjoy Ushuaia before boarding Polar Pioneer at 4 p.m. with time to settle in before our evening departure. Excitement lifts as we set sail down the Beagle Channel, keeping watch for magellenic penguins, dolphins and albatross.

Our Drake Passage crossing offers cape petrels darting about the ship, black-browed and wandering albatross soaring, and Wilson’s storm petrels flitting above the sea. Learn about Antarctica from our expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition team as we prepare for adventures ahead.

An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations and cruise near exquisite icebergs. Our kayakers glide into secluded bays, while climbers ascend pristine peaks.

Stepping ashore on the continent itself creates an everlasting memory. Bubble-netting humpbacks demand a wake-up call, even at midnight! A curious leopard seal cruising amongst spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch.

We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night as well. If the weather allows, we’ll have a sleep-out on the ice – a must for any Antarctic explorer!

As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner.

A dawn cruise along the Beagle Channel ends in Puerto Williams. Disembark after breakfast for a tour of the town and stunning surrounds, before your flight to Punta Arenas.

Notes