Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

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

Please note that the 2015 departure for this cruise is one day shorter.

Tabular icebergs stream out of Antarctic Sound, marking our entrance to the Weddell Sea, where powerful tides and big ice signal an adventurous voyage. Pack ice stretches to the horizon, reflecting golden sun. Upwellings of cold, nutrient-rich water attract diverse wildlife. Ice-free islands host penguin colonies 200,000 strong. We hope to explore Prince Gustav Channel, fossil-rich Seymour Island and Otto Nordenskjold’s historic hut on Snow Hill Island. In contrast to the Weddell Sea’s wild isolation, spellbinding scenery captivates us as we sail down the Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast. Towering, glaciated peaks rise from a maze of islands and waterways, populated with overwhelming numbers of seals, penguins, whales and seabirds.

Optional 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

Board Polar Pioneer dockside in Ushuaia to a warm welcome. We have time to settle in, explore the ship and attend a welcome briefing before an evening sail down the Beagle Channel.

Ease into shipboard life as we cross the Drake Passage. Our naturalist and geologist expand our Antarctic knowledge, safety and environmental briefings prepare us for landings. The outer decks and flying bridge provide excellent space to see and photograph wildlife.

Today we should cross the Antarctic Convergence, biological boundary to an icy world. Penguins and seals appear as we approach the South Shetland Islands, where we hope to make our first landing.

Access to the Weddell Sea is totally ice-dependent. Calved from Weddell Sea’s massive ice shelves, the giant icebergs of Antarctic Sound on the Peninsula’s northeast coast create a memorable sight. We thread our way through waters alive with penguins against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, forged by volcanic activity.

For the next three days, the whim of weather systems and shifting pack ice dictate our schedule. We may visit the vast penguin colonies of Brown Bluff, or Paulet Island, fossil-rich Seymour Island and historic Snow Hill Island. We may hike to spectacular vantage points on Beak and Devil islands. We may even reach the islands of Prince Gustav Channel. Wherever we go, wildlife, Heroic Age relics and haunting landscapes await.

Returning through Antarctic Sound, we head for the Peninsula’s beautiful western flanks. We make full use of daylight hours and relatively ice-free waters to experience as much as possible. Wildlife stops on offshore islands, visiting historic huts and Zodiac cruising amidst bergs and whales are all possibilities.

Petrels, prions and albatross accompany our ship across Drake Passage. The last ship board talks help polish our Antarctic education before making a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn, time and weather permitting.

A pre-dawn sail along the Beagle Channel and an early breakfast prepare us to dock in Ushuaia. There’s time for final photos and to say our farewells before disembarking.

Notes