| HIGHLIGHTS: Ushuaia - Drake Passage - South Shetland Islands - Antarctica
Say hello to an abundance of wildlife, including five species of seals and massive rookeries of gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins as well as a profusion of seabirds ranging from albatross to skuas. You might even get the chance to watch as whales crest the surface of the waves right in front of your eyes.
Antarctica boasts some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, and you will be left awestruck as we sail aboard our well-appointed expedition vessel. Spot icebergs slicing through the waters of Paradise Harbour and Hope Bay, including phenomenally huge ones that house caves shrouded in eerie translucent light. You'll be in the safe hands of our experienced expedition crew, some of whom have travelled to this continent over 100 times.
Day 1: Ushuaia Today is your arrival day, so feel free to get here at any time. The voyage price includes accommodation in a hotel, but please note that no meals are included today. Accommodation: If you arrive earlier or wish to extend your stay and need accommodation please ask Gecko's or your agent for details and costs.
Day 2: Ushuaia - Embarkation Day You will be transferred from your hotel or town centre to the pier. Once there, you will board the ship. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions. Listen to a brief welcome from the expedition team and once you are settled in we'll begin our journey from Ushuaia, charting our course through the Beagle Channel.
Day 3 - 4: Drake Passage Keep an eye out for an abundance of seabirds as we cross the Drake Passage. There are optional presentations over the coming days, which prepare you for the upcoming adventure. Listen to talks on wildlife, ice and polar history and feel the excitement build as we cross the Antarctic Convergence. Huge icebergs loom on the horizon, as the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Prepare for a noticeable drop in temperature and look overhead for sightings of albatross and petrels.
Day 5 - 8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica We'll make the most of the Zodiac boats at this point in the journey, as we attempt to leave the ship and cruise the bays, channels and landing sites with wildlife always at the forefront of our minds. We will visit penguin rockeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, orcas and a number of the southern seal species, including the mighty leopard seal. The Peninsula's mountains will engulf you also as travellers get the chance to scramble up to vantage points. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap Penguin colony high up on a ridge. Whilst some may be hiking, others may find pleasure in sitting quietly on a pebbled beach as curious penguin chicks approach. If you are brave enough you can take part in the Polar Plunge, taking a dip in the frigid waters of an icy Antarctic bay. Heading towards the mainland prepare to be left awestruck by the massive icebergs that come in many different shapes and sizes. You might see some that have eroded into natural ice sculptures as well as city-block sized 'tabular' bergs which break from the thick ice shelves. Fingers crossed for good weather, so that we get the chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent, where the lights of the southern sky bathe the landscape in an eerie luminescence. The days are long and the nights are short, with wonderful twilight in between. On board we'll get to spend plenty of time on the bridge or on the deck, soaking up the incredible views. In Antarctica, silence is so complete that interruptions become indelible memories: noisy penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor.
Day 9 - 10: Drake Passage The journey back across the Drake Passage again provides time to spend out on the decks watching the seabirds and scouting for whales, attending presentations by our Expedition Team or simply relaxing and reminiscing about your experiences.
Day 11: Ushuaia We'll arrive back in Ushuaia in the morning, and this is where our cruise ends. Please do not book flights before 12pm. Transfers: If you are extending your stay please contact Gecko's or your agent.
Experience one of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations 11 day tour departing Ushuaia.9 nights accommodation onboard during the Expedition Voyage.1 night accommodation in a Hotel.10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners.All shore landings per the daily program.Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.A waterproof parka to keep.Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.All luggage handling aboard ship.Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000* per person.Group transfers in Ushuaia from the airport to any local hotel.Group transfers from a designated location in Ushuaia to the ship on embarkation day
Ask about our great airfaresConditions Valid for sale until 31 December 2012.Price is per person twin share.Airfare not included.Additional conditions apply, please enquire for further details.Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes. Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice.Prices are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, please enquire for further details. |
