This special 12-day journey aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov takes you further south than at any other time in the season. By flying to King George Island in Antarctica at the start of the voyage, you save two days on the ocean crossing. This allows for a more substantial exploration below the Antarctic Circle. As you explore the glaciated coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, witness stunning landscapes, sizable Adelie penguin rookeries, and large flat-topped tabular icebergs that drift north from the Bellingshausen Sea. Pushing this far south, you can always anticipate exciting ice navigation!
Highlights
Enjoy shore landings in locations that provide great wildlife encounters
Hike over the snowy saddle of Winter Island
Visit a substantial Adelie penguin rookery on Petermann Island
Sail south of the Antarctic Circle and land on Detaille Island
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your journey commences this morning in the southern Chilean port city of Punta Arenas. Gather at a central location and be transferred to the airport for the two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Antarctica (this flight is included in the price of your voyage). Upon arrival at King George Island, embark your ship via Zodiac. After settling into your cabins and exploring the new surroundings, meet your expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as you enjoy a welcome cocktail and your first meal onboard in Antarctica. No doubt, everyone is looking forward to the incredible adventure ahead
Having crossed the broad expanse of the Bransfield Strait overnight, wake to see the towering peaks of the Antarctic continent for the very first time. This is a deeply moving experience for many on board. Push southwards, navigating to your ultimate objective below the Antarctic Circle. There is much to see and experience on your way south. Make shore landings in locations that provide great wildlife encounters, or take the chance to stretch your legs on a short or long hike, such as Port Charcot.
There are several locations in the Fish and Argentine Island archipelagos that allow for Zodiac cruising and potential shore landings. Hope to visit a working scientific base (Vernadsky Station) to learn of the important climate-related research, which is ongoing.
A hike over the snowy saddle of nearby Winter Island allows you to explore the old British Antarctic Survey hut, Wordie House, situated on the site of Rymill’s BGLE Northern Base from the 1930s.
Petermann Island is home to a substantial Adelie penguin rookery. The view to the north, of Mount Shackleton and Mount Scott, is impressive. These towering granite sentinels mark the southern entrance to the Lemaire Channel. Nearby Pleneau Island offers more opportunities for shore landings. Just off shore, in the shallow waters of the Penola Strait, massive icebergs run aground. Constant wind and wave action sculpt these gargantuan chunks of ice into fantastic shapes, revealing more shades of blue than you could ever imagine. For many, a Zodiac cruise here is a highlight of the voyage.
It is somewhere in this vicinity that you can spend a night ashore camping. This activity is for those interested and if weather conditions permit. The ship has all the gear and an expert team of guides to make this unique experience happen. There is no need to pre-book – you can decide on the day. This activity is included in the price of your voyage.
Given optimal ice conditions, sail south of the Antarctic Circle. A favored landing site here is Detaille Island, home to an abandoned British science hut. ‘Base W’ was established in the 1950s and is in a remarkable state of preservation. For the history buffs this is a fascinating place, providing a glimpse into the harsh life of early Antarctic scientists and researchers.
You are at the mercy of prevailing ice conditions navigating even further south. Years of experience show that late February gives the best chance of reaching Marguerite Bay.
The ship may take the ‘shortcut’ through a narrow channel known as 'the Gullet' if the passage is ice-free. Otherwise, you could navigate around the outside of Adelaide Island, which takes more time, yet brings you to the same destination.
Marguerite Bay is home to several important science bases: Rothera (UK), San Martin (Argentina), and Carvajal (Chile), and features rich history. Hope to make a visit to at least one of these locations.
The British Graham Land Expedition (BGLE) of the early 1930s - led by the intrepid Australian, John Rymill, established their Southern Base in this area. They explored and surveyed large areas of the Antarctic Peninsula by airplane, establishing that the Antarctic Peninsula was indeed connected to the continental landmass, and not just a series of off-shore islands as earlier believed.
As you make your way back to South America, the educational presentations continue and you can enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by your Expedition Leader. Join the photography experts in the multimedia room and download and back up your precious images.
If weather conditions allow, hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.
Day 12: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
In the early morning, arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests are transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. It is possible to connect to flights through to Buenos Aires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy a night in town or venture further afield to explore the highlights of Patagonia.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$15,595
Select a Date
Triple Share
Select a Date
Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Select a Date
Twin Private
Deck 3, 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Select a Date
Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.
Notes
- Single Supplement: 1.5x for twin and superior cabins and 2x for suites. Single supplement is not available in the triple cabin category.
- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
