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Icebergs in the harbor of Port Lockroy

Antarctic Peninsula with South Shetlands

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard MV Plancius
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The Antarctic Peninsula is part of the Antarctic Continent and is the southern continuation of the mountain chain that runs from North America through South America into the Scotia Sea. Here it continues as a mainly sub-marine ridge, the Scotia Ridge, until it comes above sea-level at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The peninsula consists of an 800 kilometres (500 mile) long mountain chain, the highest peaks rising to approximately 2,800 metres (9,186 feet), and numerous off-lying islands. The Peninsula offers the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Visitors are easily overcome by sensory overload by the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

The history of discovery runs parallel to that of the South Shetland Islands. Here, exploitation was again the major force behind the early explorations. Nowadays the Antarctic Peninsula is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which has been signed by 46 countries. The signatory parties have agreed to abstain for 50 years from recognizing, disputing, or establishing territorial sovereignty claims. The parties also agreed to set aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, established freedom of scientific investigation and banned military activity on the continent.
A contemplative Chinstrap penguinA young seal warms itself on the iceA humpback whale lifts its fluke Lemaire channel reflectionIcebergs in the harbor of Port Lockroy
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia

In the afternoon, embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located in the shadow of the Andes and right at the Beagle Channel shore. Sail through this scenic waterway during the afternoon.

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

During these two days sail across the Drake Passage. When you cross the Antarctic Convergence, arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area you may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson's Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, get your first glimpse of Antarctica's icebergs.

Day 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula

A typical itinerary in Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.

Sail to Deception Island first and hope for a good long walk and kayak trip which will depend on site availability and weather conditions. Sail through the Gerlache Strait to "High Antarctica", passing Brabant Islands. In Orne Harbour hope to make a landing in order to walk the spectacular Spigot Peak. The surroundings are very alpine, the walk as such brings you up to approx 300m above sea level. The views from the summit are fantastic. The kayakers have much time to do their near shore exploratory trips. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. On Danco Island observe Chinstrap Penguins and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour you will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers, other continent landings are for example possible on Portal Point. During the cruise zodiac cruises will be offered to locations such as near Foyn Harbour on Nansen Island and Neko Harbour.

When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, you will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. In this area there are good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, visit the British research station and post office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy take a zodiac landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags.

Sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island one we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. A visit to one of the scientific stations in Antarctica will give you an insight about the life of modern Antarcticans working on the White Continent. Further south visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where you will receive a warm welcome from the station crew. Sailing north through Neumayer Channel arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape and again possibilities for zodiac cruising among the icebergs, where you may encounter Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and whales.

Day 10-11: Drake Passage

In the Drake Passage you again have a chance of seeing many seabirds and to take advantage of the knowledge of your lecture team.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia

Arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.

Ship/Hotel

MV Plancius

MV Plancius
MV Plancius

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
Quadruple Porthole
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Quadruple Porthole
4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2)
Quadruple Porthole
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Triple Porthole
4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2)
Twin porthole cabin
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Twin with Porthole
9 twin private cabins with porthole. Two Lower berths. (ca. 15 m2)
Twin with window
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Twin with Window
26 twin private cabins with window. Two Lower berths (ca. 15 m2)
Twin Deluxe
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Twin Deluxe
2 twin private deluxe cabins. Lower berths - two single beds.(ca. 15 m2)
Superior
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Superior
10 twin superior cabins. Lower berth - double bed. (ca. 21 m2)

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Single occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share twin price
-Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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