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Antarctica: Hanging with the Penguins

Ultimate Antarctica - Weddell Sea and the Falkland Islands

Fly-Sail-Cruise - Example 13 Day Cruise aboard RCGS Resolute
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This exciting expedition provides great diversity and will appeal to those seeking the complete Antarctic experience. It includes the South Shetland Islands, the western and northern sections of the Antarctic Peninsula, the stunning Weddell Sea region located on the eastern side of the Peninsula and the historic location of Elephant Island. Adding to the experience will be a visit to several locations in the Falkland Island archipelago – home to nesting albatross and the colorful King penguin. Maximize your time on this voyage by flying from South America to Antarctica, saving the two days crossing the Drake Passage. A further day and a half are saved by flying from the Falkland Islands back to South America at the conclusion of the voyage. The time saved by flying equals more time exploring down among the ice in Antarctica.
Sea and sandAbandoned whaling village of Stromness, South GeorgiaNesting Black-Browed Albatross on the Falkland IslandsAn old iceberg on the beaches of Deception IslandAntarctica: Hanging with the Penguins
Highlights
  • Explore the Gerlache coastline and cruise through the Lemaire Channel
  • Cruise the Errera Channel and visit penguin rookeries at Cuverville Island
  • Navigate in to the Weddell Sea while surrounded by tabular icebergs
  • Visit the Elephant Islands, home to an impressive chinstrap penguin colony
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: Punta Arenas

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile, where your Antarctic journey commences, make your way to the signature hotel for an included pre-voyage stay. This evening, you are encouraged to visit the welcome desk set up in the lobby of the hotel to check in with a representative and to collect luggage tags for your voyage. Punta Arenas is the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, facilitating easy exploration of the region pre-voyage.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The journey begins this morning with a transfer 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 your new surroundings, meet your expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as you enjoy a welcome refreshment and set sail. No doubt, everyone will be looking forward to the adventure ahead.

Day 3-4: Gerlache Strait | Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Overnight the ship has navigated across the Bransfield Strait and you will wake to the towering peaks of the Antarctic continent laid out before you. For the next few days, you'll have a varied itinerary exploring the Gerlache coastline. The landscape all along this section of the Antarctic coastline features heavily glaciated mountains permanently covered in ice and snow. The activity program is in full swing by now. Each day, enjoy guided walks on shore, visits to wildlife colonies and Zodiac cruising among the ice with your expert guides, providing insight and interpretation. Planned visits could include Paradise Harbour, Orne Harbour or Andvord Bay. Or a cruise through the Errera Channel to visit the penguin rookeries at Cuverville Island. Wilhelmina Bay is another favorite location and one where pods of feeding humpback whales are frequently encountered. It is somewhere along this stretch of coastline that you can plan to spend a night on shore, camping in Antarctica. All of the right gear and equipment are available to you and an expert team to make it happen - all you need is an adventurous spirit! If the weather is good and site characteristics suit the requirements, the expedition leader will let you know. Camping is included in the voyage price and there is no need to pre-book this activity.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, head north towards the Antarctic Sound– the gateway into the icy Weddell Sea. Along the way, you can hope to make a planned visit at Deception Island. If weather conditions permit, the ship sails right into the middle of a volcanic caldera. This is a very dramatic place and home to several penguin rookeries along the black-sand beaches. History is all around as you explore the old whaling station, with the rusted relics and dilapidated wooden structures. Fur seals gather among the old structures seeking protection from the elements. At the far end of the beach is an old aircraft hangar. This is where the Australian, Sir Hubert Wilkins, made the very first flight in Antarctica in 1928. There is an outstanding hike here to a location known as ‘Neptune’s Window’- high up onto the rim of the crater. 

Day 6-8: Antarctic Sound & Weddell Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
At about 25 nautical miles long and about 10 nautical miles wide, Antarctic Sound separates Joinville Island from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Navigating into the sound, witness for the first time the vastness and majesty of the Antarctic icecap. This is an awe-inspiring sight. Heading into the Weddell Sea you'll notice a significant increase in the number of huge tabular icebergs and the presence of sea ice. These massive icebergs break from the huge ice shelves to the south and drift north on the currents. This always makes for exciting navigation – and stunning photographic opportunities in the soft Antarctic twilight. This is wild and remote Antarctica and has a distinctly different feel from locations visited thus far.

The Weddell Sea region is home to Adelie penguin rookeries of staggering size – some contain more than 100,000 nesting birds. Such colonies dwarf the penguin rookeries visited so far. Weather permitting, excursions in the Weddell Sea region may include Hope Bay, Paulet Island and Brown Bluff. All eyes will be on the ice floes through which the ship navigates. The expedition crew has enjoyed a number of emperor penguin sightings in this area in recent years and they are known to travel through the area. You may get lucky and see them too!

The history of exploration in this region is incredibly rich. Remnants of Nordenskjöld’s Swedish expedition of 1901-1904 are found in several locations in this area. The epic century-old story of Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition has strong links to the region. It was here that he and his men drifted north on the ice after the ship had been lost in the ice pack months earlier. As you head north and out of the Weddell Sea, the lavender-pink sunset will make you pause to consider the bravery (or foolhardiness) of those early explorers who traveled these waters a hundred years before you.

Day 9: Elephant Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cape Lookout on the southern tip of Elephant Island is home to an impressive chinstrap penguin colony. Macaroni penguins also breed here and are a species you'll have yet to encounter to date on this voyage. Both southern elephant seals and fur seals are hauled out on the rocky beaches. If conditions permit, visit the fabled location of Point Wild on the north coast of Elephant Island. It is here that Shackleton and his men were encamped under their upturned lifeboats before six men set off on a rescue mission to South Georgia in their tiny lifeboat – the 'James Caird'.

Day 10-11: At Sea towards the Falkland Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
While sailing north to the Falkland Islands your onboard polar experts will recap on your adventures in the Weddell Sea and prepare you for the days ahead. Much of your time will be spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals. The spectacular pelagic seabirds, including several albatross and petrel species, are your constant companions as they soar above the ship. Photographing these stunning birds in flight takes great patience and skill and your resident photography expert will show you the best techniques. The educational program continues and the experts entertain you with interactive presentations and leading lively discussions.

Day 12: West Point Island & Saunders Island, Falkland Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in the Falkland Islands overnight and spend the day exploring the islands of West Point and Saunders. West Point is known for its sizable rookeries of rockhopper penguins and nesting black-browed albatross. One final highlight awaits– a visit to the wildlife-rich Saunders Island. Along with the white-sand beaches and in the tussock grass you can hope to encounter no less than four penguin species living in close quarters including Gentoo, Magellanic, and rockhopper, and your ultimate goal during the Falkland Island visit, observing the impressive king penguin. Saunders is a fitting end to an epic Antarctic adventure. Charting a course for the port of Stanley in the early evening light, enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship and reflect on one of life’s great travel experiences.

Day 13: Stanley | Disembark | Fly to Santiago

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning, find yourselves in the port of Stanley. Say goodbye to your crew and make your way to the airport for your return private air charter to Santiago (included in the price of your voyage). On arrival in Santiago, your journey comes to an end. Onward regional and international flight connections may be possible this evening. A transfer is provided downtown for those choosing to stay and explore Santiago and the delights of Chile.

Ship/Hotel

RCGS Resolute

RCGS Resolute Interior
RCGS Resolute Interior
RCGS Resolute Pool

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$17,395
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Main Deck Triple
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Twin Private Cabin
Twin Private cabins are located on Deck 4 and have the option for either a queen or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Superior Cabin
Located forward on Deck 5 the Superior cabins have the option for either a queen or two single beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Superior Plus Cabin
Superior Plus cabins are located midships on Deck 5. They are spacious and well appointed with the option for either a queen or two single beds. A comfortable lounge is placed by the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample floor to ceiling cabinet storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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Shackleton Suite
The Shackleton Suites are situated on Deck 6. Suites include the comfort of a sectional lounge, writing desk, substantial floor to ceiling cabinetry, and washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Sleeping quarters feature the option for either a queen or two single beds with upgraded linen/ pillows.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
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One Ocean Suite
The One Ocean Suites are situated on Deck 6 and offer an indulgent amount of space. Sleeping quarters feature a queen size bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with matching club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor to ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.  
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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