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A group of walrus rest on the sand.

Marine Mammals of Antarctica

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Akademik Ioffe
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Seasoned guides have noticed year after year that, as the Antarctic summer comes to a close, the marine mammals come to life! Through a collaborative effort with the Marine laboratory of Duke University, Akademik Ioffe is excited to invite you on the launch of this expedition, which takes advantage of all the most up-to-date technology to provide you unparalleled encounters with humpback whales, the elusive minke whale, leopard seals, and penguins.
Albatross cruising the Drake Passage to AntarcticaA huge colony of king penguins.Pair of King penguins on an Antarctica cruiseHumpback whale diveA group of walrus rest on the sand.
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: Ushuaia / Embark

Begin your adventure as you board the Akademik Ioffe in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city at the tip of Argentina. Familiarize yourself with your new "home" for the next ten days and as you do, stop to wonder about the exciting journey ahead. Set sail in the early evening on a course through the Beagle Channel.

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Much excitement is in the air as you cross the Drake Passage, ever closer to the white continent. As you cross these fabled waters, on-board naturalists split their time between whale watching from the deck and leading lively discussions in the ship's presentation room about Arctic marine life. Scan the frigid waters for whales feasting on krill, icebergs, and an array of seabirds.

Day 4-8: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your route through the Antarctic Peninsula is primarily based on typical marine mammal activity for this time of year. Armed with knowledge of marine mammal feeding grounds, your crew picks and chooses the best areas to explore. Based on weather conditions, you may explore the Gerlache Strait area and work your way into the coast's deep bays. Weather permitting, spend time exploring by inflatable zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature's glory.

Antarctica's best known locations are tentatively on the itinerary as you take in magnificent scenery and observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds, as well as an abundance of penguins. Several great hikes also offer excellent opportunities to take in the oddly-shaped and colossal tabular icebergs that break away from the continent.

If weather is mild enough, you may have the opportunity to step foot on the continent itself. Camping overnight on shore is optional, but whatever your vantage point - whether it is on board or on shore, expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight and the abundance of wildlife from the very bottom of the planet.

Day 9-10: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn. Spend this time sharing and reflecting on the wonderful adventure of the last few days. Onboard photographic experts provide tips and tricks for managing your digital photos to ensure the preservation of your memories once you are back on shore. Throughout the passage, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for marine life, as Commerson's, Peale's and Dusky dolphins are all frequent visitors to this area. Celebrate the conclusion of your Polar expedition with a special dinner.

Day 11: Ushuaia / Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Ushuaia early today. Following breakfast on board, say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Transfer to your hotel or airport, whichever your individual plans may provide for.

Ship/Hotel

Akademik Ioffe

Relax by the fire in the lounge.
Bar & Lounge on the Ioffe
Reception area on the Ioffe

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,195
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Main Deck Triple
Twin Semi Private Cabins
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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.
Twin Private Cabins
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Twin Private
Deck 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Superior Cabins
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Superior
Deck 6. Two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Shackleton Suites
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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

- 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.

- Twin and superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the shared price, suites for 2 times the shared price. Single supplement is not available in triple cabins.

- 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.
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners

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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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