On this exceptional voyage, chart a course through the Drake Passage on your way to the Weddell Sea, the ice-choked region made famous by the saga of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men from the Endurance Expedition nearly 100 years ago. Images of massive tabular icebergs, ice-choked waters, and human hardship come to mind when contemplating the Weddell Sea. Your journey then ventures north to the beautiful Falkland Islands. Enjoy several days exploring the western archipelago, discovering several additional penguin species and viewing nesting albatross.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to the wharf to embark the Akademik Sergey Vavilov. After settling in to your cabin and exploring the ship, meet the expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air you enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner. Chart a course through the dramatic Patagonian fjords, and leave South America behind as the ship sails for Antarctica – and what promises to be an incredible adventure.
As the ship crosses the Drake Passage, there is much anticipation as you make your way ever closer to the white continent. On-board polar experts educate on the wonders of the South Atlantic Ocean and rich Antarctic ecosystems. Perhaps pick up some valuable tips from the on-board photographic guide, learning about image composition, the subtle and soft polar light and all the basics of good camera craft. Cross the Antarctic Convergence, where there is a distinct drop in temperature and, as the ship enters the icy waters of the Antarctic, spectacular icebergs of all shapes and sizes appear. Witness a variety of seabirds and perhaps the occasional whale.
Arrive in the South Shetland Islands and search for chinstrap penguins, southern elephant seals, and abandoned whaling stations. Weather permitting visit Deception Island with its sizable chinstrap penguin rookery at Baily Head. Deception Island is a perfect museum of natural and exploration history and, for those wanting to stretch their legs, a spectacular hike to the crater rim offers a challenge. Nearby Yankee Harbor also offers some great walking opportunities and excellent zodiac cruising. In the evening cross the Bransfield Strait, approaching the white continent. It is a dramatic sight as the mountains of Antarctica loom ahead in the soft twilight.
At 25 nautical miles long and 10 nautical miles wide, the Antarctic Sound separates Joinville Island from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sail into the sound and witness the vastness and majesty of the Antarctic icecap. Heading into the Weddell Sea, notice a significant increase in the number of 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.
Maximize your time on shore and in the zodiac boats, absorbing as much of the wilderness as possible. Weather permitting, excursions may include Paulet Island, Brown Bluff and even the southerly Snow Hill Island, where you can observe Weddell and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a staggering abundance of penguins. Weather permitting, spend the nights camping on the peninsula.
Sailing among the islands of the Weddell Sea, keep a lookout for the largest of the penguins, the emperor penguin. Juvenile emperors are sometimes sighted riding the ice floes.
As the ship heads north and out of the Weddell Sea leaving Antarctica behind, the lavender pink sunset off the port quarter of the ship may make you pause to consider the bravery and/or foolhardiness of those early explorers who traveled these waters a hundred years ago.
Approach Elephant Island from the south at Point Lookout - home to an impressive macaroni penguin colony. Gentoo penguins are also known to nest on the island, and there are often sizable numbers of Antarctic fur seals hauled out on the beaches. Enjoy shore landings at the fabled Point Wild on the north coast of Elephant Island, where Shackleton and his men were encamped under their upturned life boats. If conditions are right, attempt a landing. This is a thrilling location and a major highlight for history buffs.
Enjoy several days at sea while the ship sails for the Falkland Islands. Seabirds, including several albatross and petrel species, are constant companions as they soar above the ship. The on-board educational program continues and experts entertain with interactive presentations.
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. Nearby Saunders Island, with its white sand beaches, features no less than four penguin species including gentoo, magellanic, rockhopper, and the impressive king penguin.
Day 12: Port Stanley / Punta Arenas
1 Breakfast
In the early morning, navigate through the narrows and into the harbor of Port Stanley. Take a transfer to the airport for your return flight to Punta Arenas (included in the price of your voyage). Upon arrival, continue on your independent journeys.
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.
$12,045
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Triple Share
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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.
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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.
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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
- 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 $1700 , and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 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 might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours 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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
