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An Antarctic Sunset

Antarctic Peninsula

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Akademik Shokalskiy
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The spectacular Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the continent. Only 40 hours or so south of Cape Horn by ship, this is a rugged spine of mountains flanked by huge glaciers. The western coast is etched with fjords; dozens of islands lie offshore. The result is a glorious maze of sheltered channels and inlets, where modern scientific stations and reminders of early explorers and the whaling industry are scattered among penguin rookeries and seal colonies.We travel south from the Argentine port of Ushuaia, on the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego. The journey provides time to ponder the immensity of the Southern Ocean, and learn about the frozen continent and its wildlife through a series of special lectures by Antarctic experts. Our small group size makes it easier to truly appreciate the treasures of Antarctica, and our Zodiacs allow us to cruise among icebergs and whales - and make easy landings at sheltered sites. A highlight of our voyages to the Peninsula is spending an optional night camping. After a hearty dinner on the ship, we pitch our tents ashore - or you can choose to sleep in the open to maximise this unforgettable Antarctic experience!
Penguins cruising the iceCruising the chilly waters in the ZodiacSea KayakingA humpback whale dives beneath the Antarctic watersAn Antarctic Sunset
Activities
Places Visited
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, Argentina

Board your ship Akademik Shokalskiy in the afternoon. Enjoy a hearty, late afternoon welcome from friendly staff and Russian crew. You have time to settle in to your cabin and explore the ship before the evening departure. Watch for dolphins and albatross as you sail down the Beagle Channel.

Day 2: Drake Passage

Overnight, enter Drake Passage. Lectures on the continent's natural history and briefings about landing in Antarctica are scheduled through the day, allowing plenty of time to watch graceful albatrosses and other seabirds from the outer decks.

Day 3: Antarctic Convergence

Cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and may see your first icebergs. In the evening approach the South Shetland Islands, a possible location for your first landing.

Day 4-7: Antarctic Peninsula

For five days explore the deep bays and fjords of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula in your extremely maneuverable ship. Using your Zodiacs, make close contact with whales, penguins and seals in the vicinity of Deception Island, Gerlache Strait, Paradise Bay, Andvoord Bay and the Lemaire Channel. There is time to visit scientific stations and historic sites but the emphasis is on the natural wonders.

Day 8: King George Island / Punta Arenas

Arriving at King George Island, say farewell to the crew and staff of the Akademik Shokalskiy. You will be transferred to the airport and flown to Punta Arenas, Chile. Continue on your journey with fond memories of your Antarctic adventures!

Ship/Hotel

Akademik Shokalskiy

Akademik Shokalskiy ship photos

Akademik Shokalskiy

Originally designed for polar and ocean research, the Akademik Shokalskiy is small, nimble, and fully ice-strengthened, a capable vessel for navigating the most remote parts of Antarctica that larger ships cannot.
Lecture hall of the Akademik Shokalskiy

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Antarctica Cruises & Tours.
Main Deck
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
Superior
One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior Plus
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Mini Suite
Separate bedroom with a double bed and a sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.
Main Deck Triple
One bunk (one upper abd ibe lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.

Notes

- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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