Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius

Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina/ Embark Ship

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.

Days 2-3 Drake Passage

During these two days sail across the Drake Passage. When crossing 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, glimpse at the first icebergs.

Days 4-8 Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius

Sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, you will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. If landing on Danco Island you can 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 glacier and enjoy the landscape during zodiac cruises, hikes and kayak excursions. A small group of mountaineers may climb up on higher grounds of the glacier.

The same evening sail to the Neumayer Channel, where you will visit the British research station and post office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy land on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags. The protected waters around Wiencke Island will become your “Basecamp” for all activities. In this alpine environment there great opportunities to scout the region on foot, per zodiac and during kayak trips. Plan to stay two overnights at anchor in order to implement two camp nights and one full day activity from Basecamp at Wiencke Island. Walkers will find opportunities to use snowshoes on hikes to Jabet Peak (540 m), Noble Peak (545 m) or Stokes Hill (Doumer Island). The mountaineers will find their challenge by climbing Mount Luigi (1.400 m). All climbs and excursions can only be conducted in good weather conditions.

Sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island where you 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. Your second Basecamp will be erected in Waddington Bay, here you will find a sheltered place to anchor for two nights. All activities will be offered: 2 camp nights and one full day activity from Basecamp. Hikers use snowshoes to walk up to Cape Tuxen (352 m) and Mt Demaria (640 m). The mountaineers hope to reach the summit of Lumiere Peak (1050 m).

Day 9 Towards Drake Passage

Leave Waddington Bay in the morning after breaking your last camp ashore. Sail via French Passage or Bismarck Strait towards the open sea of the Drake Passage. You have again a chance of seeing many seabirds.

Days 10-11 At Sea

Day 12 Ushuaia / Disembark

Arrive in the morning and disembark in Ushuaia.