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Camping in Antarctica

Antarctica - 'Deep South' (Extended Circle Voyage)

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov
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This special journey takes you further south than at any other time in the season. By flying to King George Island in Antarctica at the start of the voyage, you save two days on the ocean crossing. The time you save by flying south allows for a more substantial exploration below the Antarctic Circle. Here witness stunning landscapes, sizable Adelie penguin rookeries, and large flat-topped tabular icebergs that drift north from the Bellingshausen Sea. You can anticipate exciting ice navigation when pushing this far south. Navigate the glaciated coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through the Argentine, Fish, and Yalour Island archipelagos when exploring the Gerlache Strait region.
King Penguins on South Georgia Mist from volcanic calderaZodiacs explore the magestic coastlineElephant seals relaxing together Camping in Antarctica
Highlights
  • Hike along spectacular Paradise Harbour and Port Charcot
  • Discover Petermann Island, home to a substantial Adelie penguin rookery
  • Visit a working scientific base to learn of their important climate research
  • Join an unforgettable and adventurous night camping in the Antarctica
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, Chile | Fly to King George Island

Your journey commences this morning in the southern Chilean port city of Punta Arenas. Gather at a central location and 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 is looking forward to the adventure ahead.

Day 2-7: Towards the Antarctic Circle

  • Ship
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
Having crossed the broad expanse of the Bransfield Strait overnight, wake to see the towering peaks of the Antarctic continent for the very first time. Push southwards, navigating to your ultimate objective below the Antarctic Circle. There is much to see and experience on your way south. Join some shore landings in locations that provide great wildlife encounters, or enjoy the chance to stretch your legs on a short or long hike, such as Paradise Harbour or Port Charcot.

Petermann Island is home to a substantial Adelie penguin rookery. Researchers are monitoring the penguin population here and their studies over many seasons is providing insight into possible changes to number and density of both Adelie and gentoo penguins, with subtle changes being observed. The onboard experts are able to explain some of these theories and what they mean for the penguins and possible implications of climate change in Antarctica.

Petermann also provides outstanding views towards Mount Shackleton and Mount Scott. These towering granite sentinels mark the southern entrance to the Lemaire Channel through which you may have navigated earlier in the day. Nearby Pleneau Island offers more opportunities for shore landings. Just off shore, in the shallow waters of the Penola Strait, massive icebergs run aground. Constant wind and wave action sculpt these gargantuan chunks of ice into fantastic shapes, revealing more shades of blue than you could ever imagine.

There are several other locations in the Yalour Island group which allow for Zodiac cruising and potential shore landings. Visit a working scientific base to learn of the important climate-related research, which is ongoing. This science station is best known for research into the earth's ozone layer. A hike over the snowy saddle of nearby Winter Island allows you to explore the old British Antarctic Survey hut - 'Wordie House'. This is a beautiful location offering amazing views from the summit of the island.

It is somewhere along this stretch of coastline that you plan a night on shore, camping in Antarctica. All the right gear and equipment and an expert team to make it happen is provided - all you need is an adventurous spirit! Camping always depends on the weather and it can never be guaranteed on any voyage. 

Day 8-11: Detaille Island, Marguerite Bay

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Given optimal ice conditions, aim to sail south of the Antarctic Circle. A favored landing site here is Detaille Island, home to an abandoned British science hut. ‘Base W’ was established in the 1950s and is in a remarkable state of preservation. For the history buffs this is a fascinating place, providing a glimpse into the harsh life of early Antarctic scientists and researchers.

You are at the mercy of prevailing ice conditions navigating even further south. Take the ‘shortcut’ through a narrow channel known as 'the Gullet' if the passage is ice-free. Otherwise, navigate around the outside of Adelaide Island - which takes more time, yet brings you to the same destination. Marguerite Bay is home to several important science bases - Rothera (UK), San Martin (Argentina), Carvajal (Chile) and features rich history. Visit at least one of these locations.

Day 12-13: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Make your way back to South America. The educational presentations continue and you can enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by your Expedition Leader. Join the photography experts in the multimedia room and download and back up your precious images. Or spend time on the outside observation decks or the bridge, observing the incredible pelagic birds soaring on the winds around the ship. Several albatross species, as well as giant petrels and other seabirds, can be observed at close quarters.

If weather conditions allow, make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition.

Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship

Day 14: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
In the early morning, arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests are transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. It is possible to connect to flights through to Buenos Aires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy a night in town or perhaps venture further afield to explore the highlights of Patagonia.

Ship/Hotel

Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Shared Lounge on the Vavilov
Vavilov lounge
Enjoy delicious wines with your meal.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$16,895
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Triple Share
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 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.
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

- 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.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 13 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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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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