Antarctica - Off the Beaten Track

Depart Santiago this morning on a special charter flight direct to Stanley, the small capital of the Falkland Islands. You are met on arrival and transferred from the airport into town. There is time to explore the town or enjoy a guided visit to nearby Gypsy Cove which provides your first opportunity for observing the local wildlife.

Chart a southerly course for Antarctica. This stretch of the South Atlantic is rich in its biodiversity and showcases an abundance of wildlife. The wandering albatross, giant petrels, and smaller Cape petrels are constant companions as make your way south. Photographing these magnificent birds takes patience and skill and the photography expert is on hand to show you the best techniques. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of your modern expedition vessel. Throughout the day your onboard experts educate you with a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife, history, and the locations you may visit in the coming days. As you approach the coastline of Antarctica, anticipate an increase in whale sightings

Awaken today and the magnificent snowy peaks of the South Shetland Islands are laid out before you. We are now heading north towards Antarctic Sound – the gateway into the icy Weddell Sea. Along the way, you can hope to make a planned visit at Deception Island. If weather conditions permit,  sail the ship right into the middle of a volcanic caldera. History is all around as you explore the old whaling station, with the rusted relics and old wooden structures.

Heading south along the coastline of the continent, your busy program of activities is in full swing. Your days are spent exploring on and off the ship. Popular activities include guided hikes on shore and visits to wildlife colonies with the expert naturalist guides, while the historic huts and science stations provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and the present. Zodiac cruising among the ice is always a memorable activity.

The adventure is not over and you have an additional day of exploration in the South Shetlands. Prevailing weather conditions dictate your landing locations. Aitcho Island is a possibility and is a great spot for a hike or a Zodiac cruise. There are several other landing sites in the South Shetland's including Half Moon Island, or the broad pebbly beach at Yankee Harbour, where you can encounter Weddell seals sunning themselves. This is another great spot for a hike. Hannah Point, with its elephant seal colony and nesting Antarctic petrels, is another site to visit. In the evening, navigate north and into the Drake Passage, charting a course for South America.

Making your way to the Falklands the educational presentations continue and enjoy a memorable voyage recap by your Expedition Leader. Join your photography experts in the multimedia room and download and back up your precious images. If weather conditions allow, you can hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn.

This morning you find yourself back in the port of Stanley. Say goodbye to your crew and after some free time in town, make your way to the airport for your return charter flight to Santiago. On arrival in Santiago your journey comes to an end.