An exciting expedition with two adventure options: the normal sea voyage for “sea explorers” (with zodiac excursions hiking options) and a land expedition for “ski explorers”! The sea explorers will circumnavigate the Island in 9 days, while at the same time the ski explorers will attempt to traverse the Island on a self supplied ski trek from the South coast (King Haakon Bay) to the North coast (Stromness Bay) in 4 to 5 days.
Ski trek across South Georgia: a group of up to 12 ski explorers and 2-3 mountain guides will attempt to traverse on an unsupported and self supplied trek across the island with skis (or snowshoes) hauling pulkas (sledges). The skiers will cover a total distance of 40 – 50 km retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route, which he covered in 36 hours. On arrival day at King Haakon Bay, the expedition members will spend a night close to the shore preparing for the crossing. The expedition will then embark on their trek across alpine passes and glaciers aiming for reunion with the ship at Stromness Bay. After both expeditions have rejoined, all passengers will then continue to enjoy the latter part of the South Georgia cruise itinerary.
Sea voyage around South Georgia: The sea explorers who remain on board will wave the skiers “bye-bye” at Pegotty Bluff, the historic camp site. It was from where on the 19th May 1916 that Shackleton, Crean and Worsley set off across the Island to Stromness in a marathon trek of 36 hours. The same day, Plancius will stop over at Cape Rosa, and intend to make a landing. Shackleton’s James Caird landed at Cape Rosa after an epic 16 days voyage from Elephant Island. Truly a historic day!
During the night at sea pass Cape Disappointment (discovered by James Cook in 1775) and the expedition will reach the South East corner of South Georgia. Drygalski Fjord is a great scenic place for zodiac cruising, hope to land at Cooper Bay. During the next few days the expedition will explore the beaches of Gold Harbour, Royal and St. Andrews Bay. The sites that you visit give you a good opportunity to see a wide spectrum of landscapes and wildlife, like like King and Macaroni Penguins, Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Elephant Seals and the introduced reindeer.
With zodiacs explore more closely the glacier front of Nordernskjöld glacier and the shorelines of Maiviken and Cumberland West Bay.
There will be opportunities for walkers in the group to hike at Godthul, Maiviken, Gold Harbour and Stromness. All hiking excursions are subject to weather and landing site availability. Hikes will be guided and vary in length with approx 2 – 4 hours, 5 – 10 km.
At Stromness Bay, the abandoned whaling village, the walkers amongst the sea explorers might want to follow a shorter section of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final leg of his epic hike. The path will take you to “Shackleton Waterfall”, total distance 5 km, 2 hours walking. The terrain is boggy and some small rivers might have to be crossed (sandals and walking poles very useful!).
In Stromness, the ship will most likely re-unite with the ski explorers. With all passengers onboard the ship will then set sail to Fortuna Bay to anchor for the night. The beaches are inhabited by King Penguins and seals. You might even see reindeer! At Grytvikenyou will also see an abandoned whaling village, where King Penguins now walk in the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. At Grytviken you’ll also visit the Whaling History Museum as well as to Shackleton’s grave near by. One of the final highlights might be your visit to Prion Island, where you will witness the breeding efforts of the huge Wandering Albatross and enjoy watching their displays. At Salisbury Plain, the second largest King Penguin colony at South Georgia, you will also see elephant seals. The voyage around South Georgia ends at the bay of Elsehul, with its very active fur seal breeding beach. From there you take course to Ushuaia, South America.
