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10 Days$6700USD

Activities
  • 10 days cruising
Accommodation
  • 9 Nights aboard Plancius
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts
1
Discovery and Cruising
 
 

Trip highlights


  • The most wildlife-rich part of Antarctica - penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
  • Narrow sheltered waterways and fjords
  • Spectacular mountains rising directly out of the sea
  • Icebergs and active glaciers
  • Historic sites
  • Active scientific stations
  • Great variety of terrain over short distances

The pristine Antarctic Peninsula is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and this unique voyage aboard Plancius focuses on the large numbers and different species of whales who feed in the peninsula's nutrient rich waters late in the summer season. Minke, Fin, Humpback and even Orca whales are high on the list of species we hope to spot, along with large numbers of Leopard and Crabeater seals. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence into the Southern Ocean via the fabled Drake Passage to explore this remote continent with its spectacular wildlife. There are no shortage of photographic possibilities or one can simply savour the natural beauty of this ice-bound land. Whether enjoying the surreal landscapes or participating in one of the activities on offer the wonder of the Antarctic is yours to discover. There is ample time to utilise the ship’s fleet of zodiacs to explore the rich diversity of wildlife that flourishes in the sheltered bays, clustered castles of icebergs and steep glaciers that characterise the shoreline.

Trip Code: OAW

In the afternoon we embark from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The voyage will depart through the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.

Meals:  D

During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we 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, we spot our first icebergs.

Meals:  B,L,D

Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. You first pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands. Sites you may visit include: Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby. Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Paradise Bay – You may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there’s a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales. Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you could sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There is also a possibility you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals. Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point there may be the opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, this is also one of our favourite camping sites. Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernøren – This is a great place to spot humpback whales. You also may embark on a Zodiac cruise ending at the ghostly wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. Around the Melchior Islands, amid a frozen landscape peopled with icebergs, you may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the Drake Passage we have again a chance of seeing many seabirds and to take advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team.

Meals:  B,L,D

We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
  • specialist expedition staff
  • comfortable cabin accommodation on cruise
  • all activities while on cruise including zodiac excursions, lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • use of all ship facilities and public areas
  • medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board)
  • port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
  • pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
  • pre-departure information

  • air transport and transfers before and after the cruises (except for prescheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia, directly after disembarkation).
  • passport and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and airport departure taxes
  • bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
  • customary end of voyage tips and gratuities
  • accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
  • emergency evacuation charges

Cabins


Departure dates


Priceper person from

$6700USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Twin Private with PortholeUSD$8300
  • Twin Private with WindowUSD$8750
  • Twin DeluxeUSD$9400
  • SuperiorUSD$10050
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Antarctica - In search of whales trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

Videos

Antarctic Peninsula | World Expeditions

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