Exploring Antarctica

Day 1

ARGENTINA (D)

Embark Ushuaia.

Day 2 & 3

AT SEA (B,L,D)

Leaving the Beagle Channel behind us, we’ll head south into the Drake Passage, crossing the Antarctic Convergence where warmer currents meet the cold Antarctic waters. This time onboard is ideal to prepare for the days ahead with lectures and other presentations.

Day 4 & 5

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS (B,L,D)
See below for information on walks.

The first landfall of the Antarctic region – these islands are well known for their prolific wildlife! You can expect to see Chinstrap penguin rookeries and sites for Fur seals and perhaps Elephant seals and various seabird species. A fascinating geological aspect exists in the black sands of Deception Island, an active (and carefully monitored) volcanic region!

Days 6-11

ANTARCTICA (B,L,D)

As we head south we plan to visit some of the well known highlights of Antarctica, such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Gerlache Strait, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and others. Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, we’ll stop at Rothera Station, and then steam as far south as Marguerite Bay and possibly Stonington Island. If weather and conditions permit, we hope to make some true exploratory landings, taking our small part in the discovery of this fascinating region!

Day 11

ANTARCTICA/AT SEA (B,L,D)

Before heading back to sea for the return voyage, we’ll plan on a morning landing, possibly at Fish Island.

Day 12 & 13

AT SEA (B,L,D)

Once back at sea, we’ll begin to wrap up the experience of our extended time in Antarctica!

Day 14

ARGENTINA (B)

Disembark Ushuaia.

Below is a short summary of some of the walks we are looking forward to sharing with you on Exploring Antarctica.
Deception Island at Whalers Bay offers us a few options for discovery – the shortest would include breathtaking views over the caldera and the entrance to the bay. At Hannah Point, our explorers experience a marvellous hike from the landing beach to the bottom of the bay, with the chance to discover some fossils. Penguin Island showcases a fabulous hike to the rim of a volcano, while at Artkowski Station in the northern area of the South Shetland Islands, we experience a pleasant stroll along a beach. A hike on Petermann Island leads us to Petermann’s southernmost point, and an excursion to Gourdin Island at Port Lockroy gives us the chance to top a “peak” with fantastic views overlooking the Antarctic Sound.

**NOTE: This is our planned itinerary – actual execution is subject to weather, ice and IAATO Ship Scheduler limitations. The ship staff will reroute as necessary according to these variables. These variables are out of our control and we can therefore not be held accountable for changes to the routing.