Antarctic Explorer
Adventure cruise to the pristine wilderness of the White Continent
The South Shetland Islands and the channels of the Antarctic Peninsula form arguably the most spectacular and certainly the most pristine wilderness on earth.
This is an astonishing adventure into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is a heady and inspiring cocktail of towering blue icebergs which refract searing blues and greens, whether against piercing clear skies or slate grey ones. It is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins of almost all descriptions, leopard and smaller seals and whales, seen from the shore, from Zodiac inflatable dinghies and onboard.
This is a journey that appeals to photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists or those who simply want to marvel at the peaks of Deception Island or the striking colours of Iceberg Alley in the most immaculate wilderness anywhere.
2 nights Buenos Aires. 1 night Ushuaia. 9 nights Antarctic expedition cruise
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Arrive in Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Buenos Aires
Enjoy a half-day city tour of the enjoy a tour of the city that’s dubbed the ‘Paris of South America’ - discover its charming districts from Puerto Madero and San Telmo, to Palermo and colourful La Boca. An optional evening dinner and tango show is highly recommended.
Day 3: Ushuaia
Upon arrival in the world’s southernmost city, transfer to a local hotel for a one-night stay.
Day 4: Ushuaia - Beagle Channel
After breakfast the morning is free to explore Ushuaia. In the afternoon transfer to the ship and once onboard you’ll meet the expedition team to learn about the ship and its layout. Departure from Ushuaia is normally around 6pm and you’ll set sail through the Beagle Channel in the early evening. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.
Days 5-6: Drake Passage
As you sail through the infamous Drake Passage, a team of experts are out on deck to help you spot whales and identify seabirds. There is also a programme of talks covering the wildlife, the ice and polar history to prepare you for your adventure to the White Continent. Look out for huge icebergs, wandering albatrosses, petrels and other bird life.
Days 7-11: Antarctic Peninsula
This is where your Antarctic adventure begins. Daily Zodiac excursions will take you from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites. You’ll visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. Amid the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour become indelible memories.
Days 12-13: Drake Passage
Depart the Antarctic Peninsula and head back across the Antarctic Convergence and Drake Passage towards Ushuaia. Weather permitting, your crossing will be completed by a sailing round Cape Horn.
Day 14: Ushuaia
In the early morning you arrive back in Ushuaia where your voyage ends. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires and onward connections for your flight back to the UK.
To book, call 0845 643 6548
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102480.
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