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The fascinating history and overwhelming wildlife populations of the Sub-Antarctic combined with the awesome beauty of Antarctica itself
Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town
The morning is free to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area, to do some last minute shopping, stroll around the town and down to the port or maybe go for a walk in the nearby national park. The transfer to the ship takes place in the afternoon. Once on board there is a get together for introductions to the expedition team, to learn about the ship and its layout, talk about the itinerary for the next 18 days and participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. Departure from Ushuaia is normally around 6:00 p.m, and we 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.
We sail in a north-easterly direction, enjoying a series of presentations that prepare you for the coming adventure. On deck the first sightings of albatross and petrels add to the sense of excitement.
The rugged and remote Falkland archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. One landing that will surely stick out in memory is at Port Stanley. This unique British outpost has a ramshackle charm to it. The largest settlement in the Falklands, we’ll spend a day here visiting churches, museums, wandering around town and perhaps mingling with locals at a typical British pub. In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to a variety of penguin species, including Magellanic, Gentoo and Rockhopper. If lucky, we may spot King penguins here as well! We can also expect to see Black-browed albatross and many other bird species around the islands, including an opportunity to see the two endemic species: Cobb’s wren and the Falklands flightless Steamer duck. Our team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna in order to get the most of a memorable time in the Falklands.
Sailing south, we’ll enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica – the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and microscopic marine life that attracts whales and other species to this part of the world. Ship staff will be sure to keep you posted when we cross this invisible, yet important, line.
Reaching South Georgia you will observe towering, snow-covered mountains and glaciers when conditions are clear. South Georgia is the most mountainous of the many islands of the Southern Ocean and is a spectacular sight. We will cruise the more protected eastern coast of the island, seeking out suitable landing spots as conditions permit. We hope to get ashore at Salisbury Plain where colourful King penguins crowd the beaches in numbers that will leave you spellbound. The vast area is covered in a sea of birds: of adults and their young in hundreds of thousands. Another 75,000 pairs of King penguins nest at St Andrews Bay. Everywhere, albatross, skuas and Giant petrels wheel overhead, whilst Fur seals are found in good numbers along the shore or are seen frolicking in the water. At Grytviken, you visit the old whaling station, and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, undoubtedly one of the greatest of the Antarctic explorers.
En route to the South Shetland Islands there is sometimes the chance to visit Elephant Island, depending on the ship’s progress and the weather. It is from this island that Sir Ernest Shackleton set out for South Georgia in a small boat in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable sailing journeys of all time and returning 132 days later to rescue his men.
The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into the brilliant blue sea or a penguin comes waddling by to inspect your footwear. Guided hikes with the Expedition Team will have us trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie penguins are found here, along with Fur, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals. Curious whales, such as Minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving us a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain us.
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula overnight our ship heads back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn, weather permitting.
In the early morning you arrive back in Ushuaia where your voyage ends. You are transferred either to town on to the airport for your onward flight to Buenos Aires.
* 18 nights on the ship, 1 night in hotel in Ushuaia
* Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions
All meals while on the ship included.
*Typical Meals*
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with
excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes,
accompanied by a wide variety of drinks on sale from around the world.
*Breakfast:* Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit
juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of
bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
*Lunch:* Three course set meal, or the occasional buffet or BBQ.
*Dinner:* Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice
of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and
coffee.
* 18 nights on the ship, 1 night in hotel in Ushuaia
* Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions
*Travelling Conditions*
The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of
circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers' wishes and
particular interests wherever possible. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed and
friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and polar experts, on
hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world. The
ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable with a wet/mud room in which to hang
gear and store boots ready for the next adventure.
On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time with the
potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind - if you are not dressed
appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the majority of
landings are 'wet' which means that the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to
slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto dry land
(wellington boots are issued to all passengers). There are, of course, no
paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes fairly deep
snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can have a sauna
and/or a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or
something stronger from the bar.
*Optional Activities:*
*Paddling Excursion:*
Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak.
No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you
to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breath-taking
landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you
want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter
excursion is for you.
Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time
experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for
1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All
equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.
*Sea Kayaking Option:*
Kayaking in Antarctica is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring
ways you can explore this incredible region. Glide through the quiet waters
and take in the beauty of Antarctica. Paddle through astounding icebergs,
watch penguins, seals and possibly whales swim around your kayak.
Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we
guarantee at least one outing during your voyage. Your kayak guides will
always attempt to take you out as many times as possible throughout your
voyage.
Offered on most Antarctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some
kayaking experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by
Quark.
*Polar Itineraries*
All Polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only - it is possible
that, amongst other things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and
ice, intelligence from previous sailings, changes in local landing
regulations or the expert opinion of the crew onboard may lead to adjustments
to the route published.
*Booking Conditions*
Please note that the booking conditions for this trip differ from our
standard conditions.
As with all Polar holidays and voyages, the required deposit is 20% per
person of your selected travel arrangements (minimum £1000 per person or
equivalent) and the balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be
paid at least 133 days before your departure date. The deposit is
non-refundable, and at 133 days before departure date, our cancellation
penalties are 100% of the holiday cost.
Polar Adventure Ship
The *Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia* is offered on the *Ocean
Adventurer *and the* Ocean Diamond *which are Polar Adventure Ships. Full
board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety
of cabin types, all with shared or en suite facilities. Please visit the
*Polar Fleet* page [1] for Ship Information and Deck Plans.
*Polar Adventure Ships*
These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate
adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff,
so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to
keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and
many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food
and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of
this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any
traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.
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The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement, enjoying the relaxed,
intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to
facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction
with our partners, Quark Expeditions and One Ocean Expeditions, and Exodus
participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked
through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than 18 years old,
the Exodus' stated minimum age for this trip.
We work with many fine Expedition Leaders and Polar Experts, bringing a
diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history, geology, ornithology
and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating crew is Russian and have many
years of experience in Polar Regions and are committed to ensuring a safe and
memorable journey. Each day your cabin will be serviced by the housekeeping
crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive restaurant staff.
There is also a resident medical officer.
All meals while on the ship included.
*Typical Meals*
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with
excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes,
accompanied by a wide variety of drinks on sale from around the world.
*Breakfast:* Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit
juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of
bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
*Lunch:* Three course set meal, or the occasional buffet or BBQ.
*Dinner:* Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice
of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and
coffee.
During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are
accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these
large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.
*Travelling land only: 19 days starting and ending in Ushuaia*
Your trip normally starts at the pier in Ushuaia on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining
Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
*Late Spring and Early Summer - October & November*
The start of the season and the most adventurous time to travel. You’ll
encounter truly breathtaking, exquisitely sculpted icebergs emerging from
their frozen hibernation. Many of these blue bergs house courting, nesting
and brooding penguins. In the Falklands flowers are coming into bloom.
*High Summer - December, January & February*
Close to the solstice you’ll experience almost perpetual daylight. These
are the mildest months when the first Adelie and Gentoo penguin chicks are
hatched. It’s also the time to encounter seal pups on South Georgia. As the
water warms the whale sightings also improve.
*Late Summer - February & March *
This is the time for some incredible encounters with whales, especially
Minkes and Humpbacks. The receding ice allows for further exploration and
penguin colonies are very active with adults feeding their chicks.
Boots – Rubber boots are essential for a Polar Expedition, but to eliminate
these from your packing list we will loan you a pair for the duration of the
voyage.
*Parkas – We recommend one with a wind and waterproof shell.
+Trousers – Waterproof trousers or salopeltes are essential for Zodiac
travel as well as activities on shore.
Gloves – To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a minimum of two pairs of
gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be worn underneath warm outer
gloves.
Hat and Scarf – Pack a warm, woollen hat or cap that covers your ears, as
well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection.
Socks – For maximum warmth, we suggest that you wear two pairs of socks to
wear inside the rubber boots.
Outer Clothing – Pack woollen or fleece jumpers and tops, plus several
turtlenecks for layering.
Underclothing – Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will keep you
warm without adding bulk.
Knapsack or Backpack – To keep your hands free for shooting photographs,
bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.
Shoes – Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.
*On departures on the Ocean Adventurer and World Explorer, a complimentary
Quark Expeditions parka will be provided.
+On departures on the Akademik Ioffe, free wetskin rental is provided.
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Camera, extra batteries, film or memory cards
Protective sunscreen
Electric converter with adapter plug set, 220V/110V
Small medical kit containing prescription medicines and over-the-counter
medication for basic ailments such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches
and seasickness
Snow poles or trekking poles
On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars. Dollars can also be
used in Argentina, although local currency is preferred. In the Falkland
Islands Sterling notes and coins are accepted, although you may get your
change in the Falkland equivalents.
At the conclusion of your voyage, you will be presented with an account. This
will include any drinks from the bar, laundry or ship’s shop purchases for
which you have signed. You may pay for this in US Dollars cash, credit card
(Visa or MasterCard ONLY) or US dollars Traveller’s Cheques.
Allow US$ 8 for the airport tax on departure from Ushuaia and US$ 18 to
depart from Buenos Aires (Please note that airport taxes do change often and
it is recommended to include a little extra in case of this). You should
also budget some dollars for sightseeing and meals/drinks in Argentina, the
amount
depending on your tastes.
The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter but it
is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide
approximately US$13-15 per day per passenger would be appreciated).
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.