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| Antarctic Explorer
An 11-Day tour starting from $5,940
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| About This Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This journey takes us to one of the world’s most awe inspiring destinations. With visits along the way through the South Shetland Islands we arrive on the mainland, on the Antarctic Peninsula and are dazzled by perhaps the most dramatic scenery to be found
anywhere on earth. Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions. |
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Meals NOT INCLUDED Day 1 / Ushuaia We board our expedition vessel in Ushuaia, on Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. In the early evening, we set sail charting a course through the Beagle Channel. Meals included: 1 dinner Days 2 - 3 / Drake Passage As we cross the Drake Passage, our team of experts will be out on deck to help us spot whales and identify seabirds. We’ll also have the chance to take part in the onboard presentation series preparing us for our adventures on the “White Continent”. Talks on wildlife, ice and polar history will create enormous anticipation that continues to build as we cross the Antarctic Convergence. Here the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We’ll notice a sharp drop in temperature at this point. Huge icebergs loom up against the horizon and seabirds, such as the wandering albatross and petrels, are regularly in view. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Days 4 - 8 / South Shetland Islands and Antarctica We cruise among the volcanic South Shetland Islands and the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, travelling ashore as frequently as possible in inflatable zodiac boats. We’ll hope to make shore excursions to Livingston, Half Moon and King George Islands beginning on day 3 or day 4. Admiralty Bay, on King George Island, is a favoured feeding ground for humpback whales and, with luck, we may see them dining on krill. At crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, we’ll observe a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags while at Livingston Island, we’ll discover more flourishing wildlife. Here there are Weddell and elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels, Antarctic terns and rookeries of chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni penguins. Weather permitting, we’ll also hope to enter the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island, a recently active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands in the world. Steam rises in places along its shores where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the thermal waters of the bay. Here, the very adventuresome may choose to take a dip, if conditions are suitable. Our journey continues onto Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay, both situated on the mainland. Here we’ll see some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. We’ll observe an impressive array of icebergs in many different shapes and sizes, including those that have eroded into natural ice sculptures as well as city-block sized 'tabular' bergs which break from the thick ice shelves. If the weather is temperate, we’ll have the chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent, and even to spend a night camping out on shore if you wish. The lights of the southern sky bath the landscape in an eerie luminescence, making this camping experience truly remarkable. The days are long, and the short nights are often preceded by a wonderful twilight. On board, we’ll spend ample time on the bridge or on deck simply marveling at the glory of the passing scenery. Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners Days 9 - 10 / Drake Passage We leave the Antarctic Peninsula, heading back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn. We celebrate the conclusion of our adventure and last evening together on board, at the Captain’s Dinner as we make our way down the Beagle Channel. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Day 11 / Ushuaia In the early morning, we’ll arrive back in Ushuaia where our cruise ends. You’ll be transferred to your hotel, or to the airport for your onward flight. Meals included: 1 breakfast
All prices listed below are based on Double Occupancy; in US Dollars. Upper Deck: $7250 Upper Deck Twin- 1 lower berth, 1 sofa bed and semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) facilities. Writing desk, window. Superior: $8250 Superior - 1 sofa bed, 1 lower berth and private facilities. Writing desk, window. overlooking the bow. Superior Plus: $8750 Superior Plus - 2 lower berths, sofa and private facilities. Writing desk, window. Peregrine Suite: $9350 Peregrine Suite- 1 double berth, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters and private facilities, up-graded bedding. Fridge, TV, VCR, writing desk, windows. 1 lower berth, 1 sofa bed and semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) facilities. Writing desk, window. Cook Suite: $10,250 Cook Suite - Double berth, 1 sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters and private facilities, bathtub, up-graded Other information Notes: These notes should be read in conjunction with Peregrine’s Antarctica Pre Departure Information that is provided to you shortly after booking (or which can be requested prior to booking). A second manual, dealing with Antarctic history, geology, geography, marine and bird life will also be provided. 1. Itinerary: Please note that due to the exploratory nature of this expedition, weather, ice, wildlife or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to provide regular shore excursions, within the limits of safety and time constraints. These conditions will also play a role in the decision to camp ashore. If conditions are not suitable, camping will not take place. 2. Budgeting: In addition to funds for onboard expenses, it is sometimes possible to purchase souvenirs such as books, t-shirts, stamps, postcards, wind-cheaters, caps and similar items at some of the research stations in the Antarctic Peninsula area. Mail can sometimes be posted from these stations as well. $US cash is suggested. 3. Clothes: Please read our Antarctic - Pre Departure Information carefully. Though you don’t need to make expensive, specialist-clothing purchases for this trip, you will need clothes that adequately protect against cold, wet conditions. (Sea spray is common onboard zodiacs). It’s recommended that you have warm, waterproof clothing available for use upon arrival in Ushuaia to protect against inclement weather. 4. Onboard: The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world - at other times they are so smooth it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'! Though our vessels, the Peregrine Mariner and the Peregrine Voyager are among the most stable ships in their class it is impossible to remove all motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition. 5. Gratuities: We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. The amount can be paid by Visa or Mastercard if you wish. 6. Sea kayaking: There are separate trip notes for the sea-kayaking option. Please note that this option must be booked prior to your departure from home: it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior experience is required. 7. Safety is paramount on a Peregrine voyage: Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to come to the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group and Peregrine Representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. Onboard you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and zodiac operations. 8. Camping: If you chose to camp on the continent, we’ll provide all the required gear such as tents or bivy sacs and sleeping bags. This excursion is managed with strict environmental regulations - a portable toilet is used and absolutely everything is transported back to the ship afterwards Passport Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require that you have a return air ticket, or have sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket. |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
