Antarctica: Discovering The White Continent
per person
Designed for a small group of intrepid travelers, this bucket-list polar odyssey will transport you to the remotest reaches of the globe. This is an exclusive and luxurious journey to the White Continent, which has amazed and inspired scientists, explorers, and sightseers alike for two centuries. Travel in style aboard one of the newest and most advanced vessels in the polar regions, the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 ice- strengthened ship. Antarctica contains more than 90% of the earth’s land ice, spectacularly displayed in sharp snowy peaks among mountainous fjords, colossal blue glaciers, and roaming icebergs. This will be a once-in-a- lifetime expedition to one of the most majestic landscapes on the planet.
Highlights
- Discover one of the world’s most exotic destinations in our first-class, luxurious liner.
- Hike icy peaks and active volcanoes, with treks at various intensity levels.
- Walk amongst massive colonies of penguins.
- Glide alongside humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life by Zodiac boat and kayak.
- Observe congregations of seals and throngs of seabirds seen nowhere else in the world.
- Enjoy daily presentations and lectures on the ecology, biology, environment, history, and the politics of the seventh continent.
12 Nights, 13 Days
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Included
AccommodationsActivities as SpecifiedEnglish Speaking GuideGovernment taxesMeals as SpecifiedTips For Tour GuidesTransportation
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Not Included
Domestic AirfareInternational AirfareTravel InsuranceVisa Processing
From our gallery
1
JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE WORLD
- Depart on your overnight flight towards our meeting point in Ushuaia, Argentina, commonly regarded as the southernmost city on the planet.
2
EMBARK
- While it is possible to arrive this morning, we expect most travelers to arrive in the days prior.
- Be sure to have a hearty breakfast! You’re going to Antarctica! This morning is an excellent time for any final shopping before our momentous voyage.
- In the afternoon, you will board the ship, Ocean Atlantic. Say goodbye to the “end of the world” and toast to our good fortune as we sail through the mountain-rimmed Beagle Channel towards the Antarctic Convergence.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, & TRANSPORTATION
3
THE DRAKE PASSAGE
- Over the next two days, enjoy views encountered by the great polar explorers. Watch the marine life change as you move further and further south from fin whales to petrels and albatrosses.
- Cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties.
- In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, catch your first sight of seals and penguins!
- Enjoy a full schedule of lectures and presentations concerning the seventh continent.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, & DINNER
4
ANTARCTIC EXPLORATIONS
- Over the next two days, you will explore to the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain.
- Your flexible expedition on the White Continent allows you to take advantage of magical wildlife encounters and the unexpected, ever-changing opportunities provided by nature—with time for hot cocoa breaks amidst the rugged terrain, of course.
- Each day, wake up in the most remote region of the world; Enjoy views of icy peaks in Paradise Bay and the active volcano at Deception Island, Explore Elephant Island, home to elephant seals, sheer cliffs rising from the sea and snow covered peaks, Seek out King George Island, and discover Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
- (The itinerary and activities over the next few days are dependent on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.)
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
5
ANTARCTIC EXPLORATIONS CONTINUED
- No two days are alike on this amazing adventure as you continue your exploration of the waters of Antarctica.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
6
FAMILIAR SEAS
- Our flexible four-day expedition on the White Continent will allow us to take advantage of magical wildlife encounters and the unexpected, ever-changing opportunities provided by nature— with time for hot cocoa breaks amidst the rugged terrain, of course.
- Each day, Wake up in the most remote region of the world, hop aboard our fleet of small Zodiac boats to explore the nooks and crannies of the craggy landscape together with expert polar guides, attend a daily cocktail reception with an engaging program of presentations by our expert crew as we behold spectacular views with fellow travelers.
- Explore: While the exact itinerary will be determined on the ground due to climate conditions, explore several remote locations that offer the best possible overview of the diverse Antarctic environment. These may include such magnificent sites as: Paulet Island, with its large Adelie penguin colony, Walhelmina Bay—keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, the Bird Area of Hope Bay, the storied British scientific base at Port Lockroy, Gentoo Penguins and granite backdrops of Petermann and Pléneau Islands, Blue icebergs and towering snow caps of Lemaire Channel, views of icy peaks in Paradise Bay and the active volcano at Deception Island.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
7
FAMILIAR SEAS CONTINUED
- Adventure: Cruise past the snow-capped Melchior Islands and between Brabant and Anvers Islands, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among passageways of spectacular icebergs, many glacial blue. Be sure to spot ice mirages and solar halos.
- Encounter: Walk along fledgling penguin chicks, see spy-hopping orcas by Zodiac boat, watch majestic humpback whales perform with their enormous flippers, see hungry and mischievous seals, including the massive elephant seal, and hike to gorgeous overlooks with graceful birds winging overhead, including the blue-eyed shag, wandering albatross and polar skua.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST
8
FAMILIAR SEAS CONTINUED
- Your amazing journey on the seas continues.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST
9
FAMILIAR SEAS CONTINUED
- Your amazing journey on the seas continues.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST
10
FAMILIAR SEAS CONTINUED
- Your amazing journey on the seas continues.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST
11
Homeward Journey
- The return voyage is far from lonely. You’ll be greeted by the vast array of wildlife and seabirds that await your journey north!
- Share time on the ship with friends new and old, continuing to learn from the crew with daily workshops covering topics such as astronomy, navigation, conservation, and other related fields to your expedition.
- You will cross through the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, & DINNER
12
Homeward Journey Continued
- Continue homeward journey
13
Homeward Bound
- Say farewell to your expedition friends as you head home, taking with you the memories of a lifetime.
- Return to the airport for your overnight journey back to destinations homeward.
- INCLUDED: BREAKFAST