Description

SEASON: NOVEMBER TO MARCH Operational note: Day 10: In case you take a 10-night cruise, the return to Ushuaia is on day 11. To keep in mind: • Please, consult the clothing required for the expedition. • The itinerary that we describe is only a guide. The route and program could change to take advantage of the local climate, ice conditions and opportunities to see wildlife. Day 1 Ushuaia. Arrival and reception at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Day 2 Boarding day. B D In the morning, visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, return to the city and at due time, transfer to check in and then board the expedition boat. We are welcomed and begin to sail the Beagle Channel through the Mackinlay Pass. Day 3 Drake Passage. B L D We begin to cross the Drake Passage, named after Francis Drake who sailed these waters in 1578. While we sail the passage, the cruise staff help with the identification of the huge variety of birds. Day 4 Drake Passage. B L D During this day and the previous one, thanks to an open bridge policy, we are able to accompany the officers on the bridge and learn some aspects concerning navigation. As we approach the South Shetland Island, weather conditions permitting, we go on the first disembarkation, where we spot some penguins and seals. Day 5 - 8 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. B L D During these days, in addition to penguins, Antarctic fur seals, southern elephants and seabirds, you will also be able to see Crabeater, Weddell and Leopard seals, as well as Humpback and Minke whales and orcas. We hope to sail some of the most beautiful channels, depending on ice conditions, such as the Strait of Gerlache, the Neumayer Channel, the Lemaire Channel and Paraiso Bay, where we try to descend and visit the active colonies of Adélie penguin (more than 100,000 pairs breed there) and imperial cormorant on Paulet Island. Other possible explorations could take us to the Melchior Islands, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbor, Pléneau Island and, ice conditions permitting, to Petermann Island to visit the most southern colony of Gentoo penguin. Day 9 & 10 Drake Passage to Ushuaia. B L D We leave the Antarctic Peninsula and head north, crossing the Drake Passage. Join the search for seabirds and whales, and enjoy some of the final lectures. Day 11 Ushuaia. B Early in the morning, we arrive at Ushuaia, where we disembark after breakfast.