M/V Polar Pioneer or M/V Akademik Shokalskiy Antarctic Peninsula 8,9,10,11 or 12 days
Duration: 12 days
From: AUD $6430
Product Type: Cruises
Region: Antarctica
Countries Visited: Argentina
Locations: Ushuaia, Antarctica
General Info
Soaring snow-capped peaks, sheltered waterways, sculpted icebergs glowing blue from within and a riot of wildlife characterise the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula on Board of the Polar Pioneer Cruise or the Akademik Shokalisky Cruise. An explosion of life celebrates the coming of the sun: penguin rookeries bustle with nest building, courtship and egg laying; flourishing plankton attracts krill, fish, seals and whales. The midnight sun powers all with life and energy.
SAIL & FLY or Just SAIL
Sail to and from Ushuaia, Argentina or choose a shorter journey, flying one way and sailing the other. Our Fly/Sail voyages vary in length, giving you the flexibility to choose between 5-8 days of Antarctic landings.
Sail from Ushuaia and back to King George Island, with an onward flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. Or fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island, returning by ship to Ushuaia. converting it on an 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 Day Options.
Sea Kayaking – Paddlers delight in exploring the fascinating, wildlife-rich waterways of South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Our silently gliding craft transport us through a variety of icescapes, often arousing the curiosity of penguins, seals and even whales. We supply kayaks and dry suits; you need intermediate sea kayaking experience.
Climbing – The Antarctic Peninsula bristles with hundreds of magnificent peaks rising several thousand metres from the sea. Join our professional climbing guides for alpine-style, one-day ascents, or for ice climbing on stranded bergs. Prior experience required.
Scuba Diving – Deep turquoise water and gently swaying kelp lure hardy divers to take the plunge. Discover an ethereal underwater world of giant starfish, grounded icebergs and penguins in full flight. Our qualified guide’s extensive experience guarantees the highest safety standards. Experienced dry-suit divers only.
Camping – Test your heroic spirit with a night on the ice and awaken to deafening silence and a pristine world. It’s nice to know a hot shower and breakfast await you back on board. We supply sleeping bags and mats for the ultimate camping experience! Dependent on weather and itinerary.
Photography – Antarctic light and untamed creatures can trick the unwary. Learn some tricks of the trade from our guest photographer who is always keen to share knowledge and tips.
On three dedicated voyages, our professional photographer will help you polish your skills, edit your shots and make the most of your camera equipment.
Shackleton Crossing – Shoulder your pack and follow in Shackleton’s footsteps across South Georgia, through crevassed glaciers and alpine passes from King Haakon Bay to Stromness. The crossing takes up to three days, distance varying in accordance with conditions. Alpine climbing and trekking experience are essential prerequisites.
Itinerary
Day 1 Ushuaia/At Sea
Depart From Santiago or Ushuaia.
Enjoy a hearty, late afternoon welcome from our friendly staff and Russian crew. You have time to settle in to your cabin and explore the ship before our evening departure. Watch for dolphins and albatross as we sail down the Beagle Channel. (D)
Day 2 Drake Passage
Our Drake Passage crossing offers excellent birdwatching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from our expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition staff. We have time to meet fellow travellers, chat, read and prepare for the days ahead. (BLD)
Day 3 Drake Passage/Antarctica
If the Drake Passage is kind, we should make our first landing today. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while sightings of penguins, fur seals and king cormorants announce our approach to the South Shetland Islands. (BLD)
Day 4 Antarctica
At Sea. (BLD)
Day 5 Antarctica
At Sea. (BLD)
Day 6 Antarctica
At Sea. (BLD)
Day 7 Antarctica
At Sea. (BLD)
Day 8 Antarctica
At Sea. (BLD)
Day 9
An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard robust Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations. Zodiac cruising brings us close to intricately shaped icebergs and seals basking on ice floes. Dwarfed by massive bergs, our kayakers glide into secluded bays, while our photography group learns how best to capture Antarctica’s raw beauty. We focus on immersing ourselves in nature, spontaneity and flexibility enhancing our enjoyment.
Bubble-netting humpbacks demand a wake-up call, even at midnight! A curious leopard seal cruising amongst spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch. We make the most of every minute, landing 2 to 3 times a day. (BLD)
Day 10 Antarctica
At Sea. (BLD)
Day 11 Antarctica
As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time
to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we
may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner. (BLD)
Day 12 Antarctica/Ushuaia
Cruise along the Beagle Channel in the early morning. Disembark after breakfast for onward travel or to savour more time in Ushuaia. (B)
Prices
| Departure/ Cabin | Triple Share | Twin Share | Twin Private | Mini Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Day Cruise | $6430 | $7815 | $9030 | $10000 |
| 9 Day Cruise | $6945 | $7905 | $9080 | $10050 |
| 10 Day Cruise - Christmass | $7275 | $8600 | $9735 | $10780 |
| 11 Day Cruise - New Year | $7580 | $8790 | $9900 | $11015 |
| 12 Day Cruise | $7275 | $8600 | $9735 | $10780 |
In the Fly/Sail program the economy flight Punta Arenas to King George Island (or viceversa) is included
Departure dates
Nov 26, 2012 - 8 days with flights from King George to Punta Arenas
Nov 30, 2012 - 12 days no flights included
Dec 03, 2012 - 9 days with flights from Punta Arenas to King George
Dec 11, 2012 - 9 days with flights from King George to Punta Arenas
Dec 11, 2012 - 12 days no flights included
Dec 19, 2012 - 9 days Christmass with flights from Punta Arenas to King George
Dec 22, 2012 - 10 days Christmass with flights from King George to Punta Arenas
Dec 31, 2012 - 11 days New Year Eve with flights from Punta Arenas to King George
Additional activity prices
• Kayaking USD895 on all departures
• Photography USD250 (on selected voyages)
• Climbing USD350 (on selected voyages)
• Scuba Diving USD920 (on selected voyages)
• Shackleton Crossing USD850 (on selected voyages)
• Camping is free of charge on selected voyages and is subject to weather conditions.
For more information on these activities refer to the General info tab
Not included: Pre or Post land arrangements.
Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases
Enquire Now
* Required
HIGHLIGHTS
- Option to include at an additional cost Kayaking, Photography, Climbing, Scuba Diving
- Overnight gazing the stars when you choose the camping option - free of charge, available on selected voyages and is subject to weather conditions
- Amazing variety of Wildlife including different species of penguins, seabirds, whales, orcas and seals
- Sail Along the Drake Passage
INCLUSIONS
- 11 night Cruise aboard of Polar Pioneer
- Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and well
equipped clinic on board. - All meals, snacks, tea & coffee
- Comprehensive predeparture information
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding
services by our Polar experts - Use of gumboots
- Daily cabin service
- Professional produced voyage log
- Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities.
