Antarctica cruise, with diving & climbing options
| country: | Antarctica |
| trip type: | A small group adventure. |
| departures: | 2008: 24 Nov, 28 Nov, 4 Dec, 7 Dec, 8 Dec, 14 Dec, 19 Dec, 20 Dec, 29 Dec, 30 Dec 2009: 4 Jan, 9 Jan, 14 Jan, 31 Jan, 4 Feb, 14 Feb, 17 Feb, 28 Feb, 14 Mar, 21 Mar |
| price: | From US $5490 (11-12 days) excluding flights. Duration depends on departure date. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
read 2 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Our small group voyages with just 54 passengers on board ensures us maximum time ashore for exploration and wildlife viewing
Each season we organise a small group expedition to climb the impressive Trans Antarctic Range and explore special dive sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our aim is to combine our classic voyage to the Peninsula with an opportunity to trek up the glaciers and make first ascents of some of the peaks that form the western flanks of the Trans Antarctic Range, whilst divers will be exploring icebergs, viewing penguins from a different angle as they negotiate the icy waters and discovering the secrets of Antarctica below the surface.
Ideal objectives for those who wish to extend their climbing or diving experience in the natural splendour of the Antarctic.
For the climbers, the true delight is that there are literally hundreds of unclimbed peaks to choose from. Many are accessible from the ocean so our ship can be used as a floating base camp. The peaks range from technically easy snow climbs to steep rock walls rising straight out of the sea. For non-climbers and non-divers there are no shortage of photographic possibilities along the Antarctic Peninsula or to simply savour the natural beauty of this ice bound land. Whether climbing, photographing or diving there is also ample time to utilize the ship's zodiacs and appreciate the rich diversity of wildlife that flourishes in the sheltered bays and clustered castles of icebergs and steep glaciers that characterise the shoreline.
Each season we organise a small group expedition to climb the impressive Trans Antarctic Range and explore special dive sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our aim is to combine our classic voyage to the Peninsula with an opportunity to trek up the glaciers and make first ascents of some of the peaks that form the western flanks of the Trans Antarctic Range, whilst divers will be exploring icebergs, viewing penguins from a different angle as they negotiate the icy waters and discovering the secrets of Antarctica below the surface.
Ideal objectives for those who wish to extend their climbing or diving experience in the natural splendour of the Antarctic.
For the climbers, the true delight is that there are literally hundreds of unclimbed peaks to choose from. Many are accessible from the ocean so our ship can be used as a floating base camp. The peaks range from technically easy snow climbs to steep rock walls rising straight out of the sea. For non-climbers and non-divers there are no shortage of photographic possibilities along the Antarctic Peninsula or to simply savour the natural beauty of this ice bound land. Whether climbing, photographing or diving there is also ample time to utilize the ship's zodiacs and appreciate the rich diversity of wildlife that flourishes in the sheltered bays and clustered castles of icebergs and steep glaciers that characterise the shoreline.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Join Ushuaia, commence voyage |
| Day 2-3: | Cross Drake Passage and approach South Shetland Islands. |
| Day 4-9: | Explore western side of Antarctic Peninsula as far south as the Antarctic Circle following a flexible itinerary to include some of the following: Hannah Point, Livingston Island, Half Moon, Deception Island (volcanic crater); Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel (gigantic icebergs and huge cliffs) together with a host of other islands and scientific bases. Note: specific climbing and diving excursions will be focused during our time at Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy and the Lemaire Channel |
| Day 10-11: | Re-cross Drake Passage to Beagle Channel |
| Day 12: | Arrive Ushuaia, trip concludes. |
travellers' tales
The very first Antarctic landing was a photographer's feast that was totally mindblowing at such an early stage of the trip. (more)
award winner
This tourism business won an Award in our 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society. Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Antarctica is the largest wilderness region on earth and deserves special protection. We are proud to be an Associate Member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and abide strictly by their code of conduct. All of our polar guests are briefed not only on the guidelines set by IAATO but also on the scientific reasons for these guidelines. Everyone will learn how to enjoy the wildlife encounters without being intrusive and thus will get the most out of their visit without compromising the pristine environment.
From our pre-departure Responsible Travel Guidebook to our on-board comprehensive educational programme, passengers are well informed on all aspects of the environmental issues affecting Antarctica. Our belief in small group adventure travel extends to Antarctica as we cruise in 52 passenger vessels, among the smallest in the business allowing for minimum impact landings and maximum enjoyment. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've lead the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |