Antarctica & South Georgia icebreaker cruises

Choice of 3 expeditions to Antarctica, from 11 to 20 days.

The Antarctic Peninsula, one of the World’s last frontiers, is a perfect example of where water, wilderness and wildlife combine with breath-taking perfection. It inspires visitors with its majestic beauty and dramatic ice scenery. The towering white mountains, sweeping glaciers and icebergs form an unrivalled backdrop for the unique and abundant sea birds and marine mammals which reside here. Fin, Right and Minke whales, Leopard, Ross, Weddell and Crabeater seals are common. Seabirds are abundant, including the Albatross, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.

Beneath the continent's ice caps and glacial scenery lies a sculpted blue wilderness with ice formations illuminated by the sun's rays. Antarctica is probably the ultimate wilderness polar diving location, one which few have had the privilege to experience. The area has a rich marine invertebrate population and provides the opportunity to encounter polar wildlife including penguins, fur and leopard seals as well as a host of Antarctic fish.

The South Shetland Islands are separated from peninsula Antarctica by the deep water Bransfield Strait. The archipelago comprises four glaciated island groups of which Clarence and Elephant island, King George, Deception Island and Livingstone Island are a part. Many of the islands support abundant wildlife including, seals and penguins and are steeped in history. Elephant Island is the site of Shackleton's 'Endurance' stranding whilst Deception Island, with its huge collapsed volcanic crater, permits the unusual pursuit of Antarctic bathing in relative comfort!

South Georgia is home to over 200,000 pairs of inquisitive King Penguins, thousands of Fur and Elephant Seals and the majestic Wandering Albatross. This inspiring island was the mainstay of the whaling industry and is the land renowned for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic rescue during the Endurance expedition. For many, the overwhelming abundance and variety of wildlife, combined with the rich and fascinating human history of South Georgia makes this island one of the highlights of an Antarctic experience.

The Falkland Islands offer the sub Antarctic visitor a great variety of wildlife, scenery, geology and human history. The islands are an excellent location for photographers and birdwatchers, hosting some 60 breeding bird species including Rockhopper Penguins and Blue-eyed Cormorants. Some rare and remarkably tame species such as the Striated Caracara and the Black-browed Albatross can also be found on these remote but beautiful shores. Antarctic Peninsula
From £4195 - £6395 (11-13 days) ex flights, depending on cabin (twin share to suite)
Please enquire for departure details

A voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula offers you the most dramatic scenery and greatest diversity of wildlife in Antarctica. Leaving Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, we head to the South Shetland Islands. From King George Island and Penguin Island we sail down to Paradise Bay before landing on the peninsula. This journey will take you through spectacular scenery of mountains and glaciers and provide the opportunity for close encounters with penguin colonies, elephant seals, minke whales and leopard seals as well as a multitude of seabirds.

Our ships are modern and comfortable ice strengthened research vessels. Carrying a maximum of between 44 or 52 passengers, they are the smallest and friendliest ships exploring the High Arctic waters. The entire vessel from the panoramic ship’s bridge where there are excellent view points, to the open deck viewing areas on the upper most deck and at the bow and stern are open for all. The ships carry a full complement of Zodiac craft, excellent for small group expert-lead landings with the opportunity for close encounters with wildlife. The small natural history library onboard, combined with an inspiring evening lecture programme on subjects such as Arctic wildlife, conservation and natural history help make these wilderness voyages some of the most memorable you will ever experience.

Voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula & the Polar Circle
From £4595 - £5995 (12-14 days) ex flights, depending on cabin (twin share to suite)
2010 departures: 10 Jan, 10 Feb, 15 Mar

This experience sails to the Antarctic Peninsula and visits the South Shetlands en route and with luck passes through the beautiful Lemaire channel. It also explores deeper south than our Antarctic Peninsula expeditions, travelling over the Antarctic Parallel into Crystal Sound. This provides access to the huge glaciers of the Argentine Islands, and the Fish Islands where we land at one of the southernmost colonies of Adelie penguin and Blue-eyed Shags. Kayaking and camping options are available.

Falklands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula
From £5790 - £8190 (19-20 days) ex flights, depending on cabin
2009 departures: 03 Nov
2010 departures: 05 Jan, 08 Jan, 05 Feb

This is one of the world’s great wilderness journeys. From Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, this journey introduces you to the diverse bird colonies of the Falkland Islands with their Black-Browed Albatrosses, Rockhopper Penguins and Blue-eyed cormorants. We next sail to South Georgia often quoted as the highlight of an Antarctic experience and the burial place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This island is home to millions of seabirds, densely packed King Penguin colonies and an abundance of mammals including Elephant and fur seals.

From here our journey continues to the South Orkney Islands and on to the Antarctic Peninsula where we explore the mainland before sailing through the spectacular Lemaire channel with its opportunity for good whale sightings. In the South Shetlands we hope to land at famous sites including Deception Island, Hannah Point and Half Moon Island, all of which have spectacular wildlife.