Antarctica whale watching and wildlife cruise
| country: | Antarctica |
| departures: | |
| price: | From £9499 (19 days) excluding flights, based on 3 people sharing. From £10800 sharing a twin cabin with private facilities, £12300 per person sharing a superior cabin with private facilities. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Antarctica whale watching and wildlife cruise
This voyage is our most complete and varied Antarctic adventure, and it promises to be an in-depth and unforgettable experience as we visit some of the worlds most awe inspiring destinations.
As we set sail through waterways of the South Atlantic Ocean we will visit the extraordinary Falkland Islands, one of the most prestigious wildlife destinations ever encountered, before charting our course to remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. We will cruise along the volcanic Shetland Islands whose waters are often inhabited with feeding Humpback Whales, before finally arriving on the Antarctic Peninsula where we’ll be dazzled by some of the most dramatic scenery found nowhere else on earth. We will travel ashore as frequently as possible allowing time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of rugged mountains, glaciers and icebergs.
These areas boast an extraordinary abundance of wildlife and we will include as much wildlife viewing as possible. We hope to see massive penguin rookeries of King, Gentoo, Adelies and Chinstrap. Seal species including the Antarctic Fur Seal and predatory Leopard Seal, a number of whale and dolphin species including Fin and Minke Whales, Hourglass and Commerson’s dolphins, as well as a profusion of seabirds from Albatross to Skuas that will accompany us on our journey.
Highlights include:
View enormous rookeries of King, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins. Opportunities to see a wide variety of cetaceans including Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke Whales, Orcas, and Hourglass, Peale’s and Commerson's Dolphins. Exciting Zodiac cruises exploring the ice-choked waterways of the Antarctic Penninsula. Shore excursion to the Falkland Islands; home to busy rookeries of Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins. Learn about Antarctic conservation and history through a series of onboard lectures & presentations. Experience South Georgia’s snow covered mountains and glaciers. Opportunities to see Leopard, Southern Elephant and Antarctic Fur seals.
Price includes: Eighteen nights accommodation onboard our well appointed expedition vessel, in comfortable cabins with private facilities with either a port or window, writing desk, sitting space and ample storage. Full board international cuisine prepared by onboard European chefs. Comprehensive pre departure materials and Antarctic handbook.
As we set sail through waterways of the South Atlantic Ocean we will visit the extraordinary Falkland Islands, one of the most prestigious wildlife destinations ever encountered, before charting our course to remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. We will cruise along the volcanic Shetland Islands whose waters are often inhabited with feeding Humpback Whales, before finally arriving on the Antarctic Peninsula where we’ll be dazzled by some of the most dramatic scenery found nowhere else on earth. We will travel ashore as frequently as possible allowing time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of rugged mountains, glaciers and icebergs.
These areas boast an extraordinary abundance of wildlife and we will include as much wildlife viewing as possible. We hope to see massive penguin rookeries of King, Gentoo, Adelies and Chinstrap. Seal species including the Antarctic Fur Seal and predatory Leopard Seal, a number of whale and dolphin species including Fin and Minke Whales, Hourglass and Commerson’s dolphins, as well as a profusion of seabirds from Albatross to Skuas that will accompany us on our journey.
Highlights include:
Price includes: Eighteen nights accommodation onboard our well appointed expedition vessel, in comfortable cabins with private facilities with either a port or window, writing desk, sitting space and ample storage. Full board international cuisine prepared by onboard European chefs. Comprehensive pre departure materials and Antarctic handbook.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Board expedition vessel in Ushuaia. Early evening set sail through the Beagle Channel. |
| Day 2: | Sail towards the Falkland Islands – enjoy a series of lectures and first sightings of Albatross. |
| Day 3-4: | Arrive in the Falklands overnight. Morning shore excursion, weather conditions permitting. Explore the remote west Falklands and the capital of Stanley. |
| Day 5-6: | Leave the Falkland Islands and continue southeast towards the South Georgia Islands. |
| Day 7-10: | Arrive in South Georgia. Discover the grandeur of the bays and harbours – home to a staggering abundance of wildlife, including the colourful King Penguins. Visit historic whaling stations such as Leith, Stromness and Grytviken. Frequent shore landings and Zodiac excursions. |
| Day 11-12: | Sail southeast towards Antarctic. Stop at South Orkney Islands. Landing at Coronation Island weather conditions permitting. |
| Day 13-16: | En route South Shetland Islands and mainland Antarctica. Daily excursions in Zodiacs and ashore, visit research bases, seal colonies and penguin rookeries, weather conditions permitting. |
| Day 17-18: | Sail across the Drake Passage, plenty of time for whale and Albatross watching. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn. |
| Day 19: | Arrive back in Ushuaia, where your voyage will end. Bid farewell to the staff and crew. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment
Our vessel burns Marine Gas Oil (MGO) – a clean burning fuel with a low emission factor. In the unlikely event of a spill, MGO remains on the surface and breakdowns rapidly from UV and wave action. Efforts are made onboard to minimize waste and we conform to all international regulations governing disposal of waste at sea; wherever possible garbage is disposed of in port. We have adapted our sail plan to allow for a more leisurely transit from one landing site to the next, gaining flexibility for watching wildlife and reducing fuel consumption/emissions. Our passengers are offered the opportunity to offset carbon emissions associated with their expedition. The Antarctic Peninsula is host to an incredible variety of whales during the austral summer. We follow the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operator’s Marine Wildlife Watching Guidelines which minimize potential environmental impacts to wildlife and suggest ways to comply with the Antarctic Treaty. Whilst enjoying magnificent encounters we work hard to improve the guidelines as we go. Community Menus are planned to use local products where possible, e.g. Argentinean beef and wines. Seafood is purchased based on the sustainability and management of the fishery and comply with our internal guidelines, mirroring those of the MSC and Audubon Society. Our comprehensive training program helps keep our staff on the leading edge of the industry, from safety to environmental sustainability. We have partnered with ocean conservation organisations, such as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, in the pursuit of increasing our knowledge and understanding of the worlds ‘One Ocean’. And as an associate member of IAATO we support and follow their established guidelines. |
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 led 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. |
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