South Atlantic Semi-Circumnavigation

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn about the fascinating fauna and unlikely flora on the South Shetland Islands
• Observe Adélie penguins, blue-eyed shags, skuas and elephant seals on Petermann Island
• Discover the island where Shackleton’s ill-fated crew sought refuge
• Step ashore the rarely visited South Orkney islands and observe nesting penguins
• Visit Gough Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet

ITINERARY

DAY 1 USHUAIA

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

DAY 2-3 DAY AT SEA

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAY 4 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

DAY 4 SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS, WHALERS BAY - DECEPTION ISLAND

Deception Island is an active volcano part of the South Shetland Islands archipelago. It is one of just two active volcanoes in Antarctica. The island is home to a massive colony of chinstrap penguins, glaciers covering around sixty percent of the island, remarkable geology, and unique flora. The ruins of the historic Hektor Whaling Station provide a fantastic visitor experience.

DAY 5-6 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Expedition Activities(See optional activities)

DAY 6 PAULET ISLAND

Paulet Island is a circular island about 1.5 km in diameter, lying southeast of Dundee Island, off the northeastern end of the Antarctic Peninsula. The island comprises lava flows, a cinder cone, and a small summit crater. The associated geothermal heat keeps Paulet Island free of ice in many places. Because of its large penguin colony, it is a gorgeous destination for sightseeing and photography.

DAY 7-8 DAY AT SEA

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

DAY 9-11 SOUTH GEORGIA

Often called the “Galapagos of the Poles”, South Georgia has a number of landing sites where you get up close to half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world. If you are lucky you will also see harrumphing elephant seals - from a distance! We also visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is buried.

DAY 12-15 DAY AT SEA

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

DAY 16 GOUGH ISLAND

Located 1700 Nautical miles from Cape Town, Gough Island is difficult to locate on a map. With just a permanent group of Scientists Gough is definitely one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet, home also to some of the world’s rarest birds: the Gough Moorhen and the Gough Bunting. We hope to spot some migrating whales and other fascinating wildlife in the vicinity of the atlantic Gem.

DAY 17 TRISTAN DA CUNHA

With barely 250 permanent inhabitants, Tristan da Cunha is far from the beaten path. The island teems with wildlife such as Northern rockhopper penguins, the endangered Tristan Albatross and sea lions while the surrounding upwellings attract vast numbers of Whales and Dolphins.

Expedition Activities(See optional activities)

DAY 18-21 DAY AT SEA

Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.

DAY 22 CAPE TOWN

Ending our epic transatlantic journey with one of the most spectacular city sceneries in Africa . Domiated by Table Mountain , Cape town is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nearby splendid vineyards , wonderful harbour fronts and surprising restaurants where one can indulge on the delicious seafood

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Flight: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5* hotel or onboard
• All transfers between the hotel, port and airport
• Onboard accommodation
• All meals onboard including room service 24 hours a day
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Shore excursion programme led by our expert expedition team
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka
• Use of rubber boots for shore landings
• Standard WIFI
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes
• Itineraries are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change

DAY 5-6
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Expedition Activities
Kayak in Antarctica With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Optional

DAY 17
TRISTAN DA CUNHA
Expedition Activities
Zodiac Cruise with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Included
Enjoy a Zodiac cruise and try to spot the marine life is Northern Rockhopper Penguins, Tristan Albatross and Sea Lions