HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
three diverse and spectacular biomes including the temperate Falkland
Islands, sub-Antarctic South Georgia and the frozen Antarctic continent
- Encounter
hundreds of thousands of stately king penguins on the beaches of
incomparable South Georgia
- Experience
abundant wildlife including seabirds, seals and even some of the great
whales at close range
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Stanley, Falkland Islands
Welcome
to Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands.
Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront
promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s
house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war
memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the
harbor. We provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard
the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get
comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure
to come.
Day 2: Falkland Islands
The
remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’
paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more of the isolated outer
islands on the south of the archipelago which are particularly
important for their colonies of cormorants and different breeding birds
that have been recorded there, including Magellanic, southern
rockhopper, macaroni and gentoo penguin. The Falklands are also a great
place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be
found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago
are home to various whale and dolphin species. Our route and
exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these
windswept islands.
Day
3-4: Southern Ocean
From
the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia, passing the
remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We
also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the
Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from
our expert staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Day
5-8: South Georgia Island
This
is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration
opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather
conditins we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader
decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and
opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage
will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this
wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to
go ashore in this amazing place.
South
Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivalled paradise for
subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of
100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross,
penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at
Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and
three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins
including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The
recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this
wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.
The
bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an
increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of
Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by
the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place
of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
Our
days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous
meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and
wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Day
9-10: Southern Ocean
After
our amazing time in South Georgia we proceed southwest toward the
Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross
are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic
open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies.
Day
11-14: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The
wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and
ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration
opportunities. This is a real expedition. We exploit every opportunity
to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and
excursions via Zodiac.
The
Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most
impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife
viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are
surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and
immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an
image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a
variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with
penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special
places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of
various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office.
The
South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and
will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful
island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and
historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from
Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.
Farther
south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the vast Gerlache Strait area
contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery.
Day
15-16: Drake Passage
From
Antarctica we head north through the Drake Passage toward South
America. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as
our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at
sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for our End of Voyage
ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.
Day
17: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After
breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where we started. We
provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you
wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful
experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your
next incredible adventure to the ice!
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Group
transfer from the airport to the ship for embarkation on Day 1;
- Group
transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
- Shipboard
accommodation;
- Wi-Fi
on board;
- All
meals on board throughout the voyage;
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily;
- All
scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader &
Expedition Team;
- Branded
Poseidon Expeditions parka;
- Rubber
boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails;
- All
port fees;
- Group
transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation;
- Pre-departure
materials;
- Digital
Voyage Log;
Rates
Do Not Include:
- Airfare;
- Visa
and passport fees (if applicable);
- Luggage
and trip cancellation insurance;
- Soft
drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and
celebrations;
- Personal
expenses such as laundry and telephone calls;
- Fuel
surcharge may be applied for all bookings;
- Mandatory
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per
person;
- Staff
gratuities;
- Kayaking;
- The
cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations
required either by a national government or Poseidon Expeditions
before, during or after the cruise;
- Pre-
or post-cruise travel expenses.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 895
- Photography:
Free