The Great Antarctic Experience

In addition to the longed for journey to the Antarctic, these epic voyages take you to the Sub Antarctic Islands. These islands are rich in history and wildlife and the scenery is absolutely stunning and pristine. In addition to the dramatic mountain ranges, beaches ringed in tussock grass, sweeping glaciers, scenic fjords and startling blue ocean waters, there are crowds of King Penguins, Elephant Seals, Fur Seals and albatross. This area is a photographer?s dream, and a naturalist?s paradise.

ExpeditionTrips? Program Manager, Lori Gifford, has sailed on this voyage. Click to view her travel journal and photos!

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

You board the ice-class vessel, M/V Polar Star in the afternoon to set off on what is one of life's most fantastic journeys.

Day 2: At Sea

From the Beagle Channel you turn northeast towards the Falkland Islands. In addition to attending lectures, you keep a constant watch for whales and seabirds.

Days 3-4: Falkland Islands

Your first planned landing in this archipelago of over 200 islands is at New Island. Other landing sites over these two days include West Point and Stanley. Historically, the Falklands played a significant role in the whaling and sealing fisheries. Today it is a delight to visit, as it is home to King, Magellanic, Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins. It is also excellent for watching fur seals, Elephant Seals, whales, dolphins, albatrosses and flocks of smaller seabirds. You sail the afternoon of day 4.

Days 5-6: At Sea

You are now on your way to South Georgia crossing the Scotia Sea. The day is busy with lectures, presentations and time spent watching for birds and marine life.

Days 7-10: South Georgia

Beneath the southern skies the sweeping landscape is made up of high alpine mountains, massive glaciers and scenic fjords. Wildlife abounds with the albatrosses, King Penguins, Antarctic Fur Seals and Elephant Seals. South Georgia is also home to artifacts of the whaling industry and Sir Ernest Shackleton's gravesite. Visit sites such as Prion Island, Salisbury Plain, Fortuna Bay, Stromness- an old whaling station, St. Andrews Bay, Cooper Bay and the well-known Grytviken. You sail on the afternoon of day 10.

Days 11-13: At Sea & Elephant Island

You now head southwest on the Scotia Sea to the frozen continent. Keep a watch for seabirds, whales and dolphins. Late on day 13, the crew hopes to make a landfall at either Cape Valentine or Pt.Wild on Elephant Island, both key locations in Shackleton's story of heroic rescue.

Day 14: South Shetland Islands

Plan for a morning landing at Half Moon Island and an afternoon landing at the volcanic Deception Island. Also plan for a natural "hot tub" in the thermal waters at the beach and for the hardy, an Antarctic swim!

Days 15-16: Antarctic Peninsula

Having reached this white continent, you will visit Port Lockroy, Paradise Bay, Cierva Cove and Mikkelson Harbour. Cruising the ice stewn fjords, surrounded by snow draped mountains, crevassed glaciers and the creative natural artistry of ice, visit penguin rookeries and also expect whale encounters.

Days 17-18: Drake Passage

Start your journey home, with the opportunity to look for seabirds, whales and dolphins and also attend lectures and other onboard events en route.

Day 19: Ushuaia/flight home

Disembark after breakfast, board international flight home.