Antarctic Expeditions: Detailed Itineraries
Choose your adventure:
Antarctic Peninsula Adventure / 10 nights
Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula / 18 nights
Antarctic Circle Voyage / 12 nights
Weddell Sea Explorer / 12 nights
View Map of All Routes >>
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA ADVENTURE
10 nights / 11 days
NOV 28 to DEC 08 2010
DEC 08 to DEC 18 2010
DEC 18 to DEC 28 2010
JAN 27 to FEB 06 2011
MAR 08 to MAR 18 2011
After spending 10 nights on board our vessel exploring this wonderful part of the world, we are certain our guests will leave Antarctica with a completely different perspective than when they arrived. After all, it would be impossible to feel quite the same after gazing upon an unimaginable profusion of penguins tobogganing and waddling their way across the snow - or watching yet another species of whale crest the waves in close proximity. And then there is the awe you will feel when you first glimpse the sweeping ice sheet that spans an entire continent. Antarctica gets under your skin unlike any other place on earth.
Overview
Sailing in comfort aboard the comfortable and well-appointed M/V Marina Svetaeva, we begin this 10 night expedition at the tip of South America. We chart a course through the Drake Passage and make visits along the way through the South Shetland Islands. When we arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula, be prepared to be dazzled. Even our experienced crew members many of whom have visited the southern region a hundred times or more are still astonished by its pristine beauty. The abundance of wildlife here is truly extraordinary including five seal species, massive penguin rookeries of gentoo, Adélies and chinstraps as well as a profusion of seabirds from albatross to skuas. It is nature you will experience up close and personal on frequent excursions inland.
Our journey will take us to Petermann Island or Wilhelmina Bay where we encounter colossal icebergs and, of course, the ice landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Hardy adventurers or those with a yen for history have the chance to camp out on the ice overnight and feel the thrill and audacity of early explorers who attempted to conquer this continent.
As with all our expeditions, safety is our top priority. For that reason weather, ice or other conditions may require us to change our itinerary and shore excursions as we go but that is half the fun of Polar exploring. Predictability is a word that has no relevance in this environment.
Day By Day Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 / Ushuaia
Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the M/V Marina Svetaeva in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city at the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with 'our home' for the next 11 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Days 2 - 3 / Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as we make our way ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere onboard as our numerous Polar experts prepare us for our adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence where we will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, we will witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.
Days 4 - 8 / Antarctic Peninsula
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature's glory. Planned excursions might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay and even the southerly Petermann Island, where we will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a shocking abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adélie penguin. At Half Moon Island we will observe a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. We also hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to observe orcas and Minke whales as we go.
We finally arrive on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour. Prepare to be dazzled by your first glimpse of the continent. The scenery here is amazing. In particular we will be struck by the oddly-shaped icebergs that look like sculptures, as well as the colossal 'tabular' icebergs that break away from the continent's ice shelf. We hope the weather will be mild enough to allow us all to step foot on the White Continent itself. Some may wish to camp on shore overnight. Whatever your vantage point, whether it is onboard or onshore expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.
Days 9 - 10 / Drake Passage
As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special dinner.
Day 11 / Ushuaia
In the early morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
ANTARCTICA, FALKLAND ISLANDS AND SOUTH GEORGIA
18 nights / 19 days
DEC 28 to JAN 15 2011
FEB 06 to FEB 24 2011
You may feel, as we do, that if you make the journey to the bottom of the world you may as well stay awhile. On this far-reaching expedition to the islands of the South Atlantic Ocean and the Antarctic mainland, you will revel in 18 eye-popping days of exploration. Busybody penguins in rookeries by the thousands, behemoth icebergs reflecting startling greens and blues, humpback whales feeding on krill and of course the continent-sized sweeping ice sheet of Antarctica.
Overview
This is One Ocean Expeditions' most extensive Antarctic expedition. We depart from Ushuaia and make our first stop in the Falkland Islands. Here, we will find a relatively warm climate where an abundance of unusual wildlife thrives. Sixty species of migratory birds and the rare rockhopper penguin inhabit these islands.
Our voyage on the well-appointed M/V Marina Svetaeva continues through the Antarctic convergence to the pristine island of South Georgia. Towering glacier-covered mountains are merely the backdrop to spectacular wildlife sightings including rookeries of the pompous king penguin, several seal species and the laughable macaroni penguin. We hope to see the South Orkney Islands, often cloaked in mist, as we make our way to the South Shetland Archipelago and Antarctica.
We all experience a deep sense of awe when we first glimpse the much-anticipated continent. Even our One Ocean Expeditions' leaders, who have led more than a hundred expeditions, are still overcome by its formidable beauty. We are greeted by thousands of icebergs that look like modern art sculptures lining the bays of Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. Meanwhile an overwhelming profusion of wildlife is on display from penguins torpedoing through the water to predatory leopard seals staking their claim on ice floes. We hope to stand on the mainland of the White Continent itself. From this vantage point, it is easy to understand why legendary explorers such as Roald Amundsen and Sir Ernest Shackleton were so captivated by this haunting region. As with all our voyages, safety is our top priority. For that reason weather, ice or other conditions may require us to change our itinerary and shore excursions as we go but that is half the fun of Polar exploring. Predictability is a word that has no relevance in this environment.
Day By Day Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 / Ushuaia
Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the M/V Marina Svetaeva in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city near the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with 'our home' for the next 18 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 / At Sea
Our guests have the chance to spend plenty of time with our onboard polar experts. They will be educating us as we go on the wonders of Antarctica. Sailing northeast, we will likely be joined by swooping seabirds including the wandering albatross, who we will come to know well on this journey.
Days 3 - 4 / Falkland Islands
Arriving in the Falklands overnight, by morning we are all excited to make our first shore excursion. Our plan will be to explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds including the black-browed albatross. Our first penguin sightings will be on the island of West Point with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, we will observe nesting Magellanic penguins along with oystercatchers, geese and the flightless steamer duck who is a permanent Falkland resident. The next day we will make a stop in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. As we wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, we will learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the formidable waters of Cape Horn. We will also make a stop in Stanley's famed philatelic museum with its impressive collection of historic stamps.
Days 5 - 6 / At Sea
Now we sail southeast bound for the island of South Georgia. These days at sea are never dull. Much of our time is spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals as well as seabirds. Our friendly onboard experts continue to fill minds with heroic stories of some of the earliest daredevils to explore Antarctica. We will also learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of our One Ocean Expeditions' guides and crew. The anticipation grows particularly as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Days 7 - 9 / South Georgia
Majestic snow-covered mountains greet us on the island of South Georgia - the most rugged island in this region. We will cruise the protected waters of the eastern coast looking for suitable landing spots such as Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay. The highlight of both these excursions is the mind-boggling abundance of king penguin adults and young that live in these locations by the hundreds of thousands, covering every inch of the shore. That is not the only wildlife on display. Fur seals can be seen poking their heads above the water, skuas and giant petrels swoop in the skies above, and the albatross our constant companion is never far away. We hope to explore an old whaling station at Grytviken (Greet-vik-in) and visit the grave of the most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Days 10 - 12 / Sea and South Orkneys
As we cross the Scotia Sea, sailing ever closer to Antarctica, we hope to visit the South Orkney Islands. Linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by an enormous sub-marine mountain range these islands, often shrouded in mist, are protected by large icebergs and sea ice. If we are lucky, there will be an excursion to Coronation Island to observe penguins nesting in moss beds alongside graceful snow petrels. We may also stop at the remote island of Laurie and visit the Argentinean meteorological station located there.
Days 13 - 16 / South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Mainland
Elephant Island, en route to the South Shetland Islands, will be our next destination if conditions are suitable. Here, we will learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. This island was a place of refuge in 1916 for Shackleton and his crew after his ship was destroyed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea.
Next, we will spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await us on our excursions to some of these islands including King George, Half Moon, Barrientos or Livingston. Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins thrive here, as do several species of seal. We even hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill off King George Island.
Weather permitting, we will visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. With rugged scenery, great sites of geologic interest and an overwhelming display of whaling and scientific exploration history, Deception Island is a perfect museum of natural and exploration history. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a spectacular hike to the crater rim offers a challenge. Finally, after so much anticipation, we will arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. The scenery here from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet is truly breathtaking. Weather permitting, we hope to undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the White Continent itself.
Day 17 - 18 / Drake Passage
As we leave this magical place and make our way back, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing up the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special dinner.
Day 19 / Ushuaia
In the early morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
ANTARCTIC CIRCLE VOYAGE
12 nights / 13 days
JAN 15 to JAN 27 2011
After spending 12 nights on board our vessel exploring this wonderful part of the world, we are certain our guests will leave Antarctica with a completely different perspective than when they arrived. After all, it would be impossible to feel quite the same after gazing upon an unimaginable profusion of penguins tobogganing and waddling their way across the snow - or watching yet another species of whale crest the waves in close proximity. And then there is the awe you will feel when you first glimpse the sweeping ice sheet that spans an entire continent. Antarctica gets under your skin unlike any other place on earth.
Overview
Sailing in comfort aboard the comfortable and well-appointed M/V Marina Svetaeva, we begin this 12-night expedition at the tip of South America. We chart a course through the Drake Passage with a goal of heading directly south to the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S. The farther south we go, the more sea ice we will find and our aim is to cross the circle before getting stopped by this ice. Few ships go this far south and we will take full advantage of being on a modern, ice-strengthened vessel of this caliber.
Marguerite Bay and Detaille Island are two places that we might visit while traveling south of the circle. Who knows, we may even try to camp ashore south of the circle. We will slowly make our way back up the peninsula, visiting penguin rookeries as we go
When we arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula, be prepared to be dazzled. Even our experienced crewmembers many of which have visited the southern region a hundred times or more are still astonished by its pristine beauty. The abundance of wildlife here is truly extraordinary including five seal species, massive penguin rookeries of gentoo, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a profusion of seabirds from albatross to skuas. It is nature you will experience up close and personal on frequent excursions inland.
Our journey will take us to Petermann Island or Wilhelmina Bay where we encounter colossal icebergs and, of course, the ice landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Hardy adventurers or those with a yen for history have the chance to camp out on the ice overnight and feel the thrill and audacity of early explorers who attempted to conquer this continent.
As with all our expeditions, safety is our top priority. For that reason weather, ice or other conditions may require us to change our itinerary and shore excursions as we go but that is half the fun of Polar exploring. Predictability is a word that has no relevance in this environment.
Day By Day Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 / Ushuaia
Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the M/V Marina Svetaeva in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city at the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with 'our home' for the next 13 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Days 2 - 3 / Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as we make our way ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere onboard as our numerous Polar experts prepare us for our adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence where we will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, we will witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.
Days 4 - 10 / Antarctic Peninsula
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature's glory.
Our first goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Matha Strait or Marguerite Bay. Given favorable ice conditions, we will push our exploration even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites.
From our most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way north along the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in our itinerary. Landing sites might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours, where we will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adélie penguin. At Half Moon Island we will visit a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. We also hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to spot orcas and Minke whales as we go.
We will plan on walking ashore on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour. Although it will not be your first glimpse of the Antarctic, a walk ashore
on the Continent will evoke emotions to carry with you for the rest of your life. The scenery here is amazing. In particular the oddly shaped icebergs looking like sculptures, as well as the colossal 'tabular' icebergs that break away from the continent's ice shelf. Some may wish to camp on shore overnight. Whatever your vantage point, whether it is onboard or onshore expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.
Days 11 - 12 / Drake Passage
As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special dinner.
Day 13 / Ushuaia
In the early morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
WEDDELL SEA EXPLORER
12 nights / 13 days
FEB 24 to MAR 08 2011
Sailing in comfort aboard the comfortable and well-appointed M/V Marina Svetaeva, we begin this 12-night expedition at the tip of South America in Ushuaia, Argentina. We chart a course through the Drake Passage on our way to the Weddell Sea, that ice-choked sea made famous by the saga of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men from the Endurance expedition. Images of massive tabular icebergs, ice-choked waters and human hardship come to mind when contemplating the Weddell Sea, all sights that we hope to see and experience over the course of our 13 days onboard the expedition cruise vessel.
We will make our first landfall in the South Shetland Islands, perhaps visiting the abandoned whaling station at Deception Island or the chinstrap penguin rookery at Half Moon Island. We will most likely attempt a landing at Point Wild on Elephant Island before testing the limits of the ice in the Weddell Sea.
We will push for Paulet Island, one of the Peninsula's largest penguin rookeries before heading south to Snow Hill Island, base for the Heroic Age Nordenskjold expedition and Seymour Island, where scientists are still finding fossils of giant penguins. We'll head south among the islands of the western shore of the Weddell Sea, in search of stragglers from an emperor penguin colony, as we virtually back-track along the route the 'Endurance' drifted.
Our departure from the Weddell Sea will take us back across the Antarctic Convergence and round Cape Horn before we leave the ship in Ushuaia.
As with all our One Ocean Expeditions voyages, safety is our top priority. For that reason weather, ice or other conditions may require us to change our itinerary and shore excursions as we go but that is half the fun of Polar exploration. Predictability is a word that has no relevance in this environment.
Day By Day Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 / Ushuaia
Today we will make time to view this small city at the base of a stunning mountain range. Jagged mountains tower above the harbour as civilization clings to the shoreline. We will board the M/V Marina Svetaeva in the late afternoon and as we "throw the lines" and leave the dock, our adventure will begin.
From the first moment, we will encourage you to be outside on the excellent viewing decks of the ship, watching for the soaring black-browed albatross or perhaps over the side of the ship for the porpoising magellanic penguins. We will bear eastwards down the Beagle Channel, heading for the rolling swell of the Drake Passage and an adventure of a lifetime.
Days 2 -3 / Drake Passage
We will awake to the 'hopefully' gentle motion of the ship, rolling in the swells of the Drake Passage. This famed passage is known for the challenging weather conditions that it posed to the famous square-rigged ships of the sailing era.
The excitement on the ship is palpable as the miles drift by. New friends will be made and stories will be told as the days pass. Onboard entertainment in the form of educational presentations about the Southern Ocean, Antarctic wildlife, glaciers, ice and exploration history will be punctuated by sumptuous meals and the announcements from our staff as a new species of bird is spotted. Who can resist the lure of the great wandering albatross, that bird that soared to fame in the lines of "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner"? Perhaps a whale spout on the horizon will have us rushing to the rail. Whatever it is, keep your ears peeled and a warm jacket nearby so that you too can rush to the outer decks for a view.
Day 4 / South Shetland Islands
A chain of islands located north and on the 'weather' side of the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are known for their more maritime climate and an abundance of wildlife. We will cruise these volcanic islands in search of chinstrap penguin rookeries, perhaps the wafting 'steam' of a Southern Elephant seal wallow or perhaps the signs of exploration left on the beaches in the form of tri-pots and abandoned whaling stations.
We will hope to visit Deception Island, with a goal of visiting the chinstrap penguin rookery at Baily Head. If weather precludes this, we will attempt a landing inside this active volcanic caldera.
Day 5 / Antarctic Sound
At about 25 nautical miles long and about 10 nautical miles wide, the Antarctic Sound separates Joinville Island from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. As we sail into the sound, we will look to our starboard and the vastness of the Antarctic icecap, imagining the sweeping katabatic (gravity-driven) winds that this region is famous for.
Days 6 - 10 / Weddell Sea
The only difference discernable as we sail into the Weddell Sea will be an increase in the number of big tabular icebergs and the presence of sea ice. Our goal will be to explore the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands. In particular, this region is home to Adelie penguin rookeries of astonishing size. We will maximize our time onshore as well as in our inflatable landing craft, absorbing as much of the wilderness and beauty as possible in every breath we take. Planned excursions may include Paulet Island, Brown Bluff and even the southerly Snow Hill Island, where we will observe Weddell and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a shocking abundance of penguins.
One of our excursions will be planned with the aim of landing on the physical continent of Antarctica itself and not just on an offshore island. There are a few landing spots that will fall into this category and as we visit them, some of us may pause to consider the bravery and/or foolhardiness of those who traveled a hundred years before us. To gain a better appreciation of those explorers, some of us may choose to camp ashore overnight. Whatever your vantage point, whether onboard or from shore, expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.
Days 11 - 12 / Drake Passage
We make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn from west to east. We will approach the Beagle Channel and sail westwards up it toward the port and town of Ushuaia. We will encourage the captain to join us in the dining room as we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a farewell dinner.
Days 13 / Ushuaia
The mood will change as we awake this morning and plan our departure from the ship and the trans-continental or trans-ocean travel that will take us back to our homes and families. Returning home, we will find it easy to slip mentally back onto the decks of a ship rolling to the tempo of the Southern Ocean as we recount stories of our adventures to friends and families. This is truly an adventure to last a lifetime!
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