fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea and Falklands

Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea and Falklands

From USD $12,095

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

This exciting expedition provides great diversity and will appeal to those seeking a truly comprehensive Antarctic experience. It includes visits to the South Shetland Islands, the western and northern sections of the Antarctic Peninsula, the stunning Weddell Sea region, and the historic location of Elephant Island – a place forever connected to the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Adding to the experience will be a visit to several locations in the Falkland Islands, including the homes of nesting albatross and the colorful King penguin. Throughout the voyage, our expedition ship acts as a floating wilderness lodge, which we reposition every day to yet another exciting location. You will be spoiled for choice by all of the activities we have planned.

We maximize our time on this voyage by flying from South America to Antarctica, saving a two day crossing of the Drake Passage. A further day and a half is saved by flying back to South America at the end of the voyage. The time saved by flying allows us to spend maximum time exploring the magnificent Antarctic. You can expect to be off the ship exploring for nine out of the twelve days.

Please note: Voyages commencing/ending in Stanley (Falkland Islands) or King George Island (Antarctica) include flights from Punta Arenas (Chile). The cost of these flights is INCLUDED in the voyage price.

Trip Name
Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea and Falklands
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 117 metres Passenger Capacity: 96 Built: 1989 The Akademik Ioffe is modern, comfortable, safe and ice strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, we have public spaces onboard the ship ideally suited for each and every need. A separate lounge and bar, as well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on some reading. A selection of movies and documentaries can also be watched in the lounge. The sumptuous meals prepared for you by our culinary team are enjoyed in our dining room, which can host all passengers in a single seating and will keep you feeling healthy and strong for the myriad of activities offered throughout the voyage. Other facilities include the theatre style presentation room, gift-shop, fitness room, massage room, hot water spa, sauna and plunge pool. There’s also a dedicated expedition ‘mud-room’ where you prepare for your off-ship excursions. Features: Superior Comfort and Stability Highest standards of Marine Safety Comfortable Bar Bridge Communications Dining Room Fitness and Fitness Room Gift Shop Wellness Centre Presentation Room Top Deck and Observatory Multimedia Room

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Punta Arenas Chile to King George Island, Antarctica
Our journey commences in Punta Arenas, located in southern Chile, where we board our two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Upon arrival at the King George Island in Antarctica, we embark our ship via Zodiac inflatable crafts.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 4 - Gerlache coastline of Antarctica
Overnight we have navigated across the Bransfield Strait and awake to the towering peaks of the Antarctic continent. For the next three days we have a varied itinerary exploring the Gerlache coastline of Antarctica. If ice conditions allow, we cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Planned visits might include Paradise Harbour, Orne Harbour, or Andvord Bay, or a cruise through the Errera Channel to visit the penguin rookeries at Cuverville Island. We chart a course towards Antarctic Sound – the gateway into the icy Weddell Sea. Along the way we hope to make a visit at Deception Island.
Day 3 - Days 5 - 7 - Weddell Sea
Navigating into the Weddell Sea, we see the vast sweep of the Antarctic icecap for the first time and will find ourselves increasingly surrounded by tabular icebergs. These gargantuan icebergs break from the ice shelves and drift north on the currents. This always makes for exciting navigation and stunning photographic opportunities. If weather conditions co-operate we spend the night camping in Antarctica.
Day 4 - Day 8 - Elephant Island
Point Lookout, on the southern tip of Elephant Island, is home to an impressive chinstrap penguin colony. Macaroni penguins also breed here and are a species we have yet to encounter to date. If conditions permit we may visit the fabled location of Point Wild on the north coast of Elephant Island. It is here that Shackleton and his men were encamped under their upturned life boats, before five men set off on a rescue mission to South Georgia. Landings at this location are tricky due to the currents and surf on the beach.
Day 5 - Days 9 - 10 - At Sea
Sailing north to the Falkland Islands, the spectacular seabirds are our constant companions soaring above the ship. Our onboard educational program continues and we enjoy interactive presentations and lively discussions.
Day 6 - Day 11 - Falkland Islands
Arriving into the Falkland Islands overnight, we explore West Point or neighboring Carcass Island. These locations are best known for rockhopper penguins and nesting black browed albatross colonies. One final highlight awaits –Saunders Island, where we hope to encounter four penguin species living in close quarters, including the mighty king penguin. Charting a course for the port of Stanley tonight, we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.
Day 7 - Day 12 - Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
This morning we navigate through the narrows and into the port of Stanley. We have time to explore before we make our way to the airport for our return flight to Punta Arenas in southern Chile.
Day 8 - Please Note:
Polar exploration can be unpredictable, which regularly causes variations to our itineraries. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a 'guide only' and may change. The ship's Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a large number of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavy ice may block out a planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-01-201902-02-2019USD $0Main Deck Triple Share
22-01-201902-02-2019USD $0Twin Semi Private
22-01-201902-02-2019USD $0Twin Private
22-01-201902-02-2019USD $0Superior
22-01-201902-02-2019USD $0Shackleton Suite
22-01-201902-02-2019USD $0One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Wildlife Identification. An activity everyone can participate in! Join us as we work through our wildlife list identifying markers and checking off even the most elusive species.
    • Photographer in Residence. On each and every departure our Photographer in Residence provides presentations, critiques, informal instruction and a photographer zodiac to assist you in your photographic goals.
    • Camping. Providing top notch sleeping bags, liners, bivvy bags, and all of the essentials onshore –we’ve got you covered.
    • Education. Ornithology, marine biology, geology, & history make up the backbone of our educational program. Our educators are part of our expedition team travelling alongside you from the zodiac to the dinner table.
    • Enhanced Photography. In addition to our Photographer in Residence we incorporate an additional professional photographer on staff effectively doubling your access to custom feedback and skill development throughout the voyage.
    • Fitness & Yoga. Offered at various times throughout the day, as well as by private schedule, our fitness/yoga instructors/trainers offer a full suite of active movement programs for you to either stay fit, or start a new regime.
    • Trekking/Hiking. Where possible we tailor the options to offer our contemplative walk for those wanting to stay close to shore and not hike up slope, our mid range hike and our longer hikes. The longer hikes can range from two to three hours in duration, and may involve challenging terrain without the assistance of trails.
    • Whale Watching. Experience the ultimate wildlife show from your front row seat. While sailing and exploring on the ship or cruising through the shallow waters of the coastal area, you will be surprised by the gracious movements of those majestic animals.
    • Zodiac Cruising. Heavy duty mark V zodiac inflatables paired with yamaha 60HP four stroke engines and a trained guide/driver provide a brilliant platform for small group cruising.

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Chile
More of activity:
Antarctica Cruises