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Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise 19 Days Small Ship Expedition

Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise 19 Days Small Ship Expedition

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Description

Join us for a remarkable experience that takes you through the western Antarctic Peninsula, through Elephant Island to South Georgia. The South Georgia and Antarctica air-cruise allows you to sail through the nutrient-rich waters and, each day, disembark with our expert polar guides having time to either hike, snowshoe, or kayak in bays nearby. As we make our way to South Georgia, you will follow in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, like Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. After reaching South Georgia, visit some of the largest colonies of penguins in the world, including the king penguin, and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses.

Trip Name
Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise 19 Days Small Ship Expedition
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.7 m - 298 ft. Passenger Capacity: 100 (only 69 passengers for Air-Cruise operations) Built: 2018 MV Magellan Explorer features 50 passenger suites and cabins in five categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. The cabins are very spacious, ranging in size from 40 m2 (440 sq. ft.) to 20 m2 (220 sq. ft.). All double cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed, offering great flexibility to our guests. 42 cabins feature a large window and a private balcony, while 8 cabins feature a porthole. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area. Public areas include a large, forward-facing observation lounge, an observation deck, a dining room that accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting, two meeting rooms, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests to offer expansive views during exploration. Optional adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available. Specific measures have been taken to minimize MV Magellan Explorer’s carbon footprint, including state-of-the-art engines that meet MARPOL’s stringent Tier III emission standards. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
To start off your South Georgia and Antarctica air-cruise, our staff members welcome you to Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers.
Day 2 - Day 2: Flight to Antarctica
A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi) to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your expedition vessel.
Day 3 - Days 3 - 5: Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. You will explore several spots in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Sound that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 4 - Day 6: Elephant Island
Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
Day 5 - Day 7 - 8: Sailing to South Georgia
Sailing to South Georgia As our South Georgia and Antarctica air-cruise takes us northward, our expert guides offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s birdlife.
Day 6 - Day 9 -12: South Georgia
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. Each visit is unique. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
Day 7 - Day 13 -15: Sailing towards South America
As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Day 8 - Day 16: At sea and Beagle Channel
Approach South America and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you head to Ushuaia.
Day 9 - Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrival Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends at the pier upon disembarkation.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • A wilderness experience in the Southern Ocean
    • The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
    • Visit to South Georgia
    • Explore the Seventh Continent

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