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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 19 Day Fly Cruise

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 19 Day Fly Cruise

From USD $18,895

Description

This is our most far-reaching polar expedition and includes visits to three different locations. The sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is home to a proliferation of unique wildlife and birdlife. There are penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds and the beaches are covered in fur seals and elephant seals. Seabirds, including many of the albatross species call these islands home, nesting and raising their young in this wild and remote environment.

South Georgia features a fascinating history and truly stunning scenery. To the south lies Antarctica – the frozen continent and the second of our iconic destinations on this outstanding voyage. Icebergs in all shapes and sizes fill the waters, and yet more unique wildlife can be found living in sizable colonies. The waters are full of life and we frequently encounter whales including humpback, minke and orca.

On this voyage, our days are spent exploring on shore in the company of expert guides – including naturalists, marine biologists, ornithologists and adventurers as well as our resident photography professional. Cruising in our inflatable Zodiac boats is another memorable activity. For the adventurers, we provide plenty of opportunities to explore on long hikes ashore, or by sea kayak. The clever use of a timesaving flight at the start of this voyage means you maximise your time in all the key locations.

Please Note: your voyage rates include scheduled flight from Punta Arenas to Stanley
(Falkland Islands)

Trip Name
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 19 Day Fly Cruise
Days
19
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 117 metres Passenger Capacity: 96 Built: 1989 Stability and Strength. Our ship was purpose built to conduct sensitive hydro-acoustic research and science in the polar regions. The original design brief dictated that the vessel offers a very high level of stability. This is achieved through a sophisticated internal trimming system, controlled via a series of gyroscopic sensors around the vessel. This stability feature is something you will greatly appreciate should you encounter less than ideal sailing conditions. Maneuverable, Quiet and Fast. With both bow and stern thrusters and twin reversible propellers, the ship can spin on its own axis – greatly assisting embarkation of the zodiacs in windy conditions. You will notice there is little – if any – ambient noise or vibration, which makes for a quiet ship. The ship is fast, with a top speed of 14.5 knots in open water. Unmatched stability, coupled with superior speed allows for more time at your destination (rather than ‘at sea’) and more flexibility with itinerary planning – a critical factor in polar waters where ice and weather conditions sometimes dictate our daily itinerary. Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree views of the stunning polar landscapes – as well as a great place for an outdoor barbecue, which usually happens once on every voyage. Inside there are comfortable presentation spaces for lectures and film screenings and there’s a multimedia computer lab with several large screen workstations where guests can download and back up photos. Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside windows allowing ample natural light to filter in. Cabins all have lower berths (some triple share cabins have one upper/lower bunk scenario and feature port holes). Akademik Ioffe carries a maximum of just 96 guests – making for true, small-ship expedition cruising. This is particularly important in Antarctica where visitor guidelines dictate that no more than 100 people can be on shore at any one time. We fall under this limit and that equals maximum time ashore at all locations. Ships carrying more than 100 guests compromise your time ashore. Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. The exciting schedule of onshore excursions, zodiac cruises and onboard activities are guaranteed to work up a serious appetite. Although the ship operates in some of the most remote locations in the world, you can expect an exceptional variety of tasty meals, prepared by a team of professional international chefs. Breakfasts are usually buffet style. Lunches offer a great choice of light meals - as well as more substantial options for those who are hungry - and each evening there is a hearty three-course meal offering both variety and choice. There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines. You can get a cup of tea or coffee at any time of the day or night and we always offer afternoon tea with cakes and biscuits. Guests with dietary restrictions or special meal requirements are also well catered for. Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds. Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard Akademik Ioffe have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage. Relax — You're on Holiday. The ship also features a Finnish dry-heat sauna, a plunge pool, a hot water Jacuzzi, a small gymnasium and day spa with massage therapist. An expedition gear package is included. An expedition cruise requires a fair bit of planning and some special items of clothing and equipment are needed. You will have use of an expedition wet weather gear package free of charge, which includes a quality waterproof/windproof jacket and bib-pants as well as insulated, comfortable rubber boots designed for extended walking. A set of expedition binoculars and a walking pole are also available for the duration of your voyage. This saves you buying expensive items you may only ever use once and eliminates the need to carry such cumbersome gear all the way to the ship. If you do have your own gear, of course you are welcome to bring it. Make sure it is wind and waterproof. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 / PUNTA ARENAS (CHILE) – FALKLAND ISLANDS
Our journey commences this morning in the southern Chileancity of Punta Arenas. We meet at a central location beforetransferring to the airport for our scheduled flight to Stanley inthe Falkland Islands. (This flight is included in the price of yourvoyage). After a short 90-minute journey we are met on arrivaland transferred to the pier. Stanley is currently home to just over2,000 residents and is reminiscent of a rural town in coastalBritain. It is charming with brightly colored houses, prettyflower-filled gardens, a quaint cathedral and several local pubs.There is time to explore the town before ship embarkation. Aftersettling in to our cabins and exploring the ship, we meet ourexpedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in theair as we enjoy a welcome cocktail, dinner and cast off for theadventure of a lifetime
Day 2 - DAY 2 / WEST POINT ISLAND AND SAUNDERS ISLAND
Overnight we have navigated across the north of the FalklandIsland archipelago and today offers an incredible introduction tothe wildlife of the Sub-Antarctic. Our plan is to explore the islandof West Point and nearby Saunders Island. West Point is knownfor its rockhopper penguin rookeries and substantial nestingblack-browed albatross colony. The opportunity to observethese spectacular birds in close proximity, and on the nest isan immense privilege and an experience not easily forgotten.Repositioning the ship, a visit to the wildlife-rich Saunders Islandbeckons. Along the white sand beaches and in the surroundingtussock grass we hope to encounter no less than four penguinspecies living in close quarters including gentoo, magellanicand rockhopper the impressive king penguin, with their colourfulorange, gold and grey plumage. We depart the Falkland Islandstonight bound for South Georgia.
Day 3 - DAYS 3-4 / AT SEA – TOWARDS SOUTH GEORGIA
We chart a southeasterly course bound for South Georgia.The seabirds once again join us in the Southern Ocean. Oureducational presentations continue and are always popular.History is a key theme of this voyage and the epic story ofSir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition is central to any trip to South Georgia. Perhaps you will pickup some valuable tips from our onboard photographic guide,learning about image composition, the subtle polar light and allthe basics of good camera craft. We will also learn about Polarconservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of ourguides and crew.
Day 4 - DAY 5-8 / EXPLORATION OF SOUTH GEORGIA
South Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of theSouthern Ocean’ – and as we approach the deep bays of thisrugged, rocky outcrop, you will begin to see why. Launching theZodiacs we begin our exploration of the island, in the vicinity ofElsehul Bay. Large numbers of fur seals and the much largerelephant seal will line the dark sand beaches. Living in thetussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number upto 100,000 birds in some locations, including Salisbury Plain,St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour. The island is also home tolarge numbers of nesting albatross as they fill the skies above,coming and going from the nest.South Georgia is a thrilling location for history lovers and therusting relics of the early whaling industry are all around us.We hope to observe several of the old stations at locationsincluding Leith, Husvik and Stromness. A highlight is a visit toGrytviken – the largest of the whaling stations, situated at thehead of Cumberland Bay. It is here we visit the gravesite of SirErnest Shackleton. For many, being in the presence of the greatexplorer will be a highlight of the trip. An excellent museum atGrytviken, maintained by the South Georgia Heritage Trust andthe restored church built by the original Norwegian whalersprovides a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Day 5 - DAYS 9-11 / AT SEA – TOWARDS ANTARCTICA
Weather and ice will dictate our crossing of the Scotia Sea fromSouth Georgia to Antarctica. As with all of our itinerary planning,our Expedition Leader and Captain will make a decision basedon the sea and ice conditions at the time. The South OrkneyIsland group represent the peaks of a submarine mountainrange called the Scotia Arc, connecting South Georgia to theSouth Shetland Islands. Often shrouded in fog and surroundedby ice much of the year, a chance to visit these islands doesn’t come often. As we edge ever closer to the frozen continent,large icebergs announce our arrival in Antarctic waters. Ifconditions allow, we hope to see the dark cliffs of ElephantIsland appear on the horizon. Shackleton and his men wereencamped here for many months, having lost HMS Endurancein the thick sea ice, far to the south in the Weddell Sea in1915. From the tiny beach at Point Wild, Shackleton and sixcompanions set off on the rescue mission to South Georgia,aboard the tiny lifeboat, James Caird. To this day, the epicocean crossing is considered one of the greatest in history.If conditions allow, we will attempt a landing at Point Wild onElephant Island.
Day 6 - DAYS 12 - 16 / SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTICA PENINSULA
Around 60 miles off the coast of the Antarctic mainland wefind the South Shetland Island chain. Possible landing sitescould include King George Island, Half Moon Island or YankeeHarbour. Weather conditions permitting we sail the ship intothe flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. There aresome outstanding hikes at these locations and the old whalingstation and aircraft hangar at Deception Island beg for furtherexploration.After so much anticipation, we enter the icy waters of theAntarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour or CiervaCove. Snow covered mountains soar from the dark waters.Along the shoreline in the bays and harbors of the Peninsulalives an incredible abundance of wildlife. Large rookeries arehome to chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins. Seals live onthe ice floes, including the powerful leopard seal that we hopeto encounter. Gulls, skuas and cormorants are also foundnesting and feeding at many sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.We explore by Zodiac boat and on shore where a range ofexciting activities await. Locations we hope to visit includeWilhelmina Bay, Orne Harbour, Cuverville Island and theErrera Channel. Join the photographic guide taking picturesof stunning icebergs. Or enjoy a hike to the top of a snowymountain saddle with one of our adventure guides. If theopportunity presents itself, visit a science base or an old historichut. The sea kayakers may paddle up to several miles from theship, offering a truly memorable experience.
Day 7 - DAYS 17-18 / AT SEA – RETURN TO SOUTH AMERICA
This morning we say goodbye to our expedition team andtransfer ashore by Zodiac. We walk from the shore landing sitepast the Chilean research station and up towards the airstripwhere we board our special charter flight. This flight takes alittle over two hours and is included in the price of your voyage.Upon arrival into Punta Arenas a transfer from the airport intotown is provided.
Day 8 - DAY 19 / ARRIVE USHUAIA (ARGENTINA)
In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. It is timeto say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. Guests willbe transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flightshome. It will be possible to connect to flights through to BuenosAires or other destinations in South America. Otherwise enjoy anight in town or venture further afield to explore the highlights ofPatagonia.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at thetime of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leadercontinually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weatherand ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a largenumber of outstanding landing sites and Zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavyice may hinder our planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-02-202004-03-2020USD $18,895Main Deck Triple
15-02-202004-03-2020USD $22,295Twin Semi Private
15-02-202004-03-2020USD $24,495Twin Private
15-02-202004-03-2020USD $25,895Superior
15-02-202004-03-2020USD $27,495Shackleton Suite
15-02-202004-03-2020USD $28,695One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Fantastic glaciated scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
    • Outstanding wildlife observation on shore, Zodiac cruising and from the ship
    • Visits to historic sites and science stations
    • Learn about the environment, wildlife, history and ecology from polar experts

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