Antarctic Circle Quest 2009/2010 (14 Days)

On this exciting expedition, we have the opportunity to thoroughly explore the South Shetland region and Antarctic Peninsula searching out breathtaking bays and islands, and marvelling at extraordinary natural wonders. We’ll also hope to travel further into the polar regions than on any other Peregrine expedition, journeying as far as the Antarctic Circle at 66* 33’ south.

Aboard our well-appointed expedition vessel, we see Antarctic nature in all its glory. The offshore South Shetland group boasts an abundance of wildlife, including five seal species and massive penguin rookeries of gentoo, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a profusion of seabirds from albatross to skuas. A wildlife highlight may well be watching a variety of magnificent whale species in close proximity as they crest the surface of the waves.

On the Peninsula, we expect to visit Paradise Harbour, dotted with spectacular icebergs, beautiful Hope Bay, and if ice conditions permit, the superb Lemaire Channel, with its glacial walls rising high on both sides. We’ll be stunned by the mainland itself made up of a remarkable sweeping ice-sheet that masks mountains and fills trenches, binding together an entire continent that is close in size to Africa. One can only marvel at the resolve of the early explorers in their quest to conquer this inhospitable land.

Now we are the explorers and it’s our chance to undertake a range of exciting activities amidst some of the most dramatic scenery to be found on earth from zodiac cruises and sea kayaking to wildlife watching and hiking. If conditions are suitable, we may even have the chance to camp ashore on the expanse of continental ice. (It has become a hallmark of Peregrine’s Antarctic program to offer a range of options catering to various interests. We’ll break into small groups for zodiac cruising excursions, wildlife watching, sea kayaking, as well as extensive hikes on shore.) Or you may simply wish sit for hours onshore near a penguin rookery, contemplating the remarkable commotion all around. The choice is yours.

Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.