10 days

Antarctic Express - Fly North 2013-14

Antarctic Express - Fly North 2013-14

Trip rating
  • This Peregrine journey takes us to one of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations. After making shore visits on our way through the South Shetland Islands we arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula, on the continent of Antarctica, to be immediately dazzled by perhaps the most dramatic scenery to be found anywhere on earth. Sailing aboard our well-appointed expedition vessel, we witness Antarctic nature in all its glory. These areas boast an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, including five species of seals and massive rookeries of gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins as well as a profusion of seabirds ranging from albatross to skuas. Another wildlife highlight may well be observing a variety of magnificent whales in close proximity as they crest the surface of the waves. On the 'White Continent', we also see remarkable landscapes of ice. Once the voyage is complete we skip the Drake Passage by flying from King George Island to Punta Arenas and spend a night here.

    Weather, ice and other mitigating factors may result in changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Ushuaia

    Day 1 is an arrival day and you can arrive at any time. You will be transferred to your hotel in Ushuaia. A night in a hotel is included in the voyage price. No meals are included on Day 1. Arrival Transfers:Please note an arrival transfer from the airport is included in your voyage fare. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions. Accommodation: If you arrive earlier or wish to extend your stay and need accommodation please ask Peregrine or your agent for details and costs.

    Day 2 - Ushuaia - Embarkation Day

    A transfer from your hotel or town centre to the pier for embarkation on to the ship will take place in the afternoon. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions. Once onboard, our expedition team will welcome you and once you’ve settled in we’ll set sail from Ushuaia, charting our course through the Beagle Channel. Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which the vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Historic visitors who have traversed this channel include Charles Darwin, who journeyed through this region in the famous HMS Beagle. As we continue south, travelers will keep watch on deck for seabirds, seals and dolphins that can approach the vessel.
    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 3-4 - Drake Passage

    As we cross the Drake Passage, our team of experts will be out on deck to help us spot whales and identify seabirds. We also have the chance to take part in the onboard presentation series, preparing us for our adventure to the 'White Continent'. Talks on wildlife, ice and polar history will create enormous anticipation that continues to build as we cross the Antarctic Convergence. Here the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We will also notice a sharp drop in temperature at this point. Huge icebergs loom up against the horizon and seabirds such as the wandering albatross and petrels are regularly sighted.
    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 5-8 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctica

    When the Antarctic Convergence is left in the ship’s wake, we witness the first whale migrating south, and a solitary iceberg floats by we truly begin our remarkable journey to the seventh continent. Yet perhaps is the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning to our adventure. Many factors play a role in defining each expedition, creating a unique experience for every group of travellers. We will attempt to leave the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites twice a day, and, with wildlife always at the forefront of our minds. We will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, orcas and a number of the southern seal species, including the all mighty Leopard Seal. The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will engulf you also as travellers get the chance to scramble up to vantage points. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap Penguin colony high up on a ridge. Whilst some may be hiking, others may find pleasure in sitting quietly on a pebbled beach as curious penguin chicks approach. All should however take part in the Polar Plunge, either through encouraging those brave enough, or by strapping on the harness yourselves and plunging into the frigid waters of an icy Antarctic bay. The natural cycle of life ensures that every expedition is different. And that every expedition is full of surprises! In Antarctica, silence is so complete that interruptions become indelible memories: noisy penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. Then there is the sound of breathing as arms pump and legs power up an incline on cross-country skis. As travellers sail from island to shore to bay during four days in the Peninsula, the Expedition Team provides opportunities for contemplation, to test endurance and engage curiosity.
    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 9 - Disembarkation and Flight From King George Island

    From King George Island, we board our jet and fly across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel to spend the night.
    Breakfast

    Day 10 - Punta Arenas

    After breakfast, you will make your own way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flight.
    Breakfast
  • What to Know

    What's Included

      • One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas as indicated in the itinerary. (The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available)
      • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
      • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
      • All shore landings per the daily program.
      • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities.
      • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
      • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled.
      • Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage.
      • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
      • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep.
      • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
      • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
      • Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
      • A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport.
      • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
      • All luggage handling aboard ship.
      • Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person.
      • Pre expedition night hotel in Ushuaia.
      • Group transfers in Ushuaia from the airport to any local hotel.
      • Group transfers from a designated location in Ushuaia to the ship on embarkation day.
      • Flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas as specified in the itinerary.
      • Group transfer between the airport and hotel in conjunction with the charter flight from Antarctica.
      • One night post expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast as indicated in the itineraries.

    Not Included

      • Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
      • Passport and visa expenses.
      • Government arrival and departure taxes.
      • Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation and lunch on specified Fly and Cruise programs.
      • Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
      • Excess baggage charges.
      • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
      • Telecommunications charges.
      • The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
      • Massage services on the Ocean Diamond are available for onboard purchase.

    Safety Information

    Safety is paramount on a Peregrine voyage. Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to approach the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group, accompanied by a Peregrine representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. On board you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations.

  • Map Itinerary

  • Our Ships

    Sea Adventurer (formerly the Clipper Adventurer)

    Sea Adventurer (formerly the Clipper Adventurer)

    This Polar Adventure Ship was built in 1975. Sea Adventurer (formerly know as the Clipper Adventurer) underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998. Her proud reputation is complimented by her well-appointed, elegance. Sea Adventurer is the perfect expedition ship for people who enjoy soft adventures and creature comforts. All cabins have outside views and facilities en suite.

    Sea Adventurer is equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings and ocean level cruising, yet offers fine dining, and cabins with exterior views and facilities en suite.

    Departure Dates for the Sea Adventurer (formerly the Clipper Adventurer)

    • 10 Dec 2013 - 19 Dec 2013
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From US $7395.00
*Per Person, Twin Share

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Trip at a glance

Trip Code PPFN
Start City: Ushuaia
End City: Punta Arenas

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