This voyage is Peregrine’s most complete and varied Antarctic adventure. It promises an in-depth and unforgettable experience to the 'bottom of the world', travelling to the extraordinary Falkland Islands and diverse sub-Antarctic islands before sailing further south to the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula area.
Our first stop is the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. This far-flung group of islands lies north of the Antarctic Convergence and enjoys a relatively warmer climate than our other destinations. As a result the mainly uninhabited Falklands support unique wildlife not found further south, including sixty species of migratory birds as well as the rare rockhopper penguin. Our journey continues south-east, crossing the Antarctic Convergence to the remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. Here, amongst the soaring snow-clad mountains and massive glaciers, we find huge king penguin rookeries, thousands of sub-Antarctic fur seals, the comical macaroni penguins and spectacular wilderness that is perhaps unequalled on earth. We also discover its remarkable history, reminding us that we are following the footsteps of some of the world’s most legendary explorers, from Captain James Cook to Sir Ernest Shackleton.
We then set course to the off-shore islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, before continuing to the South Shetland archipelago and stopping at various islands whose waters are often inhabited with feeding humpback whales. On approaching the mainland, the splendours of Antarctic nature will be on display. Thousands of differently shaped icebergs dot the sea, penguins are seen 'porpoising' through the waters and various seals, including the predatory leopard seal, use the ice floes as a resting place. The Antarctic Peninsula itself boasts a profusion of wildlife including five species of seal, massive penguin rookeries with gentoos, Adélies and chinstraps as well as a variety of whale species and seabirds, including albatross, petrels, shearwaters and skuas. Extraordinary scenery and somewhat forbidding landscape awaits us on land. A sweeping ice sheet rises above the shore line, 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 quests to conquer Antarctica.
Note: Weather, ice and other mitigating factors may result in changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Ushuaia
Day 1 is an arrival day and you can arrive in Ushuaia at any time. With a population of over 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Flanked by the glacial jagged peaks of the Montes Martial, Ushuaia’s dramatic surroundings offer a spectacular departure point for an Antarctic cruise. While the city has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years with the addition of several new services, restaurants and tourist operations, it has retained an easy going, accessible feel. Travellers can spend some time in the Tierra del Fuego National Park or visit the many boutique shops and restaurants while preparing for their upcoming adventure. A night in a hotel is included in the voyage price. No meals are included on Day 1.
Arrival Transfers: Please note a group arrival transfer from the airport is included on day 1. Please advise of your flight details to assure you are picked up.
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
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.
Day 3 - At Sea
As we sail to the northeast we have the chance to enjoy a series of presentations that include talks on wildlife, ice and polar history, which will undoubtedly create enormous anticipation for our upcoming adventures. On deck the first sightings of albatross and petrels are likely to add to our sense of excitement, whilst our team of experts will be on hand to help us spot whales and identify the various other seabirds.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4-5 - Falkland Islands
Our arrival on this infamous archipelago is the first opportunity to see abundant wildlife and the last time we will see permanent human inhabitants during our voyage. The Falklands contain two main islands- East and West, while the entire archipelago include almost 700 smaller ones and we attempt make several zodiac landings during two days on these islands.
One of our memorable landings is in Stanley, a British unique British outpost with a unique, ramshackle charm. The largest settlement in the Falklands, our day here is spent visiting churches, museums and perhaps mingling with locals at a typical British pub.
The Falklands also gives us our first glimpse of some of the wildlife that is present further south. For instance, the archipelago is home to a variety of penguin species that include Magelianic, gentoo, rockhopper as well as the occasional King penguin. We can also expect to see Black-browned albatross and elephant seals that crowd the beaches and, if we are lucky, orca whales that often swim near the shore.
As we travel, our team of lecturers and specialists introduce the flora and fauna along the way and ensure that we make the most of our memorable time on the island.
Potential landing sites include: Stanley, West Point Island, Saunder’s Island, Sea Lion and Island, Bleaker Island.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6-7 - At Sea
Leaving the Falklands, our journey continues southeast towards the island of South Georgia. We have a chance to learn more about Antarctic conservation as well as the fascinating history of the area, as our on-board presentations continue. Of course, there is ample time to scan the seascape from the top deck in search of marine mammals and seabirds. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence on this leg of our journey and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8-11 - South Georgia
While it is highly unlikely we will come across anyone else on South Georgia, this remote outpost has long been a centre for exploratory and commercial expeditions. Many of these original inhabitants arrived to the island to hunt the abundant whales and elephant seals that lead to steep declines in the wild population. While thankfully this practice has now been abated, we will see many remnants of the period, including several abandoned whaling stations and other outposts of this forgotten era. Perhaps, however, the most significant historic relic here is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Located in Grytviken, the site is commemorated with a tombstone and is also home to an old whaling station, the Georgia Museum and a small gift shop and church.
While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that visitors often find the most captivating. South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the poles, contains an extraordinary variety and quantity of wildlife. Travelers can expect to see rookeries with thousands King Penguins that waddle on the beach, Sooty Albatross breed, and fur seals jostle for domination over their slice of territory. Such scenes leave indelible prints in the minds of travelers that are rarely forgotten.
Potential landing sites include: Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbour, Fortuna Bay, Grytviken, St. Andrew’s Bay, Cooper Bay
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 12-13 - At Sea and South Orkney Islands
There is anticipation in the air as we begin the journey towards Antarctica. The journey is filled with seminars from on onboard team, and also provides a great chance to know your fellow shipmates.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 14-17 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Our arrival on the white continent brings a mixture of emotions. Yet, the most common reaction to arrival here is a sense of reverence and awe. Few places are as untouched, as unique and as enduring as the seventh continent. While we ply the icy waters, travelers soon realize that Antarctica is a land of deep contrasts. At times there is a sense of bleakness, desolation and an eerie silence while other sites reveal towering glacier-capped mountains rising from a brilliant blue sea, while the wildlife provide a loud din of sound.
You will not only witness the wonders of Antarctica but you will experience it, as our team of expedition staff takes you onto the continent. Your time here may involve hiking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with penguin colonies. While some travelers opt to explore in kayak or even camp on the continent, others are content to simply stand on the ocean bank and absorb the unique scenery unfolding around them. One thing is for certain: you should have your camera ready at all times- this is the life experience you have been waiting for!
Potential landing sites include Deception Island, the South Shetland Islands, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, the Neumayer Cahnnel and many more.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 18-19 - Drake Passage
The Drake Passage has two distinct personalities. The first is the Drake Shake, where the ride can be bumpy. The second is the Drake Lake, when the surface can be completely calm. We can’t guarantee either, but what we will say is that you will likely use the last two days of your voyage to recount the experiences you have had and prepare for your reentry into ‘the real world’.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 20 - Ushuaia
After breakfast aboard the ship we arrive back in Ushuaia, travellers are transferred to the airport for the homeward flight. Please do not book flights before 12.00pm.
Transfers: If you are extending your stay and would like a transfer from Ushuaia to the airport please contact Peregrine or your agent.
