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polar regions: antarctica

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica

Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers to the south, along the way marveling at the magnificent flora and fauna that Darwin first documented on the islands of South Georgia and the Falklands. Passing through the Weddell Sea into the Antarctic Peninsula through spectacular channels and bays of icebergs, seals, penguins and more, you will be one of the few to set foot on the continent of Antarctica!.

Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

Arriving in Ushuaia the day before departure is highly recommended. We can assist with hotel arrangements if you need it. Transfer on your own to the dock. Boarding begins at 4pm from the southernmost city in the world nestled in the shadow of the Andes and right at the base of the Beagle Channel. We’ll sail through this scenic waterway during the afternoon.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - The Southern Ocean

At sea, the ship is followed by several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - The Falkland Islands

In the Falkland Islands we plan to spend the whole day on the fascinating western side of the archipelago. A hike along the shore of Carcass Island will give us views of Magellanic and Gentoo-penguins, as well as close encounters with water fowl and night herons. In addition, on Saunders Island we will be able to observe rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses and king cormorants.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Stanley, Falklands

In Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, we can experience true Falkland culture, which has some South American characteristics as well as Victorian charm. In the surrounding area we can see a number of stranded clipper ships from a century ago. Especially for the birders, we will also offer a three hour excursion outside Port Stanley.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 5 & 6 - The Antarctic Convergence

At sea, on our way to South Georgia we will cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature will drop as much as 10 degrees C in the time span of only a few hours. Near the Convergence we will see a multitude of southern seabirds near the ship: several species of albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, prions and skuas.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 7-10 - South Georgia

In South Georgia we shall visit the bay of Elsehul, with its very active fur seal breeding beach, and then make our way to Right Whale Bay, Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbor and Cooper Bay to give you a good opportunity to see a wide spectrum of landscapes and wildlife such as elephant seals, king and macaroni penguins. At Fortuna Bay we might try to follow in the footsteps of the great British Explorer Ernest Shackleton and hike over to Stømness Bay. There and at Grytviken we’ll see abandoned whaling villages, where king penguins now walk in the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. At Grytviken we’ll also offer a visit to the Whaling History Museum as well as to Shackleton´s grave. One of the highlights might be our visit to Prion Island, where we will witness the breeding efforts of the huge Wandering Albatross.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - The Southern Ocean

At sea, we might encounter sea-ice, and it is at the ice-edge where we might have a chance to see some high-Antarctic species like the Maccormick skua, snow petrel and the elusive emperor penguin.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - South Orkney Islands

We are aiming for a visit at Orcadas station, an Argentinean base located in the South Orkney Islands. The friendly base personnel will show us their facilities and we can enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding glaciers.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - Southern Ocean - Weddell Sea

At sea

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 14–16 - Antarctic Peninsula

We will sail into the Weddell Sea through the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound. Huge tabular icebergs will announce our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. We plan to visit Paulet Island with a million pairs of adelie penguins and the remains of the Nordenskiöld expedition. At Brown Bluff we can put our feet on the continent of Antarctica!

At Deception Island, we will try to land at Baily Head, home to a colony of chinstrap penguins. Deception itself is a subducted crater, which opens into the sea, creating a natural harbor for the ship. Here we find hot springs, and an abandoned whaling station. Good walkers may hike from Baily Head over the ridge of the crater into Whalers Bay, while our ship braves its entrance into the crater through the spectacular Neptune’s Bellow into the ring of Deception Island. In the afternoon we may land at Half Moon Island, where we can observe elephant, weddell and fur seals as well as chinstrap penguins, blue-eyed shags, Wilson’s storm petrels, kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic terns and Antarctic brown skuas.

On our way west, we sail to Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula. It contains a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas. From there we sail to Neko Harbour in Andvord Bay and through Paradise Bay with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, with the chance of seeing whales. We will have opportunities for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 17-18 - The Drake Passage

The journey continues back across the Drake where we have time to reflect on what we have experienced, looking through our photos and talking with the naturalists about all the wildlife and history of Antarctica.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 19 - Ushuaia, Argentina

We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

20 Day Itinerary: Nov 3-22, 2012

Day 1: Ushuaia
Day 2: At sea
Day 3: Falkland Islands
Day 4: Stanley, Falkland Islands
Days 5&6: At Sea
Days 7-10: South Georgia
Day 11: At Sea
Day 12: South Orkney Islands
Day 13: At Sea
Days 14-17: Antarctic Peninsula
Days 18-19: At Sea
Day 20: Ushuaia

Images by Franco Banfi

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Single Travelers:Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin at 1.7 times the share price, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will not be penalized.

Minimum Age for Children: No age requirement. Children 12 and over must pay full price. - Children must be able to safely navigate a steep gangway, by themselves, in variable conditions. Expedition Leaders will determine if children are allowed on shore excursions and landings. If an Expedition Leader determines a child's participation in these activities is unsafe the child must stay on board, accompanied by an adult. On board our vessels we do not have any children facilities or activities, parents must bring all games, etc. Parents must be aware there is no hospital nearby and it may take several hours, sometimes even days to eventually get to the hospital. Parents are responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board. There is no babysitting available. There is no running around in or outside the vessel. Parents must provide a child’s life vest in order for the child to go into the zodiac.

Land Cost Includes: All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes; Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation); All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Not Included: Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Fuel Surcharge: If world fuel prices will reach or exceed US $ 80 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure, we reserve the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US $ 25 per night per passenger, to be paid.

Arrival/Departure Information: The Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Agrentina. Embarkation time is between 4:00 – 5:00pm on day of departure. We strongly advise all passengers to arrive the night prior to departure and get a hotel in Ushuaia to avoid baggage and flight delays. The ship sails around 6:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 8:30 – 9:00am. Get a free flight quote.

Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to confirm a reservation on this Antarctic voyage. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. We do NOT accept credit cards for Final Payment. Final payment can be made by check , money order or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctic and Arctic trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received:
Outside 60 days prior to departure deposits are forfeited.
Between 59-30 days prior, 30% of total price is forfeited.
Inside 29 days, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for this trip. Consider Travelex Select or Max policies to ensure the best level of coverage. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Vessel Descriptions: Click vessel links above for individual vessel descriptions. Vessels accommodate between 46 - 110 passengers and have ice-strengthened hulls designed specifically for polar travel.

Accommodations and Services Aboard: Vessels accommodate passengers in comfortable cabins. Public areas include a Lounge and bar with facilities for slide shows and lectures; Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where passengers are always welcome. The chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. Inform us of any special dietary requirements; however, note that the galleys unfortunately can not prepare kosher meals. The ship officers and crew are all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 30-stair, gang-way, un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.


We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com