Antarctic Quest via the Falklands (Malvinas)
and South Georgia
Six Departures
Start: Ushuaia
Finish: Ushuaia
Day 1
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Getting to the southernmost city in the world is easy, because the local airport (USH) is served by flights from Buenos Aires, and Santiago, Chile. Don't worry about where you'll stay when you arrive: we've included a night at one of the city's charming hotels.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
In the 2007-2008 Antarctic season, before we transfer you to the ship, we have a short hike through Tierra del Fuego National Park planned as part of a coach tour. We'll make a stop for lunch - a traditional Argentine asado barbecue, with plenty of protein to keep you energized.
In the 2008-2009 Antarctic season, the barbecue lunch and park tour are not included. Adventurers will have time to explore on their own, or just relax.
Day 3
At Sea
Take advantage of a day at sea to become familiar with the ship and members of the Expedition Team. You can take brisk walks around the deck in the fresh sea air, or attend a series of presentations that will prepare you for the adventures to come.
Day 4-5
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Two highlights of your exploration of the archipelago will be the warm welcome you receive from the residents and the extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The fleet of Zodiacs carried on the ship will zip you to remote locations for active exploration. If the conditions are right, kayakers may wet their hulls, exploring still bays where dolphins are at play.
Day 6-7
At Sea
As the ship draws nearer to Antarctica, a sharp drop in water and air temperature may indicate that you have crossed the Antarctic Convergence. This invisible circumpolar, undulating line separates Antarctica from the rest of the globe.
Day 8-11
South Georgia
Renowned as a destination for birders, South Georgia is a breeding ground for many species, such as Wandering Albatross, Southern Giant Petrels, and five penguin species. You'll hike glaciated terrain to hilltops with magnificent views of King Penguin rookeries.
South Georgia has many connections to the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. Ernest Shackleton is buried in the churchyard at Grytviken. One of the glaciers that cover the island is named after Otto Nordenskjold the leader of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition which called at the island in 1902-03. Our polar historian will bring the past to life ashore and aboard
Watch a mini-documentary about South Georgia.
Day 12-13
At Sea
En route to the Peninsula we'll keep you busy identifying seabirds, listening to engaging presentations on everything from the Antarctic food web to the life cycle of the humpback whale.
Day 14-17
The Antarctic Peninsula
The Expedition Team takes advantage to the long hours of daylight that occur so near the Antarctic Circle to plan the daily activities. The plans are communicated every evening in the daily bulletin delivered to your cabin.
An exploration of the Peninsula may include visits to penguin rookeries, research stations and encounters with marine mammals and iceberg graveyards. Although each voyage is painstakingly planned, it is impossible to provide prior to departure a definitive summary of the journey you will actually experience. The Expedition Leader in cooperation with the ship's Captain adjusts the route as the expedition unfolds to take advantage of the best weather and ice conditions. For this reason, no itinerary is the same.
There are a limited number of available optional adventures. We encourage you to reserve your camping or kayaking adventure when you book your cabin.
Day 18-19
The Drake Passage
The notorious Drake Passage can be relatively calm, under the right weather conditions. Have seasickness medicine on hand just in case the Drake lives up to its reputation.
Day 20
Disembarkation, Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast aboard the ship, we'll transfer you by bus to the passenger collection point at the end of the quay.