Celebrate the summer solstice, Christmas and New Year on our first South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey, or summer in full bloom on the second. Our first voyage takes us to the Antarctic Peninsula, retraces Shackleton’s boat voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia, and finishes up in the Falkland Islands/Maldivas. Our second reverses this trip. Antarctica’s spectacular scenery and ice is matched by the sheer numbers of wildlife on South Georgia. Days remain long and filled with whales, penguins, leopard seals and historic sites.
Sail/Fly, Fly/Sail details
Voyage ASG58 cost includes flight from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams where you’ll enjoy a tour of the port town before boarding Polar Pioneer. Upon finishing in Stanley, Falkland Islands/Maldivas, your transfer from ship to airport includes a tour of the capital, then a flight Santiago via Punta Arenas. ASG59 operates in reverse, with the same transfers, flights and tours included. The flight between Santiago and Stanley can be broken at Punta Arenas for either pre or post voyage arrangements, but the unused leg will be forfeited.
Prices quoted are per person in US$, based on twin-share. Single occupancy is 1.7 times the twin share price. No single travel fees apply if you are willing to share your cabin (triple & twin cabins only). Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. Prices valid from July 2013. No refund for unused services.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams. Enjoy a guided tour of the rustic port and beautiful surrounds. Embark Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon for introductory and safety briefings, then sail along the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 – 3: Drake Passage offers excellent birdwatching from the outer decks or the warm bridge. Expedition team presents Zodiac and environmental briefings, and enlightening talks on Antarctica. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, penguins, seals and cormorants as we approach our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.
Day 4 – 6: Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where we plan to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.
Day 7: Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men wintered beneath their upturned boats. With luck we will go ashore to pay tribute to these hardy souls.
Day 8 – 10: Following in Shackleton’s wake, we cross the Scotia Sea, possibly detouring to visit the remote South Orkney Islands if ice conditions allow.
Day 11 – 14: We have ample time to explore South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, including the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbours, 3000-metre peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and penguins.
Day 15 – 17: Keeping watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, we cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by our expert naturalist and historian.
Day 18: Dawn greets us in the Falkland Islands/Maldivas capital, Stanley; where we bid farewell to Polar Pioneer. You have the option of either spending more time exploring the Falkland Islands/Maldivas or continuing on to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile.