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Antarctica Holidays

The following illustration of Expedition Voyages in Antarctica is simply an example of the many exciting and varied Exploration Cruise Holidays that we can arrange for you worldwide. It is not intended to provide the details for a specific booking, since our aim is to create a holiday tailored to your particular wishes.

You may also be interested in our Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage

Introduction
Overview
Example Itinerary
Pick & Mix
Essential Information

Introduction

Enjoy an incredible voyage aboard a choice of comfortable expedition vessels visiting prime wildlife sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and the nearby Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most readily accessible part of the White Continent with some of the best wildlife and scenery. We have made sure that all of our recommended Antarctic Peninsula voyages include as much wildlife viewing as possible, whilst still allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, glaciers, blue and white icebergs, and rugged mountains along the way.

There are more whales and dolphins here than almost anywhere else on earth... you may be accompanied by a school of boisterous hourglass dolphins, follow a pod of Orca Whales as they hunt among the ice floes, or watch Humpback Whales breaching in front of a wilderness of icebergs.

Image credits to Hurtigruten, Linda Drake, Holger Bening, Mark McDermott, Sandra Walser, Paul de Roos, Friedrich Stucke

Overview

Antarctica is the planet’s last great untouched wilderness. In order to reach Antarctica, first of all you must cross the Drake Passage. This area is known for rough seas and high winds, so be prepared!

The journey takes approximately two days, and once crossed, you can have the chance to sail amongst spectacular glaciers, while observing numerous seabirds, whales, dolphins and seals. You could also have the opportunity to discover sites of historic exploration and even on some voyages to kayak and camp or scuba dive. Small zodiac landing craft will transfer you between ship and land when climatic conditions permit, to enable such land-based excursions to occur.

On board you can have ample opportunity to read, listen to lectures and to compare wildlife notes with fellow guests. The drama and majestic beauty of this incredible region is enhanced by the extraordinary flora and fauna which abounds here in the summer months.

Some 200 million birds of 44 species amass here, with albatrosses, shearwaters, terns, skuas, petrels and penguins being the most conspicuous in the Antarctic zones. Of the seventeen penguin species, only two are truly Antarctic, although another five are largely confined to the Sub-Antarctic islands further north. Emperor, Chinstrap, and Adelie Penguins breed south of the Antarctic Convergence (a natural boundary of ocean currents influencing all life in the region); King, Gentoo, Macaroni, Royal, and Rockhopper Penguins breed in the cool waters either side of the convergence; Humboldt, Magellanic, and Galapagos Penguins breed to the north.

Antarctica is of course also renowned for its exceptional concentrations of ocean dwelling mammals - Humpback, Minke, Southern Right, Blue, Fin, Sei, Orca, Pilot, and Sperm Whales, along with Commerson's Dusky, and Bottle-nosed Dolphins, are all regularly seen in these waters. You may also see Elephant, Weddell, Leopard, Ross, Crab-eater, and Fur Seals which probably number in the region of 75 million individuals in the Antarctic zone.

Your cruise will return you to Ushuaia where you can either set of on your journey home or continue to explore this incredible region by extending your stay in South America, Patagonia or Chile.

Example Itinerary

Antarctica is a land of truly awesome grandeur. The highest, driest, coldest continent on Earth is unimaginably rich in bird and marine life and its surreal landscapes are like nothing else on earth.
Below you will find details of a suggested itinerary for first time visitors to Antarctica, travelling aboard the custom built MS Fram, which crosses Drakes Passage in only 40 hours, allowing more time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula.

ANTARCTIC DISCOVERY 2012

This incredible voyage will take you through the Drake Passage and down into the Southern Ocean. Set against the backdrop of Antarctica’s magical white landscape, you will experience the best of this continent’s summer magic, discovering a wealth of wildlife that includes seal, penguin and whale.
Please see below for further details of this particular itinerary, which opertes in January and February.

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires and stay overnight.

Day 3-4 Drake Passage

Named after Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage is one of the world’s great seaways, connecting the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Infamous and legendary, it is teeped in the history and lore of exploration and discovery and, as your vessel comfortably negotiates its way south, there will be a chance to enjoy a series of educational lectures en route.

Day 5-8 Antarctica

Once you cross the Antarctic Convergence you will start to feel the air getting crisper and colder. Antarctic penguins will hunt and play around you and icebergs are an ever present feature of the landscape. Dedicated to scientifi c research and with no permanent inhabitants, Antarctica is home to millions of penguins and its seas provide sustenance to thousands of whales. Simple words cannot convey the feeling of being here, looking out across the vast emptiness of the great white continent. The ice, wind and weather dictate life in Antarctica as well as your route. Every voyage is unique and your experienced crew endeavour to make each one an experience of a lifetime. The final choice of landings will be made in the course of the voyage.

Day 9-10 Drake Passage

As the bow points north you carry with you an incredible collection of memories and, heading across the Drake Passage, the journey back permits an opportunity to share these with your fellow passengers.

Day 11 Ushuaia

Journey’s end sees you back in the most southerly town on Earth. A fitting end to a spectacular voyage. Fly to Buenos Aires for an overnight stay in this bustling capital city.

Day 12 Buenos Aires

Transfer to the airport.

About MS Fram

Named after the ship used by famous Norwegian Explorer Fridtjof Nansen, MS Fram’s interior has been inspired by Greenland and the Arctic region; with a glass-enclosed observation lounge and excellent leisure facilities including a gym, sauna and two heated outdoor Jacuzzis.

Ms Fram is a purpose built 12,700-ton vessel that incorporates all the best of both practical and traditional design. As with all Hurtigruten ships, the decor includes original artwork and superbly appointed interiors that have been inspired by the Arctic and Greenland regions, with a main reception area, a glass-enclosed observation salon and excellent leisure facilities, including gym, sauna and heated Jacuzzis. Items of the original Fram will also be displayed throughout the vessel, linking the present MS Fram with the rich history of its illustrious past.