Weddell Sea Explorer
Holiday Highlights
- See the antics of humpback whales in their ocean feeding grounds
- Kayak amidst glaciers and mountains - a unique opportunity to get close to nature
- Photograph icebergs and other wondrous scenery that only a few others get to see
- See incredible wildlife and penguin rookeries
This is a voyage into a land of icebergs, penguins and abundant wildlife. The South Shetland Islands are a haven for chinstrap penguins and elephant seals - these volcanic islands are a great place to experience wildlife amid stunning scenery. The Weddell Sea is your ultimate destination, where you can tread in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton and enjoy Antarctica's hidden highlights.
En route to the Weddell Sea there should be good whale watching opportunities - these waters are the feeding grounds for humpback whales. You'll explore the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands on a series of exciting excursions including Paulet Island, Brown Bluff and even the southerly Snow Hill Island, where you will observe Weddell and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds, as well as an abundance of penguins.
On this voyage you have an opportunity to join a relatively small band of intrepid travellers who have paddled sea kayaks in Antarctica. Sea kayaking with experienced guides and the support of a safety boat is a fantastic way to experience the White Continent. You will share in a safe, fun, exploratory and unique experience to discover Antarctica's hidden gems up close.
- ITINERARY
- Most voyages to the Weddell Sea are around 12 days in duration; a typical itinerary is illustrated below.
- Day 1
- Embark in Ushuaia and set sail.
- Days 2-3
- Cross the infamous Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Frozen South. Continue to the South Shetland Islands, renowned for their maritime climate and abundant wildlife. Here you can expect to see gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur and elephant seals.
- Day 4
- Round the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and enter the Antarctic Sound. Watch for massive flat-topped icebergs which have broken off the ice shelves of the Weddell Sea and been swept along the coast of the peninsula.
- Days 5-9:
- The size of the icebergs increases dramatically as you explore the Weddell Sea - you'll feel both dwarfed and humbled by these remarkable manifestations of nature. The region is also home to immense rookeries of Adelie penguins. At Half Moon Island a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins shares its territory with fur seals and Antarctic shags. The interesting and informative presentations on all aspects of the Southern Ocean - its wildlife, glaciers, and the history of its exploration - are punctuated by announcements from the expedition team as each new species of bird, whale or seal is spotted.
- Days 10-11
- Sail back across the Drake Passage, with more opportunities to see whales, dolphins and seabirds.
- Day 12
- Arrive in Ushuaia and disembark.
- Note: the itinerary will vary according to the vessel and departure date, as well as local sea, ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife.
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Dates & Prices:
Aboard Polar Pioneer - Click here - Embark: Ushuaia
- Disembark: Ushuaia
- Voyage Duration: 12 days
- Departures: February
- Single supplement: Please ask about our share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller.
- What's included: Voyage based on twin-share cabin; all meals on board; guided shore and Zodiac excursions; transfers.
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Flight & Accommodation package: Please check with us for the latest flight prices to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires and accommodation before and/or after the cruise. 1 night pre-cruise in Ushuaia is essential, and you may wish to add extra nights in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.
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