Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands - Akademik Sergey Vavilov 2010/2011
This voyage is Peregrine's most complete and varied Antarctic adventure. It promises an in-depth and unforgettable experience to the "bottom of the world", travelling to the extraordinary Falkland Islands and diverse sub-Antarctic islands before sailing further south to the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula area.
Our first stop is the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. This far-flung group of islands lies north of the Antarctic Convergence and enjoys a relatively warmer climate than our other destinations. As a result the mainly uninhabited Falklands support unique wildlife not found further south, including sixty species of migratory birds as well as the rare rockhopper penguin. Our journey continues south-east, crossing the Antarctic Convergence to the remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. Here, amongst the soaring snow-clad mountains and massive glaciers, we find huge king penguin rookeries, thousands of sub-Antarctic fur seals, the comical macaroni penguins and spectacular wilderness that is perhaps unequalled on earth. We also discover its remarkable history, reminding us that we are following the footsteps of some of the world's most legendary explorers, from Captain James Cook to Sir Ernest Shackleton.
We then set course to the off-shore islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, hoping to land at the remote and often mist-shrouded South Orkney Islands, before continuing to the South Shetland archipelago and stopping at various islands whose waters are often inhabited with feeding humpback whales. On approaching the mainland, the splendours of Antarctic nature will be on display. Thousands of differently shaped icebergs dot the sea, penguins are seen "porpoising" through the waters and various seals, including the predatory leopard seal, use the ice floes as a resting place. The Antarctic Peninsula itself boasts a profusion of wildlife including five species of seal, massive penguin rookeries with gentoos, Adélies and chinstraps as well as a variety of whale species and seabirds, including albatross, petrels, shearwaters and skuas. Extraordinary scenery and somewhat forbidding landscape awaits us on land. A sweeping ice sheet rises above the shore line, binding together an entire continent that is close in size to Africa. One can only marvel at the resolve of the early explorers in their quests to conquer Antarctica.
Note: Weather, ice and other mitigating factors may result in changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Highlights
Ushuaia The Beagle Channel Amazing Wildlife The Falkland Islands South Georgia South Shetland Islands Antarctic PeninsulaItinerary:
Day 1-5 Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel and the Falkland Islands6-8 Sailing towards South Georgia9-11 South Georgia12-17 South Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.18-20 Sailing north towards South America.
Included: A. Transfer on embarkation day from hotel to ship and on disembarkation day from ship to airport (see detailed itinerary for notes on transfers
A. One night pre-voyage hotel accommodation in Ushuaia
A. Complimentary expedition parka
A. Shipboard accommodation
A. Port taxes and/or landing fees at Ushuaia, Stanley and South Georgia
A. Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers
A. All meals including afternoon teas on most days
A. Access to public viewing areas
A. Shore excursions by Zodiac boat
A. On-board lectures, videos, slide and film shows
A. On-board medical officer
A. Comprehensive pre-departure booklet and expedition manual
Not Included: A. All airfares
A. Arrival transfer from airport
A. Visa and passport fees, airport departure taxes
A. Additional pre-voyage hotel accommodation apart from 1 night in Ushuaia
A. Post-voyage hotel accommodation
A. Laundry, postage, telephone calls, drinks, medical expenses
A. Travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges
A. Gratuities to staff and crew
Meals: 19 breakfasts,17 lunches,18 dinners
Notes: These Trip Notes should be read in conjunction with Peregrine's Antarctica pre-departure information that is provided to you shortly after booking (or which can be requested prior to booking). A second information manual dealing with Antarctic history, geology, geography, marine and bird life will also be provided. 1. Budgeting: in addition to funds for onboard expenses, it is sometimes possible to purchase souvenirs such as books, t-shirts, stamps, postcards, windcheaters, caps and similar items at some of the research stations in the Antarctic Peninsula area. Mail can sometimes be posted from these stations as well. Transactions are usually in US dollars cash. 2. Clothes: please read our Antarctic pre-departure information carefully. Although you don't need to make expensive, specialist-clothing purchases for this trip, you will need clothes that adequately protect against cold and wet conditions. (Sea spray is common on board Zodiacs). It is recommended that you have warm, waterproof clothing available for use upon arrival in Ushuaia, to protect yourself against the inclement weather. 3. Motion sickness: the waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world, although at other times they are so smooth that it is referred to as the "Drake Lake"! Although our vessels are among the most stable ships in their class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition. 4. Gratuities: we suggest you allow the equivalent of US$11-13 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. If you wish, the amount can be paid by Visa or MasterCard. 5. Sea kayaking: there are separate Trip Notes for the sea kayaking option. Please note that this option must be booked prior to your departure from home and it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior experience is required. 6. Safety is paramount on a Peregrine voyage. Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to approach the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group, accompanied by a Peregrine representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. On board you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations. Peregrine Voyage DocumentationOnce you have booked your voyage to the Polar regions with us, you will be required to complete a Medical Information Form. This form must be completed, signed and returned to us no later than 90 days prior to departure. This can be downloaded from our website at www.peregrineadventures.com/pdfs/PolarMedicalForm.pdf
Starts/Ends: Ushuaia to Ushuaia
Trip Reference: PPANV18
