Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf

The journey is an expedition that explores the seldom visited area of the We explore the Bellingshausen Sea and Marguerite Bay. We explore Adrien De Gerlache discovered many places on his Belgian Antarctic Expedition 1897-1899 aboard the Belgica. The Belgica was used for this voyage. Leaves Ushuaia, and travels straight to the Antarctic Circle. Spend the remainder of your trip. There are many landings to choose from and a variety of wilderness. Few places on Earth can compare to the beauty of this area. Antarctica's ice shelfs will land on island where there are few people Set foot in this beautiful area, far off the beaten path. Regular Antarctic cruises. You may see exotic animals. Orcas, humpback whales and seals are all included. Crabeater, leopard, Weddell fur, Antarctic, or even an elephant? Ross seal. Bird species such as skuas and terns and giant petrels may also be seen.

16 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia & Beagle Channel

Where the world ends, your journey begins. Ushuaia in Argentina is reputedly the world's southernmost city. South America. You will sail from the small town of Tierra del Fuego (the "End of the World") in the late afternoon. The rest of the night, you can enjoy the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel.

Day 2 & 3: Drake Passage & Antarctic Convergence

You will experience some of the experiences that the first polar explorers had when they charted the Drake Passage. These regions are characterized by cool breezes and rolling waves. You might even see a fin-whale spraying sea water. The Antarctic Convergence is the last stop before Antarctica. You are now in the circumantarctic upwelling zones, a natural boundary formed by north-flowing cool waters colliding with warmer subantarctic seas. The avian population changes as well. You might see Wandering Albatrosses. See also:

Day 4: Pendleton Strait, Fish Islands & Crystal Sound: Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, and Minke Whales

Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula in the late afternoon, you are near the Antarctic Circle. You can continue on through Pendleton Strait if sea ice permits and try to land at the southernmost tip of Renaud Island, which is rarely seen. You can see your first Adelie Penguins and enjoy the spectacular views of icebergs. We sail in the afternoon to Fish Islands, where we encounter the most southern Adelie and blue-eyed penguin colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula.

The scenery in Crystal Sound will keep you up till the early hours. You can see Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, and Minke Whales in this region.

Day 5: Detaille Island & The Gullet

You can land at an abandoned British Research Station and take in the high elevation of this island, as well as its imposing glaciers. scenery. The Gullet is one of Antarctica's most spectacular narrow channels, with mountains on either side and birds following our ship. As we travel through this special section of our journey, you will see playful seals and penguins playing in the water. We will carry out icebreakers if conditions permit. A landing or cruise is recommended in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Porquoi Pas & Horseshoe Islands

Pourquoi Pas, discovered and charted in 1857 by Charcot the famous explorer, offers a relaxing landing on a rocky shore against the backdrop to the mighty Moider Glacier. The view is impressive from the landing area. Antarctic fur seals are relaxing on the beach behind you. The wildlife that we have seen on our voyage. Horseshoe Island is named after its unique shape. The abandoned site of a research station offers a glimpse into early years. Scientific research and artifacts from the pioneering era show just how life was different. It is located in some of the most stunning scenery. Views of the snow-covered mountains on Pourquoi Pas Island and Horseshoe Island.

Day 7, 8, 9 & 10: George IV and Wilkins Ice Shelf

If the weather and ice conditions permit, head to Antarctica's two ice shelves: The Wilkins and George IV. We hope that you will enjoy the tour. The sheer size of the cliffs, ice and horizons that dwarf our ship. There are many different types of Antarctic wildlife, including humpbacks whales, seals and Adelies. You may see penguins and possibly even Ross's seals.

Day 11: Jenny Island & Leonie Island

Jenny Island offers a different perspective on Antarctica, with its raised beaches, moss-covered carpets, and hanging glaciers. It is also a moss carpet. Wildlife is a big draw: Elephant seals and leopard seals as well as Adelie penguins regularly visit. The landing on Leonie Island is a breathtaking experience. You can also hike up to the top of the island for a spectacular view. Panorama of Marguerite Bay, Adelaide Island

Day 12: Mikkelsen Islands

Jean-Baptiste Charcot discovered the island and charted it. The low-lying island is likely to be a sandbar. The flat, gently sloped areas and beaches provide an interesting contrast with the steeper terrains of previous days. Wildlife here will vary depending on the snow. cover. When there is no snow, the surface looks like a desert. We hope to see up to 5 species of Antarctic seals on our Zodiac Cruise to the Mikkelsen Islands. You may see beautiful scenery. Birdlife includes giant petrels, Adelie Penguins, and other birds.

Day 13, 14 & 15: Familiar seas, familiar friends

You're not alone on your return trip. You'll see the same seabirds you saw on the way south as you cross the Drake. They seem more familiar now to you, as do you.

Day 16: There and back again

No matter how great the adventure may be, it must end. Now it's time to leave Ushuaia with the memories you will carry. Wherever your next adventure takes you, we'll be there.

16 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.

All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes

Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.

Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

AECO fees and governmental taxes.

Comprehensive pre-departure material.

16 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.

Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.

Government arrival and departure taxes.

Meals ashore.

Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

16 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

Spot a variety of bird species, such as gentoo and Adélie penguins, skuas, terns, and giant petrels.

Explore the rarely visited region of the Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica far from the beaten track of regular Antarctic cruises.

16 Day Antarctica cruise activities

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.