Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia – SH Vega, Dec. 2022

Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia – SH Vega, Dec. 2022

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Trip Summary

Dates: Dec 14, 2022 – Dec 29, 2022
Duration: 16 Days
Ship: SH Vega
Adventure Options: Kayaking, Photography
Starting at $28,517.00View Prices

About the South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Itinerary

At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$28,517 - Oceanview D4
$29,898 - Oceanview M4
$32,968 - Balcony D5
$34,584 - Balcony M5
$38,175 - Balcony D6
$44,175 - Suite
$51,967 - Premium Suite

About the South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Itinerary

At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint. Expedition in Brief: • Experience the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles” • Visit South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries – the largest in the world • Reflect at the resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton • Visit abandoned whaling stations and learn stories of inhabitants who called this island home • Enjoy on-board lecturers and educational presentations from polar specialists • Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of the journey

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1 — Ushuaia, Argentina

You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.


Day 2 — Embarkation

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Think of the Beagle Channel as the tasty appetizer before your main course arrives. You will want to get out on deck and keep your eyes open as there are several bird species to capture your attention and test your photography skills.


Days 3 to 5 — At Sea

The expedition team will keep you busy by testing your knowledge of seabirds, penguins and the history of South Georgia as they begin their educational lecture program. Your first days will include time to get acquainted with fellow travelers and learning about the shore landings, Zodiac excursions and kayaking opportunities that await you.


Days 6 to 8 — South Georgia

The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sighting of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Rising out of the icy ocean waters, have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks. Shags, prions and wandering albatross often rest here.

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head towards its dark sandy beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever landing sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on earth.

This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins – in particular king and macaroni penguins. Many rookeries number into the 100s of thousands! It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.

You’ll find that South Georgia is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Once a popular base for whalers and sealers, Captain James Cook first reported on the abundance of wildlife here in 1775. His report resulted in an almost complete decimation of fur seals and a drastic decline in both whale and elephant seal populations.

Your expedition team will help bring those days to life for you, as you’ll visit old whaling stations and enjoy lectures and presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. Thankfully, you’ll witness that many species have seen a remarkable population rebound on the island.

One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-antarctic waters. Many travelers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.


Days 9 & 10 — At Sea

Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the expedition team, which will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.


Days 11 to 13 — Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye–to–eye with a curious minke whale while out on a Zodiac. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.

If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps you’ll treat yourself by booking our kayaking Adventure Option (reserve in advance when booking your trip), or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a Polar Plunge might be what you need!


Days 14 & 15 — Crossing the Drake Passage

After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of completion on your Antarctic adventure.


Day 16 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Charter Flight to Buenos Aires

We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, we will taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before we transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.


Welcome Aboard the SH Vega


The 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.

 

Like it’s sistership the SH Minerva, SH Vega has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort.

 

The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Technical Specs

  • LENGTH: 337 ft (115 m)
  • DRAFT: 18 ft (5.5 m)
  • BREADTH: 75 ft (23 m)
  • REGISTERED: Malta
  • PASSENGERS: 152
  • CRUISING SPEED: 15.5 knots in open water
  • LIFEBOATS: 2 fully enclosed
  • PROPULSION DIESEL-ELECTRIC ENGINES: 4x Medium speed, Polar code Cat A.

Cabins & Amenities

  • Staterooms: Our 76 stateroom including 6 suites have all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars.Our stylish stateroom all have desks, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
  • Sauna with a view: Head to Deck 8 for the best view in the world. After a work out in our state-of-the-art-gym, relax in our sauna or  jacuzzi and take those breathtaking vistas along the way.
  • The Swan Restaurant: As the main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, our 152-seat restaurant serves international and local cuisine focused on quality regional ingredients from the unique destination we visit.
  • Alfresco Dining & Heated Outdoor pool: On Deck 7 you´ll find a heated outside pool along with pool side seating from where you can enjoy stunning scenery.
  • The Observation Lounge: After a day of exploration, where better to relax than in the Observation Lounge. Sit back, savor your favorite tipple whilst getting to know you fellow guests:
  • The Club Lounge: Vibrant and welcoming , The Club Lounge acts as a hub , combining 24 hours tapas inspired dining with panoramic views of the ocean glittering below.

Notes

INCLUDED in all voyages:

  • Room service 24 hours a day
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
  • Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Standard WIFI inclusion
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • One shore excursion per port of call
  • Use of Rubber boots for shore landings
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parker

 

Adventure activities: One-time kayaking $250/trip.

Book now for early bird discounts on the 2024-25 season

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