Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia: Epic Antarctica – Ocean Endeavour, Dec. 2018

Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia: Epic Antarctica – Ocean Endeavour, Dec. 2018

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Trip Summary

Dates: Dec 18, 2018 – Jan 9, 2019
Duration: 23 Days
Adventure Options: 1-time Kayaking, Camping, Kayaking, Mountaineering, XC Skiing
Starting at $13,195.00View Prices

About the Epic Antarctic Adventure Itinerary

This is the most in-depth “do-it-all” voyage: explore the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica, all the way south of 66 degrees south. Explore Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, with a convenient charter flight in between, before embarking on the cruise portion of your once in a lifetime adventure. In this diverse expedition, you’ll experience the […]

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About the Epic Antarctic Adventure Itinerary

This is the most in-depth "do-it-all" voyage: explore the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica, all the way south of 66 degrees south. Explore Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, with a convenient charter flight in between, before embarking on the cruise portion of your once in a lifetime adventure. In this diverse expedition, you’ll experience the spectacular flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) before immersing yourself in the unique history and exquisite, rare wildlife of South Georgia. Whether you’re visiting Antarctic research stations, witnessing a sudden minke whale breach from your Zodiac, sharing a magical moment with king penguins, or celebrating crossing the Antarctic Circle with like-minded travelers and crew, you’ll know this experience will live on in you forever.

  • Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot;
  • Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers;
  • See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as “the Galapagos of the South.” This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguin;
  • Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside;
  • Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands;
  • Crossing of the Antarctic Circle; and
  • On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia

You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an 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


As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the Beagle Channel. The channel opens up to the vastness of the Southern Ocean, where your next land sighting will be along the Antarctic Peninsula. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities to capture seabirds hovering overhead.


Day 3: At sea

There are many activities to keep you engaged while we’re at sea. You can take advantage of the library of books available on your ship, hang out at the bar chatting to other travelers or spend time out on deck, admiring the sea. Your Expedition Team will also conduct a series of presentations to familiarize yourself with how to prepare for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.


Days 4-5: Falkland Islands


The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands, East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. These rugged islands have a frontier feel to them, especially at Port Stanley—the largest settlement on the islands. It’s an interesting British outpost–type place, where you may just as easily wander into a pub as you will a church or museum.

With your camera at hand, our wildlife sightings in the Falklands (Malvinas) should include at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species—Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck.

Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you have the most memorable time.


Days 6-7: At sea

Enroute to South Georgia you’ll cross the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica – the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of oceans is what creates the abundance of krill and marine life that attract large cetaceans such as humpback whales.


Days 8-11: South Georgia


Evidence of the old whaling and sealing heydays is still found throughout the island. You’ll be surprised to learn that whale and seal populations were once decimated here, as today their populations are strong, with massive rookeries to be seen.

One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Visiting his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station and a research station, is a day for reflecting on what it must have been like to be one of the first explorers to this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.

While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife that you and your shipmates will likely find most captivating. Often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of the Poles,’ South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a 100 thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day we may visit another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals.

The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different bird and animal species. Your Expedition Team will be happy to share their knowledge of how these vulnerable relationships all play out on the island.


Days 12-13: 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, who will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.


Days 14-16: South Shetlands & 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 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 17-18: Antarctic Circle


Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south.

With a toast to the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass of champagne and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, with the potential for fantastic iceberg sightings.


Days 19-20: Northbound along Peninsula


If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.

Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.


Days 21-22: 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 approval on your Antarctic adventure.


Day 23: Disembarkation & 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 Ocean Endeavour


The Ocean Endeavour allows you to explore Antarctica while enjoying the class and comfort of a four-star hotel. Featuring one expedition team member for every eight travellers, you can take full advantage of one of the best staff-passenger ratios in Antarctica, with a greater level of personal service and more time with our onboard experts. Complete with contemporary interiors, lounges for learning and reflection, Zodiacs for remote exploration, breath taking 360° views from the deck, an emphasis on sustainability and exciting activities, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for polar expedition cruising.

BENEFITS

• Travellers will enjoy one of the best expedition staff to passenger ratio (1:8) in Antarctica. • Book a single occupancy cabin for the price of an interior twin share berth or a twin porthole berth. • Our strict sustainable travel policy means these expeditions are carbon offset, all seafood is sustainably sourced and we aim to avoid single-use plastic on board. • A large fleet of Zodiacs enables all passengers to be off the ship at one time. There are also two gangways on each side of the vessel to minimise queuing. • Forward facing photography Zodiacs are available. These Zodiacs are designed for comfort and uninterrupted views. • Passengers can enjoy educational lectures from our expert expedition team on the history, ecology and geology of the area. • A variety of health and wellness activities are available on board, including a sauna, saltwater swimming pool, spa and gym. • A wide range of optional outdoor activities are on offer, including snowshoeing, camping and kayaking. • Enjoy Chef-prepared meals. • One-night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia is included at the start of your trip. • Extensive amenities including a restaurant, polar boutique, expedition lounges, bar, sun deck and library

Technical Specs

  • Name of Vessel: The Ocean Endeavor
  • Type of Vessel: Ice strengthened expedition vessel

MAIN DIMENSIONS

Built: Poland 1981

Ice Class: 1B Length: 137m (332ft)

Breadth: 11m (36ft)

Max Draft: 5.6m (18ft)

Cruising Speed: 15 knots

Propulsion: 4 Skoda Sulzer engines (4,355 horsepower per engine)

Electricity: 220 volts/60Hz

Passenger Capacity: 200 (maximum) Crew: 124

SAFETY EQUIPMENT Lifeboats: 6 / Life rafts: 8

The Ocean Endeavour carries six fully enclosed lifeboats and eight life rafts. The capacity for which exceeds SOLAS requirements, with at least 25% more space than the number of passengers and crew on board. It also has an ice-strengthened hull.

Cabins & Amenities

Amenities

Restaurant • Nautical lounge • Polar library • Gym • Swimming pool • Saunas • Spa facilities • Lecture theatre • Polar boutique • Sun deck and plenty of deck space for observation • Elevator access (Decks 4, 5 and 6) • Clinic with licensed Doctor • Wi-Fi in certain public areas (charges apply) • 24-hour tea and coffee available • Onboard laundry service (charges apply)

Excellent option for families – Plenty of triple cabins available for friends or family members traveling together!

INSIDE THE OCEAN ENDEAVOUR

Often recommended for its unrivalled sense of space, the Ocean Endeavour has plenty of open and airy communal areas that allow travellers to bask in the unrivalled beauty of passing polar scenery. Housing 10 different categories of cabin, the Ocean Endeavour appeals to clients of all ages and budgets. From smaller single occupancy cabins (with no single supplement) to larger double suites, there’s plenty of choice. All cabins also come with a hairdryer, bathrobe(s), climate control, a TV, radio and safe.

 

 

Notes

  • Travellers will enjoy one of the best expedition staff to passenger ratio (1:8) in Antarctica.
  • Book a single occupancy cabin for the price of an interior twin share berth.
  •  Our strict sustainable travel policy means these cruises are double carbon offset, all seafood is sustainably sourced and we aim to avoid single-use plastic on board.
  •  A large fleet of Zodiacs enables all passengers to be off the ship at one time. There are also two gangways on each side of the vessel to minimise queuing.
  • Forward facing photography Zodiacs are available. These Zodiacs are designed for comfort and uninterrupted views.
  • Passengers can enjoy educational lectures from our expert expedition team on the history, ecology and geology of the area.
  •  A variety of health and wellness activities are available on board, including a sauna, saltwater swimming pool, spa and gym.
  •  A wide range of optional outdoor activities are on offer, including snowshoeing, camping and kayaking.
  •  Chef-prepared meals.
  • One night in a hotel in Ushuaia included at the start of the trip. • Extensive amenities including a restaurant, polar boutique, expedition lounges, bar, sun deck and library.

Expedition gear:

  • Boots provided on loan.
  • Jacket- A ruggared water-proof outer shell will be provided on board on loan for the duration of the cruise. A top quality insulated mid layer for underneath and for use around the outer decks on the ship is provided to ALL travellers This layer is to keep and take home.

Activities:

A small ship cruise to Antarctica is unlike any other, and an Antarctic expedition aboard the Ocean Endeavour will take you to places you never thought possible. Where else in the world can you take part in additional activities such as sea-kayaking, camping and snowshoeing, dedicated photography workshops as well as off-ship explorations to witness Antarctica from a different perspective. Zodiac cruising and onshore hiking is included with every departure and adventure activity groups are led by three guides with a designated Zodiac. Each off-ship excursion is accompanied by expedition guides meaning you have the expert knowledge and assurance of the crew.

Zodiac Cruising & Shore Excursions/Landings – INCLUDED

Yoga – INCLUDED

Polar Plunge – INCLUDED

Extra adventure options

Kayaking Program – USD $ 1,299 per person

Camping – USD $399 per person

Snowshoeing – USD $399 per person

Private Photography Workshop – USD $ 1,299 per person

Forward Zodiac Cruising – USD $50 per person (spaces limited & subject to availability)

 

 

 

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