Antarctica - Itinerary Options:
It is generally recommended that guests plan to spend between 10 and 14 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
and there are a number of options when it comes to how you get there and at which ports you start and finish (see
map below).
Option 1: Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina - 2 days crossing the Drake Passage - 10 to 14 days exploring the
Antarctic Peninsula - 2 days crossing the Drake Passage - disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina (14 to18 days charter).
Option 2: Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island (off the Antarctic Peninsula) - embark King George
Island – 10 to 14 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula - fly from King George Island to Punta Arenas, Chile (10 to 14
days charter). Due to the cost of flights, this option is generally more expensive, but it does eliminate the crossing of
the Drake Passage and reduce the number of charter days required. Of course, it is also possible to fly one way only
and then cruise to / from Ushuaia, Argentina at the opposite end of your charter (12 to 16 days charter).
Option 3: Embark in Stanley, Falkland Islands – 2.5 days at sea - 4 days exploring South Georgia – 1.5 days at sea
- 1 day exploring the South Orkney Islands - 1 day at sea – 10 to 12 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula disembark at King George Island and fly to Punta Arenas, Chile (20 to 22 days charter).
Sample Itinerary – Antarctic Peninsula (10 days):
Day 1: The South Shetland Islands
These wildlife-rich islands are located at the very northern extent of Antarctica and are home to numerous
penguin, elephant seal and seabird breeding colonies. Multinational scientific research stations are scattered
throughout the islands and a rich history from the whaling and sealing era can also be observed in the South
Shetlands. We may land ashore to wander through bustling penguin rookeries and get up close and personal
with southern elephant seals as they rest on the beach. Cruising the coast in our trusty expedition tenders, we
look for chance encounters with whales, seals and other marine life.
Day 2: Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea
Known to many as “Iceberg Alley”, Antarctic Sound lies off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula where massive
tabular icebergs drift north from the Weddell Sea. We plan to explore this spectacular region and if ice
conditions permit, head south along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula towards Snow Hill Island to
perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive Emperor Penguin. A colony of 4,000 breeding pairs of Emperor
penguins has been discovered recently at Snow Hill Island and is undoubtedly the most accessible Emperor
Penguin colony in the world!
Day 3: Brown Bluff and exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Brown Bluff was formed by a subglacial volcanic eruption and is so named because of the huge cliff of volcanic
rock that dominates this spectacular landing site. Located near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, Brown Bluff is
home to hundreds of Gentoo and Adélie penguins, and may be our first opportunity to land on the continental
mainland of Antarctica.
In the afternoon, we cruise south along the edge of the Antarctic Peninsula, absorbing the magnificent scenery
and seeking further adventure. Observe huge coastal glaciers spilling directly into the sea, marvel at the
captain’s skill as he manoeuvres the bow of ASTERIA right up to an iceberg, step ashore to climb a snowcovered hill (and then slide down back down again!), or slip quietly amongst the icebergs in the ship’s sea
kayaks… the options are endless and with nearly 24 hours of daylight, we have all the time in the world.
Day 4: Paradise Bay, Neumayer Channel and Port Lockroy
After anchoring amid the ice in Paradise Bay, we go ashore to wander through a colony of Gentoo penguins
that have taken over an abandoned Argentine Research Base. Climb a small hill for a view over the bay that will
take your breath away.
Passing between the soaring cliffs of the majestic Neumayer Channel, we arrive at one of Antarctica’s most
exciting anchorages, Port Lockroy. A designated Historic Site and part of the British Antarctic Territory, Port
Lockroy also functions as a museum and is the only public post office on the Antarctic Peninsula. We visit a
Gentoo penguin colony, view nesting Blue-eyed shags (cormorants) and witness reminders of past whaling
activities. We may also pay a visit to Palmer Station - a modern Antarctic Research Station (USA).
Day 5: Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island and Verdansky Station
The Lemaire Channel (nicknamed ‘Kodak Gap’) is an iconic 11km stretch of water between the steeply plunging
cliffs of Booth Island and the glaciated landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. Often choked with spectacular
icebergs, Lemaire Channel is sure to leave a lasting impression. We take to the expedition tenders once again to
cruise amongst the icebergs and look for close encounters with humpback whales, orca and seals that may be
hauled out onto the ice. We venture ashore on Petermann Island to visit a bustling Adélie penguin colony.
This evening, we may visit Verdansky Scientific Research Station to get a taste of Ukrainian hospitality (and
perhaps some home made Ukrainian Vodka!)
Day 6: Across the Antarctic Circle
Sea and ice conditions permitting, we may attempt to take ASTERIA across the Antarctic Circle - further south
than most Antarctic ships ever venture (66° 33′ South). Some may choose to celebrate the crossing of the
Antarctic Circle with a sub-zero polar plunge!
With the mother ship stationed off the edge of an ice floe, we set up camp for a night (not that it ever becomes
very dark) camping out in Antarctica! Don’t be surprised to awake the next morning with a few new neighbours
… Weddell and Crabeater seals have been known to bid for the same real estate.
Day 7: A day amongst the Ice
We spend the day revelling in the icy wonderland of the Deep South. We may send the tenders out exploring
amongst a graveyard of huge grounded icebergs - a photographer’s playground. Climb a snow-clad hill for
sweeping views of the Antarctic Peninsula’s rugged icescape. Or if it is silent solitude you are after, you may
prefer to slip quietly amongst the ice in the sea kayaks, keeping an eye out for wildlife as you go.
Day 8: The Gullet, Crystal Sound and the Fish Islands
“The Gullet” is a narrow channel separating Adelaide Island from the Antarctic mainland. Named for the
complex of twisting channels that look something like a digestive tract, and choked with ice for much of the
year, the Gullet is notoriously difficult to pass through, but rewards adventurous navigators with spectacular
views of the high mountains and tumbling glaciers on each side of the channel.
Ice conditions permitting… we may attempt to land at an abandoned British Survey Base of the 1950’s, where
equipment and stores left behind provide many clues as to what daily life must have been like for researchers.
In the afternoon, we explore the Fish Islands in search of Blue-eyed shags, Adélie penguins, spectacular ice
formations and Leopard seals.
Day 9: Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Cuverville Island and the Melchior Islands
We spend the morning cruising north through Gerlache Strait in search of whales - Humpbacks, orca, Minkes
and perhaps even the gigantic Blue whale. We then cruise along the very scenic Errera Channel en route to
Cuverville Island where we may go ashore to explore a large colony of Gentoo Penguins.
The Melchior Islands in Dallmann Bay offer more wildlife encounters, magnificent glaciers and some wonderful
snow-covered hills to slide down. The Melchior Islands are known to some as the “Venice of Antarctica”
because of the many narrow canals within the island group.
Day 10: Hannah Point (Livingston Island) and Deception Island
Livingston Island, as part of the South Shetland Islands, is further north than the Antarctic Peninsula. It has
more rocky land with less snow and ice cover, and generally has (comparatively) milder climates, and so plays
host to a greater variety of wildlife. Gentoo, Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins nest together in large numbers.
Other seabirds such as Giant petrels, Kelp gulls, Skuas and Snowy sheathbills also inhabit the island. Southern
elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals are among the larger life forms observed at Hannah Point.
A visit to the Antarctic Peninsula is not complete without a visit to volcanic Deception Island. Where else in the
world can one say they sailed “into” the caldera of an active volcano! The captain carefully navigates through a
small gap in the caldera called “Neptune’s Bellows”. Thousands of chinstrap penguins cover the hills at Bailey
Head and inside the caldera, we explore the extensive ruins of an old whaling station. An eerie sulphurous
steam rises off the beach, which adds to the otherworldly feel of the island. The brave-of-heart may decide to
don the bathing suit and take a quick dip in Antarctic waters, as the shallows just off the beach are warmed
(slightly) by the geothermal activity below!
THE EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Please note that the highlights mentioned above are for guidance only and are
subject to change. Landing locations and activities may be altered depending on weather, sea and ice
conditions. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, we exploit the weather and ice conditions to undertake as
many opportunistic activities as possible.