11 days tour

In Search Of Emperor Penguins

In Search Of Emperor Penguins

This tour includes:

Transport

all shore excursions, hikes and dinghy rides subject to weather and ice conditions and permit issuance if necessary

Guide

English speaking expedition team

Meals

Meals: 10ร—F, 9ร—M, 10ร—A

Accommodation

10 nights: ship in booked cabin category

Others

extensive, scientifically based lecture program on board sturdy hiking boots (on loan)

Flights

Helicopter flights depending on weather and permission granted

Not included:

Others

Arrival/departure meals and drinks not mentioned optional activities any additional nights required before or after the tour Travel health insurance (compulsory) Services on board Possible fuel surcharge gratuities Personal items

Insurance

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Itinerary of your trip In Search Of Emperor Penguins

  • Day 1 Day 1: Ushuaia - Embarkation
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Ushuaia - Embarkation

      Individual arrival in Ushuaia (we recommend arriving two days before embarkation), the southernmost city in the world and capital of Tierra del Fuego. In the afternoon, itโ€™s "Welcome on board". The first leg of the voyage leads east through the wild and rugged Beagle Channel to the open Atlantic Ocean. Overnight stay on board.

  • Day 2 Day 2-3: Drake Passage
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2-3: Drake Passage

      On the way south through the Drake Passage, you will observe a variety of seabirds, e.g. wandering, gray-headed, black-browed and sooty albatrosses as well as various storm petrels. The first icebergs soon come into view. 2 nights on board.

  • Day 3 Day 4-7: Weddell Sea
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4-7: Weddell Sea

      The conditions in the Weddell Sea can vary greatly. The trip has an expedition character - the expedition leader and the captain will always choose the best possible route and the most beautiful landing sites for the following days. The helicopters will be used for sightseeing flights over the fantastic and largely untouched landscape in the Weddell Sea and you will try to track down individual emperor penguins along the pack ice edge. If conditions permit, you will land on tabular icebergs or in places that are completely inaccessible to ships. Possible helicopter flights or landings could take place here: Antarctic Sound: Hardly anyone has seen the west side of Antarctic Sound from the air - but the landscape is worth a flight! Sandstone layers, solidified lava flows, glaciers, icebergs and pack ice as far as the eye can see. There are often individual emperor penguins along the ice edge, Adelie penguins can be seen in larger groups on ice floes and petrels and skuas circle around. Duse Bay: If the conditions are good, the helicopter will drop you off on a hill near an old refuge with a view over the bay. A short hike in the area takes you over snow and ice, but where the rock peeks out, it is almost completely covered with fascinating lichen in all shapes and colors. Seymour Island: This is where the Swedish Antarctic expedition of 1901 spent the winter in the harshest of conditions. The area offers fantastic views and, with a bit of luck, fossils can be found. Possible landing points for Zodiac tours are: Devil Island: Large colonies of Adelie penguins breed here. If you wish, you can hike to the top of a viewing hill, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Sometimes melting ice forms a waterfall here - a rare sight in the Antarctic. Brown Bluff: Perhaps the most beautiful place on the northern tip of the Antarctic continent, with steep cliffs and large boulders, an ice cap and interesting volcanic rock formations. Thousands of Adelie penguins nest on the slopes here, with a few gentoo penguins mixed in. Gourdin Island: Three species of penguin like to visit the island - chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins. It is a great spectacle to watch the somewhat clumsy-looking birds on land. Esperanza Base: The Argentinian research station is open all year round. The "inhabitants" are usually very happy to receive visitors and news from all over the world. 4 nights on board. Alternative program 5th-6th day If the way to Snow Hill Island is clear of perennial pack ice and the weather permits, the ship will approach the island as close as possible. You use the helicopters to reach the emperor penguin colony on the island. This was achieved three times between 2012 and 2018. The ship heads as close as possible to Snow Hill Island and will remain here for the next two days. Then the helicopters will be deployed. If the weather conditions are favorable, 6 guests per helicopter can be taken to Snow Hill Island. To ensure that the emperor penguins are not disturbed, the pilot will select a landing site at a suitable distance from the colony - a short walk of approx. 45 minutes will then take you to the colony. A unique experience awaits you here: you are right in the middle of it all, can observe and photograph the impressive animals in peace and quiet and become a small part of this huge colony.

  • Day 4 Day 8: Deception Island
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Deception Island

      The journey takes them to the South Shetland Islands. They are hoping for good conditions so that they can successfully enter the horseshoe-shaped crater of Deception Island. The ship feels its way into the crater through a narrow entrance ("Neptuneโ€™s Bellow") with steep rock faces on the south-east side of the island. Inside there is a deep, natural harbor basin, which served as a base of operations for whalers for decades. Hot springs heat the water in the crater to up to 8 ยฐC - the perfect place for a polar plunge! Around midday, the ship leaves the archipelago for the open sea and sets course for Ushuaia. Overnight stay on board.

  • Day 5 Day 9-10: At Sea
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9-10: At Sea

      In the Drake Passage, you will once again have the opportunity to observe seabirds and meet the giant wandering albatrosses. Lectures and readings are offered and you have time to round off the trip in peace. 2 overnight stays on board.

  • Day 6 Day 11: Ushuaia
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Ushuaia

      You arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the morning. Individual journey home.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 5 / Max: 85

Age range allowed for this experience.

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