KAYAKING

Antarctica

Trip Details

Please note: This trip is not available for the Adventure Agents Program.

Day 1: Board Ship, Cruise Begins
Embark Ushuaia
Expeditioners will gather in Ushuaia, and have time to explore the bustling community that lays claim to being the world’s most southerly town. It sits beneath the spectacular mountains of Tierra del Fuego on the edge of the Beagle Channel. There are plenty of things to keep you occupied while waiting to board Polar Pioneer at 4:00pm. You could take a trip to the Lapataia National Park by train or bus, or visit the small museum, which has informative displays about the original inhabitants and the current population of Tierra del Fuego.

The competent Russian crew will welcome you aboard Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, settle into shipboard life and enjoy your first meal on board.

Days 2-3: At Sea. Briefings. Possible First Landing and Kayaking
Drake Passage
Despite its reputation, there are many times when the Drake Passage resembles a lake, with lazy Southern Ocean swells rolling under the keel. On the other hand, SSV sometimes encounters rough crossings with large waves.

During the Drake crossing, the lecture program about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Antarctic Peninsula commences. The sea kayakers will attend a briefing to distribute dry suits, pogies (paddling mitts for your hands), life jackets, and dry bags.

As you approach the Peninsula the kayaks will be brought out of the hold and rudders adjusted for paddling pairs. Depending on the weather, you will first approach Antarctica near the South Shetland Islands, entering Bransfield Strait either at the eastern end of King George Island or the western extremity of Livingston Island. If there is a quick passage across the Drake, you may be able to make your first landing/paddle on one of the South Shetland Group such as Deception Island or Livingston Island, in the evening of Day 3.

Days 4-8: Sea Kayaking, Zodaic Cruising, Shore Excursions
Antarctic Peninsula
A host of choices is now open to you and depending on the ice and weather conditions the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is yours to explore. Because you are so far south, you will experience approximately 18 hours of daylight and the days will be as busy as you wish.

Once you arrive in the calmer waters of Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, SSV hopes to go kayaking twice a day, spending as much time on the water as possible. You can get ashore by kayak or use Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats). For paddling excursions, choose between sheltered bays such as Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy and the Lemaire Channel. SSV normally leaves on a kayaking excursion immediately after breakfast or sometimes after lunch, returning to the ship for dinner.

Most paddles range from two and a half to four hours. SSV endeavors to have at least one extended paddle where you will be away from the ship for most of the day and generally meet the ship at a different location. The flexibility of kayaking with a small private group ensures unique and personal experiences with a magic of their own.

Days 9-10: At Sea
Drake Passage
Time to head back to Tierra del Fuego, with lectures and videos to complete your Antarctic education. This is a time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and felt, and the impact this voyage has had on your attitude to life. As you approach the tip of South America, the Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather conditions permitting.

Day 11: Trip Concludes
Beagle Channel
During the early morning, cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia about 7:00am. As soon as customs have cleared the ship you will be free to disembark. Head off in your different directions, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.

Day 12: Trip Concludes
On the 12-day voyage the itinerary is similar but has one extra day in the Peninsula. So Days 4-9 are spent in the Peninsula.

• Time of booking and 90 days prior to departure: loss of your full deposit.
• 90 and 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip cost per person.
• Less than 30 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip cost per person.

There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.