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. Day 2: At Sea, Briefings, Towards Falkland Islands
South Atlantic
Cruising towards the Falklands, the lecture program will begin. During the voyage’s various sea passages, learn about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. You will be given guidelines for approaching the wildlife and talk about the implications of the Antarctic Treaty, as well as being briefed about using Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats) for excursions from the ship.
Various destinations are a photographer’s paradise, for the professional and amateur alike. There will be discussions about how to protect your equipment from salt water and tips for taking good pictures. The sea kayakers will attend a briefing to distribute dry suits, pogies (paddling mitts for your hands), lifejackets, neoprene boots and dry bags.
The mood on board is definitely casual. A favorite pastime is to stand at the stern deck watching the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels, following in the ship's wake, skillfully using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. Feeling transformed, approach the Falklands, receptive and open. Day 3: Sea Kayaking, Zodaic Cruising, Shore Excursions
Falkland Islands
Early this morning, you should pass Beauchene Island, which has a huge colony of nesting black-browed albatross. No landing is permitted here, but just passing close to this wild and remote island lashed by giant waves, the air filled with swooping diving birds, provides a sense of the power of nature.
Weather permitting, you may visit one of the outer Falkland islands, New Island, half of which is owned by naturalist Ian Strange who is dedicated to the study and preservation of the wildlife. Approaching the islands, the kayaks will be brought out of the hold and rudders adjusted for paddling pairs. Paddle to shore, weather permitting. A short walk across the grassy slope behind Ian’s farmhouse brings you to a large rock-hopper penguin colony, balanced on the edge of spectacular cliffs that drop steeply to the crashing surf.
Between the penguins' nests are gentle black-browed albatross sitting serenely upon beautifully moulded mud nests. The air is filled with soaring albatross, turkey vultures, skuas and many species of sea birds. You will also visit a small colony of Magellanic penguins whose burrows can be seen amongst the tussock grass. If there is time, visit West Point Island where you will enjoy the hospitality of the family that owns and farms this island. You may walk or be ferried by jeep to another rock-hopper penguin rookery and black-browed albatross colony.
Alternatively, set a course for Sea Lion Island, a low-lying island that appears dull and uninteresting as you approach. But don't be fooled! The mud flats, beaches and tussock grass are teeming with creatures including, of course, the sea lions that breed here. If you land on Sea Lion Island you will spend most of the day here, and take a walk to a cliff top where rock-hopper penguins nest beside blue-eyed shags. Sea Lion Island is one of nature’s gems. Day 4: Sea Kayaking, Shore Excursion
Port Stanley
If time allows, visit Port Stanley, the capital of the Falklands. Visit the museum, go shopping, post letters or simply enjoy a beer at the Globe Hotel. Leave the Falklands about lunchtime to head for South Georgia. Days 5-6: At Sea, Towards South Georgia
South Atlantic
The lecture program will resume and you can share your experiences of the Falkland Islands. Between the Falklands and South Georgia you will be entranced by the ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow the ship's wake. You may decide to join the whale watchers on the bridge, or just relax and read a favorite book. If time and weather conditions permit, pass close to Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of jagged rocky islets protruding from the sea. Blue-eyed cormorants fill the air and the precarious nesting sites are white with guano. The ship should approach South Georgia some time during the evening on the sixth day. South Georgia is a tiny speck in the South Atlantic Ocean, located in one of the most desolate parts of the planet. A 3000-meter mountain range traces the spine of this long, narrow island. Between the mountains, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline. Days 7-10: Sea Kayaking, Zodiac Cruises, Shore Excursions
South Georgia
To SSV, South Georgia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Though geographically speaking the island lies in the sub-Antarctic area, as do the islands of Macquarie and Heard, it has a climate more in keeping with the true Antarctic regions. This is because South Georgia lies wholly within the Antarctic Convergence.
Initially you will head towards King Haakon Bay on the southern side of the island, where SSV plans to drop off the “crossing party”. On this voyage, a small group of mountaineers hope to follow in the footsteps of Shackleton, Crean and Worsley. In 1916 these men struggled across the mountains of South Georgia to find help for their three exhausted companions left at Cave Cove and rescue for the men they had left on Elephant Island. The group will cross the mountains as a self-contained expedition, carrying their own clothing, food, fuel and tents, and taking two to three days.
The first attempted landing will be at Cape Rosa where you visit Cave Cove. This remarkable site provided respite, fluid and food for the six members of Shackleton’s party, who had sailed in the James Caird for 16 days under horrendous conditions and found safety in the tiny entrance of Cave Cove.
Further on in the day, move down the bay to Peggotty camp and make a landing to drop off the mountaineers. There may be an opportunity to paddle and then walk with them up onto the glacier towards the Shackleton Gap if the weather co-operates. Alternatively you will cruise along the black sandy beaches admiring the scenery and visiting wildlife. Day 11: At Sea, Lectures
At Sea
At sea towards the South Orkney Islands. Day 12: Sea Kayaking, Zodaic Cruising, Shore Excursions
South Orneys
Initially, head towards King Haakon Bay on the southern side of the island, where SSV plans to drop off the “crossing party”. On this voyage, a small group of mountaineers hope to follow in the footsteps of Shackleton, Crean and Worsley. In 1916 these men struggled across the mountains of South Georgia to find help for their three exhausted companions left at Cave Cove and rescue for the men they had left on Elephant Island. The group will cross the mountains as a self-contained expedition, carrying their own clothing, food, fuel and tents, and taking two to three days.
The first attempted landing will be at Cape Rosa where you visit Cave Cove. This remarkable site provided respite, fluid and food for the six members of Shackleton’s party, who had sailed in the James Caird for 16 days under horrendous conditions and found safety in the tiny entrance of Cave Cove.
Further on in the day, move down the bay to Peggotty camp and make a landing to drop off the mountaineers. There may be an opportunity to paddle and then walk with them up onto the glacier towards the Shackleton Gap if the weather co-operates. Alternatively, cruise along the black sandy beaches admiring the scenery and visiting wildlife. Day 13: At Sea, Shore Excursion
Elephant Island
Today, set course for the Antarctic Peninsula. Recaps and lectures will resume and there will be time to gather strength for the busy days ahead. SSV will attempt firstly to land on historic Elephant Island at the outer limit of the South Shetlands.
A host of choices is now open to the group and, depending on the ice and weather conditions, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is yours to explore. Experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use this expertise to design the voyage from day to day. This allows SSV to make best use of the prevailing weather and ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. As the group is so far south, you will experience approximately 18-20 hours of daylight. There is plenty of time for sleep when you get home! Days 14-16: Sea Kayaking, Zodaic Cruising, Shore Excursions
Antarctic Peninsula
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). Sometimes you will cruise along spectacular ice cliffs or encounter whales. In these situations you will appreciate the distinct advantage of being on a small vessel, which gives everyone the opportunity to experience these very special close encounters with wildlife.
Australian or New Zealander chefs will prepare delicious meals that, accompanied by good conversation, will become a focal point of shipboard life.
For paddling excursions, choose between sheltered bays such as Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy and the Lemaire Channel. SSV would normally leave 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 endeavours 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. Days 17-18: At Sea, Final Lectures
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. Approaching the tip of South America, the Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather conditions permitting. Day 19: Trip Concludes
Beagle Channel
During the early morning, cruise up the Beagle Channel before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia about 7am. As soon as customs have cleared the ship you will be free to disembark. It’s a busy time, with people saying farewell to the crew and to fellow passengers who have shared the intensity of exploring this magnificent white wilderness. Everyone parts off in different directions, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. |
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