Journey into The Weddell Sea & the South Orkney Islands

Snow-capped mountains rising from the sea, sweeping glaciers and hundreds of tabular icebergs drifting north from the Weddell Sea will greet you on the South Orkney Islands, a small archipelago lying in the middle of the Southern Ocean and well off the track of most shipping routes. It is truly one of life's greatest experiences as your ship navigates amongst the bergs with the Southern Ocean swell crashing into them and a soft evening light turning the sea into a lively pastel of colors. The South Orkney Islands are one of Antarctica's real hidden gems.

And on the Antarctic Peninsula itself, a 700-mile-long finger of land pointing toward the tip of South America, it's not just the breathtaking scenery that beckons, it's also the spectacular display of wildlife-thousands of penguins, numerous other seabirds, and an abundance of marine mammals.

Aboard the Marina Svetlaeva, a small, maneuverable polar class expedition ship and in the company of expert guides, we'll journey south for an unforgettable experience. Antarctica is the last wild, unspoiled place on earth; whatever your expectations of Antarctica are before your visit, we guarantee that this mystical, unearthly land will exceed and overwhelm them!

Our ship features a small fleet of kayaks for paddling options (weather and ice conditions permitting). This departure also features an optional night of camping on land (weather permitting). See detailed itinerary for details. Great ways to enhance your adventure to Antarctica!

Activities

Easy ship travel, optional walks and Zodiac rides, optional sea kayaking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• A rare opportunity to visit the South Orkney Islands, surrounded by tabular icebergs and displaying spectacular snowcapped mountains
  
• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula: stunning mountains, glaciers and icebergs, large colonies of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, numerous seals and whales
• Visit an international research station, explore the Weddell Sea, and-if you wish-spend a night camping on the ice!
  

2010 WINTER PRICES
$4,990-$13,790 (depending on cabin)
$750 Sea Kayaking Option
Camping Option - included in cruise cost
Single supplement varies by cabin—please see detailed itinerary or call for details.

Please note — This is not an exclusive MTS departure.

Duration: 13 days Start Location: Ushuaia End Location: Ushuaia Best time to go: February - March

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Ushuaia – Board ship and set sail

  Board your expedition vessel in Ushuaia, Argentina, and begin the journey to Antarctica with a scenic sail through the Beagle Channel. Enter the waters of the Drake Passage, and head south toward the South Orkney Islands.

• Days 2 - 3 : At sea, crossing the Drake Passage

  Cruise toward the South Orkney Islands, enjoying lectures, movies, and slide show presentations on what's in store for the next two weeks.

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  Days 4 - 5 : South Orkney Islands

  Explore the South Orkney Islands, snow-capped mountains rising from the sea. Hundreds of bergs drift north from the Weddell Sea to the South Orkney Islands - it is truly one of life's great experiences as the ship navigates amongst these tabular bergs. We aim to visit a large Adélie penguin colony, as well as one of the science stations and hope to have an opportunity for a good long hike.

• Day 6 : Toward the Weddell Sea

  Cruise toward the Weddell Sea.

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  Days 7 - 10 : Antarctica – Weddell Sea

  Explore the islands, bays, and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula, with plenty of time for shore walks through penguin colonies and "ice cruises" by Zodiac for close-up inspection of towering bergs and creaking glaciers. Our itinerary focuses on scenic areas with large concentrations of wildlife, including Paulet Island, the flooded caldera of Deception Island, Elephant Island of Shackleton fame, Half Moon Island, and Brown Bluff.

• Days 11 - 12 : At sea, crossing the Drake Passage

  At sea, crossing the Drake Passage and rounding Cape Horn en route to Ushuaia.

• Day 13 : Ushuaia – fly home

  Arrive in Ushuaia in the early morning and depart.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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