South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Ocean Albatros, a ship of ice class that takes guests on Antarctica expeditions and sub-Antarctic island voyages. This cruise will include crossing the Drake Passage and visiting the South Shetland Islands. It will also explore the Gerlache Strait. Zodiac landings are available at lookouts, penguin colonies, research stations and rookeries. This journey offers pristine wildlife and nature views. Depending on the weather, it may even pass Cape Horn.

It is an opportunity of a lifetime to see the wonders and beauty of Antarctica. See penguins in their habitat, as well as seals and whales. The ship's team will teach you about Antarctica and its history.

Day by day

Day 1 : Arrival in Ushuaia, embarkation

Ushuaia, the most southern city on earth is located in this town. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city or go for a stroll in nearby forests. Consider a trip into Tierra del Fuego's raw, natural landscape. Tierra del Fuego is a great hiking destination because of its glaciers and rugged mountains. There are also flower-filled meadows, boggy wetlands and meadows. The vessel is waiting in the port for our arrival.

After our safety drill, we begin the expedition. The Beagle Channel is named after Charles Darwin's vessel. The steep-sided Strait which divides Tierra del Fuego, in southern Argentina and Chile, has been the beginning of thousands of expeditions. Keep an eye on dolphins and other marine life as we approach the Drake Passage.

Day 2 & 3 : At sea - crossing the Drake Passage southbound

Continue sailing to the Drake Passage. This waterway separates Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Drake Passage is also called the Roaring Fifties because of its high winds and erratic weather. Our expedition ships have powerful engines and stabilizers, as well as highly-qualified crews, to make this a difficult passage. Drake Passage represents a lifetime achievement to the most daring sailors. It will be twice as good.

We'll use the days we spend on Drake Passage as preparation for our Antarctica trip. You will receive a detailed briefing from your Expedition Leader on how to stay safe and minimize impact. The Expedition Leader will give you tips on how to observe wildlife and about our expedition plans. It is the mission of The Expedition Team to provide you with biosecure equipment and clothing, helping to protect Antarctica's delicate ecology. The Expedition Team will share lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife and other topics.

The third day we enter the Antarctic convergence. As you sail southwards through Antarctic waters, watch the temperatures plummet. The abrupt cooling is the result of the transition between the cold Antarctic waters and the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean or Pacific Ocean. As the sea cools, it will bring with it an abundance of wildlife. These are some of the most biologically productive waters in the world. You can expect to see albatrosses and penguins, as well as seals or even whales. Weather permitting, we may be able to land at South Shetland Islands. This is a stunning archipelago located north of Antarctic Peninsula. The Last Continent will be our first stop.

 | Cierva Cove | Leopard Seal
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 | Falkland | Commerson’s dolphins
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Half Moon Island | South Shetland Islands |  Antarctica
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Cruise Includes

Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
Expedition parka
Rubber boots loan scheme
Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
English-speaking Expedition Team
Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
Taxes and landing fees
Special photo workshops
Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties

Cruise does not include

Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
Meals not on board the ship
Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)

Highlights

Crossing the Drake Passage
Visiting the South Shetland Islands
Exploring the Gerlache Strait
Making Zodiac landings
Learning about the history and science of Antarctica
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula | Map
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From $6,695.00 Per person

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