Antarctic Peninsula 2010/2011 Overview
Sparkling snow, fast ice and waters teeming with life herald the arrival of springtime on the Antarctic Peninsula. Our small group size allows us time to enjoy penguin courtship displays, nest-building and mating. Join our experienced guides on excursions through waters patrolled by orcas and minke whales to find Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals. On this voyage we offer kayaking, climbing, photography and camping activities for the more adventurous.
"Our company was born out of our experiences in Antactica and it's this insatiable desire to inspire and educate our passengers that keeps us going. It's no coincidence that we limit our expedition numbers to the Peninsula to just 54 people - giving us greater flexibility to explore this inspirational continent."
- Greg Mortimer - Expedition Leader & Co-Founder of Aurora Expeditions
dates & prices
Itinerary
Day 1
Board our ship Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sail down the Beagle Channel in the evening.
Day 2
Overnight, we enter Drake Passage. Lectures on the continent's natural history and briefings about landing in Antactica are scheduled through the day allowing plenty of time to watch graceful albatrosses and other seabirds from the outer decks.
Day 3
We cross the Antactic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antactica and may see our first icebergs. In the evening we approach the South Shetland Islands, a possible location for our first landing.
Day 4 - 8
For five days we will explore the deep bays and fjords of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula in our extremely manoeuvrable ship. Using our Zodiacs, we make close contact with whales, penguins and seals in the vicinity of Deception Island, Gerlache Strait, Paradise Bay, Andvoord Bay and the Lemaire Channel. There is time to visit scientific stations and historic sites but our emphasis is on the natural wonders.
Day 9
Cruising out beyond the South Shetland Islands, we head north into the Drake Passage.
Day 10
At Sea. Our last day of lectures and a final opportunity for revelling in the rich seabird life of the Southern Ocean. If the weather permits, we will cruise past Cape Horn before enjoying a farewell dinner.
Day 11
We travel up the Beagle Channel in the early morning to disembark in Ushuaia where we farewell new-found friends.
Activities
| TRIP | DATES | ACTIVITIES |
How to Prepare
To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some import pre-departure information to help you prepare for your voyage. We strongly recommend you download the documents below and read carefully. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.
Is your passport valid?
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.
Visa arrangements?
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility. Please contact our reservations staff for assistance, or if you are unsure if you require a visa.
Travel insurance?
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from the vessel.
Emergency contact details?
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.
Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.
How to Book
Contact us
If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (Freecall within Australia).
Complete a booking form
Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth. Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.
Download the booking form here.
Terms & Conditions
Click here to view the terms and conditions.
Preparation for your voyage
On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.
Aurora Expeditions - Your Personal Travel Agent
Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers. Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.
We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.
Extend your Holiday
| TOUR | DESCRIPTION |
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Iguazu Falls Visit the world’s most spectacular falls, flying from Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
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Patagonia Sightseeing and rewarding walks in the magnificent Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks. |
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Lakes District Travel through the stunning Lakes District of Chile and Argentina – including Puerto Montt and Bariloche, the Switzerland of South America. |
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Buenos Aires From the Rio Plata to Recoleta, fine art museums to tango bars, a whirlwind of experiences awaits you in a city renowned for its sensual elegance. |
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Cuzco & Machu Picchu Explore the haunting beauty and cultural wonders of the Peruvian Andes and visit the fabled lost city of the Incas. |
