Antarctic Peninsula Springtime Overview
Austral spring draws millions of penguins, seabirds and seals to the Antarctic Peninsula, ready to make the most of the intense, short summer. As fast ice breaks out of bays, it’s a time for nest building, lively courtships and rapid breeding. Penguin colonies are often surrounded by fresh snow, perfect for photography. we make the most of nearly 24-hour daylight, offering a range of adventure activities including climbing, sea kayaking and camping. Thanks to our small group size, we can observe animals without overwhelming them, and take more time when visiting historic huts and scientific stations.
"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
We’re welcomed aboard Polar Pioneer at 4 p.m., shown our cabins, then gather on the flying bridge for a wonderful evening sail down the Beagle Channel, alert for penguins, petrels and dolphins.
Day 2
An exciting day at sea, with entertaining talks on Antarctica’s natural history, environmental and safety briefings and captivating seabirds to enjoy. Cape petrels mesmerise us, black- browed albatross enchant, but majestic wanderers take our breath away as we cross Drake Passage.
Day 3
Our climbers and kayakers prepare their equipment, bets are on for the first iceberg sighting and curious fur seals and porpoising penguins herald our approach to the South Shetland Islands. If conditions and timing allow, we attempt our first landing in the late afternoon. We hope to see sparring elephant seals and feisty fur seals, nesting southern giant petrels and several types of penguin.
Days 4-8
Overnight we enter Gerlache Strait and awaken to the glory of Antarctica – soaring, glaciated peaks, ethereal light, sheltered waterways, icebergs like fairy castles. Antarctica is at its most pristine in the early season. Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins busily choose nesting sites and whales feed on krill-rich waters. Skuas and snowy sheathbills patrol the rookeries, blue-eyed cormorants nest on ledges and crabeater and Weddell seals snooze on ice floes.
Our expert guides lead climbers up peaks, paddlers amongst the ice, and, if the weather permits, campers to a special site. Zodiac cruises among stunning icebergs, whale watching and a continental landing are on our wish list; flexibility is the key. We may visit scientific stations and historic sites, but our focus is on close encounters with nature. Making full use of daylight hours, we take every opportunity to explore.
Days 9-10
We sail north to the realm of the albatross as we return across Drake Passage. It’s a time of photo sharing, entertaining talks and quiet reflection. If weather permits, we round Cape Horn before a special farewell dinner.
Day 11
Dawn greets us in the Beagle Channel. After breakfast we disembark to catch a flight or explore Ushuaia, the town at the end of the world.
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. |
