Itinerary

Day 1

Board Polar Pioneer dockside at 4 p.m. our friendly expedition staff show you to your cabin, with time to explore the ship before our evening departure down the Beagle Channel.

Day 2

Waken to Drake Passage in all its glory. Test your sea legs, and if weather permits, the outer decks are a fantastic place to observe and photograph seabirds. Our program of entertaining, informative talks begins, along with safety and environmental briefings. Divers check their equipment and review Antarctic diving operations.

Day 3

Excitement mounts as we cross the Antarctic Convergence, biological boundary to the Frozen South, ever watchful for our first iceberg. As we approach the South Shetland Islands, an often rain-swept archipelago, the sea comes alive with penguins, seals and possibly whales. We hope to make a landing and enjoy the company of gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur and elephant seals.

Day 4

Entering Antarctic Sound, we watch for massive tabular bergs calved from Weddell Sea ice shelves and swept along the Peninsula’s north coast. We plan to land on offshore islands and perhaps beneath Brown Bluff, on the continent itself, where thousands of penguins feed fluffy chicks amongst spectacular ice and landscapes.

Days 5-7

Welcome to the Peninsula’s wild side! The Weddell Sea generates its own weather, currents are strong and fast, and ice movement is unpredictable. We’re at the mercy of greater forces and pick our landings accordingly. Some possibilities include Snow Hill Island to visit Nordenskjold’s Hut, fossil- rich Seymour Island, Paulet Island, with its huge penguin rookeries and historical remains, or perhaps Devil or Beak islands where we hike to spectacular vantage points.

Each year, global warming increases our reach – possibly even down Prince Gustav Channel. Wherever we go, we’re assured of memorable Antarctic wildlife, relics from the Heroic Age and haunting landscapes.

Days 8-9

Back on the Peninsula’s west coast, we contrast the classic alpine scenery with the Weddell Sea’s wild isolation. Towering, glaciated peaks rise from a maze of islands and waterways. Leopard seal hunt fledging penguins, while Weddell and crabeater seals bask on ice floes. Another chapter of Antarctic history unfolds as we explore a scientific base or two, or perhaps some old huts. We make full use of our Zodiacs for cruising amongst icebergs, communing with whales – should they choose to approach us – and delivering our divers to the best sites.

Days 10-11

Our return across the Drake Passage is a time to relax after the past week’s flurry of landings and activities. Our lecture series continues, and we recap all we’ve seen and done, swap photos and memories. If the weather is on our side, we make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn.

Day 12

Dawn finds us steaming up Beagle Channel to dock at Ushuaia in the early hours. After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to transfer to the airport or to explore the wonderful town of Ushuaia.

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.

Antarctica Landing & Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

Antarctica Photography Hints

Antarctica What To Bring Checklist

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
	Iguazu Falls Visit the world’s most spectacular falls, flying from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
	Patagonia Sightseeing and rewarding walks in the magnificent Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks.
	Lakes District Travel through the stunning Lakes District of Chile and Argentina – including Puerto Montt and Bariloche, the Switzerland of South America.
	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.
	Cuzco & Machu Picchu Explore the haunting beauty and cultural wonders of the Peruvian Andes and visit the fabled lost city of the Incas.