Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula 2012 Overview
With tabular icebergs and pack ice to the horizon, the Weddell Sea shares its secrets reluctantly. Consider stories of Nordenskjold and Shackleton, then join our ice-experienced Russian captain and crew, our knowledgeable expedition staff and like-minded adventurers on a voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula’s wild side. It’s home to some of the world’s largest Adélie penguin rookeries, a repository of exquisite Gondwana fossils and seldom visited landings. We also visit top sites along the Peninsula’s west coast.
“Exploring one of the most unpredictable bodies of water in the world, this expedition combines the contrasting east and west coasts of the Peninsula. Aurora pioneered many of the landing sites along these shores and we'll need all of our captain's vast ice navigation skills on this thrilling adventure.”
Sue Werner - Assistant Expedition Leader, Aurora Expeditions
dates & prices
First Voyage
Name: 12 Day Voyage
Dates:
06-Feb-12 to 17-Feb-12
Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship:
Polar Pioneer
Inclusions: View inclusions for this trip
Activities: Scuba Diving
| DECK | CABIN | PRICE |
| Main | Triple, shared facilities | US$6,775 |
| Main | Twin, shared facilities | US$8,025 |
| Upper/Captain's | Twin, private facilities | US$9,115 |
| Captain's | Mini Suite, private facilities | US$9,990 |
| Captain's | Suite, private facilities | US$10,910 |
Prices quoted are per person in US dollars, twin share. Single costs are 1.7 times the twin share rate.
Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases.
Second Voyage
Name: 12 Day Voyage
Dates:
17-Feb-12 to 28-Feb-12
Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship:
Polar Pioneer
Inclusions: View inclusions for this trip
Activities: Scuba Diving
| DECK | CABIN | PRICE |
| Main | Triple, shared facilities | US$6,775 |
| Main | Twin, shared facilities | US$8,025 |
| Upper/Captain's | Twin, private facilities | US$9,115 |
| Captain's | Mini Suite, private facilities | US$9,990 |
| Captain's | Suite, private facilities | US$10,910 |
Prices quoted are per person in US dollars, twin share. Single costs are 1.7 times the twin share rate.
Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases.
Itinerary
Day 1
After boarding Polar Pioneer in Ushuaia mid-afternoon, we set sail along the Beagle Channel then turn south.
Day 2
As we cross the Drake Passage, the temperature begins to fall. We are busy with lectures and safety briefings in preparation for our first landing.
Day 3
By mid-afternoon we should be in iceberg waters. If all goes well we may encounter our first penguin on one of the South Shetland Islands.
Day 4
In the early hours of the morning we hope to be among the towering corridors of icebergs in Antarctic Sound. A narrow passage, alive with penguins, guards the entrance to the Weddell Sea.
Day 5 - 7
Three days of exploring in the whale - and seal -rich Weddell Sea, where our activities will be controlled by the movement of ice. Huge glaciers pour down between the mountains from the polar plateau, and the surface of the ocean is covered with plates of ice the size of city blocks. One of our aims is to visit the fossil-rich shores of Seymour Island.
Day 8 - 9
We plan to visit the beautiful western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula, exploring the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel, and Paradise Harbour.
Day 10 - 11
We will cross the Drake Passage with magnificent albatrosses in our wake. The last shipboard lectures give us time to polish our Antarctic education before making a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn, weather permitting.
Day 12
We cruise up the Beagle Channel in the early morning before docking in Ushuaia. We farewell new found friends, some transferring to hotels with time to explore the town, others continuing their travels in South America or heading home.
Activities
| TRIP | DATES | ACTIVITIES |
| First Voyage | 06-Feb-12 to 17-Feb-12 | Scuba Diving |
| Second Voyage | 17-Feb-12 to 28-Feb-12 | Scuba Diving |
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 (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.
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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |













