Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina - Dec 16
Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the World.
Embarkation on the "Explorer" begins later
in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia.
Day 2 At Sea – Dec 17
As we make the passage east we’ll become acquainted
with the ship and frequent the common areas that include
the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where
we’ll meet our guides, ship’s crew and
lecturers. We’ll also begin the lecture and information
sessions to learn about the extraordinary human and
natural history of the Antarctic region.
Day 3-4 Falkland Islands – Dec 19/18
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to
witness the biological diversity and extraordinary
scenery of the southern islands. Penguins, elephant
seals and sea lions are abundant. Port Stanley provides
an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants
whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long
dark winters.
Day 5-6 The Great Southern Ocean – Dec
20/21
Sailing east now we’ll set course for South Georgia
Island. Wildlife is abundant as we’ll see from
the deck. Whales, seals, sea lions and many species
of seabirds are often spotted feeding in these waters.
Day 7-9 South Georgia – Dec 22/23/24
South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including
Shackleton’s Grave, several former whaling stations,
incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. A huge colony
of King Penguins is the highlight of this part of the
journey. On nearby islands we’ll hope to spot
wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.
Day 10-11 The Scotia Sea – Dec 25/26
Plotting a southwesterly course we make way towards
legendary Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands.
The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer
days provide the ingredient that is missing most of
the year. The result is a complex food chain topped
by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.
Day 12-16 Antarctica & the South Shetland
Islands Dec 27/28/29/30/31
This is what we’ve all been waiting for - a chance
to step foot on the Great White Continent! Weather
and ice and time permitting we’ll visit the South
Shetland Islands, Paradise Harbour or nearby Neko Harbour,
Wilhelmina Bay and the Lemaire Channel. Scientific
research stations and abandoned whaling stations will
also be of interest. We’ll normally attempt 2
excursions per day. Penguins, seabirds and fantastic
ice formations will offer plenty of photo opportunities.
Day 17-18 At Sea Jan 1/2
Heading north across the Drake Passage, we’ll
spend 2 days enjoying the beauty of the sea as we sail
for Ushuaia
Day 19 Ushuaia Jan 3
And so our adventure comes to a close. We'll say our
goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia.