|
Day 1 & 2: DEPART LOS ANGELES.
Your exciting journey begins today at LAX when you fly overnight to Argentina (airfare and hotel not available at time of printing; both are not included in program price--TBA). Overnight in Buenos Aires.
Day 3: BUENOS AIRES/USHSAIA.
This morning, fly to Uschaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego. A representative of Aurora Expeditions will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Evening welcome reception. LAS HAYAS HOTEL (or similar)
Ushuaia
Day 4: EMBARKATION.
Morning at leisure. Tour Ushuaia, southernmost city in the world, followed by embarkation on your newly-launched cruise ship, the Sylvia Earle, named after Dr. Sylvia Earle, renowned oceanographer, marine biologist and explorer. Settle into your balcony stateroom, then witness spectacular views of Ushuaia and the Martial Mountains as you sail away.
Day 5-6: DRAKE PASSAGE CROSSING
.As you commence crossing the Drake Passage, make the most of your time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea.
Your expedition team will prepare you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines, and their lecture programs help you learn more about Antarctica’s history and environment.
Enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following your ship. Enjoy the facilities on board the Sylvia Earle, including its gym, wellness center, and observation lounges.
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for their first iceberg.
The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures.
Day 7 & 8: ANTARCTICA.
It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever. Once you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic is yours to explore, with a host of choices available. Because you are so far south, you will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. Your experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Generally, landings and Zodiac excursions are twice a day, but sometimes three times. Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs and icebergs feature at various times whales, seals and of course penguins. You can visit penguin rookeries and discover historic huts while ashore, as well as stretch your legs and wander along pebbly beaches. If you have chosen an optional activity, you can participate in it whenever conditions allow, and polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in Antarctic waters—conditions permitting. The polar plunge can take place at any time during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement from the expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your life! In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, you may kayak to some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland or linger in scenic bays to watch whales traveling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendor. Listen for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they calve into the sea. Take quiet moments to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid White Continent.
|
Day 9 & 10: DRAKE PASSAGE CROSSING.
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before re-entering the Drake Passage for your return to the tip of South America. Lectures and film presentations complete your Antarctic experience, with time for reflection and discussion about what you have experienced. Weather permitting, sail close to legendary Cape Horn.
Day 12: USHSAIA, ARGENTINA.
Your memorable voyage ends this morning when, following breakfast, you disembark and transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight back to the U.S.A. (B)
|
