Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea Cruise
Our emphasis is on unique wildlife encounters, exploring new sites and pristine landscapes, visiting sites of historical interest and the occasional visit to scientific stations.
Antarctica Whale Science Expedition Cruise
We have a special Antarctica expedition cruise for everyone who is especially interested in whales. This voyage takes place at the end of February when there is a large presence of Whale species in Antarctica. During this 2 week expedition cruise you will be likely to see Humpback whales, Minke whales and also Orcas. At this time of the season the migratory whales, like Humpbacks, will be feeding and preparing themselves for their journey to warmer tropical waters. This makes it the ideal moment for scientists to study these marine animals.
Join the whale study
While polar expedition cruises sometimes have a single scientist on board, having an entire team of scientists, engaged in a major study, is truly exceptional! A large group of marine scientist will be present on board during the entire trip. This gives you the unique opportunity to participate in their whale research through Citizen Science activities which are included on this expedition cruise.Whale Photography
Another nice extra to this trip is that there will be several photography activities, which are also included. These workshops will help you capture the perfect images of the whales and other wildlife in Antarctica.BBC Blue Planet Live
For a nice impression of this Whale science expedition cruise, take a look at the video that BBC shot for their BBC Blue Planet Live program on board last seasons Whale Science expedition cruise.Highlights of the Whale Science Expeditie:
- Small ship with max. 100 guests on board
- Marine scientists on board
- Join citizen science activities
- Whale watching
- Wildlife photography
- Optional kayaking activity
- "#1 Whale Watching trip 2020" by Wanderlust Magazine
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Day 1, Ushuaia
Today is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers.
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Day 2, Embarkation
After a complimentary buffet breakfast, you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.
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Day 3-4, Drake Passage
As we make our way ever closer to the white continent, our Expedition Team and Marine Mammal experts will be out on deck and on the bridge, looking for the whales and dolphins that may be seen as we travel south. They will prepare us with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history, including helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety.
Eventually, we’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where we’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.
The length of our journey depends on sea conditions, but we should approach the South Shetland Islands in the evening of Day 4. We will keep especially keen watch for Pelagic whales as we approach the nutrient rich upwelling areas of the Continental Shelf.
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Day 5-7, Antarctica
Exploring the South Shetland Islands, we may visit Half Moon Island with its stunning backdrop of mountainous and glaciated Livingston Island. Or perhaps we will sail the ship into an active volcano with an opportunity to take a dip in the relatively balmy waters that surround Deception Island. ransfield Strait, once the site of an abandoned whaling station, gives us an excellent chance to see whales, who often return to its rich waters.
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, our Expedition Leader, Captain, and Marine Mammal experts will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and previous sightings to maximize our whale watching opportunities, while also exploring some of the lesser travelled areas of the Peninsula. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels, with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. -
Day 8-11, Antarctica
Heading further South, we will be sure to explore the Gerlache Strait and its surrounding channels and islands. This may include trips to picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
At this time of year, most areas have amazing marine mammal viewing opportunities with Weddell, Crabeater and Elephant Seals often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard Seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback Whales are frequent visitors during this season and Orca sightings are also common.
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Day 12-13, Drake Passage
As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.
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Day 14, Ushuaia disembarkation
Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Extensions
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