Oceanwide Expeditions
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10 or 11 day Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is part of the Antarctic Continent and is the southern continuation of the mountain chain that runs from North America through South America into the Scotia Sea. Here it continues as a mainly sub-marine ridge, the Scotia Ridge, until it comes above sea-level at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The peninsula consists of an 800 kilometres (500 mile) long mountain chain, the highest peaks rising to approximately 2,800 metres (9,186 feet), and numerous off-lying islands. The Peninsula offers the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Visitors are easily overcome by sensory overload by the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
The history of discovery runs parallel to that of the South Shetland Islands. Here, exploitation was again the major force behind the early explorations. Nowadays the Antarctic Peninsula is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which has been signed by 46 countries. The signatory parties have agreed to abstain for 50 years from recognising, disputing, or establishing territorial sovereignty claims. The parties also agreed to set aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, established freedom of scientific investigation and banned military activity on the continent.
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| VOYAGE |
Antarctic Peninsula |
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| DURATION |
9 nights / 10 days
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| DEPARTURE DATES |
PLA31 : 20 March - 29 March 2012
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| DEPARTURE POINTS |
Ushuaia to Ushuaia |
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| LANGUAGE |
English |
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| VESSEL |
MV Plancius |
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A typical itinerary to the Antarctic Peninsula is illustrated below. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
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Day 1
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Ushuaia
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located in the shadow of the Andes and right at the Beagle Channel shore. We'll sail through this scenic waterway during the evening. |
| Day 2 & 3 |
At sea
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson's Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we glimpse at the first icebergs. |
Day 4 - 8
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(PL25 and PLA31 days 4 – 7): Antarctica
We will sail directly to "High Antarctica", passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, we will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. If we land on Danco Island we can observe Chinstrap Penguins and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glacier and enjoy the landscape during zodiac cruises.
When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, we will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. In this area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, we hope to get permission to visit the British research station and post office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags.
We sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. A visit to one of the scientific stations in Antarctica will give you an insight about the life of modern Antarcticans working on the White Continent. Further south we may visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where we will receive a warm welcome from the station crew. Sailing north through Neumayer Channel we arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape with icebergs, where we may encounter Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and whales. |
Day 9 - 10
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(PLA25 and PLA31 days 8 – 9): at sea
In the Drake Passage we have again a chance of seeing many seabirds and taking advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team. |
| Days 11 |
(PLA25 and PLA31 day 10): Ushuaia
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark. |
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| OPTIONS |
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| Field Camping |
On some Antarctic voyages we offer an exciting 'open air' camping option, which gives an intensive experience of the Antarctic wilderness. Special gear and field equipment will be provided: tents, wind and waterproof bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to a tent system). This shelter will protect you from the elements during the night in the open air of the Antarctic. Mattresses and polar sleeping bags provide comfort during the night. The maximum number of participants for this camping option is 30 participants per night. One expedition guide will conduct the activity ashore. Camping is always subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations. 1 night has to be booked prior to the trip; any extra nights (if those are possible) must be arranged onboard. Additional nights will be charged by the Hotel Manager. For more details please refer to the activity manual.
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| Kayaking |
In general we plan to at least offer 4 kayaking days. Basic kayaking experience is required and physical fitness is essential. Parallel to all other activities we are planning on offering kayaking excursions during morning and / or afternoon landings. The final decision on those excursions will be met by the Expedition Leader. Oceanwide will provide kayaks and neoprene wet suits. Kayakers will bring their own personal gear. Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions. For more details please refer to the activity manual.
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| INCLUSIONS |
- Voyage aboard the designated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- A flight with LAN Chile from Santiago de Chile to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands is included in the ships passage price on voyage PLA22 (single flight Port Stanley - Santiago de Chile on 03 December 2011), voyage PLA24 (single flight Santiago de Chile - Port Stanley on 17 December 2011) and a return flight on voyage PLA23 (Santiago de Chile - Port Stanley on 03 December 2011 and Port Stanley - Santiago de Chile on 17 December 2011).
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes aboard 'Plancius'.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
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| EXCLUSIONS |
- Any airfare (except for the above mentioned included flights on voyages PLA22, PLA23 and PLA24), whether on scheduled or charter flights;
- pre- and post- land arrangements
- transfers to the vessel; passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes
- meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended)
- excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges
- the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
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| NOTES |
All rates are quoted per person in New Zealand Dollars and based on conditions and exchange rate prevailing in June 2011.
5% discount will be granted for bookings for one or more consecutive voyages (except on legs within the Atlantic Odyssey).
Please note that all dates & rates are subject to change.
All voyages aboard 'Plancius' will operate subject to a minimum of 70 participants.
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| NOTES |
Fuel Surcharge
It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 80 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US Dollar 25 per passenger per night, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions.
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