Hondius – Classic Antarctica
Duration
10 days
Destination
Antarctica
Group Size
Departures
Overview
Focusing strictly on the Antarctic Peninsula, this cruise is a comprehensive introduction to the White Continent. Sail directly to “High Antarctica,” passing the Melchior Islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. Set foot on the Antarctic continent alongside penguins, seals, snow and ice, and be one of the lucky few to have done so.
With dramatic scenery and icy solitude, the Antarctica Peninsula never fails to stun visitors with icebergs, glaciers, high mountains and abundant yet tame wildlife. Possible stopping points include Danco Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Pléneau Island, Petermann Island and Wilhelmina Bay.
On Hondius departures, experience Antarctica in a hands on way, with opportunities to participate in citizen science and learn from photography workshops.
Optional activities for all departures include camping, kayaking and polar diving (all at additional cost) with advanced reservations required as space is limited. Enjoy included activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and Zodiac rides, and experience the continent’s rich wildlife and learn its history from experienced naturalists and guides on board. The Antarctic Peninsula cruise is the quintessential Antarctica voyage experience the wonder!
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Embark Ushuaia
Day 2 & 3: Drake Passage
Day 4, 5, 6 & 7: Antarctica
Day 8 & 9: Drake Passage
Day 10: Disembark Ushuaia
Itinerary
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America.
Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray.
After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. 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 are a few of the birds you might see.
Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. You first pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands.
Sites you may visit include:
Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.
Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Paradise Bay – You may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there’s a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales.
Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. There are great opportunities also for kayaking and camping here, and when conditions are right, you can even snowshoe around the shore.
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Crossing the Drake
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Itinerary Map
Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
- 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).
