Cruise to The White Continent - Antarctica

This is the quintessential voyage to the White Continent, departing during the peak of the Austral summer when weather conditions and wildlife viewing are at their optimum. Cruise aboard the M/V Le Boreal through whale-rich waters of the Drake Passage to the remote coastlines of the Antarctic Peninsulaand shorelines teeming with penguins, seals and all manner of seabird. Go behind the scenes in a research station and enjoy magnificent onboard camaraderie with fellow adventurers.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Santaigo
On arrival into the Chilean capital you have a private transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon meet some fellow passengers and join a small group orientation tour of Santiago. In the evening there is a cocktail reception at your hotel.

Day 2: Santiago - Ushaia (B,L,D)
Transfer as a group to the airport for the charter flight (not included) to Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city. You are met and taken on a scenic drive followed by lunch, prior to embarkation. MV Le Boreal is a stylish passenger-friendly vessel and the first all-balcony stateroom and suite vessel to travel to Antarctica.

Days 3-4: Cruise the Drake Passage (B,L,D)
The journey southward towards Antarctica is an exciting one. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Drake Passage’s stormy waters and icy conditions often made the journey around Cape Horn a difficult one, though the stabiliser-equipped ‘Le Boreal’ handles it easily. The krill-rich waters are a particular favourite with marine mammals and seabirds.

Enjoy several enriching lectures by leading experts on topics spanning Antarctic birdlife to photography. In the afternoons, join ‘Le Boreal’s’ naturalists on deck to look for various species of whale and abundant seabirds. Evenings present opportunities to chat with experts about the wildlife spotted during the day and discuss the programme ahead.

Days 5-9: Antarctica (B,L,D)
The Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon. Day-to-day itineraries depend on the weather, water and wildlife conditions, but two excursions are carefully planned for each day by the captain and expedition leader. Each day begins with an early breakfast. Afterward, venture out in swift Zodiacs, guided by expert drivers and accompanied by lecturers, to a number of sites, which may include the penguin-filled islands in the South Shetlands of Half Moon, Penguin or Deception; islands off the continental coastline such as Cuverville or Paulet; and, weather permitting, the Antarctic Peninsula. ‘Le Boreal’ also plans to sail through stunning Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, referred to as “Kodak Alley.”

Day 10-11: Drake Passage (B,L,D)
The ship’s return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection, with time to compare notes with your lecturers on the wildlife, history and geology of the White Continent. While cruising through this historic passage, named in honour of Sir Francis Drake’s voyage in the 16th century, you may be able to spot whale and seabirds such as albatross and skua.

Day 12: Ushaia – Santiago (B)
Disembark after breakfast, and transfer to the airport to board your flight* back to Santiago.

Included:
• One night’s accommodation in Santiago
• Round trip group transfers in Santiago
• Afternoon group city orientation tour
• Group cocktails
• Cruise program for onboard nights
• Shore excusrions

Validity: 28 November to 9 December 2024 and 8 to 19 December 2024

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