from$ 17299 AUD
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Polar Pioneer
Ushuaia to Ushuaia
Overview
Join Secret Atlas on a 12-day in-depth Antarctica cruise with an extended focus on wildlife viewing and photography in Antarctic peninsula. This expedition is aimed at those wanting to spend the maximum amount of unhurried time ashore observing wildlife and is suited for photographers and wildlife watchers. What makes this trip even more special is that our vessel takes just 48 guests, the smallest group size in Antarctica. When you are ashore you will be in a small group of just 12 guests for an intimate wildlife and photography experience. Traveling on a small expedition vessel gives us more flexibility, more time ashore and allows us to visit landing sites that the large cruise ships can’t visit.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, also known by its nickname ‘The End of the World’. In the afternoon we embark on the Polar Pioneer for the expedition of a lifetime. This tough, ice-strengthened expedition vessel will be our comfortable home and base for exploring for the next 11 nights. After settling into your cabin there will be a full safety briefing and an introduction from the expedition team. You will meet the experts who will be your guides for the duration of your voyage who have extensive knowledge about Antarctica, the history, wildlife, and geology. In the afternoon we will sail through the Beagle channel. It is the perfect time to spend time out on deck wildlife watching and appreciating the magnificent landscapes of Patagonia.
As we sail south we will cross the famed Drake passage that separates Antarctica from the South American continent. It is the ideal time to spend time on deck watching the dozens of wandering albatrosses that circle the ship. During these two days at sea, our experts will get you excited for what lies ahead with a series of lectures on the wildlife, history, and environment of Antarctica. As we cross the Antarctic convergence zone the air will chill and we will spend time on deck looking for the first icebergs and keeping a sharp lookout for whales that are frequently sighted. An amazing part of any Antarctica expedition is sighting the land of the 7th continent for the first time.
The focus of this expedition is to spend the maximum amount of time exploring in an unhurried way which is only possible in a small group. Each day our expedition team will make decisions about where to explore based on the weather and sea ice conditions. We will drop anchor in remote bays framed by icy mountains. Our plan is to explore key wildlife sites on the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Here we will encounter penguin rookeries up close. Gentoo’s, Adleie’s and Chin Straps are all residents here. We aim to do shore landings twice a day led by our expedition leaders. We will use the Zodiacs for short cruises to explore the icy waters in an intimate way. Keep an eye out for icebergs! There are plenty here. The nutrient-rich icy seas are home to an abundance of wildlife including leopard, crabeater, Weddell and elephant seals, Orcas, Minke, and Humpback Whales. If the opportunity arises sometimes it is possible to visit a scientific research station or historical site. As with all expeditions, flexibility is a must. The beauty of an Antarctica cruise on Polar Pioneer is that all our guests can Zodiac cruise or visit the shore at the same time. The process of going ashore is much more efficient than a larger ship so our guests get to spend more time exploring and less time waiting.
After 7 nights of exploring Antarctica, we will sail north towards Ushuaia. Our expedition team will continue the educational presentations. It’s a good chance to relax, warm up in the sauna and enjoy a drink at the bar. The expedition leader will do a recap of the voyage and it is an opportunity to share moments and photos with your fellow explorers. As we approach the South American continent, if the conditions allow, there may be a possibility to sight the mystical Cape Horn before we make our way into the Beagle channel.
In the morning we arrive back at the port of Ushuaia. After breakfast, we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure together.
The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Antarctica cruise is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition leader will make sure you see as much as possible.
Polar Pioneer
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 71 metres Passenger Capacity: 50 Built / refurbished: 1985 / 2022 The 71mtr/232ft expedition vessel Polar Pioneer is a great way to explore the polar regions. Originally built in 1982, she was a research vessel designed to navigate the polar regions with heavy sea ice thanks to her reinforced hull. She has been refurbished in 2022 and takes 48 passengers. She has 29 comfortable cabins ranging from the Captain’s Suite, mini-suite, twin cabins with private facilities, and twin and triple cabins with shared facilities. The Polar Pioneer is crewed by experts with decades of experience in polar waters and has a medic and clinic on board. The Polar Pioneer has 6 zodiacs so that all guests can go ashore simultaneously, and boots are provided when going ashore. After being out in the cold, guests can warm up in the sauna. Her large deck space has raised areas ideal for photographers. There is no shortage of incredible photography opportunities, from penguins, whales, breath-taking glaciers, and much more in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are vegetarian and vegan food options, beer, and a wine selection. Join us and our team of passionate and highly experienced, professional polar guides as we venture to the far flung corners of the world by foot, zodiac, kayak and on skis.
Highlights
• Small group experience of just 48 guests, the smallest group size available in Antarctica. • A rare opportunity to join a in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula with extended time ashore to view and photograph wildlife. • Explore key wildlife sites on the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. • Comfortable, and intimate ice-strengthened expedition vessel with sauna. • Encounter Antarctica’s wildlife including penguins, fur and leopard seals and whales. • This trip give you the maximum time ashore. All guests can fit in the Zodiacs and land at the same time, so no waiting time. • Numerous opportunities to photograph Antartica’s Icy and stunning landscapes from the ship and shore. • Led by highly experienced expedition leaders and photography guides.
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