from$ 22019 AUD
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Polar Pioneer
Port Stanley to Port Stanley
Overview
Join Secret Atlas on a 15-day in-depth wildlife viewing and photography exploration of South Georgia’s spectacular nature. 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 our vessel takes just 48 guests and when you are ashore you will be in a small group of just 12 guests for an intimate wildlife and photography experience. Travelling on a small expedition vessel allows us to visit many sites along the coast that larger ships are not allowed to land and get closer to South Georgia’s incredible nature.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
In the afternoon we embark Polar Pioneer in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands ready for an adventure of a life time. The Falkland Islands is accessible by flights from Chile and the UK. We will depart late afternoon and set sail towards South Georgia.
As we sail across the Scotia sea towards South Georgia we will spend time on deck looking out for wildlife. Wandering Albatrosses often follow the ship. In the water it is possible to see whales and Orcas. During the sea days our guiding team will do lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of South Georgia. In the afternoon of day 3 we will sight South Georgia for the first time.
The plan is to sail along the entire coast of South Georgia and to make landings on all the days. The main focuses of this expedition is to visit as many wildlife sites as possible. South Georgia is home to 450,000 king penguins offering some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. We aim to visit key penguin breeding colonies at St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain and Gold Harbour. An advantage of a longer trip allows is that it allows us a much larger weather to visit different sites.
Other landing sites could include Prion Island to see nesting albatrosses, a site that is only accessible to ships carrying under 50 guests. Cooper Bay on the islands south is home to Macaroni penguins living in the tussock grass. Alongside wildlife, South Georgia is home to fascinating history and we will visit Grytviken, a former whaling station on South Georgia and home to the grave of explorer Ernest Shackleton. We also plan to explore the Drygalski fjord home to some of the islands most breathtaking landscapes.
As we sail towards the Falkland Islands our guiding team will do a series of lectures to finish off our exciting adventure. The final 2 sailing days offers a chance to relax onboard, take a sauna and share stories from the expedition with fellow guests. On safe arrival in Port Stanley we will disembark after breakfast on the final day.
The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any expedition is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather conditions which are highly variable in South Georgia. Our expedition team will make sure you see as much a 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
• A rare opportunity to join a in-depth exploration of South Georgia with extended time ashore to view and photograph wildlife. • Explore key wildlife sites including Saint Andrews Bay, Salisbury Plain and Gold Harbour. • Develop your photography skills in the field with our highly experienced photography guides. • Comfortable, and intimate ice-strengthened expedition vessel. • Encounter South Georgia’s wildlife. This trip has the most time spent ashore viewing king penguin colonies, elephant seals, fur seals and an abundance of birdlife including albatrosses. • Numerous opportunities to photograph South Georgia’s wild and stunning landscapes from the ship and shore. • Led by highly experienced expedition leaders and photography guides. • Small, intimate group size. The ship takes just 48 and ashore guests are in a group of 12.
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