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Arrive in Ushuaia, renowned for its exquisite chocolates and breathtaking scenery where you will be met by an representative. Transfer to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
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6 FULL DAYS EXPLORING ANTARCTICA / 3 Days Eclipse Chasing.
In December 2021, a full solar eclipse will occur in the Weddell Sea region, offering people the rare and historic opportunity to witness this remarkable spectacle in Antarctic waters. On this unique voyage, you will visit Antarctica and experience the incredible white continent in its late spring regalia. Witness penguins busily building nests, keeping eggs warm and raising chicks, and gaze at gleaming icebergs, while you hope for fine weather, clear skies and an uninterrupted view of the solar eclipse.
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS:
Arrive in Ushuaia, renowned for its exquisite chocolates and breathtaking scenery where you will be met by an representative. Transfer to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
After checking out of your hotel, explore Ushuaia and surrounds. Mid-afternoon, settle on board Greg Mortimer, for early evening departure down the Beagle Channel.
Albatross and first icebergs in Drake Passage; possible landing at Aitcho, Robert or Deception islands in the South Shetlands.
Over the next five days a host of choices are open to us and depending on ice and weather conditions, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. On our Zodiac excursions, we cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, observing whales that are feeding near the surface, and landing on the continent and its offshore islands to visit penguin rookeries, seal haulouts, historic huts and a few of our other favourite spots along the peninsula. During this voyage, there will be an opportunity to camp ashore (weather and time permitting). This will give you the chance to sample the style of adventure that Scott, Shackleton and other legendary Antarctic explorers experienced, although with a modern-day spin on it.
According to NASA, the optimum position to experience the solar eclipse is well into the Weddell Sea. The eclipse is visible from the following geographic regions: Antarctica, South Africa, south Atlantic, but the full eclipse will only be visible in Antarctica.
The instant of greatest eclipse takes place on Dec 04 at 07:34:38 TD (Terrestrial Dynamical Time) or (07:33:28 UT1).
Historically, early December would be considered too early to visit South Orkney Islands because of extensive sea ice. However, conditions have been changing every year and it may be possible to get into the South Orkneys on 04 December, 2021 – the unknown is part of what makes the experience even more thrilling.
The eclipse belongs to Saros 152 and is number 13 of 70 eclipses in the series. All eclipses in this series occur at the Moon’s descending node. The total solar eclipse of 2021 Dec 04 is preceded two weeks earlier by a partial lunar eclipse on 2021 Nov 19. These eclipses all take place during a single eclipse season. An eclipse season is a period during which the Sun appears close enough to one of the Moon’s nodes to permit an eclipse to occur. Each season lasts approximately 34 days and repeats at about 173-day intervals.
Enjoy seabirds and whales on second Drake crossing. Share photos, tall tales and final night celebrations with new friends!
After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow passengers, before disembarking in Ushuaia. Itinerary and map are a guide only. Itinerary is subject to ice and weather conditions
Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
One of the most unique ways to experience Antarctica and the Arctic.
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.
Greg Mortimer - Snowshoeing makes walking up gentle slopes and across Antarctica’s soft, powdery snow a breeze, allowing you to explore places others struggle to reach in boots alone. Armed with your very own set of snowshoes and ski poles, you’ll be led by our expert guides who will provide all the instruction you need. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to ascend to some of Antarctica’s best vantage points, stretch the legs and take in the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for everyone, with no previous experience required. Join in on the fun and discover a different slice of Antarctica!
Camping has become our most popular optional activity.
We provide all the equipment you need to experience – albeit it in a more comfortable and civilised fashion – the feelings of the early Antarctic explorers. There really is no better way to witness the stunning silence and array of colours of an Antarctic night sky.
No matter which itinerary you choose to undertake, you are destined to spot a wonderful array of wildlife, including sea elephants and sea lions, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and Minke, killer and humpback whales and the magnificent wandering albatrosses.
Adelie penguins are the most abundant of all penguin species and are there estimated to be some 5 million birds. They have been an incredibly successful species living further south than any other species and have one of the oldest continually used rookeries, which has existed for some 6,000 years.
On board you will be provided with expedition boots and a highquality wind and waterproof expedition jacket
Catering to both amateurs and the more experienced photographers, our onboard team of photography guides deliver photography workshops and one-on-one instruction from the deck or Zodiacs and during landings.
Designed for rugged, remote areas
Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most intense conditions nature can throw at us. The Sylvia Earle is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task.
All images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Ulstein X-BOW® & Lounge: The streamlined Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances*, and makes quicker transits through waves. It also helps reduce our fuel consumption by up to 60%^. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.*We do not claim that this will prevent or cure seasickness. ^Compared to Tier 1 engines.
Swimming pool & wellness centre: In between landings, enjoy the heated saltwater open air swimming pool and jacuzzis on board the Sylvia Earle and watch the world go by, or experience our gym, sauna or enjoy a massage (additional cost) in the Wellness centre.
Zodiac launching platforms: The Sylvia Earle ships carry many Zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms. These platforms make boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer.
Activity preparation area: A range of add-on adventure activities from kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, and the Greg Mortimer is designed to support these activities, making the transition from ship to sea or shore as smooth as possible.
| Luxury star rating: | 5 |
| Guests #: | 126 |
| Crew #: | 62 |
| Ice Class: | 1A |
| Speed: | 12 |
| Refurbished: |
| Year built: | 2021 |
| Length: | 104m |
| Width: | 18 |
| Draft: | 5 |
| Tonnage: | 7400 |
| Registry: | Bahamas |
| Elec Outlets: | 220V 2 Round Plug |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
