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Day 1 - Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia anytime today. Enjoy a complimentary stay at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort. Explore the trails, take a spa, head into town, or relax and soak in the surroundings. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers. Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning.
Day 2 - Embarkation
Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the Hebridean Sky in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city at the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with ‘our home’ for the next 13 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Day 3/4 - Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as we make our way ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere onboard as our numerous Polar experts prepare us for our adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence where we will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Those keen in Citizen Science can take part in collecting salinity samples, wind and temperature readings along the way. On our sea crossing we will witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species, some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea.
Day 5/12 - The Antarctic Peninsula
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Our goal will be to sail south of the Antarctic Circle and into Matha Strait or Marguerite Bay. Given favorable ice conditions, we will push our exploration even further southward, looking for historic and wildlife sites.
At Half Moon Island we will visit a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. We also hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to spot Orcas and Minke whales as we go.
We will plan on making our first landing on the continent of Antarctica at Paradise Harbor or Neko Harbor. The scenery here is amazing; particularly the oddly shaped icebergs looking like sculptures, as well as the colossal ‘tabular’ icebergs that break away from the continent’s ice shelf. From our most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), we will make our way north, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, the Lemaire Channel, the Neumeyer Channel and the Gerlache Strait will all feature in our itinerary. Landing sites might include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Petermann Island and the Yalours, where we will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including colonies of the comical Gentoo.
Day 13/14 - Drake Passage
As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition at a special slideshow and dinner.
Day 15 - Ushuaia disembarkation
As we arrive back in Ushuaia, it is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure. Please Note: Kayaking & Camping are available as Adventure Options on this voyage. Space for these activities is limited.
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.
To experience Antarctica up close and personal, there’s really no better seat than the one in your kayak, just inches above the water, navigating among icebergs and glacial ice dating back 30,000 years.
Gliding through an otherworldly landscape with a small team, led by our expert guides and occasionally joined by a family of playful penguins or seals, this is about as intimate and magical as it gets.
After a delicious dinner onboard, jump back in the Zodiacs and head ashore for a night of camping in Antarctica! Help to set up camp, and then enjoy the sounds of the waves, the creaking of the glaciers, perhaps even the blow of a passing whale. Warm and cozy in your sleeping bag under the midnight sun, you will be breathing the cleanest air in the most beautiful place on the planet. Get a taste of Antarctica as it was experienced by the early explorers, while knowing that in the morning you’ll enjoy a hot shower and a hearty breakfast back on board your luxurious vessel.
For aspiring photographers, the best time to shoot the Antarctic landscape is definitely October, November and March. At these times the sun is much lower in the sky and thus creates beautiful twilight hues and shadows, which contrast the landscape magnificently.
Of course, if it is wildlife and Antarctica’s babies you are hoping to shoot, then January and February are the best times. Alternatively, consider an early season South Georgia & Antarctica expedition for the best of wildlife and photo opportunities in Antarctica.
In a continent of stunning views, Lemaire Channel has been called the Kodak Gap. Locked between the rocky vertical cliffs of Booth Island and the continent this one kilometer wide passage is one of the most photographed attractions of Antarctica. You will be glad your camera is digital.
Whale numbers swell in Antarctica over the southern summer. Arriving in Antarctica from November onwards, whale numbers reach their peak around December and January. Sightings and particularly breachings reach a pinnacle in February and March, when the Krill is closer to the surface. Some 10 species of whales are found in Antarctic water each summer, with the most abundant species being the Humpack.
The moment you step foot into the circle, you’ll have a deep sense of wonder knowing you’ve just trodden where few have gone before. When you’re this far south, nature bares its secrets.
The ship will provide you with expedition boots (on loan) and a specially designed expedition jacket, which is yours to keep at the end of your voyage.
100 minutes of Wifi access is provided for use on your personal devices free of charge.
The Promenade, Deluxe, Penthouse and Owner Suites all receive champagne and chocolates on arrival and a complimentary mini-bar.
Transfers are provided pre and post-cruise by the expedition team and one-night accommodation is provided on Day 1 of your itinerary at a Ushuaia hotel.
Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day:
Don’t sweat flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early by taking advantage of our optional free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Enjoy the spa, wander the trails, or unwind and soak in the surroundings.
HEBRIDEAN SKY
In the spring of 2016 our ship, Hebridean Sky, underwent a ten million dollar refit, transforming her into the safest and most comfortable ship in her class. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, she has always been known for her effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Hebridean Sky continues that tradition, while adding a host of new amenities as well as state of the art stabilization, fuel efficiency, and upgraded communications systems. All suites and public spaces have been completely redecorated.
| Luxury star rating: | 4 |
| Guests #: | 118 |
| Crew #: | 85 |
| Ice Class: | 1C |
| Speed: | 17 |
| Refurbished: |
| Year built: | |
| Length: | 90m |
| Width: | 15 |
| Draft: | |
| Tonnage: | 4200 |
| Registry: | Bahamas |
| Elec Outlets: | 220V / 2 Round Pin |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
