Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

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Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Enjoy the birds-eye view of Antarctica

The m/v Ortelius' helicopter allows you to view the rookery of 4,000 emperors south of Snow Hill Island. The Weddell sea may be blocked by heavy ice, while the ice in the rookery could break and melt sooner than anticipated. The goal is to find penguins as they are on their way out of the water. This search is made possible by the thrilling helicopter flight, which allows you to land at locations that would otherwise be inaccessible so early in season. You can take a helicopter transfer from your ship to Snow Hill Island if the conditions of the ice are good and there is no multi-year pack-ice on the way. This will be about 45 minutes walk to the Emperor Penguin rookery. This is an experience that you will never forget if it goes well. Remember that the nature dictates the itinerary: Snow Hill Island was not reached on all voyages from 2012 to 2019. In 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2019 conditions are favorable for landing by helicopter and visiting the Emperor Penguin rookery on Snow Hill Island.

Day by day

Day 1 : Ushuaia & Beagle Channel
Where the world ends, your journey begins. Ushuaia is the southernmost town in the world, located at the very southernmost tip of South America. You will depart from the small town of Tierra del Fuego (nicknamed "The End of the World") in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the night sailing the Beagle Channel, which is surrounded by mountains.
Day 2 & 3 : Drake Passage & Antarctic Convergence
You will experience the Drake Passage in the following two days, and you may even see a fin-whale spraying seawater. You are now in the circumantarctic upwelling area after passing through the Antarctic Convergence, Antarctica's natural border formed by cold north-flowing waters colliding with warmer subantarctic seas. Avian life also changes. You may see Wandering Albatrosses.
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Cruise Includes

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Cruise does not include

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.
​Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Highlights

Enjoying scenic cruises in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Sailing into the Weddell Sea, home to tabular icebergs and emperor penguins.
Sailing through the Beagle Channel, one of the most scenic waterways in the world.

Activities

Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters | Map
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From $7,900.00 Per person

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