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penguins

Antarctic Expedition on
M/V Ushuaia

Antarctica is one of the most beautiful and least-explored places in our planet. For over two centuries, the White Continent has attracted scientists and adventurers for its unmatched natural beauty. Nowadays, this frozen land has opened its doors to world travelers who have become mesmerized with its unique wildlife, its majestic icebergs and its superb scenario. The austral summer, from November to March, with its endless daylight renders the exploration unique. The expedition leader will take voyagers to remote locations where only a few men have set foot on. While landing in zodiacs, large penguin colonies, magnificent whales, and breathtaking icebergs and glaciers will be at sight.

The research vessel Ushuaia was built as an oceanographic research vessel for the NOAA (National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration), a United States of America government agency. NOAA operated the vessel for more than 20 years, performing during that period many of the most important NOAA oceanographic research operations. After the NOAA period, the vessel was acquired by Ushuaia Adventure Corp., changing her name to "Ushuaia" and reorienting her to private oceanographic and Antarctic research and logistic operations. The vessel was upgraded on navigation and communication equipment, and cabins and rooms were refurbished.

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Ship Features:

  • Crew and Scientific transportation
  • Fresh, Dry and Frozen provisions
  • Bunker Supply
  • General Cargo & Container transportation
  • Complete communication systems
  • Helicopter Deck
  • Container Stowage
  • After ramp for oceanographic equipment operation
  • Calk walk for Seismic equipment
  • Oceanographic winches
  • Landing Zodiac boats
  • Sonar
  • Hospital
  • Wet and Dry laboratories
  • 2 x 3 TN Electro-Hydraulic cranes
  • Antarctic Supply, Ocean Research & Tourist Expeditions

5 outside cabins with windows on the upper deck, private facilities, 2 lower berths, lounge, TV, DVD and fridge

10 Twin outside cabins with windows on the upper deck, private facilities, two lower berths.

6 Twin outside cabins with portholes on the upper deck, private facilities, 2 lower berths

12 Twin outside cabins with port holes on the main deck, semi-private facilities*, 2 berths, lower and upper/lower

8 Twin inside cabins on the lower deck, semi-private facilities*, 2 berths, lower and upper/lower

*Semi-private facilities: Two cabins share one bathroom (shower and WC); each cabin is also equipped with it own wash basin.

 

 


Classic Antarctica - 11 days / 10 nights

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Day 1: Depart from Ushuaia

Embark the Ushuaia in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic McKinley Pass.

Day 2 and 3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Named after renowned explorer Sir Frances Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the passage, Antarpply Expeditions' lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The Ushuaia's open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well. The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on day three.

Day 4 to 8: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island and the chance to swim in the hot springs of Pendulum Cove is truly amazing. King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Macaroni, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island.

The Antarctic Peninsula's remarkable history will provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crab eater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range.

We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways on Earth (depending on the ice conditions): the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, the latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings per day. Paradise Bay is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and we attempt a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1904. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins. Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins.

Day 9 and 10: Drake Passage, Northbound

We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past 10 days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Day 11: End of Voyage

We arrive at Ushuaia in the early morning after breakfast.

Please note the above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.

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