Ortelius

Begin your journey in the southernmost city, Ushuaia embarking the Ortelius in the afternoon.

As you cross the Drake Passage familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship. You will cross the Antarctic Convergence – when the Antarctic waters mix with the warmer waters of the the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Enjoy the variety of  albatrosses, petrels, Cape pigeons and southern fulmars.

Stand in awe of the striking landscape as no two glaciers will be alike throughout your time here. Basecamp will be in prime position for multiple activities dependant on weather of course. At sea enjoy zodiac trips or go kayaking along side humpback or minke whales. Further inland offers opportunities to go mountaineering or go on snowshoe hikes. Possible site visits may include but not limited to are Port Lockroy, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Danco Island, Cuverville Island.

Your return journey home begins today crossing the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia. Take this time to reflect on the highlights of the trip and head to the deck to continue spotting seabirds and final chances to see whales.

Say your final farewells to new found friends and the expedition crew as you disembark the Ortelius upon arrival in Ushuaia. Take a group transfer from the dock to the airport for your forward flight.

As you cross the Drake Passage familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship. You will cross the Antarctic Convergence – when the Antarctic waters mix with the warmer waters of the the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Enjoy the variety of  albatrosses, petrels, Cape pigeons and southern fulmars.

If conditions permit you may sail into the Weddell Sea through the wild yet majestic Antarctic Sound. Colloquially known as, ”Iceberg Alley” thanks to enormous tabular icebergs. Once through the Weddell Sea you make your way to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. During your time here you will explore the landscape from the vessel and the unique vantage point via helicopter.

Helicopter flights may include the following areas:

The west slopes of the Antarctic Sound – see the contrasting landscapes consisting of layered sandstone, lava flows, glaciers, icebergs and packed ice. If you’re lucky, you will spot the elusive emperor penguin and may also see Adelie penguins and seabirds such as, petrels, kelp gulls and skuas.

Duse Bay – land on a rocky hillock close to see a nearby refuge hut overlooking this bay.

Seymour Island – this is the island where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 – 1904 took place. Here there are sedimentary rocks, fossils and spectacular views of the island itself.

If conditions permit, deeper adventures into the Weddell Sea may include:

Devil Island – home of large colonies of Adelie penguins ideal for hikers offering breathtaking views on top of the hill.

Brown Bluff – an iced-capped volcanic island with sheer canyon walls and fallen boulders unique it its structure of a flat-topped and steep-sided volcano that has erupted from within a glacier. Adelie and Gentoo penguins as wells nesting snow petrels live here.

Gourdin Island – great landing to observe chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins up close.

Esperanza Base – one of only two civilian settlements in Antarctica is the Argentine research base operating all year round.

Today you sail to Deception Island for the last landing of your voyage landing either at Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay. After this you will begin your journey home by crossing the Drake Passage.

Deception Island is known for its striking beauty and distinct horseshoe shape, its a great landing spot with a unique blend of steaming beaches, volcanic slopes and ash.

As you continue your journey home take this time to reflect on the highlights of your trip taking advantage of your final chances to spot whales and seabirds viewed from the decks.

Say your final farewells to new found friends and the expedition crew as you disembark the Ortelius upon arrival in Ushuaia. Take a group transfer from the dock to the airport for your forward flight.

While at sea spot the species of albatrosses that follow the vessel as well as storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels that fly about the sky. Take this time to familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship and get to know your fellow travellers or take in the views from the decks.

An abundance of wildlife can be observed in the rugged and raw land of the Falkland Islands. Native wildlife include kelp geese, rockhopper penguins, and Magellanic penguins. If conditions permit you may visit the following areas:

Carcass Island – a picturesque island located on West Falkland named after a Royal Navy ship, HMS Carcass, which arrived 1766. A birders paradise with many Magellanic penguins, Gentoos, Cobb’s wrens and tussock birds live on the island.

Saunders Island – known for the black-browed albatross that inhabit the island alongside imperial shags, rockhopper penguins, the elusive king penguin, Magellanic penguins and Gentoos.

Visit the Falklands capital, Stanley recognised by its brightly coloured buildings and English- style architecture. Explore this quaint and charming town to see local attractions such as the museum, Jetty Visitor Centre and the Christ Church Cathedral – some attractions may have admission fees which are not included in the voyage.

You make your way towards South Georgia crossing the Antarctic Convergence – where the Antarctic waters mix with the warmer waters of the the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. You may see a variety of seabirds including  albatrosses, petrels, Cape pigeons and southern fulmars.

Today you arrive in South Georgia, also known as an Antarctic oasis due to the sheer number of penguins and seals that breed here. Rich in biodiversity and abundant in wildlife – there are many opportunities to visit various sites, if weather and conditions permit, these may include:

Prion Island –  observe the gentle nature of albatross that sit and nurse their chicks during breeding season. This location is closed during the early part of breeding season (November 20 – January 7).

Fortuna Bay – a surreal site surrounded by a panorama of rugged mountains. You can walk the footsteps of the famous explorer, Ernest Shackleton or visit the relics of an abandoned whaling village of Stromness.

Salisbury Plain – a broad coastal plain with snow-capped mountains that line the horizon in almost all directions. This landscape is home to large colonies of king penguins.

St. Andrews Bay – a picturesque site of vast glaciers bordered by snow-capped mountains home to an abundant number elephant seals and fur seals.

Gold Harbour – a great site to see elephant seals, fur seals and light-mantled albatross. Its scenery includes black-sand beaches, blue sheen glaciers splashed with sunset coloured waterfalls.

Grytviken – an abandoned settlement and formerly a whaling station. Stroll through the Grytviken to see king penguins walking the streets and roaming elephants seals throughout.

Today you head south towards South Orkney. Views from the decks may reveal sea ice during this time as well as seabirds such as skuas and snow petrels that trail the vessel.

You may visit Orcadas Base, an Argentine scientific research station located on Laurie Island. Alternatively you may visit Shingle Cove in Signy Island.

Be awestruck by the enormous icebergs in this part of journey. You may also spot whales here.

If conditions are met, you will sail into the Weddell Sea known for its enormous tabular icebergs. You may stop Paulet Island to see the huge population of Adelie penguins and visit the volcanic island of Brown Bluff.

Alternatively, you will go en route for Elephant Island and head into Bransfield Strait then  continuing to Gerlache Strait known for its blue spiked icebergs as well as spotting humpback whales.

If ice conditions allow, you may sail through the Lemaire Channel – a  natural corridor of calm water reflecting the cliff and glaciers that go along it.

Be greeted by an array of familiar seabirds. Take this time to reflect on the highlights of your trip and take advantage of your final chances to spot whales while you cross the Drake Passage.

Say your final farewells to new found friends and the expedition crew as you disembark the Ortelius upon arrival in Ushuaia. Take a group transfer from the dock to the airport for your forward flight.

Begin your journey in the southernmost city, Ushuaia embarking the Ortelius in the afternoon.

Stand in awe of the striking landscape as no two glaciers will be alike throughout your time here. If conditions permit you may visit the following areas:

Cuverville Island – A small island and is home to the largest Gentoo penguin colony on the Antarctic Peninsula. Watch these comical creatures go about their daily life.

Neko Harbour – Mountains, glaciers and abundant wild is what you can expect from Neko Harbour. Take a zodiac cruise to get close to penguins and close views of the stunning alpine peaks.

Paradise Bay – this spectacular bay is surrounded by glaciated mountains and home to a variety of flourishing fauna, cormorants, seals and Gentoo penguins.

When you wake in the morning you may be nearing the Antarctic Circle as you sail south of the Lemaire Channel. If conditions allow, you mail sail through the narrow Gullet Channel.

Explore this area from the ship or take a Zodiac cruise to get even closer to the polar terrain.

You may visit the following sites:

Pourquoi Pas Island – a mountainous island known for its fjords and glacier mountains.

Horseshoe Island – the site of the former British Base Y, a research station.

Stonington Island and Hanusse Bay

An alternative program

If the route to the south of Crystal Sound/Hanusse Bay is blocked by ice may include going around the western side of Adelaide Island. If this is not possible, the program may continue to explore the Antarctica Peninsula and areas around the Penola and Gerlache Straits.

Nearing the Antarctic Circle you may see humpback whales as well as more Adelie penguins among the icebergs nearby. Landings on Petermann and Pleneau Islands offer a great variety of birdlife to observe while Zodiac cruising among icebergs are a great way to see leopard and crabeater seals. Keep your eyes peeled for minkewhales, humpback whales and Gentoo penguins that are known to the area.

Be greeted by an array of familiar seabirds. Take this time to reflect on the highlights of your trip and take advantage of your final chances to spot whales while you cross the Drake Passage.

Say your final farewells to new found friends and the expedition crew as you disembark the Ortelius upon arrival in Ushuaia. Take a group transfer from the dock to the airport for your forward flight.