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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 18 Days 2020 (Resolute)

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 18 Days 2020 (Resolute)

From USD $21,195

Description

The towering peaks and immense glacial systems of the Antarctic Peninsula are home to a great abundance of wildlife which we observe on shore, from the zodiacs and the ship. Large penguin rookeries are found at several locations and we encounter seals and whales in the iceberg filled waterways.

Opportunities to visit historic huts and active science stations add further interest. We explore on shore through guided walks which may last up to several hours. Or if you prefer to sit and observe the penguins as they come and go from the water – why not? The more active may choose the sea kayaking option and experience a whole new side of Antarctica.

Our journey continues as we follow the course taken by Sir Ernest Shackleton whose epic small boat journey, from Elephant Island across the Scotia Sea to South Georgia remains one of the greatest feats of navigation in history. We explore the northern coastline of the island, home to some of the largest king penguin colonies on earth. The shores are covered in wildlife – including nesting albatross, fur seals
and elephant seals. Rusting relics from the old whaling era sit silent and provide a dramatic contrast to the green tussock grass, and snowy peaks that surround us. We then head for the Falkland Islands and aim to spend one final day exploring the wildlife-rich Sea Lion Island and nearby by Bleaker Island. Our voyage comes to an end in Stanley – the small capital of the Falkland Islands. This is the classic small ship expedition to three unique locations.

Trip Name
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 18 Days 2020 (Resolute)
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 / USHUAIA (ARGENTINA)
Our journey to Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia,Argentina. We gather at our central meeting point and transferto the pier and embark our expedition ship. After settling intoour cabins and exploring the ship, we meet our expedition teamand fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy awelcome cocktail, dinner and cast off, bound for Antarctica andthe adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2 - DAY 2-3 / DRAKE PASSAGE - AT SEA TOWARDS ANTARCTICA
Sailing south towards Antarctica we will be joined by hundredsof seabirds including the wandering albatross will be ourconstant companions as we transit the Drake Passage.Photographing these magnificent birds takes patience andskill and our photography expert will be on hand to show youthe best techniques. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridge, orrelax in the spacious observation lounges and outer decks.Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with aseries of presentations about the environment, wildlife andhistory and the locations we hope to visit in the coming days.
Day 3 - DAYS 4-6 / GERLACHE STRAIT AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA EXPLORATION
Take a deep breath and venture out on deck as the toweringpeaks of the Antarctic continent are laid out before us. This isthe moment you have been waiting for. For the next three dayswe have a varied itinerary exploring the Gerlache coastlineand South Shetland Islands. We aim for Paradise Harbourand an opportunity to step foot on the contintal land mass ofAntarctica. For many, this is the fulfilment of a life-long goal. Asuperb hike here leads up to a high point affording incredibleviews of the glaciers and mountains. This is a good location toobserve nesting imperial cormorants on the cliffs. While Zodiaccruising or paddling the kayaks into nearby Skontorp Cove areother memorable activities – the small cove is surrounded bytowering glaciers on all three sides.Our activity program is in full swing by now, and each day weenjoy guided walks on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, andZodiac cruising among the ice with our expert guides providinginsight and interpretation. We have been exploring this sectionof Antarctica’s coastline for many years and we have a fewspecial locations in mind. The Errera Channel has several suchspots – including Danco Island – a dome-shaped sentinelproviding some great hiking options. Cuverville Island is anotherfavourite – with its substantial Gentoo penguin rookeries.We navigate north through the Gerlache Strait towards SpertIsland - a little visited rocky outcrop with remarkable geology.The island is criss-crossed by narrow channels which makesfor fantastic Zodiac cruising and sea kayaking. The cliffs arehome to numerous nesting bird species and we often encounterwhales here. Nearby Mikkelson Harbour also allows for anotheroff-ship excursion. After several busy days of exploration wehead north, bound for the South Shetland Islands. This is animportant whale migration corridor and we expect sightings ofhumpbacks, or the resident orca group that inhabit this area.If weather conditions permit, we sail the ship right into themiddle of a volcanic caldera at Deception Island. This is a verydramatic place and home to several penguin rookeries alongthe black sand beaches. History is all around us as we explorethe old whaling station, with the rusted relics and dilapidatedwooden buildings. Fur seals gather among the old structuresseeking protection from the elements. At the far end of thebeach is an old aircraft hangar. This is where Australian, SirHubert Wilkins made the very first flight in Antarctica in 1928.There is an outstanding hike here to a location known as‘Neptune’s Window’ - high up onto the rim of the crater.
Day 4 - DAY 7 / ELEPHANT ISLAND
After several busy days of exploration along the AntarcticPeninsula and the South Shetlands, we head for ElephantIsland – a location forever connected to the story of Sir ErnestShackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition a century ago.Point Lookout on the southern tip of Elephant Island is hometo an impressive chinstrap penguin colony. Macaroni penguinsalso breed here and are a species we have yet to encounter to date. Both southern elephant seals and fur seals are hauledout on the rocky beaches. If conditions permit, we hope to visitthe fabled location of Point Wild on the north coast of ElephantIsland. It is here that Shackleton and his men were encampedunder their upturned life boats for several months in 1917,before five men set off on a rescue mission to South Georgia intheir tiny lifeboat – the 'James Caird'.
Day 5 - DAYS 8-10 / SCOTIA SEA – TOWARDS SOUTH GEORGIA
Departing Elephant Island we cannot help but ponder thejourney made by Shackleton and his four companions – as theyattempted the near impossible – navigating 800 nautical miles ina 24-foot converted lifeboat across the tempestuous Scotia Seato South Georgia. We make a much easier time of the crossingin our state-of-the-art expedition ship. Onboard experts keep usbusy with fascinating presentations and lead lively discussionsthroughout the day. The great pelagic seabirds are sure to keepus company – and we anticipate excellent sightings of albatrossand giant petrels. Anticipation builds as the mountainous peaksappear on the horizon, marking our arrival at South Georgia.
Day 6 - DAYS 11-13 / EXPLORATION OF SOUTH GEORGIA
Having arrived in South Georgia we spend the next three daysexploring the coastline. Dark sand beaches, tussock coveredhinterland and a backdrop of towering peaks and glaciers area feast for all the senses. South Georgia has often been calledthe 'greatest wildlife show on earth'. Seals cover the beaches,seabirds fill the skies and living in rookeries of immense size,are the majestic king penguins. Our plan is to visit several ofthese huge colonies – where naturalists estimate that morethan 100,000 adult and juvenile penguins live in close proximity.Locations may include Gold Harbour, Royal Bay, St AndrewsBay and Salisbury Plain.Dotted along the coastline are the rusting relics of the earlywhaling era. The largest of these locations is Grytviken. Here wefind a fascinating museum and a beautifully restored NorwegianLutheran Church. Adjacent to the old whaling station lies a smallcemetery. This is the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton– who was laid to rest here in 1922. For many onboard, being inthe presence of the great explorer is a highlight of the trip.We continue our journey along the coastline, hoping to visitStromness – another former whaling station – and the finaldestination of Shackleton and companions Frank Worsley andTom Crean having made the near impossible traverse acrossthe interior of South Georgia after their epic boat trip fromAntarctica a century ago.
Day 7 - DAYS 14-16 / AT SEA – TOWARDS THE FALKLANDS
By now we are in sensory overload, our cameras full of imagesand our journey towards the Falkland Islands commences.The spectacular seabirds including several albatross and petrelspecies are our constant companions as they soar above theship. The onboard educational program continues, and ourexperts recap our remarkable journey to date. These daysprovide a good opportunity to catch up on journal entries, sortthrough your images at the multimedia stations and catch somerest after several busy weeks of activity.
Day 8 - DAY 17 / FALKLAND ISLANDS
We wake to the sight of landfall in the Falkland Islands.Approaching Sea Lion Island, we first note the very barrenand windswept landscape, exposed to the prevailing weatherthat originates in the Drake Passage. We launch the Zodiacsand go ashore to view the incredible diversity of wildlife foundat this location. Three species of penguin including gentoo,magellanic and rockhopper, as well as southern elephant sealsand South American sea lions are known to inhabit the area.King cormorants and striated caracaras are just some of thebird species we expect to see. As we cruise along the coastof the Falklands, bound for Stanley, we enjoy a special dinnerattended by the ship’s Captain.
Day 9 - DAY 18 / ARRIVE STANLEY (FALKLAND ISLANDS) – VOYAGE CONCLUDES – FLY BACK TO SANTIAGO (CHILE)
This morning we find ourselves back in the port of Stanley. Wesay goodbye to our crew and after some free time in town,make our way to the airport for our return charter flight toSantiago. On arrival in Santiago our journey comes to an end.Onward regional and international flight connections may bepossible this evening. Discuss the options with your bookingagent. A transfer is provided to a downtown location for thosechoosing to stay and explore Santiago and the delights of Chile.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at thetime of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leadercontinually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weatherand ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a largenumber of outstanding landing sites and Zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavyice may hinder our planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-01-202014-02-2020USD $21,195Triple Private
28-01-202014-02-2020USD $25,595Twin Private
28-01-202014-02-2020USD $26,995Superior
28-01-202014-02-2020USD $27,395Superior Plus
28-01-202014-02-2020USD $28,795Shackleton Suite
28-01-202014-02-2020USD $29,995One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Fantastic glaciated scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
    • Outstanding wildlife observation on shore, Zodiac cruising and from the ship
    • Visits to historic sites and science stations
    • Learn about the environment, wildlife, history and ecology from polar experts

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