Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea

Overview
This voyage showcases the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, combining an exploration of the western side with an in-depth discovery of the less-visited, more remote eastern side - the Weddell Sea. Here you will find abundant penguin rookeries, incredible icebergs and unforgettable landing sites.
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Shore landings & Zodiac cruises
- Experienced Expedition Team
- Presentations on board
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
Full description
This variation on our peninsula itineraries allows a more wide-spread exploration of Antarctica, providing a fantastic opportunity to experience the continent's scenery, wildlife and history.
The Weddell Sea side, or eastern side, of the peninsula is home to vast icebergs and a Zodiac cruise amongst these impressive structures is a memorable experience. Other highlights include the countless Adelie penguins to be found on Paulet Island, we well as an insight into early polar exploration.
In addition is the opportunity to visit the sheltered western side of the peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, making this a comprehensive introduction to Antarctica.
Prices & Dates *
Offers
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
2019/20 Departures - Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Prices from (pp) | Special Interest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
07 Nov 2019*** | 15 days | RCGS Resolute | £12,300 | Photography | |
28 Jan 2020 | 11 days | M/V Ushuaia | £6,528 | ||
14 Feb 2020 | 15 days | Hebridean Sky | £12,396 | ||
03 Mar 2020** | 13 days | Greg Mortimer | £9,520 |
** This departure embarks from King George Island (Chile) and disembarks in Ushuaia (Argentina)
*** This departure embarks and disembarks in Stanley (Falklands)
Activity Key:
Kayaking
Camping
2020/21 Departures - Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Prices from (pp) | Special Interest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
06 Jan 2021 | 16 days | Hebridean Sky | £11,996 | ||
17 Jan 2021 | 11 days | M/V Ushuaia | £6,856 | ||
21 Feb 2021** | 11 days | Greg Mortimer | £10,320 |
**This departure embarks and disembarks from King George Island (Chile)
Activity Key:
Kayaking
Camping
Diving
Snorkelling
Paddle-boarding
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Tea & coffee available around the clock
- All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
- Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection »
NOTES
- A pre-voyage night in a hotel in Punta Arenas, with a flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, is included on voyages aboard the Greg Mortimer. For the 2020/21 season, a post-voyage night in a hotel in Punta Arenas and a return flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas is also included on voyages aboard the Greg Mortimer.
- A pre-voyage night in a hotel in Ushuaia is included on voyages aboard the Hebridean Sky. For the 2020-21 season, two pre-voyage nights in a hotel are included on voyages aboard the Hebridean Sky.
Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.
Itinerary & Vessels
Itinerary & Vessels
Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. Tonight you will meet with your fellow passengers and receive your expedition briefing.
Days 2: Punta Arenas - King George Island
Transfer to the airport and take your seat for the flight south. King George Island is part of the South Shetlands archipelago, which lie about 160km off the coast of Antarctica. On arrival into King George Island you will be met by your expedition team and transferred by Zodiac to your ship.
Days 3-9: Antarctic Peninsula & the Weddell Sea
Your time in Antarctica will be divided, subject to conditions, between the eastern and western sides of the Peninsula. Possible landing sites along the west coast include Melchiors, Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island and Orne Harbour. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator - the leopard seal.
The Antarctic Sound separates the western side of the Peninsula from the Weddell Sea and is often riddled with huge pieces of ice emanating from the Larsen Ice Shelf. The Antarctic Sound itself offers great places to get ashore and stretch your legs at landing sites that are home to nesting Adelie and gentoo penguins. Snow and pintado petrels as well as kelp gulls also call this area home.
The Weddell Sea is as stunning as it is remote, and is best known as the location where Shackleton's 'Endurance' came to its end, crushed by sea ice. Take a zodiac cruise amongst huge tabular icebergs and perhaps land on Paulet Island. The island is a 350 meter high volcanic cone that juts dramatically out of the sea. Over 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins breed here, along with blue-eyed shags, snowy sheathbills and kelp gulls. Fur seals and Weddell seals haul out onshore, while leopard seals often hunt offshore.
Day 10: disembark at King George Island
Returning north disembark at King George Island and board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Enjoy an overnight stay in the city.
Day 11: fly to Punta Arenas
Enjoy breakfast with your fellow expeditioners in the hotel before saying your farewells.
Notes
- All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only - embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
- The above sample itinerary is based on the 11-day voyage on the Greg Mortimer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, including alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports. Please contact us for specific details.
M/V Ushuaia
Antarctica
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
A former research vessel offering affordable Antarctic voyages, the M/V Ushuaia is small, simple and comfortable.
Discover MoreThe Greg Mortimer
Multi-destination
Grade: Deluxe
Type: Expedition Ship
Brand new for 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.
Discover MoreM/V Plancius
Antarctica
Grade: Simple
Type: Expedition Ship
The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters.
Discover MoreHebridean Sky
Antarctica
Grade: Superior
Type: Expedition Ship
The ice-strengthened Hebridean Sky is an ‘all suite’ vessel offering a classic expedition cruising style, combined with superior accommodation and an exceptional level of service.
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