With a very last minute deal we decided to go back to Antarctica
– this time it is all about Emperor Penguins (the only penguins we didn’t see
on our last trip)
Trip Description:
It’s a good thing I like to gamble; we are definitely gambling
on this trip hoping we get to see the big guys!
Itinerary
Day 1
Embark the vessel in the
afternoon and sail through the scenic Beagle Channel.
Day 2 – 3
Sail across the Drake Passage
and cross the Antarctic Convergence. Arrive in the Antarctic upwelling zone.
You may encounter Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black-browed
Albatrosses, Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars,
Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels.
Day 4 – 7
A typical itinerary in the
Weddell Sea could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary
will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board and prevailing weather
conditions:
Sail into the Weddell Sea and admire huge tabular icebergs that announce your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Utilize the helicopters in an attempt to find individual Emperor Penguins. Scenic flights will be on offer, and if the conditions allow, land on tabular icebergs and locations otherwise inaccessible this early in the season. Possible landing sites include Brown Bluff, one of the most scenic spots in the entire northern tip of the Antarctic Continent. With steep canyon walls and tumbling boulders, an ice-cap looming above and beautiful volcanic creations, the scene is complete with thousands of Adelie penguins nesting on the slopes.
A beautiful helicopter flight over huge blue icebergs might also be made near View Point in Duse Bay. Land on a rocky hillock close to an old refuge hut overlooking the bay. Walk over snow, ice and a beautiful frost-shattered rock covered with the most fascinating lichen in a vast array of shapes and colors. If the ice situation allows for further exploration into the Weddell Sea, you will visit Devil Island and Vega Island with a large colony of Adelie penguins and a magnificent view for those hikers who want to climb to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes provides a spectacular waterfall. Further south, you may also visit Seymour Island, where many fossils can be found. On your way north through the Antarctic Sound, perhaps pay a visit to the Argentinean station, or Gourdin Island with its three species of penguins: chinstraps, Gentoo and Adelies.
Day 5-6: Alternative program if the route to Snow Hill Island is free of multi-year pack-ice:
The use of helicopters has a great advantage for attempting to reach the Emperor Penguin colony, but the itinerary is ruled by ice and weather conditions. The helicopter flight duration takes approximately 15 minutes. The helicopter can accommodate 6 passengers per helicopter flight. The landing point of the helicopters will be carefully chosen so as not to disturb the emperor penguins. Therefore, after arrival, you will continue your expedition on foot. After a walk of approx. 45 minutes, experience an amazing encounter with the magnificent Emperor Penguins. Keep in mind that you are in the world’s most remote area and there are no guarantees, including a specific amount of helicopter time. Conditions may change rapidly, having its impact on the helicopter operation and passengers should understand and accept this. Safety is the greatest concern and no compromises will be made.
Sail into the Weddell Sea and admire huge tabular icebergs that announce your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Utilize the helicopters in an attempt to find individual Emperor Penguins. Scenic flights will be on offer, and if the conditions allow, land on tabular icebergs and locations otherwise inaccessible this early in the season. Possible landing sites include Brown Bluff, one of the most scenic spots in the entire northern tip of the Antarctic Continent. With steep canyon walls and tumbling boulders, an ice-cap looming above and beautiful volcanic creations, the scene is complete with thousands of Adelie penguins nesting on the slopes.
A beautiful helicopter flight over huge blue icebergs might also be made near View Point in Duse Bay. Land on a rocky hillock close to an old refuge hut overlooking the bay. Walk over snow, ice and a beautiful frost-shattered rock covered with the most fascinating lichen in a vast array of shapes and colors. If the ice situation allows for further exploration into the Weddell Sea, you will visit Devil Island and Vega Island with a large colony of Adelie penguins and a magnificent view for those hikers who want to climb to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes provides a spectacular waterfall. Further south, you may also visit Seymour Island, where many fossils can be found. On your way north through the Antarctic Sound, perhaps pay a visit to the Argentinean station, or Gourdin Island with its three species of penguins: chinstraps, Gentoo and Adelies.
Day 5-6: Alternative program if the route to Snow Hill Island is free of multi-year pack-ice:
The use of helicopters has a great advantage for attempting to reach the Emperor Penguin colony, but the itinerary is ruled by ice and weather conditions. The helicopter flight duration takes approximately 15 minutes. The helicopter can accommodate 6 passengers per helicopter flight. The landing point of the helicopters will be carefully chosen so as not to disturb the emperor penguins. Therefore, after arrival, you will continue your expedition on foot. After a walk of approx. 45 minutes, experience an amazing encounter with the magnificent Emperor Penguins. Keep in mind that you are in the world’s most remote area and there are no guarantees, including a specific amount of helicopter time. Conditions may change rapidly, having its impact on the helicopter operation and passengers should understand and accept this. Safety is the greatest concern and no compromises will be made.
Day 8
In the morning, visit Half Moon
Island where you can see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, various other bird
species and elephant seals and Weddell seals.
Early in the afternoon, sail to Deception Island where you have the last landing of your voyage at Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay.
Early in the afternoon, sail to Deception Island where you have the last landing of your voyage at Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay.
Day 9 – 10
Heading north, you’ll again be
followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the famous Drake
Passage.
Day 11
Arrive in the morning in
Ushuaia, disembark and transfer to the airport.
I wish you many Emperor Penguins!
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