Compare Spirit of Antarctica by Aurora Expeditions
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 8,500 |
| Price Per Day | $ 708 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage |
| Description |
Antarctic adventures are best enjoyed midsummer, when near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out, early alpine climbing starts or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks and waterways are alive with whales and seals. We visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth. |
Day 1
Fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams. Enjoy a guided tour of the rustic port and beautiful surrounds. Embark Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon for introductory and safety briefings, then set sail along the Beagle Channel.
Days 2-3
Our Drake Passage crossing offers cape petrels darting about the ship, black-browed and wandering albatross soaring, and Wilson’s storm petrels flitting above the sea. Learn about Antarctica from our expert naturalist and safety and environmental guidelines from our expedition team as we prepare for our first landing, possibly late on Day 3.
Days 4-9
An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations and cruise near exquisite icebergs. Our kayakers glide into secluded bays, climbers ascend pristine peaks and our snorkellers delight in marine discoveries. Stepping ashore on the continent creates an everlasting memory. We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night. A curious leopard seal cruising amongst spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch (ours, not the leopard seal’s); loading Zodiacs after dinner for an orca cruise. If the weather allows, we may even sleep-out on the ice – a must for any Antarctic explorer!
Days 10-11
As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner.
Day 12
We enjoy a gentle cruise along the Beagle Channel in the early morning. Disembark after breakfast for onward travel or to savour more time in Ushuaia.
