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| Kayaking, Camping & Skiing - Crossing the Circle | |||
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An expedition to cross the Antarctic Circle is one many dream of, venturing deeper south than others have explored beyond latitude 66°33'39" and into the region of continuous daylight. This natural history experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to kayak, camp and cross-country ski, in and around this incomparable wilderness. Kayaking allows us to explore close-up, providing a unique perspective that offers intimate contact with our surroundings. It takes only a moment or two to get used to the paddle in our hands before we are totally absorbed in the incredible wildness that is Antarctica. We may encounter penguins, seals and other marine life in close proximity as we glide silently past sculpted icebergs. We can inspect krill, the ‘building block’ for all ocean life at close quarters and listen to the eerie noise of the brash ice as we float by. The kayaks used are 5m Prijon tandem models, stable and surprisingly comfortable. All kayaking activities are under the leadership of two highly qualified instructors with a zodiac safety boat in constant communication. There are several sites around the Peninsula which also offer an excellent opportunity for cross-country skiing. Exploring these virgin slopes on skis is an intense and invigorating experience, enabling you to reach greater altitudes on the peninsula, offering incorporable views. This expedition sails to the Antarctic Peninsula visiting the South Shetlands with their inhabitants of fur seals, elephant seals, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. En route and with luck, further south the ship passes through the spellbindingly beautiful Lemaire channel with its towering snow capped peaks so close to us (the Lemaire is only half-a-mile wide in places) with its glaciers and rocky outcrops, it sums up what people often dream Antarctica will look like. From Goudier Island where crabeater seals breed, the ship explores even deeper south, through the Gerlache Strait where the icebergs increase in size and you realise that Antarctica is not solely about the wilderness or the wildlife but the incredible mixture of the two. Fog hangs in the morning air over Crystal Sound and the noise of birds reach you from both shore and air as we pass other islands. Amongst the islands it may be possible to spot humpback whales, killerwhales, minke and fin, who’s breath can be heard on constant rasps over the water in early morning silences.
Voyage Dates: Prices for 2009/2010 season from : Single supplement: Single occupancy price is 1.8 times the per person cabin price.However this does not apply if you are prepared to share a cabin with another passenger of the same gender. Included: Excluded: Activity Level: Medium |
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