This natural history voyage gives us the chance to not only visit the incredible geographic range of The Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, but it provides a unique way of experiencing Antarctica's dramatic wilderness by kayaking, skiing and camping under the polar skies.

The Falkland Islands has a rich cultural history but equally as intriguing are its breeding colonies of black-browed albatross, rockhopper, magellanic, gentoo and king penguins, snowy sheathbills not to mention the breeding grounds for elephant and fur seals. Even from the harbor road in Stanley, one can see steamer ducks ‘powering’ their way down the inlet, while pods of delightfully playful commerson's dolphins ride the bow wave of any moving boat they find, which could include your kayak.

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.

South Georgia is an almost unbelievable wildlife haven that will inspire and enthral all who spend time there. It is also the resting place for Sir Ernest Shackleton, his grave found in the hills above Grytviken. Glaciers are easily viewed along the coastline as they sparkle with dangerous beauty above the blue oceans and green valley’s below, while on the beaches fur and elephant male seals dominate the goings on. With much noise and energy, they claim their territories and parade for their harems.

From here our journey continues to the South Orkney Islands and on to the Antarctic Peninsula where we explore the mainland before sailing through the spectacular Lemaire channel with its opportunity for good whale sightings.  Only a select few have been privileged to camp overnight on the Antarctic Peninsula. It is a very personal experience to be alone in one of the world’s great wildernesses, with just a tent, a sleeping bag and the intense sense of solitude. High quality mountain tents, bags and mats are provided as your protection from the polar elements. Your overnight stay is carefully planned and discretely overseen by professional expedition staff, in close communication with your home-base ship off-shore.

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. Daily guided zodiac landings along with the on-board lecture programmes, will enrich your experience and knowledge of these remote lands.

For a detailed draft itinerary please click HERE

Voyage Dates: 20 day voyage Ushuaia-Ushuaia *this voyage inc 1st night in an Ushuaia hotel 2008 :             Nov04-Nov23        Dec02-Dec21 2009 :             Jan19-Feb07        Feb22-Mar13 Prices for 2008/9 from:                      £4550  p/p three sharing non private cabins                      £5390  p/p twin sharing facilities                      £6395  p/p twin private facilities                      £7450  p/p Superior                       £7895  p/p Amundsen (Prices exclude fuel surcharge of 2008/09: £12.50pp per night onboard  - 2009/10:£33pp per night onboard)               Surcharges: Kayaking: 2008/9: £376 - 2009/10: £460 Skiing: 2008/9: £135 - 2009/10: £330 Camping 2008/9: Free - 2009/10: £135 all on a first come first served basisSingle 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. For detailed pricing on all our Antarctic Voyages, please click HERE  Rates for the 2008-09 season include: Hotel accommodation, with continental breakfast, the night prior to embarkation Shipboard accommodation from day of embarkation to disembarkation *All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage Zodiac transfers and sightseeing while aboard Education program Group transfer between hotel and vessel upon embarkation Group transfer between vessel and airport following disembarkation Rubber boots loan service Complimentary parka Photographic Journal on DVD All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program Excluded: Airfares. Pre and post land arrangements (other than specified above) Cancellation and personal insurance Passports and visas. Arrival and departure tax Meals ashore. Baggage. Items of a personal nature (alcohol, laundry etc). Tips. Itinerary :  Ushuaia-Ushuaia Activity Level: Medium

 
Photographs kindly provided by Chloe Burnett, Murray Watson, Jamie Scarrow, Dan Leeth