Crossing the Antarctic Circle Via Falklands & South
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Tel : +47 22413030 | Epost :[email protected]| Web :www.reisebazaar.no Karl Johans gt. 23, 0159 Oslo, Norway Crossing the Antarctic Circle via Falklands & South Georgia from Buenos Aires Turkode Destinasjoner Turen starter GQMCF Antarktika - Argentina - Buenos Aires Falklandsøyene - Sør-Georgia Turen destinasjon Buenos Aires Reisen er levert av 23 dager Fra : NOK Oversikt Become well acquainted with Antarctica's icy wilderness on this crossing of the Antarctic Circle that stops by the Falklands and South Georgia. Cruise across oceans bubbling with sealife, step foot on islands that few people get to walk on and witness massive glaciers and sparkling ice sheets glistening in the ocean. Learn about the local fauna from experts during onboard presentations, grasp the sheer magnitude of Shackleton's survival in South Georgia and wander among thousands of penguins in the Falklands. At 23 days in length, this crossing of the Antarctic Circle will endow a deep appreciation of this astounding region. Reiserute Buenos Aires, Argentina Welcome to Buenos Aires, where your Antarctic adventure begins. Arrive into the city at any time today, and independently transfer to the group hotel (accommodation is included for the night). After checking in, meet your fellow travellers and be briefed by the expedition team about the journey ahead. If you arrive early into Buenos Aires, there’s plenty to see and do. Perhaps explore the neighbourhood of La Boca, pay your respects to Eva Peron at the famous Recoleta Cemetery or search through the antique markets of San Telmo. Embarkation in Ushuaia After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia. On arrival, enjoy free time exploring this Patagonian port town at the ‘end-of-the-world’. In the late afternoon set sail through the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and opens up into the Southern Ocean. Photo opportunities abound, as dramatic coastlines emerge and seabirds sore overhead. At Sea There are many activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Take advantage of the library of books available on the ship, become acquainted with fellow travellers at the bar and enjoy spectacular views from the deck. Thick parkas will be provided to keep you warm. The expedition team will conduct a series of presentations to prepare you for the Zodiac cruises and shore landings ahead. Falkland Islands Explore the two main islands, East and West, of the rugged Falkland archipelago on Zodiac excursions and daily landings. Visit the capital of Stanley, a remote and peaceful outpost with a British country charm. There are plenty of churches and museums to explore, and the locals are often happy to chat over a drink at the pub. Wildlife sightings around the Falkland Islands should include at least three species of penguin and two endemic bird species - Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. The expedition team will educate you on the local flora and fauna so you will know what you’re looking for. POSSIBLE LANDING SITES AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS - FALKLAND ISLANDS CARCASS ISLAND The 8 km long (five mile) island, northwest of West Falkland, belongs to Rob and Lorraine McGill. It's a picturesque island, where songbirds nest among the luxuriant growth that covers the gently rolling landscape. The island is named after a Royal Navy ship, the HMS Carcass, which arrived in 1766. NEW ISLAND The most southwesterly island in the archipelago is about 13 km (eight miles) long and 800 m wide. The western side of the island is a cliff 183 m high, while the eastern side slopes to the sea. Tony Chater and Ian Strange hold ownership of the island, and have turned their respective portions into nature reserves. STANLEY The deep-water harbour of Stanley was the economic mainstay of the Falkland area in the 19th century. Sailing ships damaged while rounding Cape Horn called in for expensive repairs, and vessels carrying fortune seekers on their way to the gold fields of California and Australia often docked at Stanley as well. Stanley is as lively as it gets in the Falklands, and the future of the port may be bright if hydrocarbon deposits off the coast prove to be abundant. WEST POINT ISLAND The Napier family has owned this island since the 1860s. Black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins nest on cliffs along the water’s edge, and Commerson’s dolphins are often seen in the water surrounding the island. The following Optional Activities are available to participate in, on some or all of the departures of this itinerary. These must be booked in advance (additional costs apply) and space is limited. KAYAKING – Our kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of maximum 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. Kayaking is open to all levels of experience, however kayaking in the polar waters is not suitable for novice kayakers. Beginners interested in kayaking should first take an introductory course prior to the voyage which includes how to do a wet exit. In addition regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practise prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in the icy conditions. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING - Combining surfing with kayaking or canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. This activity is taken in small groups in good weather conditions on calm bays and harbours, with a Zodiac following for your safety. INCLUDED OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES PHOTOGRAPHY - Antarctica is one of the most abundantly photogenic destinations in the world. Penguins amble across pebbled beaches, whales spy-hop from the crystal blue sea and sparkling icebergs tower in this serene, yet dramatic environment. Whether you own a serious SLR or a simple point-and-shoot, our on-board photography expert provides you with hands-on instruction and technical tips to ensure that you capture the best of your Antarctica experience. South Georgia South Georgia is sometimes referred to as the ‘Galapagos of the Poles’ due to the diversity and abundance of its wildlife. Visit rookeries teeming with hundreds of thousands of king and macaroni penguins. Encounter huge elephant seals or smaller fur seals, as well as shags, prions and albatrosses. You’ll also have the chance to see the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, at the settlement of Grytviken. Excursions are determined by weather conditions, but your expedition team will ensure that each landing offers something unique. POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS – SOUTH GEORGIA DRYGALSKI FJORD This is a photogenic and dramatic ord, with sharp and jagged peaks rising out of the sea. Glaciation never reached the peaks of this ord, giving it a unique landscape. GOLD HARBOUR The backdrop to this harbour is the hanging Bertrab Glacier. King and gentoo penguins call this place home, as do rowdy elephant and fur seals. GRYTVIKEN Only a handful of people live on South Georgia, a United Kingdom overseas territory. Two of them are curators of the South Georgia Museum, located in the former whaling station manager’s villa. A church was built for the whaling community and is the only building in Grytviken that is still used for its original purpose. PRION ISLAND Robert Cushman Murphy named this island for the species of petrels seen here. Wandering albatross are also known to nest on the island. SALISBURY PLAIN One of the largest king penguin rookeries in South Georgia is located on Salisbury Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers flank the plain, creating a perfect backdrop for photographers. ST. ANDREW'S BAY Thousands of breeding pairs of king penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay. It is the largest king penguin rookery on South Georgia and quite a spectacle to behold. Reindeer introduced by Norwegian whalers are known to feed on the grass in the area. STROMNESS This abandoned whaling station was in full operation the day that Ernest Shackleton and his companions staggered in after a 36-hour trek across the island. There is a small cemetery here, with the graves of 14 whalers. Antarctic Peninsula Enter another world as you sail past icebergs, glaciers and snow-covered mountains along the Antarctic Peninsula. From the ship, watch whales feed in the waters of the South Shetland Islands and enjoy the comical antics of penguins playing among the ice floes. Dependent on the weather, you’ll make several excursions over the next few days. Hike to see glaciers, visit research bases and search for fur and elephant seals on a Zodiac cruise. Some landings may be as simple as sitting on a beach and taking photographs of curious gentoo penguins, while others may include hiking up a hill to enjoy panoramic views of the Peninsula. You may also like to awaken your senses with a polar plunge into the sea, or take part in the sea kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance when booking your trip). POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS CUVERVILLE ISLAND A gentoo penguin rookery is situated on the north end of the island on a rocky beach. Depending on the time of season you visit, you may see them building nests or attending to their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls also breed on the island. DAMOY POINT If you're lucky enough to mail a postcard in Antarctica, you’ll likely pass through Damoy Point. This is the northern entrance to the harbour on which Port Lockroy is located. DANCO ISLAND This small island, 1.6 km (one mile) in length, is easy to explore and home to gentoo penguins.