Quest for the Antarctic Circle 12 Days Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Take an exhilarating twist on a classic expedition to the Antarctic Circle, combining passage by air and sea to maximize your experience. Cross the Drake Passage from the Falkland Islands, enjoying exciting days of onshore exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula. Journeying south, cruise among dramatic ice floes in Zodiac boats, and witness magnificent wildlife and seabirds, including humpback whales and albatross. Experience fertile ocean habitats, the thrilling moods of the water and weather, and optional kayaking. End your voyage with a two-hour flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas.

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Arrive: Punta Arenas, Chile “I have taken 12 trips with MT Sobek. Each has left a positive imprint on me Depart: Punta Arenas, Chile —widening my view of the world and its peoples.” Duration: 12 Days Jane B.

Group Size: Up to 96 Guests “MT Sobek took care of everything for Minimum Age: 10 Years Old our extended family vacation. Not a hiccup in the planning, the itinerary, the Activity Level: Level 1 lodging or the guide. Everything in life . should be so easy.” Kathy J. REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 MT Sobek's Polar Value We include emergency medical Over 30 years offering polar Promise means that we offer insurance and emergency evacuation voyages we have built strong in-house services to help coverage as a value-added benefit relationships with polar plan and execute you polar at no additional cost to you. outfitters and ships that adventure for no added cost. cruise the 7th continent.

ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Expert polar interpretation and Stylish and well-appointed polar The weather in Antarctica is presentations, professional expedition vessels offer a luxurious unpredictable. There may be warm navigation through Antarctic way to explore Antarctica. One sunshine, but be prepared for waters, and up-close wildlife night included at the Hotel Cabo wind, rain, and snow. Daytime experiences on shore and by de Hornos in Punta Arenas. temperatures are usually 20-32F. Zodiac.Optional kayaking for a fee.

Daniel began a career as a special education teacher and David has worked as a guide, naturalist, photographer and in his off time explored the natural world on camping and expedition leader in the Polar Region for over ten years. David backpacking trips all over the United States and abroad as a has a wide array of outdoor experience. Notably, he skied member for the United States Peace Corps. He eventually made across Greenland and then returned to Greenland in 2007 to his way to Alaska and began working as a wilderness canoeing climb the highest peaks north of the Arctic Circle. In the off- guide. This afforded him the opportunity to teach travelers season, splits his time between nature photography, marine about the natural history of the area, from glaciers and their plastic pollution advocacy, and practicing law. “It is an absolute effect on the landscape to the flora, fauna and cultural history of privilege to work in the polar regions and to work with so many Southeast Alaska. amazing, positive and passionate people.” David’s leadership

Daniel Johnston and expertise consistently endear him to MT Sobek travelers. David Sinclair Itinerary DAY 1 FLY FROM PUNTA ARENAS TO STANLEY Meet in Punta Arenas and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Stanley, Falkland Islands. Take some time to explore this rural town with its brightly colored houses, pretty flower-filled gardens, cathedral and pubs. Then board the expedition ship, settle in, and gather with the expedition team. Enjoy a welcome cocktail, dinner and cast off, bound for Antarctica - and the adventure of a lifetime.

Meals: (L) /(D)

DAY 2 CROSS THE DRAKE PASSAGE Chart a southerly course for Antarctica through a bio-diverse stretch of the South Atlantic called the Antarctic Convergence. Here the cold waters of the Antarctic meet the warmer seas of the Atlantic, and the surfacing nutrients attract seabirds and whales. The Drake Passage can have some treacherous ocean conditions at times. Crossings can be rough, but are usually tolerable. (Seasickness medication helps.)

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 3 SAIL TO THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Join the Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of the ship, a modern research vessel. Watch interesting presentations about the environment, wildlife, and history of Antarctica. Weather-dependent landings may include Elephant Island, of Shackleton fame, and the thrilling Point Wild.

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 4 EXPLORE THE SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & BRANSFIELD STRAIT Arrive at King George Island — the largest in the South Shetlands group — in the morning. These islands offer good opportunities for shore landings to view Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins before the ship journeys further south, navigating the wildlife rich Bransfield Strait. Large icebergs will be present from this point onwards and make for striking photographs in the evening light.

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 5 VISIT WILHELMINA BAY & CUVERVILLE ISLAND Take in the towering mountain peaks of the Antarctic continent and try for landfall at Wilhelmina Bay. This is truly an 'A-list' location and a place often inhabited by sizeable pods of humpback whales. Navigate under the towering cliffs of Spigot Peak and into the Errera Channel, and have the chance to land at Cuverville Island — home to a rookery of gentoo penguins. This is a fantastic location for a Zodiac cruise or a paddle in the kayaks (optional program.)

Activity: Optional kayaking (additional fee)

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 6 JOURNEY SOUTH TO THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE & GERLACHE COAST Soak up the scenery on the outer decks as the ship passes through ice-strewn waters toward the Antarctic Circle. Given favorable ice conditions, the first objective is to sail south of the Circle and into Crystal Sound.

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 7 LAND AT DETAILLE ISLAND & WINTER ISLAND While ever-changing Antarctic conditions always determine the itinerary, the next four days include a variety of landing possibilities. Explorations ashore may include Detaille Island and Winter Island. If the conditions are right, enjoy a thrilling overnight camping experience!

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 8 HEAD NORTH ALONG THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Returning north along the dramatic coastline of the Peninsula, possibilities include landings at Petermann Island and Pleneu Island. Explore the area with guided walks on shore, visits to penguin colonies, and Zodiac cruising among the ice with expert guides providing insight and interpretation.

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 9 CRUISE LEMAIRE CHANNEL AND WALK ON THE 7TH CONTINENT Cruise through the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, with mountain walls rising thousands of feet straight out of the water. This is one of the most scenic locations in Antarctica. However, the passage may sometimes become impassable. . Journey towards Paradise Harbor which may be the first chance to set foot on the shores of Antarctica itself! Nearby Neko Harbour offers another landing. Take advantage of hiking trails with panoramic views and kayaking opportunities. .

Activity: Optional kayaking (additional fee) & hiking (time and distance varies)

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 10 EXPLORE DECEPTION ISLAND At this point in the voyage, be fully engaged in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the Arctic. Weather permitting, sail into the flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island, where history abounds. Explore abandoned whaling station ruins, if the conditions are right, partake in the "polar plunge" in the thermal waters along the shore. Charting a course for King George Island in the early evening light, enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

Meals: (B) / (L) /(D)

DAY 11 FLY FROM KING GEORGE ISLAND TO PUNTA ARENAS Anchor off King George Island in the morning, bid farewell to the crew and transfer ashore by Zodiac. From the island airstrip, board your two-hour flight to Punta Arenas. From there, transfer to your comfortable downtown hotel.

Meals: (B) / (L)

DAY 12 DEPART FROM PUNTA ARENAS After breakfast at the hotel, airport transfers will be provided in time for your homeward-bound journey.

Meals: (B)

2018

$ 10,695 per person

Additional Cost $ 795 Sea Kayaking

PRICE INCLUDES PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Flight transfer to Stanley, Falkland Islands on International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess embarkation day baggage charges Flight transfer from King George Island to Punta Arenas on disembarkation day Pre-cruise hotel accommodations Expert leadership from an experienced team of Inbound airport transfer naturalists and guides Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Optional tips to your ship staff and expedition team Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, Meals as noted in the daily itinerary phone calls, internet access cards, laundry Potable water and snacks throughout Optional Travel Protection Welcome drink and farewell drink Complimentary foul weather gear rental (jacket, bib pants, gumboots, waterproof bag) All necessary camping gear for free overnight camping program All necessary kayaking gear for optional kayaking program Onboard medical doctor and resident photographer Miscellaneous service taxes and port charges