Quark South Pole - Explorers' Cruises

EXPLORERS' ROUTE
Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia

19 nights
Departures in November, December, January and February
Ships: Clipper Adventurer

Our Explorers' Cruises combine the comfortable adventure cruises of Classic Antarctica with visits to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia. They include many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands as well as the best of these two wildlife-rich sub-Antarctic islands.

Like Classic Antarctica, this cruise is designed to include as much wildlife viewing as possible, but also include visits to scientific bases and allow plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of icy waterways, glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains.

We have a selection of departure dates to choose from and, even though it is impossible to guarantee precisely what you will see because sightings and encounters inevitably vary from trip to trip, we are confident that no-one will be disappointed. Flexibility is the key to success and the Captain and Expedition Leader continually assess daily weather conditions and wildlife opportunities to take full advantage of the almost continuous daylight in order to maximize time ashore.

Explorers' Route via the Falklands and South Georgia - 2008/09 Route

South Shetland Islands

This impressive group of islands, lying to the north and roughly parallel to the Antarctic Peninsula, is a haven for wildlife. Our first landfall could be Elephant Island, where Ernest Shackleton' s men found refuge during the epic Endurance expedition ( following in the wake of Shackleton, from Antarctica to Elephant Island and on to South Georgia, is a particular aim of Explorers Cruise 3) . We will visit enormous penguin rookeries, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and observe southern elephant seals wallowing in mud pools. We also hope to visit one of the many research bases in the archipelago and look for Antarctica's only two flowering plants, which thrive here during the short southern summer. A highlight of our visit to the South Shetlands will be sailing through a narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island.

Antarctic Peninsula

This awe-inspiring wilderness of snow, ice, waterways and mountains is the most readily accessible part of the White Continent and has some of the best wildlife. Enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and Antarctic Terns are just some of the many birds found here in abundance.

We are also likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, while orcas, humpback whales and Minke whales are often encountered at close range.

The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the trip, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, we will certainly feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers.

Sailing around the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula we hope to navigate the Antarctic Sound, or iceberg alley as it is often called, where huge tabular icebergs drift north from the Antarctic continent. If we are lucky, and weather and ice conditions permit, we may be able to land on Paulet Island to see its enormous Adélie Penguin rookery. We also plan to visit aptly-named Paradise Harbor, or nearby Neko Harbor, where glaciers fill the calm waters with a mind-boggling vista of icebergs; this is where we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself. At Port Lockroy, as well as enjoying the thriving penguin colonies, we will visit a former British scientific station that has recently been renovated to serve as one of the most isolated and intriguing museums in the world. The station also acts as a post office and we will have a unique opportunity to send postcards home.

During the voyage we hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways in the world ( if they are not choked with pack ice and icebergs a spectacular sight in itself) ) ; two in particular, the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, are narrow passages between towering rock faces and glaciers that are so impressive they are a highlight of the trip for many people. On some voyages we sail south of the Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island, where Adélie and Gentoo Penguins, skuas and Blue-eyed Shags nest close to the landing site.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

In the historic Falklands we explore some of the privately- owned outer islands that are home to great concentrations of wildlife including several species found nowhere else in the world. Flightless Steamer Ducks, Magellanic Penguins and Gentoo Penguins are just some of the highlights on Carcass Island, for example, while nearby New Island boasts fantastic Rockhopper Penguin rookeries as well as nesting Black-browed Albatrosses and Blue-eyed Shags. Peales and Commersons dolphins are often seen along the coasts of these islands and frequently bow-ride and play alongside our boats. We will also explore Stanley, the charming capital of the archipelago.

South Georgia

South Georgia has its own astonishing concentrations of wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery ranging from 7,000-foot mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and inspiring places on earth and certainly has more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet. Thousands of King Penguins greet us at Salisbury Plain, Wandering Albatrosses nest and thousands of fur seals breed at Prion Island, whilst huge southern elephant seals and a substantial number of King and Gentoo Penguins crowd the beaches at places such as Gold Harbour. The island also played a significant role in Ernest Shackleton s epic journey after the sinking of his ship, the Endurance, when he managed to raise the alarm at the whaling station in Stromness. We visit Shackleton's grave at Grytviken, a once-active whaling station.

Drake Passage and other sea crossings

Our journey across the famous Drake Passage, named after the 16th-century English navigator Sir Francis Drake, is an experience in itself. Our ship is accompanied most of the way by albatrosses including the magnificent Wandering Albatross along with an impressive variety of other seabirds such as Giant and Cape Petrels.

We have a good chance of spotting whales and dolphins and many different species have been encountered in these rich waters over the years. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zones. Meanwhile, the programme of lectures continues during these sea crossings as our expedition staff introduce some of the wildlife we are likely to encounter and cover all topics from the history of exploration to the geology of the region.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
	This extended adventure begins at the tip of South America, in Ushuaia, Argentina, with a night at a local hotel.
Day 2 - Embarkation day
	After boarding the ship in the late afternoon, sail the Beagle Channel to the Drake Passage.
Days 3 to 5 - History, wildlife and Darwin, too
	En route to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), you learn about Charles Darwin, who visited the islands in 1833. Join your fellow adventurers for an in-depth education programme introducing the flora and fauna that you can expect to encounter while visiting the archipelago. Properly prepared, you cruise safely from the ship to shore in a Zodiac to stroll the streets of Stanley or wander through the nesting grounds of the Black-browed Albatross. Sip a leisurely cup of tea with local residents, before you depart for South Georgia.
Days 6 to 11 - A toast to “iron men in wooden ships”
	On landing in Grytviken, South Georgia, history is on our minds. South Georgia is synonymous with Sir Ernest Shackleton’s rescue of the crew of Endurance. In 1904, Grytviken was established as a whaling station. Your exploration includes a visit to the chapel and museum that depicts how life was lived in this sheltered cove until it was abandoned in 1966. The largest King Penguin colony in the world is on the shore of St. Andrew’s Bay. Have your camera ready, it is an unforgettable sight. Later, after supper, share your shots with new friends in the lounge, library or bar.
Days 12 to 17 - Antarctica, scenery, history and wildlife!
	As the ship steams south and west, watch for tabular icebergs. When you arrive in the South Shetland Islands, the Expedition Team will attempt an average of two landings a day, subject to permissions, weather, wind and ice conditions, of course. It is here that you may visit an active research station, where scientists track the life cycle of birds and icebergs. You’ll walk with penguins at a rookery, and cruise rocky coastlines where birds rest after a day on the wing. “This land feels like a fairytale.” Amundsen’s quote captures the majesty of Antarctica perfectly. It is vast, pristine and glorious. Massive glaciers, many covering an area equal to that of a small city, are reflected in still, black water. The sheer scale is humbling. Setting foot on the Peninsula, remember the brave and determined explorers that have preceded you – Ross, Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen. They too were captivated by the antics of penguins, curiosity of seals, and the grace of whales swimming.
Days 18 to 20 - Behind every name, a story
	Cross the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will recap your adventures and recall the explorers in whose wake you have sailed. You will have gazed at the same shorelines, and marvelled at the same stars. As they were, you will be transformed.

Important Reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage.

Departure Dates and Prices

Prices are per person for 19 nights and do not include international flights.

Departure Dates	Prices
2 November 08	£5590
10 December 08	£6340
6 January 09	£8105
21 February 09	£5590

Price Includes:
Voyage as indicated in the itinerary. Flights as indicated in the itinerary. Pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations in a shared twin room with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary. All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship. All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter (as included in group excursions with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed). A guided excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park prior to embarkation, including a traditional Argentine asado lunch (on voyages originating in Ushuaia). The use of rubber boots for the duration of the voyage. Programme of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff. Transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship as indicated in the itinerary. All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme. Comprehensive pre-departure materials and handbook.
Price Excludes:
International flights. Passport and visa expenses. Government arrival and departure taxes. Meals ashore. Supplement for single hotel accommodations. Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance. Excess baggage charges. All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges, and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced onboard.