Itinerary: ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

DAY 1 (7 Jan)

Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition!

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by Poseidon staff and transferred to the hotel.

For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Meet with other conference delegates for welcome dinner.

(Inc: Accommodation [A] and Dinner [D])

DAY 2 (8 Jan)

Embarkation

After a morning briefing, we will conference for half a day before departing for the expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit in the afternoon. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Antarctic expedition coming true as we slip our moorings and sail into a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. After dinner on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

(Inc: Accommodation [A], Breakfast [B], Dinner [D])

DAY 3 (9 Jan)

South Atlantic Ocean

Conference sessions.

After transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we head northeast toward the Falkland Islands. We keep a lookout for dolphins and whales. The ship’s stabilising fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Presentations by expedition leaders prepare you for our arrival in the Falkland Islands.

(Inc: A, B, L, D)

DAY 4 - 5 (10 - 11 Jan)

Falkland Islands

Conference Daily.

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate spending two days in the remote outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. Our exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these isolated and windswept islands.

We also intend to visit the port of Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.

(Inc: A, B, L, D)

DAY 6 - 7 (12 - 13 Jan)

Southern Ocean

Conference Daily.

From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our experts prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia..

(Inc: A, B, L, D)

DAY 8 - 12 (14 - 18 Jan)

South Georgia Island

Conference Daily.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. The route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. The experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented by nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. Every safe opportunity is utilised to go ashore in this amazing place.

South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivaled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.

The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. Grytviken is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.

The days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by expedition leaders, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

(Inc: A, B, L, D)

DAY 13 - 14 (19 - 20 Jan)

Southern Ocean

Conference Daily.

We continue west toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies. We may also encounter enormous tabular icebergs drifting north from the Weddell Sea

(Inc: A, B, L, D)

DAY 15 - 18 (21 - 24 Jan)

South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

Conference Daily.

The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.

The wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition. We exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery and excursions via Zodiac.

(Inc: A, B, L, D)

DAY 19 - 20 (25 - 26 Jan)

South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

Conference Daily.

It is now time to head north across the Drake Passage toward South America, though the adventure is not quite over. We are always on the lookout for marine mammals and seabirds in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

(Inc: A, B, L, D)