Wild Antarctica in Partnership with New Scientist
关于此行程
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ special edition Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition, in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. The Weddell Sea is renowned for its vast amounts of ice - sea ice, pack ice and gigantic icebergs. It is the perfect setting for a voyage in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. For those with an interest in history, the Weddell Sea was central to Ernest Shackleton’s well-known expedition when the Endurance became trapped in the ice. In addition to ice-watching opportunities, the area is also rich in wildlife, geology, and palaeontology. We hope to see a variety of ice seals. On shore, you can search for ancient fossils of gastropods, large clams, and spiral-shaped ammonites. This is the perfect time of year to see curious whales, who are feeding before they begin their migration north to warmer waters.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no later than 2:00pm on this day. Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world's most historic trade routes. At 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island, Embarkation
This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel.
Day 3: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever. Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore.
Day 4: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
Your experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Day 5: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
Central to the story of where Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance became trapped in formidable sea ice, the Weddell Sea certainly is high on the list for many polar adventurers.
Day 6: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
We hope to experience memorable wildlife encounters as the Weddell boasts a large Adélie penguin colony just outside of Antarctic Sound.
Day 7: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs.
Day 8: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead.
Day 9: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics.
Day 10: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
You will have the opportunity to participate in the unique citizen science program offered throughout the voyage.
Day 11: Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.
Day 12: Drake Passage Crossing
With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean.
Day 13: Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am.
Upcoming departures
No upcoming departures listed.