ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION - AWE-INSPIRING BEAUTY
24 day Fly/Cruise & Stay with Oceanwide Expeditions incl Buenos Aires & Ushuaia city stay!
Fly from Sydney & spend 18 nights exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica including city stay in Buenos Aires & Ushuaia with all taxes & transfers.
Falkland Islands
Although officially south-Atlantic, the Falkland Islands surely have a sub-Antarctic appeal. The archipelago is a treasure-chest for Antarctica-minded nature lovers and photographers. The islands are full of wildlife, with vast colonies of Black-browed Albatross, five species of penguins, Elephant Seals and much more. They are one of the last `off the beaten track` destinations. Unfortunately the Falkland Islands have an undeserved bad reputation, mainly because of the Falkland War in 1982 so that many people do not know that the islands have much more to offer then just minefields. The Falklands offer a broad variety of spectacular wildlife, rough scenery, fascinating geology, maritime history, good hiking and, of course, the warm hospitality of the people.
South Georgia
The island of South Georgia is one of the remotest and wildest places of the United Kingdom`s Overseas Territories. It is located 1400 kilometres to the east of the Falkland Islands. South Georgia does not have an airport, the only access is by ship and it takes two whole days to reach from the Falkland Islands. The island measures approximately 170 kilometres by 30 kilometres and is completely mountainous, its snow-capped mountains rising to 2934 metres. The island has more than 160 glaciers dropping down into the sea. The landscape reminds visitors of the fjord coasts of Norway, one reason, perhaps, why Norwegian whalers felt at home during the whaling period.
Huge numbers of seabirds and marine mammals breed along South Georgia`s Tussock Grass fringed shores. Save for the rusting remnants of the old whaling stations, the island is virtually unspoilt by man and so offers unique opportunities to observe the unparalleled wildlife and spectacular scenery of this most beautiful part of the Southern Ocean, a true Antarctic oasis.
Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is part of the Antarctic Continent and is the southern continuation of the mountain chain that runs from North America through South America into the Scotia Sea. Here it continues as a mainly sub-marine ridge, the Scotia Ridge, until it comes above sea-level at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The peninsula consists of an 800 kilometres long mountain chain, the highest peaks rising to approximately 2,800 metres, and numerous off-lying islands. The Peninsula offers the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Visitors are easily overcome by sensory overload by the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
The history of discovery runs parallel to that of the South Shetland Islands. Here, exploitation was again the major force behind the early explorations. Nowadays the Antarctic Peninsula is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which has been signed by 46 countries. The signatory parties have agreed to abstain for 50 years from recognizing, disputing, or establishing territorial sovereignty claims. The parties also agreed to set aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, established freedom of scientific investigation and banned military activity on the continent.
Fly/Cruise & Stay package includes:
- Return economy class airfare from Sydney to Ushuaia
- 18 night expedition voyage onboard m/v Plancius
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the cruise programme
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- 2 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires with buffet breakfast
- 1 nights accommodation in Ushuaia with buffet breakfast
- All return transfers for entire trip
- Air taxes of $153*
**Air taxes of $153pp are included based ex Sydney and subject to change until paid in full. Scheduling has been based on ex Sydney departures; please check with staff if schedules differ for other departure cities. Airfare price based ex Syd. Ex other Australian cities re-costed by our friendly staff - please enquire.
Not included in cruise:
Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 80 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US Dollar 25 per passenger per night, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions.
Offer subject to availability at time of booking. Prices are per person share twin (or QUAD where stated) based on best available cruise fare, inclusive of all discounts unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and are based on cash or cheque. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry.
Package cost does not include Domestic Airfares or stopover accommodation made necessary by airline flight schedules. Conditions Apply.