|
Trip Overview Venture into a wonderland of wild splendor |
|
An illustrated itinerary of one of our many travel adventures for gay men, lesbians, and friends. This information supplements our
|
|
|
|
|
1: Ushuaia
Our trip starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and Southern Atlantic Islands. For those arriving early you may want to check out a number of activities including: horseback riding, hiking, wind sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and diving. You may want to visit the nearby Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, or Lago Escondido and Fagnano (lakes). The official tour starts when we board our ship on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving in Ushuaia at least one day before sailing to minimize risk of travel problems impacting your cruise. 
|
|
|
2-3: Antarctica Calls!
During our first two days on the ship we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson's Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we glimpse at the first icebergs. As we approach the southernmost continent, sounds and shapes begin to form a new world around us. Antarctica, the last vast wilderness on the planet, is scenic, serene, rugged and wild. Its huge icebergs, gigantic mountain ranges and endless polar plateaus boggle the mind. The scale is unfathomable and the weather can be inhuman, but the combination is magical and profound.
|
|
|
|
|
|
4-8: Great White Space
The itinerary focuses on the areas with the greatest promise of wildlife – opportunities abound for viewing and encountering nesting penguins and seals, and whales seem to be everywhere! A typical itinerary in the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader on board. The South Shetland Islands and the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula form one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. Responding to the weather conditions and passenger interests, no two voyages are the same, so following is a sample of what you might see on your voyage. We will sail directly to "High Antarctica,"passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, we will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. On Danco Island we can observe Chinstrap Penguins and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour, we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers; other continent landings may be possible on Portal Point. During the cruise we will also offer zodiac cruises such as near Foyn Harbour on Nansen Island and Neko Harbour. When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, we will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. In this area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, we visit the British research station and post office of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we can also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags. We sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. A visit to one of the scientific stations in Antarctica will give you an insight about the life of modern adventurers working on the White Continent. Further south, we may visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where we will receive a warm welcome from the station crew. Sailing north through Neumayer Channel we arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape and again possibilities for zodiac cruising among the icebergs, where we may encounter Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and whales. Our journey will be enriched by an expedition leader, several tour guides and naturalists with expertise in the region, video and slide presentations, lectures and coordination and support of an Alyson Adventures tour director (subject to minimum participation).
|
|
|
9-10: Return Passage
In the Drake Passage we again have a chance to see many seabirds and to take advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team. Relax and enjoy the sights of Antarctica fading in the clear light. Return to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, with its islands and wide variety of sealife.
|
|
|
|
|
11: Heading home
We return to Ushuaia, happy, healthy and hopefully wiser after our Antarctica Adventure. We will send information about post-cruise travel options to those who book the cruise.
|
|
|
Trip calendar | HOME | Reserve a trip
|
