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classic antartica adventure |
with Scuba-diving, sea-kayaking and camping Options |
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Take the adventure cruises of Classic Antarctica and add SCUBA-diving, sea-kayaking or camping and you have our Classic Antarctica Adventures.
These voyages offer the ultimate introduction to the White Continent - with a unique twist. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, they include many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.
As with Classic Antarctica, they are designed to include as much wildlife viewing as possible, as well as visits to scientific bases and plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of icy waterways, glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains. But with diving, kayaking and camping options, they also offer a whole new opportunity for the more adventurous traveler to experience and explore this remote corner of the world.
The itineraries are the same as for the 12-day Classic Antarctica cruises (please refer to Classic Antarctica Itinerary). In addition, there will be two days' kayaking, two days' diving and one night camping during each voyage (subject, of course, to ice and weather conditions). Previous kayaking experience is strongly recommended. Divers must be certified to PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent - certificates will need to be shown on board) and must have dry suit diving experience.
The dive instructors will evaluate your experience and if, for any reason, they feel that you do not have the appropriate experience for polar waters you will not be permitted to participate in the dives (you will, of course, still be able to join in with the rest of the group on the planned shore excursions and Zodiac cruises). We will have our own compressor and a sufficient number of tanks, weight belts and weights on board but, of course, there is no decompression chamber in Antarctica.
Adventure Classic Antarctica Itinerary |
SCUBA-DIVING
This is a unique opportunity to explore the magical underwater world of Antarctica. Our experienced Antarctic Dive Masters will guide us through this fantastic, and largely unexplored, underwater paradise. We will dive around the wonderful sculpted ice formations of icebergs, encounter rich marine life from soft corals and fish to marine mammals, and will even experience the remarkable underwater sounds of the frozen continent.
Group size and number of dives: There will be a maximum of ten divers per departure. All diving will take place in the Peninsula area and, weather and ice permitting, we plan to have up to two dives per day over the two days' diving. Our maximum dive depth will be about 15 meters (50 feet).
What to expect: The diving in Antarctica is very different to diving in other parts of the world. The contrasting colors are spectacular - from the blue and white icebergs to the dark sea floor - and the area has a rich invertebrate life (including many different species of anemones, echinoderms, crayfish and coral sponges). We should encounter krill in their natural environment and hope to see penguins and possibly even seals underwater. Visibility is usually 5-15 meters (16-50 feet), depending on the position, current and proximity to penguin rookeries.
Dive sites: Possible dive sites during the trip include: Port Lockroy, where we could see kelp forests, penguins, sea stars and sea cucumbers, krill and, if the ice has retreated enough, a complete whale skeleton on the seabed; Deception Island, where the water is warmed by hydrothermal vents and the rich variety of sea urchins, brittle stars and limpets is unique; Neko Harbor, which offers one of our best chances of seeing penguins underwater; and Portal Point, which offers an impressive graveyard of grounded icebergs.
SEA-KAYAKING
What a fabulous way to explore the little bays and waterways as well as the wide expanses of Antarctica! We use 5-meter (16 foot) Prijon double sea kayaks, equipped with rudders, which are very stable, surprisingly comfortable and incredibly tough - perfect for paddling through such an icy environment. Each trip is led by two experienced and highly qualified kayak instructors and a Zodiac safety boat stays in constant communication ready to assist should the need arise.
Group size and number of excursions:There will be a maximum of ten kayakers per departure. Weather and ice permitting we plan to make a minimum of four kayak excursions, each paddling over several miles and typically lasting for two to three hours. With the long daylight hours of the southern summer, there may be opportunities for short evening paddles as well.
What to expect: Antarctica is the last frontier for kayaking. Paddling in this pristine, icy wilderness is an overwhelming experience even for the most seasoned adventurer. Imagine paddling in a sea of ice floes or at a safe distance to beautifully sculptured icebergs, silently floating past rafts of penguins or cruising inside a flooded volcanic crater.
With a little luck, we hope to see penguins flying through the water underneath our boats, curious seals poking their heads out of the water alongside and even inquisitive 30-ton whales coming over to investigate. It is a truly unforgettable and humbling experience.
Kayaking sites: Possible kayaking sites during the trip include: Hannah Point/Aitcho Islands, where we will paddle among reefs, islets and gravel beaches looking for fur seals, elephant seals and penguins; inside the flooded caldera of Deception Island, where we follow the shore in front of an abandoned whaling station looking for fur seals hauled up on the warm volcanic beach; Port Lockroy, where Gentoo Penguins join us as we explore the sheltered bay; Neko Harbor, which usually has plenty of Minke whales as well as exquisite ice floes, bergy bits and brash ice that are perfect for kayak cruising; Paradise Harbor, a spectacular sheltered bay with calving glaciers and a large population of crabeater seals; and even the beautiful Lemaire Channel.
CAMPING
This will be a great opportunity to enhance your appreciation of Antarctica as a wilderness and to experience a more personal and private connection with the continent. We aim to give you a sense of independence, while still retaining our high safety standards. Two experienced staff will supervise campers throughout the night.
Group size and number of excursions: There will be a maximum of 10 campers allowed ashore. Weather and ice permitting we plan to offer one night of camping during each voyage. All meals will be taken onboard the vessel.
What to expect:You will sleep in high quality mountain tents and sleeping bags which will be provided. Only emergency rations will be taken ashore and no cooking will be conducted. You are encouraged to use toilet facilities onboard prior to going ashore, but one portable chemical toilet will be available.
Camp sites:Our camp site close to Port Lockroy on the shores of Neumayer Channel will be selected away from vegetated sites and wildlife concentrations or pathways to avoid contamination or disturbance. Your expedition vessel will be out of site, but close enough to respond in case of any problems.
Akademik Shokalskiy
We are pleased to advise that we will be offering camping as an adventure option on all departures aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy during the Antarctic 2004/05 season. The supplement for this option is US$150 per person. Please see the Classic Antarctica and Explorers' Cruise itinerary pages for further details of these voyages. |
*Airfare is not included in the program. Some group flights are available on request.
Please note:
Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission. Please note: On the 11 day itinerary you will spend one day less exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. |
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