Quick Search

Wish list

Your short list is empty Tooltip

Antarctic Peninsula - M/V Plancius (PLAP)

M/v Plancius / Hans HeuvelMore Photos

Comfort
Active

10 days land only visiting Antarctica - Argentina

from $6030 Without Flights *
* Prices based on 2012/13 Standard Itinerary.

Printable Trip Notes

2012/13 Standard Itinerary

Click Map to Enlarge

Included Meals:

9 Dinners
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches

Accommodation Breakdown:

9 nights Cruise Boat (H++)

5 categories of cabin (all with private facilities) spread over 5 decks

Transport

Expedition ship M/V Plancius

Group Size

Approx 0 - 114
Minimum Age: 12

Tour Staff

Our strong team of expert lecturers, specialist crew and ship staff ensure that we are looked after and well informed throughout the voyage. Their relaxed enthusiasm and expertise makes for a very informal and enjoyable experience!

Classic Polar Voyage To The Antarctic Peninsula

Overview

Drake Passage
From Ushuaia we navigate the Beagle Channel then head south across the Drake Passage and across the turbulent waters of the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving south pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species.

Antarctic Peninsula
Ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless white expanses herald our arrival in Antarctica. Possible landings include Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour Petermann Island, Danco Island and cruising Lemaire Channel, Gerlache Strait. Scientific research stations and abandoned whaling stations will also be of interest. Conditions permitting, we'll attempt two excursions per day to explore the rich diversity of wildlife and potential wildlife sightings include Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins, Fur, Leopard, Weddell and Crabeater seals, Minke and Humpback whales - and possibly even Orcas. Not to mention the abundance of seabirds, most notably the albatross that spend the day soaring above our wake. Enormous icebergs and the sheer walls of their glacial parents provide virtually limitless photo opportunities.

M/V Plancius
M/V Plancius was built as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. She was re-launched in 2009 after an extensive refitting and renovation programme and is an ice-strengthened vessel suitable for Polar waters. 114 passengers can be accommodated in 5 categories of cabin (all with private facilities) spread over 5 decks. Public areas include a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and an observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows as well as open deck areas. The vessel is equipped with 10 Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats) for excursions and 2 gangways ensure a swift disembarkation. M/V "Plancius" is comfortable and nicely decorated, but it is not a luxurious vessel - primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. M/V Plancius is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). The ship meets and exceeds the latest SOLAS, ISM & MARPOL regulations for safety and the environment.

Cabins
Prices are based on the use of outward-facing, twin-share cabins with private facilities. These are cosy and comfortable with a private toilet and shower, plus porthole. The ship also has triple bed cabins and superior cabins, subject to availability. It may be possible to upgrade to a superior cabin or single occupancy. Prices available on request.

Itinerary

[+] Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

Day 2 to 3: Drake Passage

Day 4 to 7: High Antarctica experience

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. If we land 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 glacier and enjoy the landscape during zodiac cruises.

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 Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may 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 Antarcticans 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.

Overnight Cruise Boat (H++) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 to 9: Drake passage

Day 10: Back in Ushuaia

Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. Please ensure you have read the latest Trip Notes before booking or travelling on your tour.

Explore Worldwide Adventure Holidays

Main Menu