Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings (20-day)

Transcription

1 Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings (20-day) This extended expedition encompasses the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), as well as the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. You ll experience a great diversity of environments and landscapes, which will provide unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities. Join us for the quintessential Antarctic experience for polar travelers! NOTE The 23-day departure spends three additional days at sea reaching Buenos Aires EXPEDITION IN BRIEF: Explore the world s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot; Learn about Antarctica s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers; See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, including 30 breeding bird species and four penguin species; Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside; Explore the quaint British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands; Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic by taking an optional kayaking excursion; and Enjoy on board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists. DID YOU KNOW? This expedition gives you the opportunity to see more species of seabirds and penguins than any of our other Antarctic-bound voyages! FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1

2 Adventure Options You have a number of optional adventure activities to choose from on your Antarctic Explorer expedition. These options vary by departure, are all subject to availability and fill up quickly, so be sure to book yours early. CAMPING Treat yourself to an overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! Our popular camping options are limited to 30 people on our expeditions, 60 on board the Ocean Diamond. Dress warmly and eat a hearty meal before you head out as no meals are allowed on land. You will need to complete a waiver form before being considered for this adventure option. KAYAKING Imagine gliding along the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers! Our kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only done during calm weather conditions. We require you to have some prior kayaking experience, including the capability to do a wet exit. MOUNTAINEERING Geared towards our fitness conscious adventurers, mountain climbing in Antarctica is among the most rewarding and addictive of outdoor endeavors. Climbing in Antarctica is a special memory that will last forever. Our mountaineering adventures are full-day activities that can last up to 5 hours and require you to complete a fitness waiver to participate in this challenging option. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Cross-country skiing is one of the most efficient ways to travel by ground that is covered in snow and ice, enabling you to travel in Antarctica the same way that pioneering explorers like Amundsen and Shackleton did. With journeys taking a few hours, it is imperative to be in good physical shape. Ideally, you ll have cross-country skiing experience to partake in this activity, however exceptions may be made for those deemed physically capable. While Quark provides the essential gear, you will be responsible for certain extras such as extra warm clothing and a pair of good sunglasses. More information about your Adventure Options, including physical requirements and cost of each option, is available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser. INCLUDED OPTIONS SNOWSHOEING A novel way to experience the beauty of the Polar landscape, and discover remote alcoves and hidden valleys. The rewards of walking atop the snow are well worth the effort, as we ll be able to visit new places that are inaccessible on foot. This traditional means of transport across the deep snow comes from the indigenous people of North America. While you can appreciate a connection with the past, the snowshoes we use today are much lighter and more forgiving than the old wood-weave snowshoes used during the days of the North American fur trade. PHOTOGRAPHY Antarctica is one of the most abundantly photogenic destinations in the world. Penguins amble across pebbled beaches, whales spy-hop from the crystal blue sea and sparkling icebergs tower in this serene, yet dramatic environment. Whether you own a serious SLR or a simple point-and-shoot, our on-board photography expert provides you with hands-on instruction and technical tips to ensure that you capture the best of your Antarctica experience. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2

3 Itinerary DAY 1 Ushuaia, Argentina Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers you a small-town feel but has many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants to enjoy before your voyage. If you re feeling adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of hiking and outdoor activities. Deception Island Paulet Island South Orkney Islands DAY 2 Embarkation Day As we embark, the anticipation and excitement grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. As every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They re onboard to ensure your comfort and safety, as well as to help make your wildlife dreams come true. DAY 3 At Sea There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on procedures for your Zodiac cruises and shore landings. You ll also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures, a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica. DAYS 4 & 5 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Upon arrival in this archipelago your cameras will get their first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and the rugged feel of the Falklands (Malnivas). The archipelago contains two main islands East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. Port Stanley is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel to it, complete with a bit Actual itinerary may vary based on conditions and voyage length of a ramshackle charm. You ll be free to explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit numerous churches and museums. In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper penguins. If lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see blackbrowed albatross and two endemic bird species; Cobb s wren and the Falkland s flightless steamer duck. WANT TO STAY LONGER, OR ARRIVE EARLIER? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 3

4 Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most out of your time in the Falklands. DAYS 6 & 7 At Sea Sailing south, you ll officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating an abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Expedition staff will be sure to keep you posted when you cross this invisible, yet important line. DAYS 8 TO 11 South Georgia This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and elephant and fur seals. Today, South Georgia Island wildlife populations have rebounded, but you ll still see remnants of those old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, a museum, gift shop, church and a small research station. While South Georgia s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day you may visit another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island, this fragile and symbiotic relationship is something that your Expedition Team will share with you during your time here. DAYS 12 & 13 At Sea Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will be greeting you upon your arrival in Antarctica. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar. If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica. DAYS 14 TO 17 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, at the next moment you ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into the brilliant blue sea or a penguin comes waddling by to inspect your footwear. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether it is trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to our Zodiacs, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and every landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy. As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you ll treat yourself to an extra special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional (extra cost) kayaking excursion or going for a swim in Antarctic waters! DAYS 18 & 19 Crossing the Drake Passage After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy some final moments mingling with your fellow travelers. The noisy, busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can. DAY 20 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. We will transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 4

5 Inclusions THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES A group transfer from the airport to the preexpedition hotel One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage All shore landings per the daily program Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program All luggage handling aboard the ship Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary Passport and visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes Any meals ashore unless otherwise specified Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance Excess baggage charges Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified Telecommunications charges The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew PLEASE NOTE You must book flight interruption insurance for all Quark voyages due to possible weather delays. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 5

6 Dates & Rates FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA Explorers and Kings Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship OCEAN DIAMOND Dates Days Emb/Disemb Triple Twin Single Suite Balcony Suite Nov 14 - Dec 3, Ushuaia $12,995 $15,595 Obst. View $16,595 Window Photography is also offered as a free optional activity for this ship. $22,595 Obst. View $22,595 Porthole $19,795 $21,595 Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship SEA SPIRIT Dates Days Emb/Disemb Triple Main Deck Classic Superior Deluxe Premium Owner s Suite Nov 17 - Dec 6, Ushuaia $15,595 $17,295 $18,295 $19,595 $20,595 $21,295 $23,595 All non-alcoholic and house pouring drinks are included. A selection of premium alcoholic drinks (such as top wines and spirits) is also available at an additional cost. Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship SEA ADVENTURER Dates Days Emb/Disemb Triple Lower Deck Main Deck Superior Deluxe Suite Feb 19 - Mar 13, Ushuaia/BA $15,995 $17,995 $18,595 Porthole $22,595 $23,995 $25,995 $20,595 Window HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS To book your cabin or inquire about the availabilty of adventure options, contact a Polar Travel Advisor ( ) FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 6

7 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS A rare treat on an Antarctic voyage is to stop by for a pint with some locals! At Stanley, in the Falklands, this is one unique optional activity many travelers partake in. This archipelago itself consists of East and West Falkland, divided by Falkland Sound. Not many flat stretches are found here, so you ll get a workout while hiking and exploring. You ll get your first sightings of penguins here as well. CARCASS ISLAND The 10 km (5 miles) island northwest of West Falkland is owned by Rob and Lorraine McGill. You don t need to be a photographer to appreciate this picturesque island, where songbirds nest amongst the luxuriant growth that covers the gently rolling landscape. The island is named for a Royal Navy ship, HMS Carcass, which arrived in NEW ISLAND The most southwesterly island in the archipelago is about 13 km (8 miles) long and 800 m (half a mile) wide. The western side of the island is a cliff 183 m (600 feet) high, while the eastern side slopes to the sea. The ownership of the island is held by Tony Chater and Ian Strange. Both men have turned their portion of the island into nature reserves. STANLEY The deep-water harbor of Stanley was the economic mainstay of the community since the ports completion in Sailing ships damaged while rounding Cape Horn called in for expensive repairs. The questionable vessels used to carry fortune seekers to the gold fields of California and Australia often called at Stanley as well. Stanley is as lively as it gets in the Falklands (Malvinas) and the future of the port may be bright if hydrocarbon deposits off the coast prove to be abundant. WEST POINT ISLAND The Napier family has owned the island since the 1860s. Black-browed albatrosses nest in colonies on cliffs along the water s edge on the western side of the island. Rockhopper penguins share the cliffs, while commerson s dolphins are often seen in the water surrounding the island. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 7

8 South Georgia POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS South Georgia is roughly 160 km (100 miles) by 32 km (20 miles) wide. When the legendary Captain Cook published his account of the area, he created a rush of interest in whaling and sealing on South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands. Today, penguins and seals are abundant once again. DRYGALSKI FJORD This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, with sharp and jagged peaks rising out of the sea. Glaciation never reached the peaks of this fjord, giving it a unique landscape. GOLD HARBOUR The backdrop to this harbor is the hanging Bertrab Glacier. King and gentoo penguins call this home, as do rowdy elephant and fur seals. GRYTVIKEN Only a handful of people live, albeit temporarily, on South Georgia, a United Kingdom overseas territory. Two of them are curators of the South Georgia Museum, located in the former whaling station manager s villa. The church was built for the whaling community and is the only building in Grytviken that is still used for its original purpose. SALISBURY PLAIN One of the largest king penguin rookeries on the island is located on Salisbury Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers flank the plain, creating a perfect backdrop for photographers. ST. ANDREW S BAY About 75,000 breeding pairs of king penguin nest at St. Andrew s Bay. It is the largest king penguin rookery on South Georgia and is a wildlife spectacle to behold. STROMNESS This abandoned whaling station was in full operation the day that Ernest Shackleton and his companions staggered in after a 36-hour trek across the island. There is a small cemetery here, with the graves of 14 whalers. PRION ISLAND Robert Cushman Murphy named this island for the species of petrels that are seen on the island Prion. Birders will be pleased to know that wandering albatross are also known to nest on the island. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 8

9 Antarctic Peninsula POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS Stepping foot on Antarctica is a moment of pleasure that affects each traveler differently. Your possible landing on Antarctica will take place in the Peninsula, which is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountain chain and is the most northern stretch of Antarctic land. Formed from uplifted submarine troughs that were filled with sediment about 220 million years ago, this is a dynamic land of both desolation and diversity. To the east is the frozen, wild Weddell Sea. To the west, howling winds and warming seas from the Southern Ocean create perfect conditions for whale sightings. CUVERVILLE ISLAND A gentoo penguin rookery is situated on the north end of the island on a rocky beach. Depending on the time of season that you arrive, you may see them building nests or attending to their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls breed on the island. DAMOY POINT If you are lucky enough to mail a postcard in Antarctica, you ll likely pass through here, as Damoy Point is the northern entrance to the harbor on which Port Lockroy is located. DANCO ISLAND This small island 1.6 km (one mile) in length is easy to explore and home to gentoo penguins. You can visit the marker of a former British Antarctic Survey hut and watch for a variety of seabirds such as snowy sheathbills, kelp gulls and blue-eyed shags. ENTERPRISE ISLAND Located in Wilhelmina Bay, the island was used by whalers. You can take a Zodiac cruise around the island, which passes a wrecked whaling ship. LEMAIRE CHANNEL This strait runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula where you ll see that this is one of the most scenic locations on the western coast, especially during sunrise and sunset. The 11 km (6.8 mile) channel may become impassable when ice fills the narrow passageway, so hope for clear waters. MELCHIOR ISLANDS A group of low islands in Dallmann Bay, where you may see male fur seals haul out at the end of the breeding season to recuperate from their battles of supremacy. NEKO HARBOUR Little evidence remains that this bay was once used by the floating whale factory ship Neko. You might see some whale vertebrae used by the resident gentoo penguins as shelter from the wind. There is an unmanned refuge hut here, erected by Argentina. You can climb past the hut and up a steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor. PETERMANN ISLAND Near the Lemaire Channel, you can stand ashore here and see the southernmost breeding colony of gentoo penguins. The dome of the island rises 200 meters (650 feet) above the sea, offering you a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views. Adélie penguins, shags and south polar skuas also inhabit the island. PORT LOCKROY A fun destination of sorts, we always strive to make it to Port Lockroy if weather permits. The harbor is on the west side of Wiencke Island. A secret base was built on the harbor during the Second World War as part of Operation Tabarin. It is now designated as a historic site, where Port Lockroy is a museum and post office. Proceeds from your purchases here support the preservation of historic sites from the Heroic Age of Exploration. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 9

10 WATERBOAT POINT Of historic interest, you may venture to this unique point, which, at low tide, is connected to the Antarctic mainland. Zodiacs are used to explore the area when the tide is in. Two scientists studying penguin behavior lived in a water boat on the Point from The remains of their camp has been designated an Antarctic historical site. THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle is a moment to remember. The event will usually happen while at sea, so be sure to head up to the bridge and snap your photo of the GPS reading S. BROWN BLUFF A possible exposed volcano, Brown Bluff towers 745 meters (2,225 feet) over the home of adélie and gentoo penguin rookeries, which number in the thousands. These penguins will create a symphony of background noise while you explore the bluff. PAULET ISLAND Located in the northwestern Weddell Sea, the island is home to a large adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic cone 352 meters (1158 feet) high, Paulet Island reminds you that this was once a very active landscape. In addition to penguins, you may be interested in visiting a historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition A cross marks the grave site of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of that team who died on the island. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 10

11 South Shetland Islands POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS These islands will be your first sighting of land after Ushuaia, as the archipelago stretches for 540 km (335 miles) from northeast to southwest off the coast of Antarctica. The Bransfield Strait separates this archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula. Nearly 200 years ago the islands were wiped clear of seals. Today, you ll see that the seal populations have recovered and the islands once again support an abundance of wildlife. AITCHO ISLANDS This is a group of small islands, some still unnamed, situated in the northern entrance of English Strait. You can often spot a great mix of wildlife here, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins having established rookeries. Southern elephant and fur seals are frequently hauled out here too. BAILY HEAD Also known as Rancho Point, this area is a rocky headland on the southeastern shore of Deception Island. Chinstrap penguins build nests on slopes leading to a high ridge that dominates the natural amphitheater and provides you with a superb setting for landscape photography. HALF MOON ISLAND This crescent-shaped island was known to sealers as early as Unlike sealers who liked to keep their best locations secret, we re happy to bring you ashore on this impressive island. Many Antarctic birds breed here including chinstrap penguins, shags, Wilson s storm petrels, kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic terns and skua. HANNAH POINT Macaroni, chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries are located on the point, which is on the south coast of Livingston Island. Due to the rather congested area available to the nesting penguins, you can only visit here from January 10 onwards. PENDULUM COVE Hot geothermal waters are found along the shoreline of this cove, named for observations made in 1829 by a British expedition. You may see yellow algae and boiled krill floating on the surface of the water, because of the scalding hot water! PENGUIN ISLAND Antarctica has two flowering plants, both of which you can find on Penguin Island: Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis. Chinstrap penguins, fur seals and southern elephant seals use the island for breeding purposes. ROBERT POINT A nice spot for Zodiac cruising, this point was known to sealers as early as Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and pintado breed and whales may be seen in the surrounding waters. TELEFON BAY Your Expedition Team will be happy to point out that it is here where the most recent evidence of volcanic eruption on Deception Island can be seen. TURRET POINT Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries are found on this point, situated on the south coast of King George Island. You ll find the beaches here can get crowded with fur, southern elephant and Weddell seals hauled out on the rocks. WHALER S BAY To reach Whaler s Bay it is necessary to sail through a narrow passage called Neptune s Bellows. The bay was used by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and it is part of a protected harbor created by a circular flooded caldera, known as Deception Island. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you ll see rusting remains of whaling operations on the beach. Watch for steam that may rise from geothermally heated water springs along the shoreline. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 11

12 YANKEE HARBOUR Gentoo penguins have established a rookery on this harbor, which is situated on the southwest side of Greenwich Island. Here you can see an abandoned Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier that stretches along the east and north sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing try pot is all that remains of the activity that brought men thousands of miles in tall ships to seek their fortune. FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION DOSSIER 12