For those lucky enough to join a cruise to Antarctica, it is considered to be a once in a lifetime trip. It is rated by most visitors as their best ever tour; an unforgettable wildlife experience. Although fewer people follow in Shackleton’s footsteps and visit South Georgia, this island differs in many ways and is just as spectacular as the White Continent. The Falkland Islands have dolphins and several endemic birds, quite fearless of our presence and allowing fantastic photographic opportunities. A cruise which takes in all three wonderful places constitutes the ultimate Antarctic experience.

First  we  will  visit the  Falkland  Islands  and  South Georgia, home to nesting Wandering, Grey-headed, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses. Thousands of King Penguins breed along with hundreds of burrowing Magellanic Penguins. The Rockhopper too can be found here. Endemic birds include the Falkland Steamer Duck and South Georgia Pipit.

Antarctica teams with life in the summer due to the seasonal abundance of krill. Millions of birds and animals concentrate to breed along the Antarctic Peninsula, regarded as the most beautiful part of the continent. Mountains, glaciers and immense icebergs form a backdrop to huge colonies of penguins. By making frequent landings, we are able to experience the stark beauty that lured the early explorers here, without enduring the same hardship that saw few return. Some historic buildings and whaling stations still remain as a reminder of their courage.

Most people only visit Antarctica once and for the ultimate experience this should include the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. This is no longer just the realm of the Amundsens, Scotts and Attenboroughs of this world, it is ours.

ITINERARY 

BUENOS AIRES AND USHUAIA

Ships going to Antarctica do not wait for latecomers, so we have factored in extra time in case of any flight delays. Arriving in Buenos Aires, we go straight to our hotel for a two night stay. We will make an excursion to Otamendi Nature Reserve, where wetland birds include Coscoroba and Black-necked Swans, plus many small birds such as Guira Cuckoo, Black-and-rufous Warbling-finch and Epaulet Oriole.

The next day we will fly to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, spending one night in a hotel there. We will have an afternoon and most of the next day birding there, where Magellanic Woodpecker and Austral Parakeet are good possibilities.

Departing Ushuaia we board our ship, the Professor Molchanov, to cruise the Beagle Channel, where we may spot our first Chilean Skuas, Flightless Steamer Ducks, Dolphin Gulls and Kelp Gulls. The Andes Mountains end here and with luck it is possible to spot Andean Condors soaring over the mountains.

This is one trip where travelling becomes a joy rather than a chore. The attendant seabirds are close, photogenic and extraordinarily numerous. Most enjoy following ships and provide excellent views. Prions, Antarctic Fulmars, Black-bellied Storm-petrels, Pintado and Blue Petrels, and Southern and Northern Giant Petrels all play second fiddle to the six species of albatross we expect to find.

FALKLAND ISLANDS

After a day at sea we arrive at the Falkland Islands where we will get the chance to search for endemic land birds as well as numerous waders, wildfowl and seabirds. We usually visit New and Carcass Islands. Our first penguins should include Magellanic and Rockhopper, both defending their young from marauding Sub-Antarctic Skuas. Magellanic and Black Oystercatchers feed alongside Kelp and Upland Geese, while Tussock Birds scurry through the long grass.

The following day we visit Port Stanley, the capital of the islands where there is chance to savour the Victorian charm of the town or seek out more birds such as the Flightless Steamer Duck along the shoreline. After two days around the Falkland Islands we will head for South Georgia, watching for seabirds and whales en route.

SOUTH GEORGIA

As we approach South Georgia on the first of four days in the area, we are joined by the world’s largest flying bird, the Wandering Albatross. As well as enjoying their majestic flight at close range, we plan to visit its nesting grounds to see the youngsters and displaying adults. We will also seek out the Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, perhaps the prettiest of all tubenoses. An incredible sight is provided by duelling Elephant Seals.

Thousands of King Penguins gather at Salisbury Plain, one of the planet’s most awesome wildlife spectacles. Whilst on South Georgia, we will have the opportunity to visit Grytviken and Shackleton´s grave.

Being so remote and costly, many opt to exclude South Georgia from their Antarctic tour, something which is invariably regretted later.

ANTARCTICA

Two more days at sea will then bring us in sight of our first icebergs, some the size of an English shire! Crossing the Antarctic Convergence, seabird species change as we enter colder Antarctic waters. Reaching the South Shetland Island group our ship will begin to move south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Expedition staff will decide where we should visit, based of their experience, wildlife knowledge and ice-conditions. We may even go where no-one has trod before!

Deception Island is a favourite. A ring-shaped island, it was once a huge volcano of which the crater opens into the sea, creating a natural harbour for the ship. Pintado Petrels are a highlight, along with many Kelp Gulls, Brown and South Polar Skuas and Antarctic Terns. Wilson’s Storm-petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay.

Further south lie the Orne Islands, with large colonies of Chinstrap Penguins and a beautiful view across the Gerlache Strait.

The various islands are home to numerous penguins, giving us further opportunities to see Chinstraps and Adelies. Leopard Seals patrol their colonies. Brown Skuas and Blue-eyed Shags add variety. There is a good chance of coming across Humpback, Minke and Fin Whale, and rarer species are possible too. We may sail through Paradise bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep-cut fjords. We will have opportunities for zodiac cruising where ghostly Snow Petrels search for food.

Finally, we cross Drake’s Passage where we can look for the Royal Albatross, equal in size to the Wandering and savour our last pelagic birds as we return to Ushuaia. After disembarking we fly to Buenos Aires, breaking the journey with an overnight stop and visit to Costanera Sur Reserve, on the banks of the Rio Plata, before continuing to London.

PACE

Excursions are made using zodiacs on days when not travelling at sea, as conditions allow. Walks will be at a leisurely pace on uneven ground or snow. Only basic fitness is required but there is some optional uphill walking. Daytime temperatures at this time average +6°C.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Full-board accommodation is provided with three nights at Buenos Aires and one night at Ushuaia, and eighteen nights on board the Professor Molchanov. The ship takes 54 passengers, so you will not have the landing problems and queues associated with the larger ships. Antarctic regulations restrict landings to a maximum of 100 people. The ship is part of a fleet of Finnish-built research vessels owned by Oceanwide, a Dutch company. Cabins are twins and have one upper and one lower berth. There is a supplement for en suite cabins. Atmosphere on board is relaxed and you are not expected to dress for dinner!

PRICE INCLUDES …..

Full-board accommodation, soft drinks at meal times, all excursions with expedition staff and Bird Holidays leader, transport, internal flight (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia), return flights to London and airport taxes.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Personal items, alcoholic drinks, laundry, tips, etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Return flights from both London Heathrow to Buenos Aires, via Madrid, using the scheduled services of Iberia Airlines. Outbound flight departs early morning, return flight arrives back early evening. Connecting shuttle flights are available on this tour for £70 return (due at time of booking), from other regional airports.

 

23 nights including one overnight flight: Principal leader: Cost with discount (if you book before 24th October 2008):  Full Cost:  Single supplement:  En-suite supplement:  Superior cabin supp:  Deposit:  Insurance premium:

6th February to 1st March 2009 Paul Willoughby, plus local guides in Argentina and expedition staff on board ship  £7980 per person sharing  £8180 per person sharing  please phone  £1015 per person  £2170 per person  £1000  £60.00 due at time of booking (£90.00 for age 65 to 69) (£120.00 for age 70 and over)