ANTARCTICA: THROUGH THE LENS

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking 130 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.

Sylvia Earle

Launched in 2022 the 2nd purpose built expedition vessel by Aurora Expeditions honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia’s long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife.

Besides the same revolutionary Ulstein X BOW hull design like the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features a distinctive Glass Atrium Lounge at the bow of the ship with a stunning panoramic view on both port and starboard side, Lecture theatre and lounge, a swimming pool and jacuzzi where you can admire impressive scenery while watching the world go by.

Day 1 Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 2 King George Island

This morning, you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for your charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island, your expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before your important safety briefings.

Days 3 – 9 Antarctic Peninsula

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, in partnership with a team of photography experts, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, getting you in the best position based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Flexibility is key on an Antarctic expedition, especially a photography expedition. Rest assured that if a wildlife event presents itself, or the light hits a glacier just right, the team will do what they can allow you more time to capture it, provided it is possible and safe to do so, of course!

Once you arrive, the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore, and you have a host of choices available to you. You will generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day, and the timings of these will depend on what the day brings us.

You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. With the engine turned off, take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.

While ashore, you have a choice as to how you would like to explore each site. Quite often, one of the options will be to hike up to a vantage point with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. The light can vary dramatically, depending on the weather on the day, but the view from the ridgeline never disappoints. If your focus is on the wildlife, you may choose to wander along pebbly beaches where you are likely to find a variety of penguins (in this area, mainly gentoo), seals, and birds. Occasionally you may capture a leopard seal coming close to shore to find a snack.

In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, you may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow or the Observation Lounge, featuring huge windows and superb views. The bridge will be opened at the Captain’s discretion, to grant a different perspective of the running of an expedition through these waters. Of course, you will also be offered the tradition of the polar plunge, where those who dare to will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters – conditions permitting!

Days 10 – 11 Drake Passage

Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before you re-enter the Drake Passage for your return journey to South America. With any luck, you will be blessed with the ‘Drake Lake’!

With lectures, recaps and film presentations to complete your Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here. We hope the images you have captured during your adventure inspire, bring joy and continue to remind you of what is sure to be a life-changing experience.

As you approach the tip of South America, your Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

Day 12 Ushuaia

During the early morning, cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where you will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you all continue your onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.