ANTARCTICA
evokes images of a pristine wilderness full of whales, seals, penguins and other birds not found in such numbers anywhere else on earth. This is a place with no roads or restaurants and only a few scattered research stations. Few places still exist in the world that are as untrammeled by man as Antarctica.

The MS Explorer was the first passenger vessel to sail to the Antarctic Peninsula and allows guests the special opportunity of spending time with researchers and scientists on board. Fully renovated in 1999 the Explorer now carries 75 staff and crewmembers for 100 guests. The best time of year to visit Antarctica is between November and March to witness the masses of wild animals that come ashore to mate, give birth and care for their young.

The MS Explorer is designed to cut through pack ice with a
specially designed ice-strengthened hull that has achieved one of the
highest ratings attainable (1A1 Ice A).

Anne suggests:
"If one is planning a visit to Antarctica they should strongly consider adding the Falkland Islands and South Georgia to their itineraries. This was one of my favorite trips outside of Africa. These islands offer sightings of the stately king penguin colonies, elephant seals, albatross and macaroni, gentoo and chinstrap penguin colonies. Here you will have the chance to follow in the wake of the early intrepid explorers and whalers who roamed these icy waters, including Sir Ernest Shackleton whose gravesite is on South Georgia. For those with less time a trip directly from Ushuaia to the Antarctica Peninsula will be unforgettable."

Spring, Falkland Islands

Click here for a sample itinerary of a trip that incorporates visits to the Falklands and South Georgia. Shorter trips to the Antarctic Peninsula last 14 days. Prices start at $6,225.00 not including air and charter costs. The tour price includes all meals, an open bar, excursions, a backpack and parka and onboard gratuities.

For further information and space availablity please contact us.

All visits are scheduled during the austral summer, between November and March, when you can enjoy the icebound Antarctica at its most comfortable season, warm enough to dine and sightsee on deck.

Within this period each month has several highlights, which may help you decide your departure date.

November - Early December

The pack ice begins to break up creating one of the more adventurous times to visit, with the landscape filled with pristine icebergs. This is also courting season for penguins and sea birds with ritual displays, nest building and stone stealing antics of penguins. Elephant and fur seals establish breeding territories and can also be seen on fast ice and shorelines. In the Falklands the spring flowers are in bloom bringing a variety of color to a previously barren landscape. Research activity is at its height and scientists are excited to greet the first visitors of the season.

Mid December - January

Wildlife is in full swing as temperatures rise during the warmest time of the year in Antarctica. Penguin chicks begin to emerge on South Georgia and the Falklands and fur seals begin breeding. The longer days create amazing light conditions for photographic opportunities and even enough light for reading on the deck at midnight. Antarctic chicks begin to hatch and different species of whale become increasingly more numerous. The receding ice may open new channels for exploration. Spending Christmas and New Year in Antarctica is an unforgettable experience.

February - March

Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as well as increasingly good whale sightings makes this season a favorite choice of many first time visitors. Penguin chicks begin to fledge and start to leave their nests in the Falklands. As the pack ice recedes it is possible to venture farther south into the Weddell Sea. At this time of year snow algae begins to bloom and fur seals become more prevalent on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Whenever you decide to go on a trip to Antarctica it will be truly unforgettable.

Contact us today to check on space availability.

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