Emperors & Kings: Snow Hill and South Georgia
November 15 to December 6, 2009
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Santiago, Chile
Day 1
Ushuaia, Argentina
Just as you will, special guests Robert Bateman and Birgit Freybe Bateman will overnight in Ushuaia, our staging point for this exclusive voyage. Overnight in Ushuaia.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
At the beginning of what is arguably the ultimate penguin expedition, travelers will be introduced to the Expedition Team, Hospitality Team and the Batemans at the Welcome Briefing.
Day 3-5
Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare for rough water, but do not be disappointed if this crossing of the Drake Passage is smooth sailing. The Drake is always changing.
Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Emperor and King Penguins are the star attractions of this expeditin, but they are not the only penguins you will encounter. During landings in the South Shetland Islands you could visit Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguin rookeries.
Day 6-8
Emperor Penguin Rookery
The Captain and Expedition Leader consult charts, weather bulletins and satellite images to determine where to park the icebreaker for efficient helicopter flights to the rookery. From the landing zone, you will walk about 2.4 (1.5 miles) to the rookery, through a sculpture garden of ice. This memorable route is taken each time you visit the rookery during the three days allotted.
Watch a video about the Snow Hill Island rookery.
Day 9-11
South Orkney Islands and Southern Ocean
While at sea, the Batemans will deliver one of two presentations about their life as activists and artists. Their presentations supplement the in-depth education program delivered by the Expedition Team. If conditions permit, we will attempt a shore landing in the South Orkney Islands.
Day 12-16
South Georgia
Wildlife landings on South Georgia will include visits to King Penguin rookeries. King Penguin breed all year round, so you will encounter the meter (3 feet) tall birds in all stages of growth, In addition, you may see elephant and fur seals, Albatross and other species of penguins inhabiting the island, which is now a nature preserve.
Watch a video about South Georgia.
Day 17-18
At sea
For the second time, the Batemans will supplement the in-depth education gropgram with a presentation about their work. Activists as well as artists, the Batemans have a lifetime of stories to share.
Day 19-20
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
When you reach the Falklands (Malvinas) you are no longer in Antarctica, yet you will add three more species of penguins to your life list – Rockhopper, Macaroni and Magellanic Penguins.
Day 21-22
Day 21: Fly from Stanley to Santiago, Chile
If weather and ice conditions permit, during this expedition you will have seen eight different species of penguin in the wild. Only a polar-class icebreaker makes this possible. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 22: Santiago, Chile
Depart for home.
A free information kit is available from request expedition dossier.