P.O. Box 190, Hollister, CA 95024 USA Phone: 831-637-8527 E-mail
© 2002-2008 Shearwater Journeys
ITINERARY
DAY 1 (MARCH 24)
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world at the tip of South America in Argentina. We sail through the Beagle Channel.
DAY 2 & DAY 3
In the Drake Passage we witness a multitude of albatrosses, petrels and fulmars,
DAY 4
At Hope Bay and Brown Bluff we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent. In this area chances are good for encounters with Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Seals, Leopard Seals and Orcas.
DAY 5
From Devil Island at the tip of of the Weddell Sea is an area surrounded by huge tabular icebergs of the Lauren Ice Shelf. We will climb a hill with a gentle slope from where we have a great view of the surroundings. At Paulet Island, we will observe the last individuals of a large Adelie Penguin colony near the ruins of the Nordenskiold Expedition from the beginning of the 20th century.
DAY 6
At sea we will probably sail along the sea ice drifting north out of the Weddell Sea. On the floes, we may see some juvenile Emperor Penguins.
DAY 7
On our way north we plan to visit the South Orkney Islands, where the Scotsman Bruce once wintered and where we may now visit the friendly people of an Argentine research base.
DAY 8
At sea, our way to South Georgia, we witness a multitude of albatrosses, petrels and fulmars.
DAY 9 - 11
In South Georgia, we will pay visits to the abandoned whaling settlements of Grytviken, where now the penguins walk through the streets, and King Edwards Point where the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton is found. We will walk near the large King Penguin colony on Salisbury Plain and the breeding Wandering Albatrosses on Albatross Island in the Bay of Isles. The last day in South Georgia, we will spend in Cooper Bay where we will observe Chinstrap Penguins and Macaroni Penguins and breeding Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses. Later we intend to sail to Gold Harbor to visit another King Penguin colony and to see many Elephant Seals and Fur Seals. It is a good area for long walks. We conclude our visit with Zodiac excursions in the magnificent Drygalski Fjord and Larsen Harbor.
DAY 12 - 16
In the westerly's we have a pleasant tailwind. On both sides of the Antarctic Convergence, we observe many species and great numbers of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds.
DAY 17
Today we plan to approach the unique Gough Island for Zodiac cruising around the island, as always, weather permitting. In 2003, we managed to circumnavigate all but four miles of the 33 mile circumference of the island in the ship. We saw spectacular scenery and an unprecedented abundance of wildlife. We felt privileged to be among the few visitors who have been able to experience Gough and in particular, to see it at such close quarters and in such favorable conditions. We hope to be lucky enough to repeat this unique experience with you on board.
DAY 18 - 20
In the Tristan da Cunha archipelago, we call at the settlement at the west side of the main island. We will also try to make landings at Nightingale Island with millions of seabirds ranging from Yellow-nosed Albatrosses to Brown Noddies. We allow one day in reserve for foul weather.
DAY 21 - 25
At sea, we now enter sub-tropical waters with their own brand of seabirds and dolphins. When we enter the rich relatively cold Benguela Current with its rich upwellings we will have a chance to see wintering northern seabirds, such as Long-tailed Skuas and Arctic Terns.
DAY 26
In Cape Town, passengers can disembark the ship and fly home, or visit South Africa. Alternatively, passengers can complete the ship's voyage to Praia, Cape Verde Islands.
BOOKINGS: DEBRA SHEARWATER
SHEARWATER JOURNEYS, INC.
PO BOX 190, HOLLISTER, CA 95024
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