This voyage is Peregrine’s most complete and varied Antarctic adventure. It promises an in-depth and unforgettable experience to the bottom of the world traveling to the extraordinary Falkland Islands and diverse sub-Antarctic islands before sailing further south to the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula area.

Our first stop is the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. This far-flung group of islands lies north of the Antarctic Convergence and enjoys a relatively warmer climate than our other destinations. As a result, the mainly uninhabited Falklands support unique wildlife not found further south, including sixty species of migratory birds as well as the rare rockhopper penguin.

Our journey continues southeast, crossing the Antarctic Convergence to the remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. Here amongst the soaring snow-clad mountains and massive glaciers, we’ll find huge king penguin rookeries, thousands of sub-Antarctic fur seals, the comical macaroni penguin, as well as spectacular wilderness that is perhaps, unequalled on earth. We’ll also discover a remarkable history here that reminds us of some of the world’s most legendary explorers from Captain James Cook to Sir Ernest Shackleton.

We then set course to the off-shore islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, hoping to land at the remote and often mist-shrouded South Orkney Islands. Then we continue on to the South Shetland archipelago, stopping at various islands whose waters are often inhabited with feeding humpback whales.

On approaching the mainland, the splendors of Antarctic nature will be on display. Thousands of differently shaped icebergs dot the sea, penguins are seen porpoising through the waters and various seals, including the predatory leopard seal, use the ice flows as a resting place. The Antarctic Peninsula itself boasts a profusion of wildlife including five species of seal, massive penguin rookeries with gentoos, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a variety of whale species and seabirds including albatross, petrels, shearwaters and skuas.

Extraordinary and inhospitable scenery greets us on land. A sweeping ice sheet rises above the shore line, binding together an entire continent, close in size to Africa. One can only marvel at the resolve of the early explorers in their quest to conquer Antarctica.

Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.

Included

• Airport arrival transfer in Ushuaia

• Departure transfer on last day of the voyage from Ushuaia pier to airport or hotel

• Transfer from Peregrine meeting point to pier

• Ship-board accommodation

• Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and presenters

• All meals, afternoon tea most days

• Access to public viewing areas

• Shore excursions by zodiac boat

• Onboard presentations, videos, slide and film shows

• Onboard medical officer

• Port taxes and/or landing fees at Ushuaia, Stanley and South Georgia

• Comprehensive pre-departure manuals

Meals

• 18 Breakfasts

• 17 Lunches

• 18 Dinner

Not Included

• All airfares

• Visa and passport fees

• Airport departure taxes

• Pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel accommodation

• Laundry, postage, telephone calls, drinks, medical expenses,

• Travel insurance and emergency evacuation charges

• Gratuities to staff and crew

Additional accommodation
Extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask us.

Day 1: Ushuaia
We board our Peregrine expedition vessel at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of South America. In the early evening, we set sail travelling through the Beagle Channel. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy our first wildlife sightings.
Meals included: 1 dinner

Day 2: At Sea
As we sail to the northeast, we have the chance to enjoy a series of presentations that will prepare us for all our Antarctic adventures to come. On deck, the first sightings of albatross and petrels are likely to add to the sense of excitement.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Days 3 - 4: Falkland Islands
We arrive in the Falklands overnight and make our first shore excursion in the morning. Depending on conditions, we’ll explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago including West Point, Carcass or Saunders Islands, all rich in wildlife. We’ll find an abundance of land and seabirds with many migratory species in residence, such as the wandering albatross and its smaller relative the black-browed albatross.

The breathtaking cliffs at West Point are home to busy rookeries of rockhopper penguins and Magellanic penguins nest in the tall tussock grass on privately owned Carcass Island, where we may see a variety of land birds. Here, we’ll also hope to observe oyster catchers, geese and the endemic steamer duck along the rocky shores.

The next day we’ll visit Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, with its brightly painted houses and renowned philatelic bureau and museum. We’ll learn about the historic importance of the harbour in Stanley that served as a major port during the 19th century for sailing vessels attempting to round the Horn, or seeking refuge after completing the formidable journey.

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners

Days 5 - 6: At Sea
Leaving the Falklands, our journey continues southeast heading for the island of South Georgia. We’ll have a chance to learn about Antarctic conservation as well as the fascinating history of the area as our onboard presentations continue. Of course, there’ll be ample time to scan the seascape from the top deck in search of marine mammals and seabirds. We’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence on this leg of our journey and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners

Days 7 - 10: South Georgia
We arrive in South Georgia, the most rugged and mountainous of the many islands in the Southern Ocean. The towering, snow-covered mountains and glaciers are truly magnificent to behold. We’ll cruise the more protected eastern coast of the island, seeking out suitable landing spots as variable ice and weather conditions permit.

We’ll hope to get ashore at Salisbury Plain where colourful king penguins crowd the beaches in numbers that are simply astonishing. Hundreds of thousands of adult birds and their young literally carpet the vast area. Another 75,000 pairs of king penguins nest at St Andrews Bay. Everywhere, albatross, skuas and giant petrels wheel overhead and fur seals are found in good numbers along the shore or frolicking in the water.

At Grytviken, we’ll visit an old whaling station as well as the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the greatest Antarctic explorers of all time.

Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunchs, 4 dinners

Days 11 - 12: Sea and South Orkneys
Crossing the Scotia Sea to the southwest, we’ll head for Antarctica. Along the way, if time and conditions allow, we’ll make a stop at the South Orkney Islands, linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by a massive range of sub-marine mountains. This area is usually surrounded by sea ice and often guarded by large icebergs.

We’ll attempt a landing at Coronation Island, known for its extensive moss beds, nesting penguins and beautiful snow petrels. We may also visit the Argentinean meteorological station located on the seldom-visited island of Laurie.

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners

Days 13 - 16: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Mainland
En route to the South Shetland Islands, we may be able to land at Elephant Island. It was from here that Sir Ernest Shackleton set out on a small boat for South Georgia in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable sailing journeys of all time and returning 132 days later to rescue his men.

We’ll spend several days cruising among the South Shetlands, an archipelago of bays, channels and some 20 islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. We’ll enjoy frequent shore excursions via zodiac boat, exploring various islands such as King George, Half Moon, Aicho or Livingston. Here on these beautiful islands, we’ll enjoy superb wildlife encounters with Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, as well as several species of seal.

Weather permitting, we’ll enter the flooded caldera of Deception Island and enjoy a spectacular walk to the higher points of the crater rim, or we may explore an abandoned whaling station nearby.

Finally, we’ll arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. Here we’ll witness some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet. We’ll hope for temperate weather so we can undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the Antarctic continent.
Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunchs, 4 dinners

Days 17 - 18: Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, we’ll head back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn. Our final evening onboard is spent at a special Captain’s dinner where we’ll celebrate our extraordinary Antarctic adventures together.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners

Day 19: Ushuaia
In the early morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia where the cruise ends. You’re transferred to your hotel or to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Trip Itinerary Variation
Please note that due to the nature of this expedition, weather, ice, or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, within the limits of safety and time constraints.

Peregrine Mariner

The ‘Peregrine Mariner’ is a relatively new, well equipped, ice-rated ship that is state of the art in terms of stability, speed, and comfort amongst expedition ships. She can carry up to 110 passengers and is kept in top condition. While this is every bit an expedition product, this ship is ideal if you want that extra stability and comfort.

The large cabins all have an outside view, with portholes or a window, and are comfortably furnished. Most of them have private or semi-private facilities. On-board facilities include a spacious top deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views, and a refreshing sauna - a great place to relax after your shore excursions. There is also a well-stocked library, a comfortable lounge and a friendly bar. Other facilities include a gift shop and laundry. 

Actual cabin layout may not be exactly as shown.

Specifications

Registered Name:	Akademik loffe
Length:	117.04m
Breadth:	18.28m
Draft:	6.09m
Engines:	5,000 kW diesel, twin engine, twin propeller, 600 kW bow and stern thrusters
Ice Class:	KM*L1(1)A2, Canadian Type B
Gross Registered Tonnage:	6450
Crew:	53
Passengers:	110
Registry:	Russia