Emperor Penguins: Snow Hill Island Safari
Tags:
Wildlife; Culture; Nature; Photography; Walking; Islands; Sailing; birds; whales; Drake Passage; Beagle Channel; Exploration Cruise; Small Ship Icebreaker Vessel; Penguin; Icebergs; Research Stations; Seals; Pictures; Native; Weddell Sea; Snow Hill; Antarctic Sound;
Have you always wanted to observe animals in the wild, but can’t take the heat of an African safari? This penguin “safari” gives photographers and nature lovers ample time to observe and appreciate the Antarctic Emperors early in their breeding season. Antarctica is the least-known continent, and only the icebreaker ...
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Trip Length:
- 14 days
- Price Range:
- From $11500 to $20900 per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
-
Oct 08, 2008 to Oct 21, 2008
Oct 20, 2008 to Nov 02, 2008
Oct 10, 2009 to Oct 23, 2009
Oct 22, 2009 to Nov 04, 2009
Nov 03, 2009 to Nov 16, 2009
- Recommended for:
-
Infants (under 2)
Children (2 - 17)
Adults (18 - 20)
Adults (25 - 29)
Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around the World
Detailed Trip Description
Have you always wanted to observe animals in the wild, but can’t take the heat of an African safari? This penguin “safari” gives photographers and nature lovers ample time to observe and appreciate the Antarctic Emperors early in their breeding season. Antarctica is the least-known continent, and only the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov ensures your access to its most remote regions. This powerful ship discovered 4,000 pairs of Emperor Penguins on Snow Hill Island in 2004, and is still the only ship visiting this rookery today. Onboard helicopters take you closer to historic sites, distinctive wildlife, and frozen landscapes unchanged by the march of time. The sheer scale of the surrounding landscape inspires awe, while the ice crushing power of Kapitan Khlebnikov leaves you breathless with excitement. In 2008, author and photographer John Weller will be our special guest on all three Emperor Penguin safaris. He will act as your photographer-in-residence during the first departure, delivering interactive photography workshops to prepare adventurers for the extraordinary photo opportunities we anticipate at the rookery. During the second and third expedition, John will be leading a team with the intent of filming the Emperors in their underwater habitat. A submersible will be carried aboard the icebreaker to the Weddell Sea, where it will be deployed for up to 14 hours each evening while the ship is parked near the rookery. John and his team plan to share some of their underwater footage with guests during the homeward journeys.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Ushuaia
Ushuaia, Argentina.
Hotel
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, a picturesque community with excellent restaurants and intriguing museums.
Sightseeing
You’ll have the opportunity to explore the city, before returning to your hotel, where you'll rest up for tomorrow's adventure!
Day 2 - Ushuaia
Embarkation Day.
Ocean Cruise
After boarding the ship in the afternoon, we’ll follow the Beagle Channel into the open waters of the Drake Passage.
Day 3-4 - At Sea
Crossing the Drake Passage.
Ocean Cruise
Emperor Penguins will be on your mind while you cross the Drake Passage. In addition to the biology, habitat and behavior of Emperors, our ornithologist will make presentations on the pelagic birds that accompany the ship. By the time you reach the Weddell Sea, you’ll be a well-rounded expert on birds of all kinds! Our photographer-in-residence will prepare you for the special lighting conditions you will encounter during your visit to the rookery.
Day 5-7 - At Sea
The Aristocrats of the Antarctic.
Adventure
Reaching the Snow Hill rookery under the best possible conditions is the goal of this expedition. The Captain and Expedition Leader will consult charts, weather bulletins and satellite images to determine where to park the icebreaker for efficient helicopter flights to the rookery.
Sightseeing
In 2007, visitors to the rookery saw Emperor chicks, many sitting on the feet of the adult Emperor caring for them. We hope to repeat that unique opportunity in 2008. Helicopters will ferry you to a landing site about 1.2 miles or more from the rookery. You’ll walk a well-marked path through a sculpture garden of towering ice. Adult Emperors tobogganing to the sea to feed have the right of way! Seeing this rookery of Emperor penguins up close will be the highlight of this Antarctic journey for nature and adventure lovers alike.
Day 8-11 - At Sea
Discovering the White Continent.
Sightseeing
While the Emperors are our priority, we also plan to visit the Antarctic Peninsula. Your exact route will be determined by local conditions.
Sailing
We plan to sail Iceberg Alley.
Adventure
Use your newly acquired photography skills to snap pictures of the massive tabular icebergs and magnificent scenery. While passing through the Antarctic Sound, you will see more fantastic ice sculptures ranging in color from pure white to deep blue. A soulful silence may engulf you, unless a glacier calves or an iceberg overturns – then everything will suddenly be noise and waves.
Sightseeing
While visiting the Peninsula, you will hopefully be able to explore penguin rookeries under construction. Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo Penguins court, lay eggs, and raise their young during the austral summer. Your voyage takes place at a time when these smaller penguins are selecting nesting sites and choosing partners.
Day 12-14 - Ushuaia
Recollection and reflection.
Sightseeing
On the return to Ushuaia, you will enjoy recalling the details of the voyage. The memories of the Emperor penguins will stay with you, as clear and powerful as the day they were formed.
Ocean Cruise
Disembark in Ushuaia at the end of the journey.
Transfer to the airport.
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