We will have four fantastic days in the Antarctic peninsula region. Every voyage is different and our Expedition Leader will make the final decisions about the itinerary based on the local weather conditions. Here is a sample itinerary of what we might expect:
We cruise among the volcanic South Shetland Islands and the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, travelling ashore frequently in inflatable 'Zodiac' boats. The itinerary focuses on the areas with the greatest promise of wildlife, and there are many options for frequent shore excursions.
A few of the places we may visit are Livingston, Half Moon and King George Islands. Admiralty Bay, on King George Island, is a favoured feeding ground for Humpback whales and, with luck, we may see them dining on krill. Nearby, around 80,000 Adelie penguins have established one of the largest rookeries, alongside Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins.
At crescent-shaped Half Moon Island, a breeding colony of Chinstrap penguins shares their territory with Fur seals and Blue-eyed shags; while at Livingston Island we may observe Weddell seals, Elephant seals, skuas, Giant petrels, terns and rookeries of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins.
Weather permitting, we may also enter the flooded caldera of Deception Island, a recently active volcano and one of the most perfect crater islands in the world. Steam rises in places from the black sand beaches along its shores where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the steaming, thermal waters of the bay.
We'll also have the chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent itself at Paradise Harbour, Hope Bay or Neko Harbour, to see some of the most dramatic scenery the peninsula has to offer. Icebergs of different shapes and sizes, which are calved from glaciers, erode into natural ice sculptures, while the sheer-sided, flat-topped 'tabular' bergs, which break from the thick ice shelves, are impressive.
The Antarctic Peninsula also has an interesting human history. From the early explorers to the whalers of the 20th century, we'll visit a number of sites of historical interest. We'll also get the chance to visit one of the current research stations. The days are long, and the short nights are often preceded by a wonderful twilight. Back on board, we will be tempted to spend time on deck if conditions are still, just watching and marvelling at the glory of the passing scenery.
