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Solar Eclipse in Antarctica Itinerary
Day 1 - Ushuaia (Argentina)
Arrive in Ushuaia where you will be met and transferred to the hotel (preferred flights only). Upon arrival, please ask the hotel check-in staff for Aurora Expeditions cabin tags, and fill them in.
Day 2 - Ushuaia
Check-out of the hotel and head to the port to embark your ship. Settle into your cabin, before important briefings.(D)
Day 3 - Drake Passage
Your ship begins to cruise the famous Drake Passage towards the South Shetland Islands. Enjoy lectures on board about the region's history, wildlife and environment. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Drake Passage - South Shetland Islands (Antarctica)
After finishing cruising the Drake Passage, arrive in the South Shetland Islands, surrounded by majestic icebergs. Weather permitting, you may be able to enjoy your first landing in Antarctica late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Days 5-10 - Antarctic Peninsula
Arriving in Antarctica is an unforgettable experience. You'll explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. As you are so far south, you'll experience around 18-24 hours of daylight. The Expedition Team will design each day taking into account weather and ice conditions. You may be able to enjoy two landings or Zodiac excursions everyday, during which you may be lucky enough to spot whales, seals and penguins. Ashore, walk along pebbled beaches or up snow-covered ridges for stunning panoramic views. There will be optional activities available and the chance to take a polar plunge. In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, the ship may be able to cruise narrow straits and linger in sheltered bays to watch whales. (B,L,D)
Days 11-13 - South Orkney Islands
According to NASA, the Weddell Sea is the best place to observe the solar eclipse. The full solar eclipse will only be visible in Antarctica. Hopefully you will be able to witness this natural phenomenon. Be spoiled for wildlife encounters as the Weddell boasts a large Adélie penguin colony just outside of the Antarctic Sound. On thrilling Zodiac cruises or slicing a path through the maze of sea ice in your kayak, keep watch for chinstrap and gentoo penguins in and out of the water, where you’re likely to spot humpback, minke and orca whales. With good ice and plenty of luck, you may even get close to a well-known emperor penguin colony. (B,L,D)
Days 14-15 - Drake Passage
Enter the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting. (B,L,D)
Day 16 - Ushuaia (Argentina)
After breakfast, disembark the ship. (B)
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.