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WEDDELL SEA
Featuring: Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Paulet Island
For the even more intrepid traveller, this journey will take you deeper into Antarctica and the heavily-iced Weddell Sea on the seldom-visited eastern side of the peninsula. Notoriously synonymous with Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, the sea is reached through the Antarctic Sound, also called “iceberg alley”. Here you can watch for the elusive snow petrel and beautifully marked cape petrel. On Paulet Island there is a large Adélie penguin rookery and at Snow Hill Island, where the early explorers survived two winters, you may be able to see the elegant emperor penguin. Other sites in these compelling waters may include Brown Bluff, Hope Bay and Devil Island.
TRIPS OPINION
The trip of a lifetime for the more tenacious explorer. For those who have an interest in Shackleton’s Endurance voyage, a dream to see spectacular glaciers or a desire to meet the majestic emperor penguin, this is the trip for you!
Days 1-3 - Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, the town at the end of the world. After an overnight stay you will board your ship and set sail through the Beagle Channel. Cruise the often changeable waters of the Drake Passage, named after the famous maritime explorer. Learn about the regional marine and bird life with our on-board experts before arriving at the South Shetland Islands.
Accommodation options: Professor Molchanov and Professor MultanovskiyDays 4-5 - Antarctic Peninsula
Cruise between these 20 islands boarding the Antarctic Peninsula. Barren, ice-clad and covered in seals, here you can expect to see penguins, terns, gulls and shags while the waters team with seals and often whales. From here you will sail through the Antarctic Sound, a narrow channel also known as “iceberg alley”.
Days 6-8 - Weddell Sea
Once through the Antarctic Sound you find yourself in the Weddell Sea. Here, where in winter the pack ice extends further than any other area of the continent, Shackleton’s Endurance became caught in a northerly drift. Little explored, the area is home to dramatic tabular icebergs and a plethora of fascinating wildlife.
Day 9 - Paulet Island
Board your Zodiac for a visit to the vast penguin rookery at Paulet Island. Later you will attempt to land on the notoriously difficult Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s crew spent many months awaiting rescue. Visits to other islands, including Snow Hill Island may offer sightings of the elusive emperor penguin.
Days 10-12 - Ushuaia
Head back to Ushuaia, with time to reflect on the landscapes you have explored before boarding your flight home.
The places, accommodation and tours shown on this page represent only a small selection of Trips Tailormade bespoke holidays. For more information about travelling with us, and the locations we offer, please contact us or let us call you!.