Wildlife Cruising / Antarctica The Antarctic voyages of the Austral Summer echo the journeys of the great explorers. Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton, Scott and others as you view some of the most exciting wildlife in the world. Vast colonies of penguins, seals and seabirds live unlike anywhere else against a vast backdrop of white wilderness with soaring glaciers, cliffs and icebergs. Humpback, Minke, Southern Right, Blue, Fin, Sei, Orca, Pilot and Sperm Whales are regularly seen in these waters. Some of the vessels we work with have full icebreaking capability, allowing them to reach areas not possible on lighter weight vessels. The smaller vessels we prefer to use also allow you more time with the experts on board and whilst on excursions off the ship. For some this is a once in a lifetime experience, although we find that many return time and time again to this truly unique continent. Highlights October and November • Winter pack ice is beginning to melt and break up, this is early summer. The scenery is clean and pristine. • The courting season for penguins and seabirds is at its height. • Spring wildflowers are at their best in the Falklands and South Georgia. • Elephant seals establish their breeding territories. December and January • Antarctica’s warmest months and longest days, this is mid-summer. • Most penguin chicks hatch. • Seal pups are visible on South Georgia and the Falklands. • Whale sightings begin to increase. February and March • The end of the Antarctic summer. • Whale sightings are generally at their best. Minke, and Orca Whales are often found between the ice floes. • Penguin chicks fledge and leave their colonies. • Adult penguins moult onshore. • More fur seals are visible on the Antarctic Peninsula. • Fur seals and Elephant seals haul out on the beaches and start to moult. Climate Crossings of the Southern Ocean can be quite easy and severe storms are infrequent in the southern summer months. They may occur, but visitors to the Antarctic Peninsula region need not expect very bad weather as a matter of course as the narrow waterways are quite protected. Likewise, sunny days are common in Greater Antarctica and the sun even shines among the sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Although visitors should be prepared for cold weather at any time, it is surprising how often it can seem almost too warm to wear a parka. The average summer temperature is near freezing. Crabeater Seals King Penguin S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 169

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most readily accessible part of the White Continent with some of the best wildlife and scenery. We have made sure that all of our recommended Antarctic Peninsula voyages include as much wildlife viewing as possible, whilst still allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, glaciers, blue and white icebergs, and rugged mountains along the way. There are more whales and dolphins here than almost anywhere else on earth… you may be accompanied by a school of boisterous hourglass dolphins, follow a pod of Orca Whales as they hunt among the ice floes, or watch Humpback Whales breaching in front of a wilderness of icebergs. Your journey begins and ends in the southernmost town in the world – Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego – which nestles between the spectacular snow-capped mountains of the Andes and the Beagle Channel. You will travel across the infamous Drake Passage (an experience in itself) accompanied by albatrosses and other seabirds and watching for whales and dolphins along the way. Your first stop will be the South Shetland Islands, where you visit enormous penguin rookeries, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic Fur Seals and observe wallowing Elephant Seals. A highlight of your visit here will be sailing into the flooded caldera of Deception Island and perhaps even taking a dip in the warm thermal waters inside. Your expedition team onboard will attempt an average of two landings each day although many factors will influence the daily programme such as ice and weather conditions, and of course wildlife behaviour. Then you move on to the Antarctic Peninsula where you will have plenty of time to experience the special magic of this aweinspiring wilderness. You visit enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, and see Blue-Eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and many other birds. You are also likely to see Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard Seals, while Orcas, Humpback, and Minke Whales are often encountered at close range. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the voyage will Classic Antarctica Incredible cruises aboard a choice of comfortable expedition vessels visiting prime wildlife sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland Islands. F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Itinerary Day 1. Embark in Ushuaia Days 2 & 3. Drake Passage Days 4 to 8. South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula. The 9-night voyage spends one night less on the Peninsula. Days 9 to 10. Drake Passage Day 11. Ushuaia and disembark Vessel Antarctic Dream, Clipper Adventurer, Lyubov Orlova, Polar Star (see Vessel pages for more details). Things you need to know Embark Ushuaia, Argentina Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina Voyage night 9 & 10 nights Departure dates November 2008 to March 2009 Please see schedule on opposite page Price From £1,995 Single supplement On request. If you are travelling alone ask about our request share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller. What’s included Some departures include a pre-cruise hotel night in Ushuaia (see schedule on opposite page), voyage including guided shore & zodiac excursions, all meals onboard & transfers. Guide price for flights & accommodation package Around £1,250 including return flights from the UK, 1-night in Buenos Aires & 1-night in Ushuaia. [We recommend at least one night in Buenos Aires. One pre-cruise night in Ushuaia is essential.] 170