In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located in the shadow of the Andes and right at the Beagle Channel shore. We'll sail through this scenic waterway during the afternoon.
Day 2 & 3
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson's Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we glimpse at the first icebergs.
Day 4- 10
A typical itinerary in Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.
We will sail directly to "High Antarctica", passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island, we will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. On Danco Island we can observe Chinstrap Penguins and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In Neko Harbour we will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers, other continent landings are for example possible on Portal Point .
During the cruise we will also offer zodiac cruises such as near Foyn Harbour on Nansen Island and Neko Harbour.
When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, we will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. In this area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales.
After sailing through the Neumayer
Channel, we visit the British research station and post
office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port
Lockroy we can also offer a landing on Jougla Point with
Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags.
We sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to
Pleneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie
Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are
good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales
and Fin Whales. A visit to one of the scientific
stations in Antarctica will give you an insight about
the life of modern Antarcticans working on the White
Continent.
Further south we may visit the
Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where we will receive a
warm welcome from the station crew.
Sailing north through Neumayer Channel we arrive at the
Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape and
again possibilities for zodiac cruising among the
icebergs, where we may encounter Leopard Seals,
Crabeater Seals and whales.
Day 11 - 12
In the Drake Passage we have again a chance of
seeing many seabirds and to take advantage of the
knowledge of our lecture team.
Day 13
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and
disembark.
- Field camping option will be offered on all Plancius voyages in Antarctica 09/10
- Everyone can participate, no previous experience required
- Maximum number is limited to 15 persons per night
- Once in a lifetime, intensive Antarctic experience!
- The camping is assisted by expert field guides
- Equipment provided (bivouac & sleeping bag, mats, tents)
- Field camping is subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations
- 1 night has to be booked prior to trip, any extra night can be arranged onboard
- Supplement: Please see our dates & rates for the camping supplement
We are offering on all Antarctic 2009/10, m/v Plancius departures, an exciting ‘open air' camping option, providing an intensive experience of the Antarctic wilderness. We will provide special gear and field equipment which includes top quality wind and waterproof breathable bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to tent system). Tents for those that prefer a little bit more comfort will also be brought ashore. Polar sleeping bags will keep campers dry, warm and comfortable during the night in the open air of Antarctica. The night ashore will be supervised by one experienced field guide. Please note that camping is always subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations.
Field Camping in Antarctica
We aim at least one night out on each trip but the expedition team will offer more camping occasions when possible. Additional nights ashore are weather and site permitting and can only be offered at times that there is a possibility for the vessel to stay close enough to the shore during the night. When the vessel is relocating during the night camping is not possible.
According to
international regulations we are
not allowed to take stoves, fuel
nor food ashore - with the
exception of emergency rations
and survival gear, drinking
water and medical supplies. The
camping group will be taken
ashore after dinner, and returns
to the ship just before
breakfast. This means we will
have the night hours ashore. On
shore a camp will be made in a
place where wildlife will not
be disturbed. All campers will
be equipped with a personal
waterproof bag containing a
sleeping mattress, a polar
synthetic sleeping bag with
inner liner and a breathable
bivouac bag. Besides these
personal items other equipment
such as tents will be taken
ashore. In favourable weather
conditions, campers have the
possibility to sleep in the
bivouac bag under the open sky.
For those that find a bivy-bag a
bit too spartan, and when the
weather is not pleasant enough
for the bivy-bag, tents are
provided. Our sturdy dome tents
will sleep 3 persons. While the
field party is ashore, our staff
will be in full radio contact
with the ship. Staff will also
stay ashore to assist and
supervise the campers. Upon
departure everything that was
carried ashore must be returned
to the ship. Field staff will
ensure that the field camps are
cleaned properly after each
night's camp.
Please contact our office if you
want to receive the full version
of the Field Camping Manual with
all details and information
needed for preparing your trip.
