2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Antarctica JOURNEY TO THE WHITE CONTINENT AT THE END OF THE EARTH

Antarctica is hypnotically beautiful, with its towering blue-white icebergs, mountains sheering from the sea, and spectacular pageant of wildlife. Walk among shoreline rookeries thronged with penguins, look for spouting whales, and spot Antarctic seabirds soaring overhead, including the fabled wandering albatross. You’ll explore by Zodiac, learn about the daring exploits of Antarctic explorers, and photograph sculpted icebergs in the ethereal austral light. There are even options to sea kayak or camp overnight on most journeys. You’ll be traveling with the finest expedition cruise companies, allowing you to explore in comfort, style, and safety. Expert naturalists bring the Antarctic world to life for you as they share their passion for this miraculous realm.

Argentina both maintain scientific bases, and the Lemaire Channel, where the ship navigates a narrow waterway between 3,000-foot peaks. The ship will also sail into the sea-flooded crater of Deception Island, where hardy souls can take a dip in a small natural hot spring on the shoreline. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, the expedition leader and captain will determine the best course to maximize your wildlife encounters. On Days 10-11, keep an eye out for whales and seabirds as the ship crosses the Drake Passage, returning to Ushuaia. Disembark on Day 12 and depart. HIGHLIGHTS • Active expedition cruise to a breathtaking wildlife paradise • Cruise past icebergs of the South Shetland Islands and Paradise Bay, take a dip in the thermal waters at Deception Island, see the stunning Lemaire Channel • With expert naturalists, hike amid colonies of penguins and explore ice-strewn bays by Zodiac • Voyage with the finest expedition ships exploring Antarctica DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Ushuaia • 10 nights aboard an expedition ship, 1 night hotel • All meals included DATES Nov 29-Dec 9, 2019 Feb 15-26, 2020 Dec 8-19 Nov 20-Dec 1 Dec 18-29 Nov 29-Dec 9 Dec 18-28 Dec 18-28 Dec 27, 2019-Jan 6, 2020 Jan 21-Feb 2, 2021 Dec 28, 2019-Jan 8, 2020 Feb 6-18 Jan 7-18, 2020 Feb 7-18 Jan 17-27 Feb 13-25 Jan 26-Feb 6 Feb 16-28 Feb 4-15 Feb 17-28 Cruise length, itinerary, embarkation and disembarkation cities, and pricing vary by departure. TRIP LEVEL 1 + 2 3 4 5 6 Expedition cruise, nature walks on uneven ground, sea kayaking and camping options on several departures, Zodiac cruising with wet landings, possibility of rough seas and cold weather TRIP COST From $9595

ON OUR WEBSITE ANTARCTICA AIR CRUISE

Days 5-12 Antarctic Peninsula / Drake Passage / Ushuaia You’ll have five exciting days to explore the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. Set out for guided walks among clamorous penguins, explore historic Port Lockroy, a British station “frozen in time,” look for humpback whales, and take Zodiac excursions alongside massive icebergs and ice floes where seals laze. Landing sights depend upon weather and ice conditions (they may even be offered before breakfast or after dinner, as there is nearly 24 hours of daylight!). Typical destinations include the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica’s northernmost archipelago), Paulet Island, home to thousands of Adélie penguins, Paradise Bay, where Chile and

Days 1-4 Ushuaia / Embark / Drake Passage From Ushuaia, a charming port at the southern tip of Argentina, embark and keep watch as your expedition ship navigates the Beagle Channel, named for Darwin’s historic journey aboard the HMS Beagle

From Punta Arenas, fly right to the South Shetland Islands for a five-day Antarctic Peninsula cruise. Dec 2019-Feb 2021. From $12,995.

in 1835. As you make your way ever closer to “the white continent,” the ship’s expedition team will prepare you with presentations on all things Antarctic, from wildlife to expedition history. Mighty albatrosses and Cape petrels soar above the wake of the ship as you cross the Drake Passage, the famed body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. The Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet in this 600-mile-wide passage, and it played an important role as a trade route before the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.

Exciting Zodiac excursions bring us unforgettable wildlife viewing and shore excursions.

MICHAEL S. NOLAN

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EXPEDITIONCRUISES@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 134