Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Antarctica! SPECTACULAR EXPEDITION CRUISE TO THE WHITE CONTINENT

Antarctica is hypnotically beautiful, with its towering blue-white icebergs, mountains sheering from the sea, and spectacular pageant of wildlife. This small-ship expedition brings you all the glories of the Antarctic Peninsula, the most wildlife-rich part of the continent. You’ll walk among rookeries thronged with penguins and their fuzzy chicks, look for spouting whales in iceberg-filled bays, spot incredible Antarctic birds including the fabled wandering albatross, explore by Zodiac, and marvel at the nearly 24-hour daylight. There are even options to sea kayak or camp on some journeys! Expert naturalists bring the Antarctic world to life for you as they share their in-depth knowledge and passion for this miraculous realm. Days 1-4 Ushuaia / Embark / Drake Passage From Ushuaia, navigate the historic Beagle Channel, traveled by Charles Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. Huge albatross and Cape petrels soar above the wake of the ship as you cross the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula.

days to absorb the pristine beauty and extraordinary wildlife of the Peninsula. Set out for guided walks among thousands of clamorous penguins, explore historic outposts, look for humpback whales, and take Zodiac excursions to towering icebergs and ice floes where seals laze. Destinations include Paulet Island, home to some 200,000 Adélie penguins, Paradise Bay, a spectacularly scenic setting of glaciated mountains, ice cliffs, and icebergs, and the narrow Lemaire Channel, where the ship navigates a smooth-as-glass waterway between sheer 3,000-foot peaks. Some departures have options for camping or sea kayaking, weather permitting. The ship will also sail into the sea- flooded crater of Deception Island, the largest active volcano in Antarctica, where hardy souls have a chance to take a dip in a small natural hot spring on the rocky shoreline. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, the expedition leader and captain will determine the best course for the weather and ice conditions and for maximizing your wildlife encounters. On Days 10-11, keep an eye out for whales and seabirds as the ship returns across the famed Drake Passage to Ushuaia. Disembark on Day 12 and depart. ON OUR WEBSITE ANTARCTICA AIR CRUISE From Punta Arenas, fly right to the South Shetland Islands for a five-day cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula. Dec 2017-Feb 2018. From $10,795.

HIGHLIGHTS • Active expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, 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 DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Ushuaia • 10 nights aboard an expedition ship, 1 night hotel • All meals included

DATES Nov 19-30, 2016 Nov 24-Dec 5

Nov 17-28

Nov 24-Dec 5 Nov 27-Dec 8

Dec 2-12 Dec 4-16 Dec 12-22 Dec 15-27

Dec 4-15 Dec 14-25

Dec 24, 2017-Jan 4, 2018

Dec 26, 2016-Jan 6, 2017 Jan 5-16, 2018 Jan 15-26, 2017 Jan 15-26 Jan 24-Feb 4 Feb 13-25, 2018 Feb 12-23 Feb 25-Mar 8 Feb 14-25 TRIP COST From $5995 Cruise length, itinerary, and pricing vary by departure. TRIP LEVEL 1 + 2 3 4 5 6 7 12-day expedition cruise, nature walks on uneven ground, Zodiac cruising with wet landings, possibility of rough seas and cold weather

Days 5-12 Antarctic Peninsula / Drake Passage / Ushuaia You’ll have five exciting

A small-ship expedition is the ideal way to experience Antarctica’s ethereal beauty and rare wildlife. PHOTO: MICHAEL S. NOLAN

MICHAEL S. NOLAN CHRIS HOWARTH

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL ANTARCTICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 137