Christmas in the Antarctic Peninsula | One Ocean Expeditions

Antarctica Christmas In Antarctica 10 nights

Join us for the ultimate ‘White Christmas’ on a memorable voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Towering glaciers, amazing wildlife encounters, snow-covered landscapes, massive icebergs and the option to choose your favorite activities each day make this voyage the perfect way to spend the holiday season.

In the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, we spend our days off the ship exploring by Zodiac boat, making several shore landings each day in the company of our expert guides. We discover Antarctica and its remarkable wildlife through photography, zodiac excursions, hiking onshore, and, for the more adventurous, camping and sea kayaking. Visits to historic huts and the opportunity to visit a working research station add another dimension to the voyage. This popular 10-night expedition, at the height of the Antarctic summer, features many of the well-known landing sites such as Neko, Paradise and Orne Harbours, Cuverville Island and the Erera Channel – and, ice conditions permitting, we hope to transit the spectacular Lemaire Channel. A final highlight will be a visit to the beautiful South Shetland Islands where we hope to visit Deception Island and nearby locations such as Half Moon Island or Hannah Point.

Do you have specific questions about this voyage?

Christmas In Antarctica

Starting Rate: N/A

Number of Nights: 10

Departs from: STANLEY

Returns to: STANLEY

Please check trip notes for your chosen departure for exact flight details.

Experiences:

Available Dates:


Day by Day: What you can experience: Christmas In Antarctica

Please note this is a SAMPLE ITINERARY and subject to change. Reference the full trip notes for your chosen departure details. This exciting Antarctic expedition will likely be the most remarkable white Christmas you ever experience.

Navigating south, we will traverse the South Atlantic ocean accompanied by magnificent pelagic seabirds, including the giant wandering albatross. Our expedition will push as far south as the mid-season sea ice will allow. Each day we will explore on shore by foot, observing wildlife colonies, visiting historic huts and science bases, photographing icebergs and soaking up the incredible landscapes.



Day 1

Stanley

We depart Santiago this morning on an early morning charter flight bound for Stanley (via Punta Arenas), the small capital of the Falkland Islands....

We depart Santiago this morning on an early morning charter flight bound for Stanley (via Punta Arenas), the small capital of the Falkland Islands. We are met on arrival and transfer from the airport into town. There is time to explore the town or enjoy a guided visit to nearby Gypsy Cove which provides our first opportunity for observing the local wildlife, including nesting Magellanic penguins and other sea birds.




Days 2 - 3

Drake Passage

Giant petrels, albatross and smaller Cape petrels are also constant companions as we transit towards Antarctica. Join the ship’s Captain on the bri...

Giant petrels, albatross and smaller Cape petrels are also constant companions as we transit towards Antarctica. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of our modern research vessel. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife and history.




Days 4 - 5

Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea and Northern Gerlache Strait

Navigating into Antarctic Sound we witness for the first time the vastness and majesty of the Antarctic icecap. It is an awe-inspiring sight. We no...

Navigating into Antarctic Sound we witness for the first time the vastness and majesty of the Antarctic icecap. It is an awe-inspiring sight. We notice a significant increase in the number of huge tabular icebergs entering the Weddell. These massive icebergs break from the huge ice shelves to the south drifting here on the prevailing currents. Adélie penguin rookeries of staggering exist here – some contain more than 100,000 nesting birds. We have several fantastic locations to consider but the ice conditions will likely dictate our landing sites. Gourdin Island and Brown Bluff are two such locations featuring substantial penguin rookeries. The region is also full of history of early exploration and has fascinating geological sites with thousands of fossils strewn over the shoreline. We have a busy day of exploration on shore, in the Zodiacs and on the ship.




Days 6 - 7

Southern Gerlache Strait

Anvers Island is one of the largest of the off-shore ‘barrier’ islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. There are several outstanding sites here as well...

Anvers Island is one of the largest of the off-shore ‘barrier’ islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. There are several outstanding sites here as well as on neighbouring Wiencke Island. These locations provide us with opportunities to venture on shore, breaking into smaller groups. Enjoy a short or longer hike, wander over to observe penguins guarding their precious eggs or newborns on the nest, cruise in the Zodiacs or just sit and soak it all in. The choice is yours. A short transit across the Gerlache Strait brings us along the actual continental landmass of Antarctica. A potential shore landing at Paradise Harbour will be a highlight for many – as you step foot on the continent proper, for the very first time.




Day 8

South Shetland Islands

The adventure is not over and if the weather conditions allow, we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island. This is a ve...

The adventure is not over and if the weather conditions allow, we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island. This is a very dramatic place and history is all around us as we explore the old whaling station. The nearby Aitcho Islands provide some great hiking routes showcasing the colourful mosses and lichens found on the island. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins nest here and on the beaches, and we usually encounter seals coming and going from the surrounding waters. Fort Point situated on Greenwich Island is another possible location for a visit.




Days 9 - 10

Drake Passage - Return to Stanley

As we make our way back to Stanley and the Falkland Islands, the educational presentations continue, and we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voy...

As we make our way back to Stanley and the Falkland Islands, the educational presentations continue, and we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader.




Day 11

Arrive Stanley (Falkland Islands) Voyage Concludes

This morning we find ourselves back in the port of Stanley. We say goodbye to our crew and after some free time in town, make our way to the airpor...

This morning we find ourselves back in the port of Stanley. We say goodbye to our crew and after some free time in town, make our way to the airport for our return charter flight to Santiago. On arrival in Santiago, our journey comes to an end.


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Dates and Rates

The following departures are available for this voyage

All prices are listed in USD. Single supplement: 1.5 for the twin occupancy cabins and 2 for the suites (single supplements not available for the triple share cabins).
Sea Kayaking in Antarctica: USD795
*Please check trip notes for your chosen departure for exact flight details.

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