Expedition: Journey to Antarctica

ILCP Photographer Guide: TBA

NG Expert: Jon Bowemaster

URL:

Proposed FOPE Departure: January 16 – 30, 2009

Estimated FOPE Photographers: 12 + ILCP Fellow

Journey to Antarctica

This Focus on Planet Earth Expedition is Being Operated by National Geographic Expeditions

January 16 - 30, 2009

Journey to Antarctica

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Traveling aboard the new National Geographic Explorer or the comfortable National Geographic Endeavour, explore the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands and waterways. Glide around enormous tabular icebergs by Zodiac, walk along beaches covered with thousands of penguins, and kayak amid abundant marine life.

  • View magnificent mountains, towering icebergs, and ice formations that make up the dramatic Antarctic landscape.
  • Cruise aboard sturdy Zodiac landing craft in search of leopard seals.
  • Kayak in protected waters, paddling around icebergs as penguins swim nearby.
  • Walk ashore amid thousands of penguins, including gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap.
  • Explore the world's last great wilderness in the company of a team of top naturalists.

Maximum Photographers: 12

Photographer Escort: Jon Bowemaster

Our Itinerary

Friday, 16 January 2009

Miami/Santiago, Chile

Depart Miami this evening on an overnight flight to Santiago.

Saturday, 17 January 2009

Santiago

Framed by the snowy caps of the Andes, Santiago is a city of sun-mellowed facades and lush palms. Settle into your hotel before setting out on an afternoon tour of the city. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner.
Grand Hyatt Santiago (LD)

Sunday, 18 January 2009

Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel. Then set sail on the National Geographic Explorer or the National Geographic Endeavour. (BLD)

Monday,19 January 2009

At Sea/Drake Passage

While crossing the spectacular Drake Passage, spot seabirds, whales, and other marine life that glide alongside the ship. (BLD)

Tuesday,20 January 2009

At Sea/Antarctic Peninsula

Our first landfall is one of many islands along the Antarctic Peninsula. Set out on a hike today, or explore by Zodiac. (BLD)

Wedneday - Monday, 21 - 26 January 2009

Exploring Antarctica

With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected—watching whales perform off the bow, taking an after-dinner Zodiac cruise or an extra landing during the day. We anticipate making several Zodiac landings each day to hike, spot wildlife, and experience this vast land. Kayak among the icebergs and learn to identify penguins, seals, and dozens of bird species during close encounters with wildlife. (BLD daily)

Depending on weather and sea conditions, we plan to make the following stops:

Part of the South Shetland Islands, this island is a giant caldera—a volcano that has collapsed into its underground magma chamber. It measures more than four miles in diameter and is still volcanically active. Sail right inside the flooded crater center, passing through the narrow entrance known as Neptune's Bellows.

ParadiseBay

This pristine bay is edged by soaring ice-covered peaks. Hike to a nearby summit for a breathtaking view, or slip into a kayak to paddle along a cliffside rookery in search of blue-eyed shags.

Lemaire Channel and PetermannIsland

Cruise through the narrow Lemaire Channel between towering snow-covered mountains and spectacular blue icebergs. Step ashore at PetermannIsland to the cries of thousands of gentoo penguins standing along the shoreline as if awaiting your arrival. This is the site of the research group Oceanites, an organization supported by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions in its effort to inventory the region's many bird species. Meet with the scientists and learn about their research.

NekoHarbor

Dock in NekoHarbor. Walk among the penguins on the beach or climb high onto an ice field for a panoramic vista of untouched peaks surrounding this idyllic bay.

Historic Port Lockroy

The great French Explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot named Port Lockroy a century ago. In 1944 the British government began a top- secret expedition code-named Operation Tabarin, creating a series of base stations in Antarctica. Base A, at Port Lockroy, is now a museum and Antarctica's only public post office.

Tuesday, 27 January 2009

Antarctic Peninsula/At Sea

Depending on conditions, make one last landfall before heading back across the Drake Passage. (BLD)

Wednesday, 28 January 2009

At Sea

Spend the day enjoying the ship's ample facilities as the Antarctic coast disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America, and see the meeting of the Atlantic and PacificOceans. Celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board. (BLD)

Thursday - Friday, 29 - 30 January 2009

Ushuaia/Santiago/Miami

Disembark in Ushuaia. After lunch, fly to Santiago and connect with your overnight flight to Miami. (BL)

Photographic Expedition Price

(Per Person, Double Occupancy)

Category 1: $10,250 per person

Category 2: $10,870 per person

Category 3: $11,390 per person

Category 4: $11,850 per person

Category 5: $14,130 per person

Category 6: $14,130 per person

Category 7: $16,320 per person

Category 8: $18,930 per person

Note: Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin on The Exploreradd $2,720in Category 2 and $2,850 in Category 3. For a single cabin on the The Endeavouradd $2,560 in Category 1, $2,900 in Category 2, and $3,420 in Category 4.

Round-trip economy airfare between Miami and Santiago is $1,285 (subject to change). Round-trip airfare between Santiago and Ushuaia is included in the expedition cost.

Please note: This departure fills up early so we encourage you to reserve your space early.