Wreck Discovery
Explore the wreck of an ancient whaling ship that sank below the ice in 1916 on Enterprise Island. A fascinating yet eerie sight, witness the wreck from your yacht’s tender and, if experienced, dive below the water yourself. Discover the cold-water coral and the resident Antarctic Terns which flock across the ice. Later, cruise to Cuverville Island, home to a wide array of wildlife, including Southern Giant Petrels, Crabeater, Weddell and Leopard seals, and a massive population of Gentoo Penguins. Take a tender ashore with your guide to learn the art of snow shoeing and to observe the local animals at a safe and respectful distance.
Discover the Neumayer Channel, often completely blocked by giant icebergs and glaciers during the Antarctic winter months, expect towering ice sculptures that take the breath away. Stop at Port Lockroy, an old British Research Station that is now the southernmost public post office in the world, to learn about its history from your guide. Later visit the US Antarctic Program’s base, Palmer Station, on the south side of Anvers Island to learn what life is like for the researchers who live there permanently. Look out for Leopard Seals in the area and visit the Adélie Penguin colony on nearby Torgersen Island.
Cruise through the iceberg filled Lemaire Channel, also known as the ‘Kodak Gap’ where you may encounter a few humpback whales. Head ashore to visit the Vernadsky Research Base, one of the longest running bases in Antarctica and the site where scientists first discovered the hole in the ozone layer. Later, gear up with your guide to head ice climbing on Mount Shackleton, reaching the plateau in time for a stunning sunset.