Extraordinary Adventure to the Seventh Continent, Antarctica

The Trip

Antarctica -- the final frontier. Join the Sierra Club on an extended expedition encompassing the Antarctic Circle, Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Elephant Island, the many icy and wildlife-filled islands of Crystal Sound, the remote and wildlife-filled Weddell Sea and the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. During the encroaching autumn, the Antarctic Ocean becomes full of whales and new ice formations in anticipation of the upcoming winter. Huge colonies of vocal penguins, cormorants, and albatross have most of their adult plumage while fur, Weddell, crab-eater, and leopard seals soak up the last of the sun. Albatross and petrel fledglings are now flying over the ice as the winter's pack ice starts to form humpback whales trawl in the waters, singing and breaching amongst the icebergs. These islands and the Antarctic continent are truly some of the world’s last great wild places.

On our adventure, we will live aboard an expedition vessel that will carry us safely through the seas and ice around Elephant Island, the Weddell Sea, Crystal Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula, and all the way to the Antarctic Circle. Zodiacs will zip us to landing sites, historic homesteads, whaling stations and king penguin colonies, and past many seal-dotted icebergs.

On land, we will hike or snowshoe around the animals -- which are more inquisitive than scared -- while the naturalists brief us on their sometimes strange yet marvelous adaptations to this harsh environment. Weather permitting, we hope to land at Point Wild on Elephant Island, Shackleton’s first landing after the loss of the Endurance. As evening approaches, we will adjourn to the bar/lounge for a recap of the day and a discussion of the next day's activities from our on-board scientists, naturalists, and crew.

The expedition leader and captain will decide exactly where we will go each day, based primarily on weather and ice conditions. Our naturalists will give lectures and presentations on the Antarctic environment, animals, history of Antarctic exploration, conservation concerns and actions, and many other topics of interest. This cruise is much more than a sightseeing jaunt; it is truly an educational and exploratory adventure.

This trip is suited for first-time visitors to Antarctica as well as those who have perhaps already visited the Antarctic peninsula but want to see more of the wildlife and history of the region. This adventure offers wildlife photography, Zodiac cruising, and the chance to see up to eight species of penguin, while following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, leader of the Endurance -- truly the trip of a lifetime!

Day 1: Ushuaia

We will meet as a group for lunch and orientation before we climb aboard our ship Plancius. A welcome drink and an introduction to the crew and expedition staff will follow, and we will have time to get to know our new shipmates. The ship will then set sail on our journey toward Elephant Island, Ernest Shackleton’s crews first landing after losing their ship Endurance in the Weddell Sea.

Day 2-3: At sea

Time at sea is truly a gift during our voyage. The expedition and naturalist staff will give a number of lectures on natural and cultural history, and we will have time to enjoy the beauty and expanse of the ocean. Albatrosses, petrels, prions, and fulmars will accompany us during our journey. We may sight whales, dolphins, or orcas. The sea and sky are always changing. Enjoy interesting conversations in the lounge, make new friends, hang out on the bridge, or explore the extensive Antarctic library on the ship

Day 4: From Point Wild to the Weddell Sea

We will arrive early to the famous Point Wild, Elephant Island. This day will be a special day for admirers of one of the most famous Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Shackleton was attempting an aggressive expedition in the Antarctic when his ship, the Endurance, was trapped and ultimately destroyed by the pack ice.Shackleton and his crew of 26 pulled their lifeboats to open water and sailed through stormy seas to land on uninhabited Elephant Island.

Shackleton knew they could not survive for long nor be found on Elephant Island, so Shackleton and 5 of his crew sailed in one lifeboat over 800 miles to South Georgia. His crew of 22 remained on Elephant Island for almost 4 months, despite 3 failed attempts to rescue them. The miracle of this journey is that all of his men survived. Shackleton’s journey is one of the most amazing rescue stories, and when you see the strip of land where his men lived, you will realize a small part of what the crew experienced. If conditions permit, we will offer activities around the Point Wild before setting off for the Weddell Sea

Day 5-6: Erebus and Terror Gulfs,  Weddell Sea

We spend two days in the wondrous Weddell Sea, a relatively remote area with huge tabular icebergs.  We plan to carry out land and zodiac activities in Erebus and Terror Gulfs as well as Beak Island and Devil Island, which boast some stunning scenery. The pack ice and tidewater glaciers are stunning. We will attempt a landing on Vega Island. In addition to the typical Gentoo, Adele, and Chinstrap penguin species found here, we will keep an eye out for King and Emperor Penguins in this remote landscape. The humpback whales may also delight us with a bubble feeding frenzy. There will also be the wondrous pack ice for which the Weddell Sea is famous.

Days 7-9:  Antarctica Peninsula

Today we continue our journey toward the western side of the Antarctic peninsula, stopping at Brown Bluff to see spectacularly carved rocks, sculpted by the katabatic winds that sometimes howl down the slopes. We will of course see our penguin friends on the shore, getting ready to swim north for winter at sea.

Once we reach the western side of the peninsula, the Antarctic splendor surrounds us. We will see massive glaciers, walk next to fur seals and penguins, view places such as Paradise Harbor, Dorian Bay, and Danco Point. We plan to stop at Mikkelsen Harbor for activities, travel through the narrow and stunning Lemaire Channel, stop to hike on Peterman Island, and tour by zodiac through the impressive “Iceberg Graveyard.”  Minke whales, humpbacks, leopard seals and penguins will be our guides. The scenery is stunning and changes by the minute. We will tour by Zodiac and foot, in our rubber boots or snowshoes, to explore this last wilderness.

Days 10-11:  Antarctic Circle!

Today we reach Crystal Sound, viewing the area’s beautiful ice formations and wildlife before landing at Detaille Island. This remote island was once home to a British research station that is now an historic monument.

Day 12: Heading North

Today, we begin our journey north along the Antarctic Peninsula. In the mornings we should be starting to see the different types of ice forming on the sea -- frazzle and pancake, to name two, as the pack ice formation begins. We sail back through the Lemaire Channel and past the mountains and glaciers as the sun recedes in the sky. We hope to land on the Melchior Islands for some last activities.

Days 13-14:  The Drake Passage

We begin our journey across the Drake Passage. Our captain will choose the best route and timing based on the weather and sea conditions. We will have more lectures and debriefings onboard, as well as chances to share photos and memories. The return voyage is far from lonely, as we will be again greeted by the seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.

Day 15: Ushuaia

We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark after breakfast. Airport transfer is provided.

Getting There

The trip begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. To reach Ushuaia, one must first fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The leader will provide detailed information about flights and timing for this adventure.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Our ship, the Plancius, was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. She holds 110 passengers and we will be accommodated in comfortable twin rooms with a porthole or window, a desk, and plenty of storage. Single rooms are not available on this voyage. The ship offers a restaurant/lecture room and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) with large windows, offering a full panorama view. Plancius has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities), giving us excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She also has 10 Zodiacs on board for our use.

Plancius is comfortable and nicely decorated, but not a luxury vessel. She is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. Our ship is staffed by 17 nautical crew, 19 hotel staff (6 chefs, 1 hotel manager, 1 steward-bar person and 11 stewards/cabin cleaners), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides-lecturers), and 1 doctor.

Delicious, fresh international cuisine, prepared by first-rate chefs and served by cheerful waiters and waitresses, is served in the dining room. Many dietary requirements can be accommodated. There is 24/7 access to hot drinks and snacks. The doctor on board is equipped to take care of any illnesses or medical concerns. Amenities onboard are very cozy, warm, and comfortable, but there will not be the fitness room, gift shop, casino, or hair salon usually found on big passenger ships. We will be accommodated in twin porthole rooms, well-located in the ship for access as well as stability. We will be cruising, but the Plancius is an expedition ship, not a cruise ship.

Trip Difficulty

Participants must be in good health and have a spirit of adventure to truly enjoy this trip. We will initially be crossing the Drake Passage with the possibility of rough seas. Once we get near the Antarctic Peninsula the seas will be relatively calm. Trip members will need to climb up and down short, but steep, steps and ladders -- both onboard and to get in and out of our inflatable Zodiac landing craft. Most of our shore stops will be "wet landings," where you will need to step out of the Zodiacs into calf-deep water on gravely or rocky shores. For these landings you will be wearing knee-high rubber boots and offered a helping hand. The terrain onshore can be on gravel, rocks, mud, uneven terrain, beaches, or snow/ice. Walking sticks are advised. Despite the extreme southern latitude of this trip we will have relatively mild conditions. During the Antarctic autumn our temperatures will range from the low 30s to approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Occasionally there may be rain and fog or even a little snow, but many days will have sunshine. Winds can be variable.

Equipment and Clothing

No specialized equipment is needed for this outing. A variety of layered, warm, and waterproof clothing is needed. Comfortable casual clothing is appropriate on the ship. You will be provided with a pair of knee-high rubber boots. The boots are a necessity for our "wet landings" as we go ashore and for walking in wet, muddy, or snowy/icy areas. There will be many excellent opportunities for photography, so those interested should be sure to bring camera equipment. A good pair of binoculars will aid in wildlife observation. The trip leader will provide a detailed clothing and equipment list for trip members.

References

Books:

There are many books on Antarctica, ranging from histories of the great explorers like Scott, Amundsen, Mawson, and Shackleton to scientific treatises to novels and journals. Some are listed below, but simply browsing in a bookstore or online will net you many more.

• Campbell, David, The Crystal Desert: Summers in Antarctica.

• Cherry-Garrard, Apsley, The Worst Journey in the World.

• Huntford, Roland, The Last Place on Earth: Scott and Amundsen's Race to the South Pole.

• Lansing, Alfred, Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage to the Antarctic. Photography by Frank Hurley.

• Mawson, Douglas, The Home of the Blizzard: A True Story of Antarctic Survival.

• Robinson, Kim, Antarctica. A novel.

• Shackleton, Ernest, South, The Endurance Expedition.

• Soper, Tony, Antarctica: A Guide to the Wildlife.

• Bickel, Leonard, Mawson's Will, The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Told.

• Nicholson, Adam, The Seabird's Cry: The Lives and Loves of the Planet's Great Ocean Voyagers.

DVDs:

• The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition (2001)

• Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure (IMAX movie in DVD format 2001)

• Encounters at the End of the World (2008). A Werner Herzog production about people who live and work in Antarctica; fantastic scenery.

• Frozen Planet: The Complete Series (2012). A David Attenborough production about the Arctic and Antarctic areas.

• Continent 7: Antarctica. Six episodes and two special episodes for streaming. http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/continent-7-antarctica/ 

• Planet Earth I: especially episodes 1, 6, 9

• Planet Earth II: all

• Blue Planet I: especially episodes 1, 2, 3, 4

• Blue Planet II: especially episodes 1, 2, 4, 7

Website:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctica

Conservation

The Sierra Club has been committed to the protection of Antarctica and its dependent and associated ecosystems since the 1970s. The Sierra Club is dedicated to ensuring the primacy of Antarctica's wilderness values for science, peace, education, and inspiration. These values are of universal and paramount importance for humanity and the global environment. 

The Sierra Club supports a number of measures to protect Antarctica. One of these is "limited tourism." On this trip we will be traveling on a boat that is self-contained and has minimal impact on the Antarctic environment, while allowing us to see and begin to understand the fragility of this continent's ecology. Our off-board opportunities to hike, snowshoe, or travel by Zodiac are strictly controlled and regulated to protect the untouched landscape. With growing awareness as well as personal experience, we can be far more effective in supporting efforts to keep Antarctica the last pristine continent on earth. 

Fisheries in Antarctica are huge in proportion to the rest of the world. Antarctic waters have seen their share of population depletion, most notably in the now-defunct whaling industry. The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources was formed in response to overfishing. The convention empowers a commission to set policy on utilization and management of marine living resources in the Southern Ocean. Although it is being rigorously enforced, illegal poaching still takes place. Our on-board scientists will discuss this topic in an evening seminar during our journey. 

Recently a lot of publicity has been circulated regarding the melting ice sheets of Antarctica and its connection to global warming. We will see and discuss these issues as we travel in the world of ice and talk about the complexity of the issues and solutions to this global crisis.

In summary, the Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources, both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. Our outings seek to empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and participation in the goals of the Club, both at home and abroad.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.