Antarctic Peninsula For Climbers & Kayakers

Each season we organise a small group expedition to climb amongst the impressive Trans Antarctic Range.

This itinerary combines our classic voyage to the Peninsula with an opportunity to climb amongst the many unclimbed peaks that form the western flanks of the Range, ideal objectives for those who wish to extend their climbing experience in the natural splendour of Antarctica. The true delight is that there are literally hundreds of unclimbed peaks to choose from, with many accessible from the ocean, transforming our ship into a floating base camp. The peaks range from technically-easy snow climbs to steep rock walls rising straight out of the sea.

For non-climbers, there are no shortages of photographic possibilities along the Antarctic Peninsula and some may prefer to simply savour the natural beauty of this ice bound land. Whether climbing or photographing, there is also ample time to utilise the ship's zodiacs and explore Antarctica's rich diversity of wildlife and unique ice sculptures.

An option to camp ashore is also available.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Today we will have time to explore Ushuaia, a bustling community that lays claim to being the most southerly town in the world. Our competent Russian crew will welcome us aboard Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sailing down the Beagle Channel we will settle into shipboard life and enjoy our first meal on board.

DAY 2/3 Drake Passage
Journey across the Drake Passage which was named after the 16th century English navigator Sir Francis Drake. Some of us will approach this historic crossing with more than a little trepidation. But despite its reputation, there are many times when the Drake Passage resembles a lake, with lazy Southern Ocean swells rolling under the keel. On the other hand we have sometimes encountered rough crossings with large waves. The size of the waves and the force of the gale will take on gigantic proportions when
related around the fire back home. Polar Pioneer is homey and strong, built to be a research vessel and refitted to comfortable
passenger standard in 2000. The mood on board is definitely casual. At sea we are totally selfsufficient. The days flow by whilst we travel snugly in our cocoon. A favourite pastime on board is to stand at the stern watching the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following our wake. They will rise and fall skillfully, using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. During our Drake crossing, we will commence our lecture program about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Antarctic Peninsula. We will be given guidelines for approaching the wildlife and talk about the implications of the Antarctic Treaty. Antarctica is a photographers' paradise, for the professional or the amateur. There will be discussions about how to protect your equipment from salt water and tips about taking good pictures. We will also discuss our climbing options and prepare our equipment for climbing.
Nearing the tip of the Peninsula towards the end of day three, everyone will probably be on the bridge watching for the first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of the sight of your first big iceberg is likely to remain with you forever. We will try to approach Antarctica near the South Shetland Islands, entering Bransfield Strait near Livingston Island. We may pass by historic Smith
Island, which is the outer limit of the South Shetlands. If we have had a quick passage across the Drake we may be able to make our first landing on one of the South Shetland Group such as Deception Island or Livingston Island, in the evening of day three.

DAY 4/9 Antarctic Peninsula
A host of choices is now open to us and depending on the ice and weather conditions the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. This is the advantage of having experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area. They will use their expertise to design our voyage, day by day. In this way we can make best use of prevailing weather and ice conditions. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18 hours' daylight and the days will be as busy as you wish. There is plenty of time for sleep when you get home!

Once we arrive in the calmer waters of Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, we hope to make landings twice a day, spending as much time as possible ashore. To get ashore we will use Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats). You will have been briefed on the workings of these sturdy craft and their use, during our Drake Passage crossing. Sometimes we will cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, or follow whales that are feeding near the surface. In these situations we will appreciate the advantage of being on a small vessel, which
gives everyone the opportunity to experience these very special close encounters with the wildlife. Hearty meals are served in our cosy dining rooms by European or Australian chefs, and accompanied by good conversation; they will become a focal point of our shipboard life. For our climbing and kayaking days we will choose between sheltered bays such as Paradise Harbour, Port Lockroy and the Lemaire Channel. We would normally leave on a climbing excursion immediately after breakfast or sometimes after
lunch, returning to the ship for dinner. If the weather is suitable we will camp on shore for one night (for those who wish to of course). Our plan is to climb and walk for two to three days but there may be opportunity for more if weather allows. We choose climbing areas where there is interest for other passengers such as penguin rookeries, whale feeding grounds or scientific stations so that everyone is busy.