Across The Circle For Divers

Each season we organise a small group expedition to special dive sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our aim is to combine our voyage to the Peninsula and across the circle with opportunities for divers to explore icebergs and penguins from a very different angle as they negotiate the icy waters and discover the secrets of Antarctica below the surface.

This is an ideal objective for those who wish to extend their diving experience in the natural splendour of the Antarctic.

For non-divers there are no shortage of photographic possibilities along the Antarctic Peninsula where one can simply savour the natural beauty of this ice-bound land.

Whether enjoying the surreal landscapes, or diving, there is ample time to utilise the ship's fleet of zodiacs to explore the rich diversity of wildlife that flourishes in the sheltered bays, clustered castles of icebergs and steep glaciers that characterise the shoreline.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 Embark Ushuaia
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 and Expeditions staff 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 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 times when the Drake resembles a lake, when lazy southern ocean swells roll under the keel of our good ship Polar Pioneer. On the other hand sometimes we have 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 working vessel and refitted to comfortable passenger standard. 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 favorite 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. Feeling transformed, we approach Antarctica receptive and open. During our crossing of the Drake Passage, we will commence our lecture program about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Antarctic Peninsula. We will be given environmental guidelines for approaching the wildlife and talk about the implications of the Antarctic Treaty. Antarctica is 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.

Excitement reaches fever pitch as we wait for the sight of our first iceberg. As we near the tip of the Peninsula, everyone will be on the bridge watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of the sight of your first iceberg is likely to remain with you forever. Days 4/9 Antarctic Peninsula & South of the Circle Depending on the weather, we will first approach Antarctica near the South Shetland Islands
entering Bransfield Strait either at the eastern end of King George Island or the western extremity of Livingston Island. We may pass by historic Smith Island, which is the outer limit of the South Shetlands. 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 such
experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area. They will use their expertise to design our voyage, from day to day. In this way we can make best use of the prevailing weather and ice conditions. As we are so far south, we will experience approximately 20 hours daylight. There is plenty of time for sleep when you get home!

Once we arrive in the calmer waters of the Bransfield, Gerlache and Penola Straits and Crystal Sound, we will be making landings two and sometimes three times a day. To get ashore we will use Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats). We will have been briefed on the merits 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 cases we will appreciate the distinct 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 cozy dining room prepared by our European or Australian chefs and accompanied by good conversation, they will become a focal point of our shipboard life. Crossing the invisible line of the Antarctic Circle provides a special highlight. In Crystal Sound the mountains soar from the sea, while small islands provide havens for penguins and seals. At this
time of the summer the waters are rich with krill and so we are likely to see many whales, particularly humpbacks and minks. If ice
conditions allow, we will try to travel south through the narrow twisting channel called The Gullet and into the magnificent Marguerite Bay.

Days 10/11 Drake Passage & Cape Horn
Time to head back to Tierra del Fuego, with more lectures and videos to complete our Antarctic education. A time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and felt and what impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life. If time permits, we will try to cruise close to Cape Horn for a view of the southernmost point of the Americas.

Day 12 Beagle Channel
During the early morning we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia around 0700 (7am). It is a busy time, with people saying farewell to our crew and others who have shared the intensity of being in a magnificent white wilderness. We head off in our different directions, hopefully with a newfound sense of the power of natural forces.

Note: All itineraries are provided as a guideline only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary for each voyage will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.