Marine expedition beyond Drake Strait: icebergs, penguins, and whales
ANTARCTICA
February 21 - March 9, 2024
Tour Antarctica
Tour Antarctica
marine expedition to Antarctica cruise Drake strait Antarctida iceberg pinguin whale tour to Antarctica
A Russian expedition led by Thaddeus Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev on the sloops "Vostok" and "Mirny" discovered Antarctica on January 28, 1820.
We invite you to repeat the feat of the sailors and write your name in the history of exploration of the most mysterious sixth continent of the planet.
While Elon Musk swashbuckles the space, we washbuckle the ocean and explore the Earth space – Antarctica.
A trip to Antarctica is the choice of a Real Man. An event, the memories of which will stay with you for a lifetime!
We invite you to repeat the feat of the sailors and write your name in the history of exploration of the most mysterious sixth continent of the planet.
While Elon Musk swashbuckles the space, we washbuckle the ocean and explore the Earth space – Antarctica.
A trip to Antarctica is the choice of a Real Man. An event, the memories of which will stay with you for a lifetime!
A Russian expedition led by Thaddeus Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev on the sloops "Vostok" and "Mirny" discovered Antarctica on January 28, 1820.
We invite you to repeat the feat of the sailors and write your name in the history of exploration of the most mysterious sixth continent of the planet.
While Elon Musk swashbuckles the space, we washbuckle the ocean and explore the Earth space – Antarctica.
A trip to Antarctica is the choice of a Real Man. An event, the memories of which will stay with you for a lifetime!
We invite you to repeat the feat of the sailors and write your name in the history of exploration of the most mysterious sixth continent of the planet.
While Elon Musk swashbuckles the space, we washbuckle the ocean and explore the Earth space – Antarctica.
A trip to Antarctica is the choice of a Real Man. An event, the memories of which will stay with you for a lifetime!
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: February 21 to March 9, 2024
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
Number of participants: 9
Cost per person: 8,490 Euro
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO ANTARCTICA
Day 0. February 20, 2024. Departure to Ushuaia
*Recommended flight TK-15 by Turkish Airlines, departure from Moscow at 20:10 on February 18, transfer in Istanbul, then flight AR-1884 by Aerolineas Argentinas with transfer in Buenos Aires, arrival at Ushuaia on February 20 at 07:30 am (additional night in Ushuaia hotel is needed)
or
*Recommended flight TK-15 by Turkish Airlines, departure from Moscow at 03:10 on February 18, transfer in Istanbul, then flight AR-1884 by Aerolineas Argentinas with transfer in Buenos Aires, arrival at Ushuaia on February 19 at 07:30 am (2 additional nights in Ushuaia hotel is needed)
or another flight with arrival before 16:30 pm on February 20, 2024.
Meals: no
Accommodation: no
Day 1. February 21, 2024. Ushuaia and Beagle Channel.
Check-in on the yacht, acquaintance with the ship and crew. We leave Ushuaia and immediately get to the Beagle Channel. Congratulations, your dream is starting to come true. Immediately after the departure, the team will hold a briefing on the rules of conduct on the boat and on the continent, safety measures and their correct use. The camera, if you have it, better prepare already in Beagle, where you can often find whales, dolphins and magellan penguins.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 2 – 5. February 22-25, 2024. Drake Strait
The crossing of Drake Strait is the most difficult part of the expedition. It is about four days of open ocean. Let's not be frightened, let's not be hopeful, because each time the sailing is different. It happens that everything on the horizon is calm, but sometimes you have to endure. Most guests are frightened by "seasickness", but you can be unreceptiveto it and if you are - take enough patches from sickness
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 6. February 26, 2024. Bellingshausen Polar Station
The shape of the South Shetland Islands can already be seen in the distance.
Our first landing point is theBellingshausen Antarctic Polar Station, located on the Waterloo island. Here we will see how Russian winterizers live, visit the southernmost church on the Earth - the Church of the Holy Trinity and if the station master gives us permission - steam in the bath.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 7. February 27, 2024. Yankee Harbour and Halfmoon Island
Depart for Yankee Harbour and Halfmoon island. Yankee Harbour is a protected harbour, the coast of which is covered with pebbles. It is home to Gentu penguin colonies, elephants and seals. The island of Halfmoon, when viewed from above, is similar to the half of the moon . Part of its surface is covered with a carpet of Antarctic moss. This island is also inhabited by elephants, Gentu penguins and chinstrap, giant petrels.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 8. February 28, 2024. Zodiac cruise in the Deception location
Overnight in the flooded caldera of one of the active volcanoes on the Deception island . In its structure, the island looks like a horseshoe, which is the best natural harbour, where you can hide and ride out any weather. In the early 20th century, a whaling base operated here, the remnants of which remain to this day. On the outer side of the island is the Bailey Head, where the largest colony of Antarctic penguins lives. The place is incredibly beautiful and incredibly difficult to land. To visit it, the weather should be windless, and the ocean is very calm.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 9. February 29, 2024. Trinity island
Here, as a rule, we do not make landings on the shore, and ride on the small boats between huge icebergs and arches in protruding rocks.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 10. March 1, 2024. Enterprise island
We moor for the night to a sunken ship in a place called Enterprise. During the day we will look for whales here. With luck, you will be able to observe one of the most amazing wildlife phenomena - bubble net feeding or bubble feeding, when several whales emerge from the water at once, swallowing krill, trapped in a bubble. From above, these bubbles look like a smooth spiral. Incredible, exciting spectacle.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 11. March 2, 2024. Island of Orne Harbour. Island of Cuverville
Set course for Orne Harbour, an island with a colony of penguins and blue-eyed cormorants. If the water is clear, you can climb a higher hill and watch whales and seals. Those who decide to climb to the very top will open a panorama to the neighboring group of islands and bay with icebergs.
Landing in the bay of Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour, located near each other. Cuverville Island is a dark, rocky island with bay filled with icebergs. It is home to a colony of Papuan penguins, and in coastal waters you can easily find seals resting on ice. There is also a penguin colony in Neko Harbour, but we come here to admire a huge glacier from which ice blocks are constantly being broken and with a deafening noise crumble into the water, raising a huge wave.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 12. March 3, 2024. Lemaire Straight and Yalour Islands
The Lemaire Straight separates Booth Island from the Antarctic mainland. The width of the strait in the most narrow place is only 300 meters - both sides of the ship rise sheer rocks, reaching 400 meters height. The passage of the strait is one of the brightest episodes of the Antarctic cruise. Killer whales and humpback whales often swim into the strait.
Yalour Islands - a group of rocky low islands near the Vernadsky polar station . It is one of the few places in the Antarctic Peninsula where the penguin colony of Adele lives. The island itself is surrounded on all sides by icebergs and ice caps with resting seals.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 13. March 4, 2024. Port Lockroy
Time to send postcards from Port Lockroy station. At the beginning of the 20th century there was a whaling base, then a British Antarctic research center, and since 1996, a museum and the most South Post Office in the world is here located. The museum is open only during the tourist season, from November to March. From here, you can send a card or letter, as well as buy a souvenir. Cards are accepted.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 14 – 17. March 5-8, 2024. Drake Strait. Return to Ushuaia.
And again Drake, a few days of open ocean and you are in Ushuaia. Hurrah. You can exhale, take a shower and go to the yacht club house to share impressions. Traditional barbecue at the end of the expedition. Lots of meat, Argentine wine and good mood.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 18. March 9, 2024. Flight home.
* Recommended flight AR-1889 by Aerolineas Argentinas, departs from Ushuaia on March 09 at 22:25 with a transfer in Buenos Aires, then flight by ET507 Ethiopian Airlines, with a transfer to Addis Ababa, arrives in Moscow on March 12 at 07:25
or
*Recommended flight AR-1897 Aerolineas Argentinas, departs from Ushuaia on March 10 at 14:15 with a transfer in Buenos Aires, then flight EK-248 by Emirates with a transfer in Dubai, arrives in Moscow on March 12 at 08:30 (additional night in Ushuaia hotel is needed)
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: no
** Please do not purchase tickets without our confirmation.
*** The program may be adjusted for weather conditions.
Dates: February 21 to March 9, 2024
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
Number of participants: 9
Cost per person: 8,490 Euro
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO ANTARCTICA
Day 0. February 20, 2024. Departure to Ushuaia
*Recommended flight TK-15 by Turkish Airlines, departure from Moscow at 20:10 on February 18, transfer in Istanbul, then flight AR-1884 by Aerolineas Argentinas with transfer in Buenos Aires, arrival at Ushuaia on February 20 at 07:30 am (additional night in Ushuaia hotel is needed)
or
*Recommended flight TK-15 by Turkish Airlines, departure from Moscow at 03:10 on February 18, transfer in Istanbul, then flight AR-1884 by Aerolineas Argentinas with transfer in Buenos Aires, arrival at Ushuaia on February 19 at 07:30 am (2 additional nights in Ushuaia hotel is needed)
or another flight with arrival before 16:30 pm on February 20, 2024.
Meals: no
Accommodation: no
Day 1. February 21, 2024. Ushuaia and Beagle Channel.
Check-in on the yacht, acquaintance with the ship and crew. We leave Ushuaia and immediately get to the Beagle Channel. Congratulations, your dream is starting to come true. Immediately after the departure, the team will hold a briefing on the rules of conduct on the boat and on the continent, safety measures and their correct use. The camera, if you have it, better prepare already in Beagle, where you can often find whales, dolphins and magellan penguins.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 2 – 5. February 22-25, 2024. Drake Strait
The crossing of Drake Strait is the most difficult part of the expedition. It is about four days of open ocean. Let's not be frightened, let's not be hopeful, because each time the sailing is different. It happens that everything on the horizon is calm, but sometimes you have to endure. Most guests are frightened by "seasickness", but you can be unreceptiveto it and if you are - take enough patches from sickness
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 6. February 26, 2024. Bellingshausen Polar Station
The shape of the South Shetland Islands can already be seen in the distance.
Our first landing point is theBellingshausen Antarctic Polar Station, located on the Waterloo island. Here we will see how Russian winterizers live, visit the southernmost church on the Earth - the Church of the Holy Trinity and if the station master gives us permission - steam in the bath.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 7. February 27, 2024. Yankee Harbour and Halfmoon Island
Depart for Yankee Harbour and Halfmoon island. Yankee Harbour is a protected harbour, the coast of which is covered with pebbles. It is home to Gentu penguin colonies, elephants and seals. The island of Halfmoon, when viewed from above, is similar to the half of the moon . Part of its surface is covered with a carpet of Antarctic moss. This island is also inhabited by elephants, Gentu penguins and chinstrap, giant petrels.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 8. February 28, 2024. Zodiac cruise in the Deception location
Overnight in the flooded caldera of one of the active volcanoes on the Deception island . In its structure, the island looks like a horseshoe, which is the best natural harbour, where you can hide and ride out any weather. In the early 20th century, a whaling base operated here, the remnants of which remain to this day. On the outer side of the island is the Bailey Head, where the largest colony of Antarctic penguins lives. The place is incredibly beautiful and incredibly difficult to land. To visit it, the weather should be windless, and the ocean is very calm.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 9. February 29, 2024. Trinity island
Here, as a rule, we do not make landings on the shore, and ride on the small boats between huge icebergs and arches in protruding rocks.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 10. March 1, 2024. Enterprise island
We moor for the night to a sunken ship in a place called Enterprise. During the day we will look for whales here. With luck, you will be able to observe one of the most amazing wildlife phenomena - bubble net feeding or bubble feeding, when several whales emerge from the water at once, swallowing krill, trapped in a bubble. From above, these bubbles look like a smooth spiral. Incredible, exciting spectacle.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 11. March 2, 2024. Island of Orne Harbour. Island of Cuverville
Set course for Orne Harbour, an island with a colony of penguins and blue-eyed cormorants. If the water is clear, you can climb a higher hill and watch whales and seals. Those who decide to climb to the very top will open a panorama to the neighboring group of islands and bay with icebergs.
Landing in the bay of Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour, located near each other. Cuverville Island is a dark, rocky island with bay filled with icebergs. It is home to a colony of Papuan penguins, and in coastal waters you can easily find seals resting on ice. There is also a penguin colony in Neko Harbour, but we come here to admire a huge glacier from which ice blocks are constantly being broken and with a deafening noise crumble into the water, raising a huge wave.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 12. March 3, 2024. Lemaire Straight and Yalour Islands
The Lemaire Straight separates Booth Island from the Antarctic mainland. The width of the strait in the most narrow place is only 300 meters - both sides of the ship rise sheer rocks, reaching 400 meters height. The passage of the strait is one of the brightest episodes of the Antarctic cruise. Killer whales and humpback whales often swim into the strait.
Yalour Islands - a group of rocky low islands near the Vernadsky polar station . It is one of the few places in the Antarctic Peninsula where the penguin colony of Adele lives. The island itself is surrounded on all sides by icebergs and ice caps with resting seals.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 13. March 4, 2024. Port Lockroy
Time to send postcards from Port Lockroy station. At the beginning of the 20th century there was a whaling base, then a British Antarctic research center, and since 1996, a museum and the most South Post Office in the world is here located. The museum is open only during the tourist season, from November to March. From here, you can send a card or letter, as well as buy a souvenir. Cards are accepted.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 14 – 17. March 5-8, 2024. Drake Strait. Return to Ushuaia.
And again Drake, a few days of open ocean and you are in Ushuaia. Hurrah. You can exhale, take a shower and go to the yacht club house to share impressions. Traditional barbecue at the end of the expedition. Lots of meat, Argentine wine and good mood.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: in cabins on the yacht
Day 18. March 9, 2024. Flight home.
* Recommended flight AR-1889 by Aerolineas Argentinas, departs from Ushuaia on March 09 at 22:25 with a transfer in Buenos Aires, then flight by ET507 Ethiopian Airlines, with a transfer to Addis Ababa, arrives in Moscow on March 12 at 07:25
or
*Recommended flight AR-1897 Aerolineas Argentinas, departs from Ushuaia on March 10 at 14:15 with a transfer in Buenos Aires, then flight EK-248 by Emirates with a transfer in Dubai, arrives in Moscow on March 12 at 08:30 (additional night in Ushuaia hotel is needed)
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: no
** Please do not purchase tickets without our confirmation.
*** The program may be adjusted for weather conditions.
Aurora expedition motor sailing yacht
Steel Bermuda sloop of the Devonport Challenge 67 project, built in 1992
In 2017, the yacht was reconstructed. Aurora is a reliable expedition yacht, equipped with everything you need for long-distance voyages in harsh conditions.
The yacht "RUSARC AURORA" has a steel hull (steel thickness is 4 mm.), Three watertight bulkheads located in the bow of the yacht, two heating systems for the cabin: water and air.
The yacht has six comfortable double and triple cabins, a galley, a spacious common room. In the bow there is a sauna and two separate latrines. There is also hot water, refrigerator, washing machine.
The yacht is equipped with modern radio navigation equipment, radar, Simrad autopilot, all necessary rescue equipment (individual and general).
Each cabin has a separate bed, storage space, 220 V socket.
The yacht "RUSARC AURORA" has a steel hull (steel thickness is 4 mm.), Three watertight bulkheads located in the bow of the yacht, two heating systems for the cabin: water and air.
The yacht has six comfortable double and triple cabins, a galley, a spacious common room. In the bow there is a sauna and two separate latrines. There is also hot water, refrigerator, washing machine.
The yacht is equipped with modern radio navigation equipment, radar, Simrad autopilot, all necessary rescue equipment (individual and general).
Each cabin has a separate bed, storage space, 220 V socket.
Cost includes:
Cost excludes (additionally paid):
• Flights from your city to Ushuaia and back
• Personal health insurance
• Souvenirs, other pocket expenses
• Satellite connection
Take with you:
ATTENTION! The air temperature here ranges from 0 to +5 C. On the water and with the wind, the air temperature is felt much lower than it actually is. The weather will be very changeable. Strong winds, high waves and rain and snow precipitation are expected.
Warm fleece and thermal underwear.
Thermosocks (several pairs).
Rubber high boots with a warm inner insert for walking on the shore.
Shoes for walking inside the yacht (sneakers).
Parka, raincoat, pants and things made of waterproof materials.
Gloves (preferably 2 pairs).
Hat (preferably 2).
Sunglasses (with a rope so as not to lose it in the sea).
Personal hygiene items, towel.
Hand cream, face cream and sunscreen.
Waterproof cases for photographic equipment.
Personal first aid kit with individual medicines.
(!) Things must be packed in soft bags and backpacks
- Cabin accommodation;
- Bed linen and towel;
- Parking lots (water/electricity);
- Fuel fee;
- Permits to visit national parks and protected areas;
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts;
- Cooking services;
- Professional team services
Cost excludes (additionally paid):
• Flights from your city to Ushuaia and back
• Personal health insurance
• Souvenirs, other pocket expenses
• Satellite connection
Take with you:
ATTENTION! The air temperature here ranges from 0 to +5 C. On the water and with the wind, the air temperature is felt much lower than it actually is. The weather will be very changeable. Strong winds, high waves and rain and snow precipitation are expected.
Warm fleece and thermal underwear.
Thermosocks (several pairs).
Rubber high boots with a warm inner insert for walking on the shore.
Shoes for walking inside the yacht (sneakers).
Parka, raincoat, pants and things made of waterproof materials.
Gloves (preferably 2 pairs).
Hat (preferably 2).
Sunglasses (with a rope so as not to lose it in the sea).
Personal hygiene items, towel.
Hand cream, face cream and sunscreen.
Waterproof cases for photographic equipment.
Personal first aid kit with individual medicines.
(!) Things must be packed in soft bags and backpacks
The authors of the photos used:
Dmitry Kokh, Vadim Balakin, Deepak Kamath, Alex Kuzmitsky, Stas Zakharov, Max Pankov
Dmitry Kokh, Vadim Balakin, Deepak Kamath, Alex Kuzmitsky, Stas Zakharov, Max Pankov
KEY FEATURES:
Tour to
ANTARCTICA
Best season: January - February
We will meet the following animals on the route:
- penguins: Adélie, Gentu, Chinstrap
- birds: South Polar Skua
- seals: Weddell, Rossa, Crab-eater
- leopard seals, elephant seals, fur seals
- whales: blue, humpback, Minke whale. killer whale
Possible activities:
- Yachting
- If you have skills and desire, you can take part in yachting.
- Landing with a cutter (rubber boat with outboard motor)
- Raising your company's flag on the Antarctic mainland
- Mailing from the only post office at British Antarctic Station - Port Lockroy
- Scuba diving (if you have your own equipment and professional skills. The yacht has air tanks, a compressor and weights).
- Ski-tour / back-country - skiing and snowboarding (if you have your own equipment and professional skills)
- Visit to the bathhouse and bar at the Ukrainian Antarctic station "Akademik Vernadsky
Possible activities depend on weather conditions, their availability and safety is determined by the captain of the yacht, based on the actual situation.
ANTARCTICA
Best season: January - February
We will meet the following animals on the route:
- penguins: Adélie, Gentu, Chinstrap
- birds: South Polar Skua
- seals: Weddell, Rossa, Crab-eater
- leopard seals, elephant seals, fur seals
- whales: blue, humpback, Minke whale. killer whale
Possible activities:
- Yachting
- If you have skills and desire, you can take part in yachting.
- Landing with a cutter (rubber boat with outboard motor)
- Raising your company's flag on the Antarctic mainland
- Mailing from the only post office at British Antarctic Station - Port Lockroy
- Scuba diving (if you have your own equipment and professional skills. The yacht has air tanks, a compressor and weights).
- Ski-tour / back-country - skiing and snowboarding (if you have your own equipment and professional skills)
- Visit to the bathhouse and bar at the Ukrainian Antarctic station "Akademik Vernadsky
Possible activities depend on weather conditions, their availability and safety is determined by the captain of the yacht, based on the actual situation.
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you.
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