ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA

& THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

with M/V Ortelius 29th October - 18th November 2016

AN EXPEDITION CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA

& THE FALKLAND ISLANDS ON BOARD M/V ORTELIUS

The cruise starts in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Followed by sea

birds we sail to the Falkland Islands, home to charming penguins
and graceful albatrosses. Our next stop is South Georgia, a haven
for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. The coastline harbours
seals, albatrosses and hundreds of thousands of king penguins.
We continue south towards the worlds most remote continent,
Antarctica, which offers dramatic landscapes, gigantic icebergs,
scenic channels and an abundance of penguins. Join us on the
comfortable expedition ship M/V Ortelius and sail into this fairytale!

CHILE

Puerto
Madryn

ARGENTINA

Peninsula
Valds

Falkland Islands
Tierra del Fuego
Ushuaia
An

tar
Cir ctic
cle

South Shetland
Islands

Antarctic
Peninsula

South
Georgia

ANTARCTICA

Day 1: Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Our trip starts in Puerto Madryn, in beautiful
Patagonia, where we stay the night at a centrally
located hotel.
Day 2: Peninsula Valds, Argentina
Today we visit Peninsula Valds, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. The peninsula is a significant
maritime habitat and home to elephant seals,
sea lions and Magellanic penguins. During
a boat excursion we have the opportunity to
see the magnificent southern right whale. The
worlds largest population of southern right
whales congregates here every year during their
birthing season. In the afternoon we embark
the M/V Ortelius and sail southeast towards the
Falkland Islands.
Day 3 - 4: At Sea
We spend a couple of days at sea followed by a
range of sea birds such as Cape petrels, fulmars
and albatrosses that gracefully follow our ship.
Our guides educate us on the wildlife and history
of the Falkland Islands.
Day 5 - 6: The Falkland Islands
The western islands of the archipelago are
isolated and windswept but are a great haven

for wildlife. On Saunders Island, we find the

majestic black-browed albatross and their nesting
site along with breeding imperial shags and
rockhopper penguins. We also hope to encounter
Magellanic, gentoo and king penguins. Weather
permitting, we plan to explore the rarely visited
Steeple Jason Island, home to the largest blackbrowed albatross colony in the world (approx.
113 000). As an alternative, we might take a
walk along the coast of Carcass Island, where we
have a chance to see breeding Magellanic and
gentoo penguins, but also numerous waders and
passerine birds. In Port Stanley, the capital of the
Falklands, we experience Falkland culture, which
has some South American characteristics as well
as British charm. During a visit to the museum
or by strolling around the streets, we can feel the
history that still dwells here.
Day 7 - 8: At sea
On our way to South Georgia we cross the Antarctic
Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the
temperature may drop significantly in just a few
hours. Ship board presentations will continue,
featuring the exciting history and abundant
wildlife of South Georgia.

Day 9 - 12: South Georgia

We now reach South Georgias paradise islands,
which boast of impressive mountain chains,
mighty glaciers and beaches full of penguins. We
arrive early summer when the mountain chains
are still beautifully covered in snow. For anyone
interested in wildlife, South Georgia is a true oasis.
Here we hope to visit places such as Salisbury
Plain, St. Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour, where
thousands of king penguins greet us and elephant
seals lounge on sandy beaches. This time of the
year we may witness dramatic fights for a position
as the king of a harem. An elephant seal can weigh
four tons and have over 200 females in one single
harem! The island is also home to fur seals and
several other penguin species such as gentoo,
macaroni and rockhopper penguins. Hopefully we
have the chance to visit Prion Island and witness
the huge wandering albatrosses breeding.
South Georgia played a significant role in
Shackletons epic adventure. After his ship
Endurance sank, he crossed the furious ocean in
an open lifeboat to reach the island. In Grytviken
we visit Shackletons grave and the small Whaling
History Museum.

Day 13 - 15: At sea

Our guides entertain us with lectures and out on
deck we watch the many sea birds that faithfully
accompany us on our adventure. We also keep
our eyes open for the first iceberg, which may
appear on the horizon at anytime!
Day 16 - 18: The Antarctic Peninsula
Our exact route along the peninsula is subject
to weather and ice conditions. Please keep in
mind that the Captain and Expedition Leader will
always strive to maximise your experience. Below
are only examples of places we may visit. If the ice
permits we sail into the Weddell Sea through the
icy Antarctic Sound, named after Nordenskjlds
expedition ship Antarctic, which became the first
ship to navigate this breathtaking sound. Huge
tabular icebergs announce our arrival to the
eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. If lucky

we visit Brown Bluff, where we may set foot on

the continent. In good sailing conditions we may
decide to extend our time in the Weddell Sea.
Should we make the decision to explore the west
coast of the peninsula instead we may visit Cierva
Cove, where we can enjoy bluish icebergs and
huge glaciated mountains a setting perfectly
suited for a Zodiac cruise. Crabeater and leopard
seals are often seen here and a small rookery of
chinstrap penguins is situated on a small island
in the bay. On the southern side of Trinity Island
lies Mikkelsen Harbour, which was discovered
by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04.
Gentoo penguins nest on the island and Weddell
seals often haul out on the shore. There are also
remains of the early 20th century whaling period.
Just off the Antarctic Peninsula lies
Deception Island, part of the South Shetland

Islands. The island is an active volcano, where

we in good weather conditions can sail into the
flooded crater. Here, we find hot springs and an
abandoned whaling station and thousands of
birds such as Cape petrels, kelp gulls and South
Polar skuas.
Day 19 - 20: Drakes Passage
On our way north, we are once more guided by
sea birds such as the magnificent wandering
albatross.
Day 21: Ushuaia, Argentina
Today we arrive in Ushuaia, disembark and
continue home. Or join our arrangements here
and in Buenos Aires!
Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice,
weather conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

DATES & PRICES ON BOARD M/V ORTELIUS

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA
& THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
Twin Window

Duration: 21 days.
Dates: 29th October - 18th November 2016.
Group Size: Maximum 116 passengers.
Accommodation: Hotel, cabin on M/V Ortelius.
Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs.
Price: From EUR 9 790 per person.
RATE INCLUDES:
19 nights on board M/V Ortelius . 1 night in twin room in
Puerto Madryn . All meals including snacks, coffee and tea .
An experienced expedition leader and knowledgeable naturalist
guides . A tour leader from PolarQuest . Loan of rubber boots
. Lectures . All excursions and activities by Zodiac . Landing
fees and port taxes . Comprehensive pre departure material . A
detailed post expedition log book
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare to Puerto Madryn and from Ushuaia, Argentina .
Transfers . Airport taxes . Travel and cancellation insurance .

524

523

510

511

512

513

515

516

520 519

525

518

517

454

453

452

451

450

449

448

447

429
428

430

431

432

433

434

435

436

437

344

342

341

340

339

338

337

445
446

455

456

R e s ta u ran t

343

334

Deck 3

439
438

Deck 4

521

526

522

527

M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened expedition ship of the highest ice class and is very
suitable for navigation in the Polar Regions. She was built in Poland in 1989 to serve
as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. M/V Ortelius takes 116
passengers in 53 spacious cabins, all with private facilities, windows or portholes. In your
cabin you find a desk with a chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.
The quadruple cabins have two bunk beds and the triple cabins have two lower beds and a
top bunk. All other cabins have lower beds. The superior cabins have a double bed and a
separate day room with a sofa and TV.
In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and from
the large windows in the observation lounge you can enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Here you also find a bar. The knowledgeable guide team gives you interesting talks on
the areas flora, fauna and history in the lecture room and in the observation lounge.
Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to
see or search for out on the spacious decks. There is a friendly and informal atmosphere
on board.

529 509

M/V ORTELIUS

528

Deck 5

The customary gratuity to the ships crew . Beverages

Cabin category

Price per person in EUR

Quadruple Porthole (upper/lower beds)

9 790

Triple Porthole (upper/lower beds) 10 690

Twin Porthole (2 lower beds)
11 690
Twin Window (2 lower beds)
12 390
Twin Deluxe (2 lower beds)
13 090
Superior (double bed)

14 190

PRE AND POST CRUISE EXTENSION IN BUENOS AIRES AND USHUAIA

For those of you who want to experience
the highlights of Buenos Aires we offer a
pre and post cruise extension. You travel
independently to Buenos Aires and meet up
with the group and your PolarQuest tour leader
at a central four star hotel. In the evening we
enjoy a delicious dinner and a spectacular
tango show. The following day we explore this

lively capital together with our PolarQuest

tour leader and a local guide. We visit the ship
Uruguay, which brought Swedish explorer
Otto Nordenskjld and his team safely out of
Antarctica after the sinking of their own ship.
After an Argentinean lunch we fly to Puerto
Madryn and join the program as described
in this brochure. When we return to Ushuaia

after the expedition we explore this quaint

little town or visit the National Park Tierra del
Fuego, depending on time, before we continue
by air to Buenos Aires, where we enjoy a
hearty farewell dinner. We stay the night at a
four star hotel. The following day we continue
home independently. Please contact us for a
more detailed program.

THE EXPEDITION TEAM

One of the keys to a successful expedition is
knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. On this
expedition you will meet guides with extensive
experience of the Polar Regions. The language
on board is English. The expedition team consists of one expedition leader and six guides. A
tour leader from PolarQuest will also accompany
the group.

THE ZODIACS
Another key behind a successful expedition
cruise is the Zodiacs. With these safe and sturdy
rubber boats we navigate among icebergs, cruise
along glaciers and go ashore to get unique
nature experiences.

ABOUT POLARQUEST AND OUR

UNIQUE EXPEDITIONS
Established in 1999, PolarQuest specialises
in small ship expedition cruises to the Polar
Regions. We take you to some of the most remote
and exciting destinations on the planet. When
travelling with us you will experience a unique
expedition and our aim is that each passenger
will have the trip of a lifetime! Our trips offer
close encounters with wild animals and
magnificent nature, whilst travelling in comfort
and enjoying delicious food. You do not have to
be a Polar explorer or an athlete to join one of our
adventures.

BOOKING
Our enthusiastic travel consultants have personal experience from the Polar Regions and
can answer all of your questions in regards to
the trips. According to Swedish law, PolarQuest
places all revenue in a bond with the Legal,
Financial and Administrative Services Agency
until the completion of your expedition.

WHAT MAKES SOUTH GEORGIA

SO SPECIAL?
In the middle of the Southern Ocean lies
South Georgia. With nearly 3000 meter high
mountain peaks, impressive glaciers and sandy
beaches the island invites its visitors to some
of the worlds most magnificent sceneries. The
wildlife here is truly extraordinary. Everywhere,
on the beaches and rocks, in the water and
the air, the wildlife is teeming. The sound of
hundreds of thousands of king penguins is
very powerful! It is an incredible experience
to stand among all these curious individuals.
Here, we also have a chance to meet the huge
elephant seals, which can weigh as much as
four tons and have over 200 females in one
single harem!

P.O. Box 180

SE- 401 23 Gteborg, Sweden
Phone: +46 31 333 17 30
e-mail: info@polar-quest.com
www.polar-quest.com

PHOTO: ADAM RHEBORG (BACK COVER, P. 2 UPPER NO. 5, P. 3 UPPER RIGHT & P. 4 UPPER LEFT), CARINA
SVENSSON (P. 4 BACKGROUND), ELKE LINDNER (P. 3 LOWER RIGHT, P. 5 LOWER & P. 6 UPPER MIDDLE),
ERIK EDVARDSSON (P. 2 UPPER NO. 2 & P. 3 UPPER LEFT), ERWIN VERMEULEN (P. 2 UPPER NO. 3 & 4),
HANNAH LAWSON (P. 7 LOWER), INGMAR SKOGAR (P. 2 BACKGROUND & UPPER NO. 1 & P. 6 UPPER RIGHT),
JOHANNA VAKKILA (P. 7 UPPER), LISA STRM (P. 4 UPPER MIDDLE), OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS (P. 5 UPPER
LEFT), OLLE CARLSSON (FRONT COVER, P. 3 UPPER MIDDLE & LOWER LEFT & P. 5 UPPER RIGHT), RINIE
VAN MEURS (P. 6 LOWER)

Min 12 mm hg

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