Art and wildlife in the Antarctic

Peregrine Adventures offers its most comprehensive Antarctic adventure yet, the new 24-night The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica voyage, with a particular emphasis on art and wildlife. Promising an in-depth and unforgettable experience cruising around the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands, diverse sub-Antarctic islands and the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula area – including extra days in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, the voyage departs Ushuaia 6th November 2009.

From Ushuaia, set sail through the Beagle Channel to the Falkland Islands. This far-flung group of islands lies north of the Antarctic Convergence, supporting unique wildlife not found further south, including sixty species of migratory birds as well as the rare Striated Caracara. Here, a shore excursion allows guests to explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago including Carcass and Saunders Islands, followed by a day at Steeple Jason Island - home to the world’s largest Black-browed Albatross colony.

In Stanley, learn about the historic importance of the harbour before visiting Sea Lion and Bleeker Islands to observe large numbers of Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellenic penguin. Large bull Elephant Seals and South American Sea Lions may also be spotted. Continue southeast, crossing the Antarctic Convergence to the remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. Here, amongst the spectacular wilderness of snow-clad mountains and massive glaciers, observe huge King Penguin rookeries, thousands of sub-Antarctic Fur Seal, the comical Macaroni Penguin, and discover a remarkable history of some of the world’s most legendary explorers from Captain James Cook to Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Exploration on foot and by zodiac offers plenty of photographic opportunities. Next, set course for the off-shore islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, aiming to land at the remote and often mist-shrouded South Orkney Islands. Continue on to the South Shetland Archipelago, with various island stops en route, whose waters are often inhabited with feeding Humpback Whale. The journey continues onto Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay, both situated on the mainland, for some of the world’s most dramatic scenery.

An impressive array of icebergs in many different shapes and sizes, including those that have eroded into natural ice sculptures, as well as city-block sized 'tabular' bergs which break from the thick ice shelves. Weather permitting, there is a chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent before heading back across the Antarctic Convergence and Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn before reaching Ushuaia where the voyage ends.

The voyage costs from £6,250 p/p including transfers, ship-board accommodation, port taxes and/or landing fees at Ushuaia, Stanley and South Georgia, onboard accommodation with all meals, onboard presentations, all shore excursions and expertly guided wildlife viewing.

For more information, visit Peregrineadventures.co.uk.