Remote Weddell Sea Explorer including South Georgia

Dive into an extraordinary adventure through the remote wilderness of Antarctica, starting in the charming town of Ushuaia. This expedition takes you to the impressive landscapes of the Weddell Sea, where massive tabular icebergs and diverse wildlife await you. Experience the majestic beauty of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands as you follow in the footsteps of the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Onboard the MS Ortelius, enjoy comfortable accommodations and exciting lectures that enrich your journey. Flexibility is key to this remarkable expedition, offering you the opportunity to experience the fascinating world of Antarctica up close.
 

Itinerary: Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - New Swabia - Vahsel Bay - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil's Island - Elephant Island

 
Day 1: The End of the World, the Beginning of a Journey
Your journey begins where the world ends. Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, is located at the far southern tip of South America. This picturesque city, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the sparkling waters of the Beagle Channel, offers a fascinating starting point for your adventure. In the afternoon, you embark in this small resort town in Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed 'The End of the World,' and sail through the mountainous Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening. The majestic landscape surrounding you is a taste of the wonders that await you on your journey. On the way to South Georgia, you now cross the Antarctic Convergence. Within a few hours, the temperature drops significantly, and the convergence of water columns brings nutrient-rich water to the sea surface. This phenomenon attracts a variety of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, prions, and skuas. The impressive diversity and lively activity of the birds offer an unforgettable natural spectacle that underscores the magic and uniqueness of this remote region.
 
Day 4: Journey to South Georgia
Upon entering the maritime zone of South Georgia, one of the largest protected waters in the world, we experience the majestic passage past the Shag Rocks. These impressive rocks, located 240 km west of South Georgia, are a fascinating natural wonder and provide habitat for several thousand South Georgia shags that nest here in large numbers. After arriving in South Georgia, you have the opportunity to explore some of the most remarkable places on the island: Fortuna Bay, known for its breathtaking scenery; Salisbury Plain, where you can observe the impressive wildlife; St. Andrews Bay, a paradise for nature lovers; Gold Harbour, which delights with its picturesque backdrop; and Grytviken, a historic site with a rich history. In the afternoon of the 6th day, we continue our journey and sail, weather permitting, south towards the mysterious South Sandwich Islands to continue our adventure in this remote region.
 
Day 7: Sea Days
Like Shackleton in December 1914 on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, also known as the Endurance Expedition, we leave South Georgia aiming for the South Sandwich Islands and the Weddell Sea. This journey promises an adventure that follows in the footsteps of one of the most famous explorers in history. On this route, there may be sea ice that transforms the landscape into a fascinating, sparkling ice world. At the edge of the ice, some South Polar skuas and snow petrels may join the other seabirds following the ship south. These majestic birds soaring through the air offer an impressive spectacle and remind us of the untouched beauty and challenges of Antarctica. The journey through these icy waters is not only a tribute to Shackleton but also an opportunity to experience the wild nature and impressive wildlife of the region up close.
 
Day 9: South Sandwich Islands
While we cannot land on the South Sandwich Islands, if conditions permit, we will drive through the impressive landscape of this volcanically active area with the Zodiac. This region, located between Thule and the Cook Islands, fascinates with its size and remoteness and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. The chances are good that we can observe humpback and minke whales majestically gliding through the waters in this area. On and around the islands, we have the opportunity to see brown skuas and chinstrap or Adélie penguins in their natural environment. Moreover, we might also discover various albatross species, including the grey-headed, black-browed, and wandering albatrosses, which sail through the sky with their impressive wingspans.
 
Day 10: On the Way South
We sail towards the Antarctic continent, with our course leading us into the fascinating region of Queen Maud Land and New Swabia, which extends on the northeast side of the Weddell Sea. This journey promises a unique adventure as we navigate through the icy waters and experience the impressive landscape of Antarctica in all its glory. The unspoiled nature and the majestic ice formations provide an impressive backdrop that accompanies us on this leg of our journey. The anticipation of exploring these remote and mysterious areas grows with every nautical mile we cover.
 
Day 13: New Swabia
The first destination in Antarctica is New Swabia, also known as Neuschwabenland, which extends between the longitudes of 20°E and 10°W in Queen Maud Land. This area was explored at the beginning of 1939 by Germany during the third German Antarctic Expedition of 1938 to 1939 under the leadership of Alfred Ritscher. The main goal of this expedition was to find a suitable area in Antarctica for establishing a German whaling station and simultaneously explore a potential site for a German naval base. To claim the region for Germany, German flags were placed on the sea ice along the coasts. Additionally, survey flights over the area were conducted, during which aluminum arrows with swastikas were dropped on the ice to mark the German presence and claim to the area.
 
Day 15: Deep in the Weddell Sea - Filchner, Ronne, and Larsen Ice Shelves
As we sail deep into the Weddell Sea, a fascinating world full of unique wildlife observations opens up to us. The chances are good that we will spot Weddell seals, crabeater seals, or even the majestic leopard seals. With a bit of luck, we might also witness the impressive emperor penguins in their natural environment. In these waters, humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas are frequently encountered, making the journey an unforgettable experience. Our ship is accompanied by a diverse birdlife that fills the sky with life. The ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary depending on the season, and we will encounter a vast nautical wilderness. On our way into the high latitudes, far south, we will see and appreciate the rugged beauty and strength of Antarctica that makes this continent so special. We will understand why it took so long to discover the white continent and how challenging it must have been for Shackleton's expedition. Our course takes us to the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named by the second German Antarctic Expedition (1911-1912) under the leadership of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we have the opportunity to undertake an exciting Zodiac ride and possibly land on an ice floe, making sailing in this remote and inhospitable region even more thrilling. We continue our journey westwards to the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf before changing our course north and following the coast along the east side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the point where Shackleton's ship Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17) and drifted towards the Antarctic Peninsula before finally sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, after 107 years beneath the waves of the Weddell Sea. Although we cannot approach the discovery site because of the pack ice, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of 6500 emperor penguins nearby, we hope to see one or more wandering penguins on the coast or the ice in this area. As we reach the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, we enter the area of Erebus and Terror Gulf. On the numerous ice floes of Snow Hill Island, wandering emperor penguins often perch, offering another opportunity to see these emblematic animals. If conditions permit, we can undertake a landing on James Ross Island.
 
Day 24: Brown Bluff and Kinnes Cove
Brown Bluff is perhaps the most beautiful place: steep canyon walls, overturned rocks, beautiful volcanic creations covered with ice. This morning we hope to land at Brown Bluff, a scenic location at the entire northern tip of the Antarctic continent, with a stunning backdrop and a large Adélie penguin colony, also home to gentoo penguins and nesting snow petrels. The majestic landscape provides a stunning backdrop that excites both nature lovers and photographers alike. On the other side of the Antarctic Sound lies Kinnes Cove, where you can land to see the nearby Madder Cliffs with their subtle red hues and the nearby gentoo penguins. These cliffs offer not only a visual spectacle but also the opportunity to experience the fascinating wildlife of the region up close.
 
Day 25: The Legendary Elephant Island
Starting point of the route Sir Ernest Shackleton traveled in the spring of 1916 with only a small lifeboat, the James Caird. Seeing how Elephant Island appears on the horizon after crossing the water, one can only marvel at how he and his five-man crew accomplished this feat. The purpose of Shackleton's journey was to rescue 22 marooned members of his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, also known as the Endurance Expedition, who were stranded on Elephant Island. For four and a half months, Shackleton undertook this legendary rescue mission. The conditions on Elephant Island are difficult. The coastline is mostly made up of vertical rock and ice cliffs, heavily exposed to the elements. If possible, drive with the Zodiacs to Point Wild, where the stranded members of Shackleton's expedition miraculously survived. The rugged beauty of the island, coupled with the dramatic history that unfolded here, makes this place a fascinating destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. The notion that people could survive under such extreme conditions is both inspiring and humbling. The Zodiac ride offers a unique opportunity to experience the untamed nature and historical significance of this site up close.
 
Day 26: Familiar Seas, Familiar Friends
Your return journey is anything but lonely. As you cross the infamous Drake Passage, you have the opportunity to observe some of the fascinating animals you encountered at the beginning of your journey. Majestic albatrosses with their impressive wingspans glide elegantly over the waves, while petrels cut through the air with their characteristic flight style. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of a minke whale emerging from the water with a striking burst of spray. These encounters with wildlife revive the memories of the beginnings of your journey and accompany you on your way back to familiar waters.
 
Day 28: There and Back Again
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. Today marks the end of a remarkable journey, filled with discoveries and experiences that you will carry forever in your heart. It is now time to disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost point of the world, serving as the starting point for many significant expeditions. As you pack your bags and prepare to leave the ship, you will notice that the memories of the impressive landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and inspiring encounters will travel with you, wherever your next adventure may lead. These experiences will accompany you and might even steer the course of your future travels.
 
Accommodation: Onboard the MS Ortelius, you can expect comfortable and well-equipped accommodation specifically designed for expedition travel. Choose from various cabin categories, all featuring private bathrooms, running water, and modern amenities. Enjoy the impressive view through portholes or windows as you explore the fascinating Antarctic. The cabins offer ample storage space and are ideal for relaxing nights after exciting days filled with adventure. The mentioned prices refer to occupancy by at least two people.
 
Additional Information: The specified itinerary serves merely as a guideline and can vary due to ice, weather, and wildlife observations. Landings depend on availability, permissions, and environmental regulations. The expedition leader has the authority to determine the final schedule, making flexibility essential during the journey. Helicopter transfers are planned, but specific timeframes cannot be guaranteed, as local conditions may impact possibilities. Safety is the top priority, and no claims can be accepted.
 
Discover the untouched beauty of Antarctica and follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton on this unique expedition. Spaces are limited, and demand is high, so we recommend getting information now without obligation and securing your adventure in this fascinating region!
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