Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ special edition Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition, in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours.
✓ The Weddell Sea is renowned for its vast amounts of ice - sea ice, pack ice and gigantic icebergs.
✓ The perfect setting for a voyage in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours.
✓ For those with an interest in history, the Weddell Sea was central to Ernest Shackleton’s well-known expedition when the Endurance became trapped in the ice.
✓ In addition to ice-watching opportunities, the area is also rich in wildlife, geology, and palaeontology.
✓ We hope to see a variety of ice seals.
✓ On shore, you can search for ancient fossils of gastropods, large clams, and spiral-shaped ammonites.
✓ The perfect time of year to see curious whales, who are feeding before they begin their migration north to warmer waters.
Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions:
NEW Wild Antarctica Featuring the Weddell Sea:
In Partnership with New Scientist
SPECIAL EDITION
Highlights of this Expedition
Featured Expedition
Wild Antarctica Featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist
Expedition To/From: Punta Arenas, Chile - Ushuaia, Argentina
Destination Highlights
• Be awestruck by the array of wildlife that hunt and play in the Antarctic Sound, as the humpback whale migration begins
• Marvel at gigantic tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea
• Learn about the incredible fossil-rich volcanic islands from our onboard experts
• Hear tales of heroic exploration, tragedy and triumph in the Weddell region
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island. Embarkation.
Days 3-10: Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea.
Days 11-12: Drake Passage crossing.
Day 13: Disembark in Ushuaia.
Meet the Expert: New Scientist Special Guests
Dr Russell Arnott
Dr Russell Arnott holds a combined master’s degree in oceanography from the University of Southampton, UK, and a PhD in marine biology from the University of Bath, UK. He has worked as a commercial oceanographer and his research has taken him all over the world, from the Southern Ocean with the British Antarctic Survey up to the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Sweden.
With a passion for public engagement, Russell is a director of charity Incredible Oceans, speaking at science events around the world. He has also made many marine-focused TV and radio appearances, including for BBC Radio 4’s Natural Histories.
Russell joined the University of Bath in September 2016 to study phytoplankton morphology and its influence on turbulent interactions. Having worked as a science consultant on a number of books, Russell recently co-wrote his first book, Ocean Endangered, with researcher Celine Van Weelden. It combines up-to-date marine science with a balanced look at the state of our oceans, empowering the reader to take action for a better planet.
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Reserve your optional activities at the time of booking to secure your spot.
*Landings, adventures, and activities are weather-dependent. Activity options vary by itinerary, and additional fees apply for optional activities.
Best Time To Go
New Purpose-Built Small Ships - 130 Passengers Maximum
Our expedition ship— the Sylvia Earle —is new to the fleet and designed for exploration. This state-of-the-art, purpose-built ship uses the latest advances in design and technology, truly revolutionising the small-ship experience.
INCLUSIONS
• All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1.
• Charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
• Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
• All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
• Soft drinks and juices throughout all meals. Beer and house wine with dinner.
• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
• Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
• Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
• One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
• Comprehensive pre-departure information.
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
• Wi-Fi.
Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable
EXCLUSIONS
• International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Airport arrival or departure taxes.
• Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
• Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
• Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
• All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), soft drinks/juices (outside of meal service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
About Aurora Expeditions
From the start, Aurora Expeditions— an award-winning Australian-owned company—was destined to be different. Our passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends burns just as brightly as it did over 33 years ago, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions, accompanied by an expedition team we believe are the world’s best.
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