[vc_row][vc_column][trx_tabs initial=”1″][trx_tab title=”Highlights” tab_id=”sc_tab_1532624475_1_5″][vc_column_text]Viewing penguin colonies alive with nest building
Cruising in Zodiacs amongst water-sculpted icebergs
Stepping ashore the Antarctic continent!
Visiting historic huts and scientific stations
Admiring Antarctic marine life – seals and whales
Kayaking or camp ashore for added adventure!
Seeing Antarctica at its most pristine!
[/vc_column_text][/trx_tab][trx_tab title=”Itinerary” tab_id=”sc_tab_1532624475_2_64″][vc_column_text]DAY 1 – USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
Arrive in Ushuaia, renowned for its exquisite chocolates and breathtaking scenery. After transfer to your downtown hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure.
DAY 2 – USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
After checking out of the hotel, explore Ushuaia and surrounds. Mid-afternoon, settle into the Greg Mortimer Vessel for an early evening departure down the Beagle Channel.
DAYS 3 to 5 – DRAKE PASSAGE
We chart a course south, bound for the Antarctic Peninsula. We prepare for our landings with bio security briefings, informative lectures and the Great Gumboot giveaway! We’ll also keep an eye on the horizon for albatross and the first iceberg spotting of the voyage. Possible landings as we approach the South Shetland Islands include Aitcho, Robert or Deception Islands
DAYS 6 to 8 – ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard robust Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations, and cruise up close to intricately shaped icebergs and seals basking on ice floes. Kayakers paddle through narrow waterways in search of wildlife and serenity. Stepping ashore on the continent creates an everlasting memory. We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night. A curious leopard seal cruising among spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch (ours, not the leopard seal’s); loading Zodiacs after dinner for an orca cruise. If the weather allows, we may even camp-out on the ice – a must for any Antarctic explorer!
DAYS 9 to 10 – DRAKE PASSAGE
As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner with our newfound friends.
DAY 11 – USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
We cruise up the Beagle Channel early this morning before slipping into to dock in Ushuaia, where our voyage concludes after breakfast
[/vc_column_text][/trx_tab][trx_tab title=”Optional Activities” tab_id=”sc_tab_1532625336988-10″][vc_column_text]OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Please note: Due to limited availability, please advise if you are interested in optional activities at the time of booking. For maximum enjoyment, groups are limited to small numbers, so be sure to get in quick!
KAYAKING
From USD$1,050 pp
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.
Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines.
Must be booked in advance!
SNOWSHOEING IN ANTARCTICA
From USD$250pp
Snowshoeing makes walking up gentle slopes and across Antarctica’s soft, powdery snow a breeze, allowing you to explore places others struggle to reach in boots alone. Armed with your very own set of snowshoes and ski poles, you’ll be led by our expert guides who will provide all the instruction you need. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to ascend to some of Antarctica’s best vantage points, stretch the legs and take in the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for everyone, with no previous experience required. Join in on the fun and discover a different slice of Antarctica!
This popular alpine activity is easy to learn. No experience is necessary – all you need is a willingness to try. All training is provided and our team of guides will have you trained and ready to go in no more than half an hour.
Must be booked in advance!
SKIING IN ANTARCTICA
From USD$1080
Ski Touring offers keen adventurers a chance to take on some of the world’s most incredible slopes. Experienced skiers will have the chance to enjoy day-trips to traverse across remote, snow-capped peaks to descend into pristine bays filled with floating bergs, penguin rookeries or even a breaching whale! Those interested in a multi-day ski adventure can opt to attempt Shackleton’s route across South Georgia.
From alpine bowls and crevassed glaciers, to long open slopes, join us to summit and ski a range of Antarctic landscapes, venturing to some amazing wild and remote corners. A spirit of adventure is a must. After all, when you strap on your skis, you’ll be exploring places where few have ever skied before!
Activity Surcharge
Ski Touring is available for an additional surcharge and includes your guide, permits, outings and some equipment.
How to book
If you would like to participate in our new ski tour activity please request a Ski Touring Activity Form at the time of booking for submission or download HERE. Our ski guide will review your form for suitability and experience before approving your place in the activity.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS – FREE
All of our expeditions and itineraries offer fantastic photography experiences, however, on selected expeditions, we offer specialised photography programs and workshops. Whether it be sitting quietly in the middle of a penguin rookery, visiting quaint historic sites or enjoying the thrill of a breaching whale or a polar bear on pack ice, there is an overwhelming number of opportunities to snap to your heart’s content!
Catering to both amateurs and the more experienced photographers, our onboard team of photography guides deliver photography workshops and one-on-one instruction from the deck or Zodiacs and during landings. Expeditions are strictly limited to 54 passengers offering you an intimate, personal experience and more opportunities to get out amongst nature and wildlife.
CAMPING – FREE
One of our most popular activities, camping offers you the unique opportunity to roll out your sleeping mat and wriggle into your thermal sleeping bag for a night on the ice – no camping experience necessary! Once you’ve settled in, prepare to witness the stunning beauty of the Antarctica night sky, as well as the sounds of ice cracking in the distance and wildlife carrying on their busy schedule around you. This is the activity for the ultimate bragging rights!
How to Book
Please return the polar snorkelling activity form at the time of booking. Download this form HERE. Simply inform our Expedition Experts at time of booking that you would like to include the optional snorkelling activity to your expedition. Places are limited.
POLAR SNORKELLING
(not available on all trips)
Discover the underwater world of Antarctica and the Arctic!
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you’ll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
[/vc_column_text][/trx_tab][trx_tab title=”Voyage Inclusions” tab_id=”sc_tab_1532626262194-8″][vc_column_text]VOYAGE INCLUSIONS
Group transfer to hotel from Aurora Expeditions’ preferred flight.
One night pre-voyage hotel accommodation and luggage transfer to ship on embarkation day
Group transfer from ship to downtown or airport post voyage
Fully-serviced accommodation in your chosen stateroom
Daily shore excursions, guided walks, Zodiac cruises
Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and destination resource guide
An experienced team of destination specialists and activity leaders
An informative and entertaining lecture program by our team of experts
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner including house wines, beers and soft drinks, afternoon tea and snacks
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
Pre-dinner drinks including canapes and bar snacks
Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket
Complimentary use of gumboots
Complimentary use of fitness centre
Complimentary access to on board expedition doctor and medical clinic
Personalised photo book (post voyage
Entry fees to historic or tourist sites
Port, pilotage charges and landing fees
VOYAGE EXCLUSIONS
International or domestic flights to or within South America, unless specified
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Airport arrival or departure taxes
Visa, passport, and vaccination charges
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
Hotels or meals not included in voyage itinerary
Optional activity surcharge
All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, and email or phone charges.
[/vc_column_text][/trx_tab][trx_tab title=”Vessel Info” tab_id=”sc_tab_1532626330819-0″][vc_column_text]GREG MORTIMER
Proudly named after Aurora’s adventurous co-founder, this 104-metre ship is our very first, purpose-built expedition vessel. Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the Greg Mortimer is built to world-class polar standards – designed in close consultation with our expedition specialists, taking advantage of our more than 25 years of experience. Launching for 2019 Season.
Accommodating a maximum of 100 passengers + 30 kayakers in the polar regions, and 160 passengers in other destinations, the Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future. Not only is the ship bigger to contend with adverse weather conditions, its added creature comforts make for a more enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. The Greg Mortimer remains true to our ethos and focus on multiple landings, flexible itineraries and family atmosphere – just with an improved home base!
As a modern and custom-designed ship, the Greg Mortimer is at the cutting edge of nautical technology. Robust, powerful and built with our guests in mind, this ship marks a significant investment in our fleet’s capabilities. From the European Arctic to the depths of Antarctica, and other far-flung destinations in-between, the Greg Mortimer will make your journey a breeze!
Hydraulic Viewing Platforms
Although there is no doubt that you’ll love the aesthetics of the Greg Mortimer, we are all here to admire the spectacular landscape and spot the elusive wildlife in their natural habitat. To ensure you get the best views possible, the new ship features unique viewing platforms, custom-built for the Greg Mortimer.
Accessed from Deck 5, the two platforms fold out hydraulically for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds – make sure your camera is locked and loaded!
ACCOMMODATION
After a long day exploring the wonders of your destination, you need somewhere where you can simply relax and take a break from real life.
The Greg Mortimer is the perfect place to take five and recuperate after exploring – with creature comforts and wellbeing considered as part of the overall design. All staterooms have private bathrooms, personal storage options, twin and double-bed configuration options, ample storage, international power outlets and a daily cabin service, as well as all the basic amenities that you’ll need onboard.
Of course, the prospect of unexpected wildlife encounters is always on the table so your accommodation needs to have a view as well! Across four of the five stateroom categories you’ll find large floor to ceiling windows that offer prime observation opportunities around the clock. Additionally, there are private balconies in roughly 80% of the staterooms, allowing you to watch the world float past and take in the salty air of the open ocean.
Another great feature of the accommodation on the Greg Mortimer are the interconnecting staterooms. If you’re part of a family or group who want some privacy, but still want to be close to each other, these staterooms are the perfect option.
Regardless of your chosen stateroom, you can enjoy fully-serviced accommodation on the Greg Mortimer!
Contact us for specific cabin information – info@finisterra.ca
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ROOM CATEGORIES
Ask us for more information regarding rooms or click HERE
AURORA STATEROOM – from $10500USD per person
BALCONY STATEROOM – from $11300USD per person
BALCONY SUITE – from $14800USD per person
JUNIOR SUITE – from $17400USD per person
CAPTAIN SUITE – from $20000USD per person
Prices quoted are per person and in US dollars, based on twin share. Single occupancy rates my apply for travellers wanting their own room. No single travel fees apply if you are willing to share your cabin. Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. No refund for unused services.
DATES: The Greg Mortimer Vessel was launched in 2019.
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship: Greg Mortimer, 2019
Dates for 2020 available. Contact us.
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