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Emperor Penguins: Snow Hill Island Safari
Two End of an Era Departures in 2010.
Start: Ushuaia
Finish: Ushuaia
End of an Era Voyages with Special Guests
During the October 13 to 26, 2010 sailing, Julie Scardina will be on board sharing behind-the-scene stories of animal training at SeaWorld.
During the October 25, 2010 sailing, Peter Fretwell will be on board sharing satellite images and behind-the-scene stories of discovery.
Day 1
Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia is a picturesque community with excellent restaurants and intriguing museums. You'll spend the night at our host hotel.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
You'll have time to explore before boarding in the afternoon. The icebreaker follows the Beagle Channel into the open waters of the Drake Passage.
Day 3-4
Crossing the Drake Passage
Emperor Penguins will be on your mind while you cross the Drake Passage. En route, our ornithologist will make presentations on the biology, habitat and behavior of Emperors.
Day 5-7
Unparalled Wildlife Viewing
Reaching the Snow Hill rookery under the best possible conditions is the goal of the expedition. The Captain and Expedition Leader consult charts, weather bulletins and satellite images to determine where to park the icebreaker for efficient helicopter flights to the rookery. Our plan is to spend three days at the rookery.
Day 8-11
The Peninsula
While the Emperors are our priority, we also plan to visit the Antarctic Peninsula. Our exact route will be determined by local conditions. We plan to sail Iceberg Alley. Use your newly acquired photographic skills to snap pictures of massive tabular icebergs until your camera beeps a warning that the memory is full.
While passing through Antarctic Sound, you will see more fantastic ice sculptures, from pure white to deep blue.
A soulful silence may engulf you, unless a glacier calves or an iceberg overturns - then suddenly, everything is noise and waves.
While visiting the Peninsula, we hope to explore penguin rookeries under construction. Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins court, lay eggs and raise their young during the austral summer. Your voyage takes place at a time when these smaller penguins are selecting nesting sites and choosing partners.
Day 12-14
The Triumph of Life
You'll be recalling the details of the voyage, as you cross the Drake Passage once again. These memories will stay with you, as clear and powerful as the day they were formed. The existence of the Emperor Penguin is more that a story of survival and endurance. It is the triumph of life itself.