Insurmountable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe this voyage, Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf. The Weddell Sea is mostly frozen by a thick and compressed ice floe and to the northwest stands an imposing ice shelf known as the Larsen Ice Shelf. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail on this Sea, with its promise of exceptional landscapes and original encounters.
As you advance across this immense polar expanse, you will enter an infinite ice desert, a world of silence where there is nothing but calm and serenity. The Larsen Ice Shelf stretches along the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. An extension of the ice sheet onto the sea, this white giant is equally disturbing and fascinating, if only due to its colossal dimensions and the impressive table top icebergs – amongst the largest ever seen – that it generates. This voyage will be an opportunity to come as close as possible to the Weddell Sea, a real refuge for wildlife.
Ponant Cruises operates this itinerary. The company features a range of medium-sized ships designed for expedition cruises. The whole fleet is fitted with cutting-edge equipment, from the brand new Le Commandant-Charcot, their first electric hybrid polar expedition vessel, to their other 5* ships including L’Austral, Le Boreal and Le Lyrial. Ponant ensures both the safety of their passengers while respecting the areas visited through sustainable ships designed for environmental protection.
Unsure if this The Great Austral Loop itinerary is right for you? Review our Antarctica destination page for full details on seasonality, routes, ship selection, pricing, expedition inclusions and how North South Voyages can help make your Antarctica dream become reality.
Overview
Day 1
Arrival into Santiago
Overnight Santiago
Day 2
Fly from Santiago to Ushuaia and embark cruise
Day 3 - 4
Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 5
South Shetland Islands
Day 6
North Antarctic Peninsula
Day 8 - 9
Sailing towards the Larsen ice shelves
Day 11 - 12
Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 13
Disembark at Ushuaia and fly to Santiago
Inclusions:
- Transfer from airport to PONANT selected hotel in Santiago
- 1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel In Santiago the night before embarkation
- Return flights Santiago/Ushuaia/Santiago selected by PONANT, in economy class
- Dinner in Santiago
- Airport transfer from Santiago to Airport and from Ushuaia pier to airport
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated
- Lectures and information sessions hosted by our naturalist-guides, covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, environmental protection
- Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an expedition programme
- Boot rental will be offered onboard on Expedition cruises
- PONANT activities including: kayaking, hot air ballooning, snowmobiles, hovercraft activities and hiking
Exclusions:
- International airfares
- Tips for the local guide on the mainland
- Personal expenses
- Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
- Ponant activities- polar diving is an optional extra
- Mandatory waterproof and windproof over-trousers
- Passport and visa expenses and any Government arrival and departure taxes
- Staff gratuities
- Personal insurance (which is strongly recommended)
Optional Extras:
*Note that we will quote flights for you when provided with your desired travel dates. Costs will vary depending on your travel dates.
