Highlights

• Wildlife Identification. An activity everyone can participate in! Join us as we work through our wildlife list identifying markers and checking off even the most elusive species.

• Photographer in Residence. On each and every departure our Photographer in Residence provides presentations, critiques, informal instruction and a photographer zodiac to assist you in your photographic goals.

• Camping. Providing top notch sleeping bags, liners, bivvy bags, and all of the essentials onshore –we’ve got you covered.

• Education. Ornithology, marine biology, geology, & history make up the backbone of our educational program. Our educators are part of our expedition team travelling alongside you from the zodiac to the dinner table.

• Enhanced Photography. In addition to our Photographer in Residence we incorporate an additional professional photographer on staff effectively doubling your access to custom feedback and skill development throughout the voyage.

• Expedition Photography. A niche offering specific to our Antarctica off the Beaten Track Voyage, which specializes in more time onshore in one location as a photographic group.

• Fitness & Yoga. Offered at various times throughout the day, as well as by private schedule, our fitness/yoga instructors/trainers offer a full suite of active movement programs for you to either stay fit, or start a new regime.

• Snowshoeing. Best achieved early to mid season, snow shoeing offers the ability to push farther on those hikes limited by heavy snow pack. Equipment is included and no pre-registration is required.

• Trekking/Hiking. Where possible we tailor the options to offer our contemplative walk for those wanting to stay close to shore and not hike up slope, our mid range hike and our longer hikes. The longer hikes can range from two to three hours in duration, and may involve challenging terrain without the assistance of trails.

• Whale Watching. Experience the ultimate wildlife show from your front row seat. While sailing and exploring on the ship or cruising through the shallow waters of the coastal area, you will be surprised by the gracious movements of those majestic animals.

• Zodiac Cruising. Heavy duty mark V zodiac inflatables paired with yamaha 60HP four stroke engines and a trained guide/driver provide a brilliant platform for small group cruising.

Ship: Akademik Ioffe

Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 117 metres
Passenger Capacity: 96
Built: 1989
The Akademik Ioffe is modern, comfortable, safe and ice strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, we have public spaces onboard the ship ideally suited for each and every need.
A separate lounge and bar, as well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on some reading. A selection of movies and documentaries can also be watched in the lounge.
The sumptuous meals prepared for you by our culinary team are enjoyed in our dining room, which can host all passengers in a single seating and will keep you feeling healthy and strong for the myriad of activities offered throughout the voyage.
Other facilities include the theatre style presentation room, gift-shop, fitness room, massage room, hot water spa, sauna and plunge pool. There’s also a dedicated expedition ‘mud-room’ where you prepare for your off-ship excursions.
Features:
Superior Comfort and Stability
Highest standards of Marine Safety
Comfortable Bar
Bridge
Communications
Dining Room
Fitness and Fitness Room
Gift Shop
Wellness Centre
Presentation Room
Top Deck and Observatory
Multimedia Room

Itinerary

Day 1 - Ushuaia:
We board the ship this afternoon in Ushuaia. Excitement is in the air as we cast off. Next stop, Antarctica, and the adventure of a lifetime!

Days 2 & 3 - Drake Passage:
The great pelagic seabirds are constant companions as we cross the Drake Passage. Photographing these magnificent birds from the deck of the ship takes patience and skill and our photography expert will show you the best techniques. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of informative and entertaining presentations.

Days 4 - 5 - Mikkelson Harbour & Cierva Cove:
We awaken today and the magnificent snowy peaks of Antarctica are laid out before us. Over the next week, our itinerary is intentionally flexible to account for early season ice conditions and to take advantage of optimal snow conditions. Our planned exploration starts in vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour and neighboring Cierva Cove – both beautiful locations and the perfect introduction to Antarctica.

Days 6 - 10 - Antarctica:
Our days are spent exploring on and off the ship in the company of our expert guides. Popular activities include guided hikes on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, and exploration of historic huts and science stations. Zodiac cruising in the ice is always a thrill. Based on site conditions, the ski touring group may set off to explore the pristine terrain with our experienced mountaineering guides. The expedition snow-shoe group may follow in the tracks of the skiers, climbing to high points which afford breathtaking views. The sea kayakers will head out on excursions which may last all day. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to spend an entire day with our expedition photographer on an all-day field workshop. Everyone aboard will have an opportunity to camp onshore for the night in Antarctica if the weather co-operates. In the comfort and safety of our expedition ship, we range as far south as ice conditions permit; hopefully we are able to navigate to Neko Harbour and into the Errera Channel. Witnessing the migration of the penguins early in the season, as they busily re-establish their rookeries and prepare nests, is a fascinating experience. Cuverville Island is always a highlight and is home to one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies on this stretch of coastline. Orne Harbour is dominated by Spiggot Peak – a towering landmark seen from miles away. There’s a great hike here up to a colony of chinstrap penguins. The adventure is not over and we plan an additional day of exploration in the South Shetland Islands. Prevailing weather conditions will dictate our landing locations which may include Hannah Point on Livingston Island. In the evening, we navigate into the Drake Passage, charting a course for South America.

Days 11 - 12 - At sea:
As we make our way back to Ushuaia we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

Day 13 - Ushuaia:
In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.

Please Note::
Specific sites visited will depend on ice and weather conditions, the planned itinerary will be updated at the time of final preparations as well as throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions.

Departures

• Depart: 7th November, 2018 - Return: 19th November, 2018

  

  Main Deck Triple Share - Price $ 8895 USD pp

  Located on Deck 3 these cabins have bunk beds and a sofa bed. Facilities are shared. There is a washbasin with cold/hot water in the cabin, a writing desk/chair and ample storage space. All cabins have a porthole.

  

  Twin Semi Private - Price $ 11195 USD pp

  Located on Deck 4 these cabins have one lower berth and one sofa bed, a writing desk and ample storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins). All cabins have a window which opens. Additional features and amenities: Toiletry kit Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Bathrobes

  

  Twin Private - Price $ 12295 USD pp

  These cabins are located on Deck 4 and 5. All cabins have two lower berths, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window. Additional features and amenities: Toiletry kit Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Bathrobes

  

  Superior - Price $ 13095 USD pp

  Located on Deck 6 these cabins have two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window. Additional features and amenities: Toiletry kit Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Vanity kit Upgraded bed linen/duvets

  

  Shackleton Suite - Price $ 14895 USD pp

  These cabins are located on Deck 4 and 5. All cabins have one double berth, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, a writing desk/chair, TV/DVD Player, IPod Dock Alarm Clock. Facilities are private and all cabins have windows, which can be opened. Additional features and amenities: Upgraded bed linen/duvets CD player/mini stereo system with connection for Ipod™/mp3 player Use of our CD selection Mini bar/ice bucket Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Toiletry kit Vanity kit Organic cotton luxury logoed bathrobes Arrival gift basket with healthy snacks and a bottle of wine Binoculars and wildlife reference book

  

  One Ocean Suite - Price $ 16695 USD pp

  Located on Deck 5 this cabin has a double berth, one sofa bed and separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, TV/DVD Player, IPod Dock Alarm Clock and IPod Speaker System for main room. Facilities are private and have a bathtub. This cabin has windows overlooking the bow, which can be opened. Additional features and amenities: Upgraded bed linen/duvets CD player/mini stereo system with connection for Ipod™/mp3 player Use of our CD selection Mini bar/refrigerator Hairdryer Coffee/tea maker Toiletry kit Vanity kit Organic cotton luxury logoed bathrobes Arrival gift basket with healthy snacks and a bottle of wine Binoculars and wildlife reference book