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Cape Horn, Patagonian voyages, Glaciers & Fjords of Tierra Del Fuego, Flights to Antarctica, Cruises to South Georgia, Arctic & Cold Southern Ocean Region explorations of our planet. Over three hundred pages of Information on culture, history, fauna, flora, anthropology, geography, arqueology, Chile facts, kayaking, Ice Diving, whale watching, trekking and introducing:
Ultimate Adventures You Will Never forget
In only one an one half hours, you will arrive at Antarctica, flying from Punta Arenas,
Chile, to King George Island, South Shetlands, known us the "Antarctic Gate".
From there you will navigate for 6 days and 5 nights visiting the
most wonderful places with the best wildlife sites of Antarctica.
5 and 10 day trips available also. See below.
VICTORY ADVENTURE's Fly-Cruise Expedition
to Antarctica begins prior to our trip; through
a specialized debriefing session we indicate
the characteristics of the flight and the boat,
the places we will be visiting, the recommendations
for the care of the environment, and the
necessary steps to take in order to protect
this ecosystem.
Our mission is to enjoy nature without causing any damage to it.
We board our airplane early in the morning.
We check the weather conditions and if they are favourable we will leave heading south towards our destination.
Strait of Magellan and continue over Tierra
del Fuego Island, the Darwin Mountains and
its glaciers. Islands will only compose the
landscape we will be observing until we reach
Cape Horn and the last rocks of the American
Base, to which we get in one and a half hours more, we
will already be anticipating the Antarctic.
Baleen whales, Orcas or Killer Whales, Sea
Lions, Weddel Seals, Antarctic Seals and
Penguins compose the fauna, which feeds on
the Antarctic's rich waters. The famous
Adelie penguins are the main species, but you
will also see the Papua Penguins, Antarctic
Penguins and many other kinds. The harshness
and variability of the weather makes an
amazing contrast with the facilities of the
scientific stations and most of all with
Villa Las Estrellas, first site to be
inhabited by civilians. Our destination is
Frei Base, established in 1980 under the name
of Teniente Rodolfo Marsh, which together
with the Presidente Frei Meteorological
Centre inaugurated in 1969, is one of the
main meteorological and navigational stations
in the Antarctic. President Frei inaugurated
the last one and after that the air strip was
extended to accommodate heavy aircraft.
The scenery, fauna and marine life are the
main attractions for the tourist; this place
is one of the few in the world that has
remained untouched by men, this is why it
constitutes one of mankind's most important
biosphere reserves.Our goal is also to comply
with the strict rules and regulations of
environmental preservation.
You are a part of that effort.
The ship, "Grigoriy Mikheev" Deck Plan
then 6 days of voyaging in the Antarctic
peninsula area aboard the "Grigoriy Mikheev".
She was built in 1990 in Finland for the
Hydrographic Institute in St Petersburg,
designed with an ice-strengthened hull for
the polar seas. There are three types of
cabins accommodating a maximum of 46
passengers. The vessel is well-suited for
expedition cruising, and has a large bridge
and open-deck viewing areas. There is a fleet
of inflatable Zodiacs to facilitate landings
in accessible areas.
She has been converted in the Netherlands for
passenger use and is ideally suited for
expedition cruising. The vessel measures 66
metres (210 feet) in length, 12.8 metres (42
feet) in breadth, and has a draft of
approximately 3.5 metres (12 feet), and a
displacement of 2000 tonnes. Powered by two
1700 horsepower diesel engines, she is
capable of speeds of 14 knots. She has a good
anti-roll system, a range of 70 days
independent operation and is ISM certified.
The vessel is strongly built of steel with an
ice- strengthened hull, perfect for the polar
seas.
The "Grigoriy Mikheev" is manned by an
enthusiastic Russian crew of around 20, all
highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian
captains are recognized experts in polar
navigation. All our international expedition
leaders and lecturers are highly
knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated to the
protection of the environment.
All cabins are outside, with a desk, windows and
ample storage space.
6 Twin cabins without bath have upper and lower
berths and wash basins. Shared shower and toilet
facilities are conveniently located on the same
Deck 3.
14 Cabins with private facilities are located on
Decks 3 and 4 and have upper and lower berths.
3 Superior cabins with private facilities located
on Deck 4 have a double sofa-bed and a separate
single bed.
Cabin Description: Type A: Cabins with two
berths on top of each other. Passengers of
these cabins will use showers and toilets
located outside the cabins. These cabins have
wash basins and windows. Type B: Cabins with
two berths on top of each other. These cabins
have their own shower/toilet unit and
windows. Type C: Superior cabin with windows,
double berth and single berth on the same
level. This cabin has its own private
shower-toilet unit.
The "Grigoriy Mikheev" has a large bridge
(where you are almost always welcome) and good
open deck-viewing areas. Excellent cuisine
prepared by international chefs is served in
the dining room, which also acts as the
lecture room. Other public areas include a
lounge and bar, small library, infirmary and
sauna.
M/V "Grigoriy Mikheev"
Ship Type: Expedition Ship Length: 230 ft
Beam: 42 ft Draft: 11.5 ft Speed: 12 knots/hr
Decks: 4 Year Built: 1990 Built In: Finland
Registered: Russian Republic Engine: 2 X 1700
hp diesel.
She has room for 36 passengers and 20 crew.
She has a lecture Room, Lounge , Bar , Sauna, Hospital,
Laundry Equipment: Zodiacs
Overview: "Grigoriy Mikheev" is a modern
and comfortable research vessel commissioned
by the Hydro-graphic Institute in St.
Petersburg. She has a full complement of
Zodiac crafts (rubber inflatable landing
crafts), which enable landings and wildlife
viewing opportunities, in otherwise
inaccessible areas. The ship has a lounge
with bar, sauna, laundry and a small hospital
with a doctor.
Schedule
For November and December 2008 we offer 6 departures of CLASSIC ANTARCTICA AIR-CRUISE (7days / 6 nights):
- Classic Antarctica n. 1 : 25 Nov - 01 Dec
- Classic Antarctica n. 2 : 30 Nov - 06 Dec
- Classic Antarctica n. 3 : 05 - 11 Dec
- Classic Antarctica n. 4 : 10 - 16 Dec
- Classic Antarctica n. 5 : 15 - 21 Dec
- Classic Antarctica n. 6 : 20 - 26 Dec
Rates per person: cabin with private facilities USD 8.700 - cabin with shared facilities USD 7.600 - superior cabin USD 9.900.
Booking fee: USD 3.500 per person - outstanding balance due 120 days prior to departure.
We can also offer the following special departures:
- NEW YEAR AIR-CRUISE (10 days / 9 nights) : 25 Dec - 03 Jan 2009
Rates per person: cabin with private facilities USD 10.500 - cabin with shared facilities USD 9.200 - superior cabin USD 11.900.
Booking fee: USD 4000 per person - outstanding balance due 120 days prior to departure.
The trip is 10 days long and you will see much more wildlife and interesting places than the other 7 day trips including the Beagle Channel where Darwin sailed with Captain Fitzroy.
You will arrive in Ushuaia on January 1st and then can fly back to Punta Arenas from there or take a ferry to Puerto Williams, the world's most southern town, where we are located. There is a one hour flight back to Punta Arenas from here.
In this case, we have a hostal for you in Puerto Williams, the Gateway to Antarctica.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS for 5 Days: Ushuaia, Argentina - Antarctica - Punta Arenas, Chile
Trip (22 Nov / 26 Nov)
Rates per person: cabin with private facilities USD 3.400 - cabin with shared facilities USD 2.900 - superior cabin USD 3.900.
Booking fee: USD 1.600 per person - outstanding balance due 120 days prior to departure.
Itineraries:
Regular Trip: Punta Arenas, Chile - Antarctica - Punta Arenas, Chile
Day One
Arrival at the city of Punta Arenas where you will be met by Antarctica XXI Staff, to be later transferred to the selected hotel. During the afternoon, before dinner, you will receive instructions in relation with the norms that should be followed in Antarctica and about the procedures of embarkation and disembarkation. Later, you will enjoy our welcome dinner at the José Nogueira Hotel, a centenary French style mansion, where you will have the chance to meet your expedition mates.
Day Two
Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island ( South Shetland Islands ). The flight takes a little over three hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Grigoriy Mikheev".
Day Three to Six
As we cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Peninsula , sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our Journey toward the south may include visits to some of the most magnificient spots in the white continent such as: Hannah Point , Port Lockroy, Petermann Island , Paradise Bay , Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our adventure will be full, with daily landings and cruises in zodiacs boats, selected lectures and anenjoyable time on board.
Day Seven
Return to King George Island where we will disembark, in Zodiac boats, at Fildes Bay by "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base, and head to the "Teniente Marsh" aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas . End of program upon arrival at the Airport in Punta Arenas.
Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.
King George Island
This map shows all of our route which goes almost to the Antarctic Circle.
South Shetlands - Livingston Island
An archipelago located in the South Antarctic Ocean, and north of the great Antarctic Peninsula, as part of the highest, driest and coldest continent on the planet.
The beauty of this remote destination is created by its imposing glaciers, magnificent channels and the impressive fauna that inhabits the area. Voyaging to this far location can turn out to be an adventure that cannot be surpassed, given the scenic beauty, the spectacular white landscape and the nuances of the eternal ice.
Livingston Island is a surprising spot where you will find a great variety of species, among which your attention will be captivated by Chinstrap, Gentoo and the magnificent Macaroni penguins, with their distinctive orange/yellow crests. Elephant seals, Antarctic Giant Petrels and Snowy Sheathbill are also to be seen.
Aitcho Island
This island is located near the north entrance of the English Strait, in the South Shetland Islands, between Greenwich and Robert Islands. The main attractions here are the large colonies of Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins that cover the area. Furthermore, it is possible to find great quantities of Antarctic Giant Petrels and some protected animals, such as the Wedell Seal.
Deception Island
An impressive volcano, still considered active and famous for its incomplete crater which is at sea level. Sailing and walking in this zone can result in a fabulous experience. One of the greatest attractions of this island is the combination of rock towers that come out of the sea. This amazing geological formation is known as "Neptune´s Bellows".
In this outstanding place, whose shape is like a horseshoe, you may have a bath in the warm coastal waters which can get close to 65° C, in contrast with the freezing surrounding waters in this corner of the world. Here you will also visit Whalers Bay, where we will see the remains of a former whailing station.
Lemaire Channel
Known for being one of the most beautiful spots in the area and this is why it is also known as the "Kodak Gap", due to the impression it produces among the tourists, making them take innumerable photographs of nature at its best. If the weather allows it and it is not blocked by the ice that is typical of this inhospitable corner of the world, you will see playful seals that rest on wandering icebergs, as well as Minke Whales that are frequently found in these cold waters.
Petermann Island
This island is endowed with a unique beauty due to its immense granite walls and the abundant snow that composes the scenery. It also has the largest and southernmost colony of Adelie and Gentoo penguins, migratory species typical of Antarctica.
On Petermann Island you will be able to see a colony of Antarctic Blue Eyed Shag, a species much appreciated for its solemn stance and singular presence. In summer, Elephant Seals come out in groups to enjoy the sun, taking it lying on their sides, over the rocks of the island.
Cuverville Island
Upon arrival, you will find yourself on a small island dominated by a great amount of lichen growth and deep moss on the rocks, the only botanical species that you can find on the surface of Antarctica. As part of the scenery you will see various birds, such as Wilson Petrel, South and Brown Skuas. In this place you will be delighted with one of the largest colonies of Gentoo penguins.
Wiencke Island - Port Lockroy
A bay that is 800 meters, located on the southwestern point of Wiencke Island. This place is particular because it was used by whalers almost one century ago. At present, it will not be strange to see Minke and Humpback Whale cruising along the coast. There is an old British scientific base which is now a museum.
Paradise Bay
From Paradise Bay you will be able to enjoy one of the most magnificent views that the Antarctic territory has to offer. Splendid scenes of glaciers and mountains are enhanced by fascinating fauna, such as Gentoo Penguins and Minke Whales.
Half Moon Island
The volcanic origin of this island gives it a very particular surface formation. On it you will find Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, Antarctic Blue Eyed Shags and Skuas. In this area you may find the distinguished looking Wedell Seal and some Elephant Seals that occasionally visit the island.
Rates per person and based on double occupancy. Single occupancy must pay 85% of cabin rate.
Price includes:
- Transfer airport - hotel
- 1 night lodging in Punta Arenas , breakfast included.
- Welcome Dinner
- Flight Punta Arenas - King George Island - Punta Arenas
- Sea voyage and lodging on board ship, in accordance with cabin chosen.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks)
- Shore excursions
- Conferences and shipboard entertainment
- Transfer airport - city
Not included:
- Visa and/or Passport expenses
- Arrival and departure taxes
- Lodging and meals other than those offered in the program
- Personal insurance
- Excess baggage charge
- Additional expenses, such as: laundry service, telephone calls, use of Internet or other means of communication, etc.
- Tips
SPECIAL PROGRAMS, 5 Days
Trip (22 Nov / 26 Nov)
The trip starts from, Ushuaia , Argentina on board our vessel, the "Grigoriy Mikheev"with destination to King George Island , South Shetlands . There, you will have the special opportunity to visit Presidente Frei Station ( Chile ) and Bellinghausen Station (Russia), being able to walk for some hours admiring striking Antarctic landscapes. The return leg will be made on board our BAe aircraft from Teniente Marsh airfield, King George Island arriving in Punta Arenas , Chile, where our services will end.
SPECIAL PROGRAM for 10 Days: Punta Arenas, Chile - Antarctica - Ushuaia, Argentina
Ten Day Itinerary
Day One
Arrival at the city of Punta Arenas where you will be met by our Staff, to be later transferred to the selected hotel. During the afternoon, before dinner, you will receive instructions in relation with the norms that should be followed in Antarctica and about the procedures of embarkation and disembarkation. Later, you will enjoy our welcome dinner at the 4 Star José Nogueira Hotel, a centenary French style mansion, where you will have the chance to meet your expedition mates.
Day Two
Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight aboard our BAe Jet from Punta Arenas to King George Island ( South Shetland Islands ). The flight takes ony 11/2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Grigoriy Mikheev".
Day Three to Six
As we cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Peninsula , sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our Journey toward the south may include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent such as: Hannah Point , Port Lockroy, Petermann Island , Paradise Bay , Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our adventure will be full, with daily landings and cruises in zodiacs boats, selected lectures and an enjoyable time on board.
Day Seven to Nine
This is not day by day, but will give a pretty good idea of what you will find in terms of Antarctic wildlife.
That below was described by our Expedition Leader, who also happens to be an excellent ornithologist.
What a magnificent experience to spend some time on the gate to the Antarctic continent. Only few hours walking around the Chilean base Eduardo Frei, will give you a general idea how the base operate and how do people overwinter in this unusual area of the globe. You will be in one of the largest base on this part of Antarctica. It is a great opportunity to stamp your passport on one of the most inaccessible continent to have in your record. On king George Island there is exploring the penguin area, the Russian, Chilean and Chinese bases.
In term of wildlife you will have the chance to meet one of the most fascinating governor of the Antarctic continent, the Penguins, depending the time of the year, you can see all three different species of penguins wondering next to the base or in the shoreline:Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie. Plus many other species of seabirds: always next to human facilities there is the agresive Brown or Antarctic Skua, the Kelp or Dominican Gull, and the Antarctic Sheathbill, all of them feeding next to the kitchen where there is always some debris. On the coast you will be able to see the largest Petrel, Southern Giant Petrel, plus many other birds such as Antarctic Tern, King Cormorant and Wilson´s Storm Petrel. Here on land also, you will have the chance to see a few seals, generally, the most common are Southern Elephant Seal, and Weddell seal lying on the beach. If you are lucky, as soon as our ship start sailing you have to keep looking for Antarctic Fur seal swimming next to our vessel or Crab eater Seal, and why not a Leopard seal lying on the ice. There is also good chance to spot some Humpback, or Menke whales or an impressive pod of Orcas.
The most adventurous people would love to cross the Drake Passage, which is known to be at times one of the roughest oceans on the planet and at other times its as calm as a glass of milk. This will be an unforgettable and wonderful experience, to feel what the old sailors faced last century, you won't regret it. There will be plenty of activities on board the ship (fascinating lectures, and magnificent films). This is also a good opportunity to spend time on deck looking for different species of seabirds and why not to spot some whales nearby. Below, you will find a possible list of seabirds on the crossing.
King Penguin
Adelie Penguin
Chinstrap Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Rockhopper PenguinWandering Albatross
Royal Albatross
Black-browed Albatross
Gray-headed Albatross
Light-mantled Sooty AlbatrossSouthern Giant Petrel
Northern Giant Petrel
Southern Fulmar
Cape or Pintado Petrel
Antarctic Petrel
Snow Petrel
Kerguelen Petrel
White headed Petrel
Gray Petrel
White-chinned Petrel
Blue Petrel
Broad-billed Prion
Thin billed Prion
Fairy Prion
Sooty ShearwaterWilson´s Storm Petrel
Black bellied Storm Petrel
Gray headed Strom Petrel
Georgian Diving Petrel
Common Diving PetrelAntarctic Blue eyed Shag
Snowy Sheathbill
Brown Skua
South Polar Skua
Kelp or Southern black-backed Gull
Antarctic Tern
Arctic Tern
We will also get to see the southern most tip of the south American Continent, the impressive island of Cape Horn, very well known by many of the sailors adventuring on this latitude. As soon as we enter in these beautiful and protected waters, surrounded by impressive virgin islands with impenetrable forest and hanging glaciers. Here, the fauna will change dramatically from Antarctica.
The species of penguins we have here is the Magellanic Penguin which nest in borrows on some of the islands. We will also get to see Magellanic Diving Petrel, Sooty and Pink footed Shearwater, among other sea birds. On the edges of the island it is possible to spot the big Flightless Steamer Duck and Kelp Goose, plus other waterfowl such as Chilean teal, Crested Duck and Yellow billed Pintail. Dolphin Gull is another very abundant species of this latitude. Among the marine mammals you will be able to get the most beautiful black and white Dolphin called Commerson´s Dolphin, the Houglass dolphin and some South American Fur seals and sea lions.
The variety of song birds in the forest it is also very impressive including the elusive Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Parakeets, Thorn tailed rayadito among others.
Day Ten-
After only 2 days of sailing, we Round Cape Horn and returning the the South American continent, docking at the municipal pier in Ushuaia, Argentina. There is a one hour flight back to Punta Arenas aboard Lan Chile.
Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.
SUGGESTED LIST OF EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING FOR THE ANTARCTIC
Trekking shoes suitable for walking in snow
Two pairs of thin socks
Two pairs of thick socks
Two long underwear made of cotton, wool or Polypropylene
A pair of warm wool or pile pants or jeans
A windproof Gore Tex pants (not really necessary)
Two undershirts made of cotton, wool or Polypropylene
One long winter parka with hood , Gore Tex good, but not necessary
A pair of thin gloves made of warm wool
One pair of thick ski type gloves or mittens
A scarf or a wool ski mask
Sunglasses
Ski glasses
ACCESSORIES
First-Aid kit, including prescribed medicine
Sun block lotion
Lip balm
Toiletry kits
Camera or video camera
Batteries
Films
Binoculars
Journal
Optional: ski poles
Long underwear, pants and gloves. etc. may be purchased in Punta Arenas at low cost "Summer sales".
Please look at our page to see the walls of ice you will see on the flight on the way over , that you won't see aboard any ship. :)
More important information on this Unique Fly Cruise
The Arctic, Antarctica and Cape Horn 
