The Emperor Penguins of Bellingshausen Sea

Ponant Cruises
Duration 20 days - 19 nights
Departure Santiago, Chile

The Emperor Penguins of Bellingshausen Sea, is an exceptional cruise that will take you into the heart of the Bellingshausen Sea, beyond Peter I Island and Charcot Island. Named in honour of the Russian admiral and explorer who discovered Antarctica in 1820, this sea in the Southern Ocean, covered by ice floe most of the time, is hard to reach and practically unexplored.

But the reward lives up to the challenge: gigantic colonies of emperor penguins, a unique species endemic to the Antarctic and almost never observed, live here. This animal, elegant and majestic, is the promise of emotional encounters. In this season, as winter gradually gives way to the austral spring, the chicks, only a few weeks old, become independent and gather in immense “creches”: a magical spectacle to which you will be privileged witnesses.

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’AustralLe 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 Emperor Penguins of Bellingshausen Sea 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.

Departures

No departures scheduled yet. Please contact us for more information

Overview

Day 1
Arrival into Santiago
Overnight Santiago
Day 2
Fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt and embark cruise
Day 3 - 5
At Sea
Day 6
Crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle
Day 7
At Sea
Day 8 - 9
Expedition to Charcot Island
Day 10 - 11
Expedition to Peter I Island
Day 12 - 13
Cruising the English coast
Day 14
Marguerite Bay
Day 15
Stonington Island & Pourquio Pas Island
Day 16
The Gullet & Detaille Island
Day 17
At Sea
Day 18 - 19
Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 20
Disembark at Ushuaia and fly to Santiago

Itinerary

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:

  • Diving

*Note that we will quote flights for you when provided with your desired travel dates. Costs will vary depending on your travel dates.