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Grigoriy Mikheev

6 days - Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by air and sea

For those who don't have strong sea legs we can now offer a unique air/cruise combination that flys you from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island (the South Shetlands), to pick up the "Antarctic Peninsula" cruise. Thus you experience the highlights of the region without having to navigate the occasionally choppy seas of Drake's Passage. This is a new cruise option which many people have been waiting for.

The four hour flight from Punta Arenas lands on King George Island in the South Shetlands. Visit the Eduardo Frei Chilean base and embark on the Grigoriy Mikheev to Hannah Point on Livingstone Island, home of the Antarctic and Gentoo penguins. Travelling South via Aitcho Island (look out for Weddell Seals) we visit Deception Island where we can see the ruins of the British Antarctic Survey shelter which was evacuated in 1967 after a volcanic eruption. Weather permitting we may be able to take a dip in the hot volcanic waters.

The whaling museum at Port Lockroy on Wiencke Island gives us a glimpse into the past before we continue to Paradise Bay. Still travelling South we cruise through the stunning Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island, home of Adelie Penguins and King Cormorants before turning to Cuverville Island. We finally visit Half Moon Island and the Henry Arctowski Polish Academy of Science Antarctic Base before returning to the Chilean Air Base to fly back to Punta Arenas.

Please note that a measure of flexibility is needed in the Antarctic region, the destinations listed above are a guideline only as adverse weather conditions can mean unavoidable last minute changes.

The cruise length is 6 days.
All tours start and finish in Punta Arenas, Chile.
N.B. cruise price includes one night hotel in Punta Arenas, incl. dinner and breakfast, prior to the flight and embarkation.

Aboard Grigoriy Mikheev
The ship Grigory Mikheev is a modern research vessel adapted to take passangers in comfort, with a capacity of 46 passengers in cabins over the main deck, all of them with an outside view. It was built in Finland in 1990 and the hull is reinforced for sailing in ice. Facilities include lounge bar, infirmary and sauna.

Meals are prepared by international chefs and the dining room is also used for lectures. The Russian officers and crew are all experienced in polar navigation and lecturers and expedition leaders are all dedicated, knowledgeable professionals.

Cabin: Twin cabin with private facilities.
Note: There are cheaper twin cabins with shared facilities as well as Superior cabins. Please call for details.
Length: 66m
Breadth: 12.8m
Engines: 2 Diesels
Cruising speed: 14 knots
Passengers: 46

The return flight between Punta Arenas and the South Shetland Islands is included. Transfers as mentioned, excursions and accommodation and meals are included.

Transatlantic flights and internal flights in Latin America are not included. NB. Prices are a guideline only, as they are subject to £/$ exchange rate fluctuations, and will be confirmed at time of booking.