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Far Frontiers Travel
Far Frontiers Travel specialises in tailor-making bespoke travel to Central Asia, China and Mongolia, the Far East, Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas, Indochina, Middle East, North Africa and Europe, Russia and South America.
Antarctic Peninsula & the South Atlantic
We have a number of voyages sailing mainly from Ushuaia on the southern tip of South America across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. If you have time, it is well worth taking a longer voyage to explore more of the South Atlantic and visit The Falklands, South Georgia and the South Shetland Islands on the way.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of Antarctica’s mainland. Its mountainous peaks rise to around 2,800 metres and are thought to be a continuation of the South American Andes. The first landing was probably made by the seal hunter John Davis at the end of the 19th century, whilst the first major exploration was made between 1901 and 1904 by Otto Nordenskiöld who led the Swedish Antarctic Expedition. In the continent’s more recent history, the 1950s saw a significant increase in the number of research bases as Britain, Chile and Argentina competed to make claims over the territory.
The peninsula enjoys the mildest climate in Antarctica, and whilst it is covered in tundra, it is the sea that provides the larder for the continent’s wildlife. Seals that can be found include leopard, Weddell, southern elephant and crabeater seals. Penguin species include the chinstrap, emperor, gentoo and adelie, Petermann Island being home to the world's southernmost colony of gentoo penguins. They return each year and their rookeries can be more than 10,000 strong. Seabirds include several species of petrel, southern fulmar, imperial shag, snowy sheathbill, south polar and brown skuas, kelp gull and Antarctic tern.
For those who want to boldly go as far south as possible, we offer extended voyages that continue on from the peninsula southwards to the Argentine Islands, visiting Crystal Sound and the Fish Islands, one of the most southerly places to find colonies of adelie penguins. The aim is to reach as far as Detaille Island, south of the Polar Circle.
Itineraries relating to the Antarctic Peninsula & the South Atlantic
Trip report for the Antarctic Peninsula
Fiona’s travel tips
DON’T MISS: Camping overnight on the peninsula to experience Antarctic weather close up. It might seem tough at the time but you won’t regret it! Don’t forget to pre-book as it’s popular.
LET US KNOW: If you have a former connection with any of the polar regions we visit by ship. Perhaps you or a relative lived on one of the bases, or were a member of a past expedition? We can offer you the chance to share your experiences, diaries or photographs with others on your voyage. In the past we’ve even got the ship to make unscheduled visits to tie in with such an event.
Clients’ comments
“It was a fascinating voyage with lasting impressions. The wildlife both on the Falklands and on Antarctica is incredibly rich. The organisation on board the ship was very good. Among the talks given by the scientific crew I enjoyed the witty talks by Robert Headland the most. The familiar atmosphere in the lodges on Sea Lion Island and on Carcass Island was very nice indeed. Last but not least I should like to thank you for the impeccable organisation on your part.”
Mr Hubert Kalf, Epic Antarctica icebreaker voyage
“Most helpful, informative, and friendly service at all stages. Absolutely spectacular trip which exceeded my already high expectations. Brilliant value for money, notwithstanding the high cost. It says it all that I was looking at your brochure for a future trip, as soon as I got back!”
Judith Philip, Antarctic Peninsula, December 2008