The Antarctic Peninsula

Discover The Antarctic Peninsula

Scenic Eclipse’s custom-built, oversized zero speed stabilisers are 50 per cent larger than most other similar size ships, bringing greater stability regardless of sea state. Its Comfort Class 1 standard promises the lowest ship noise and vibration. The result? A smooth journey and less time to reach the Frozen Continent.

Between South America’s Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula is Drake Passage, the shortest sailing distance and perhaps the world’s most-fickle waterway. Like its namesake (Francis Drake was a pirate to the Spanish, a hero to the English) it can be ‘Drake Shake’ one day, ‘Drake Lake’ the next. While Scenic Eclipse will make this journey enjoyable, we have an option to fly over the infamous Drake Passage, landing in Antarctica fresh and ready for exploration. Enjoy an enlightening presentation by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre to excite you for what’s to come or relax in your suite and watch the live streaming on your TV. Step out onto your private verandah or terrace to admire soaring albatross, the flutter of Wilson’s storm petrels or blow of whales. Explore the extensive range of up to 10 dining experiences, or your butler will serve you should you wish to dine in-suite. How different it must have been for Irish ship’s master Edward Bransfield in 1820, when he became the first to see the Antarctic Peninsula. Today we follow in his wake, first to the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands, home to 16 scientific research stations (mostly on King George Island) and mysterious live volcanic islands, then across the strait that bears Bransfield’s name, to the Peninsula. On the east side is the Weddell Sea, a wonderland of fossil fields on ice-free islands, and a series of vast tabular icebergs. We’ll search for big colonies, think 16,000 breeding pairs of Adélie penguins and curious fur seals. It’s here in 1915 that Shackleton and his men made an epic escape, after the sinking of his ship Endurance – one of several incredible survival stories you’ll hear beautifully told by our Discovery Team historian.

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A Leopard Seal, Antarctic Peninsula B Adélie penguins, Brown Bluff C Brown Station, Antarctic Peninsula D Zodiac excursion, Antarctic Peninsula

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More than 1,500 km in length, the Antarctic Peninsula’s west side offers a maze of protected channels to explore by Zodiac or our fully inclusive kayak and stand-up paddleboard program. It’s a photographer’s delight with soaring, steep-faced mountains topped by a glistening ice cap. Whether it’s watching a fluffy chick take its first steps, penguins diving through glassy seas, leopard seals languidly resting on ice floes, packs of crabeater seals swimming along a sapphire ice edge, or orcas rising to match the pace of your Zodiac, your Discovery Team naturalist will be there to enhance your experience by sharing their knowledge of Antarctica. We strive to give you a deeper understanding of the ‘must see’ sights, along with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. With just 200 guests on our Scenic Expedition Voyages, every day on the Antarctic Peninsula offers multiple excursions, each one unique. Land on the seventh continent in the morning, visit a historic hut in the afternoon, soothe your mind, body & soul at the yoga & Pilates Studio to rejuvenate before dinner. This is truly where luxury meets discovery. The world-class design and crew of Scenic Eclipse, puts the Antarctic environment first with a GPS Dynamic Positioning system that allows us to maintain our location without dropping anchor onto sensitive seabeds. The latest emissions technology, IMO low sulphur fuel and Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems allows for minimum impact exploration. Scenic Eclipse’s two state-of-the-art helicopters^ and custom-built submarine^, allow you to explore above, below and beyond the next horizon. Remember, wherever you touch down, or simply float quietly, take time to allow Antarctica’s silence to infuse your heart.

^Flights on board our two helicopters, helicopter experiences and submarine at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions. BACK TO CONTENTS