Weddell seals are almost always present on the offshore rocks and beaches, and the Errera Channel is a favourite haunt of Humpback and Minke whales towards the end of the summer.ĭanco Island or Isla was charted by the Belgian Antarctic Expedition under Adrien de Gerlache, 1897–1899. More than 2,000 pairs of breeding Gentoo penguins occupy the slopes behind the northern coast of Danco Island. Some of Antarctic’s best Zodiac cruising is right around the island, and if you get the timing right and the snow and penguins make it easy for you, climbing to the top of the island for the views can be one of the best things you will do here. It is one of the best sheltered spots in Antarctica. There is also a doctor on board.ĭanco Island is in the middle of the beautiful Errara Channel and is home to a large number of Gentoo penguins. Ortelius has 22 nautical crew, 19 cabin crew, and 8 expedition staff (expedition leader, assistant leader, 6 guides). Some voyages are bilingual: English/French or English/German. Guests are independent-minded travellers from around the world, with a high proportion from Europe and North America. Ortelius is the only ship in the region with an onboard helicopter, with the possibility of flights to reach otherwise inaccessible locations. The 'basecamp' voyages are particularly focussed on active experiences: camping, snowshoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, glacier traverses, mountaineering and much more. Activities are tailored to a range of experience and fitness, but with the objective of experiencing Antarctica directly at first hand.Īll voyages offer a range of wildlife encounters (the best being those that visit South Georgia). Sea routes are short and direct, allowing for maximum shore time. Ortelius and her sister ship ' Plancius' have a special goal to get you off the ship as much as possible.
She is rated ice-class 1A, which puts her among the most rugged passenger ships in Antarctica, although with a cruising speed of 10 knots she is not the fastest. She offers comfortable cabins, good food, plenty of open-deck space, well-designed practical facilities and a good range of voyages. The Ortelius is a polar expedition cruise ship for 116 guests.
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