HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore
the spectacular Antarctic wilderness in a casual atmosphere of
like-minded travelers
- Experience
abundant wildlife including immense penguin colonies and other
seabirds, seals and even some of the great whales at close range
- Sail
south of the Antarctic Circle Cruise in comfort along towering
icebergs, serrated maritime mountains and luminous glaciers
- Optional
opportunities to kayak and camp during the cruise
- Zodiac
landing craft allow visitation on remote shorelines and otherwise
inaccessible areas
- Ship
allows an "open bridge policy" to observe its sophisticated navigation
equipment and provides an excellent location to view wildlife and the
landscape (subject to weather and critical navigation maneuvers)
- Expert
naturalist guides
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Feb 04, 2025 | Feb 17, 2025 | 23,495 |
24,815 |
| Mar 04, 2025 | Mar 17, 2025 | 20,995 |
22,175 |
| Feb 09, 2026 | Feb 22, 2026 | 21,695 |
22,914 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Feb 04, 2025 | Feb 17, 2025 | 23,495 |
24,815 |
| Mar 04, 2025 | Mar 17, 2025 | 20,995 |
22,175 |
| Feb 09, 2026 | Feb 22, 2026 | 21,695 |
22,914 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Ushuaia, Argentina
You
will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small, but bustling port town at
the tip of South America. This Argentinean town is an ideal gateway for
you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for
your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy some
handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day
2: Embarkation Day
The
Beagle Channel sets you on your way as the ship sails in the late
afternoon. The channel opens up to the vastness of the Southern Ocean,
where your next land sighting will be along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Named after the famed ship in which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel
presents many great photo opportunities to capture sea birds hovering
overhead.
Days
3-4: Crossing The Drake Passage
The
waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies
and a calm ocean. You'll have plenty of time to stare out at the sea,
get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.
Time
over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days
ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your
Expedition Team. You'll learn about everything from safety procedures
to the history of whaling in Antarctica.
Days
5-7: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
With
the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make a final approach to
Antarctica. Get your cameras ready, as the continent's coastline will
make its first appearance, signaling the start of your adventure in the
realm of the Antarctic. You'll see plentiful icebergs floating by and
be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and
breach before your eyes.
As
exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration
occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There
are several potential landing sites we may visit, including Neko
Harbor, Orne Harbor or Paradise Bay. While weather dictates which
specific landing sites we can visit, each one presents a new collection
of wildlife and natural attractions.
Your
days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerized by the beauty
of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to
the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become
your daily entertainment, while kayaking with whales and camping in
Antarctica are a couple of optional activities available on selected
voyages.
Days
8-9: The Antarctic Circle
Crossing
the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions
to the Peninsula do not reach this far south, which is officially noted
at 66° 33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style
with a well-earned glass of champagne!
Make
a toast and take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world
still visited by very few people.
Days
10-11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
By
now, your knowledge of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins
will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur
or Weddell seal. Terms like "bergy bits" and pancake ice will seem
normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head back
towards the Drake, Zodiac excursions will continue to fill your days,
while the Expedition Team will help fill in any blanks that remain in
your newly acquired knowledge of the Antarctic.
Days
12-13: Drake Passage to Ushuaia
Re-crossing
the Drake, Antarctica fades away and you'll be left with a collection
of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your
newfound friends will make the time passing the Drake Passage fly by,
independent of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will
round up their series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of
some of the great landing sites and wildlife you've visited over the
course of your voyage.
Day
14: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Today
you'll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and your fellow travelers.
You'll disembark in the morning so that you may catch your homeward
bound flights.
Ocean Explorer (Luxury Expedition, 138-guests)
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant
and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has
been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the
ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine
engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing
experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the
two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to
the expedition ship.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Shipboard
accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All
breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board
- Beer
and wine served with dinner (2018/19 season only)
- Soft
drinks included at all time (2018/19 season only)
- All
shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
- All
Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as
scheduled
- Photographic
journal documenting the expedition
- Waterproof
expedition boots on loan for shore landings
- An
official expedition parka to keep
- Coffee,
tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Hair
dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
- Comprehensive
pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic
Reader
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All
luggage handling aboard ship
- Group
transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
- One
night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast
- Group
transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
- Group
transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local
airport
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 995
- Paddling
Excursion: USD 295
