This 13-day expedition to Antarctica offers the chance to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery and wildlife on Earth. Highlights include sailing through the Beagle Channel, visiting a former British research station, kayaking in glacier-filled channels, and camping overnight in Paradise Bay. You'll also have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. This is an incredible journey that will create memories that will last a lifetime.
13 Day Antarctica Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia & Beagle Channel
Where the world ends, your journey begins. Ushuaia is the city at the very southern tip of South America, and it's reputedly the world's southernmost town. You will depart from the small town of Tierra del Fuego (nicknamed "The End of the World") in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the night sailing the Beagle Channel, which is surrounded by mountains.
Day 2 & 3: Drake Passage & Antarctic Convergence
You will experience the same things as the early explorers of these regions who charted the Drake Passage: rolling waves, cool sea breezes and maybe even the spraying sea spray from a fin-whale. You are now in the circumantarctic upwelling area after passing through the Antarctic Convergence, Antarctica's natural border formed by cold north-flowing waters colliding with warmer subAntarctic oceans. Avian life also changes. You may see Wandering Albatrosses.
Day 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10: Antarctica: Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy, Pleneau & Petermann Islands
The landscape is a mix of ice and snow, with towering peaks and varying wildlife. The first thing you see is the Melchior Islands, and Schollaert Channel. You are sailing between Brabant Island and Anvers Islands. Places you might visit includes:
Neumayer Channel - The boat can position itself in this area and launch its basecamp activities directly from the waters surrounding Wiencke Island. Enjoy the beauty of the alpine landscape at sea by taking a Zodiac or kayak trip. If you prefer to walk, then there is the option for soft-climbing mountaineering and snowshoe hiking further inland. The weather will determine what activities are possible.
Port Lockroy - You may also have the opportunity to see the Port Lockroy museum on Goudier Island, which is now the site of the old British research station. It is possible to participate in various activities at Jougla Point and meet gentoos penguins or blue-eyed shags. You can snowshoe to an old skiway at nearby Damoy Point, which is one of our favorite camping spots.
Pleneau & Petermann Islands - If there is enough ice, you may be able to sail the Lemaire Channel and search for blue-eyed shags or Adelie Penguins. You may also see humpback whales, minke and leopard seals. This location is a great place to go kayaking, on glacier hikes, or even more adventurous mountaineering.
Neko Harbour - Neko Harbour is a spectacular landscape with mammoth icebergs and wind-carved mountains. It offers a Zodiac ride and landing to see the alpine peaks in the distance.
Paradise Bay - Enjoy an overnight Antarctic adventure in the style of a true polar exploration.
Errera Channel - In this region, you can visit Danco Island, Cuverville Island as well as the less-known (but equally beautiful) Orne Island or Georges Point at Ronge Island. You will pass Melchior Islands on your final day of activities near the shore. Be on the lookout for Humpback Whales in Dallmann Bay. Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands offers more opportunities for fun. The conditions on the Drake Passage will determine when you depart.
Neumayer Channel - The boat can position itself in this area and launch its basecamp activities directly from the waters surrounding Wiencke Island. Enjoy the beauty of the alpine landscape at sea by taking a Zodiac or kayak trip. If you prefer to walk, then there is the option for soft-climbing mountaineering and snowshoe hiking further inland. The weather will determine what activities are possible.
Port Lockroy - You may also have the opportunity to see the Port Lockroy museum on Goudier Island, which is now the site of the old British research station. It is possible to participate in various activities at Jougla Point and meet gentoos penguins or blue-eyed shags. You can snowshoe to an old skiway at nearby Damoy Point, which is one of our favorite camping spots.
Pleneau & Petermann Islands - If there is enough ice, you may be able to sail the Lemaire Channel and search for blue-eyed shags or Adelie Penguins. You may also see humpback whales, minke and leopard seals. This location is a great place to go kayaking, on glacier hikes, or even more adventurous mountaineering.
Neko Harbour - Neko Harbour is a spectacular landscape with mammoth icebergs and wind-carved mountains. It offers a Zodiac ride and landing to see the alpine peaks in the distance.
Paradise Bay - Enjoy an overnight Antarctic adventure in the style of a true polar exploration.
Errera Channel - In this region, you can visit Danco Island, Cuverville Island as well as the less-known (but equally beautiful) Orne Island or Georges Point at Ronge Island. You will pass Melchior Islands on your final day of activities near the shore. Be on the lookout for Humpback Whales in Dallmann Bay. Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands offers more opportunities for fun. The conditions on the Drake Passage will determine when you depart.
Day 11 & 12: Familiar seas, familiar friends
You're not alone on your return trip. You're greeted again by the seabirds you remember from your journey south as you cross the Drake. They are now more familiar with you, as you have become to them.
Day 13: There and back again
No matter how great the adventure may be, it must come to an ending. Now it's time to leave Ushuaia with memories you will carry on your journey.
Itinerary Map
13 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
13 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
13 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights
- Camping overnight in Paradise Bay.
- Landing at Neko Harbour to see the surrounding alpine peaks.
- Shooting for Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands.
- Visiting Danco Island, Cuverville Island, Orne Island, and Georges Point.
Meals Included
- Breakfast Served Daily
- 12 Dinners
- 13 Lunches
13 Day Antarctica cruise activities
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
Antarctica - Basecamp
13 Days
From
$9,100.00
per person
