Antarctica - Basecamp | 13 Days | Plancius Cruise

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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.