SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Antarctica Expedition
This is our classic 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent. Experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs in 10 action-packed days.
Onboard our strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, Ocean Atlantic, we are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling all expedition guests to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-antarctic islands. Any voyage to Antarctica is an adventure, but with a maximum capacity of 198 guests aboard Ocean Atlantic, this cruise offers a unique experience for the few. Shore landings, excursions, lectures and whale safaris are easily accommodated to help you enjoy a matchless expedition experience.
Departing
Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route for
the South Shetland Islands, making Zodiac landings at penguin
rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookuots along the way
Continuing
southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, we pass the famous
Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the
still water. On no other journey can you exprience so much pristine
nature and varied wildlife in so few days
When
Ocean Atlantic returns to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, depending on
weather conditions, we might pass close to the mythical Cape Horn - the
southermost point on South America; a celebrated maritime landmark
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
Start Date
End Date
Category F
Category G
Category E
Category D
Category C
Category B
Category A
Premium Suite
Rates are listed per person in USD
Start Date
End Date
(Starting from) Category F
(Mid-range) Category C
(High-end) Premium Suite
ITINERARY
DAY
1: ARRIVAL USHUAIA Arrive
in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town.
Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a
day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra
del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains,
glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon,
we board our ship, Ocean Atlantic.
Our
journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a
strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
DAY
2-3: AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE Sailing
onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks
the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and
strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage
may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition
vessel, Ocean Atlantic, which is purpose-built with stabilizers,
powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors
consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete
the crossing twice!
In
the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view.
Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and
penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.
DAY
4-5: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS Over
the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our
ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the
sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by
the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way. Weather
permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island;
Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a
polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels
and chinstrap penguins. The
itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and
ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the
captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through
regularly scheduled briefings.
DAY
6-7: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA As
the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of
wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively
penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine
mammals. Wildlife
abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula:
leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of
Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and
much more.
The
itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and
ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the
captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through
regularly scheduled briefings. Please note
that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice
conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as
for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions,
ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.
For
this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire
trip, Ocean Atlantic has excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna,
restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare
time. Our ship is staffed by experts in the field who will also share
great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to
biology, geology, ice and wildlife.
DAY
8-9: DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA We
depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the
calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross
Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark
and the southern tip of South America. During
our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board
which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow
travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the
lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure
on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable,
relaxing time.
DAY
10: BACK TO USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION This
morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour,
where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home. If
you would like to extend your trip and explore more of Argentina and
Brazil, we offer several extensions, including:
Buenos
Aires - Wine Tasting, Tango & The Pampas (4 days)
10-day
cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring
ensuite facilities
All
Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
Expedition
parka
Rubber
boot rentals
Guiding
and lectures by our expedition leader and team
English-speaking
expedition team
Full
board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Free
tea and coffee 24 hours daily
Taxes
Guiding
and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
Special
photo workshop
Welcome
and farewell cocktails
Digital
visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list and more!
Exclusions
Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Single
room supplement and stateroom upgrades
Meals
not on board the ship
Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
Personal
expenses
Transfers
to/from the ship
Anything
not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
Kayaking
- USD 235
Photography
Zodiac
Cruises
Expedition Voyages - the leader in polar expeditions More than 5,000 happy customers served. We will find you the right trip, and provide exclusive discounts! Required fields*
DISCLAIMER:Rates are per person and subject to change.
