Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition
Highlights
- Zodiac cruise and land among penguin rookeries, seals, whales, and sculpted ice while experts reveal Antarctica’s wild stories.
- Cross the legendary Drake Passage twice, following historic explorers into the dramatic bays and channels of Antarctic Peninsula.
- Optional adventures like ice camping, paddling, snowshoeing, and a polar plunge add true expedition spirit to the journey.
Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition is a classic yet deeply immersive journey into the heart of Antarctica, sailing from Ushuaia at the tip of South America to the wildlife-rich Antarctic Peninsula via the storied Drake Passage. This region is famed for its soaring ice cliffs, cathedral-like glaciers, and dense concentrations of penguins, seals, seabirds, and whales, as well as its central role in the heroic age of polar exploration.
Traveling during the Antarctic expedition season brings long daylight hours, active wildlife, and ever-changing light that transforms ice and sea into a photographer’s dream. These conditions allow for frequent Zodiac landings and cruises, revealing hidden coves, iceberg-filled channels, and bustling penguin colonies set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains and glaciers.
Life on board blends comfort with discovery, from expert-led lectures on wildlife, glaciology, and polar history to open-bridge viewing and daily wildlife spotting. Off the ship, guests explore on foot and by Zodiac, encountering penguin rookeries, seals hauled out on ice, and whales feeding close to shore, with optional activities like paddling, snowshoeing, ice camping, and the exhilarating polar plunge adding to the sense of adventure.
This voyage offers the rare chance to follow in the wake of legendary explorers, to set foot on the White Continent, and to experience one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. Guests often return home feeling profoundly inspired, humbled, and energized, carrying memories of raw beauty and shared exploration. Ideal for first-time Antarctic travelers, adventurous spirits, wildlife lovers, and anyone seeking a true expedition experience that balances comfort with discovery.
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition
Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition is a classic yet deeply immersive journey into the heart of Antarctica, sailing from Ushuaia at the tip of South America to the wildlife-rich Antarctic Peninsula via the storied Drake Passage. This region is famed for its soaring ice cliffs, cathedral-like glaciers, and dense concentrations of penguins, seals, seabirds, and whales, as well as its central role in the heroic age of polar exploration.
Traveling during the Antarctic expedition season brings long daylight hours, active wildlife, and ever-changing light that transforms ice and sea into a photographer’s dream. These conditions allow for frequent Zodiac landings and cruises, revealing hidden coves, iceberg-filled channels, and bustling penguin colonies set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains and glaciers.
Life on board blends comfort with discovery, from expert-led lectures on wildlife, glaciology, and polar history to open-bridge viewing and daily wildlife spotting. Off the ship, guests explore on foot and by Zodiac, encountering penguin rookeries, seals hauled out on ice, and whales feeding close to shore, with optional activities like paddling, snowshoeing, ice camping, and the exhilarating polar plunge adding to the sense of adventure.
This voyage offers the rare chance to follow in the wake of legendary explorers, to set foot on the White Continent, and to experience one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. Guests often return home feeling profoundly inspired, humbled, and energized, carrying memories of raw beauty and shared exploration. Ideal for first-time Antarctic travelers, adventurous spirits, wildlife lovers, and anyone seeking a true expedition experience that balances comfort with discovery.
Itinerary
Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica.
When you arrive at Ushuaia Airport, take the included transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Tonight, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and our local team in Ushuaia during our ‘icebreaker’ at your hotel. You’ll learn more about the exciting journey ahead and receive important details for tomorrow’s embarkation.
If you have time to spare before the icebreaker, maybe head downtown for souvenir shopping or taste classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia’s fantastic local restaurants. Or check out the Museo Marítimo to learn about the region’s history, or stroll down Avenida San Martín for any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica.
SPECIAL INFORMATION: If you arrive in Ushuaia on Day 1, an arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to the hotel is included. Your travel documents will provide full details.
Embarkation in Ushuaia
At Sea, Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
At Sea, Drake Passage
Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Book by 31 March 2026 & save up to 25% on selected departures.
Book by 31 March 2026 & save up to 25% on selected departures.
Terms & Conditions
- — Valid on select departures in the 26/27 Antarctic season.
- — Offer applies on selected cabin categories on selected departures.
- — Discount is valid until 31 March 2026 unless withdrawn, sold out or varied prior.
- — Not combinable with any other promotions and valid on new bookings only.
An altogether different Antarctica activity is sea kayaking, an ethereal experience that is hard to describe. You can paddle your way through the tranquil waters of Antarctica no matter your level of fitness, always accompanied by experienced guides and a small group of fellow kayakers. One of the most relaxing yet overwhelming excursions on offer, sea kayaking comes with an added level of quietness which, coupled with the gargantuan landscapes, makes for a soul-stirring experience. This is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular optional activities on Antarctica cruises and most guests book their slot even before boarding their ship. You may want to do the same as this is the one amazing activity you won’t want to miss.
When you’re visiting the Great White South, there are certain experiences that can take your adventure to the next level. Stepping off a Zodiac to go camping on the Antarctic Peninsula is undoubtedly one of them. Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. The only locals you may be sharing your home with for the night are the Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins who keep a low profile, nesting nearby. This is an experience like no other which allows you to completely connect with the landscape, feeling its power into the early hours.
Is Ice Camping for you?
No previous experience is required for this popular activity, Ice Camping – a true wilderness experience of Antarctica that everyone can participate in. Forego the comforts of your cabin, connect with nature and enjoy the true silence of Antarctica in this once-ina-lifetime experience. We camp in warm and waterproof bivy bags in Antarctica, so there can be rocks, snow, mud, and frozen surfaces to contend with. But you’ll leave with memories of an overnight adventure you will never forget and bragging rights that you are part of a select few that have camped on the White Continent.
What to expect
If you have booked the camping excursions, after dinner has concluded, you will board a Zodiac and be guided by the expedition team to the camping site. They will stay with you overnight in case you need assistance with anything. After setting up camp, you’ll spend the night onshore (about 10 hours in total) before waking up to return to your ship for breakfast.
What you’ll need?
Participants need to be prepared for Antarctic conditions and wear appropriate clothing when Ice Camping. This includes a hat, gloves, extra thick socks, a windproof, waterproof parka and pants. You will generally be supplied with a bivvy bag, insulating mats and the best view ever from the portable toilet!
Booking in advance
Ice Camping is offered on a selection of Antarctic voyages, so we recommend booking ahead to secure your place. Ice Camping is generally only available at the start of the season during November to January departures when the snow is soft. Please note that Ice Camping numbers are limited on each voyage so we recommend booking ahead to secure your place and avoid disappointment!
Minimum Age
The minimum age for participants is generally 16 years, as young children are more susceptible to hypothermia.
Snowshoes are a lightweight, traditional mode of transport that were originally used by indigenous North Americans in polar terrain. Because of how wide and light they are, they are an excellent method of crossing deep snow and accessing areas that are normally not accessible to people on foot. So, strap on your snowshoes and prepare for the ultimate Antarctic activity.
There really is no better way to take in a new place than by exploring it on foot. With that in mind many expedition ships offer you the chance to explore your way inland from the Polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions built for everyone. From the casual explorer to the hard-core snowshoe-er.
For the basic walks you just need to be in reasonably good shape and health. The snowshoe activities last usually somewhere between 2 and 6 hours. Keep in mind that there are no paths and that you will be travelling over fairly rugged terrain and will be taking on some hills.
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explore Boat excursion with our dedicated expert Photography Guides on Zodiac cruises and landings.
Limited spots. Must be pre-booked.
What's Included
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All meals onboard the Ocean Nova, including snacks and 24-hour tea and coffee
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Onboard lecture program led by our expert Expedition Team
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All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises (except paid adventure options with cost)
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Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep
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Complimentary use of rubber Muck boots and outer Expedition Parka, on loan for the duration of your expedition
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Group arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to our joining hotel (Day one)
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Pre-night (Day One) at the joining hotel in Ushuaia, including breakfast (based on your cabin configuration)
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Transfer from the joining Hotel to the Ocean Nova for embarkation (Day Two)
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Group departure transfer from the ship to either Ushuaia airport (selected times only) or downtown Ushuaia (luggage storage available)
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Full access to the onboard gym
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All port taxes
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance
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International or domestic flights, unless specified
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Airport transfers, taxes, and excess baggage charges, unless specified
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Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
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Visa and passport fees
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Mandatory travel insurance with a minimum required coverage
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A fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
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Optional paid adventure activities - Please let your booking agent know if you would like to add these
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Alcoholic or other selected beverages
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Laundry and communication services including Wi-fi (where available) on board
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Gratuities for the Expedition Team and crew (Recommended $15 USD per person per day)
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Miscellaneous extras and all personal expenses
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Smaller size inner jacket, Expedition parka and muck boots may not be available for minors depending on size requirements. Aditionally a lifejacket that meets our safety standards is mandatory for all minors 15 years and under.. Please contact your booking agent for details.
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Larger sized insulated inner jacket, expedition parka and muck boots. Please contact your booking agent for more information.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
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In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica