The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.
Famed first Polar Class 6 vessel in the world offering eco-friendly expeditions in hotel comfort.
Standard Activities
Camping
Hiking
Kayaking
Lectures
Mountaineering
Photography Workshops
About the Antarctica - Basecamp
The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.
Activities
Camping
Hiking
Kayaking
Lectures
Mountaineering
Photography Workshops
Navigational workshop
Snowshoeing
Zodiac Cruises
Itinerary Day to Day
Day 1
End of the world, start of a journey
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Ushuaia
Embarkation Point
Beagle Channel
Days 2-3
Path of the polar explorers
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Drake Passage
Days 4-10
Entering Antarctica
Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. You first pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands.
Places you might visit includes:
Neumayer Channel – The vessel may position itself here, launching its multiple basecamp activities from the protected waters around Wiencke Island. You can enjoy the splendors of this alpine environment at sea with Zodiac and kayaking trips, or if you’re in the mood for a walk, there are possible snowshoe hikes and soft-climb mountaineering options farther inland. Naturally, favorable weather conditions determine the possible activities.
Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point there may be the opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, this is also one of our favourite camping sites.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you can sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals. Kayaking, glacier walks, and more ambitious mountaineering trips are the potential activities of this location.
Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Paradise Bay – You have the chance to make camp here like a true polar explorer, enjoying a supreme overnight Antarctic adventure.
Errera Channel – Possible sites in this area include Danco Island and Cuverville Island, but also the lesser known (though equally picturesque) Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island.
On your last day of near-shore activities, you pass the Melchior Islands toward the open sea. Keep a sharp lookout for humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. You might also shoot for Half Moon Island, in the South Shetlands, with further chances for activities.
Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
Melchior Islands
Schollaert Channel
Neumayer Channel
Port Lockroy
Pléneau Island
Neko Harbour
Paradise Bay
Errera Channel
Days 11-12
Familiar seas, familiar friends
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Drake Passage
Day 13
There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
The Quadruple cabin features two porthole windows, upper & lower berths, an ensuite bathroom, and a small sofa. This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children.
Triple Cabin
Capacity: 3 Guests
Beds: Bunkbed/Single bed
Dimensions: 129-193 ft² (45278 m²)
Number of Cabins: 2 Cabins
Features
Closet
Porthole Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Triple cabin has 1 Bunk bed & 1 Single bed, also features 2 porthole windows, a small sofa, a wardrobe, desk and chair, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Twin Porthole Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions: 129-193 ft² (45278 m²)
Number of Cabins: 27 Cabins
Features
Closet
Porthole Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Twin Porthole cabin has twin beds, also features 2 porthole windows, a small sofa, a wardrobe, desk and chair, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Twin Window Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions: 129-150 ft² (45274 m²)
Number of Cabins: 14 Cabins
Features
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Twin Window cabin has twin beds, also features 1 picture window, a small sofa, a wardrobe, desk and chair, and a private bathroom with a shower. Please be aware that the view from some windows might be partially obstructed due to the design requirements of the ship.
Twin Deluxe Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions: 204-226 ft² (19-21 m²)
Number of Cabins: 11 Cabins
Features
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Twin Deluxe cabin has twin beds, also features 2 picture windows, a sofa, a wardrobe, desk and chair, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Superior
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Double
Dimensions: 215-226 ft² (20-21 m²)
Number of Cabins: 8 Cabins
Features
Sofa Bed
Desk
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Superior cabin has 1 double bed, also features 2 picture windows, a sofa, a wardrobe, desk and chair, and a private bathroom with a shower. These cabins also have a safe deposit box, a refrigerator and a coffee maker.
Hondius
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Double
Dimensions: 204-215 ft² (19-20 m²)
Number of Cabins: 8 Cabins
Features
Sofa Bed
Desk
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
French Doors
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Description
The Junior has 1 double bed, also features 1 picture window, a wardrobe, desk and chair, and a private bathroom with a shower. These cabins also have a safe deposit box, a refrigerator and a coffee maker.
Grand Suite
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Double
Dimensions: 291 ft² (27 m²)
Number of Cabins: 6 Cabins
Features
Sofa Bed
Chair
Desk
Closet
Walk-Out Balcony
Sliding Doors
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Superior cabin has 1 double bed, also features 2 picture windows, a sofa, a wardrobe, desk and chair, and a private bathroom with a shower. These cabins also have a safe deposit box, a refrigerator and a coffee maker.
Triple Cabin
Capacity: 3 Guests
Beds: Bunkbed/Single
Dimensions:
Number of Cabins: 3 Cabins
Features
Closet
Porthole Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Outside-facing, are en-suite and contain a writing desk and chair.
Quadruple Cabin
Capacity: 4 Guests
Beds: 2 x Bunkbed
Dimensions:
Number of Cabins: 4 Cabins
Features
Closet
Porthole Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Featuring two porthole windows, upper and lower berths, an ensuite bathroom, and a chair. Cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage.
Twin Porthole Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions:
Number of Cabins: 9 Cabins
Features
Closet
Porthole Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Featuring two porthole windows, two lower berths, an ensuite bathroom, and a chair. Cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage. Cabins #302, #304 & #306 have a partially obstructed outside view as they look out on to the zodiac boarding area and people can walk in front of these cabins.
Twin Window Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions: 135 ft² (13 m²)
Number of Cabins: 25 Cabins
Features
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Featuring two picture windows, two lower berths, an ensuite bathroom, and a chair. Cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage.
Twin Deluxe Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions: 145 ft² (14 m²)
Number of Cabins: 2 Cabins
Features
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Twin Deluxe cabins have windows, two lower berths, an ensuite bathroom, a desk and a chair. Cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage.
Superior
Capacity: 2-3 Guests
Beds: Double + Sofa Bed
Dimensions: 237 ft² (22 m²)
Number of Cabins: 10 Cabins
Features
Sofa Bed
Chair
Desk
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Superior Cabin has two picture windows. These cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage. All Superior cabins have a sofa bed and are capable of accommodating 3 people.
Quadruple Cabin
Capacity: 4 Guests
Beds: 2 x Bunkbed
Dimensions: 140 ft² (13 m²)
Number of Cabins: 4 Cabins
Features
Closet
Porthole Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Outside-facing, are en-suite and contain a writing desk and chair.
Triple Cabin
Capacity: 3 Guests
Beds: Bunkbed/Single
Dimensions:
Number of Cabins: 2 Cabins
Features
Closet
Porthole Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Outside-facing, are en-suite and contain a writing desk and chair.
Twin Porthole Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions:
Number of Cabins: 26 Cabins
Features
Closet
Porthole Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
WiFi
Description
Featuring two porthole windows, two lower berths, an ensuite bathroom, and a chair. Cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage.
Twin Window Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions: 189 ft² (18 m²)
Number of Cabins: 12 Cabins
Features
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Featuring two picture windows, two lower berths, an ensuite bathroom, and a chair. Cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage.
Twin Deluxe Cabin
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: Twin
Dimensions: 191 ft² (18 m²)
Number of Cabins: 2 Cabins
Features
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Twin Deluxe cabins have three picture windows, two lower berths, an ensuite bathroom, a desk and a chair. Cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage.
Superior Cabin
Capacity: 2-3 Guests
Beds: Double + Sofa Bed
Dimensions: 209 ft² (19 m²)
Number of Cabins: 6 Cabins
Features
Sofa Bed
Chair
Desk
Closet
Picture Windows
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Hairdryer
TV
Infotainment System
Centralized A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
The Superior Cabin has at least two picture windows. These cabins also have ample space to accommodate luggage, a safe deposit box and a coffee maker.
What's Included
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 programme.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop) as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge.
What's Excluded
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
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).