The Antarctica Explorer
Highlights
- Brave the world's most infamous body of water on the Drake Passage crossing, a lifetime achievement for spirited sailors.
- Discover the ice-covered islands, dormant volcanoes, and abundant wildlife of the South Shetland Islands.
- Experience unbridled adventure exploring the pristine Antarctic Peninsula with its stunning landscapes and remarkable wildlife.
Embark on one of the longest Antarctica-only cruises, this 13-day Antarctica Explorer voyage, and discover in depth the breathtaking scenery, glacier-clad peaks, and extraordinary wildlife of the Great White Continent. Experience a genuine exploratory expedition with no predetermined schedule, allowing you to discover Antarctica as it was meant to be. With the extra time to explore and a vessel with a PC6/1A ice rating, gain access to areas off-limits to most ships, offering a more immersive experience of Earth’s last frontier.
Brave the infamous Drake Passage and marvel at the abundance of seabirds, albatrosses, and whales as you sail through its nutrient-rich waters. Explore the South Shetland Islands, home to ice-covered islands, dormant volcanoes, and diverse wildlife. Journey to the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula, where your itinerary adapts to wildlife sightings and weather conditions. From mighty tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to far-flung shores south of the Antarctic Circle, every day brings jaw-dropping scenery, unforgettable landscapes, and incredible wildlife encounters. Get up close to whales, sea lions, elephant seals, and vibrant colonies of seabirds and penguins on numerous Zodiac excursions and landings, visit research stations, and immerse yourself in a true Antarctic adventure.
Standard Activities
About the The Antarctica Explorer
Embark on one of the longest Antarctica-only cruises, this 13-day Antarctica Explorer voyage, and discover in depth the breathtaking scenery, glacier-clad peaks, and extraordinary wildlife of the Great White Continent. Experience a genuine exploratory expedition with no predetermined schedule, allowing you to discover Antarctica as it was meant to be. With the extra time to explore and a vessel with a PC6/1A ice rating, gain access to areas off-limits to most ships, offering a more immersive experience of Earth’s last frontier.
Brave the infamous Drake Passage and marvel at the abundance of seabirds, albatrosses, and whales as you sail through its nutrient-rich waters. Explore the South Shetland Islands, home to ice-covered islands, dormant volcanoes, and diverse wildlife. Journey to the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula, where your itinerary adapts to wildlife sightings and weather conditions. From mighty tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to far-flung shores south of the Antarctic Circle, every day brings jaw-dropping scenery, unforgettable landscapes, and incredible wildlife encounters. Get up close to whales, sea lions, elephant seals, and vibrant colonies of seabirds and penguins on numerous Zodiac excursions and landings, visit research stations, and immerse yourself in a true Antarctic adventure.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrival Ushuaia, Embarkation
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.
After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin’s ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage
At Sea, crossing the Drake Passage Southbound
The Antarctic Peninsula - Adventure awaits
At Sea, crossing the Drake Passage Northbound
Return to Ushuaia and Disembarkation
Route Map
Glide through the waters and take in the royal grace of the icebergs, see the varied birds and seals, and maybe even the whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides, who will ensure your safety during each outing.
Exercise your body while engaging your mind and heart in an unforgettable outing, safely guided by Kayak masters throughout the journey.
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master.
What's Included
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13-day/12-night cruise with accommodation in a shared outside double stateroom with private facilities
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Ushuaia shuttle transfers to ship from city centre (embarkation) / from the ship to city centre or airport (disembarkation, morning)
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All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
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Expedition parka
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Rubber boots in assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings (loan)
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Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
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Special Photo Workshop
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English-speaking expedition team
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Visual Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps, species list and more!
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Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
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Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
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Free tea and coffee 24 hours’ daily
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance
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Flights
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Travel and Cancellation insurance
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Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
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Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
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Meals not on board the ship
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Beverages (other than mentioned under "included")
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Tips for the crew (approx. USD 16 per person per day)
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Personal expenses
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Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’