Antarctica: Ocean (Re)Imagined - with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Highlights
- Collaborate with world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists to contribute to real polar research on the high seas.
- Traverse the legendary Drake Passage and explore the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula, a breathtaking realm of glaciers, wildlife, and ice.
- Encounter penguins, humpback whales, seals, and orcas up close during daily Zodiac outings and landings on the White Continent's wild shores.
Embark on a truly singular 12-day Antarctic odyssey that goes far beyond the ordinary expedition—one where science, exploration, and the sheer wonder of the White Continent converge in an experience unlike any other. Sailing round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina’s storied “end of the world,” this extraordinary voyage carries you across the formidable Drake Passage and deep into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, a realm of staggering beauty shaped by millennia of ice, wind, and ocean—and one of the last great wildernesses left on Earth.
What sets this voyage apart is a remarkable partnership with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), one of the world’s most prestigious ocean research organizations. As you sail some of the most remote and scientifically significant waters on the planet, you won’t merely be a witness to the Southern Ocean’s mysteries—you’ll be an active participant in unraveling them. Alongside WHOI scientists, you’ll engage with cutting-edge oceanographic research, gaining rare insight into the forces that shape our planet’s climate, marine ecosystems, and future. Few travel experiences can claim to leave the world measurably better for your having taken them—this one can.
The adventure unfolds as you depart Buenos Aires and fly to Ushuaia, nestled dramatically where the Andes plunge into the sea, before setting sail into the infamous Drake Passage. Far from merely something to endure, the Drake is a place of wild beauty—a convergence zone teeming with albatrosses, cape petrels, and rich marine life—and a rite of passage in the finest tradition of polar exploration. Onboard lectures from expert naturalists and WHOI researchers w...
Standard Activities
About the Antarctica: Ocean (Re)Imagined - with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Embark on a truly singular 12-day Antarctic odyssey that goes far beyond the ordinary expedition—one where science, exploration, and the sheer wonder of the White Continent converge in an experience unlike any other. Sailing round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina’s storied “end of the world,” this extraordinary voyage carries you across the formidable Drake Passage and deep into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, a realm of staggering beauty shaped by millennia of ice, wind, and ocean—and one of the last great wildernesses left on Earth.
What sets this voyage apart is a remarkable partnership with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), one of the world’s most prestigious ocean research organizations. As you sail some of the most remote and scientifically significant waters on the planet, you won’t merely be a witness to the Southern Ocean’s mysteries—you’ll be an active participant in unraveling them. Alongside WHOI scientists, you’ll engage with cutting-edge oceanographic research, gaining rare insight into the forces that shape our planet’s climate, marine ecosystems, and future. Few travel experiences can claim to leave the world measurably better for your having taken them—this one can.
The adventure unfolds as you depart Buenos Aires and fly to Ushuaia, nestled dramatically where the Andes plunge into the sea, before setting sail into the infamous Drake Passage. Far from merely something to endure, the Drake is a place of wild beauty—a convergence zone teeming with albatrosses, cape petrels, and rich marine life—and a rite of passage in the finest tradition of polar exploration. Onboard lectures from expert naturalists and WHOI researchers will immerse you in the science and history of this extraordinary region, setting the scene for the wonders ahead.
Upon reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, each day brings fresh possibility. Based on ice conditions, your Captain and Expedition Leader will chart a course through a rotating cast of otherworldly landscapes: glaciers calving into mirrored bays, tabletop icebergs the size of city blocks, volcanic black-sand beaches, and remote research stations standing as quiet testaments to human endurance. During daily Zodiac outings and shore landings, you may find yourself surrounded by curious penguins, watching humpback whales breach in the distance, or locking eyes with a leopard seal hauled out on a floe. Elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas all call these waters home—and with every excursion, the Antarctic reveals another layer of its quiet, humbling majesty.
You’ll sail in the wake of legendary polar explorers—Shackleton, de Gerlache, Charcot—men who risked everything to reach these very shores, and whose spirit of discovery still lingers in every iceberg and uncharted bay. Yet unlike those early pioneers, your expedition is enriched by the knowledge that what you observe, and contribute, has meaning far beyond this journey. Returning to Ushuaia after crossing the Drake once more, you’ll arrive home not just with unforgettable memories, but with the rare and lasting satisfaction of having gone somewhere profound—and left a mark on our collective understanding of this irreplaceable ocean world.
This voyage is ideal for the intellectually curious traveler, the wildlife enthusiast, and anyone who has ever dreamed of standing at the edge of the world and looking further still.
Itinerary
Buenos Aires
Transfer from Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the Casa Lucia hotel (or similar).
Meet and greet at the hotel and hospitality desk. Check-in from late morning.
Lunch and dinner on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel.
Embarkation Day – Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
Crossing the Drake Passage
Antarctic Peninsula
Crossing the Drake Passage
Ushuaia
Get as up close to the natural environment as possible with an excursion aboard a two-person sea kayak, during one 1h30 session.
Guided by a state-registered polar navigation specialist, you’ll discover and explore breathtakingly scenic polar landscapes and scenery.
All the necessary equipment will be provided for you on board.
How is the activity organised?
Once you’ve arrived onboard the ship, you’ll meet your guides and the rest of the people taking part in the activity. This will be an opportunity to provide a general introduction to the activity, outline the rules that need to be followed, provide the necessary equipment and separate the participants into groups based on personal preferences and/or ability level.
The day before the activity is due to take place, a new briefing session will be organised to provide you with further details about the port of call and how the excursion will be organised. We’ll then provide you with the necessary equipment, which you’ll be required to take very good care of.
On the day of the kayak activity, you’ll first get changed at the ship’s marina platform (keeping your boots and parkas with you) before then being transported to land by Zodiac® and taken to your kayaks.
Before you climb into your kayaks and set off on your adventure, your guides will provide a final safety briefing.
What requirements do you need to meet in order to go sea kayaking?
Though it’s always useful to have at least one experience of sea kayaking under your belt, due to the high quality of the equipment we provide and the experience of the guides who’ll be supervising you, we are able to take complete beginners to places normally only accessible to professional kayakers and seasoned outdoor adventurers.
Participants will be formed into groups based on ability level onboard the ship to ensure everyone is able to make smooth progress on the trip.
Sea kayaking is a physically demanding activity, for both the heart and the muscles. We require you to be in a good state of general physical health and to have a good sense of balance.
This activity is available to adults (aged 18 or over) and to children of 16 and over when accompanied by a parent.
Please note:
- One 1h30 session. Price per participant: 350 €
- Number of participants restricted to 20 per trip.
- This activity must be pre-booked in advance at least 7 days before the start of your cruise. Bookings made after this deadline will only be confirmed once onboard and are dependent on availability.
- Your vouchers will be dropped off directly in your room, during your cruise.
- Due to restrictions on the number of places available and a high level of interest from our passengers, there may be limited access to certain activities. The cost of any kayak trip cancelled by a passenger prior to departure will still remain payable in full.
- Antarctica Cruises provides each participant with a sea kayak (Prijon Excursion EVO – two-person kayak for two participants), a dry suit (Sandyline – specially designed), a life jacket, hand protection, kayak sea socks, spray skirt, carbon paddle (TNP Wolferine).
- Depending on opportunities/availabilities during your cruise, additional Kayak tours can be booked only onboard.
- Kayak excursions are subject to weather and ice conditions on the day.
- You will be accompanied by state-certified kayakers each time you go out in a kayak.
- We require you to be in a good state of general physical health and to have a good sense of balance.
- This activity is available to passengers over 18 years old, or to those over 16 when accompanied by one of their parents.
What's Included
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Full board from arrival to departure day
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High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
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All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included² (a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot beverages)
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24-hour room service
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Butler service for certain suites³
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Unlimited internet access onboard
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Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
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Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
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All port and security charges
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Lectures by our naturalist guides or destination experts
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National park and protected area fees
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Accompaniment by a team of naturalist guides only on Expedition and Discovery cruises; on land or, depending on the destination, during Zodiac outings and/or landings
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Included activities may vary depending on the type of exploration: *One included activity per person, per day, and per port, which may be either an included excursion* led by local guides or an included activity supervised by naturalist guides
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance
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Transfer between airport and hotel in Buenos Aires, the day before embarkation.
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Optional Tierra del Fuego National Park group excursion, the day of embarkation (local bus fare, entrance fee, lunch/drinks package)
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Tips for the local guide.
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Personal expenses.
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Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake
Iconic Antarctica: The Explorer’s Route