South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Highlights
- Encounter incredible wildlife, from penguins to whales and seals, in the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Explore the awe-inspiring Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks dominate the landscape.
- Enjoy Zodiac landings and cruises allowing you to experience penguin rookeries and witness majestic giant icebergs up close.
Embark on a classic 10-day voyage to the idyllic Antarctic Peninsula, where the great White Continent’s plentiful penguins, stunning scenery, and gigantic icebergs await those intrepid enough to brave the tempestuous Drake Passage. Your southerly adventure commences in Ushuaia, bound for the South Shetland Islands and beyond to the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula, whose glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise from frigid waters and give shelter to the hardy resident species of this remarkable icy realm.
Along the way, your skilled Captain and Expedition Leader will maximize your exploration opportunities, with Zodiac landings to penguin rookeries, research stations, and historical sites, as well as Zodiac cruises which will unveil secret, scenic areas teeming with giant icebergs, whales, and seals. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping landscapes and unforgettable moments as you experience the pristine natural wonders of the world’s most inhospitable wilderness.
Ships
Standard Activities
About the South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Embark on a classic 10-day voyage to the idyllic Antarctic Peninsula, where the great White Continent’s plentiful penguins, stunning scenery, and gigantic icebergs await those intrepid enough to brave the tempestuous Drake Passage. Your southerly adventure commences in Ushuaia, bound for the South Shetland Islands and beyond to the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula, whose glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise from frigid waters and give shelter to the hardy resident species of this remarkable icy realm.
Along the way, your skilled Captain and Expedition Leader will maximize your exploration opportunities, with Zodiac landings to penguin rookeries, research stations, and historical sites, as well as Zodiac cruises which will unveil secret, scenic areas teeming with giant icebergs, whales, and seals. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping landscapes and unforgettable moments as you experience the pristine natural wonders of the world’s most inhospitable wilderness.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arruival in 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.
Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
At Sea - Cross Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Depart Antarctica - At Sea
Back to Ushuaia and Disembarkation
Route Map
Enjoy special rates on selected itineraries and cabins – 40% off
Terms & Conditions
- — This offer applies to new bookings and cannot be combined with any other promotions, discounts, or group deals.
- — The sale ends on September 30, 2024.
- — To qualify, personal details and deposit payment must be received within 7 working days of the booking.
- — For trips with less than 90 days until departure, personal details and full payment must be received within 48 hours of the booking.
- — Promotion is applicable for single travelers travelling in a single cabin or single with a single supplement.
- — We keep the right to withdraw the promotion, certain cabin categories or voyages at any time.
Enjoy special rates on selected cabins – 30% off
Terms & Conditions
- — This offer applies to new bookings and cannot be combined with any other promotions, discounts, or group deals.
- — The sale ends on August 31, 2024.
- — To qualify, personal details and deposit payment must be received within 7 working days of the booking.
- — For trips with less than 90 days until departure, personal details and full payment must be received within 48 hours of the booking.
- — Promotion is applicable for single travelers travelling in a single cabin or single with a single supplement.
- — 30% off also applies to a single supplement.
- — We keep the right to withdraw the promotion, certain cabin categories or voyages at any time.
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.
Kayaking is offered on all ships and all trips* if conditions allow.
Snowshoeing is an activity that allows you to hike across soft, powdery snow up gentle slopes to reach to unique vantage points without the hassle of sinking into deep snow. Snowshoeing is as basic as hiking and you do not need to have previous experience.
The snowshoe program is not intended to take place during all landing activities, but rather when the weather, terrain and snow conditions are appropriate. The Snowshoe Master will present an introduction to the snowshoe program and the equipment for all guests with interest, on a workshop before introduction of this activity.
This adventure activity will run separate from, though simultaneous to, Zodiac cruising and landing activities. This activity is dependent on suitable snow conditions and appropriate terrain as agreed upon by our expedition team.
The snowshoe program is conducted and supervised by experienced mountain guides who dictate the route based on site guidelines and conditions at the time of each outing.
Snowshoeing is offered on all ships and all trips during the early season departures (Antarctica; November to December) if conditions allow.
Would you like to experience the ultimate Antarctic expedition adventure, like the original explorers did? Then join us for a night under the open skies on the actual Antarctic Peninsula!
Cuddled up in a warm, snug and weatherproof sleeping bag, listening to the sounds of distant whale blows, penguins’ squeaks and shifting icebergs, Antarctic Open Air Camping is truly a memorable experience.
After dinner onboard the ship, our expedition team will take you to shore, where you will be a part of preparing your camp for the night. Once you decide on the location within the set perimeter, you will level out your own spot in the snow, fix the base cover, insulated pad, and warm sleeping bag – and get ready for a night like no other.
Camping in Antarctica is limited to 30 participants, who all need to participate in the briefing prior to the camp activity. It is provided all the special camping and bivouac gear for this outing, allowing you to stay warm, dry, and protected for all weather types while you enjoy the beauty of the Antarctic wilderness. For the ultimate camping experience, we use a wind and waterproof yet still breathable bivy bag, offering you the possibility to watch the amazing Antarctic night skies.
Our experienced expedition guides stay in constant radio contact with the ship and ensure that you have a safe and unforgettable night.
(Available untill mid Jan 24)
What's Included
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10-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
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Shuttle transfer to ship from city centre from Ushuaia city centre to embarkation
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Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport in the morning
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All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
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Expedition parka
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Rubber boot on loan
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Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
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English-speaking expedition team
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Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
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Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
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Taxes
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Guiding and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
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Special photo workshop
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Welcome and farewell cocktails
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Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel 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 coffee and tea)
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Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
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Personal expenses
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Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’