Antarctica Classic In-Depth - Expedition
Spend 6 full days in the Antarctic Peninsula region and have your mind blown by this outrageous destination. This simple yet much-loved ship offers full-on excitement every day you're onboard!
SPECIAL OFFER
7.6*
ECO SCORE
134
PASSENGERS
13
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Expedition
This 13-day expedition introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but adds on two additional days to better explore its majesty. Part of the reward of arriving in Antarctica is the challenge of negotiating the Drake Passage — and the Expedition will bring you there safely. Encounter leopard seals lazing on ice floes and immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. The Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insight that really bring the nature and history of the region to life, creating the adventure of a lifetime.
- • With a look and feel like a college dorm this simple ship offers an active trip at a great value.
• Two extra days in the Peninsula region means extra landings and more days to immerse yourself in what will feel like traveling to another planet.
• This ship always offers a very happy and enthusiastic expedition staff!
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Book now and save up to 35% on select dates!
Rates:
From $6,159 per person
November to December provide access to stunning ice formations and the emergence of wildlife. You’ll see nesting penguins, active seals, and the breathtaking landscape illuminated by extended daylight. This period is ideal for observing the region's vibrant ecosystems as they come to life.
Inquire for specific dates.
November – December;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
Has launched the Plastics Partnership Project to eliminate the use of single-use plastics
Conservation
Works closely with The Jane Goodall Institute avoid harming and exploiting wildlife
Community
ChildSafe certified and upholds a strict Child Welfare Traveler Code of Conduct
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
Accommodation: Albatros Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Optional Activity: Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit, Ushuaia
Explore this stunning coastal national park extending 630 sq km. We'll take care of the transport, the park entrance fee, and take you to scenic lookouts in the southern portion of the park. Pass Valle Rio Pipo on the way to Austral Fueguino train station. Opt to take the End of the World train (not included in price) before visiting Lago Roca and Bahía Lapataia. Keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife and spectacular colors in the fall. (Please note: The entirety of this activity including the End of the World train can only be booked on the ground locally.)
Days 3–4: Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with an 1000km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honor of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake. As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
Days 5–10: South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the world's most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters. Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.
During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station, and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
Polar Plunge: You remembered to pack your bathing suit, right? Depending on weather conditions, opt to do the polar plunge and jump into the frigid waters of the Antarctic. Convince some of your fellow passengers to join and you’ll be left with an amazing group experience no one will ever forget!
Days 11–12: Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep eyes peeled on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.
Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales!
Day 13: Ushuaia
Disembark the Expedition after breakfast.
Please Note: Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary as described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, the Expedition Leader will give an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for the trip.
Pre-Cruise Hotel Night: The first night in Ushuaia is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travelers in your group and have not purchased a private cabin, you will be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Activity Level: Moderate. Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Age requirement: 10+. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Antarctica Camping - From $379pp
Follow in the footsteps of bold explorers and experience this land’s awe-inspiring splendours first-hand. Our Antarctica camping experience includes time to enjoy the beauty of Antarctica near your campsite with ample photography options. Experience the sounds of heaving ice, the fresh scent of the sea, and the stars at night. Nothing gets you closer to the humbling forces of nature than spending a night ashore! This activity is offered on select departures. Ask your Travel Curator.
Antarctica Kayaking - From $1,299pp
Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks on days where zodiac landings are also available. Kayaking as part of a group led by experienced and skilled leaders allows an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! This activity is offered on all departures and must be booked prior to your trip.
Expedition
The Expedition has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions. Amenities include: all cabins with private en suite baths and outside views, a gear shop, a dining room that accommodates all passengers in one sitting, a large aft deck with barbecue facilities, a forward deck viewing platforms, a fitness center/sauna, and a large fleet of Zodiacs with 4-stroke engines. Not only will the Expedition steer you closer to some of our planet’s most amazing places, this ship's professional and highly-skilled team of on-board experts will offer keen insight, unique perspectives, and hands-on attention not found in a guidebook. Make your next trip a voyage you’ll remember the rest of your life. Return home a different person than when you left after traveling on the Expedition.
• Capacity: 134 Guests
• Cabins: 67 Cabins
• Specialists: Credentialed Experts, 1:10 Staff to Guest Ratio
ACHIEVEMENTS
USA Today "10 best Reader's Choice 2019 - Best Adventure Travel Company"
Gold Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator 2019"
Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards "2019 Best Adventure Operator"
"The Expedition is a much-loved vessel with simple cabins and amenities much like a college dorm. She has a very enthusiastic crew and expedition staff. This ship is spacious and highly functional with quad and triple cabins along with the opportunity for solo travelers to share with a same-sex roommate at the twin, triple or quad rate. She was originally a car ferry that was turned quite intentionally into an expedition vessel. The extra space allowed this operator to be one of the first to add a mud room for boots and gear which later became the fashion on many expedition vessels. One of the pioneers in sustainable travel, this operator protects the environment in countless ways and gives back to communities across the globe. If you're active, are fine with casual surroundings, and like to travel with happy people, the Expedition will provide you with a wonderful experience."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
I've had many happy clients return from adventures on the Expedition with rave reviews. The key is for me to make sure the client I'm speaking with is just right for, and knows exactly what to expect on this fun yet simple ship.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
11 nights aboard the Expedition; 1 hotel night in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis; Arrival and departure transfers; Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team; Lectures and educational programs; Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16; Expedition parka; 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners; One expedition team member per 10 guests.
NOT INCLUDED
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included. Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some beverages, some meals, gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), alcohol, airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance (recommended).
