Antarctic Explorer
Trip type
Antarctic Peninsula
Trip length
11 Days
From
$13,995 -$27,395
Ship Comfort
Comfort & Adventure
Antarctic Explorer - 11 Days - $13,995
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 4 full days exploring Antarctica with daily shore-based landings and zodiac excursions
- Streamlined high tech expedition ship with capacity for just 138 guests
- Antarctic operational experience since 1992
- Impressively high expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6
- Optional adventure activities on select departures: camping, kayaking and one-off paddle excursions (limited places, additional cost for each)
- Pre-cruise hotel night included in Ushuaia
- Complimentary 3-in-1 expedition parka jacket, loan of boots & house drinks during onboard bar opening hours and dinner
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina
On arrival in Ushuaia you will be met and transferred to your included hotel for the night.
With a population of more than 70,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. It has grown over the past few years yet retained an easygoing, accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinian wines and barbecues in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafes before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart - the next time you see land you'll be in the world's most southern continent!
Days 3 & 4: At sea towards Antarctica
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You'll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while we'll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Days 5 to 8: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
With the Antarctic Convergence left in your wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. During your busy time exploring the continent you will take zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. You will head ashore to visit bustling penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales and look out for a number of the southern seal species, including the predatory leopard seal.
Amidst the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, with penguins squabbling over prized rocks or the thundering cracks of calving glaciers.
Every day will be different, with the weather and ice conditions sculpting the itinerary, along with taking advantage of impromptu wildlife sightings such as a pod of whales on the move.
Days 9 & 10: At sea towards Ushuaia
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, allowing you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.
Why our customers love Swoop
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
What our customers think of Antarctic Explorer
Antarctic Explorer trips scored 4.7/5 from 32 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
Your Antarctic vessel
The atrium
The restaurant
The Discovery Library
The bar
Presentation lounge
Main dining room
Fitness suite
The sauna
Jacuzzi
- Sleek X-bow design reduces noise and vibration
- Highly ice-strengthened hull rated PC6
- 95% of the spacious cabins have a private balcony
- Features two outdoor Jacuzzis and a sizzling sauna
- Double height windows flood the library and lounge with Antarctic light
- Optional activities including camping, kayaking and one-off paddling (additional cost, select departures)
A highly capable ship for those seeking the atmosphere and ethos of an expedition without compromising on space, comfort or spectacular views.
Lizzie Williams Polar Product & Partnerships Manager
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $13995
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, there are 2 dedicated single cabins. Alternatively, the single supplement is 1.7 to 2 times the cost of a standard cabin. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for solo passengers willing to share a cabin, which is available on a twin share basis in select cabin categories.
At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64 lbs or 29kg and 48" or 1.2m must be met. Please contact us for details.
Optional Adventure Activities
Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.
| Activity | Cost | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Camping
|
$295 | Available on select departures and subject to suitable weather conditions. Camping involves 1 night ashore, usually sleeping in the open air using a snow hole and bivvy sack. |
Kayaking
|
$995 | An immersive full sea kayaking program for those who want to kayak multiple times (as often as weather and ice conditions allow). Prior kayaking experience is required and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Available on all departures, subject to weather and ice conditions. Booking in advance is essential. |
|
Paddling
|
$295 | One-off paddle session lasting approximately 60-90 minutes using sit on top kayaks. Available on all departures, subject to weather and ice conditions. Minimal kayaking experience is required. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. |
Includes
- Transfers in Ushuaia as indicated
- Pre-embarkation hotel night and breakfast
- Online photo journal of the voyage
- Complimentary parka jacket
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
- Beer, standard wines and spirits, as well as cocktails, are included during bar service hours (typically pre-dinner and evenings) and dinner
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites
- Basic complimentary WiFi access for one device at a time per guest
- Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person (please note that travel insurance - including medical and curtailment cover - is still mandatory)
Excludes
- Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation not listed as included
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, premium beverages and high data communication
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
